Rated corporates will be most affected if the economic crisis deepens, warns Fitch

Humza Yousaf has been branded the "worst health secretary since devolution" by Labour in a row over how prepared the NHS is for winter.

COLOMBO (News 1st) – Today’s exchange rates from the Central Bank of Sri Lanka:USD Buy 360.7106 Sell 371.2612GBP Buy 405.3858 Sell 421.4839EUR Buy 353.8694 Sell 368.8872JPY Buy 2.4039 Sell 2.5064AUD Buy 225.9663 Sell 236.9278Writer: Teena Marian

COLOMBO (News 1st) – Sri Lanka's Central Bank Governor Dr. Nandalal Weerasinghe, and the Finance Secretary have both echoed that the process to stabilize the economy is going to be a painful process.However, the Minister of Mass Media, Dr.

COLOMBO (News 1st) – The Minister of Power and Energy, Kanchana Wijesekara says that Cabinet approval has been granted to revise Rooftop Solar Tariff Rates. Accordingly, a two-tier current tariff rate of Rs 22 and Rs 15.50 will be revised to a flat rate of Rs 37 for less than 500KW and Rs 34.50 for above 500KW Rooftop Solar for 20 years. He added that these tariffs will be adjusted annually based on a formula.   

COLOMBO (News 1st) – Today’s exchange rates from the Central Bank of Sri Lanka:USD Buy 360.7312 Sell 371.2425GBP Buy 401.9620 Sell 417.9717EUR Buy 349.9535 Sell 364.8447JPY Buy 2.3818 Sell 2.4836AUD Buy 224.1226 Sell 235.0303

The COVID-19 pandemic claimed thousands of Sri Lankan lives, and News 1st revealed questionable transactions that took place during the height of the pandemic.Approximately 7 Million doses of the Pfizer COVID-19 vaccine are to expire on Monday, 31st of October 2022.The Epidemiology Unit of the Ministry of Health repeatedly requested the people of Sri Lanka to obtain the vaccine doses before delay.Pfizer Inc expects to roughly quadruple the price of its COVID-19 vaccine to about $110 to $130 per dose after the United States government's current purchase program expires.Approximately 7 Million doses of the Pfizer COVID-19 vaccine are to expire, and if it does the value of those vaccines as per the current market rate would be astronomical.While vaccine stocks are about to expire leading to another colossal waste, Sri Lanka also lost a large sum of money when it delayed placing orders for the vaccine.In February 2020, Sri Lanka recorded its first even COVID-19 infection and it didn't take long for the coronavirus to spread across the country.What did Sri Lanka do when other countries devoted their resources to developing a vaccine?Sri Lankan MPs and Minister dropped pots into rivers, and the so-called miracle tonic Dhammika Paniya was promoted widely – while there was absolutely no interest in procuring the vaccines.Experts in the field of medicine repeatedly called for the government to procure vaccines, however as Sri Lankan authorities opted to myth over science, the procurement of much-needed vaccines was delayed.On the 30th of December 2020, the UK granted approval for the emergency use of the AstraZeneca vaccine prompting many other countries to place immediate orders for the vaccines.As it was also produced by the

COLOMBO (News 1st) – Today’s exchange rates from the Central Bank of Sri Lanka:USD Buy 360.7312 Sell 371.2425GBP Buy 401.9620 Sell 417.9717EUR Buy 349.9535 Sell 364.8447JPY Buy 2.3818 Sell 2.4836AUD Buy 224.1226 Sell 235.0303

COLOMBO (News 1st) – The All Ceylon Poultry Businessmen's Association says that steps have been taken to reduce the price of one kilogram of chicken by Rs. 250/-.Its Chairman Ajith Gunasekara said that the new price of a kilogram of chicken is Rs.

COLOMBO (News 1st) – The Disaster Management Center says that 4,929 people from to 1,296 families have been affected due to the severe weather conditions being experienced over the island over the course of the last few days.The Disaster Management Center also stated 116 people belonging to 31 families have been moved to safe shelters.Senior geologist at the National Building Research Organization Wasantha Senadeera says landslide warnings issued to several districts continues to remain in effect.

