Sri Lanka’s Human Rights Commission supports PTA abolishment

WASHINGTON - Clogged U.S. ports are being given access to nearly $450 million in federal money from President Joe Biden's infrastructure law as part of the administration's recent stepped-up efforts aiming to ease supply chain congestion and lower prices for American consumers.Transportation Secretary Pete Buttigieg on Wednesday announced the availability of the first batch of competitive grants for ports that will be double last year's amount annually for five years.

COLOMBO (News 1st); Private Bus operators in Sri Lanka say that they only have fuel that is sufficient for another two days.General Secretary of the All Ceylon Private Bus Owners Association Anjana Priyanjith told reporters on Wednesday (23) that private bus operators are finding it difficult to source diesel.“A bus can accommodate around 160 – 200 liters of Diesel. So, this will only last for another two days,” he warned.He urged authorities to instruct filling stations to prioritize the issuance of fuel for Private Buses.At the same time, a Sri Lanka Transport Bus operating from Colombo to Matara stalled mid-way and stopped in the Kalutara Town as it ran out of fuel.Bus workers told News 1st that diesel was sourced from a depot close by, and the passengers were moved to a different bus.

COLOMBO (News 1st); Sri Lanka’s Court of Appeal has affirmed the death sentence imposed by the Colombo High Court on a painter who was found guilty of murdering late Journalist Melicia Gunasekera.The Attorney General had filed indictments against Anthony Ramson George, a painter, on three separate counts for forcibly entering the residence of Melicia Gunasekera on the 2nd of February 2014, committing burglary and stabbing her to death.In the indictment filed by the Attorney General, the first count is under 436 of the Penal Code.

COLOMBO (News 1st); Sri Lanka’s Energy Minister Udaya Gammanpila told Parliament on Wednesday (23) that importing fuel has become a challenge.“Over 50% of our export revenue is used to purchase fuel for the country,” he said, adding that at the Emergency Cabinet Meeting on Tuesday (22) the Treasury Secretary instructed the Bank of Ceylon to release funds for a tanker with Diesel.He admitted there is a shortage of Diesel in the country as the CPC restricted its Diesel supplies to the filling stations over the past 5 days, due to the payment issue for the tanker with Diesel at the Colombo Port.“Since December 20th, the global crude oil prices have increased by 38%. However, Sri Lanka did not increase prices.

COLOMBO (News 1st); The Samagi Jana Balavegaya, one of the main opposition factions in Sri Lanka has filed a special petition with the Supreme Court challenging the proposed Surcharge Tax Bill that was presented to Parliament.The Government on Tuesday (22) presented the proposed Surcharge Tax Bill to Parliament.The special application challenging the Bill was submitted by the General Secretary of the Samagi Jana Balavegaya and it seeks a Supreme Court ruling to term the Bill as inconsistent with the constitution.The Bill, which imposes a retrospective one-time surcharge tax of 25% on persons and companies with a taxable income over Rs. 2 billion for the year 2020/2021, was presented by Leader of the House Minister Dinesh Gunawardena on Tuesday (22).The Bill was drafted in keeping with the proposal in the 2022 Budget to impose a one-off 25% surcharge tax on individuals or companies earning taxable income more than Rs.

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COLOMBO (News 1st); Commander of the Sri Lanka Navy, Vice Admiral Nishantha Ulugetenne who is currently in Pakistan on an official visit, called on the Chief of Naval Staff of Pakistan, Admiral M Amjad Khan Niazi at the Pakistan Navy Headquarters on 22nd February 2022.At the invitation of his Pakistan Navy counterpart, Commander of the Navy, Vice Admiral Nishantha Ulugetenne left for Pakistan on 21st February on a formal visit and he is accompanied by the President of Navy Seva Vanitha Unit, Chandima Ulugetenne in this official visit.Beginning his itinerary, the Commander of the Navy visited the Pakistan Navy Headquarters where he was warmly received by the Pakistan Navy Chief in accordance with naval traditions.The ensuing discussion between them focused on several matters of regional security and bilateral importance.The Pakistani Naval Chief highlighted Pakistan Navy initiatives for ensuring maritime security and peace in the region through Regional Maritime Security Patrols.The visiting Admiral appreciated and acknowledged the Pakistan Navy’s efforts and commitments in support of collaborative maritime security in the region.The Commander of the Sri Lanka Navy was also briefed on Pakistan Navy operational capabilities.It is expected that the ongoing visit of the Commander of the Sri Lankan Navy will further enhance bilateral collaboration between the two countries.The cordial discussion came to an end with an exchange of mementos, marking the significance of this occasion.

