Sri Lanka’s four-pillar reform agenda

COLOMBO (News 1st) – The National Dengue Control Unit noted that multiple areas across seven provinces in Sri Lanka have been declared at Dengue High-Risk Zones.According to the latest data from the National Dengue Control Unit attached to the Ministry of Health Piliyandala, Homagama, Maharagama, Pitakotte, Kaduwela and Gothatuwa areas in the Colombo District have been declared as Dengue High-Risk Zones.13 MOH areas in the Gampaha District including Attanagalle, Biyagama, Divulaptiya, Ja-Ela, and Kelaniya have been declared as  Dengue High-Risk Zones.The Beruwala and Kalutara MOH areas in the Kalutara District are also Dengue High-Risk Zones.Three MOH areas in the Kandy District also are Dengue High-Risk Zones, while the same number exists in the North and Eastern provinces.Sri Lanka has recorded over 63,500 dengue cases so far in 2022, and a majority of these cases are from the Western Province.

COLOMBO (News 1st) – In recent months people were gunned down by mysterious shooters and concerns were raised on matters like how did these criminals get their hands on such weapons and who owned them.On Thursday (10) night, Sri Lanka Police arrested a man for the possession of weapons and ammunition prepared to be used in a crime in Deenagoda, Beruwala.The man was arrested close to the Berwala Railway Station for suspicious behaviour and based on the information extracted during questioning his house was searched, where the weapons and ammunition were discovered.Sri Lanka Police said they discovered a Repeater Shotgun, a 0.22 mm firearm, and a locally manufactured weapon.Police said that the locally manufactured firearm has been upgraded to be used as a sniper rifle with laser targetting.In addition, Sri Lanka Police said that the barrel used for this weapon was manufactured in Germany and was modified to fit 0.22 mm bullets.In addition to these three weapons 101 bullets compatible with a 12-bore shotgun, and 489 .022 mm bullets were found in the possession of the 49-year-old suspect.In 2018, the suspect was arrested by police on weapons manufacturing charges.

COLOMBO (News 1st) – The U.S. Department of the Treasury’s Office of Foreign Assets Control (OFAC) designated two business associates of a sanctioned al-Qa’ida financial facilitator and external operations plotter. The two individuals designated today are Mohamad Irshad Mohamad Haris Nizar and Musab Turkmen, who conducted businesses activities to assist Ahmed Luqman Talib (Talib), who was previously designated by OFAC for facilitating the international movement of individuals and finances in furtherance of al-Qa’ida’s objectives. Australian authorities arrested Talib on March 25, 2021, and days later charged him with plotting incursions into foreign states for the purpose of engaging in hostile activities.“Treasury is taking this action to further disrupt a transnational al-Qa’ida financial facilitation and operational plotting network,” said Under Secretary of the Treasury for Terrorism and Financial Intelligence Brian E.

COLOMBO (News 1st) – Seven newly appointed Ambassadors and a High Commissioner to Sri Lanka presented their credentials to President Ranil Wickremesinghe at the Presidential Secretariat on Friday (11).Accordingly, His Excellency Mr. Federico Salas Lotfe, the Mexican Ambassador to Sri Lanka, His Excellency Mr.

COLOMBO (News 1st) – Authorities in Vietnam have reported that the skipper of the large migrant boat that was rescued by its Navy was not among those who were rescued.Vietnam media quoting the rescued Sri Lankans reported that the captain of the iron-hulled ship LADY R3 abandoned the boat after it started drifting at sea, and then did not return.A border guard commander of Ba Ria – Vung Tau province had also confirmed the information.A Sri Lankan man had reportedly said that his group had traveled from Sri Lanka to Myanmar and from there they had boarded the LADY R3 boat to travel to Canada by sea.It is unclear if all 303 Sri Lankans traveled together or in groups to Myanmar, and how they made it to Myanmar, as investigations are pending.Before 303 Sri Lankan citizens were rescued by the Helios Leader Vessel on the afternoon of November 6th, their ship had been stalled for nearly 40 hours, unable to maneuver and was drifting freely. On the afternoon of November 8th, when the SAR 413 vessel from the Vietnamese Coast Guard organized to welcome the 303 Sri Lankan citizens from the Helios Leader vessel to shore, initially four men got off the ship, the rest refused to get off despite the persuasion of the Honorary Consul of Sri Lanka, who took an entire hour to pursuade them to leave the Japanese freighter.At this time, the authorities considered the option for these four people to return to the Helios Leader, but they refused and said that if they returned, they would be beaten. Thereafter, all 303 Sri Lankans were taken off the Helios Leader in batches and brought ashore.For humanitarian reasons, the Ba Ria – Vung Tau Provincial Command for Natural Disaster Prevention and Control and Search and Rescue has arranged for 303

COLOMBO (News 1st) – The Sri Lanka Police Special Task Force arrested a 27-year-old man from Thamankaduwa, Gallella for possessing 118 stones believed to be gems.The STF said that the raid was carried out on the Akkaraipattu main road following an intelligence tip received by the officials of the Kalavanchikudi camp.Therefore, 188 stones of various colours suspected to be gems were seized from the possession of the suspect.In addition, a Gemstone Testing and Identification device were taken into custody.

