Sri Lanka revise National Consumer Price Index

(Reuters) – Sri Lanka and India will sign a pact to link their power grids and start negotiations on an upgraded trade agreement within two months, a Sri Lankan diplomat said on Wednesday (15), as the island nation seeks a way out of its worst economic crisis in decades.India has provided some $4 billion in assistance to its southern neighbour since the crisis hit early last year, but Sri Lanka is now seeking to enhance trade and investments as it moves to close a $2.9 billion loan from the International Monetary Fund, the country's envoy to New Delhi told Reuters."We have to have growth, otherwise basically the economy will shrink," Milinda Moragoda, the Sri Lankan High Commissioner to India said."As far as growth is concerned, India offers that prospect. So we will have to move on that.

Indian Minister of Commerce and Industry, Piyush Goyal on Tuesday (14) met Sri Lanka's High Commissioner Milinda Moragoda and discussed support for economic recovery through bilateral trade expansion.During the discussion between Minister Goyal and High Commissioner Moragoda, which was held in a very cordial manner, a wide range of issues pertaining to the areas of bilateral trade and commerce, particularly aiming at the economic recovery in Sri Lanka, was discussed, read High Commission of Sri Lanka press release.Mechanisms relating to the expansion of bilateral trade, the ways to establish and promote rupee trade between Sri Lanka and India as a means of economic recovery in Sri Lanka, and the possibility of further bilateral integration in the textiles and garment sector were among the key issues discussed between the Indian Commerce Minister and the Sri Lankan High Commissioner.Moragoda thanked India for the unprecedented support that it has extended to Sri Lanka to mitigate the negative impact of the economic crisis.Recalling India's timely issuance of financial assurances to the IMF, the first creditor to do so, High Commissioner Moragoda emphasized the key role that India could play in the recovery phase of the Sri Lankan economy, added the press release.India sent financing assurances to the International Monetary Fund (IMF), becoming the first of Sri Lanka's creditors to officially back the crisis-hit island nation's debt restructuring programme.This takes Sri Lanka one step closer to getting a crucial USD 2.9-billion package from the IMF, made contingent on "receiving financing assurances from Sri Lanka's official creditors and making a good faith effort to reach a collaborative agreement with private

COLOMBO (News 1st); Postal Voting for the upcoming Local Government Election will go ahead as planned on the 22nd, 23rd, and 24th of February 2023, confirmed the Chairman of the National Election Commission Attorney Nimal Punchihewa on Wednesday (15).He said that the distribution of the ballot papers for Postal Voting was delayed, though the distribution process was scheduled to commence on Tuesday (14).However, the Government Printer said that an issue arose regarding the provision of the ballot papers for the Postal Vote due to funding issues.In the meantime, the National Election Commission and the Government Printer had engaged in a series of talks and based on those discussions the Government Printers is expected to deliver the ballot papers for postal voting in the coming days.Moreover, Election Monitors have decided to take legal action against the conduct of the Government Printer for failing to deliver the ballot papers.Election Monitors said that the Government Printer has taken an unconstitutional decision to not deliver the ballot papers.Rohana Hettiarachchi, the Executive Director of the People's Action for Free & Fair Elections (PAFFREL) said the National Election Commission must also take legal action against the Government Printer.Secure packages containing the ballot papers for postal voting were to be handed over to Sri Lanka Post on Wednesday (15), however as the ballot papers were not delivered, the process was suspended indefinitely as per a decision reached by the National Election Commission on Tuesday (14). 

WASHINGTON - The pace of consumer price increases eased again in January compared with a year earlier, the latest sign that the high inflation that has gripped Americans for nearly two years is slowly easing.At the same time, Tuesday’s consumer price report from the government showed that inflationary pressures in the U.S. economy remain stubborn and are likely to keep prices elevated well into this year.

