Sri Lanka’s Power Crisis worsens: 4 hr cuts on Wednesday (23)

COLOMBO (News 1st); Sri Lanka’s Energy Minister Udaya Gammanpila has revealed that the government will be issuing a gazette on Wednesday (2) night suspending 600 non-essential imports.He said Sri Lanka is facing an issue in identifying its priorities, noting that if foreign reserves are limited, they need to be allocated for medicines, fuel, and raw materials for industries, respectively.Speaking at an event in Kotte, the Minister said Sri Lanka is currently experiencing the consequences of not discouraging imports, after allowing to import whatever was not essential.He said the Treasury Secretary was preparing to issue a gazette that would stop 600 non-essential imports to the country.“It’s too late. But we can be happy about that decision,” said Gammanpila.

COLOMBO (News 1st); The diesel shortage in Sri Lanka has taken a serious toll on the country’s transport, agriculture, fisheries, tourism, and other sectors.Across many areas, people were seen waiting in line since Tuesday (1) night to obtain fuel for their vehicles and machinery.In Kelaniya, people alleged that filling stations were only pumping fuel for those in high positions, and the common man is refused fuel despite waiting in line.Similar scenes were witnessed across many filling stations in the country, while in some cases the local police were called in to maintain order in the distribution of fuel.IGP C.D Wickramaratne has ordered all Senior Police Officers to ensure that law and order, and peace are maintained at filling stations, given the present crisis situation.In some places, people took to the streets to protest against the failure to ensure a smooth supply of fuel, after filling stations claimed that they had run out of fuel.These protests were taking place at a time when two more ships carrying Diesel are scheduled to arrive in the country on Wednesday (2) and Thursday (3).Secretary of the Ministry of Energy K.D.R Olga said that one of the ships will reach Colombo with 33,000 MT of Auto Diesel and 7000 MT of Super Diesel.The other ship will reach Colombo with 28,000 MT of Diesel and 9,000 MT of Jet fuel, the Secretary said.She said that steps are being taken to open letters of credit for the relevant ships.Secretary to the Ministry of Energy K.D.R Olga stated that two more ships carrying furnace oil are scheduled to arrive on the 6th and 7th, March 2022.Meanwhile, the Ministry of Energy stated that NO ship carrying fuel to Sri Lanka has been rejected.Secretary to the Ministry K.D.R Olga said that

COLOMBO (News 1st); 32 Sri Lankans who were in Ukraine, have been moved out of the country via four separate borders.This was confirmed to News 1st by the Sri Lankan Ambassador accredited to Ukraine.Earlier, the Sri Lankan Foreign Ministry said that it continues to closely monitor developments in Ukraine.On Monday (28) the Ministry said it was engaged in the evacuation of approximately forty (40) Sri Lankan nationals, including two (02) students in Ukraine via the Ukraine – Polish border.The process is facilitated by the Sri Lanka Embassies in Warsaw and Ankara, the latter being concurrently accredited to Ukraine.The Ministry has strengthened the provision of resources to the Sri Lanka Embassy in Warsaw in order to ensure the effective facilitation of the evacuation process.The Ambassadors of Sri Lanka in Ankara and Warsaw continue to maintain close contact with the Sri Lankan nationals leaving Ukraine, in order to enable their safe passage and return to Sri Lanka.The Foreign Ministry is also engaged in monitoring the status of Sri Lankan nationals in countries which share land borders with Ukraine.Sri Lanka’s accredited missions are in contact with the relevant Honorary Consuls and Sri Lankan nationals in the respective countries.The Sri Lanka Embassy in Moscow which is concurrently accredited to Belarus continues to be in close communication with the approximately 1,600 Sri Lankan nationals, including 1,556 students studying in over eight (08) universities / higher education institutes in Belarus.Sri Lanka’s Ambassador in Moscow is in direct contact with the relevant university authorities, student and parent groups, as well as other concerned institutions in Belarus, with regard to the safety and welfare of the Sri

COLOMBO (News 1st); Sri Lanka’s Public Utilities Commission said that the 7.5 hour blackout will continue for Thursday (3) as well.“Power shedding for all areas will be 5 hours between 8 am to 6 pm. And further 2 and half hours between 6 pm to 11 pm.”, said the Chairman of the PUCSL.

COLOMBO (News 1st); A Fundamental Rights application was filed with the Supreme Court on Wednesday (2) challenging the gazette issued with the regulation stating that only FULLY VACCINATED people will be allowed to enter public places from the 30th of April 2022.The application filed by Professor F. M.