COLOMBO (News 1st) – Several civil organizations visited the Chinese Embassy in Colombo to request China to support Sri Lanka's debt restructuring efforts.However, the Chinese Embassy in Colombo reportedly refused to accept the letter from the civil organizations.The Liberal Democratic Youth Collective, The Sarvapakshika Aragalakaruwo (A movement formed after the people's struggle) and several other groups visited the Chinese Embassy in Colombo to request China to support Sri Lanka's debt restructuring efforts.Sri Lanka Police did not allow the activists to approach the Embassy and hand over the letter.

COLOMBO (News 1st) – A Sri Lankan court on Friday (11) imposed a travel ban on State Minister of Tourism Diana Gamage.The Colombo Chief Magistrate ordered to prevent the State Minister from travelling overseas until the 17th of December 2022.The case filed against the citizenship of the State Minister was called up via a motion that was filed by Attorney Gunaratna Wanninayake and several other counsels.On Thursday (10) the Colombo Chief Magistrate's Court ordered the OIC of the Criminal Investigations Department to immediately investigate whether State Minister Diana Gamage is remaining in Sri Lanka without a valid visa, and submit a progress report to the court on the 15th of December.Attorney Gunaratna Wanninayake told reporters outside the court that attempts were made earlier to undermine this investigation.

COLOMBO (News 1st) – Sri Lanka's Defence Secretary General Kamal Gunaratne during an inspection visit made to the CSD Headquarters in Katubedda on Thursday (10) noted that in addition to the three-armed forces and the police, the Civil Security Department (CSD) also contributed a lot for the dawn of peace, that the people rejoice today.The Defence Secretary while addressing CSD staffers recalled the hardships experienced during the conflict also mentioned the dedicated service rendered by the former CSD members during the battle to eradicate terrorism from the island.  “Those pointed their finger towards the armed forces during the recent turmoil weren’t aware of the hardships their parents had gone through during terrorist war”, he said citing several recent incidents.

COLOMBO (News 1st) – Indian High Commissioner to Sri Lanka Gopal Bagley and the US Ambassador to Sri Lanka Julie Chung were seen at the Lanka IOC Terminals in Trincomalee together accompanied by diplomatic staff on Thursday (10).The Indian High Commission in Colombo said that the diplomats were welcomed by the staff at Lanka IOC who briefed the two diplomats on its operations that contribute to energy security of Sri Lanka.The Indian High Commissioner also flagged off the first delivery of Lanka Super Diesel from the Trinco Terminal for Sri Lankan market. 

COLOMBO (News 1st) – The National Fertilizer Office says that a cargo vessel carrying 22,000 MT of fertilizer is scheduled to arrive in the country from Malaysia next week.The Director of the National Fertilizer Office Chandana Lokuge says that the relevant fertilizer will be used for the maha season cultivationEarlier, 13,000 MT of Urea fertilizer was brought to Sri Lanka and the relevant fertilizer was distributed to farmers across the country.

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

COLOMBO (News 1st) – The ‘Muthu Raja’ tusker at the Kande Viharaya Temple in Aluthgama was handed over to the Thailand Embassy in Sri Lanka to be sent overseas for treatment.‘Muthu Raja’ is one of the two tuskers which were donated to Sri Lanka from Thailand by former President Chandrika Bandaranaike Kumaratunge, ‘Muthu Raja’ will be sent to Thailand for treatment.The tusker was at the Kande Viharaya Temple in Aluthgama for the past 25 years and fell ill several times.The tusker's feet and legs were covered with fertilizer bags in recent times after wounds were reported on its feet.On Wednesday (9) Thai Embassy Officials visited the tusker to inquire into its current condition.The tusker will be flown to Thailand after being kept at the Dehiwala Zoological Garden for a few days of treatment.

