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COLOMBO (News 1st); The Mahanayake Theros of the Malwathu and Asgiri Chapters in a letter to the President have called for measures to reduce the cost of living, minimize the burden on the people and introduce a proper policy-based mechanism to control social unrest. The letter to the President was signed by the Mahanayake of Malwathu Chapter of the Siam Sect the Most Venerable Thibbatuwawe Sri Sumangala Thero, and the Mahanayake of the Asgiri Chapter of the Siam Sect the Most Venerable Warakagoda Sri Gnanaratana Thero.

COLOMBO (News 1st); The Government Printer says that funds are yet to be provided for the printing of ballot papers.A Senior Officer said that in the present context, it is not possible to commence the printing process.Ballot paper for postal voting for 17 district have been completed.According to the Government Printer, the previous election date was printed on these ballot papers.The Government Printer said the Election Commission will be consulted on amending the ballot papers.In addition, the Election Commission says the Government Printer has not officially communicated over a delay in printing ballot papers.Election Commission Chairman Attorney Nimal Punchihewa told News 1st that if an official communication is made, the commission can meet and decided on the matter.However, the secure packages containing the ballot papers for postal voting are expected to be delivered to Postal Services on the 21st of March. 

COLOMBO (News 1st); Sri Lanka's Prime Minister Dinesh Gunawardena noted that immediate measures will be taken to announce the new tenure of Local Government Institutions.The Prime Minister said that the new tenure will be announced following talks with the Election Commission, and the Ministry officials.All public property used by Local Government Members should be handed over to the state before the 19th of March.State Minister Janaka Wakkumbura told News 1st that the tenure of Local Government Institutions will cease from midnight on the 19th of March, and the administration will fall under the Urban Commissioners and the Pradeshiya Sabha Secretaries.He said that only reform measures can be adopted by Local Government Institutions after the 19th of March.

COLOMBO (News 1st); Sri Lanka's Cabinet of Ministers has granted approval to go ahead with a pilot project to install Floating Solar Panel Power Plants on the surface of Kiriibban Wewa reservoir and Chandrika Wewa reservoir in the Ratnapura District.Under the Framework Convention on Grant Aid signed between the Republic of Korea and Sri Lanka in 2009, the Minister of Trade, Industry and Energy of the Republic of Korea has agreed to provide a grant amounting 6.83 Billion Korean Won for the implementation of a pilot project to install floating solar panel power plant with 1 MW capacity on the surface of reservoirs. Korea Institute for Advancement of Technology is acting as the monitoring agency for the pilot project on behalf of the Korean government, said the Department of Government Information.Accordingly, the Cabinet of Ministers approved the proposal presented by the Minister of Power and Energy to sign the documents between the Korea Institute for Advancement of Technology, the Ministry of Power and Energy and the Department of External Resources to start and implement this pilot project according to the agreement reached.

COLOMBO (News 1st); Leave of all employees of Sri Lanka Railways cancelled with immediate effect, said the Superintendent of Sri Lanka Railway on Tuesday (14) afternoon.The announcement came after the Locomotive Operating Engineers' Association of Sri Lanka Railways declared a 24-hour strike.The strike will come into effect at midnight on Tuesday (14).The Locomotive Operating Engineers' Association decided to go on strike in support of the mass strike that will launched by multiple trade unions on Wednesday (15), against the governments unjust tax policy, and several other social issues.

COLOMBO (News 1st); Multiple sectors have decided to go on strike for 24-hours on Wednesday (15). One of the main reasons for the strike is the government's latest tax policy, which professionals term as unfair. They have called for immediate reforms in the tax policy.Health Services:The Trade Union action, launched by the Government Medical Officers' Association on Monday (13), continued on Tuesday (14) across five provinces and is expected to go nation-wide on Wednesday (15).The GMOA went on strike against the government's new tax regime, medicine shortage and several other social issues.The All Ceylon Nurses' Union said it would support Wednesday's (15) strike action.Postal Services:The United Postal Services Trade Union Front said it would engage in a trade union action as planned on Wednesday (15).It added that workers at the Central Mail Exchange will step away from duties from 4 PM on Tuesday (14).Transportation Services:The Locomotive Operating Engineers' Association of Sri Lanka Railways declared a 24-hour strike. The strike will come into effect at midnight on Tuesday (14).Education Services: Prof.

