Sri Lanka President gives six months for parliament to decide on electoral reforms; If not will seek referendum

COLOMBO (News 1st) – The Meteorological Department has issued an amber advisory for severe lightning until 11:00 pm on Sunday (9).According to the advisory, thundershowers accompanied by severe lightning are likely to occur at several places in Uva, Eastern, Northern and North-Central provinces and in Kurunegala district. Moreover, heavy showers about 100 mm may occur at some places in these areas.There may be temporary localized strong winds during thundershowers, and the general public is kindly requested to take adequate precautions to minimize damages caused by lightning activity.

COLOMBO (News 1st) – The Minister of Agriculture Mahinda Amaraweera says that the tender to import 25,000 MT of urea required for the maha season will be submitted to the cabinet on Monday (10) for approval.The fertilizer stock is set to be imported under World Bank assistance.Under the same assistance, the Ministry of Agriculture stated that it has planned to import 45,000 MT of potassium as well.

COLOMBO (News 1st) – The Ministry of Sports and Youth Affairs says that steps will be taken to increase the powers of the Sri Lankan Youth Parliament and to make it more proactive.Minister Roshan Ranasinghe stated that a new bill has been compiled in this regard according to the instructions of the President.Under this, the Minister stated that the young women representing the Youth Parliament will have the opportunity to participate in Sectoral Oversight Committees currently established in the Parliament.The Minister said that he advised the Youth Parliament representatives to discuss with all  political parties currently representing the parliament and present their ideas and proposals.20 Parliamentary Sectoral Supervisory Committees have been re-established under the Standing Orders which were amended in the Parliament recently.Five youth representatives are able to participate in the committees.

COLOMBO (News 1st) – Former President Maithripala Sirisena says that he is ready to support the 22nd amendment if the people's sovereignty is strengthened through it.In a visit to the Temple of the Tooth, the former President and the SLFP Chairman said that the 22nd amendment to the Constitution has not been discussed yet, however more changes may be made to the presented amendment in the future.When inquired whether he would support any future changes to the amendment, the SLFP Chairman emphasized that any changes to be made to the amendment must be democratic in nature, and should ensure the people's sovereignity."I did not vote for the 20th amendment. The 19th amendment presented during my time had its drawbacks, but it should be implemented properly and adopted after correcting those flaws.

APPRENTICE winner Dr Leah Totton has revealed her health scare at eight months pregnant. The successful entrepreneur, 34, is expecting her first baby with partner Justin Harding, and admitted they’re “so excited” to become parents. And while the former model says her pregnancy has been “really good” so far, she got Covid at eight months and became “quite unwell.” In an exclusive chat with The Sun, Dr Leah shared: “I have loved being pregnant, I didn’t get any morning sickness or any symptoms at all other than some heartburn.

GLADIATOR star Russell Crowe has donated £5,000 to help save an independent book shop. The Oscar-winning actor contributed to a crowdfunding campaign launched this week.

COLOMBO (News 1st) – The Ministry of Trade says that steps have been taken to speedily re-implement around 35 trade agreements signed with various countries, which currently remain inactive.Ministry Secretary S.T. Kodikara stated that the International Trade Office, Ministry of Finance, Central Bank of Sri Lanka, Commerce Department of the Ministry of Trade and Ministry of Foreign Affairs will implement this program in collaboration.The Secretary stated that many discussions regarding some trade agreements have collapsed due to various reasons.The Secretary of the Ministry of Trade stated that these agreements are being implemented with the aim of promoting trade among the countries which have exempted existing tax bases.Under this initiative, it is expected to improve the free trade agreement with Singapore.Apart from the FTA, the trade agreements signed with India, Thailand and China, which are currently inactive, are also due to be implemented again soon.

PARIS, FRANCE - JANUARY 23: Ye is seen, outside Kenzo, during Paris Fashion Week - Menswear F/W 2022-2023, on January 23, 2022 in Paris, France. (Photo by Edward Berthelot/Getty Images) Rapper Kanye West, or "Ye," has found his Instagram account temporarily restricted, according to a spokesperson from Meta, the social media app’s parent company. The spokesperson said because of the restriction West is unable to post, comment or send direct messages from @kanyewest.Meta didn’t comment on why West’s account was restricted.