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

COLOMBO (News 1st) – A Backbench Business Committee debate on the UK response to the human rights and economic situation in Sri Lanka took place on Wednesday (9) in the House of Commons chamber.UK MPs called for Sri Lanka to cut down on its military spending to overcome the economic crisis.UK MP Elliot Colburn noted that for Sri Lanka to be rescued, it needs to reduce its military spending, which stands at $1.86 billion per annum. "All of Sri Lanka’s projections for emerging out of the economic crisis are predicated on the country retaining its generalised scheme of preferences and trade concession. That annual trade concession is worth more than $500 million and has boosted Sri Lanka’s exports to EU member states over the years," said the MP adding that however, Sri Lanka has failed to meet the key labour and human rights requirements for receiving that preferential treatment, and the EU recently issued a warning that it is set to lose its concession if it continues to ignore its obligations. "As a key stakeholder at the IMF, the UK Government should propose conditions on any IMF financial assistance for Sri Lanka during the current economic crisis, including that Sri Lanka should carry out a strategic defence and security review to reduce its military spending, remove the military from engaging in commercial activities, meet the criteria for GSP+, and re-engage with the UNHRC process.

COLOMBO (News 1st) – Sri Lanka's Supreme Court on Thursday (10) ordered for the converner of the Inter-University Student's Federation Wasantha Mudalige to be produced to a Magistrate immediately.In addition, the Supreme Court also ordered for Mudalige to be produced to the Judicial Medical Officer of the Karapitiya Hospital.Wasantha Mudalige is being detained under the Prevention of Terrorism Act for 90-days, and the orders were made when a Fundamental Rights application challenging his detention was taken up on Thursday (10).The application was called up in the presence of Justices Vijith Malalgoda, and S.

COLOMBO (News 1st) – Sri Lanka's Criminal Investigations Department will conduct investigations on all complaints related to ragging, announced Sri Lanka Police on Thursday (10).Sri Lanka Police said that the Chief of Police had ordered the CID to conduct future investigations concerning three separate complaints on ragging as per the provisions of the Code of Criminal Procedure.Sri Lanka Police said that a second-year student from the University of Kelaniya was assaulted by three students from a union and the victim had filed a complaint with the Kiribathgoda Police.In addition, six fellow students who are said to have instructed the aforementioned students to file the complaint had been detained at the student dormitory, questioned and beaten by another group of students, and a complaint on the matter was filed with the Kiribathgoda Police, said a statement from Sri Lanka Police.Further, a complaint has been filed with the Peradeniya Police over committing ragging by directing pornographic material to a student at the University of Peradeniya via social media.Sri Lanka Police said that the Inspector General of Police had instructed all senior officers that the CID will conduct investigations on future complaints on ragging, and police stations are required to forward such complaints to the CID.

COLOMBO (News 1st) – The Colombo Chief Magistrate's Court ordered the OIC of the Criminal Investigations Department to immediately investigate whether State Minister Diana Gamage is remaining in Sri Lanka without a valid visa, and submit a progress report to the court on the 15th of December.The order was made when a case filed challenging the citizenship of Diana Gamage was taken up in court on Thursday (10).Attorney Gunaratna Wanninayake told reporters outside the court that attempts were made earlier to undermine this investigation.

DigiLocker can be used as a health locker for storing and accessing health records such as vaccination records, doctor prescriptions, lab reports, hospital discharge summaries etc New Delhi: DigiLocker, the authentic documents exchange platform under the Ministry of Electronics and Information Technology, has completed its second-level of integration with Ayushman Bharat Digital Mission (ABDM), the National Health Authority (NHA) said on Thursday. The secure cloud-based storage platform of DigiLocker can be used now as a health locker for storing and accessing health records such as vaccination records, doctor prescriptions, lab reports, hospital discharge summaries etc, stated NHA. DigiLocker had earlier completed level 1 integration with ABDM wherein the platform had added ABHA or Ayushman Bharat Health Account creation facility for its 13 crore users.

COLOMBO (News 1st) – The Department of Motor Traffic says that the printing of driver's licenses will resume from next Monday (14).Commissioner General of the Department of Motor Traffic Nishantha Weerasinghe says that nearly 500,000 cards were imported to Sri Lanka on Tuesday (8).Due to the lack of cards, nearly 600,000 people were inconvenienced and driving licenses were issued on paper as a temporary measure.

COLOMBO (News 1st) – Sri Lanka's Supreme Court in its determination on the Value Added Tax (Amendment) Bill noted that subject to the amendments being moved at the Committee Stage of Parliament as proposed by the learned Deputy Solicitor General, the Bill as a whole is not inconsistent with the provisions of the Constitution.The Value Added Tax (Amendment) Bill was challenged in the Supreme Court in terms of Article 121(1) of the Constitution.The amendments are as follows:(i)Clause 3 The insertion of the following proviso in Section 10(1)— “Provided further, for the purposes of paragraph (vii), the requirement for the registration shall raise from the date on which this Amendment Act comes into operation.”(ii)Clause 4(1) The reference to “September 30, 2022” to be deleted and substituted with “November 30, 2022”.(iii)Clause 4(2) The reference to “October 1, 2022” to be deleted and substituted with “December 1, 2022”.

