Rs. 2.3 Tr printed in two years leading to inflation; President’s explains govt’s tax policy

COLOMBO (News 1st) – Sri Lanka Police raided a gambling den operated by a ruling party member of the Medagama Pradeshiya Sabha, and arrested eight people. The police noted that the suspect local government member was operating the gambling den in a car park owned by him.

Covid-19: The death toll climbed to 5,30,553 with seven fatalities which includes two deaths reconciled by Kerala, the data updated at 8 am stated. India logged 656 new coronavirus infections taking the tally of Covid-19 cases to 4,46,67,967, while the active cases declined to 7,034, according to the Union Health Ministry data updated on Friday. The death toll climbed to 5,30,553 with seven fatalities which includes two deaths reconciled by Kerala, the data updated at 8 am stated.

COLOMBO (News 1st) – The Governor of the Central Bank of Sri Lanka Dr. P.

COLOMBO (News 1st) – Two underworld criminal gangsters were killed in a shootout with the Police Special Task Force on Friday (18) morning, in Polwatte Minuwangoda.The Police Special Task Force said that the two men were close associates of wanter criminal and drug trafficker 'Uragaha Indika'.The STF had launched an investigation to trace and arrest the motorcycle gunmen responsible for shooting dead a man on the 24th of August 2022 in Urgaha and also shooting dead a 4-year-old boy and his father on the 19th of October 2022 in Yakkalamulla.According to the STF, a shootout took place when the STF personnel were attempting to arrest the shooter and the motorcyclist.The suspects were seriously injured in the shootout, and the Police Special Task Force said they were dead upon admission to the hospital.One STF officer was admitted to the Minuwangoda Hospital for treatment as he suffered minor injuries.The Police Special Task Force said that the deceased suspects were residents of Poddala.A T-56 Assault Rifle, A 12-bore shotgun, and a Rambo Knife were discovered in the possession of the slain criminals.The Minuwangoda Police is conducting further investigations.

COLOMBO (News 1st) – The government is collaborating with the Californian university system to obtain assistance to modernize agriculture in Sri Lanka and to set up a new agro-technology university, said Sri Lankan President Ranil Wickremesinghe.He was addressing the 70th anniversary of the United States-Sri Lanka Fulbright Commission Program in Colombo on Wednesday (16).He said that the government discussed with a group of Singaporean investors on Tuesday (15) the supply of food for island nations and Middle East countries which lack their food resources. He said that this was only the start and he issued instructions to find the land for it and modernize agriculture. He said that Fulbright alumni such as Prof Pradeepa Bandaranaike are vital assets in modernizing agriculture. He added that the new agro-technology university will be combined with the Tea Research Institute (TRI), among others, to work with some of the American institutions on how to upgrade research in Sri Lanka.President Ranil Wickremesinghe also said that the government is focusing on improving English language education within the next ten years.

 COLOMBO (News 1st) – The Sri Lankan mission in Oman has made it clear that if people are entering the Sultanate of Oman for employment, they must enter through the proper channels.The announcement came following multiple News 1st revelations about Sri Lankan women being trafficked to Oman using visit visa, and sold for sex.Earlier this week, News 1st revealed that 12 Sri Lankan women who were taken against their will to Oman after flying to Abu Dhabi on a visit visa, remain unaccounted for, and an extensive investigation is underway locally and overseas.An investigation by Sri Lanka's Criminal Investigations Department revealed that traffickers were taking away Sri Lankan women to Oman on visit vias, and they auctioned them to the highest bidder for sex.Following News 1st revelations, reports have emerged of several other women who remain missing after being taken to Oman. Some reports claim these women have been detained against their will.Fathima Hameedia is one Sri Lankan woman who remains unaccounted for in Oman.A 22-year-old mother of one, Fathima Hameedia is a resident of Palakkadu, Batticaloa and she left for Oman on the 6th of March on a visit visa.She had travelled overseas via a Foreign Employment Agency, however, several days after leaving the country she went missing."It's been nine months since my daughter went missing.

