Ruling party local politician nabbed for operating gambling den

Colombo (News 1st) – Sri Lanka Police and the Criminal Investigations Department recorded statements from 23 people in connection with the murder of respected Colombo-based businessman Dinesh Schaffter.A homicide investigations is underway involving the CID, Colombo Crimes Division and two other police teams.The incident sent shockwaves across Colombo when Dinesh Schaffter was found tied up and strangled inside his car at the Public Cemetery in Borella on Thursday (15) evening. He was admitted to the Intensive Care Unit of the Colombo National Hospital, where he succumbed to his injuries.Questions are being raised regarding the motive for the murder: Was it premeditated? Was this an attempted intimidation tactic gone wrong? Reasons for suspicion arise when taking into account the fact that Dinesh Schaffter was still alive when he was found at the Public Cemetery in Borella.The Sri Lanka Police are investigating the homicide on multiple leads and angles.

North Lanarkshire Council is urging locals to walk away the winter blues with a number of health walks.

 

Furious Edinburgh residents have held a protest outside the city's council buildings after being left in 'squalor' for the last five years. Natasha and Rory Blake held the demonstration outside the West Pilton base on Friday to demand that bosses start treating the extensive damp and mould in their Muirhouse property.

This enables citizens to create a comprehensive medical history across various healthcare providers thereby improving clinical decision-making New Delhi: The National Health Authority (NHA) on Saturday said that over 4 crore digital health records of individuals have been linked to the Ayushman Bharat Health Account (ABHA) accounts under Ayushman Bharat Digital Mission (ABDM), the backbone of India’s digital health system. With their health records linked to their Ayushman Bharat Digital accounts digitally, citizens will be able to access and manage these records as per convenience. This enables citizens to create a comprehensive medical history across various healthcare providers thereby improving clinical decision-making.

Colombo (New 1st): The Criminal Investigation Department says statements were recorded from around 20 people regarding the murder of respected Colombo-based businessman Dinesh Schaffter.Police said statements were also recorded from former cricket commentator Brian Thomas, while his mobile phone was seized.Colombo Additional Magistrate Harshana Kekunawela on Friday (16) imposed an overseas travel ban on Thomas over the murder of Dinesh Schaffter.Dinesh Schaffter was a Managing Director of a leading financial institution in the country, and a Director of a leading Insurance Company in Sri Lanka.Dinesh Schaffter had left his residence on Thursday (15) afternoon and had told his family that he was heading to Borella to meet Brian Thomas.Schaffter was found strangled in his car at the Borella Public Cemetery on Thursday (15) afternoon.He died on Thursday (15) night after being admitted to the Intensive Care Unit of the National Hospital in critical condition.The Criminal Investigations Department, the Colombo Crimes Division, and two other Police teams are investigating the murder.

Colombo (News 1st) – Commander of the Navy, Vice Admiral Nishantha Ulugetenne was promoted to the rank of Admiral effective from today (17th December 2022) by President Ranil Wickremesinghe. He was appointed as the 24th Commander of the Sri Lanka Navy on 15th July 2020. Upon being promoted to the 4-star rank, Admiral Nishantha Ulugetenne arrived at the Navy Headquarters, where he was received according a Guard of Honour in accordance with naval traditions, on Saturday (17 December). Admiral Nishantha Ulugetenne joined the Sri Lanka Navy as an Officer Cadet of the 13th Intake of the Sri Lanka Navy in 1985.

Colombo (News 1st): 75 people have been arrested in a special operation in schools in the Western Province, over the sale of drugs and narcotic pills targeting school children.They were arrested during operations carried out between noon and 3pm on Friday (16), in 122 schools in the Western Province.Police seized 2 kilograms and 148 grams of the narcotic known as 'Mawa', 9 grams and 375 milligrams of heroin, 1 gram and 522 milligrams of the narcotic known as 'ICE' and 10 narcotic pills.The operation is ongoing on the advice of Senior DIG in charge of the Western Province Deshabandu Tennakoon.

Covid-19 update: The death toll due to the viral disease has gone up to 5,30,667 with four more fatalities, including three reconciled by Kerala and one reported by Maharashtra in the last 24 hours. India has recorded 167 fresh Covid-19 cases, taking the cumulative tally to 4,46,75,776, according to the Union Health Minister data updated on Saturday.  With this, the country's active caseload has declined to 3,608, that accounts for 0.01% of the total infections.