COLOMBO (News 1st) – World Bank Group President David Malpass has affirmed the World Bank Group’s support to Sri Lanka in rebuilding their economy & creating a foundation for sustainable private sector-led growth, said the President's Media Division.President Ranil Wickremesinghe met World Bank Group President David Malpass at COP27 where discussions focused on the challenging macro-economic and social situation in Sri Lanka.Sri Lankan President Ranil Wickremesinghe returned to the country on Thursday (10) concluding his visit to Egypt where he attended the COP-27 summit.President Ranil Wickremesinghe held discussions on debt management with the Managing Director of the International Monetary Fund (IMF) Kristalina Georgieva, Finance Minister of Ghana Ken Ofori-Atta and Speaker of the People’s Majlis of the Maldives Mohamed Nasheed on the sidelines of COP27.President Ranil Wickremesinghe addressing the COP 27 Climate Change Conference in Sharm El-Sheikh, Egypt said that unbridled industrialization of the developed countries is the root cause of climate change, leaving the poor to suffer the consequences.

COLOMBO (News 1st) – Sri Lanka's Ministry of Foreign Affairs said that it continues to monitor the progress of the passengers of Sri Lankan origin who were rescued and bought to the Port of Vung Tau in Viet Nam on 08 November 2022.The Ministry of Foreign Affairs informed the Sri Lanka Navy that they had received information about a vessel carrying approximately 303 persons believed to be Sri Lankans which was in distress in the waters between the Philippines and Viet Nam on 07 November 2022.  Sri Lanka Navy having contacted the vessel, informed that the crew had abandoned the vessel with the passengers onboard. On the initiative of the Ministry of Foreign Affairs in coordination with the Sri Lanka Navy and the Sri Lanka Missions in the Philippines, Singapore and Viet Nam together with the regional Maritime Rescue Coordination Centers (MRCC) based in Singapore, the rescue efforts were coordinated, said the Foreign Ministry.Subsequently, the Japanese-flagged vessel, “Helios Leader”, having been contacted by the Singapore MRCC, rescued the passengers from the distressed vessel. The passengers were handed over to Viet Nam authorities at Vung Tau Port in South Viet Nam.The screening of the passengers will be done by the International Organization for Migration (IOM) in coordination with the Viet Nam authorities and the Sri Lanka Embassy in Viet Nam.

COLOMBO (News 1st) – Department of Meteorology says that the low-level atmospheric disturbance in the South-east of Sri Lanka has intensified into a low-pressure area. It is likely to develop further during the next 24 hours. Therefore, rainy conditions over most parts of the Island will expect to enhance. Cloudy skies can be expected in Northern, North-Central and Eastern provinces.Showers or thundershowers will occur at times in Eastern, Uva, Northern and North-Central provinces and the Matale district.Showers or thundershowers will occur elsewhere during the afternoon or night.Heavy showers above 100 mm can be expected at some places in Northern, North-Central Eastern, Sabaragamuwa and Southern provinces.The general public is kindly requested to take adequate precautions to minimize damages caused by temporary localized strong winds and lightning during thundershowers.The Low-level atmospheric disturbance in the South-east of Sri Lanka has intensified into a low-pressure area. It is likely to develop further during the next 24 hours and very likely to move northwestwards towards the Northern coast of Sri Lanka.Naval and fishing communities are advised not to venture into the deep and shallow sea areas off the coast extending from Batticaloa to Mannar via Trincomalee and Kankasanturai.Condition of Rain:Showers or thundershowers will occur at times in the sea areas off the coast extending from Pottuvil to Mannar via Batticaloa, Trincomalee and Kankasanturai. Showers or thundershowers will occur in other sea areas around the island during the afternoon or night. Winds:Winds will be North-easterly or variable in direction. Wind speed will be (20-30) kmph.

COLOMBO (News 1st) – Former Minister of Public Security, Rear Admiral (Retd.) Sarath Weerasekara on Wednesday (9) criticized the decisions taken by the Gotabaya Rajapaksa government.Weerasekera was a minister under then-President Gotabaya Rajapaksa, and he told Parliament that despite explaining to the former President the need to involve the people to overcome the economic crisis, those pleas fell on deaf ears."I questioned the cabinet if our foreign policy was neutral, why can't we purchase oil from Russia? I was told that it cannot be done cause of American pressure," said the MP from the Sri Lanka Podujana Peramuna.He said a failed foreign policy angered China, Russia, and even Japan and Gotabaya Rajapaksa had to flee the country because he did not implement Sri Lanka's foreign policy properly."He did not accept the advice on the economy. He worked against all economic principles.