COLOMBO (News 1st) – Supreme Court Justice Buwaneka Pandukabaya Aluwihare PC took oath as the Acting Chief Justice in the presence President Ranil Wickremesinghe.He took oaths at the President's Office on Sunday (09).Secretary to the President Saman Ekanayake also participated the event.

PASADENA, Calif. - A search is underway for a man believed to be kidnapped by two suspects in the Pasadena area.According to the Los Angeles County Sheriff's Department, two male suspects got out of a 2008 silver Infiniti G-35 on Michillinda Avenue near Colorado Boulevard on Thursday.The suspects approached a Hispanic-looking man, possibly in his 30s, walking on the side sidewalk. The suspects started attacking the man, knocking him out and then dragging him into the back seat of the Infiniti, LASD said.Photo: LASD The suspects drove off from the scene, traveling south on Michillinda Avenue, LASD said.LASD said the suspect car was seen with a California license plate number 6FMY326.Anyone with information is asked to call 562-946-7150. The Pasadena kidnapping case comes just days after a family in Merced was at the center of a statewide search.

COLOMBO (News 1st) – A Sri Lankan delegation has left the island with the aim of participating in the annual summit of the International Monetary Fund and the World Bank in Washington, USA.The delegation is headed by the State Minister of Finance, Shehan Semasinghe, and includes eight representatives. The delegation also includes several high-ranking officials including the Secretary of the Ministry of Finance and the Governor of the Central Bank.The conference, which starts on 10th October, is scheduled to be held until 16th October.

COLOMBO (News 1st) – The Emigration and Immigration Department says that more than 700,000 passports have been issued within the first 9 months of 2022.The Deputy Controller and Media Spokesperson of the Department, Piyumi Bandara stated that 700,733 passports have been issued during the relevant period.This number is significant in comparison with the previous year, as only 300,000 passports have been issued within the full 12 months of 2021.Immigration and Emigration Department data shows that the number of foreign passports issued in the year 2021 is 392,032.According to the data, passports were issued for 409,919 men and 290,814 women within the first nine months of 2022.The highest number of foreign passports were issued in the month of August, which is 115,286.

COLOMBO (News 1st) – The Russian 'Aeroflot' airline will resume flights to Sri Lanka after five months.Accordingly, the airline will operate flights to Sri Lanka for two days every week in the future.Flights between Sri Lanka and Moscow have remained suspended since last June in protest against the measures taken by Sri Lankan authorities to ground an aircraft belonging to the Russian airline in accordance with a Court order.On June 2nd, the Colombo Commercial High Court issued an injunction order preventing an aircraft belonging to the Russian 'Aeroflot' airline from leaving Sri Lanka.The order was issued after taking up a complaint filed by the company Celestial Aviation Trading Limited located in Ireland.Russian authorities then expressed their displeasure regarding the detention of the flight by the Sri Lankan authorities, after which the order was lifted, and the Minister of Transport, Bandula Gunawardena apologized to Russian authorities.

COLOMBO (News 1st) – A Sub-Inspector of thr Beruwala Police died in a road accident which took place in Moragalla.Police said that the accident occurred when two motorcycles collided head-on.Accordingly, three people who were traveling on the motorcycles were seriously injured in the incident.The injured were admitted to Nagoda Hospital, while an injured police constable was transferred to Colombo National Hospital later on.A 31-year-old sub-inspector died in the accident.

COLOMBO (News 1st) – State Minister Diana Gamage says that she hopes to amend the existing laws regarding loudspeakers at the Court.Speaking at a tourism promotion program in Weligama, the State Minister said that in order to reach Sri Lanka's tourism goals, people should be able to eat, drink, travel and participate in cultural and music festivals as they please. The State Minister said that she hopes to discuss with the Attorney General with regard to amending laws regarding loudspeakers.