(Bloomberg) – Sri Lanka’s 70% inflation is hitting its peak as crippling shortages ease and bailout funds look within reach, yet it’s far from putting the central bank governor at ease.“We think we are seeing the peak of inflation,” central bank governor Nandalal Weerasinghe said in an interview in Colombo on Thursday. “There’s still some way to go,” he said on fixing the island nation’s economy and its finances.The governor, a career central banker who six months ago raised the policy rate by a staggering 700 basis points as among his first acts to stabilize a nation rocked by a debt crisis, said the monetary authority’s rate decisions will remain data driven and forward looking.

Matt Goss, 54, opened up about his battle with Poland Syndrome after he was voted out of Strictly Come Dancing last weekend, with many fans coming forward with their own stories. As the Bros singer continues to share his story, Matt admitted that his "confidence when [he] was younger" was deeply affected due to the "very rare" condition.Matt has continued to use his social media to promote awareness of Poland Syndrome while relating to his fans stories who also battle similar health issues.The musician was born with Poland syndrome, which is a condition characterised by webbing of the fingers and of underdevelopment of chest muscle, according to the NHS.The condition usually affects just one side of the body and it can also cause shorter-than-usual fingers as well as problems with the digestive tract.Matt's fans have taken to Twitter to share their admiration for the star as he opened up about the rare health condition.BattenNadine said: "Since seeing this recently about you my son said mum I think I’ve got that too."He’s 24 and I’d never noticed but he is flat on one side so I’ve no idea if it’s the same.

Also Read: Do you have COVID cough? Here’s how to find out Everyone should use a mask when going outside, especially in crowded areas, Guleria advises. Although it is expected that new variants may emerge and that existing types will continue to mutate, the current circumstance is different.

COLOMBO (News 1st) – Chief Incumbent of Ruwanweli Maha Seya Venerable Pallegama Hemarathana Thero announced that the final rites of the late Most Venerable Dr.

Two new studies uncover the profound impact of the COVID-19 pandemic on global life expectancy (LE), one showing substantial and sustained LE losses in the United States and Eastern Europe, and the other finding a link between LE at 60 years of age before the pandemic and excess deaths amid COVID-19 only in countries with older populations.

COLOMBO (News 1st) – International slavery continues to be a modern day curse that plagues our world.News 1st has for many years battled against international slavery, with a particular focus on Sri Lankan Domestic Workers who are all too often held captive in the Middle East.In the recent past, News 1st has warned that Sri Lanka's current economic crisis would result in increasing numbers of Sri Lankan women being trapped into slavery as thousands more venture overseas to escape poverty.  Now our worst fears have been realised.News 1st brings to you the shocking revelation that more than 50 women have been sent into slavery in Dubai by two job agencies in the central cities of Anuradhapura and Kurunegala, in a report filed by News 1st's Nisal Sooriyarachchi, and Naveksha Gunasekera.A foreign employment agency in Anuradhapura has trafficked more than 50 women to work as virtual slave labour in the state of Dubai where most of them are currently been held against their will in atrocious conditions. Several women who who fell victim to this scam have revealed that the agency headed by 3 women living in Dubai. Thushara Nilmini, a resident of Anuradhapura, who finally made her way back to Sri Lanka after falling victim to the scam, said that between 50 and 60 women who went abroad for domestic work are being held captive in various areas of Dubai. Chandrika, who asked that her full name not be revealed, has gone to work as a domestic worker in Dubai and is currently in a destitute state there. News 1st managed to obtain a telephone interview while she is in Dubai.She said that they stayed at the agency for about a month, and barely got anything to eat. "Then they stationed us at this safe house.

COLOMBO (News 1st) – Assistant Secretary of State for South and Central Asian Affairs Donald Lu has assured to support Sri Lanka during this difficult period. He is currently on an official visit to Sri Lanka, and met with President Ranil Wickremesinghe on Wednesday (19). While appreciating the President’s efforts in rebuilding Sri Lanka’s economy he said that President Ranil Wickremesinghe is the right person to get the country out of the present crisis and assured him that he has a force backing him.He also stated that the U.S.

FILE-A driver sits in his vehicle as he waits for a health care professional to swab his nose for a COVID-19 PCR test at a Nomi Health testing center inside Tropical Park in Miami on May 24, 2022. (Daniel A.

Covid-19 cases between 10 -16 October compared to the previous week. XXB was discovered in Singapore in August. It is a hybrid of Omicron's BA.2.75 and BJ.1 sub-variants.