COLOMBO (News 1st) – Sri Lankan President Ranil Wickremesinghe on Tuesday (7) launched his country’s ‘Climate Prosperity Plan’ at the UN Climate Change Conference in Sharm el Sheikh (COP27), together with Bangladesh, Ghana, and Maldives who are also preparing such plans aimed at emboldening growth despite an increasingly climate insecure world.The Sri Lankan Climate Prosperity Plan (CPP) is a roadmap to attract foreign investment in Sri Lanka’s economy to boost economic growth and employment, while also accelerating climate adaptation and bringing down the country’s greenhouse gas emissions as it transitions towards net negative emissions.President Wickremesinghe spoke alongside Ghana’s President Nana Akufo-Addo, and Maldivian Vice President Faisel Naseem.Compared to a Business As Usual scenario, Sri Lanka’s Climate Prosperity Plan is expected to deliver an economic growth rate that is 1% per year higher, resulting in GDP that is 34% higher by 2050.The Sri Lankan plan sets a target of increasing Sri Lanka’s renewable energy generation from 35% to 70% by 2030. The transport, forestry, water and tourism sectors have similarly ambitious aims.

COLOMBO (News 1st) – Sri Lanka Police once again blocked a protest organized by the Aragalaya (struggle) activists.The police stopped a group of activists who arrived at Galleface Green to celebrate the 9th of November as the "Day of the Aragalaya" But despite police obstacles, the crowd lit lamps in remembrance of the struggle. However, when they were in the middle of a reglious event to remember those in the Aragalaya police officers were seen shoving the activists and moving them our of the pavement on Galle Face Green.Police suggested the activists move to the road located between Galle Face Green and the Galle Face Hotel, however the activists refused to do so and this led to a heated situation.Activists were protesting against the use of the draconian Prevention of Terrorism Act, and demanded the immediate release of student activists Wasantha Mudalige and Venerable Galwewa Siridhamma Thero who were detained under the PTA and are being held for 90-days.

COLOMBO (News 1st) – Sri Lanka detected its second case of Monkeypox on Wednesday (9), confirmed the country's Health Ministry.It is reported that the second person to have been tested for Monkeypox is a Sri Lankan who returned from Dubai recently.On the 4th of November 2022, Sri Lanka's health ministry reported the first case of monkey pox in the country.Sri Lanka detected its first case of Monkeypox on 4th November 2022,  after a 20-year-old man who returned to Sri Lanka from Dubai on the 1st of November tested positive.He had consulted a doctor for treatment due to suspicions that he may have contracted a social disease, and his samples were sent to the Medical Research Institute in Colombo where it was confirmed that he had Monkeypox.He is currently being treated at the National Institute of Infectious Diseases in Colombo.What is Monkeypox?Monkeypox is a viral zoonosis (a virus transmitted to humans from animals) with symptoms similar to those seen in the past in smallpox patients, although it is clinically less severe. With the eradication of smallpox in 1980 and subsequent cessation of smallpox vaccination, monkeypox has emerged as the most important orthopoxvirus for public health.

COLOMBO (News 1st) – British MPs will hold a debate on the UK response to the human rights and economic situation in Sri Lanka on Wednesday (9).Elliot Colburn, Sarah Olney, Sir Stephen Timms and Theresa Villiers have put forward this debate  The Backbench Business Committee meets weekly on Tuesdays to consider requests for debates from any backbench Members of Parliament on any subject. The Committee then has to decide how to allocate the limited Parliamentary time it has at its disposal.

COLOMBO (News 1st) – Sri Lanka's Criminal Investigations Department is investigating a human trafficking ring where Sri Lankan women who travel to Oman to work as domestic aides are auctioned and sold to work as escorts.Police Spokesperson & Attorney SSP Nihal Thalduwa told News 1said that a team of detectives led by two ASPs visited Oman to conduct the investigation.Multiple foreign employment agencies are sending young girls and women to Oman promising them employment as domestic aides, and most of them had used tourist visas to enter the middle-eastern country.Detectives uncovered that when the group reaches Oman, they are lined up according to their age and appearance and auctions and sold to engage in sexual activity."I was sexually abused inside a room. I am not afraid to reveal this to the CID and the Foreign Employment Bureau.

COLOMBO (News 1st) – US Ambassador to Sri Lanka Julie Chung met with the Easter Province Governor Anuradha Yahampath on Tuesday (8).The Governor noted that the Ambassador during the discussion stressed the US will support Sri Lanka's debt restructuring program."The Ambassador said that the US will provide assistance and facilities for to secure a successful debt restructuring program, and IMF program. She said that we will have to make some tough decisions.