Colombo (News 1st): Police say statements were recorded from over 10 people regarding the murder of respected Colombo-based businessman Dinesh Schaffter.Police said continuous investigations will be carried out over the incident, with four Police teams deployed.Schaffter was found strangled in his car at the Borella Public Cemetery on Thursday (15) afternoon.He died on Thursday (15) night after being admitted to the Intensive Care Unit of the National Hospital.Dinesh Schaffter was 51-years-old at the time of his passing.Dinesh Schaffter had left his residence on Thursday (15) afternoon and had told his family that he was heading to Borella to meet Former Cricket commentator Brian Thomas.Police Spokesperson & Attorney SSP Nihal Thalduwa told News 1st that a complaint was filed with the Police earlier stating that the former cricket commentator had taken Rs.1.4 billion from the businessman, and had not returned the money.Sri Lanka Police recorded a statement from Thomas, as Dinesh Schaffter had told his wife that he was going to meet Thomas.Accordingly, Colombo Additional Magistrate Harshana Kekunawela on Friday (16) imposed an overseas travel ban on Thomas over the murder of Dinesh Schaffter.It was reported that Thomas is in possession of two passports, and the overseas travel ban was imposed for both these passports by the court.Court also granted permission for the Borella Police to obtain a telecommunication analysis report on the mobile device used by the late Dinesh Schaffter, from telecommunication service providers.

Singer-songwriter Jewel got candid in a new interview with People magazine in which she discussed mental health.The 48-year-old Intuition hitmaker said she almost didn't sign her record deal at age 15 because she wanted to avoid 'a breakdown.'The mom-of-one told the publication, 'In this job, we lose more people to addiction, overdose, suicide, mental breakdowns, and I didn't want to be a statistic.' Opening up: Singer–songwriter Jewel got candid in a new interview with People magazine, in which she discussed mental health; seen in March Elaborating on her mindset, she dished: 'My goal when I moved out [of my house] at 15 was to learn a new emotional language.'As a precocious teen she added that she 'knew that as much as I had a genetic inheritance that might predispose me to diabetes or heart disease, I could tell that I had an emotional inheritance and that might predispose me to cycles of addiction and abuse.' The music artist left home as a teenager and was homeless, living in her car when she was discovered.'When I got discovered — it's funny — I almost didn't sign my record contract because I was so aware that if you take somebody with my emotional background, and God forbid, I get famous…' she explained.

Colombo (News 1st) – It's been almost 2 days since the brutal stabbing of social media activist Dilan Senanayake, who continues to receive treatment after being brutally stabbed inside his own office on Pagoda Road in Nugegoda on Wednesday (14). However, Sri Lanka Police are yet to make any arrests over the incident.Senanayake was admitted to the Kalubowila hospital following the attack.

North Lanarkshire residents are being urged to make their views known on the shape of local health and social care services over the next three years.

COLOMBO (News 1st) – Colombo Additional Magistrate Harshana Kekunawela on Friday (16) imposed an overseas travel ban on Former Cricket commentator Brian Thomas over the murder of Colombo-based businessman Dinesh Schaffter.It was reported that Former Cricket commentator Brian Thomas is in possession of two passports, and the overseas travel ban was imposed for both these passports by the court.The Borella Police making submissions to the court requested for an order to be made on telecommunication service providers to provide a telecommunication analysis report on the mobile device used by the late Dinesh Schaffter.Court granted permission to obtain the record from the service providers.Police Investigation: Four police teams are investigating the murder of Dinesh Schaffter, a Colombo-based businessman who was a Managing Director of a leading financial institution in the country, and a Director of a leading Insurance Company in Sri Lanka.Schaffter was found bound and choked inside his car on Thursday (15) afternoon at the Public Cemetery in Borella.He was admitted to the Colombo National Hospital but succumbed to his injuries while being treated in the ICU.What Happened To Dinesh Schaffter?Businessman Dinesh Schaffter had left his residence on Thursday (15) afternoon and had told his wife that he was heading to Borella.Sri Lanka Police said that Dinesh Schaffter had told his family that he was going to meet Former Cricket commentator Brian Thomas.Police said that Dinesh Schaffter had left home at around 2 PM, and that multiple calls made by his wife had gone unanswered.After using an App and tracing the phone to the Public Cemetery in Borella, the wife of the late Dinesh Schaffter had called his work place and informed of