ELVERSON, Pa. - A Chester County high school is feeling a strong push to change its mascot that many argue is an offensive characterization of Native Americans. More than 50 people showed up to a meeting Tuesday night and many joined online as Twin Valley High School Senior Arden Wolfe continued her two-year campaign to switch the school's ‘Raider’ mascot. "It just kind of portrays harmful stereotypes of Native Americans," Wolfe said. "I think it is really important to represent Native Americans in a good way and not use people as mascots."She isn't alone, Wolfe has collected thousands of signatures on an online petition that moves to upend the Raider namesake and the imagery associated with it. A Twin Valley High School Senior is leading the charge to get the school's Raider mascot changed.

COLOMBO (News 1st): The supply of electricity will be disrupted for over 4-hours on Wednesday (Feb. 23), as requested by the Ceylon Electricity Board (CEB) and approved by the Public Utilities Commission of Sri Lanka.Accordingly, Groups A, B, and C will experience power cuts for 4 hours and 40 minutes.All other groups will experience power cuts for 4 hours and 30 minutes.The PUCSL announced the power cut schedule for today (23)…The Ceylon Electricity Board pointed out that this situation has arisen due to the lack of sufficient fuel stocks for the generation of 541 MW of power at plants.According to the CEB, the Kerawalapitiya Power Plant has been inactive since yesterday afternoon, due to the shortage of Diesel.The Kelanitissa Power Plant also halted operations due to the Diesel shortage, Andrew Navamuni, the spokesperson for the Ceylon Electricity Board told News 1st.Furnace Oil was pumped to the Sapugaskanda Power Station yesterday, adding that this fuel stock will be used to generate electricity today (23), he noted.

COLOMBO (News 1st); The Public Utilities Commission of Sri Lanka has announced a power cut schedule for Wednesday (23).Groups A, B, and C will experience power cuts for 4 hours and 40 minutes.All other groups will experience power cuts for 4 hours and 30 minutes.Find out what time your local area will experience a power cut following the tables below:

COVID-19 data Tuesday, which shows the number of people in hospital with the disease declined over the long weekend.A post on the chief medical officer of health’s Twitter account Tuesday afternoon stated a network change over the weekend caused unintended IT issues. As a result, “only ballpark figures” were released.According to the estimated numbers, there are now about 1,380 people being treated in hospital with COVID-19, a drop from 1,494 patients in Alberta hospitals on Friday.The number of people being treated for COVID-19 in intensive care units also dropped — from 116 patients Friday to about 95 Tuesday.It’s not known how many deaths were reported to Alberta Health over the long weekend.

Isabelle Jacques, the Assistant Deputy Minister, Financial Sector Policy Branch at the Department of Finance, said Tuesday during a finance committee meeting on the trucker protests that she wasn’t aware of any situation that banks would notify an account holder prior to their account being frozen under the Emergencies Act.

Conservative MP Greg Mclean, during a finance committee meeting on the trucker protests on Tuesday, argued that the freezing of an individual’s bank account is fundamentally against their rights according to the Canadian Charter of Rights and Freedoms.

ISLAMABAD (News 1st) – Vice Admiral Nishantha Ulugetenne, Commander of the Sri Lanka Navy, called on Pakistani Prime Minister Imran Khan on Tuesday (22).The prime minister stated that Pakistan attaches immense importance to its relations with Sri Lanka as a reliable friend and partner.Fondly recalling his visit to Sri Lanka in February 2021, the prime minister reaffirmed the strong fraternal bonds between the two countries and Pakistan’s desire to comprehensively upgrade bilateral relations in all fields.Imran Khan added that security and defense cooperation had been a key component of Pakistan-Sri Lanka relations and a factor of peace and stability in the region.He said that he looked forward to the visit of Sri Lankan leadership to Pakistan.Vice Admiral Nishantha Ulugetenne underlined the close cooperative ties between the two countries and expressed gratitude for Pakistan’s support at international and regional fora.