COLOMBO (News 1st); Three 16-year-old boys were arrested for beating a 34-year-old man to death with a helmet in Aluthgama.Sri Lanka Police said that the incident took place at the Kurundippita Junction in Galmatte, Aluthgama.The three teenagers had beaten to man to death with their helmets over a verbal dispute.Sri Lanka Police said that the victim succumbed to his injuries en route to the hospital, and he was identified as a resident of Walagedara, Kurundippita.a

High Commissioner of Sri Lanka to India, Milinda Moragoda met with the Finance and Corporate Affairs Minister of India Smt. Nirmala Sitharaman on Tuesday (14) at the Ministry of Finance in New Delhi, as the latest of a series of meetings he has had with her since November 2021.The meeting between the Finance Minister of India and the High Commissioner of Sri Lanka took place just ahead of the first meeting of the G20 Finance Ministers scheduled to be held on 24-25 February 2023 in Bengaluru, chaired by Minister Sitharaman.During the discussion, High Commissioner Moragoda once again thanked Minister Sitharaman for the unprecedented emergency assistance that India has extended to Sri Lanka and for the timely issuance of India’s financial assurances to the International Monetary Fund, concerning the country’s debt restructuring process.The High Commissioner also thanked India and Minister Sitharaman for the assistance being provided to Sri Lanka in the present economic recovery phase, in particular for the necessary regulations and approvals that are being set in place to facilitate rupee trade between the two countries. The discussion also focused on the ways and means to utilize the available resources in the 1 billion USD Indian line of credit to import urgently required essential pharmaceuticals, which are in short supply in Sri Lanka.

COLOMBO (News 1st); A 43-year-old man was gunned down in Elpitiya on Tuesday (14) night.Sri Lanka Police said that a gunman had entered a store in Uragaha, Elpitiya and opened fire at the victim.A police investigation is underway.

LITCHFIELD PARK, Ariz. - The Wildlife World Zoo in Arizona welcomed a new addition, and he’s an endangered one.A pygmy hippo gave birth to a healthy baby boy this Valentine’s Day, and now a pair of pygmy hippos are adjusting to being new parents.Baby Bubbles is starting to get the hang of walking while sticking close to his mother, Nessie.The story began two years ago when Nessie met Tootsie Roll."Well this is a love story that’s a couple years in the making. Once Nessie got pregnant, she was pregnant for about 8 months" says Kristy Hayden, Wildlife World Zoo director.Nessie used to be the only pygmy hippo at the zoo."We needed a male pygmy hippo with important genetic lineage because it’s important when creating a breeding program to have genetic diversity," she explained.When Tootsie Roll was first introduced to Nessie, it wasn’t quite love at first sight.

ATLANTA, GEORGIA - FEBRUARY 03: Bruce Springsteen performs onstage during the Bruce Springsteen and The E Street Band 2023 tour at State Farm Arena on February 03, 2023 in Atlanta, Georgia. (Photo by Paras Griffin/Getty Images) PHILADELPHIA - "The Boss" is coming to The Bank this summer!Bruce Springsteen And The E Street Band announced Tuesday that Philadelphia has been added to their 2023 International Tour.The music icon will take the stage for two shows scheduled for August 16 and 18 at Citizens Banks Park, Home of the Philadelphia Phillies.MORE HEADLINES:"Born To Run," "Prove It All Night," and "Wrecking Ball" are all on the 28-song set list for Springsteen's first North American show in seven years.Tickets for the Philadelphia shows will go on sale at 10 a.m.

COLOMBO (News 1st); Sri Lankan Opposition Leader Sajith Premadasa said that any agreement inked by Sri Lanka must be transparent.Premadasa was speaking at the SJB Economic Summit 'The Blue Print' in Colombo on Tuesday (14), and said the International Monetary Fund agreement is integral to Sri Lanka to come out of bankruptcy."Where we will differ is the way we negotiate, the substance, and the issues. We will be taking a pro-people, pro-business approach, he said.Sajith Premadasa also went on to note that the present executive presidency, together with the Prime Minister has manipulated and connived to prevent the election from being held, because they lack a mandate.The Opposition Leader said that the SJB will work with everyone, and not do anything that is detrimental to the interest of any country."What we will do is, we will promote our national interests.