COLOMBO (News 1st) – President Ranil Wickremesinghe says that to live with the qualities that Prophet Muhammad preached and to deal with others with a sense of understanding is a tribute to him, in his message commemorating Milad-un-nabi.The full statement is as follows;The birthday of the Prophet Muhammad who is venerated by the Sri Lankan Muslims as well as the Muslim brethren around the world is celebrated today (09).It is my belief that doctrine of Prophet Muhammad as the religious leader of the Islamic devotees around the world will help to alleviate the situation in the society today more than ever before.To live with the qualities that Prophet Muhammad preached and deal with others with a sense of understanding is a tribute to him rather than attempting to overcome them.The coming of the Prophet Muhammad and his vision signified the protection of the entire human community as well as their respect.

Edmundo Sosa celebrates with Matt Vierling and Alec Bohm after catching a foul ball to end the ninth inning and defeat the St. Louis Cardinals in game two to win the National League Wild Card Series at Busch Stadium on October 08, 2022 in St Louis, M ((Photo by Stacy Revere/Getty Images))ST. LOUIS - Aaron Nola pitched four-hit ball into the seventh inning, Bryce Harper's homer gave Philadelphia an early lead, and the Phillies held off the St.

Covid-19: The death toll climbed to 5,28,799 with 21 fatalities which includes 16 deaths reconciled by Kerala, the data updated at 8 am stated. India has reported 2,756 Covid-19 cases in the past twenty four hours, taking the total tally of COVID-19 cases to 4,46,12,013, according to the Union Health Ministry data on Sunday.

Blue Jays outfielder George Springer was carted off the field in the eighth inning of Toronto’s wild-card playoff game against the Seattle Mariners.

With Thanksgiving around the corner, health experts are advising Canadians to exercise caution as new variants of the COVID-19 virus swirl across the country.

EAST OAK LANE - Philadelphia honored a once-prominent lawyer in a big way. Longtime defense attorney Thurgood Matthews died in 2020. Saturday, a special street renaming ceremony was held to remember his investment to the community and service to the people of Philadelphia.One intersection in Philadelphia provides much more than just directions, but offers purpose, as the 1000 block of Chelten Avenue is now known as Thurgood M.

Hockey Canada‘s interim board of directors chair resigned from her position, effective immediately, on Saturday evening, the national sports body announced.

COLOMBO (News 1st) – Sri Lanka will NOT participate in any military alliance, and certainly does not want the problems of the pacific coming in to the Indian Ocean, said President Ranil Wickremesinghe in Colombo on Wednesday (14).Wickremesinghe speaking on Sri Lanka's position in the geo-political stage said the country's importance has appreciated and depreciated.However, he said that the geo-politics of the Indian ocean has unfortunately made Sri Lanka the punching bag for Hambantota. "It is not a military port. Though we are a commercial port it shows our strategic importance that many people come to conclusions which are unwarranted," he said.The President said that he hopes the next agreement Sri Lanka come to with China will not cause such speculation and such agreements will only be about debt reduction for Sri Lanka. "We don't participate in military alliance, and we certainly do not want the problems of the pacific coming in to the Indian Ocean.

COLOMBO (News 1st); A preliminary round of discussions were held between President Ranil Wickremesinghe and Australian High Commissioner Paul Stephens to explore the opportunities for investment in  renewable energy sector in Sri Lanka.The discussion was held at the Presidential Secretariat on Wednesday (14) with the participation of a group of Australian investors.President Wickremesinghe has emphasized priority for encouraging new investments in the renewable energy sector as a solution to the current electricity crisis and to ensure uninterrupted power supply.