COLOMBO (News 1st); The Locomotive Operating Engineers' Association of Sri Lanka Railways have declared a 24-hour strike.The strike will come into effect at midnight on Tuesday (14).The Locomotive Operating Engineers' Association decided to go on strike in support of the mass strike that will launched by multiple trade unions on Wednesday (15), against the governments unjust tax policy, and several other social issues.

COLOMBO (News 1st); The Professionals Trade Union Collective says that the ongoing trade union action will continue on Tuesday (14).According to Trade Union representatives, discussions with the President's Secretary on Monday (13) night ended without any decision being reached.The Professionals Trade Union Collective is currently engaged in protests, strikes, and work to rule campaigns against the government's tax regime.Their primary demand is that the tax policy be amended to a reasonable level.Over 40 trade unions from multiple sectors are engaged in the trade union action.Doctors in The North Western, Uva, Sabaragamuwa, Northern, and North Central provinces are on strike on Tuesday (14).

COLOMBO (News 1st); Sri Lanka's Postal Service has been declared as an essential service by the President via an extraordinary gazette dated 13th March 2023. 

COLOMBO (News 1st); Sri Lankan President has decided to appoint a Committee to identify suitable government hospitals to be used as Teaching Hospitals to provide clinical training for Private Medical Students.The President's Media Division said this decision was made to provide clinical training for Medical Students enrolled at the KDU, Dr. Neville Fernando Hospital, Lyceum Campus and other universities in Colombo, Kalutara, Gampaha, Kurunegala & Polonnaruwa, According to the President's Media Division this training will be provided without hampering the training of students in State Universities.Accordingly, State Minister of Health Dr. Seetha Arambepola will be appointed as the Chairperson of the aforementioned Committee, while other appointed members will include Additional Secretary to the Ministry of Health Dr.

COLOMBO (News 1st); West End stars Roshani Abbey and Nuwan Hugh Perera from Sri Lanka made a special performance of the song "Anagathaye" at the Commonwealth Day Service, that was also attended by King Charles.Their Majesties The King and The Queen Consort attended the annual Commonwealth Day Service at Westminster Abbey on Monday 13th March – The King’s first as monarch.During the service, which was conducted by the Dean of Westminster, the Very Reverend Dr David Hoyle, The King delivered his Commonwealth Day message from the Great Pulpit, saying:'Commonwealth Day was an occasion of particular pride for my beloved mother, the late Queen; a treasured opportunity to celebrate our Commonwealth family, to whose service she dedicated her long and remarkable life. The Commonwealth has been a constant in my own life, and yet its diversity continues to amaze and inspire me.

COLOMBO (News 1st); Sri Lanka wildlife veterinarian Malaka Kasun Abeywardana considers himself lucky, after he was attacked by an injured leopard recently, and lived to tell the tale. Dr.

COLOMBO (News 1st); Sri Lankan President Ranil Wickremesinghe congratulated Chinese President Xi Jinping on his confirmation for a third term and praised China's progress under his leadership. The President's Media Division said that Wickremesinghe expressed appreciation for China's support in Sri Lanka's economic challenges, especially in the IMF process & expressed confidence that the two countries' robust cooperation will continue to flourish during Prez. Xi Jinping's new term.Chinese leader Xi Jinping was awarded a third five-year term as president on 10th March, putting him on track to stay in power for life at a time of severe economic challenges and rising tensions with the U.S.

COLOMBO (News 1st); Sri Lankan President Ranil Wickremesinghe said that the government has taken a principled decision to expand the distribution of fuel.He also noted that Hambantota has been identified as a primary energy hub. According to the President's Media Division, he made these comments during a discussion with the representatives of the Sinopec Group held at the President's Office in Colombo on Monday (13).Sinopec has also pledged to invest in a refinery in Hambantota, said the PMD.The representatives informed the Sri Lankan Government that their organization has adhered to the existing system and has applied accordingly. They further conveyed their readiness to fully finance the construction of a refinery in Hambantota, which has been identified as a central energy hub by the government.Moreover, the representatives stated that their company is prepared to respond to future solicitations that align with the aspirations of the country.