COLOMBO (News 1st) – Student leaders detained under the PTA were remanded on Thursday (17) evening just hours away from when the 90-day detention order on them was to come to an end.This come following a strongly worded letter sent to the President by the Human Rights Commission of Sri Lanka, and massive public outcry.The Convener of the Inter Univesity Student's Federation Wasantha Mudalige, and Convener of the Inter University Bhikku Federation Venerable Galwewa Siridhamma Thero who are detained under the Prevention of Terrorism Act for 90-days, were remanded by the court.Colombo Additional Magistrate N. L.

COLOMBO (News 1st) – Well-known retired civil servant Dr. (Mrs.) Bandumathie Kottahachchi passed away recently. Dr.

COLOMBO (News 1st) – A document presented to the Sri Lankan parliament for the very first time has revealed that there are 1,283 institutions that come under the government.This includes 29 ministries and 99 departments.State Finance Minister Ranjith Siyambalapitiya produced a document listing all the government institutions to the Sri Lanka Parliament on Thursday (17).This is the first time in Sri Lankan history that such a document was disclosed to the house.According to the Ministry of Finance, Economic Stabilization, and National Policies, this document was presented as per a promise made by President Ranil Wickremesinghe during his recent budget speech.The government also operates 25 District Secretariats, 9 provincial councils, 341 Divisional Secretariats and 341 local government bodies.According to the document a total of 420 institutions are owned by the government.

COLOMBO (News 1st) – Attorney Nuwan Bopage who was named as a suspect for illegally entering the President's Office appeared in court on Thursday (17), and was released on bail.Fort Magistrate Thilina Gamage ordered to release the suspects on a personal bail of Rs.

COLOMBO (News 1st) – Sri Lanka's Opposition Leader has requested the country's parliament to intervene for the release of student leaders detained under the PTA.Sri Lankan Opposition Leader Sajith Premadasa speaking in Parliament on Thursday (17) raised alarm that Venerable Galwewa Siridhamma Thero, and Wasantha Mudalige who are student leaders detained under the Prevention of Terrorism Act would complete their 90-Day detention on Friday (28), are to be retained in detention via an extension of the Detention Order.He termed the use of the Prevention of Terrorism Act again suprression as State Sponsored Terrorism, and requested the government end the suppression and release the detained student leaders.The opposition leader also demanded the government to disclose the alleged acts of terror committed by Venerable Galwewa Siridhamma Thero, and Wasantha Mudalige.Leader of the House & Minister Dr.

.A guide on the , written by the behavioural science team at Cabinet Office, lays out how government communicators can use a behavioural approach to design and implement effective communications campaigns, including on behavioural science application to local communication on safety in public spaces such as parks.The latest data and insights on vaccinations, cases, deaths, healthcare and testing are available on the for data and insights on coronavirus (COVID-19).Social media assets are available on the Public Health England (PHE) .A is available on the DCMS blog, the Department for Digital, Culture, Media and Sport’s blog.

COLOMBO (News 1st) – Colombo Chief Magistrate Nandana Amarasinghe on Thursday (17) extended the overseas travel ban on State Minister Diana Gamage to the 15th of December.The order was made when the case filed challenging the citizenship of the State Minister, who is also alleged to have produced fake documents to obtain a passport, was taken up for examination.President's Counsel Sarath Jayamanne appeared in court on behalf of State Minister Diana Gamage, and he requested the court to lift the overseas travel ban imposed on the 11th of November, citing that it was an unjust move.Cousel appearing for SJB General Secretary Ranjith Madduma Bandara, and President;s Counsel Rienzie Arsecularatne appearing for Oshadha Herath, the complainant raised strong objections and requested court to reject the request made by the defense.The Chief Magistrate had noted that an order on the request made by President's Counsel Sarath Jayamanne who appeared in court on behalf of State Minister Diana Gamage will be made in due course.