COLOMBO (News 1st); The proposed Surcharge Tax Bill that was presented to Parliament, will be amended in a manner that will not include 13 funds, including the Employees’ Provident Fund (EPF) and the Employees’ Trust Fund (ETF), Sri Lanka’s Attorney General told the Supreme Court on Wednesday (2).Additional Solicitor General Viveka Siriwardena told the Supreme Court that the Finance Secretary had informed the Attorney General in this regard in writing.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, on the 23rd of February.The Government on 22nd February presented the proposed Surcharge Tax Bill to Parliament.The special application challenging the Bill 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 22nd February.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.

COLOMBO (News 1st); Japan Maritime Self-Defense Force (JMSDF) ships ‘URAGA’ and ‘HIRADO’ which belong to the Minesweeper Division One arrived at the port of Colombo on a formal visit on 01st and 02nd March 2022 respectively.Upon their arrival, the two ships were welcomed by the Sri Lanka Navy in accordance with naval tradition.The Minesweeper Division One to which both these ships belong is commanded by Captain NOGUCHI Yasushi.Meanwhile, the 141m long Minesweeper Tender ‘URAGA’ is commanded by Commander KONDO Koji and the ship is manned by a crew of 130.The Minesweeper Ocean ‘HIRADO’ is a 67m long ship where 55 crew members serve under the command of Lieutenant Commander ITO Akira, the ship’s Commanding Officer.Before their arrival at the port of Colombo, the duo of JMSDF ships conducted a successful naval exercise with the Sri Lanka Navy Ship (SLNS) Sindurala off Colombo on 28th February.Among the exercises worked off, Divisional Tactics (DIVTACS), Maneuvering Exercises and Photo Exercise (PHOTOEX) were chief.The proceedings of the visit of the ships will be conducted adhering to COVID-19 protocols owing to the pandemic concerns. Meanwhile, the ships are scheduled to depart the island on 03rd March.

COLOMBO (News 1st); The Sri Lanka Air Force will be celebrating its 71st Anniversary on Wednesday (2nd March 2022) under the leadership of the Commander of the Sri Lanka Air Force, Air Marshal Sudarshana Pathirana.This year the traditional celebration will be held at Sri Lanka Air Force Base Katunayaka under the review of Commander of the Air Force.The Sri Lanka Air Force was formed on the 02nd of March 1951 as the Royal Ceylon Air Force and when Sri Lanka became a republic in 1972 the Royal Ceylon Air Force was re-designated as the Sri Lanka Air Force.The Sri Lanka Air Force has come under the leadership of 18 Commanders to date and the Sri Lanka Air Force is geared and ready to face all challenges of the future and to serve and protect the skies of Sri Lanka as the Guardians of the Skies.

COLOMBO (News 1st); President Gotabaya Rajapaksa has assured the Public Utilities Commission of Sri Lanka that all necessary action will be taken immediately to avert the electricity crisis prevailing in the country.The Chairman of the PUCSL Janaka Ratnayake told News 1st that the Treasury and Central Bank will make sure to facilitate the import of fuel for the generation of electricity with immediate effect, as per a directive of the President.

COLOMBO (News 1st); A worsening shortage of fuel has brought Sri Lankans of all walks of life to mile-long ques across the island, with little hope for a solution over the coming days.“We have never experienced anything like this in our lifetime. It is a disaster”, noted a senior citizen, forced to queue up for hours for a few liters of fuel.The situation has worsened with farmers, already struck by the fertilizer crisis, left with no fuel for machinery used to harvest crops.

COLOMBO (News 1st); The Public Utilities Commission states that there will be a 5-hour power cut during the day and two and a half hours at night tomorrow (02).” PUCSL is reluctantly compelled to approve CEB request (due to nonavailability of fuel ) for 7 and half hours long power cut island-wide for tomorrow (2/3/22). Power shedding for all areas will be 5 hours between 8 am to 6 pm.

U.S. President Joe Biden speaks during a joint session of Congress at the U.S. Capitol in Washington, D.C., U.S., on Wednesday, April 28, 2021.

COLOMBO (News 1st); A worsening shortage of fuel has brought Sri Lankans of all walks of life to mile-long ques across the island, with little hope for a solution over the coming days.“We have never experienced anything like this in our lifetime. It is a disaster”, noted a senior citizen, forced to queue up for hours for a few liters of fuel.The situation has worsened with farmers, already struck by the fertilizer crisis, left with no fuel for machinery used to harvest crops.