The Bar Association of Sri Lanka organized a felicitation ceremony on Sunday (12), to honour those who have completed fifty years at the Bar.During the Felicitation Dinner, President Ranil Wickremesinghe, who has also completed fifty years at the Bar, was honoured and presented with a plaque by Chief Justice Jayantha Jayasuriya PC.The Felicitation Dinner was organized by the Bar Association of Sri Lanka (BASL) to honour 26 individuals who have served at the Bar for 50 or more years.The event coincided with the two-day National Law Conference 2023, also organized by the BASL, which is held on the 12th and 13th of March.Juliana Margaret Coswatte, Walter Leslie de Silva, Ratnasabapathy Arumugam Jegatheson, Upali A. Gooneratne PC, Kanagaratnam Kaneshayogan, M.

COLOMBO (News 1st); Top delegations from the Sinopec Group (Ranking 5th in the Fortune Global 500 list of 2022) and the China Merchants Group (152nd) are currently visiting Sri Lanka.The Chinese Embassy in Sri Lanka tweeted that the delegates are in the country to enhance cooperation and further investment on petroleum & chemicals, trade, and port & industrial park operation.China Merchants Group: China Merchants Group (CMG) is a state-owned backbone enterprise headquartered in Hong Kong. CMG was founded in the Self-strengthening Movement in the late Qing Dynasty in 1872. As the first joint-stock company in modern China, it established the first merchant fleet, the first bank and the first insurance company in China, pioneering China's modern national shipping industry and driving the development of many other modern industries, and occupying an important position in the history of China's modern economic and social development. China Merchants Group is also the parent company of the Hambantota International Port Group (HIPG).Sinopec Corp:China Petroleum & Chemical Corporation (Sinopec Corp) is a listed company on domestic and international stock exchanges with integrated upstream, midstream and downstream operations, strong oil & petrochemical core businesses and a complete marketing network. Sinopec Corp.

Builder: Austal-USA, Mobile, Alabama, USAAwarded: December 29, 2010 Laid down: June 28, 2016 Launched: September 14, 2017 Commissioned: March 2, 2019Homeport: Naval Base San Diego, California Namesake: City of Charleston, South CarolinaShips Motto: WHILE WE BREATH – WE FIGHT

COLOMBO (News 1st); The Hultsdorf Number 1 Magistrate's Court issued a warrant for the arrest of MP Wimal Weerawansa.The warrant was issued as he failed to appear in court for the case filed over the demonstration that took place opposite the UN office in Thummulla, Colombo in 2016.The case was filed by the Cinnamon Gardens Police for causing disturbance to the people and the normal flow of traffic by protesting against the arrival of the then-UN High Commissioner for Human Rights, Prince Zeid Ra’ad Al Hussein, to the island in February 2016.

A Sri Lankan attempting to smuggle in gold worth Rs 6.5 Million (Indian) was arrested by Bengaluru Customs sleuths at Kempegowda International Airport.

COLOMBO (News 1stA); The Sri Lanka Navy conducted a special operation to chase away Indian poaching trawlers from Sri Lankan waters on Sunday (12) morning. The operation led to the seizure of 2 Indian trawlers with 16 Indian nationals poaching in Sri Lankan waters northeast of Veththalakeni and off the Analativu Island.The Navy continues to conduct regular patrols and operations in Sri Lankan waters to curb illegal fishing practices of foreign fishing trawlers.As an extension of these operations, the Northern Naval Command deployed Fast Attack Craft of the 04th Fast Attack Flotilla to chase away a cluster of Indian poaching trawlers, having spotted they were engaging in illegal fishing in Sri Lankan waters northeast of Veththalakeni and off the Analativu Island.