Pawar informed that the government has implemented the following programmes/schemes for ensuring assured, dignified, respectful and quality healthcare services for every pregnant woman Over 25,000 ‘Delivery Points’ across the country have been strengthened in terms of infrastructure, equipment, and trained manpower for provision of comprehensive Reproductive-Maternal- Neonatal-Child and Adolescent Health (RMNCAH+N) services, said Dr. Bharati Pravin Pawar,Union Minister of State for Health and Family Welfare in a written reply in the Lok Sabha on Friday.

James Martin has thanked his fans for their well wishes after undergoing surgery this week.The 50-year-old chef recently told fans he had been suffering with a knee issue for a number of years and was finally getting it sorted. In a new update, the television star tweeted: "Just a message to say many thanks for all you kind messages, operation done now."Can’t sleep but guess that’s a small price to pay for now. Back and fighting fit soon!"Also thanks to all who booked tickets already for the tour."Amazing response and there are already a few venues that are nearly sold out."Jane Fonda shares cancer update as she stops treatmentJames went on to apologise to fans for not being able to sign anymore books while he recovers.He added: "I will try to do more when I’m more mobile.

COLOMBO (News 1st) – The Gross Domestic Product for Sri Lanka for the third quarter of year 2022 at current price reported as Rs. 6,417,031 million.The Gross Domestic Product for Sri Lanka for the third quarter of year 2022 at constant price (2015) reported as Rs.

COLOMBO (News 1st) – Sri Lanka's Minister of Power and Energy Kanchana Wijesekera held discussions with Russian Ambassador to Sri Lanka Levan Dzhagaryan on Thursday (15).The Minister said that the country's energy sector requirements were discussed at the meeting.In addition, Sri Lanka's fuel needs, refinery operations, and the challenges faced in the supply of coal were discussed between the Minister and the Russian Ambassador.The Minister tweeted that the Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) signed for nuclear energy cooperation with Rosatom – a Russian state-owned corporation specializing in nuclear energy, nuclear non-energy goods and high-tech products –  were discussed.

COLOMBO (News 1st) – Businesswoman Thilini Priyamali who was arrested and remanded for alleged financial fraud was granted bail by Fort Magistrate Thilina Gamage on Friday (16).Thilini Priyamali was released on a cash bail of Rs. 15,000/- and two personal bails of Rs.

(Reuters) – Taiwan President Tsai Ing-wen resigned as head of the ruling Democratic Progressive Party (DPP) on Saturday after her strategy to frame local elections as showing defiance to China's rising bellicosity failed to pay off and win public support.The elections for mayors, county chiefs and local councillors are ostensibly about domestic issues such as the COVID-19 pandemic and crime, and those elected will not have a direct say on China policy.But Tsai had recast the election as being more than a local vote, saying the world is watching how Taiwan defends its democracy amid military tensions with China, which claims the island as its territory.The main opposition party the Kuomintang, or KMT, was leading or claimed victory in 13 of the 21 city mayor and county chief seats up for grabs, including the capital Taipei, compared to the DPP's five, broadly in line with expectations and similar to the results of the last local elections in 2018."The results failed our expectations. We humbly accept the results and accept the Taiwanese people's decision," Tsai told reporters at party headquarters as she quit as party head, which she also did after 2018's poor results."It's not like the DPP has never failed before," Tsai, who will continue serving as president until 2024, added.

A group of Lanarkshire pals have kickstarted a new initiative to improve local men's mental and physical health through football.

COLOMBO (News 1st) – The Supreme Court ordered the Inspector General of Police to establish a committee to formulate a regulatory framework for Police officers to follow when conducting inquiries into disputes. The Supreme Court gave this direction as part of an interim order issued when an incident where a senior police officer had obstructed an Attorney at Law from performing his duties was taken up in court. According to the petitioner, an Attorney, he had visited the Boralasgamuwa Police on the 13th of November 2021 to represent his client at the police station. The petitioner stated, while representing his client, Senior Superintendent of Police K.S.K Rupasinghe had demanded that he step out of the room. The petitioner had refused to do so. The SSP had then proceeded to threaten the Attorney claiming he will be thrown into a cell.