COLOMBO (News 1st) – The World Bank, in its Sri Lanka Development Update (SLDU), emphasizes that the first step the country should is to determine the current needs of the population in a transparent and unbiased manner. The document, which reports on key developments over the past 12 months in Sri Lanka’s economy, underlines that Sri Lanka is currently facing an unprecedented macroeconomic crisis, as years of fiscal indiscipline and risky commercial borrowing have led to unsustainable levels of public debt. The World Bank emphasizes that in order to determine the current needs of the population in a transparent and an unbiased manner, the government will have to collect data on households receiving or needing assistance, sufficient to ensure they are properly identified and that assistance to the poorest is prioritized. Accoridngly, the data will be collected by government officials on mobile devices, using a secure process and with a transparent grievance and appeals mechanism. A wide outreach campaign needs to be conducted  to ensure all who are in need can apply to be registered and assessed for assistance, the World Bank states. Therefore, a process will be put  in place to update these data on a regular basis (at least once every two years).

COLOMBO (News 1st) – The International Monetary Fund says it is deeply concerned, but committed to support Sri Lanka.Peter Breuer, Senior Mission Chief for Sri Lanka, and Masahiro Nozaki, Mission Chief for Sri Lanka in an exclusive comment to News 1st said that the International Monetary Fund is deeply concerned about the impact of the crisis on the people of Sri Lanka.They said deep concern is particularly on the poor and vulnerable grous.Both the Senior Mission Chief of Sri Lanka and the Mission Chief noted that the IMF is committed to support Sri Lanka at this difficult time in line with the IMF’s policies.

COLOMBO (News 1st) – Most Venerable (Dr) Pallegama Siriniwasa Thero, Custodian & Chief Priest of the Maha Bodhi & Atamasthanadhipathi of Anuradhapura passed away on Tuesday (18).President Ranil Wickremesinghe has appointed North Central Province Governor Maheepala Herath &  Buddhasasana, Religious & Cultural Affairs Minister Vidura Wickramanayaka to coordinate arrangements for the full state-sponsored funeral of Most Venerable (Dr) Pallegama Siriniwasa Thero, Custodian & Chief Priest of the Maha Bodhi & Atamasthanadhipathi of Anuradhapura.The Most Venerable Thero passed away at the age of 69 while receiving treatment at a private hospital in Colombo.The Venerable Thero also served as Chief Sangha Nayake for the North Central Province.Chief Incumbent of Ruwanweli Maha Seya Venerable Pallegama Hemarathana Thero announced that the remains of the late Most Venerable (Dr) Pallegama Siriniwasa Thero will be moved to Anuradhapura on Wednesday (19) evening.The remains will be placed at a private funeral parlor until 12 noon on Wednesday (19).The Most Venerable (Dr) Pallegama Siriniwasa Thero was born in Pallegama, Dambulla on the 2nd of January 1953 to Karunasena Mudiyanselage Tikiri Bandara Nilame, and Dukganna Walawwe Anula Kumarihamy.The late thero was ordained at the Ruwanweli Maha Seya in Anuradhapura in 1968.He was educated at the Vidyodaya Pirivena in Maligakanda, Sandalankawa Shasthrodaya Pirivena, Sri Jinarathana Pirivena in Gangarama, and later graduated from the University of Kelaniya.The Late Most Venerable (Dr) Pallegama Siriniwasa Thero was also bestowed with a doctorate by the Government of Thailand commending his services to the Dhamma.In 1975 the late thero obtained the Upasampada, the Buddhist rite of higher

Deptford Township Police Department are investigating a car crash that left a man dead on Tuesday morning.  DEPTFORD TWP, N.J. - Deptford Township Police Department are investigating a car crash that left a man dead on Tuesday morning. Just before 9 a.m., officers were dispatched to the area of Clements Bridge Road, right along the Camden County border, for reports of a vehicle collision. Police say after they arrived, it was determined that a late model Honda Accord collided with two FedEx trucks. The driver of the Honda Accord, who authorities say is a 24-year-old man from Deptford Township, was transported to Cooper University Hospital in Camden where he succumbed to his injuries. Authorities say the identity of the victim is being withheld until family has been notified. This crash is actively being investigated and police are asking anyone with information to contact them at 856-845-2220, or email [email protected]. 

COLOMBO (News 1st) – Petroleum Trade Unions have decided to report sick on Tuesday (18).Trade Unions said that they will step away from work on Tuesday (18) Petroleum Products (Special Provisions) Amendment Bill that will be presented to Parliament.Petroleum Trade Unions Alliance Spokesperson Dr.