COLOMBO (News 1st); The Department of Immigration and Emigration said that MP Mahindananda Aluthgamage was turned away from the Bandaranaike International Airport on Friday (10), as another persons' data was added to the system, instead of the MPs passport data.Harsha Ilukpitiya, Controller General of the Immigration and Emigration Department, stated that the travel ban list came into effect after the wrong data was added to the system.The officer who added the wrong data into the system has been suspended, pending inquiry.The Criminal Investigation Department and the Sri Lanka Computer Emergency Readiness Team are conducting further investigations into the matter.

COLOMBO (News 1st); Government hospital waiting rooms were empty on Monday (13) morning as patients were turned back due to a strike launched by the Government Medical Officers' Association against the government's new tax regime.Doctors across four provinces in Sri Lanka, namely the Western, Southern, Central, and Eastern provinces, went on strike with effect from 8 AM against the government's tax policy.The Professionals Trade Union Collective is spearheading the trade union action, and it is supported by at least forty Government and Semi-Government trade unions against the government's new tax regime, the bank interest rate hike, salary and wage anomalies, and several other demands.The Colombo National Hospital was the worst affected, as only emergency services were in operation while all other services were crippled by the strike.

COLOMBO (News 1st); New Zealand have won the first test against Sri Lanka at Christchurch by 2 wickets, thanks to an unbeaten second innings century by Kane Williamson.The Blackcaps resumed day five on 28 for 1, needing 257 more runs to win the game. With William on strike the Blackcaps were seen as the favorites to win the game, however, the Sri Lankan bowlers did not make it easy for the hosts.New Sealand lost seven wickets in their chase on day five.Earlier, Sri Lanka batting first posted 355 runs in their first innings to which the hosts replied with 302 runs.Thereafter, Sri Lanka posted 373 runs for their second innings giving New Zealand 285 runs to chase. 

COLOMBO (News 1st); Minister of Foreign Affairs, Ali Sabry will attend the Commonwealth Day celebrations on Monday (13) at the Commonwealth Headquarters, Marlborough House, London.Commonwealth Day marks the 10th anniversary of the signing of the Commonwealth Charter that outlines the values and aspirations uniting the Commonwealth member countries. The member states will also support “the Commonwealth of Nations Flag for Peace” initiative in symbolizing these values, and the celebrations will end with a reception hosted by King Charles III to the visiting Foreign Ministers.Minister of Foreign Affairs, Ali Sabry will participate in the 22nd Commonwealth Foreign Affairs Minister's Meeting (CFAMM) at the Commonwealth Headquarters, Marlborough House, London on 15th March 2023. This year’s CFAMM will engage the Foreign Ministers in discussing joint responses to shared challenges such as the need to build resilience for peaceful and sustainable societies, climate financing for environmental sustainability and leveraging intra -commonwealth trade and digital connectivity for economic recovery, food, and energy security.On the sidelines of these events, Minister Sabry will have a call on the Rt Hon James Cleverly, Secretary of State for Foreign, Commonwealth Development Affairs (FCDO), bilateral meetings with Rt Hon Patricia Scotland KC, Secretary General of the Commonwealth, Ann Marie Trevelyan, Minister of State for Indo – Pacific FCDO and Lord Mervyn Davies of Abersoch, Prime Minister’s Trade Envoy for Sri Lanka.

Colombo (News 1st) – Oscar-winning Ke Huy Quan first shot to fame as a child actor when he played a pickpocket named Short Round opposite star Harrison Ford in the 1984 blockbuster Indiana Jones and the Temple of Doom, which was shot in Sri Lanka. It was directed by the multiple award-winning Steven Spielberg.Born in Vietnam, Quan and his family were among the thousands of boat people who fled when a communist regime came to power.

COLOMBO (News 1st); US Ambassador to Sri Lanka Julie Chung has stressed that Local Government Election are critical." Democracies are understrained across the globe and no democracy stands without the rule of law," she told the 2023 edition of the National Law Conference, the most prestigious event of the Bar Association of Sri Lanka."The United States support for the rights of everyday Sri Lankans to voice their concerns peacefully and participate in their government is unwavering. The country's proud history of free elections underpins those rights.