COLOMBO (News 1st) – Sri Lanka's Minister of Wildlife and Forest Resources Conservation Mahinda Amaraweera said that a countrywide elephant census will be carried out in 2023.The last elephant census in Sri Lanka was conducted over a decade ago, in 2011.The minister said that a long-term program to reduce human-elephant conflict will be prepared and as one of the measures, a full census of elephants will be conducted.The Minister said this at the first meeting of the Ministerial Consultative Committee on Wildlife and Forest Resources Conservation held on Tuesday (15) for the third session of the Ninth Parliament.Many MPs drew the attention of the minister about the human elephant conflict in various areas including Anuradhapura, Polonnaruwa, Ratnapura, Ampara districts.It was also revealed that a number of reasons, including the reduction of elephant habitats and the significant increase in elephant population, have led to human-elephant conflict.The minister said that 16 main elephant corridors in the island have been blocked and due to this the encroachment of elephants in the villages has increased.

COLOMBO (News 1st) – An extraordinary gazette was issued increasing the fees levied on the registration of vehicles, and annual revenue licenses.The registration fee for a Motor Car with an engine capacity of 1600cc or less has been increased to Rs. 25,000/-The registration fee for a Motor Car with an engine capacity more than 1600cc is Rs.

COLOMBO (News 1st) – South African President CyrilRamaphosa visited Sri Lanka on Wednesday (16) night for a short stay.He arrived in Sri Lanka during his return to South Africa after attending the G20 Summit in Indonesia.The South African President met his Sri Lankan counterpart Ranil Wickremesinghe at the Katunayake Air Force base for discussions on bilateral issues.Reports said that Sri Lanka hosted a birthday celebration for the South African President.Cyril Matamela Ramaphosa:Cyril Ramaphosa was born in Soweto on 17 November 1952.

COLOMBO (News 1st) – Amnesty International has called on Sri Lanka to drop the terror charges against student leaders who are detained for 90 days.In response to the detention for over 90 days of student leaders Wasantha Mudalige and Galwewa Siridhamma Thero, under the draconian Prevention of Terrorism Act (PTA), Thyagi Ruwanpathirana, Amnesty International’s South Asia Regional Researcher, said “The continued targeted persecution of student leaders in Sri Lanka has a chilling effect on civil society and the right to protest. The baseless terror charges against Wasantha Mudalige and Galwewa Siridhamma Thero must be immediately dropped and any extension of the detention order must be stopped.”Thyagi Ruwanpathirana, Amnesty International’s South Asia Regional Researcher also said “The use of counterterrorism charges against protesters is excessive and disproportionate, yet they have time and again been used by the Sri Lankan authorities against critics and minorities to silence dissent.

He has been open about his extraordinary exercise and diet routines to get into shape for his blockbuster movie roles.But Dwayne Johnson also focused on the important of mental health in a digression from his new Men's Health cover story, which was published on Wednesday.The 50-year-old pro wrestler–turned–actor urged his fans to 'ask for help' when they were in a dark place, while stressing that there is 'no shame' in reaching out to others. Reaching out: Dwayne 'The Rock' Johnson, 50, opened up about his struggles with depression and the importance of asking for help in a new Men's Health interview; seen October 17 in LondonJohnson explained to the health magazine that learning to ask for help was a major turning point for him.'I think one of the defining, seminal moments in my life was when I really realized the power and the value of asking for help,' he explained.

NEW DELHI : New Delhi-based Aakash Healthcare Pvt. Ltd on Wednesday said it has acquired Asia Med Centre in Uzbekistan’s Tashkent for $4 million. The upgraded 60-bedded multi-speciality hospital will be opened to public on 23 November.

CHARLENE White’s sister Carina has revealed that their great-aunt who died from Covid became a mother figure to them after their mum tragically passed away aged 47.   The ITV newsreader, 42, was left heartbroken when her great-aunt Dell passed away from the virus in 2020 at St Thomas’ Hospital in London.  Charlene opened up about tragically losing her great-aunt while in the I’m A Celebrity camp as she slammed MP Matt Hancock, 44, for breaking social distancing guidelines through his affair with his aide Gina Coladangelo.  The Loose Women star, who shares children Florence, three, and Alfie, five, with TV producer Andy, was just 21 when her mum Dorette died from bowel cancer in 2002 which led to her looking after her younger siblings Carina and Joshua.  Reflecting on their great-aunt stepping up as a mother figure to Charlene, Carina said: “Yes the elders in our family were all very much like mother figures and with my great-aunt she was very much a kind of grandmother.  “She was there for us when my mum passed so not having her around and having to go to her funeral and stuff was very, very tough.  Read More on The SunPARKED OFF I use bags of rubble to stop neighbours taking my parking space – they hate itALL WEATHER READY Oodie fans scramble to get their hands on new outdoor hooded blanket “But in our family we have all been instilled with values and morals and strength to be able to overcome adversity and to move forward and to turn pain into strength - I think that is what we have all done following our aunt’s death.” Recalling her great-aunt’s death in the camp to the under-fire politician, Charlene said: “We couldn’t go to the hospital to go and visit her. "I had to sit by myself in the church at her funeral.