Middlesex-London Health Unit reported four deaths and 190 lab-confirmed COVID-19 cases from Saturday through to Tuesday, though case counts are considered an under-estimate due to testing restrictions and widespread transmission.London Health Sciences Centre, meanwhile, is caring for 64 inpatients with COVID-19, nine of whom are in adult critical care.As noted, LHSC is caring for 64 COVID-19 inpatients, with nine inpatients in adult critical care. Last Tuesday, LHSC was caring for 79 COVID inpatients with 17 adults in the ICU. Of the 64, there were seven patients in Children’s Hospital, with five or fewer in pediatric critical care.

COLOMBO (News 1st); Sri Lanka’s Environment Minister Mahinda Amaraweera assured that there will be no fuel price increase, following a special cabinet meeting this evening.He said fuel prices will be maintained at their prevent rates, despite global prices hitting a new high.The Minister said the meeting was centered on ensuring a continuous supply of electricity & fuel to the people and payment was released on Tuesday (22) for the fuel ship that arrived in Colombo.He also said the cabinet in unison agreed that there should be no shortage in the supply of fuel.Further, the government has agreed to pay the money owed by the Ceylon Electricity Board to the Ceylon Petroleum Corporation, said the Minister.“The CPC will receive a sum of approximately Rs. 80 Bn from the banks,” he added.

COLOMBO (News 1st); The Public Utilities Commission of Sri Lanka has announced a power cut schedule for Wednesday (23).Groups A, B, and C will experience power cuts for 4 hours and 40 minutes.All other groups will experience power cuts for 4 hours and 30 minutes.Find out what time your local area will experience a power cut : ltst-23-02-2022-Power-interruption-schedule

DETROIT (FOX 2) - A 5-year-old boy is among three who were killed in an unthinkable tragedy over the weekend in Detroit and, according to the boy's, he was shot execution-style.The little boy, named Caleb, was found murdered inside a home Sunday on Evergreen Rd and Fenkell St. along with a man and woman.According to Detroit Police, a family member hadn't heard from Caleb or his mother, Lashon Marshall, went to the home to check on them.

COLOMBO (News 1st); 200 buses that were taken out of service were repaired and re-added to the passenger transportation under the patronage of President Gotabaya Rajapaksa at the Presidential Secretariat premises on Tuesday (22).The project was implemented based on a concept of State Minister of Vehicle Regulation, Bus Transport Services and Train Compartments and Motor Car Industry Dilum Amunugama and under the guidance of Transport Minister Pavithra Wanniarachchi.The importation of buses was also suspended along with the restriction on the importation of vehicles.Accordingly, steps were taken to repair the dilapidated buses as a solution to the shortage of buses and in order to save foreign exchange.Under the first phase of the project, 273 buses were repaired and added to the bus fleet in December 2020.Under the second phase, 200 buses that were completely out of service at 107 depots across the country were repaired at a cost of Rs. 136 million.The project is being carried out by Sri Lanka Transport Board (SLTB) depots and Lakdiva Engineering Company with the full support of the Sri Lanka Public Transport Employees Union.The President inspected the standard of the buses, engaged in conversation with the SLTB employees.

Long COVID risks are real and such complications will be a part of our future regardless of which variant one has been infected with, World Health Organisation (WHO) has clarified last week. And as studies are being conducted on the topic, more facts regarding its symptoms and severity are coming to light. Recent researches have revealed that post-COVID complications increase the risks of heart ailments, vasculitis and other severe diseases. Apart from symptoms like brain fog, shortness of breath, loss of smell and taste that are commonly known, many patients are also complaining of skin-related issues that might be a cause of concern. 