 COLOMBO (News 1st); The Sri Lankan who died in the earthquakes in Turkiye on the 6th of February was buried in Hatay/Antakya in Turkiye, confirmed the Ministry of Foreign Affairs on Tuesday (14).The Embassy of Sri Lanka in Ankara had been working to ascertain the welfare of the sixteen Sri Lankans who were living in the area affected by the earthquake and tremors, in coordination with the  Türkiye authorities. It was confirmed that 15 of them, contacted by the Embassy are safe, while a Sri Lankan female who was living in Hatay/Antakya Province in Türkiye, was reported missing. The Embassy was able to confirm the fate of the Sri Lankan concerned and also noted the unfortunate death of the missing Sri Lankan.The identity of the deceased Sri Lankan is withheld at the request of the family. Burial of the human remains of the deceased already took place in Hatay/Antakya, in line with regulations imposed by the health authorities, said the Foreign Ministry.Death toll from earthquakes went past 37,000.

COLOMBO (News 1st); The Walana Anti-Vice Unit arrested a man for the possession of a pair of elephant tusks.Police said that the suspect was preparing to sell the elephant tusks for approximately Rs.

COLOMBO (News 1st); Sri Lanka has not been able to make payments for two coal shipments that reached the Island.Shehan Sumanasekara, the Chairman /MD of Lanka Coal Company (Pvt) Ltd said that the two shipments reached the country on Friday (10), and Saturday (11), and it has not been able to settle the payments.The coal shipment that reached Sri Lanka before these two shipments were unloaded on Monday (13).The Chairman /MD of Lanka Coal Company (Pvt) Ltd said though the Ceylon Electricity Board made a certain amount of funds available on Monday (13), it was not sufficient for coal procurement.

South Carolina man who was one number away from the Powerball jackpot donated his $150,000 lottery prize to charity, lottery officials said.The South Carolina Lottery said the Greenville man, who wants to remain anonymous, bought a quick pick ticket for the Jan. 16 Powerball drawing.

COLOMBO (News 1st); Sri Lanka's Cabinet of Ministers approved the proposal to ban the importation, domestic manufacture, sale and local use of a series of plastic products with effect from 1st of June 2023.The decision comes based on a recommendation made by the Committee of Experts that was appointed to inquire into Single Use Plastic/ Polythene Control Proposals regarding the import, domestic production, sale and local use of 7 Single Use Plastic/Polythene products.The following plastic products will be banned from June• Single-use plastic drinking straws and stirrers • Single-use plastic plates, cups (except yoghurt cups), spoons, forks and knives, including yoghurt spoons made of plastic • Plastic garlands • String Hopper moulds made of plastic  

COLOMBO (News 1st); Sri Lanka's Cabinet of Ministers on Monday (13) granted approval to import eggs to Sri Lanka from India.A Senior Government Minister said that permission was granted on the recommendation that the imported eggs do not contain bird flu.Accordingly, permission was granted to import eggs for a period of two months.The Senior Government Minister said the imported eggs will not be released to the local market, instead would be directly sent to industries that use eggs on mass scale.

COLOMBO (News 1st); Sri Lanka has decided to create several new Elephant Corridors in an attempt to solve the Human Elephant Conflict.The Ministry of Wildlife and Forest Resources Conservation said that the elephant corridors will be constructed by clearing certain sections of forest lands that have been designated to be used to solve the Human Elephant Conflict.Wildlife Secretary R. M.