COLOMBO (News 1st) – Sri Lanka's Inspector General of Police Chandana Wickramaratne and DIG in charge of Administration Nandana Munasinghe unconditionally expressed deep regret before the Supreme Court on Wednesday (16).The duo expressed regret over the delay in carrying out the order issued by the Supreme Court on the 8th of May to promptly pay outstanding remuneration to Sub Inspector of Police Sugath Mendis for the period during which he was interdicted.Sub Inspector Sugath Mendis was arrested by the Criminal Investigation Department for allegedly aiding and abetting former Director of the Criminal Investigation Department retired Senior Superintendent of Police Shani Abeysekara to fabricate evidence against former DIG Vaas Gunawardena, and was then remanded.The Supreme Court on the 8th of May issued an order for outstanding remuneration to be paid after taking into consideration a Fundamental Rights petition filed by Sub Inspector Sugath Mendis.However, the Supreme Court after considering facts presented on behalf of the petitioner stating the order has not been fulfilled, ordered the IGP and the DIG to appear before the court in person to provide an explanation.

COLOMBO (News 1st) – Sri Lankan women are being taken to Abu Dhabi in the UAE using Visit Visa, and are being taken away to Oman against their will where they are being auctioned to the highest bidder.According to reports obtained by News 1st, a group of 12 women have been taken to Oman by force.The group of women were taken away to Oman on Tuesday (16), and since then their mobile phones are switched off.Shashikala is one of them, and her husband stepped forward to speak to News 1st on the issue."They are kept in an office and were told that jobs will be given on Monday. I don't have many details.

COLOMBO (News 1st) – It has been reported that the Sri Lankan government had taken a decision to restructure domestic debt.This was revealed in the first-ever report produced by the Sub-Committee in identifying short and medium-term programmes related Economic Stabilization of the National Council.Appointment of the Sub-Committee:The Resolution to constitute the National Council, moved by Dinesh Gunawardena, the Prime Minister was approved by Parliament on 20th of September 2022.According to the above Resolution, the National Council shall have general responsibilities and jurisdiction over three main areas. One of them is to agree on short and medium-term common minimum programmes in respect of the stabilization of the economy.At the first meeting of the National Council which was held on 29th of September 2022, the Secretary-General of Parliament, presenting the way forward of the Council, suggested to appoint a Sub-Committee to recognize short and mediumterm programmes for the stabilization of the economy. The members of the SubCommittee were announced as per the preferences indicated by them at the Second meeting of the National Council which was held on 6th of October 2022.The committee is chaired by Patali Champika Ranawaka and includes MPs Naseer Ahamed, Tiran Alles, Sisira Jayakody, Sivanesathurai Santhirakanthan, Wajira Abeywardana,  A.

However, the Centre suggested that passengers should preferably use them Mask no more compulsory during air travel but passengers should preferably use them: Govt.

COLOMBO (News 1st) – Lanka Sathosa has decided to reduce the price three products with effect from Wednesday (16).1 Kg of Red Kekulu Rice (Local) will be reduced by Rs. 5/- and will be sold for Rs.

COLOMBO (News 1st) – Five inmates have escaped from the Protective Accommodation & Rehabilitation Centre (PARC) in Poonthoddam, Vavuniya.Commissioner General of Rehabilitation Major General Darshana Hettiarachchi told News 1st the inmates were between the ages of 22 & 30, and a manhunt is underway to locate them.In addition, a manhunt continues to locate seven inmates who fled the Kandakadu Treatments and Rehabilitation Center following a recent brawl at the premises.225 inmates responsible for the brawl were arrested and remanded.