LOS ANGELES - Explicit Los Angeles jailhouse recordings of Hannah Tubbs, the 26-year-old trans child molester who received a slap on the wrist last month after pleading guilty to molesting a 10-year-old in 2014, depict her admitting it was wrong to attack a little girl but gloating over the light punishment.She boasted that nothing would happen to her after he pleaded guilty due to Democrat District Attorney George Gascón's policies and laughed that she won't have to go back to prison or register as a sex offender. She also made explicit remarks about the victim that are unfit to print.The county's top prosecutor said in a statement that he became aware after Hannah Tubbs' sentencing about "extremely troubling statements she made about her case, the resolution of it and the young girl that she harmed."Hannah Tubbs began identifying as female after being arrested in connection with a 2014 child molestation case, according to prosecutors.

COLOMBO (News 1st); Sri Lanka’s Supreme Court has informed the Parliament that the Special Goods and Services Tax Bill should be passed with a 2/3 majority and a referendum.

COLOMBO (News 1st); Sri Lanka’s Court of Appeal on Monday (21) issued an order temporarily preventing the construction of a 4-lane elevated highway from the New Kelani Bridge to Athurugiriya, across the Thalangama Wetlands.The Thalangama (Talangama) wetlands are an environmental protection area and a biodiversity hotspot in a rapidly urbanizing environment.The Minister of Highways and officials were prohibited from engaging in any form of construction in the Wetlands, without submitting a proper Environment Impact Assessment report, to the Court of Appeal.The Road Development Authority and the RDA Director General were ordered by the Court to explore an alternative site for the construction of the elevated highway and report to the court via a report on or before the 31st of March 2022.The orders were made by Justice Sobhita Rajakarunwa after considering a petition filed by one R. M.

COLOMBO (News 1st); The global digital platform (GDP) prepared by the National Science Foundation for Sri Lankan expatriates and emigrants in the world was launched on Monday (21) at the BMICH.The National Science Foundation (NSF) embarked upon constructing an instrument with technical support from the SLASSCOM to harness this potential, and a state-of-the-art global digital platform with the requisite capabilities and features to mobilise the expatriates for national development has now been developed.More than 950 Sri Lankans around the world are currently connected to this network.The GDP of the NSF will facilitate effective harnessing, mobilising, and channeling intellectual assets at home and abroad ― the most precious and treasured resource in a knowledge economy –– for development.This will enable Sri Lanka to address and resolve high-priority national needs and concerns while making the most of the opportunities and natural resources available in order to transform Sri Lanka into a developed nation.A Memorandum of Understanding (MOU) was also signed between the National Science Foundation (NSF) and the Sri Lanka Association of Software and Service Companies (SLASSCOM) for a broader purpose, including enhancing higher education and its capacity building, enhancing educational collaboration and research collaboration.

COLOMBO (News 1st); Sri Lanka had advised its citizens to avoid all non-essential travel to Ukraine, due to the current situation surrounding tensions between world powers in the region.The Government of Sri Lanka is closely monitoring the situation in Ukraine in the context of recent developments.The Sri Lanka Embassy in Ankara, concurrently accredited to Kyiv, is in close contact with the over forty Sri Lankan nationals, including fourteen students, residing in Ukraine, with a view to ensuring their safety and welfare.While six of the fourteen Sri Lankan students in Ukraine have left the country temporarily, the Sri Lanka Embassy in Ankara is in close communication with the eight remaining students.The Foreign Ministry requests all Sri Lankan nationals in Ukraine to exercise vigilance and to be in contact with the Sri Lanka Embassy in Ankara.The Ministry also advises all Sri Lankan nationals to avoid non-essential travel to Ukraine at present.

PORT ST. LUCIE, Fla. - Three people and two dogs were found dead inside a Florida home after a roommate returned home Sunday evening, police said.The roommate who discovered the horrific scene called emergency services, who said each victim had gunshot wounds, WFLX reported.MORE NEWS: Florida woman allegedly stabbed husband 140 times, fractured skull with meat cleaver: police saidPort St.