Philadelphia police are investigating the fatal shooting of a man in Oxford Circle on Wednesday night.  PHILADELPHIA - Philadelphia police are investigating the fatal shooting of a man in Oxford Circle on Wednesday night. Minutes after 7:30 p.m., officers responded to the 5300 block of Sylvester Street for reports of a shooting. When officers arrived, they say they found a 32-year-old man on the front porch suffering a gunshot wound to the head. Medics pronounced the victim dead on scene, according to police. Chief Inspector Scott Small says four spent shell casings were found next to the victim's body, alongside two handguns.

Read more: Is your valentine a chatbot? Experts urge caution amid rising AI scams Read next: Part of the Sun breaks free and forms a strange vortex, baffling scientists Central Park in Burnaby, has become a matchmaking corner for parents, replicating a phenomenon seen in some cities in China.On the weekend before Valentine’s Day, there were 20 to 30 parents mingling. Organizer Terry Wang says in summer, there are more than 100.The park is where magic happens, says Wang, “if you come here believing in the power of love.”Wang said in a Mandarin interview that he has been running the “off-line dating site” since last summer.

COLOMBO (News 1st); Japanese Government has decided to award a grant of USD 38 Million for an uninterrupted essential and emergency health service, said Cabinet Spokesperson Minister Bandula Gunawardena on Tuesday (14).Speaking to reporters during the weekly briefing to announce Cabinet Decision, the Minister said under Japan's Economic and Social Development Programme to Sri Lanka the funds will be made available for the purchase of fuel, especially diesel, which is of paramount importance to the country's health sector.

COLOMBO (News 1st); Three leading local car dealers have decided to recall a large number of vehicles over faulty airbags and for upgrades.The Commissioner General of the Department of Motor Traffic Nishantha Anurudhdha Weerasinghe told News 1st that discussions are underway with all other dealers to rectify the faulty airbag issue.Millions of vehicles ranging from a variety of makes and models across the world are being recalled due to faulty airbags made by a Japanese auto parts maker.The Commissioner General of the Department of Motor Traffic Nishantha Anurudhdha Weerasinghe told News 1st that vehicles that fall under the recall category are currently in use in Sri Lanka.He said that a special meeting will take place on Tuesday (14) with local car dealers to address the issue.It has now been confirmed that vehicles with defective airbags that can increase the risk of injury, fail to protect occupants, or cause a driver to crash have been sold across the world, and these include Sedans and SUBs.Although vehicles belonging to the relevant make and models have been recalled overseas to rectify the issue, in Sri Lanka, those vehicles continue to operate in the streets.The Commissioner General of the Department of Motor Traffic Nishantha Anurudhdha Weerasinghe said that local vehicle importers have decided to recall 47 vehicle models with faulty airbags to rectify the issue.These include the following:Honda: 33 Models from 9 vehicle types Mitsubishi: 8 Models from 3 vehicle types Toyota: 6 ModelsHowever, across the world, over 100 vehicle models have been recalled to rectify the airbag issue, and they include the following:Mazda: 7 vehicle categories Benz: 10 vehicle categories Mitsubishi: 6 vehicle categories Subaru: 5

COLOMBO (News 1st); Sri Lanka's Cabinet of Ministers on Monday (13) approved a proposal submitted by President Ranil Wickremesinghe aimed at reducing the difficulties faced by the people and providing immediate relief in the face of the current economic situation.Accordingly, the Cabinet has approved a measure to provide 10 kg of rice to 02 million low-income families each in March and April. This will provide immediate relief to families in need and help improve their overall well-being.It has also been decided that the gratuity arrears owed to 18,000 retired government servants will be paid out in instalments using liquid cash.

COLOMBO (News 1st); Sri Lanka has announced a certified price for paddy purchasing during the Maha Cultivation Season.Agriculture Secretary Gunadasa Amarasekera speaking to News 1st said that the Finance Ministry has issued the relevant circular for this purpose.Accordingly, a kilogram of paddy with moisture will be purchased for Rs. 88/- and a kilogram of dry paddy will be purchased for Rs.