COLOMBO (News 1st) – Sri Lanka's Ministry of Wildlife and Forest Resources Conservation had blamed the unruly conduct of a caretaker or mahout for causing serious harm and torture to the Muthu Raja Tusker who was held at the Kande Viharaya in Aluthgama.The tusker Muthu Raja was gifted by Thailand to Sri Lanka in 2001 during the presidency of Chandrika Bandaranaike Kumaratunga, and it was moved to the Kande Viharaya in Aluthgama.The tusker, however, fell ill multiple times while at the Kande Viharaya in Aluthgama.Recently, a delegation from the Thai Embassy in Colombo visited the Kande Viharaya in Aluthgama to inquire into the well-being of the tusker, and following their inspection it was decided to move the tusker out of the temple and place it under the case of the Dehiwala National Zoo.The Ministry of Wildlife and Forest Resources Conservation said the Muthu Raja tusker is now under the protective care of the Dehiwala Nationa Zoo and its staff.However, the Thai Ambassador had decided to send the tusker back to Thailand.A statement from the Ministry of Wildlife and Forest Resources Conservation noted that Minister Mahinda Amaraweera had instructed the Secretary to the Ministry to immediately discuss the matter with the Thai Ambassador, as the Department of National Zoological Gardens had agreed to take care of the tusker.

COLOMBO (News 1st) – Sri Lanka, India and several other countries abstained from voting on a draft resolution approved by the UN General Assembly that recognised that Russia must be responsible for making reparations to Ukraine.The draft resolution, ‘Furtherance of remedy and reparation for aggression against Ukraine’, introduced by Ukraine, was adopted on Monday (14) in the 193-member UN General Assembly by a recorded vote of 94 in favour, 14 against and 73 abstentions, including by India, Bangladesh, Bhutan, Brazil, Egypt, Indonesia, Israel, Nepal, Pakistan, South Africa and Sri Lanka.Those voting against the resolution were Belarus, China, Cuba, North Korea, Iran, Russia and Syria.General Assembly resolutions are non-binding, but they carry political weight.The resolution, co-sponsored by nearly 50 nations, recognised that Russia “must be held to account for any violations of international law in or against Ukraine, including its aggression in violation of the Charter of the United Nations, as well as any violations of international humanitarian law and international human rights law, and that it must bear the legal consequences of all of its internationally wrongful acts, including making reparation for the injury, including any damage, caused by such acts.” In March, 141 members of the General Assembly voted to denounce Russia’s invasion, and 143 in October voted to condemn Moscow’s attempted annexation of parts of Ukraine. India had also abstained on those two votes.

COLOMBO (News 1st) – The Government will appoint a committee to seek how best to integrate the Tamils of Hill Country Origin further into the Sri Lankan Society, said President Ranil Wickremesinghe.He said further that although some of the Tamils of Hill Country Origin had integrated successfully into the Sri Lankan society, some have failed and measures would be taken to assist them to do so.President Ranil Wickremesinghe made these observations addressing at the occasion of accepting a consignment of medicines donated by the Pondicherry Union Territory and people of India on the request of Ceylon Worker’s Congress (CWC) at the Presidential Secretariat this morning (30).The consignment of medicines was officially handed over to the President by Secretary General of the Ceylon Worker’s Congress (CWC) and Parliamentarian Jeewan Thondaman in memory of the late Mr. Saumyamoorthi Thondaman who passed away 23 years ago on October 30th.