Former President Donald Trump speaks during the 'Save America' rally at the Montgomery County Fairgrounds on January 29, 2022 in Conroe, Texas. T (Brandon Bell/Getty Images) Classified information was found in the 15 boxes of White House records that were stored at former President Donald Trump’s Mar-a-Lago residence, the National Archives and Records Administration said in a letter that confirmed the matter has been sent to the Justice Department.The Friday letter from the agency follows numerous reports around Trump's handling of sensitive and even classified information during his time as president and after he left the White House.

COLOMBO (News 1st); Sri Lanka’s Irrigation Minister Chamal Rajapaksa has hinted that working hours should likely be changed as a solution to the morning traffic in Colombo and suburbs.He made these comments on Monday (21) after he was delayed by traffic in attending an event in Kaduwela.“I was delayed by 15 minutes to reach this location. The reason was the traffic and the congestion of vehicles on the road,” said the Minister adding that there needs to be a focus on reducing traffic ac well.He suggested that consideration needs to be given to travel convenience and work hour convenience, thereby reducing fuel consumption and protecting the foreign reserves.

Photo courtesy of SpaceX CAPE CANAVERAL, Fla. - SpaceX will try and launch its next batch of 46 Starlink satellites into orbit on President's Day.The launch was supposed to happen on Sunday, but weather conditions in the recovery zone pushed it back. Monday's liftoff is scheduled for 9:44 a.m.

Photo courtesy of SpaceX CAPE CANAVERAL, Fla. - SpaceX will try and launch its next batch of 46 Starlink satellites into orbit on President's Day.The launch was supposed to happen on Sunday, but weather conditions in the recovery zone pushed it back. Monday's liftoff is scheduled for 9:44 a.m.

COLOMBO (News 1st); The Public Utilities Commission of Sri Lanka on Monday (21) announced that 2-hour power cuts will be imposed on Tuesday (22).The power cuts will be between 4:30 PM & 10:30 PM from groups A, B, C, and 3 hours for other groups, said the Chairman of the PUCSL.Power-Interruption-Schedule-22-02-2022

COLOMBO (News 1st); Sri Lanka Customs on Monday (21) took steps to repatriate the last 45 containers out of 242 containers containing garbage arrived from Britain, which was the subject of much controversy in the recent past.The containers were shipped back to Britain by the vessel Ever Genius, which arrived at the CICT terminal in the Colombo Port yesterday. The ship is scheduled to leave the Port of Colombo around 8.00 pm on Monday (21).In 2019, an investigation by the Social Protection Division of the Sri Lanka Customs found 242 containers containing clinical waste, used cushions and mattresses, plastic waste and unsorted and hazardous waste imported into the country from Britain.It was revealed that 112 containers had been deposited at the Port of Colombo and the remaining 130 containers had already been cleared from the port and stored at the premises of a private company operating under the Board of Investment (BOI) in Katunayake.According to the customs investigation, the containers were imported contrary to the provisions of the international convention known as Basel Convention and in violation of the provisions of the National Environmental Act and the Customs Ordinance.During the Customs investigation, the Center for Environmental Justice filed a case in the Court of Appeal.

COLOMBO (News 1st); According to a request made by present Commander of Air Force, Air Marshal Sudharshana Pathirana after assuming duties at the office for a dedicated maritime surveillance aircraft on Gratis basis (with relevant surveillance equipment onboard), United States (US) government has agreed to provide Qty 02 maritime surveillance aircraft to Sri Lanka Air Force (SLAF) under Foreign Military Sales Contract in strengthening the maritime surveillance capability in Sri Lankan Exclusive Economic Zone (EEZ) to ensure the maritime security in the region.SLAF requested Beechcraft 360ER twin-turboprop aircraft produced by Textron Aviation which is a light transport aircraft certified by Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) in United States and European Aviation Safety Agency (EASA).SLAF has been operating Beechcraft B-200 aircraft over period of decades which is earlier versions of Beechcraft family, has accumulated ample experiences on operational and maintenance aspects.The established operational and maintenance capabilities are one of main advantage that SLAF possesses in future operation of new B-360ER aircraft.These two (2) maritime surveillance aircraft (Beechcraft 360ER) would be delivered in term of 100% free grant (Free of Charge) from government of US to Sri Lankan government through Foreign Military Sales Contract to be operated by SLAF.These aircraft will be deployed for the maritime surveillance operations which is a demanding requirement in present day context that was heavily urged for respond maritime disasters (Ex: MT New Diamond and X Press Pearl), assisting deep sea rescue missions, monitor illegal fishing activities and to assist Sri Lanka Navy (SLN) in combating transnational crimes including