COLOMBO (News 1st); The National Council informed officials of the Ceylon Electricity Board and the Public Utilities Commission of Sri Lanka hold discussions before the Public Utilities Commission takes the final decision on the 15th of February regarding the electricity tariff.Accordingly, the officials of both parties agreed to meet this afternoon (13) for the purpose of discussing this matter.The Chairman of the Electricity Board said that if the required percentage is not allowed to be increased in a background where the Electricity Board is demanding a 60% increase in electricity tariffs, it will have to face a serious crisis. Accordingly, he pointed out that due to the lack of money even to import coal in the future, there is a risk for longer power cuts.The officials of the Public Utilities Commission said that arrangements are being made to announce the final decision on the electricity increase on the 15th of February.

(Reuters) – Officials from China, India, Saudi Arabia and Group of Seven nations will participate in a first virtual meeting of a new sovereign debt roundtable on Friday, the International Monetary Fund said on Monday, confirming an earlier Reuters report.The roundtable will also include officials from countries that have requested debt treatments under the Group of 20 common framework – Ethiopia, Zambia and Ghana – as well as middle-income countries such as Sri Lanka, Suriname and Ecuador, which have faced their own debt crises, three sources had earlier said.The meeting will be co-chaired by the IMF, the World Bank and India, the current leader of the Group of 20, and comes a week before G20 finance officials are due to gather in Bengaluru, India, from Feb. 23-25.

(FOX 2) - Michigan Congresswoman Elissa Slotkin said while much remains unknown about the object that was shot down by the U.S. military over Lake Huron this weekend, it was not a national security concern.Amid speculation the latest sighting was from a foreign government after a Chinese balloon determined to be used for spying was downed by the U.S.

Ottawa.Fire crews say the explosion Monday morning leveled multiple homes under construction in the suburb of Orleans.Paramedics say one man has been sent to hospital in stable condition. Read more: Ottawa mayor seeks funding help to cover shortfalls from provincial housing bill Read next: Part of the Sun breaks free and forms a strange vortex, baffling scientists Ottawa Fire Services say firefighters used chainsaws to cut through the wreckage to rescue one person, who was in stable condition and talking.Ottawa police say roads are closed in the area.Police are directing people displaced by the explosion to two nearby meeting points.@OttFire Firefighters used chainsaws to cut through a large amount of debris & have rescued one person from the wreckage.

BUCKS COUNTY, Pa. - The death of a 3-month-old baby girl has sparked an investigation in Bucks County, according to authorities.Chief of Police says the baby died Friday after being transported to St. Mary's Medical Center from a "location in Lower Southampton Township."No further details regarding what led to the 3-month-old's death have been released.MORE HEADLINES:An investigation is underway by detectives and the Bucks County coroner. This is a developing story.

Colombo (News1st) – The National Election Commission said on Monday (13) that the Government Printer has stated that if funds are not provided ballot papers will not be printed, posing a fresh hurdle to the upcoming Local Government Elections scheduled to be held on the 9th of March.There was no immediate comment from the Government Printer.Opposition parties have repeatedly accused the government of attempting to prevent the elections from being held, while government officials have continuously stated that there is a shortage of funds for the elections due to the country's economic situation.There is also a case currently before the Supreme Court with regard to the elections that has been scheduled to be taken up on the 23rd of February.

A whistleblower who raised concerns about Covid-19 at a Health Service Executive-run nursing home in 2020 has spoken publicly for the first time at an event calling for a public inquiry into the handling of the virus in Irish nursing homes.

COVID — a move doctors and advocates say is a crucial first step to better understanding, treating and destigmatizing a growing problem.The new fee code came into effect on Jan. 13.