COLOMBO (News 1st) – President Ranil Wickremesinghe said that measures have been taken to strengthen the 74-year-old ties between the United States and Sri Lanka, adding that the support rendered by the United States whenever Sri Lanka was in difficulty would never be forgotten.President Ranil Wickremesinghe made this statement while attending the official opening of the new building of the United States Embassy in Colombo on the 28th.Expressing his views on the diplomatic relations and mutual understanding between the United States and Sri Lanka during the war, the President also recalled with gratitude the support given by the United States under the leadership of George Bush in 2001 during President Wickremesinghe's tenure as Prime Minister.The President also recalled the support provided by the US government led by Bill Clinton to help Sri Lanka recover from the Tsunami disaster in 2004 and said that if not for the intervention of the US led by President Joe Biden, Sri Lanka would not have been able to make a success of the Maha Season.President Wickremesinghe, who further pointed out the 74 years of US-Sri Lanka friendship, partnership and bilateral relations, expressed his appreciation for the support rendered by the United States for the preparation of the first monetary law and the well-drafted legal system for the establishment of the Central Bank.Having experienced such a long and cordial relationship, Sri Lanka and the United States will work as close friends in the future as well, said the President, adding that the United States and Sri Lanka, as inseparable partners, will forge ahead with respect and confidence in each other to preserve peace and democracy.Following is the full speech made by President

COLOMBO (News 1st) – SJB Parliamentarian Dr. Harsha De Silva has questioned President Ranil Wickremesinghe saying as to whether the IMF Staff Level Agreement has been given out to various individuals in committees appointed by him.In a tweet, the MP said that if the IMF staff level agreement that has thus far been hidden even from the Sri Lanka Parliament Committee on Public Finance on purported Radio Silence has been given out, it is a serious breachPreviously, the Governor of the Central Bank of Sri Lanka Dr.

COLOMBO (News 1st) – The Ministry of Agriculture has received the first stock of 13,000 tons of Urea fertilizer today (28) under the World Bank concessional emergency loan of 110 million US dollars and accordingly, the government has decided to provide a 50 kg bag of urea fertilizer to paddy farmers at Rs.10,000.This step was taken to protect household food security, farming and rural incomes based on the demands made during several discussions with the intervention of President Ranil Wickremesinghe, Agriculture Minister Mahinda Amaraweera said.This World Bank support complements the support of other development partners such as the Asian Development Bank and the United States Agency for International Development.Sri Lanka requires approximately 150,000 tonnes of urea fertilizer for paddy cultivation during the Maha season. Mr.

COLOMBO (News 1st) – Another crucial discussion between the International Monetary Fund and Sri Lanka's creditors is due be held on November 3rd.The Presidential Media Division stated that the discussion will focus on debt restructuring in Sri Lanka. This has been previously discussed during a meeting between the resident representative of the International Monetary Fund and a group of other officials who are leaving the country after completing their tenure.The President's Media Division stated that special attention was paid to the previous measures of debt restructuring as well as the creditor's conference.Meanwhile, the call for applications for the program to identify those who are eligible to receive welfare benefit payments ends on 28th October.The program, which is being implemented on the advice of President Ranil Wickremesinghe is being implemented under the theme "Do not leave anyone behind".Accordingly, the deadline was closed after the number of applicants who have registered with the Welfare Benefit Board for state welfare benefits reached 2.4 million.

COLOMBO (News 1st) – An extraordinary gazette was issued increasing the Companies' Regulations and Societies regulations fees.The extraordinary gazette was issued by President Ranil Wickremesinghe, as the Minister of Finance, Economic Stabilization and National Policies.The extraordinary gazette on increasing the Companies' Regulations and Societies' regulations fees was issued on Wednesday (26).The fee for the registration of a Private Limited Company has been increased to Rs. 4,600.00/- from Rs. 4,000/-.The new fee for the registration of a Public Limited Company is Rs.

COLOMBO (News 1st) – President Ranil Wickremesinghe issued an extraordinary gazette moving the Telecommunications Regulatory Commission of Sri Lanka and related institutions from the purview of the Defence Ministry to the Ministry of Technology. 

COLOMBO (News 1st) – While the SLPP General Secretary says that dual citizens should be allowed to make decisions on behalf of the people of Sri Lanka, the United National Party took a different stance.The Vice President of the UNP, Akila Viraj Kariyawasam said that he opposed dual citizens taking seats in the Parliament, and Sri Lanka should only be ruled by Sri Lankans who care and think about the country.Otherwise, he pointed out, any dual citizen has the right to go to a different country in the future and act in the way that they desire without facing repercussions of their actions. Meanwhile, SJB MP S.M.