COLOMBO (News 1st) – A special search operation carried out by the Navy in Duwa area, Negombo on 08th November 2022 made way for the seizure of over 2448kg of smuggled Kendu Leaves, 02 lorries, 01 dinghy and apprehension of 02 suspects.Sri Lanka Navy conducts regular operations to prevent a wide range of illegal activities stemming from the coastal areas of the island. In a similar effort, SLNS Parakrama in the Western Naval Command searched 02 lorries parked in Duwa area, during a special search operation conducted on 08th November, upon receipt of information to the Naval Intelligence.Following inspection of the vehicles, led to the recovery of about 1580kg and 940g of Kendu Leaves in 48 packages loaded in the lorries with the intention of distribution.

COLOMBO (News 1st) – In an unusual rescue operation in the South China Sea on Monday (7) , a migrant vessel attempting to make a transpacific voyage was rescued off the coast of Vietnam.More details about this dramatic rescue have surfaced following revelations made by the Vietnamese media.Migrant vessels are frequently rescued off Cuba, Haiti, Libya and Turkey, but these are generally small, improvised craft on regional journeys. The Myanmar-flagged trawler Lady R3, saved by a good samaritan ship off the coast of Vietnam yesterday, was none of these things. This substantial steel-hulled fishing vessel was attempting to make it all the way from Myanmar to Canada – another 6,000 nm away on a Great Circle route  – in order to deliver more than 300 Sri Lankan nationals to a new country. Vietnamese authorities in the southern province of Ba Ria-Vung Tau, in coordination with representatives from the Sri Lankan Consulate General in Ho Chi Minh City, have welcomed more than 300 Sri Lankans who were saved by a Japanese freighter, after their boat faced a serious incident in the waters off the Vietnamese town.No injuries were reported, and Helios Leader transited to Vung Tau's sea buoy in order to meet up with the Vietnamese Coast Guard and transfer the survivors.At 8:30 p.m.

COLOMBO (News 1st) – A coordinated operation carried out by the Sri Lanka Navy and Sri Lanka Coast Guard in the sea area southeast of the Delft Island, Jaffna in the wee hours of 09th November 2022, led to the seizure of Kerala cannabis weighing over 458kg (wet weight) from a dinghy. Sri Lanka Navy and Coast Guard regularly conduct search operations and patrols in the island’s waters to ward off illegal activities taking place via sea routes.As an extension of these efforts, the Coast Guard Craft CG 402 attached to the Northern Naval Command, searched a suspicious dinghy in the sea area southeast of Delft Island on 09th November. The search led to the seizure of about 458kg and 900g (wet weight) of Kerala cannabis in 18 packages and the apprehension of 02 suspects and the dinghy used for the act of smuggling.The gross street value of seized Kerala cannabis held in this operation is believed to be more than Rs.

COLOMBO (News 1st) –  Archaeologists in Egypt have discovered an ancient hidden tunnel beneath a temple that they hope leads to the long-lost tomb of Queen Cleopatra.The massive tunnel was discovered by an Egyptian-Dominican archaeological research team from the University of Santo Domingo in the area of the Temple of Tapozeris Magna, just west of Alexandria, Egypt’s Ministry of Tourism and Antiquities announced last week.Located about 40 feet below ground, the tunnel is about 6.5 feet high from ceiling to floor and runs for nearly a mile long at 4,281 feet, according to Dr. Mustafa Waziri, Secretary-General of the Supreme Council for Archaeology.A preliminary study of the tunnel suggests that it’s similar in construction to the Jubilinos tunnel in Greece, but longer.Previous excavations at the temple site led to the discovery of coins bearing the names of both Queen Cleopatra and Alexander the Great as well as statues of the Egyptian goddess Isis, according to the ministry’s post.Some believe that the tunnel could lead to the undiscovered tomb of Cleopatra, who lived between 69 B.C.

COLOMBO (News 1st) – A delegation headed by the National Hydrographer of the United Kingdom, Rear Admiral Rhett Hatcher called on Commander of the Navy, Vice Admiral Nishantha Ulugetenne at the Navy Headquarters yesterday (8).The cordial discussion among them mainly focused on several matters about hydrography. The occasion was also attended by the Chief Hydrographer of the Sri Lanka Navy and Joint Chief Hydrographer to the Government of Sri Lanka, Rear Admiral Prasad Kariyapperuma and Defence Advisor at the British High Commission in Colombo, Colonel Paul Clayton.The cordial discussion drew to a close with an exchange of mementoes between the Commander of the Navy and the National Hydrographer of the United Kingdom.