COLOMBO (News 1st); The strike launched by a group of Railway workers was called off on Monday (13) afternoon.A group of Railway Drivers had launched a trade union action citing that an officer at Sri Lanka Railways had instituted disciplinary action against a group of fellow railway workers.The General Manager of Railways said that the strike was called off following a discussion.Indika Dodangoda – Convener of the Union Federation to Uplift Sri Lanka Railways – told News 1st that the strike was called off following a reasonable solution being provided to the issue. However, 23 train operations were cancelled on Monday (13) morning due to the strike.A large number of people who were hoping to return to work following the weekend were severely inconvenienced due to a strike action launched by a group of Train Drivers on Monday (13) morning.A large number of commuters put their lives on the line as they were seen clinging to the trains to get to work.A group of Train Drivers had decided to go on an unannounced strike on Monday (13) morning against the conduct of a Work Supervisor who was very strict concerning the time reporting to work, and time leaving work.

An initial shipment of 600 metric tons of fortified rice funded by the U.S. Agency for International Development (USAID) arrived in Sri Lanka last week to support the Government of Sri Lanka’s national school meal program.According to a Crop and Food Security Assessment Mission report by U.N.’s World Food Program (WFP) and the Food and Agriculture Organization, nearly thirty percent of the Sri Lankan population is currently facing food insecurity.

COLOMBO (News 1st); Sri Lanka Police arrested 31 people from Biyagama for the possession of Party Drugs.They were arrested while partying at a hotel in Bandarawatte, Biyagama and the gathering was organized via Facebook.The suspects are residents of Mattakkuliya, Mutuwal, Wellampitiya, Maradana, Grandpass, Peliyagoda and Kelaniya.The suspects will be produced to the Mahara Magistrate's Court.

COLOMBO (News1 st) – Can the old forests of Sri Lanka be restored to its former glory keeping in mind the economical benefits it provided to humans living among it? News 1st's Dhisal Kapuge files this report in hopes of finding answers to that question. WATCH FULL VIDEO:  

COLOMBO (News 1st) – A Custom official said that 206 Live star tortoises were being smuggled out of Sri Lanka to Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia.The star tortoises were seized by Sri Lanka Custom's Biodiversity, Cultural and National Heritage Protection Division on Saturday(11) at the BIA based on intelligence.The tortoises were placed inside six boxes labeled "Dried Sea Foods" after being placed inside cloth sacks. 

COLOMBO (News 1st) – A massive rescue operation to save 14 beached pilot whales was underway in the coastal town of Kalpitiya, Sri Lanka.The pilot whales had washed up on the Kudawa beach in Kandakuliya early on Saturday (11).Three of the whales were confirmed dead by Sri Lanka Police.Efforts to rescue the remaining 11 were underway, led by Sri Lanka Navy, police, and wildlife officers. 

COLOMBO (News 1st); The World Food Program in a recent report has revealed that the vulnerable households in Sri Lanka are bearing the brunt of the food crisis.According to the December assessment results, 33% of households are food insecure. In 2019, food insecurity levels in the country stood at 9.1%.

COLOMBO (News 1st); The petition filed by Retired Sri Lanka Army Colonel W. M.

COLOMBO (News 1st); General Sahir Shamshad Mirza, NI (M), the Chairman of the Joint Chiefs of Staff Committee of Pakistan called on President Ranil Wickremesinghe in Colombo on Friday (10).General Sahir Shamshad Mirza  arrived in Sri Lanka for a three day visit.Recalling the long-standing close relationship between Sri Lanka and Pakistan as friendly countries, the President joined General Zaheer Shamshad Mirza and others in a cordial conversation.General Sahir Shamshad Mirza also presented a momento to President Wickremesinghe.

NHS Ayrshire & Arran’s Covid-19 Therapeutic Service has surpassed a major milestone - after being in operation for more than a year.