COLOMBO (News 1st); Sri Lanka Police arrested three people for attempting to shoot dead a person in Wellampitiya.Police said that two men were arrested from Kotuwila for planning the murder, and aiding in the attempted murder.Following interrogation, the motorcyclist who was assigned to carry out the shooting was arrested in Bomiriya.The motorcycle was discovered from Borella, and the suspects will be produced in court on Monday (13). 

COLOMBO (News 1st); Train operations along the main railway line were delayed on Monday (13) morning due to a derailment in Orugodawatte.Sri Lanka Railways said that several fasteners, a Railway Track Component, had been removed and stolen, resulting in the derailment.Sri Lanka Railways considers the act of removing the fasteners as theft, and noted that steps were taken to restore operations.

Colombo (News 1st) – Sri Lanka is likely to be rocked by severe strike actions in many crucial sectors nationwide which will bring the country to a standstill, as the public buckles under the financial strain of multiple price hikes and heavy taxation.The Professionals Trade Union Collective and several other trade unions representing government and semi-government sectors have planned to launch trade union actions from Monday, March 13. More than 40 trade unions including health, education, water, electricity, nurses, teachers, government and semi-government sectors have expressed their support.Trade unions said one of the main reasons for the trade union action is the failure to provide solutions to the burdens caused by the unfair tax policy, while salaries have not been increased and the economic crisis continues.Through the protests, the trade unions will also highlight several other matters including skyrocketing interest rates and issues related to salaries and increments.Dr.

By Frederica JanszThe word ‘IMF’ has got to be the most spoken in Sri Lanka today. As this word runs on a daily cycle of constant discussion which lends ear to a babble of discourse mostly filled with resentment, it is interesting to note, how few are aware of the true functions and makeup of the International Monetary Fund.It is indeed correct that this powerful organization has repetitively come under criticism for a lack of accountability.

A research conducted by Verite Research observes that economic management in Sri Lanka lacks compliance both by the bureaucracy and Parliament. Commenting on the new Public Finance Management Act proposed in September 2022, Verite Research suggests that rather than the lack of fiscal rules, the more critical problem for Sri Lanka may be the lack of compliance with fiscal rules in public finance management. The analysis, which was reported in a Verite publication titled Verite Insights, sheds light on how the Parliament of Sri Lanka had consistently revoked rules set out in the Fiscal Management (Responsibility) Act either by blatantly breaching them or by amending the rule whenever it became a constraint.The three rules that have been flouted include the rule on budgeted deficit, the rule on central government debt and the rule on treasury guarantees. The research further states that in order to recover confidence and build the economy, Sri Lanka may need deeper diagnostic and more robust correction mechanisms with regard to the crisis of governance.

Colombo (News 1st) – Local Government Elections are 'critical' for Sri Lanka, stated US Ambassador to Sri Lanka Julie Chung.She made the statement while speaking as the Guest of Honour at the 2023 edition of the National Law Conference, the most prestigious event of the Bar Association of Sri Lanka, in Colombo on Sunday (12)."Democracies are understrained across the globe and no democracy stands without the rule of law. You, all of you are the guardians of that precious rule" the US Ambassador to Sri Lanka stated."The United States support for the rights of everyday Sri Lankans to voice their concerns peacefully and participate in their government is unwavering," Ms.

The Human Rights Commission of Sri Lanka expressed concerns over law enforcement officers who resorted to the use of tear gas, water cannons and wooden rods as a crowd control mechanism to disperse protesters over the past few days.Issuing a statement, the HRCSL noted that every citizen is entitled to the freedom of Assembly and expression and that this right has been exercised by different individuals and groups in the country. The statement further read that the Commission has initiated inquiries and investigation procedures to ascertain whether the crowd control procedures adopted by law enforcement officers are in line with constitutional provisions, international human rights obligations of Sri Lanka and basic principles of respecting human dignity. Public Security Minister Tiran Alles is expected to appear before the Commission tomorrow for an inquiry over the violent crackdown by the Police on March 7 and 8 when dispersing protests held near the Universities of Colombo and Kelaniya.The Commission is optimistic that the discussion with the Minister would help adopt a mechanism to prevent the violations of fundamental human rights in future and recommend guidelines in compliance with human rights for the control of crowds during protests.The Human Rights Commission of Sri Lanka expressed concerns over law enforcement officers who resorted to the use of tear gas, water cannons and wooden rods as a crowd control mechanism to disperse protesters over the past few days.Issuing a statement, the HRCSL noted that every citizen is entitled to the freedom of Assembly and expression and that this right has been exercised by different individuals and groups in the country. The statement further read that the Commission has