COLOMBO (News 1st) – Sri Lankan Opposition Leader Sajith Premadasa told Parliament on Friday (24) that he did not apply for the post of Prime Minister, during the tenure of Gotabaya Rajapaksa.Sajith Premadasa said that the Former President repeatedly requested him to accept the post of Prime Minister, and four conditions were put forward to Rajapaksa for the establishment of an interim short-term government.• President must resign from his position during a stipulated minimum period of time;• Implement and enact the 19th constitutional amendment within a period of two weeks, with the support of all political parties;• Implement the provisions in the Constitution within a minimum time period to abolish the executive presidency; and• Call for a parliamentary election to allow the public to form a permanent government after implementing the constitutional amendments and rebuilding the community life and ensuring the rule of law.Sajith Premadasa said he wrote to then-President Rajapaksa citing these four conditions to accept the post of Prime Minister, and did not request or apply for the post of Prime Minister.Sajith Premadasa was responding to a comment made by President Ranil Wickremesinghe in Parliament on Thursday (24).'Our Opposition Leader also said today that I asked for this presidency. I didn't ask for this.

COLOMBO (News 1st) – President Ranil Wickremesinghe emphasized that he will never allow violence and anarchy to prevail under the guise of human rights, adding that if any party engages in such an attempt, the security forces will be used to suppress it completely.Under such circumstances, the President emphasized that everyone from the lower officer of the army to the rank of field marshal is obligated to fulfil their responsibility.   President Ranil Wickremesinghe said this, delivering a special statement in Parliament. (24). 'Our Opposition Leader also said today that I asked for this presidency.

(Reuters) – Malaysia's king appointed long-time opposition leader Anwar Ibrahim as prime minister on Thursday and he will be sworn in at 5 p.m., ending five days of unprecedented post-election crisis after inconclusive polls.Anwar's appointment caps a three-decade-long political journey from a protege of veteran leader Mahathir Mohamad to a prisoner convicted of sodomy to opposition leader and, finally, prime minister.A general election on Saturday ended in an unprecedented hung parliament with neither of the two main alliances, one led by Anwar and the other by ex-premier Muhyiddin Yassin, immediately able to secure enough seats in parliament to form a government.The 75-year-old Anwar has time and again been denied the premiership despite getting within striking distance over the years: he was deputy prime minister in the 1990s and the official prime minister-in-waiting in 2018.In between, he spent nearly a decade in jail for sodomy and corruption in what he says were politically motivated charges aimed at ending his career.The uncertainty over the election threatened to prolong political instability in the Southeast Asian country, which has had three prime ministers in as many years, and risks delaying policy decisions needed to foster economic recovery.Anwar leads a multi-ethnic coalition of parties with progressive leanings while Muhyiddin's alliance reflects more conservative, ethnic Malay, Muslim views.Anwar's coalition, known as Pakatan Harapan, won the most seats in Saturday's vote with 82, while Muhyiddin's Perikatan Nasional bloc won 73.

COLOMBO (News 1st) – Sri Lankan President Ranil Wickremesinghe told Parliament on Wednesday (23) that he would not dissolve the house until stability returns to the country and vowed not to allow another Aragalaya to change the country's government. He said he would deploy the military and use emergency powers if necessary.The President accused the Frontline Socialist Party (FSP) and its leader Kumar Gunaratnam of being responsible for the attempt to capture parliament on the 13th of July 2022.

The second reading of the 2023 Budget was passed in Parliament on Tuesday (22) by a slim majority of 37 votes.Votes in Favor: 121Votes Against: 84Abstentions: 1The debate on the second reading of the Appropriation Bill began on November 15th, and the voting for the second reading took place on Tuesday (22) evening.The debate on the committee stage of the Appropriation Bill is scheduled to be held from November 23rd to December 8th, and the voting will be held on December 8th at 7.00 pm.Minister Mahinda Amaraweera said that all Sri Lanka Freedom Party MPs who are connected to the government decided to vote in favour of the second reading of the budget today (22).Meanwhile, the Samagi Jana Balawegaya, the Sri Lanka Freedom Party, the People's Freedom Congress, and the National People's Power have decided to vote against it.The Tamil National Alliance decided not to take part in the voting process for the Second Reading of the 2023 Appropriation Bill.