US federal health authorities are gearing up for a widely-expected resurgence of coronavirus during winters. The BQ.1 variant of Covid-19 has already outpaced many rival strains in European nations from England to Germany, where the Covid wave has resurged. Previously, the CDC bundled BQ.1 and BQ.1.1 with their shared parent BA.5.

LOS ANGELES, CA - MAY 14: Philadelphia Phillies designated hitter Bryce Harper (3) celebrates after scoring on Philadelphia Phillies second baseman Jean Segura (2) home run during the MLB game between the Philadelphia Phillies and the Los Angeles Dod SAN DIEGO - Either Bryce Harper or Manny Machado will be playing in the World Series this year.Harper’s Philadelphia Phillies will face Machado’s San Diego Padres in an all-wild card NL Championship Series starting Tuesday night at Petco Park. It’s not exactly the matchup most fans would have predicted, but neither slugger is about to apologize about their teams making thrilling October runs as the two lowest seeds."I think, honestly, we’ve got the two best teams going up against each other, and it’s going to be a fun week for sure," said Machado, who had an MVP-caliber season as he carried the Padres in the absence of star shortstop Fernando Tatis Jr.The 89-win Padres, who have benefited from veteran manager Bob Melvin’s calm style during his first year as their skipper, went to New York and beat the 101-win Mets in the wild-card round.

WASHINGTON (AP) - A majority of U.S. adults expect America's relations with foreign adversaries like Russia and North Korea to grow more hostile, according to a new poll, a major shift in public opinion from four years ago under President Donald Trump.Two years into the Biden administration, 60% of U.S. adults say relations with adversaries will get worse, up from 26% four years ago at the same point in the Trump administration, according to the poll from the Pearson Institute and The Associated Press-NORC Center for Public Affairs Research.

Kerala government has intensified the preventive measures to control the entry or spread of new variants of the virus. Kerala Health Minister Veena George stated on Monday that two new variants of Covid-19 - XBB and XBB1 - are more contagious than the previous ones.

COLOMBO (News 1st) – The National Building Research Organization (NBRO) has issued landslide warnings for six districts as follows;Level 3 (Red);Ingiriya, Walallawita, Palindanuwara & Bulathsinhala DS in Kalutara district.Ambagamuwa Ds in Nuwara Eliya district.Kalawana, Eheliyagoda DS in Rathnapura District. Level 2 (Amber);Warakapola, Ruwanwella & Dehiovita DS in Kegalle district.Dodangoda, Horana, Bandaragama, Millaniya, Mathugama & Agalawatta DS in Kalutara district.Rathnapura, Elapatha, Nivithigala, Kiriella, Ayagama, Pelmadulla & Kuruwita DS in Rathnapura District.Level 3 (Yellow);Seethawaka & Padukka DS in Colombo District.Baddegama DS in Galle District.Kalutara, Beruwala, Panadura & Madurawala in Kalutara District.Bulathkohupitiya, Mawanella, Deraniyagala, Yatiyanthota in Kegalle District.

COLOMBO (News 1st) – The Association of Health Entomology Officials have identified two new mosquito species in the country.Its National Organizer, Disnaka Dissanayake mentioned that one species of mosquito called Culex sintellus has been reported from Mirigama and Kalutara areas.Previously, the same mosquito species has been reported from countries such as Thailand and India.The other species of mosquito identified from Sri Lanka is called Culex niyainfula.This particular species of mosquito, which is widespread in India, is a carrier of the disease called cerebral malaria.Dissanayake mentioned that investigations are underway as to whether this mosquito species is an active vector in Sri Lanka.He added that samples of 4 other mosquito species found in Sri Lanka have been sent to a Korean university for identification.

Covid infections in the UK have jumped 31 per cent in 10 days, according to the latest data, with most of the country now seeing a steady increase in virus levels. Experts are warning that the rise is particularly notable among the elderly population.

COLOMBO (News 1st) – President Ranil Wickremesinghe instructed all the District Secretaries to coordinate the relief work with the help of the Disaster Management centre for those affected by the prevailing bad weather conditions.The President has also mentioned that all necessary provisions have been allocated through the Ministry of Finance and has directed the officials to provide all necessary facilities including food and medicine to the affected people. He has advised the officials to pay special attention to the sanitary facilities of the affected people.The President further instructed the District Secretaries to work in coordination with all the Divisional Secretaries and officials of the line ministries to get the support of government officials and the armed forces in this relief program.According to the Disaster Management Centre report as of October 16 2022, 15,404 families in 52 Divisional Secretariats have been affected by the strong winds, landslides and floods that affected 11 districts namely Trincomalee, Galle, Kilinochchi, Kalutara, Gampaha, Colombo, Puttalam, Ratnapura, Kandy Hambantota and Kegalle.Due to the prevailing bad weather conditions, 03 people are reported dead and two people are reported injured across the island.