COLOMBO (News 1st) – The Election Commission stated that it has sent a letter to President Ranil Wickramasinghe requesting that the necessary funds to conduct the local government election be provided.The Election Commission further mentioned that the letter was sent to the President who is also the Minister of Finance of the country.They added that the letter sent to the Minister of Finance was forwarded for approval by the secretary to the Ministry of Finance to the Finance Minister.Meanwhile, the Chairman of the Election Commission Nimal Punchihewa, says that with the current situation taken into consideration, the secretary of the Ministry of Finance has informed him that his approval itself is insufficient for the release of funds for the election.The Secretary to the Ministry of Finance has informed in his letter that the approval of the President in his capacity as the Minister of Finance is mandatory to release the funds required for the local government election.Due to the lack of funds, the local government election scheduled to be held on the 9th of March was postponed indefinitely.The election is now scheduled to be held on 25th of April, 2023. 

COLOMBO (News1st):  The quality of the air in Colombo has dropped to unhealthy levels The Central Environmental Authority says. The value of the air quality indicators has increased to 124 units says Deputy Director General of the Central Environmental Authority Sanjaya Ratnayake. However, as of 11 AM on Saturday (11) the AQI had increased to 155 units. These units represent the amount of dust particles present per cubic meter of the atmosphere explained Ratnayake. He also says they believe that a change in the wind pattern blowing into the country from India has given rise to this situation.

COLOMBO (News1st):  The quality of the air in Colombo has dropped to unhealthy levels The Central Enviroment Authority says. The value of the air quality indicators has increased to 124 units says Deputy Director General of the Central Environmental Authority Sanjaya Ratnayake. However, as of 11 AM on Saturday (11) the AQI has increased to 155 units. These units represent the amount of dust particles present per cubic meter of the atmosphere explained Ratnayake. He also says they believe that a change in the wind pattern blowing into the country from India has given rise to this situation.

Colombo, (News 1st) : Several civil society organisations including the Inter-University Students' Federation, civil activists and trade unions staged a protest against state oppression in front of the UN office earlier today. The protest was staged against the use of tear gas to disperse crowds at protests, the cinnamon stick army, the use of tear gas on school students and the forced entry by police into universities. Speaking at the protest, IUSF Convener Wasantha Mudalige blamed the government for using expired tear gas canisters as chemical weapons to oppress people. Protesters claimed that three people have succumbed to tear gas attacks on three occassions including the Jathika Jana Balawegaya protest on February 26, the protest near the Colombo University on March 7 and during a protest near Parliament sometime ago. The protesters therefore demanded the UN to expedite an international investigation into the use of expired tear gas munitions. During the protest Ceylon Teachers' Union General Secretary Joseph Stalin questioned the state on firing tear gas at children. "The UN must look at these gross human rights violations.

COLOMBO (News 1st); A report prepared by the Centre for Society and Religion on the use of tear gas in Sri Lanka has revealed that Sri Lanka Police has not conducted any laboratory test over the contents of tear gas munitions.The report filed based on the information obtained via the Right to Information Act revealed that Sri Lanka Police had used expired tear gas munitions to disperse protests in 2022, and some of those munitions were produced back in 2000.It noted that in 2012, a total of 20,000 tear gas munitions were procured and until 2016 only 2,306 of those units were used.The report adds that the remaining munitions were to expire in 2017, however they were not disposed.It added that from 2012 to 2019 a total of over 40,000 tear gas munitions were to expire, and during that period 8,265 tear gas munitions were used on protests, and another 31,735 expired tear gas munitions remain in service.The report from the Centre for Society and Religion notes that the handling of tear gas munitions by Sri Lanka Police totally violates all instructions given by the manufacturers, including to not deploy the munitions close to live firearms, and not to fire them directly at protestors.It added that from March to July 2022, during the period of the worst economic crisis in the country, Sri Lanka Police deployed 6,722 tear gas munitions on 84 separate occasions at a cost of Rs.