COLOMBO (News 1st) – The vote on the second reading of the budget will be held today (22).The Parliament is scheduled to meet today at 9.30 am and the sessions will be presided over by Speaker Mahinda Yapa Abeywardena.Minister Mahinda Amaraweera said that all Sri Lanka Freedom Party MPs who are connected to the government have decided to vote in favour of the second reading of the budget today (22).Meanwhile, the Samagi Jana Balawegaya, the Sri Lanka Freedom Party, the People's Freedom Congress, and the National People's Power have decided to vote against it.

COLOMBO (News 1st) – The Sri Lanka Freedom Party, and the Samagi Jana Balavegaya led alliance have decided to vote against the Second Reading of the 2023 Budget on Tuesday (22) in Parliament.The Central Committee of the SLFP met on Monday (21) and unanimously decided to vote against the Budget at the second reading vote.At the same time, the SJB Working Committee also met separately on Monday (21) and unanimously decided to vote against the Budget at the second reading vote.

COLOMBO (News 1st) – The Sri Lanka Freedom Party has decided to make several major changes.The party's Central Committee met on Monday (21) and unanimously decided to take away the party membership of all those who left the party, including Former President Chandrika Bandaranaike Kumaratunga.In addition, the SLFP Central Committee has decided to appoint Thilanga Sumathipala as the General Secretary of the United People's Freedom Alliance, replacing Mahinda Amaraweera.

COLOMBO (News 1st) – Sri Lankan Wildlife Officials managed to save a Wild Elephant that had its trunk stuck inside a barrel of moonshine in Minneriya.This operation lasted around 5-hours.According to the locals, the wild elephant with its trunk stuck inside the barrel was located close to the Minneriya Army Camp, and after alerting the officials a rescue operation was launched.Wildlife personnel from the Girithale, Moragahakanda, and Anuradhapura offices were rushed to the scene.The elephant was first tranquillized and then after a five-hour operation was set free.The wild elephant was released back to the Minneriya Forest Reservation after administering treatment to its wounds.Note: Archive images used for this report.

Colombo (News 1st): The law will be strictly enforced against anyone who has trafficked Sri Lankan women to countries such as Oman, Prime Minister Dinesh Gunawardena told Parliament on Saturday (Nov. 19)."With the special attention of the President, a team was sent to take necessary legal action pertaining to such complaints from countries such as Oman, for one-and-a-half-months.

Annual growth of USD 3 billion from new export from 2023 to 2032. Foreign Direct Investment of more than 3 billion USD in the next ten years. Creating an internationally competitive workforce with high skills in the next ten years.

COLOMBO (News 1st) – The National Council Sub-Committee for Identifying Short- and Medium-Term Programs related to Economic Stabilization said that proposals for the reform of laws related to the economic stabilization of the country will be presented to the country at the end of December.MP Patali Champika Ranawaka, who is also the Chairman of the Sub-Committee said that it is important to discuss whether there are shortcomings in the law among the reasons that led to the country's economic bankruptcy and to discuss the next steps to be taken.The experts who participated in the committee expressed their views on the reforms that should be made in the country's legal system to obtain local and international support to create economic stability in the country, said the Parliament Media Division.The role of the Central Bank, the role and accountability of the Treasury, the role and accountability of the government, and the accountability of government officials, politicians and the business community dealing with them were discussed at the committee. Also, proposals were presented on the need for a large-scale anti-corruption process and the importance of implementing the law on assets and liabilities.Officials of the Ministry of Justice said that 55 new laws and amendments to existing laws are currently underway.The senior lawyers pointed out that due to the Covid pandemic situation, the number of cases pending in the courts is high, so the trials should be managed efficiently.