COLOMBO (News 1st) – President Ranil Wickremesinghe emphasized that a national plan should be implemented to ensure food security and nutrition in Sri Lanka.He made this observation addressing the inaugural program of the establishment of the Multi-sector Combined Mechanism for empowering Rural Economic Revitalization Centers to ensure food security and nutrition.The program was held at the President's Office on Tuesday(13).The president pointed out that agriculture should be made a foreign exchange earning sector by way of enhancing production and competitiveness through the modernization of agriculture.The President who emphasized the need to work in an organized and collective manner to solve the food issue in the face of the global food crisis said that everyone should join hands with the government's new program to ensure food security and nutrition.The President’s statement is as follows;-The government has got to face the challenge of provision of food to all since the country experienced a minus seven economy.

COLOMBO (News 1st) – President of the Democratic Socialist Republic of Sri Lanka Ranil Wickremesinghe, the Commander-in-Chief of Armed Forces granted approval to appoint Air Vice Marshal Udeni Rajapaksa as the Chief of Staff of the Sri Lanka Air Force, with effect from 12 September 2022.Accordingly, Commander of the Air Force, Air Marshal Sudarshana Pathirana, officially handed over the letter of appointment to Air Vice Marshal Udeni Rajapaksa today.Air Vice Marshal RAUP Rajapaksa RSP and two Bars, USP, MSc (MOA) USA, MSc (Def Stu) in Mgt, MA in IS&S (UK), BSc (Def Stu), MIM (SL), rcds, psc joined the Sri Lanka Air Force as an Officer Cadet in the General Duties Pilot Branch in 1988. Having undergone his Basic Combat Training at Kotelawala Defence Academy, Basic Flying Training at No.

COLOMBO (News 1st); The multi-sector mechanism to empower rural economic revitalization centres to ensure food security and nutrition was initiated under the patronage of President Ranil Wickremesinghe on Tuesday (13).The vision of the Food Security Programme of the Government is to ensure every citizen has access to enough food at a reasonable price to lead an active and healthy life, at any given situation of the country.The government has initiated this program with the view of achieving dual objectives of ensuring that no citizen of the country should starve due to lack of food and no child should be a victim of malnutrition.In order to achieve these dual objectives, it is required to protect all families in the country from being victims of poverty.The relevant mechanism has been implemented through seven committees while the National Food Security and Nutrition Council will function under the chairmanship of the President.The National Combined Mechanism on Food Security and Nutrition will function under the Chairmanship of the President’s Secretary whereas the Technical Advisory Committee on Food Security and Nutrition will be chaired by the Prime Minister’s Secretary.The Provincial Combined Mechanism on Food Security and Nutrition will function under the chairmanship of the Provincial Governors while the District Combined Mechanism on Food Security and Nutrition will be chaired by the District Secretaries.

COLOMBO (News 1st): A preliminary discussion was held on Monday (12) between the Asian Development Bank and the Government of Sri Lanka focusing on several areas where the ADB can provide support and bilateral cooperation to the Government of Sri Lanka to overcome the current crisis, said the President's Media Division.The discussion was held at the President's Office in Colombo.The discussion was held with a group of representatives including President Ranil Wickremesinghe and the Director General of the South Asian Department of the Asian Development Bank Kenichi Yokoyama.This discussion was attended by Chen Chen, Director of the Sri Lanka Mission, Utsav Kumar, Deputy Director of the Sri Lanka Mission, and Sagala Ratnayake, Chief of Staff to the President.

COLOMBO (News 1st); Administrator for the US Agency for International Development (USAID) Samantha Power, who was in Sri Lanka on a two-day official visit, left the country on Monday (12).According to the BIA, she left Sri Lanka at about 5:30 this morning onboard a Qatar Airways flight.On Saturday, the Administrator traveled to Ja-Ela, a town outside Colombo, and visited rice paddy fields where she sat down with farmers to hear about their experiences coping with fertilizer shortages, inflation, and decreased wages.The Administrator announced $40 million in new USAID development assistance, subject to Congressional approval, to provide fertilizer to approximately one million Sri Lankan farmers.On Sunday (11), Administrator Samantha Power announced an additional $20 million in humanitarian assistance to support Sri Lankans during the complex emergency that has resulted in a severe economic crisis leaving 5.7 million people in urgent need of food, agriculture, livelihood support, protection, and more. The two announcements made in Sri Lanka this weekend brings the total U.S. government assistance to Sri Lanka to nearly $240 million. On top of the USAID total contribution of $92 million, there is also $120 million from the U.S.