COLOMBO (News 1st); Sri Lanka is currently facing an electricity crisis and many have called on the authorities to immediately rectify the issue.One of the main areas of concern is the illuminating of street lights at night across main roads.The General Public has called on authorities to move towards energy-efficient and sustainable methods for street lights.Residents in Colombo are proposing for street lights to be illuminated in a zig-zag pattern so that the amount of electricity consumed can be reduced.

New satellite images are providing a clear look at the sheer size of the Russian military convoy advancing toward the Ukrainian capital of Kyiv.

COLOMBO (News 1st); Sri Lanka has decided to extend the validity of VISAs of Russian & Ukrainian tourists in Sri Lanka.Their VISAs will be extended for two months without any charge, said the Department of Government Information, quoting a decision reached by the Cabinet of Ministers on Monday (28).There are 11,463 Russian tourists and 3,993 Ukrainian tourists currently in Sri Lanka.

COLOMBO (News 1st); Sri Lanka’s Health Ministry has revised the guidelines to prevent the spread of COVID-19 with effect from Tuesday (1).Accordingly, health authorities are urging the general public to continue to maintain social distancing and wear face masks to prevent the COVID spread.

made the announcement on Twitter in response to a tweet by Ukraine’s minister of digital transformation saying that while Musk tries to "colonize Mars," Russia is trying to occupy Ukraine. The minister called on Musk to provide his country with Starlink stations.In his response Saturday, Musk said: "Starlink service is now active in Ukraine.

Donald Trump has taken aim at Prime Minister Justin Trudeau, telling his supporters that if they want to fight for democracy abroad, “they should start with the democracy that is under threat right next door, a place called Canada.”Speaking to a Conservative Political Action Conference (CPAC) crowd Saturday night, Trump accused Trudeau of “woke tyranny.”“The radical left is trying to replace American democracy with woke tyranny,” Trump told his supporters in Orlando, Fla.Former American president Donald Trump: "A line has been crossed. You're either with the peaceful truckers or you're with the left-wing fascists." pic.twitter.com/9Ax46jVHQH— Andrew Lawton (@AndrewLawton) February 27, 2022“They want to do the same thing to America that Trudeau has been doing to Canada — and much, much worse,” he continued, bringing the audience to its feet.His accusations come at a time when truckers are making their way across the United States in their own “Freedom Convoy”-style protest.“A line has been crossed: you are either with the peaceful truckers, or you are with the left-wing fascists and that’s what’s been happening,” Trump continued.

New York City schools will lose the masks this week, and the city's vaccine requirements for restaurants, gyms, and movie theaters will likely expire next week and not be reinstated, according to the New York Times, as new not-peer-reviewed data show poor COVID-19 vaccine protection in kids 5 to 11 years old.

Credit: New York Lottery LONG ISLAND - Just call him "Lucky"!A Long Island man has won a $10M lottery for the second time.Juan Hernandez of Uniondale has won a $10,000,000 top prize in the New York Lottery's $10,000,000 Deluxe scratch-off game. And this isn't the first time he's gotten lucky."I'm still trying to spend the $10M I won in '19," Hernandez said.Get breaking news alerts in the free FOX5NY News app!  |  Sign up for FOX 5 email newslettersIn 2019, Hernandez won $10M after claiming a top prize on the $350,000,000 Cash Spectacular scratch-off ticket. Hernandez bought his second winning ticket at a Stop & Stop located at 150 Fulton Avenue in Hempstead.He took a lump-sum payment of $6,510,000 after required withholdings.AdvertisementThere are currently three top prizes left on the $10,000,000 Deluxe ticket, officials said.

COLOMBO (News 1st); The Public Utilities Commission of Sri Lanka said a 3-hour power cut will be imposed between 8:30 AM to 5:30 PM on Tuesday (1), for all groups.However, 30 minutes of unscheduled power shedding may take place, if necessary ONLY during the night peak to manage excess demand, said the PUCSL.Therefore consumers are kindly advised to reduce consumption between 6 pm. to 10 pm.

COLOMBO (News 1st); The Public Utilities Commission of Sri Lanka has announced power cuts for Monday (28), as the Ceylon Electricity Board has run out of fuel.Power Cuts for Monday (28)Groups A, B, C:4 hrs & 40 MinGroups P, Q, R, S, T, U, V, W:5 hrs & 15 Min

Vladimir Putin’s implied threat to turn the Ukraine war into a broader nuclear conflict presents President Joe Biden with choices rarely contemplated in the atomic age, including whether to raise the alert level of U.S. nuclear forces.The turn of events is all the more remarkable for the fact that less than a year ago, Putin and Biden issued a statement at their Geneva summit that seemed more in keeping with the idea that the threat of nuclear war was a Cold War relic.