READ MORE: Will Liz Truss last longer than Daily Star's 60p lettuce takes new turn as bookies reactPreviously experienced ailments are not necessarily a good guide, as the various strange often present different symptoms.Here are the top 20 symptoms that Brits with Covid are currently experiencing and should watch out for, according to the ZOE Symptom Tracker:Sore throat - 63.55%Runny nose - 53.04%Headache - 53.02%Blocked nose - 52.47%Cough no phlegm - 52.06%Sneezing - 47.02%Cough with phlegm - 45.79%Hoarse voice - 43.86%Muscle pain aches - 29.46%Fatigue - 22.97%Dizzy light headed - 21.11%Altered smell - 19.82%Swollen neck glands - 17.72%Eye soreness - 16.41%Chest pain tightness - 16.26%Shortness of breath - 15.9%Loss of smell - 14.45%Earache - 13.96%Chills or shivers - 12.98%Joint pain shoulders - 11.08%On Friday, official data from the Office of National Statistics revealed that 1.7million Brits currently have the bug.That marked an increase from 1.3million last week.There are an additional 235,829 daily symptomatic cases according to figures from the team at ZOE.To stay up to date with all the latest news, make sure you sign up to one of our newsletters here.With testing no longer free, fewer people are seeking clarification as to whether their illness is Covid or not.With a sore throat being the most common symptom, there is a high chance that could represent a Covid infection – although without testing it is impossible to know and it could be a cold, flu, or even a rarer infection like laryngitis, tonsillitis, strep throat or glandular fever.Health chiefs have advised anyone feeling unwell with potential Covid symptoms to steer clear of elderly friends and relatives.Director of Public Health Programmes at the UK

COLOMBO (News 1st) – President Ranil Wickremesinghe emphasized that all should join together to solve the people’s food issues, casting traditional party politics aside.The President made this observation addressing the public officers at an awareness program on the multi-sector mechanism to empower rural economic revitalization centers to ensure food security and nutrition at Hardy Advanced Technological Institute Auditorium in Ampara this morning (15).The President further noted that no one would be allowed to starve despite the fact that the country is going through a very difficult time and pointed out the importance of successfully implementing the national food production program to prepare for a possible global food crisis in 2023.The president also said that the agriculture modernization program would be implemented from next year concurrent to the food security program.The implementation of the multi-sector mechanism to empower rural economic revitalization centers to ensure food security and nutrition in transforming the Ampara District also into a prosperous one with a blooming community was also discussed at length.The Ampara district contributes 22 percent to the national paddy harvest and discussions were also focused on making the paddy cultivation in the Yala and Maha seasons a success.It was also special feature that the President paid special attention to the issues faced by the government officials during the field work. The president was made aware of issues related to the agriculture and fisheries industry in the Ampara district and he directed the officials to address those issues.

COLOMBO (News 1st) – The National Building Research Organization (NBRO) has extended the landslide warning issued to several places.Accordingly, level 3 (Red) notices have been issued to Walallawita, Ingiriya, Palindanuwara and Bulathsinhala Divisional Secretariat Division(s) (DSD) of the Kalutara District, the Ambagamuwa Divisional Secretariat of the Nuwara Eliya District, and the Kalawana and Eheliyagoda Divisional Secretariat Divisions and its surrounding areas.Level 2 (Amber) warnings have been issued to Dodangoda, Horana, Bandaragama, Millaniya, Mathugama and Agalawatta Divisional Secretariats of Kalutara, Ruwanwella, Warakapola and Dehiowita Divisional Secretariats of the Kegalle District, and the Kuruwita, Ayagama, Nivithigala, Elapatha, Ratnapura, Kiriella and Pelmadulla Divisional Secretariats of the Ratnapura District.