COLOMBO (News 1st); The Administrator of the United States Agency for International Development (USAID) Samantha Power says that it is imperative that all of Sri Lanka's creditors, most notably the People's Republic of China, cooperate in the debt restructuring process openly and on comparable terms with each other.She noted that as Sri Lanka seeks to emerge from this economic crisis, the United States – as a creditor and as a member of the Paris Club – stands ready to participate in the restructuring of Sri Lanka's debt."When debt becomes unsustainable, as it so clearly has in Sri Lanka, the stakes of that cooperation can mean the difference between life or death, prosperity or poverty," the Former US Ambassador to the UN said speaking to reporters in Colombo on Sunday (11).She also said that it is important in changing the habits that gave rise to the accumulation of such debt in the first place, not only of restructuring debt."As Sri Lanka's largest export market, I think we uniquely can appreciate the value of all that Sri Lanka has to offer, the value of Sri Lankan industry, the value of apparel, the value of its burgeoning technology sector, its burgeoning renewable efforts in energy.

COLOMBO (News 1st); The Secretary General of the Inter-Parliamentary Union Martin Chungon who arrived in Sri Lanka yesterday (11) for a two-day official visit, is scheduled to meet with Prime Minister Dinesh Gunawardena today (12).The Secretary General of the Parliament of Sri Lanka Dhammika Dasanayake is also scheduled to meet Speaker Mahinda Yapa Abeywardena and Leader of the Opposition Sajith Premadasa.The Secretary General of the Inter-Parliamentary Union Martin Chungon is scheduled to meet President Ranil Wickremesinghe tomorrow (13).The officer in charge of the airport said that Dhammika Dasanayake came to the Katunayake Airport special guest room to welcome him.

COLOMBO (News 1st); USAID Administrator Samantha Power told Sri Lankan President Ranil Wickremesighe that political reform agenda and the economic agenda go hand in hand.She said that the United States trying to engage the business community to look at Sri Lanka now and to see the opportunities that exist here.She also highlighted Sri Lanka’s vibrant private sector and said measures should be taken to unleash the potential of the private sector. "You have such an incredible private sector, such entrepreneurship.

COLOMBO (News 1st); President Ranil Wickremesinghe on Sunday (11) congratulated the unbeaten Sri Lankan Netball team after they were crowned Asian Netball Champions having defeated Singapore.Sri Lanka beat hosts Singapore 63 – 53 to clinch the Asian Netball Championships 2022.

COLOMBO (News 1st); President Ranil Wickremesinghe will be attending the fueneral of late Queen Elizabeth II in the United Kingdom, the Presidential Media Division stated.President Ranil Wickramasinghe expressed his condolences over the death of Queen Elizabeth II.President Ranil Wickramasinghe who arrived at the British High Commission met British High Commissioner to Sri Lanka Sarah Hulton and extended his condolences over the death of Queen Elizabeth II.President Ranil Wickramasinghe was welcomed by the British High Commissioner.

Newsfirst.lk on Saturday, September 10, 2022 COLOMBO (News 1st); USAID Administrator Samantha Power, who is currently on a two-day visit, said that USD 40 million will be granted to the farmers of Sri Lanka from the people of USA, in order to assist 1 million farmers in Sri Lanka.She said this new funding is expected to help farmers to obtain the agricultural necessities and fertilizer they need in time for the next harvesting season, and will also help to provide for their families and communities.The USAID Administrator is due to meet with government officials, private sector representatives, as well as farmers and other Sri Lankans most impacted by the complex emergency to discuss how their lives have been affected by the current crisis.She also met with farmers in Ja-Ela and discussed the hardships which they faced.Pointing out that the USA has a history of working with the Sri Lankan people to spur economic development to support the resilience of Sri Lankans, Administrator Power said that it had become a difficult time for farmers to continue their livelihood. Citing a World Food Program report about food insecurity in Sri Lanka, Administrator Power said that it is a consequence of the economic crisis in the country.She also emphasized that the USA stands by Sri Lankans at this time of vulnerability, and looks foward to meeting more representatives within the two day visit.Administrator Power is also due to meet with parliamentary leaders representing various parties to learn their views on how to address the economic and political crises in Sri Lanka.During her visit, the Administrator will highlight the United States’ enduring support for the people of Sri Lanka and discuss issues related to food security, fuel