COLOMBO (News 1st)- Sri Lankan President Ranil Wickremesinghe has instructed the security forces to conduct an investigation in an impartial manner in to the recent incident inside the Yala National Park where a fleet of Off-Road vehicles were seen performing doughnut inside the park premises.Cabinent Spokesperson & Minister Bandula Gunawardena said that the President also instructed to penalize those accountable.Nine people and seven jeeps that were involved in the Yala Fiasco over the weekend, that received widespread condemnation, were produced to the Tissamaharama District Court on Wednesday (26) after they surrendered to the Yala National Park Rangers Office earlier in the day.The Magistrate ordered for the suspects to be released on a personal bail of Rs. 500,000/- each.In the meantime, a three-member Committee was appointed to conduct further investigations on the Wildlife officials who have been temporarily suspended for failing to prevent incident from taking place.This committee will be chaired by an Additional Secretary to the Ministry of Wildlife and Forest Resource Conservation.A total of seven Park Rangers have been interdicted until the investigations are over, and they are charged with dereliction of duty and for their direct or indirect involvement in the incident.The matter was also raised during Wednesday's (26) cabinet briefing, and Minister Bandula Gunawardena.

COLOMBO (News 1st) – President Ranil Wickremesinghe has extended his felicitations on the appointment of Rishi Sunak as the UK's 57th Prime Minister.In a release, the President has stated that the vast experience which Sunak brings into the high office would be invaluable in discharging his responsibilities. Pointing out that Sri Lanka and the United Kingdom enjoy a shared traditional history, the President said that he is confident that under Sunak's leadership, the ties between the two nations will be further strengthened. "I look forward to enhancing this partnership particularly through the 'Global Britain' policy and the UK's new 'Platinum Partnership' scheme with Commonwealth countries," he added.

COLOMBO (News 1st) – Sri Lanka has decided to increase the fuel quota allocated for Three-Wheelers.The President's Media Division said that President Ranil Wickremesinghe has approved to double the fuel qouta for three-wheelers.The first stage will be from the Western Province and the registration of three-wheelers will commence from the 1st of November 2022.The PMD said that QR refueling on the increased fuel quota will commence from the 6th of November 2022, and the other provinces will follow in stages.

COLOMBO (News 1st) – President Ranil Wickremesinghe says the spirit of Deepavali let us all cast aside all differences and come together to collectively dispel the darkness that is currently shrouding our Motherland, with unprecedented challenges.President's Deepavali message:It is indeed a pleasure to extend my warm felicitation for Deepavali, being a colorful religious festival of lights celebrated with much reverence by Hindu devotees.For Deepavali, Hindus illuminate their temples and homes, be it mansions or huts, with light bulbs and lamps symbolizing the expelling of the darkness of ignorance and creating the radiance of knowledge.Only light can dispel darkness. Therefore, in the spirit of Deepavali let us all cast aside all differences and come together to collectively dispel the darkness that is currently shrouding our Motherland, with unprecedented challenges.Peace, brotherhood and unity are of significance in the celebration of Deepavali and I request all Sri Lankans irrespective of race, religion or political affiliation to unite around the light of Deepavali to rebuild the country.I am hopeful that this Deepavali celebration will be the beginning of a better future that will fulfill everyone’s wishes and make Sri Lanka a prosperous nation.

COLOMBO (News 1st) – A discussion on the challenges faced by the construction sector and proposed plans to address these issues were held at the Presidential Secretariat under the patronage of President Ranil Wickremesinghe on Thursday (20) afternoon.The problems faced by the construction sector under the current economic situation were discussed at length and special attention was paid to the delays in the construction of middle-income housing projects as well as road construction projects.During the discussions, attention was also paid to the issues that have arisen about the contractors, banks and other financial institutions.The President drew the attention of the officials to the program to be followed for the maintenance of the construction sector and job security in the sector while proposing the appointment of a committee to discuss the matter further and make recommendations.Those engaged in the construction sector also requested the President to establish a special task force for the upliftment of the construction sector.Minister Bandula Gunawardena, State Minister Lasantha Alagiyawanna, Senior Presidential Adviser on National Security and Chief of Presidential Staff Sagala Ratnayake, President’s Secretary Saman Ekanayake, Senior Economic Advisor to the President R. H.