COLOMBO (News 1st); The Public Utilities Commission of Sri Lanka has directed the Ceylon Electricity Board to adjust the island-wide rotational power shedding for Monday (21) to facilitate ongoing GCE AL exams.Therefore 2-hour power cuts will take place from 4.30 PM to 10.30 PM.Power-Interruption-Schedule-21-02-2021-1 

COLOMBO (News 1st); Sri Lanka Navy brought ashore an ill fisherman in the high seas and rushed him to hospital for treatment on Monday (21st February 2022).The fisherman who was aboard a local multiday fishing trawler, in seas about 115 nautical miles (about 213 km) off the Galle Lighthouse, had suddenly fallen ill and was in need of medical attention.The particular multiday fishing trawler ‘Raja 01’ (Reg No IMUL-A-0105 KLT) was on a fishing voyage leaving the Galle fisheries harbour on 08th February 2022.Meanwhile, the Department of Fisheries and Aquatic Resources disseminated the situation of this ill fisherman, who was aboard the trawler, to the Maritime Rescue Coordination Centre (MRCC) Colombo at Navy Headquarters.In response to a request for assistance, Sri Lanka Navy sent out the Fast Attack Craft P 485 of the 4th Fast Attack Flotilla (4 FAF) attached to the Southern Naval Command to bring the ill fisherman ashore for treatment.Having taken over the patient, the Navy transferred him to the Galle Harbour administering first aid and subsequently, he was rushed to the Karapitiya Hospital, Galle for further treatment.Besides, the Navy stays prepared to respond to eventualities of this nature, with a view to assisting naval and fishing communities in distress in Sri Lanka’s Search and Rescue Region.

The federal government will continue to implement never-before-used powers under the Emergencies Act as long “as they are required” to help end the illegal blockade of the national capital, Emergency Preparedness Minister Bill Blair has said.

COLOMBO (News 1st); Sri Lanka’s Justice Minister Ali Sabry PC said the government has no control over how evidence is led with regard to the cases filed over the 2019 Easter Sunday attacks.“Cases are filed by the Attorney General’s Department and the leading of evidence is an independent act by the Attorney General,” he told reporters on Sunday (20).He said the main case is yet to be taken up for trial and it is the judiciary that must act independently on these cases.The Justice Minister also dismissed claims that the government was concealing evidence from the prosecution, however, there are some documents only with the Attorney General and the President as they relate to national security.“The President will decide if those documents need to be disclosed,” he told reporters, adding that the Presidential Commission itself had requested for the documents to be considered before disclosing them.However, those documents do not relate to evidence concealment, said the Justice Minister.

COLOMBO (News 1st); Over 6.4 Million people have been administered with the booster dose against COVID-19.In the meantime, the Director-General of Health Services confirmed another 25 COVID-19 deaths for Saturday (19).Among them are 17 women and 8 men and 12 of the fatalities were between the ages of 30 and 59.Another 1,231 COVID-19 infections were identified on Sunday (20).

Philadelphia Police investigate a suspicious death in Fairmount. FAIRMOUNT - Police in Philadelphia are investigating a suspicious death in the city’s Fairmount section.Investigators say someone found human remains near Brewery Hill and Kelly Drive.

COLOMBO (News 1st); Sri Lanka’s Foreign Minister Prof G.L. Peiris will lead the Sri Lanka Delegation to the 49th Session of the UN Human Rights Council.The 49th Session of the United Nations Human Rights Council will take place from 28 February to 1 April, 2022 in Geneva. During the Session the UN High Commissioner for Human Rights will present a written update on Sri Lanka to the Council and there will be an Interactive Dialogue on Sri Lanka on 3 March, 2022.Foreign Minister Prof G.L.