COLOMBO (News 1st); Sri Lanka's Supreme Court has granted permission for the 2023 Local Government Election to go ahead as planned by the National Election Commission.The Supreme Court had noted that the National Election Commission is bound to protect the people's franchise.Further, the Supreme Court noted that orders were not necessary on the matter as the National Election Commission had already undertaken to hold the Local Government Election in terms of the Law.The matter was taken up in the presence of Supreme Court Justice S. Thurairaja, A. H.

COLOMBO (News 1st); General Sahir Shamshad Mirza, NI (M), the Chairman of the Joint Chiefs of Staff Committee of Pakistan arrived in Sri Lanka for a three day visit.The visiting General and his entourage arrived in the island at the cordial invitation extended by the Chief of Defence Staff (CDS) General Shavendra Silva WWV RWP RSP VSV USP ndc psc MPhil. Commencing the official tour in Sri Lanka, General Sahir Shamshad Mirza, NI (M) visited the Office of the Chief of Defence Staff where the visiting General was formally received in a colourful Guard of Honour, accorded on his behalf by the troops of the Sri Lanka Army. Chief of Defence Staff General Shavendra Silva and General Sahir Shamshad Mirza dedicated time for the discussions highlighting the importance of continued close relations between the two friendly nations and recalled the past memories and assistance readily extended to Sri Lanka, particularly during the height of the combat against the LTTE terrorism and remembered the bonds of understanding and goodwill that prevails between two forces throughout the years. Further, CDS conveyed his gratefulness to the Pakistan Defence Forces for the support extended to the defence sector of Sri Lanka in numerous means such as training and modern military equipment to the Sri Lankan Armed Forces. At the same time, CDS thankfully emphasized the assistance extended during the disastrous situations and stated that he looked forward to continuing the strong ties in the same spirit in the future as well.As the cordial discussions drew to a close, General Shavendra Silva symbolized the existing sound working relations by presenting a special memento to the Chairman Joint Chiefs of Staff Committee, Pakistan while wishing him all

COLOMBO (News 1st); The application filed with the Supreme Court seeking an order to suspend all activities related to the Local Government Election will be taken up on Friday (10).Retired Sri Lanka Army Colonel W. M.

Bloomberg: The International Monetary Fund said its approval for a $2.9 billion loan to bail out crisis-riddled Sri Lanka will depend on the island nation securing assurances on debt relief from its bilateral creditors.“Sri Lanka continues to engage with official bilateral creditors to obtain financing assurances and also continues to advance domestic reforms,” an IMF spokesperson said in a statement on the progress of its Extended Fund Facility to the South Asian nation. “As soon as adequate assurances are obtained and remaining requirements are met, including by the Sri Lankan authorities, the EFF arrangement for Sri Lanka can be presented to the IMF’s Executive Board for approval.”The Paris Club – an informal group of rich western creditors — and India have provided formal support to the multilateral lender for the loan recast, leaving China — Sri Lanka’s biggest lender — as a holdout.

COLOMBO (News 1st); The bodies of two women were discovered in a house in Peraghamulla, Ginigathhena.Sri Lanka Police said that a mother and her daughter were found dead inside a house in Peraghamulla, Ginigathhena.Neighbours had informed Sri Lanka Police that the mother and daughter were not seen for days, and a foul odour was emitting from the residence.Accordingly, the police discovered the two bodies on Thursday (9) morning.A 50-year-old woman and her 30-year-old daughter were identified as the deceased individuals.Sri Lanka Police said that the deceased woman's husband and son were employed in Colombo.

COLOMBO (News 1st); Former Sri Lankan Minister A. H. M.

COLOMBO (News 1st); The Colombo Chief Magistrate's Court pointed out to the Criminal Investigations Department that MP Diana Gamage can be arrested as it appears that she had violated the Immigration and Emigration Law.Colombo Chief Magistrate Prasanna Alwis pointed out the matter to the CID when a private plaint filed by Lakmal Herath was taken up for consideration. The complaint filed with the court notes that MP Diana Gamage is NOT a Sri Lankan Citizen and that she is a British Citizen.