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.

President Ranil Wickremesinghe stated that he had recently discussed Sri Lanka’s debt restructuring with the Chinese Finance Minister and he is optimistic that the discussions in this regard would be concluded successfully.The President further mentioned that the delegation headed by the State Minister of Finance, who is currently in Washington, held initial discussions yesterday (15) with the International Monetary Fund and the three main countries, China, India and Japan that have given loans to the country. He said that the government is giving priority to immediately solve the problem of the country’s bankruptcy and to ensure food security.President Ranil Wickremesinghe made these remarks following an observation tour of the cultivated lands in Rathumada-Weerakandawala area in Siambalanduwa Divisional Secretariat this morning (16).The President also discussed the progress of the implementation of the food security program in Monaragala district with government officials.He said that there is no problem with having debates and also recalled the statements made by some people that they would come forward and shed blood and said that one should live before shedding blood.The President mentioned that if a proper program is not implemented to provide food to the people, they will not have to shed blood but will starve to death.

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.

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.

The closing date for the acceptance of the applications to identify the families and individuals who require benefits under Welfare Benefits program initiated on the instructions of President Ranil Wickremesinghe under the theme of ‘Leave No One Behind’ is extended for October 28.The Welfare Benefit Board earlier had announced October 15 as the closing date for the application. Hence the opportunity is still remains open for those who are expecting subsidies and yet failed to submit their applications.The Welfare Benefit Board emphasizes that it is mandatory for all families or individuals receiving benefits under Samurdhi, Elderly Persons, Disabled Persons and Kidney Disease Assistance Program and people who are on the waiting list expecting subsidies to submit their applications under the new project.The relevant application form can be downloaded from the official website of the Welfare Benefits Board (www.wbb.gov.lk).

COLOMBO (News 1st) – President Ranil Wickremesinghe said that the Trincomalee District Strategic Development Plan is not targeting elections, but a project that has been initiated to benefit future generations.The President said that Sri Lanka values India’s assistance in implementing the Trincomalee district development project, as our closest neighbour.He made this statement by joining the special discussion on the Trincomalee District Development Plan, held today (14) at the grounds of Trincomalee Orr’s Hill.He recollected the objections raised when the Trincomalee oil tanks were to be handed over to India, adding that the country would not have faced a fuel crisis if the decision to provide the oil tanks had received the green light to be fully implemented.Prior to the commencement of the discussion, President Wickremesinghe inspected several places proposed to be developed under the Trincomalee District Development Plan.The President was able to view the locations proposed under the Trincomalee District Development Plan from the Orr’s Hill vantage point.Further, following the discussion, the President also inspected the proposed project to develop the beach and recreation facilities near the Trincomalee Gandhi Roundabout, as a tourist attraction.Meanwhile, the President who also met a group of Trincomalee District regional journalists and had a cordial discussion.President Ranil Wickremesinghe, further commenting in the discussion regarding the Trincomalee District Development Plan said,“We are not initiating this project targeting the next election, but for the benefit of the next generation. In 2023 we celebrate the 75th Anniversary of Independence.

COLOMBO (News 1st) – President Ranil Wickremesinghe instructed officials to celebrate the 75th Independence Day in a dignified manner that reflects national and religious unity.Steps have been taken to celebrate the 75th Independence Day celebrations on the 04th of February 2023 at the Galle Face Green with all pomp and pageantry under the theme, “Let’s stand together”.A discussion on the organization of the 75th Independence Day commemoration was held under the chairmanship of President Ranil Wickremesinghe at the President’s Office this afternoon (12). The President issued these instructions during this discussion.Numerous events and programs have been organized in conjunction with the Independence Day commemoration and special cycle race, school tournament, historical and rare book exhibition are among the main features planned.In addition, marking this special occasion, a housing project of 2000 houses has been planned in Colombo and Gampaha districts.On the 04th and 05th of February, all national parks will be open to the public free of charge and a commemorative stamp will be issued in conjunction with the 75th Independence Day celebrations.The organizing committee of the Independence Day celebrations comprises 10 sub-committees and an open invitation is extended to the public to witness the Independence Day celebrations.