COLOMBO (News 1st); State Minister Shehan Semasinghe raising a privilege issue in parliament on Friday (10) noted that it is a serious offense to proceed with the Interim Order given by the Supreme Court on 3rd March, when the matter is already produced to the Committee on Parliamentary Ethics and Privileges.He requested the Deputy Speaker to advise relevant authorities not to proceed further or take any action on the interim order with regard to the Local Government election until the Committee on Parliamentary Ethics and Privileges concludes its hearing on the privilege issue raised by MP Premanath C Dollewatte.MP Premnath C. Dolawatte told Parliament on 7th of March that the powers and privileges of Parliament have been violated by the Interim Order issued by several judges of the Supreme Court on March 3rd, 2023.On March 3rd, the Supreme Court, considering Samagi Jana Balawegaya (SJB) General Secretary Ranjith Madduma Bandara’s petition, issued an Interim Order to the Finance Ministry Secretary and the Attorney General preventing them from withholding the funds allocated for elections in Budget 2023.Dolawatte claimed the said Interim Order can be viewed “as clear breach of privileges and powers of Parliament.”MPs from the opposition led by Opposition Leader Sajith Premadasa on Friday (10) met with the Deputy Speaker to discuss the privilege issues raised by State Minister Shehan Semasinghe, and MP Premnath C.

COLOMBO (News 1st); The Election Commission said the Government Printer has informed that the ballot papers for postal voting can be delivered within five days, and other ballot papers can be delivered within twenty to twenty-five day.The Election Commission has informed to obtain the necessary funds for the printing purposes from the Finance Secretary.Further, the Election Commission has informed the Government Printer to provide all necessary details to the Inspector General of Police with regard to the provision of police security.It added that the Senior DIG in-charge of elections has informed that following such a request, the necessary police security can be provided.Further, officials from the CPC and the Ministry of Power and Energy are to reach an agreement in due course over the provision of fuel for the Local Government Election.In addition, the National Election Commission has recommended that the basic salary of public sector employees who are contesting the election be paid only for the delayed period.

The Human Rights Committee on Thursday (9) concluded its consideration of the sixth periodic report of Sri Lanka on how it implements the provisions of the International Covenant on Civil and Political Rights, with Committee Experts commending actions taken to resettle internally displaced persons, and raising issues concerning the effectiveness of constitutional reform and impunity for military officers who had allegedly committed or overseen human rights violations.A Committee Expert noted progress made in settling internally displaced persons. They welcomed that 92 per cent of the private land held by the military had been released to legitimate civilian owners.On internally displaced persons, the delegation said a special unit had been established.

COLOMBO (News 1st); Sri Lanka's Finance Secretary has informed the country's Election Commission that the request letter for funds for the Local Government Election was directed to the Finance Minister for approval.This was in response to the letter sent to the Finance Secretary by the Election Commission on the 7th of March, seeking funds for the Local Government Election.Election Commission Chairman Attorney Nimal Punchihewa noted that the Finance Secretary had informed him of the fact that given the current situation in the country, the Finance Secretary's approval alone will be sufficient to provide funds for the Local Government Election.However, the Election Commission Chairman said he was hopeful the necessary funds will be delivered in due course.The Local Government Election scheduled for 9th March 2023 was postponed due to the lack of funds, and it was rescheduled to the 25th of April 2023.Sri Lanka's Supreme Court on 3rd March issued an interim order on the country's Finance Secretary, and the Attorney General who represents the Finance Minister preventing them from withholding any funds allocated by the 2023 Budget for the Local Government Poll 2023.