COLOMBO (News 1st) – Senior Advisor to the President on National Security and Chief of Staff of the President Sagala Ratnayake met with Faris Hadad-Zervos, the World Bank Country Director for Maldives, Nepal and Sri Lanka on Tuesday (8).He recalled that Faris Hadad-Zervos, the World Bank Country Director for Maldives, Nepal and Sri Lanka was amazed by the action policy and the vision of President Ranil Wickremesinghe which was revealed during their meeting recently.The WB Country Director also expressed his willingness to support the President’s vision. “The president’s vision for the country includes some measures that go beyond what the IMF or WB has stipulated.

COLOMBO (News 1st) – The construction work of the West Container terminal of the Colombo port began on Wednesday (9). The Secretary of the Ministry of Ports and Shipping K.D Ruwanchandra said that the construction work was launched in the presence of the Indian Commissioner to Sri Lanka Gopal Bagley and the Minister of Ports and Shipping Nimal Siripala De Silva. India’s Adani Group signed a build-operate-transfer (BOT) agreement with its local partner John Keells Holdings PLC and the Sri Lanka Port Authority (SLPA) on 30 September 2021, to develop the West Container Terminal (WCT) in Colombo.The signing event for the $700 million was held virtually, and 51% of shares of WCT will be vested with Adani Group.Colombo Port is particularly significant for India, as it handles roughly 40 percent of transshipped container cargo bound for the Indian market.Operations of the West Container Terminal will be carried out by a new joint company named the West Container International Terminal.51% of WCT will be with Adani Group, 34% with John Keells and 15% with Sri Lanka Ports Authority.

COLOMBO (News 1st) – The United Nations (UN) team in Sri Lanka and non-governmental organisations have today revised and extended their joint Humanitarian Needs and Priorities (HNP) Plan, which aims to provide life-saving assistance to 3.4 million people amid Sri Lanka’s worst economic crisis since independence.Since June, the HNP has been responding to the Government's request for UN-backed multi-sector support for Sri Lanka's debt and food and medicine shortages. Governments and donor agencies have helped the humanitarian community reach over 1 million of the country's most vulnerable people with cash, food, school meals, medicine, protection, and livelihood support. The HNP aligned with appeals from other UN agencies has raised US $79 million for Sri Lanka thanks to landmark support from the U.S and USAID, Australia, and Japan including JICA, the UN Central Emergency Relief Fund (CERF), as well as Canada, Denmark, Norway, New Zealand, Italy, EU, Switzerland, France, and with additional support from the UK, Germany, Thailand, Sweden, Georgia, Latter Day Saint Charities and private individuals and organizations including Brandix Apparels Ltd, Hemas Holdings PLC, Dilmah Ceylon Tea Company PLC, Daraz (Alibaba Group), Amana Bank PLC and the Citi Foundation. The HNP's revision extends the plan through 2022 and requires US $70 million in additional funds to reach a total of US $149.7 million."We are immensely appreciative of the solidarity the international community has shown with the people of Sri Lanka, including through their generous contributions to the HNP.

COLOMBO (News 1st) – The Public Utilities Commission of Sri Lanka (PUCSL) approved 2-hour power cuts from 9th – 13th November as follows;Group ABCDEFGHIJKLPQRSTUVW: 1-hour during the day 1-hour during the night

COLOMBO (News 1st) – The United Nations Office for the Coordination of Humanitarian Affairs revealed that around 7 million Sri Lankans require assistance following the economic crisis.It went on to note that  Sri Lanka continues to face a multidimensional crisis compounded by food insecurity, threatened livelihoods, shortages of vital medicines, as well as rising protection concerns. The economic crisis is the worst since Sri Lanka’s independence in 1948 and is having humanitarian consequences for the most vulnerable people in the country. A 40 per cent reduction in agricultural outputs in the 2021/2022 Maha and a 5per cent reduction during the 2022 Yala seasons have further exacerbated the situation.

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

COLOMBO (News 1st) – Sri Lankan President Ranil Wickremesinghe proposed to establish an International Climate Change University in Sri Lanka with an ancillary institute in the Maldives to counter obstacles in implementing climate action plans.He was speaking at the COP-27 Conference in Egypt on Tuesday (8), and noted that the institution would be the first of its kind in the world."This seat of learning can be a global centre for green and blue studies, for scientists, environmentalists, researchers, policymakers, development practitioners, and students the world over to inter-change knowledge, transcending national and disciplinary boundaries," said the President.He went on to note that the envisaged climate change university will offer both short-term courses, and post-graduate academic awards to build capabilities on mitigating and adapting to climate change and stressed on the collaboration of multilateral institutions and organizations such as the Commonwealth, World Bank and the Asian Development Bank amongst others needs to be sought for the establishment of the institute of higher learning making it a multi-stakeholder partnership transcending national boundaries. "It is my hope that Sri Lanka's proposal will receive extensive support and endorsement from the international community.