.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) – All the opposition parties and groups in Parliament made an official request from the National Election Commission to call for Local Government Elections on time.Opposition Leader Sajith Premadasa led a group of leading opposition lawmakers to the National Election Commission premises on Tuesday (15) morning to hand over a letter.The Samagi Jana Balavegaya, Sri Lanka Freedom Party, Freedom People's Congress, Uttara Lanka Sabhagaya, Democratic Left Front, Independent Group led by MP Anura Priyadarshana Yapa, National People's Power, All Ceylon Makkal Congress, Sri Lanka Muslim Congress, Tamil National Alliance, Tamil Progressive Alliance, Nawa Sama Samaja Party, as well as the Frontline Socialists Party that is not represented in parliament signed the letter.The letter signed by 21 parties and groups represented in parliament, and not represented in the house notes that if a response is not received to the joint request it will be assumed that the National Elections Commission is also planning on delaying the local government elections.The letter notes that if that is the case, necessary actions will be taken.

 COLOMBO (News 1st) – Sri Lanka's Minister of Justice, Prisons Affairs and Constitutional Reforms Wijeyadasa Rajapakshe said calling for applications to appoint civil society members to the Constitutional Council is not in accordance with the 21st Amendment to the Constitution.Recently the Sri Lanka Parliament said that applications are called for the appointment of Members, who are not members of Parliament to the Constitutional Council proposed by the 21st Amendment.Applications are called from persons of eminence and integrity who have distinguished themselves in public or professional life and who are not members of any political party, to be considered for the appointment as Members of the Constitutional Council which is to be established under the provisions of Article 41A of the Constitution of Democratic Socialist Republic of Sri Lanka, said the statement.However, Justice Minister said that the 21st Amendment to the Constitution does not allow for such appointments via application, and the appointment of the civil society members to the Constitutional Council should be done by the Speaker, Prime Minister, and the Opposition Leader.

COLOMBO (News 1st) – The Ministry of Justice says that steps have been taken to forward the anti-corruption bill to all party leaders and civil organizations.Justice Minister Dr.

COLOMBO (News 1st) – Applications have been called for qualified persons regarding the appointment of civil society members for the Constitutional Council established under the 21st Amendment.Speaker Mahinda Yapa Abeywardena stated that the relevant applications should be forwarded to the Parliament before 28th November.Accordingly, those who are not members of any political party who are considered acclaimed personalities in the spheres of their public or professional lives and have functioned with excellence and honesty can apply for the position.A discussion was held at the Parliament Complex under the Chairmanship of the Speaker last week to discuss the establishment of the Constitutional Council.It was held with the participation of Speaker Mahinda Yapa Abeywardena, Prime Minister Dinesh Gunawardena, Opposition Leader Sajith Premadasa and Minister Nimal Siripala de Silva who was appointed as the President's representative.The Constituent Assembly consists of 10 members, including the Speaker, the Prime Minister, the Opposition Leader, a member appointed by the President, a member representing the party representing the Prime Minister, a member of the party representing the Leader of the Opposition, a member of another political party representing Parliament and 3 civil society representatives.According to the 21st amendment, the Supreme Court judges headed by the Chief Justice, the President and judges of the Court of Appeal, the Attorney General, the Governor of the Central Bank, the Auditor General, the Inspector General of Police, the Secretary General of the Parliament, the Ombudsman of Parliamentary Affairs as well as the chairpersons and members for independent commissions should be appointed subject to the

Which areas will be given more attention in this year's budget?The State Minister of Finance stated that special attention will be paid to cover the bills which have so far remained unpaid, and will also include an aid program for the country's poor.Moreover, the State Minister Semasinghe said that more avenues for the promotion of tourism sector, the promotion of other sectors which function to increase the country's foreign exchange revenue will also be other areas which the bill would focus upon. The State expenditure will be mitigated, while loss-making entities will also be focused upon in this budget, he added.What of IMF negotiations?Meanwhile, State Minister Semasinghe stated that bilateral creditors of the country will continue to hold negotiations, while the Government expects to set the grounds to obtain the IMF Director board's approval by December. He stressed that NO country or any bilateral creditor party is acting on the premise of not extending its support towards Sri Lanka. The third set of negotiations with the IMF authorities will be initiated on 17th November, the State Minister added.