COLOMBO (News 1st); Parliamentarian Namal Rajapaksa on Thursday (9) was appointed as the new Chairman of the Sectoral Oversight Committee on International Relations of the Sri Lankan Parliament.Moreover, MP Chamal Rajapaksa was unanimously appointed as the Chair to the Committee on Ethics and Privileges for the Fourth Session of the Ninth Parliament on Thursday (08).MP Ali Sabri Raheem proposed the name of Chamal Rajapaksa and State Minister Vijitha Berugoda seconded it.Accordingly, matters taken up during the Third Session of the Ninth Parliament which are in pending status were agreed to be taken into future consideration. Moreover, it was also discussed to hold a workshop for the heads of media organizations with the coordination of this committee.It was also decided in the committee to hold a workshop to educate Members of Parliament regarding ethics and privileges.

COLOMBO – The Government of Japan has contributed an additional US$6.6 million to the United Nations World Food Programme (WFP) to provide critical food and nutrition assistance to over one million Sri Lankans.Through this funding, WFP will provide families with food baskets comprising rice, pulses and cooking oil, to meet half their monthly food needs for a period of two months. The donation will also be used to procure maize and soybean for the production of Thriposha, a fortified food product, for a period of four months, which will be supplied to pregnant and breastfeeding mothers and young children at risk of malnutrition.  Mizukoshi Hideaki, Ambassador of Japan to Sri Lanka said, “We are pleased to announce that the Government of Japan has decided to provide additional humanitarian support to Sri Lanka in this critical moment.

The Legislative Standing Committee has agreed on 25% of youth representation under the proposed Local Authorities Elections (Amendment) Bill.The Local Government Elections (Amendment) Bill presented by MPs Premnath C. Dolawatta and Imthiaz Bakeer Markar as Private Members’ Bills along with Ministerial reports were considered by the Legislative Standing Committee recently (28) in Parliament.The Legislative Standing Committee which took into discussion the said Bill was chaired by Ajith Rajapakse, Deputy Speaker of Parliament.Standing Orders 53(4) dictates that "No clause that is not in accordance with the basic desire of the Honorable Member presenting a Bill shall be allowed to be included in a Bill."  Accordingly, the committee directed to re-draft the Bill 126 considering the youth representation.The Committee also instructed the officials of Attorney-General’s Department and Legal Draftsman Department to re draft the Bill No.

Sri Lanka’s High Commissioner to India, Milinda Moragoda said that the economic integration is the key to enhancing the exiting relations between India and Sri Lanka to a special relationship. He made these remarks while addressing the officers of the Indian Armed Forces at the prestigious Army War College, Mhow, on the topic ‘Trajectory of Sri Lanka India Relations: 2030’.Speaking to the officers of the Indian Armed Forces who are following the Joint Higher Command Course, High Commissioner Moragoda broadly highlighted the strategic significance of Indo-Lanka relations drawing from the historical ties to the present status of the special relationship between the two countries.  Elaborating on the vibrant Indo-Lanka relations, High Commissioner Moragoda highlighted the key role played by India by way of extending much-needed financial assistance worth nearly USD 4 billion, which served as the lifeline that rescued Sri Lanka’s economy from a total collapse.He also deliberated upon the strong defence cooperation that exists between the two countries and the continued training assistance extended to the members of the Sri Lankan Armed Forces by India, including the training opportunities offered by the Army War College.

COLOMBO (News 1st); Sri Lanka's Human Rights Commission has decided to summon Public Security Minister Tiran Alles for an inquiry on 13th March 2023, at 10 AM.The inquiry will be held to seek a clarification on the measures adopted by Sri Lanka Police to contain protests in Colombo and Kelaniya on the 7th and 8th of March 2023.The inquiry will take place at the Human Rights Commission premises in Colombo. In addition, the Human Rights Commission of Sri Lanka has decided to conduct an inquiry on the measures adopted by Sri Lanka Police and the Armed Forces to control protests that took place close to the University of Colombo on the 7th and 8th of March, and at the Kelaniya University on the 8th of March.HRCSL has informed the country's police chief to submit a list of Senior Police officers who were on the field to control the said protests before the 10th of March. 

COLOMBO (News 1st); The Buddha Sasana Task Force addressed a letter to President Ranil Wickremesinghe stressing on the need to hold the local government election without delay for national and diplomatic stability.It calls to limit the number of ministers to 15, and remove State Ministers.