COLOMBO (News 1st) – The former Chairman of the COPE Prof. Charitha Herath today hit back at the former Minister of Justice and the current Foreign Affairs Minister Ali Sabry against his remarks that the Cabinet of Ministers was clueless with regard to the economic crisis. Taking to twitter, the former COPE Chair released a document which included a Notice to the Cabinet by the former Finance Minister Basil Rajapaksa with regard to the country's foreign currency outflows and the distribution of responsibility on foreign currency inflow. The annexure attached to the document, which included the expected outflows and inflows during 2022, underlined the debt servicing payments, maturing sovereign bonds and expenses with regard to goods imports. Minister Ali Sabry on Friday (14) said that the Cabinet of Ministers "thought everything was ok" and failed to recognise the depth of the economic crisis, and were more invested in their own subjects and portfolios. The former COPE Chairman shared the documents and pointed out that such is evidence that the financial issue was discussed at the Cabinet though no solution was found. "True, first culprit of this disaster is the Cabinet of which Ali Sabry was a part." he tweeted. The incident also sparked more discourse, with several notable figures commenting on the matter, with some pointing out that a his resignation is the alternative to this issue.

A GP surgery was locked down after a man allegedly poured liquid on the floor and threatened to ignite it.

COLOMBO (News 1st) – The Irrigation Department has issued flood warnings for the Kelani, Kalu & Attanagalu Oya river basins. According to the Departement, a considerable rainfall has been occurred in these areas, and warns that by analyzing the current rainfall situation and river water levels there is a possibility of occurring a minor flood situation in the following areas; 1. Lowline areas of Kalu Ganga valley situated in Palinda Nuwara and Bulathsinhala D/S Division within 3 to 48 hours2.

COLUMBUS, Ohio - While self-exams are important to help identify signs of breast cancer, not all forms begin with a lump, including a particularly aggressive type of the disease known as inflammatory breast cancer.In fact, most women are unaware of the unusual signs and symptoms of inflammatory breast cancer, which can include redness of the breast, thickening of the skin, or one breast feeling warmer and heavier than the other, according to a new national U.S. survey conducted just ahead of Breast Cancer Awareness Month. The deadly yet rare form of the disease doesn’t look like typical breast cancer because it frequently doesn't cause a breast lump, and it is not commonly picked up by a mammogram, according to the American Cancer Society and the IBC Network Foundation, which offers research and support for patients. It also tends to grow and spread more quickly compared to other types of cancer, often in a matter of days or weeks.FILE - A woman with the help of a nurse gets a mammogram on International Breast Cancer Day on Oct.

COLOMBO (News 1st) – Foreign Minister Ali Sabry made a startling revelation on Friday (14) that the previous Cabinet was not fully aware of the dire situation that the economy was falling into.Speaking at the launch of the book ' Poverty to prosperity: A review of the Korean development model ', the Minister spoke about a number of topics including government responsibility for the prevailing economic crisis and Sri Lanka's foreign policy. Speaking at the event, the Minister said that the Government learned the hard way that the economy is the heart of the country, and if it fails, all else fails. Pointing out that unfortunately, the Ministers of theprevious Cabinet were focusing on their specific areas, such as himself holding the portfolio of the Minister of Justice, Minister Sabry said that he was looking forward to new plans with regard to law reform, digitization, improved infrastructure and more recruitments in the sector, however, confessed that he was unaware of the country's deep economic troubles. Pointing out that if the country's Cabinet's economic literacy is a minimum, then the normal people should be worse in their case, the Minister said that without taxation, there is no future for the country."In 1981, 21% of our GDP was taxes. Today it has come down to 8.3%. So we can point fingers.

COLOMBO (News 1st) – Today’s exchange rates from the Central Bank of Sri Lanka:USD Buy 359.6987 Sell 370.4261GBP Buy 396.6406 Sell 412.3276EUR Buy 346.5025 Sell 361.3682JPY Buy 2.4316 Sell 2.5351AUD Buy 223.7340 Sell 234.5339

COLOMBO (News 1st) – Supreme Court Justice Yasantha Kodagoda PC said that Sri Lanka must transform into a state where the people can enjoy the fruits of sovereignty, democracy, and fundamental freedoms. "At a time when Sri Lanka is facing the devastating consequences of an unprecedented economic disaster, in the immediate aftermath of having succumbed to and thereafter risen from a global pandemic indeed we as concerned professionals and as leaders of our respective organizations, are concerned about how we should transform," he told a gathering on Wednesday (12)."We need to reflect introspectively as well as in an outward direction as to how we too can contribute towards the development of a united, peaceful, economically viable and proud nation," he added.Through transformation we must ensure that our people can live in peace and harmony, enjoy the fruits of sovereignty, representative democracy, the rule of law, fundamental freedoms, and of free media, said the Supreme Court Justice."Our people must be able to lead a free, healthy, comfortable, and safe life. They must also be able to realize their reasonable aspiration.