COLOMBO (News 1st); The Presidential Media Division says that facilities for the newly-appointed State Ministers will be brought under the management of public expenditure. Accordingly, President Ranil Wickremesinghe has emphasized that authorities should make every effort to utilize public funds spent by the government in a frugal and efficient manner, and therefore several arrangements have been made for better management of public expenditure. Therefore, the President's Secretary has instructed all Ministry Secretaries the following steps; 1- A separate expenditure head is not allocated for state ministries. Secretaries will not be appointed for those government ministries and the most senior additional secretary should be employed among the additional secretaries of those ministries to facilitate the work of the state ministers under each scope.2- The Ministry to which the relevant State Ministers have been appointed should meet the staffing requirements from the currently approved staff.

COLOMBO (News 1st); Several Opposition MPs have taken to questioning the President on his decision taken to appoint 37 new State Ministers, and MP Ajith P. Perera pointed out that although President Ranil Wickremesinghe has stated that he has learned his lessons from the People's Protests; the 'Aragalaya', he has now appointed 37 State Ministers. Speaking to media, MP Ajith P.

COLOMBO (News 1st); Former minister Namal Rajapaksa announced that a new coalition will be established under the leadership of former Prime Minister Mahinda Rajapaksa.Speaking at an SLPP meeting held in Dedigama, the MP said that the situation today would have proven to be different if former President Gotabaya Rajapaksa implemented law against those who incited violence via social media.However, MP Rajapaksa said that he is happy that the current President Ranil Wickremesinghe is implementing the law against them, as there is a challenging period ahead of Sri Lanka. Stating that his political camp collapsed in an unexpected manner, MP Rajapaksa said that the mistake which they made was that they changed the people after promising to change the system, however let the newly appointed people function with the unchanged, old system. "There is no purpose if the President travels in a single car, if the children at villages are still travelling on bicycles.

COLOMBO (News 1st); President Ranil Wickremesinghe advised officials to revise the circulars immediately if it impedes on the implementation of development projects.The President chaired a discussion at the President's Office on Friday (09) to examine the progress of several development projects in the country based on Indian investment cooperation, said the President's Media Division.Deputy Indian High Commissioner Vinod K.

COLOMBO (News 1st); Former US Ambassador to the UN Samantha Power, who is also the Administrator for the US Agency for International Development or USAID will visit Sri Lanka on Saturday.USAID Administrator Samantha Power will make an official visit to Sri Lanka on Saturday and will remain in the country until Sunday.The purpose of the two-day visit is to discuss problems related to the prevailing economic crisis and strengthen the development partnership between the United States and Sri Lanka. She is expected to hold bilateral meetings as well.When she visited visited New Delhi in July, Ambassador Power said the Joe Biden administration and the Indian Government are “deeply concerned” by the economic collapse and crisis that has befallen the Sri Lankan people.The Administrator will meet with government officials, private sector representatives, as well as farmers and other Sri Lankans most impacted by the complex emergency to discuss how their lives have been affected and how the United States can best support them as they rebuild and recover. She will also meet with parliamentary leaders representing various parties to learn their views on how to address the economic and political crises in Sri Lanka. During her trip, the Administrator will highlight the United States’ enduring support for the people of Sri Lanka and discuss issues related to food security, fuel and essential item shortages, economic stability, and the impact of Russia’s war against Ukraine on the region.Administrator Power’s visit will underscore the United States’ commitment to addressing the urgent and intermediate needs facing Sri Lankans and to supporting a return to stability.  The Administrator will also reinforce USAID’s support for inclusive