COLOMBO (News 1st); The Public Utilities Commission of Sri Lanka has approved power cuts for Monday (21).PUCSL has approved power shedding for tomorrow (21st) as requested by CEB due inadequate generation of electricity.One hour Island wide rotational power cuts will take place between 8.30am to 7.30pm , except areas of Southern region where 3 hours power cut will be effective from 8.30am. to 4.30pm.This was confirmed to News 1st by the Chairman of the PUCSL.

COLOMBO (News 1st); Sri Lanka’s Ministry of Foreign Affairs confirmed that ONLY a limited number of pilgrims will be allowed to attend the Katchatheevu Festival in the north of Sri Lanka.The number of pilgrims from India and Sri Lanka will be LIMITED due to the prevailing COVID-19 situation in the island nation, the Foreign Ministry confirmed this EXCLUSIVELY to News 1st.The Katchatheevu festival is set to take place on March 11 and 12, 2022.

Canadian police are making possibly the final push to clear the capital city of demonstrators who have paralysed it by parking and camping on the streets for more than three weeks to protest against Covid pandemic restrictions.

COLOMBO (News 1st); The Ceylon Petroleum Corporation (CPC) states that 5 ships carrying fuel will arrive in the island within the upcoming week.Its Chairman, Sumith Wijesinghe stated that diesel, petrol and jet fuel will be brought to Sri Lanka by these ships.Accordingly, he assured that there are sufficient stocks of fuel in the country while adding that the CPC is ready to provide the necessary stocks of fuel to the Ceylon Electricity Board as well.However, Wijesinghe stated that the CEB must pay in rupees for the stocks of fuel.Meanwhile, the daily fuel demand has reported a rapid increase within the last few days.The Chairman of the Ceylon Petroleum Corporation stated that the average daily fuel demand in the country is 6,000 metric tons, however, on Saturday (19) the demand recorded an increase of 9,000 metric tons.

COLOMBO (News 1st); The report on Sri Lanka compiled by the Human Right’s High Commissioner will be debated at the 49th sessions of the Human Rights Council Sessions  due to be held on 3rd of March.According to an article published on the Sunday Times, the UNHRC report has scrutinized the conduct of the Attorney General’s Department in Sri Lanka.The report was forwarded to the Ministry of Foreign Affairs on Monday (14).Ministry officials had then studied the reports and sent to Geneva the Government’s observations and explanations on several issues raised.The article on the Sunday Times highlights that this year’s report delves at length with the Government’s failure to make changes to the Prevention of Terrorism Act (PTA) to meet international standards.It adds that the UNHRC is not pleased with the amendments that are now pending before Parliament and is displeased that necessary changes have not been effected despite repeated assurances by the Government.According to the Article, another area dealt with in the report is the April 21st attacks.It also includes a call for the Attorney General’s Department to function independently.There will be no voting at the UNHRC’s 49th sessions which begin on February 28th. However, the meeting is a precursor to another Resolution on Sri Lanka in September, due this year.

Ukraine has received a plane load of machine guns, surveillance gear and rifles as part of a Canadian military assistance package, Ukrainian Defence Minister Oleksii Reznikov said on Saturday.

Alberta Premier Jason Kenney tweeted Saturday the province will file a court challenge of the federal government’s Emergencies Act in the wake of convoy protests in Ottawa.

COLOMBO (News 1st): It is important to introduce ethics for social media usage, Shehan Semasinghe, the State Minister of Samurdhi, Household Economy, Micro Finance, Self Employment, and Business Development said. He pointed out that social media is being used to circulate misinformation.“Certain people have taken the lead in tarnishing Sri Lanka’s reputation with regard to Human Rights, every time the Geneva Human Rights Council session is there. This is because they cannot stand the revival of a collapsed economy,” State Minister Semasinghe emphasized.Thereby, he highlighted the need to introduce social media ethics, since the use of social media for personal gains may negatively impact the country on the diplomatic front.He shared these remarks at an event held in Anuradhapura.