COLOMBO (News 1st) – A special meeting of the ruling party is scheduled to be held on Monday (14) in connection with the upcoming appropriation bill.The meeting, which is scheduled to be held at 05:00 PM at the Temple Trees, will be presided over by the President and the Prime Minister.The General Secretary of the SLPP, Attorney-at-law Sagara Kariyawasam said that the ruling party MPs will be specially briefed about the upcoming budget proposals.Officials of the Ministry of Finance and the Central Bank as well as several economic experts are also scheduled to be involved.Kariyawasam also said that the Sri Lanka Podujana Peramuna will extend its full support to President Ranil Wickremesinghe's decision to restore the country's economy.However, Karivayasam stated that his party will take a decision on extending support for this year's budget after further consideration of the budget proposals presented tomorrow.Meanwhile, the Samagi Jana Balawegaya says that it has called a meeting of its parliamentary group on Monday (14) afternoon to discuss the budget proposals.Its General Secretary, MP Ranjith Madduma  Bandara said that the meeting will be held at the Parliament Complex under the Chairmanship of the Opposition Leader.Moreover, MP Dallas Alahapperuma stated that a meeting of the reformist group of the Sri Lanka Podujana Peramuna representing the Nidahas Janatha Sabhawa will be held at 5:00 PM on Monday (14) to discuss the budget proposals.

COLOMBO (News 1st) – Sri Lankan President Ranil Wickremesinghe has made it clear that his country will not be a part of any big power rivalry, especially in the Indian Ocean region."The total competition in the world has gone from US and Russia to US and China," said the President adding that whatever happens in Russia is a sideshow."Whether the US is in the Indian ocean we have no objections. We have no objections to the Japanese or the Chinese being there, as long as there is no rivalry. We are the literal states, and we have to look after our interests.

COLOMBO (News 1st) – A special meeting was held in Parliament to discuss the draft bill for the establishment of the Budget Office of the Parliament.The special meeting was attended by the Party leaders and members of the Committee on Parliamentary Business.    The Members of Parliament who were present had a lengthy discussion on the draft bill related to the establishment of the budget office of the parliament. Also, it was decided to meet again in two weeks after further study of this bill.

MATT Hancock MP has been slammed by I'm A Celebrity viewers after offering up a "cringey" excuse for breaking Covid rules. The shamed former health secretary was exposed by The Sun last year when he cheated on his wife Martha Hoyer Millar with his closest aide Gina Coladangelo, 43 - breaking his own lockdown rules in the process.

COLOMBO (News 1st) – Sri Lankan President Ranil Wickremesinghe President told the Parliament on Thursday (10) that the IMF had requested not to release the agreement reached between Sri Lanka and the International Monetary Fund until the current round of negotiations are complete.The President said that previously when the country approached the IMF, talks were only with the International Monetary Fund, however, this time around discussions need to take place with other countries as well."Japan is speaking India and China because they are not members of the Paris Club. Amendments may take place," the President told the house"IMF says don't release it till we finish this round of negotiations. I won't put anyone in to trouble.

COLOMBO (News 1st) – The Department of Immigration and Emigration says that the issuance of passports recommenced on Wednesday (9) as usual.The Department said that the breakdown in the institution's computer system was rectified last night (8).Passports were not issued yesterday (8) due to the relevant error.

COLOMBO (News 1st) – Maldives Speaker of Parliament Mohamed Nasheed attending the 27th Conference of the Parties to the United Nations Framework Convention on Climate Change or COP 27 as a member of the Sri Lanka delegation sparked a regional controversy.Sri Lanka's opposition lawmakers questioned the basis of the Former Maldives President accompanying the Sri Lankan delegation, and who is bearing the cost for his travels.Former Attorney General Dr. Mohamed Munavvar has criticized former President and Speaker of Parliament, Mohamed Nasheed for attending the 27th Conference of the Parties to the United Nations Framework Convention on Climate Change (COP 27) as a member of the Sri Lankan national delegation.Nasheed is also a climate advisor to the country’s President, Ranil Wickremesinghe.In a tweet Dr Munavvar posted, he questioned Speaker Nasheed’s loyalty to Maldives while he is a statesman paid by the taxpayers money.The former AG’s remarks against Speaker Nasheed comes while some local media reports have stated that the Speaker was not invited to take part in the Maldivian delegation to COP27 after which the former President and Speaker of Parliament decided to attend the COP27 with the Sri Lankan delegation.

Police in northeastern China said that seven people have been arrested following a clash between residents and authorities enforcing COVID-19 quarantine restrictions. The violence comes as China reports new cases nationwide, with 2,230 cases reported Tuesday in the southern manufacturing and technology hub of Guangzhou.