COLOMBO (News 1st); The outgoing Russian Ambassador to Sri Lanka Yury Materiy called on President Ranil Wickremesinghe at the Presidential Secretariat on Thursday (08).Yury Materiy, who has ended his term in Sri Lanka, said that he will continue to work to strengthen the relations with Sri Lanka. He further stressed the need to enhance ties and develop the tourism industry between the two countries. President Wickremesinghe thanked Ambassador Materiy for his service rendered to Sri Lanka as the Ambassador of Russia. Ambassador Yury Materiy for his part pledged to do his utmost to foster bilateral relations between the two countries even though he is leaving Sri Lanka after completing his tenure. He also wished President Wickremesinghe the strength to take Sri Lanka out of the economic crisis and establish a stable country. President Wickremesinghe wished Ambassador Yury Materiy success in all his future undertakings and thanked him for all the assistance rendered during his tenure in Sri Lanka.

COLOMBO (News 1st); Sri Lanka has declared the 19th of September 2022 a Day of Mourning in view of the passing of Her Majesty Queen Elizabeth II.President Ranil Wickremesinghe issued the directive to the Ministry of Public Administration and Home Affairs on Friday (9).The President's Media Division also noted that the National Flag will be flown at half-mast until the 19th of September 2022.President Ranil Wickremesinghe said he was saddened to learn of the passing of Her Majesty Queen Elizabeth II. "She was a symbol of stability and endurance, and she will be greatly missed. My heartfelt condolences to the Royal Family and the people of the UK and the Commonwealth" tweeted the President.Queen Elizabeth II, the UK's longest-serving monarch, died at Balmoral aged 96, after reigning for 70 years.She died peacefully on Thursday (8) afternoon at her Scottish estate, where she had spent much of the summer.The Queen came to the throne in 1952 and witnessed enormous social change.Her son King Charles III said the death of his beloved mother was a "moment of great sadness" for him and his family and that her loss would be "deeply felt" around the world.He said: "We mourn profoundly the passing of a cherished sovereign and a much-loved mother."I know her loss will be deeply felt throughout the country, the realms and the Commonwealth, and by countless people around the world."During the coming period of mourning, he said he and his family would be "comforted and sustained by our knowledge of the respect and deep affection in which the Queen was so widely held".The King and his wife, Camilla, now Queen Consort, will return to London on Friday, Buckingham Palace said.

COLOMBO (News 1);  Sri Lankan President Ranil Wickremesinghe has instructed that all public buildings must lower the National Flag to Half-Mast in memory of Her Majesty Queen Elizabeth II, who died on Thursday (8).The President had given the instructions to the Ministry of Public Administration and Home Affairs.The President's Media Division said a period of mourning will be announced in due course.President Ranil Wickremesighe said he was saddened to learn of the passing of Her Majesty Queen Elizabeth II. "She was a symbol of stability and endurance, and she will be greatly missed. My heartfelt condolences to the Royal Family and the people of the UK and the Commonwealth," tweeted the President.

COLOMBO (News 1st); Sri Lankan President Ranil Wickremesinghe has expressed concern over the ill-health of Her Majesty Queen Elizabeth, who is also the Head of the Commonwealth. The President has wished Her Majesty Queen Elizabeth her a speedy recovery, said the President's Media Division.The Queen is under medical supervision at Balmoral after doctors became concerned for her health, Buckingham Palace has said.All the Queen's children are either at, or are travelling to, her Scottish estate near Aberdeen."Following further evaluation this morning, the Queen's doctors are concerned for Her Majesty's health and have recommended she remain under medical supervision," a statement said.The Queen is comfortable, it added.Prince Charles has travelled there with his wife, the Duchess of Cornwall.The Duke of York and the Count and Countess of Wessex are travelling to the Scottish estate, about 40 miles (64km) west of Aberdeen.The Princess Royal, Princess Anne, was already in Scotland undertaking engagements.The Duke of Cambridge is also on his way, with the Duchess of Cambridge remaining in Windsor with their children.The Duke and Duchess of Sussex, who had been in Germany, are travelling to Balmoral, a spokesperson for the couple said.The announcement comes after the Queen, 96, pulled out of a meeting of her Privy Council on Wednesday, with doctors advising her to rest.There are clearly pressing concerns for the Queen's health – much more explicitly put than before and without any reference to this only being about difficulties with mobility.There are also warnings against unfounded speculation, such as that she might have had a fall.