 COLOMBO (News 1st) – Sri Lankan State Minister Sanath Nishantha was given a strong warning by the country's Court of Appeal on Thursday (13).On Thursday (13) morning, the Court of Appeal ordered the IGP to immediately arrest State Minister Sanath Nishantha and produce him in court as he failed to appear in court as ordered.However, moment later the State Minister appeared in court, and the warrant for his arrest was recalled by the Court of Appeal.Justices of the Court of Appeal Nissanka Bandula Karunaratne, and Ratnapriya Gurusinghe strongly warned the State Minister noting that insulting the judiciary, and challenging the powers of the judges is a serious offense, and stressed that the State Minister as a Public Representative and Member of Parliament must bear that in mind at all times. Justice Nissanka Bandula Karunaratne inquired from the State Minister as to whether he was aware of the consequences faced by those who had previously committed contempt of court, and considering the fact that the State Minister appeared in court moment after the warrant was issued, decided to recall the warrant.Justice Karunaratne strong warned the State Minister to ensure that he appears in court on time, and postponed the matter to the 10th of November.He also pointed out to the State Minister that the Judicial Services Commission, of which all of Sri Lanka's Magistrate's and District Judges hold membership, had filed a complaint seeking proper punishment on the State Minister as his comments during a media briefing on the 23rd of August 2022 at the Sri Lanka Podujana Peramuna after very serious.Earlier in the day, Counsel Shantha Jayawardena requested court for the case to be postponed to another date, as his client, the

COLOMBO (News 1st) – The National Audit Office had launched a Special Audit as per the order given by the court when granting leave to proceed concerning two FR applications that were filed claiming that the Fundamental Rights of the people were violated due to wrong economic management decisions taken by the Gotabaya Rajapaksa government.Auditor General, W.P.C Wickramaratne stated that this investigation is being conducted based on an order by the Supreme Court, and a team led by a Deputy Auditor General was assigned to the investigation.The court ordered the following matters to be investigated;a. The decision made by the Monetary Board to set the value of the Sri Lankan rupee at Rs.

Health worker Nizam ud din (above) vaccinates a baby in a partly submerged village. ©WHO

COLOMBO (News 1st) – Today’s exchange rates from the Central Bank of Sri Lanka:USD Buy 359.6618 Sell 370.3945GBP Buy 391.0832 Sell 407.1856EUR Buy 346.2757 Sell 360.9345JPY Buy 2.4428 Sell 2.5453AUD Buy 222.8903 Sell 233.6592

‘Most discriminated against group’: Alberta premier pledges to protect unvaccinated “Yesterday, I made comments regarding the discrimination unvaccinated individuals have suffered through over during the past two years. My intention was to underline the mistreatment of individuals who chose not to be vaccinated and were punished by not being able to work, travel or, in some cases, see loved ones.“I want to be clear that I did not intend to trivialize in any way the discrimination faced by minority communities and other persecuted groups both here in Canada and around the world or to create any false equivalencies to the terrible historical discrimination and persecution suffered by so many minority groups over the last decades and centuries.“We need to actively work together as Albertans and Canadians to end all discrimination against all minority communities,” Smith said.“I am committed to listening, learning and addressing the issues affecting minority communities.

A conceptual illustration depicting housing in the United States. via Getty Images Rapidly rising mortgage rates have more than doubled this year.

COLOMBO (News 1st) – Member of the Economic Center of the Samagi Jana Balawegaya, Dr. Harsha de Silva says that the Government's recent tax revision has a risk of being backfired, and alleged that the proposal was not brought before the Parliament and neither the Parliament Finance Committe for approval beforehand. Speaking at a press conference held on Wednesday (12), the MP alleged that the tax revsion is one of the moved which are stipulated in the IMF agreement, that was hidden from the public. Speaking further, the SJB MP said that these proposed 'dictatorial' tax amendments should be discussed more, and should be implemented gradually, in a step-by-step fashion rather than in a matter of a week or two. If these tax revisions are implemented without consulting with the public, it would result in disastrous circumstances, including being backfired, Dr.