COLOMBO (News 1st) – A Vietnamese rescue ship had docked alongside a Japanese ship to bring more than 300 Sri Lankans in distress ashore on Tuesday (8).According to reports from Vietnam, the Vietnamese Coast Guard vessel SAR 413 of the Center for Maritime Search and Rescue Coordination Area 3 approached the fishing boat LADY R3311.According to a border guard commander of Ba Ria – Vung Tau province, at 6 pm on November 6th, when the fishing boat arrived in the Truong Sa archipelago, it broke water and drifted into the sea, the ship sent a distress signal.On November 7th, the Japanese cargo ship Helios Leader en-route from Japan to Singapore approached the distressed vessel and brought all 305 Sri Lankan citizens and sailors on board and proceeded to Vung Tau where it was met by the Vietnamese Coast Guard.The Vietnamese functional forces boarded the Herios Leader Vessel, a vehicle carrier, anchored off the coast of Vung Tau to receive the more than 300 Sri Lankans.It is reported that the Sri Lankans were saved by the crew aboard the Herios Leader Vessel.Accompanying the delegation on board the ship SAR 413 were representatives of the Sri Lankan Embassy in Vietnam.

COLOMBO (News 1st) – President Ranil Wickremesinghe met Na Kyung- Won, Special Presidential Envoy for Climate and Environment and Head of the Korean delegation, on the sideline of COP 27 in Egypt on Monday (07).While appreciating the efforts taken by Sri Lanka to address the challenges of Climate change, Na Kyung- Won also commended Sri Lanka for the measures taken to reduce carbon emissions despite the country already having a low carbon emission rate.President Wickremesinghe stressed that capacity building is vital for climate action to be successful. From this perspective, he desires to establish an International Climate Change University in Sri Lanka, higher learning, multi-stakeholder institution which strengthens people’s capacities. The President said that he has already held a discussion with the Commonwealth Secretariat and the ADB in this regard and he looks forward to receiving the support and endorsement of the international community.

COLOMBO (News 1st) – The second total lunar eclipse of 2022 will turn the moon a reddish-copper colour for 85 minutes on Nov. 8, 2022.Sri Lanka will be able to witness this spectacle from 5 PM to 7 PM on that day.Often colloquially called a Blood Moon, a total lunar eclipse, happens as the full moon (in this case November's full Beaver Moon) moves into the deep umbral shadow of the Earth and receives only light first filtered by Earth's atmosphere, will be visible from North America and parts of South America, Asia, Australia and New Zealand. A partial lunar eclipse will be visible from Iceland, parts of South America, south and central Asia and Russia.

COLOMBO (News 1st) – The Republic of Korea through the Food and Agriculture Organization of the United Nations is investing USD 1.2 million to strengthen shrimp aquaculture in Sri Lanka. The investment is part of a global project implemented by FAO in Sri Lanka with a total investment of USD 3.9 million.The project will be implemented over a three-year period to ensure effective biosecurity in shrimp aquaculture through digital technology. Through the project, FAO will build national capacity on various aspects of health management, biosecurity, food safety, and analysis of biosecurity systems and establish robust, disease early warning and monitoring systems that will support the sustainable development of the shrimp aquaculture sector.The spread of diseases continues to be a constant constraint to sustainable aquaculture development, limiting yield, reducing profit and preventing investment. Improving the biosecurity of the aquaculture sector will enable countries to grow more food efficiently, increase incomes, improve resilience, and reduce vulnerability to the impacts of higher food prices and other threats to national food security.Speaking at the inception of the project, the Korean Ambassador to Sri Lanka, Santhush Woonjin Jeong stated “Sri Lanka is rich in human and natural resources.

COLOMBO (News 1st) – The National Child Protection Authority has launched a separate investigation into an incident where grade 5 students from a school in Millaniya were brutally beaten for allegedly stealing money from a school teacher.Sri Lanka Police is also investigating the incident.Several Grade Five students from the Millaniya Primary School in Horana were accused of stealing money from the bag of a school teacher and were punished by the school teachers, and the teachers themselves handed over the students to the local police.Parents allege that students were taken away by police intimidated by electric shock treatment inside the Police Jeep, and dropped back at the school.The National Child Protection Authority summoned the police officers in question, the principal and the teachers to record their statements for the investigations.Two boys who were victims of the abuse told News 1st that the police officers took them away in a jeep and threatened them with electric shocks to reveal the truth, and thereafter dropped them back at school.