COLOMBO (News 1st); Samantha Power, Administrator of the United States Agency for International Development will make an official two-day visit to Sri Lanka on Saturday (10).Samantha Power was sworn into office as the 19th Administrator of USAID on May 3, 2021.Profile:Power is the first USAID Administrator to be a member of the National Security Council, where she will ensure that development plays a critical role in America’s responses to a range of economic, humanitarian, and geopolitical issues.Prior to joining the Biden-Harris Administration, Power was the Anna Lindh Professor of the Practice of Global Leadership and Public Policy at Harvard Kennedy School and the William D. Zabel Professor of Practice in Human Rights at Harvard Law School.

COLOMBO (News 1st); Sri Lanka appointed over 30 new Ministers of State on Thursday (8) at the President's Office in Colombo. The State Ministers took oaths in the presence of President Ranil Wickremesinghe.Jagath Pushpakumara – State Minister Foreign Employment Ranjith Siyambalapitiya – State Minister of FinanceLasantha Alagiyawanna – State Minister of Transport Dilum Amunugama – State Minister of Investment PromotionKanaka Herath – State Minister of TechnologyJanaka Wakkumbura – State Minister of Provincial Councils, and Local GovernmentShehan Semasinghe – State Minister of FinanceMohan Priyadarshana De Silva – State Minister of Agriculture Thenuka Vidanagamage – State Minister of Urban Development and HousingPramitha Bandara Tennakoon – State Minister of SecurityRohana Dissanayake – State Minister of Sports and Youth AffairsArundhika Fernando – State Minister of Urban Development and Housing Vijitha Berugoda – State Minister of Piriven Education Lohan Ratwatte – State Minister of Plantation Industries Tharaka Balasuriya – State Minister of External Affairs Sanath Nishantha- State Minister of Water Supply Indika Anurudhdha – State Minister of Power and Energy Siripala Gamlath – State Minister of HighwaysShantha Bandara – State Minister of Media Anuradha Jayaratne  – State Minister of Justice and Prisons AffairsS.

COLOMBO (News 1st); 36 State Ministers will take oaths in the presence of President Ranil Wickremesinghe today (8) at the President's Office. According to a Senior Cabinet Minister, 36 new State Ministers will be sworn in. A Senior Cabinet Minister also said that several MPs representing the Sri Lanka Podujana Peramuna (SLPP) are among the new State Ministers.

COLOMBO (News 1st); All the District Secretaries have been informed to make necessary preparations to face possible disaster situations.On the instructions of President Ranil Wickremesinghe, the Secretary to the President, Saman Ekanayake, has instructed the Secretary of the Ministry of Public Administration, Home Affairs, Provincial Councils, and Local Government to issue direct orders to the relevant ministries and departments.Accordingly, covering all the 25 districts, the district secretaries will coordinate the efforts while the Geology and Mines Bureau, Meteorology Department, and the Building Research Institutes will provide technical support.The Disaster Management Center under the Ministry of Defense will provide the necessary instructions to the relief service officers at the district disaster management coordination units and divisional secretariat level.All line ministries have been notified to take necessary measures to avoid emergency situations and maintain public life, as well as to provide the necessary support for the speedy implementation of necessary relief programs while maintaining the efficiency of the process at a high level, in the event of an emergency disaster situation.The 117 hotline will be operational round the clock while steps have also been taken to keep the National Disaster Relief Services Centre (NDRSC) operational 24 hours a day, the Disaster Management Center said.Those affected by disasters will be provided food, lodging, and other facilities through the NDRSC.