COLOMBO (News 1st): The 49th session of the United Nations Human Rights Council begins in Geneva on Monday (Feb. 28).The UNHRC session is scheduled to conclude on the 1st of April.The United Nations High Commissioner for Human Rights will present a written update on Sri Lanka to the Council, and an interactive dialogue on Sri Lanka is scheduled on the 3rd of March.Minister of Foreign Affairs Prof.

Kyiv curfew extended as Russian troops pound on Ukrainian capital “We have not supported what Russia has done. We have abstained.

Protests are taking place across the globe in support of Ukraine as the invasion by Russia continues, and many are taking to the street right here in Canada with the crisis bringing out a range of emotions. As Mike Drolet explains, it seems like many are trying to do whatever they can to show they’re on Ukraine’s side.

Russia for its invasion of Ukraine, including cutting off a number of Russian banks from the SWIFT interbank payments system.SWIFT is the world’s main international payments network. Here is more about what it does and why it matters:SWIFT, or the “Society for Worldwide Interbank Financial Telecommunication”, is a secure messaging system that facilitates rapid cross-border payments, making international trade flow smoothly.Banks which connect to the SWIFT system and establish relationships with other banks can use SWIFT messages to make payments.Kyiv curfew extended as Russian troops pound on Ukrainian capitalThe messages are secure so that payment instructions are typically honoured without question.

COLOMBO (News 1st); Sri Lanka’s Director-General of Health Services has announced that fully vaccinated travellers arriving in the country are exempted of a pre-departure COVID-19 test.This measure will come into effect from the 1st of March 2022.Read the latest guidelines for travellers below : 

In early November 2021, Crew-2 ESA astronaut Thomas Pesquet photographed the space station from above during the return trip home aboard the SpaceX Crew Dragon Endeavour (NASA/ESA/SpaceX) In response to Russia's invasion of Ukraine, President Joe Biden announced new sanctions Thursday targeting the Russian economy and attempting to cut off access to emerging technology, which could impact the Russian space program, Roscosmos. "Between our actions and those of our allies and partners, we estimate that will cut off more than half of Russia's high-tech imports and will strike a blow to their ability to continue to modernize their military," Biden said Thursday. "It'll degrade their aerospace industry, including their space program, and hurt their ability to build ships, reducing their ability to compete economically."While Russian and U.S.

KYIV, Ukraine (AP) - Kyiv residents braced Saturday for another night sheltering underground, as Russian troops closed in on Ukraine’s capital and skirmishes were reported on the outskirts. Ukraine’s leader, meanwhile, claimed the country’s forces had repulsed the Russian assault, and he vowed to keep up the struggle and appealed for more help from the outside world."The real fighting for Kyiv is ongoing," President Volodymyr Zelenskyy said in a video message in which he accused Russia of hitting infrastructure and civilian targets."We will win," he said.RELATED: Who is the 'Ghost of Kyiv'? Tale of Ukrainian fighter pilot trends on social mediaCentral Kyiv appeared quiet on Saturday, though sporadic gunfire could be heard.

COLOMBO (News 1st); Although the country is being ruled by the Government in a manner which ensures the freedom of the people, that freedom is being misused by many, says President Gotabaya Rajapaksa. Speaking at the event of distribution of 100,000 Mahaweli Ranbima deeds at the Mahaweli Stadium in Embilipitiya today (26), the President stated that especially today, himself and the present Government is ruling the country in a way which democracy is ensured.President Rajapaksa also said that the cause of the foreign exchange crisis is not his own fault or the fault of the government.The 100,000 Mahaweli Ranbima deed program is being implemented in line with the Government’s policy statement, “Vision of Prosperity”. Under this program, the Government plans to complete the distribution of 100,000 land deeds to farmers in the Mahaweli areas before the end of next year.35,000 deeds settled under the first phase will be handed over to farmers in 10 Mahaweli zones, and deeds were symbolically awarded to 30 persons today.The President further went onto state that although there are many complaints about the lack of power and electricity in the country, the previous Government did not take any action to implement a single power plant in the country after former President Mahinda Rajapaksa established the Norochcholai power plant.President reiterated that he has been able to reaffirm the security of the country.Citing the promises made to implement a green agriculture in the policy statement, the President said that unfortunately the intent was not able to be communicated to the farmers in the correct manner, and many remained misinformed.

COLOMBO (News 1st); Sri Lankan Police launched an investigation on Friday (25) after the carcass of a Sri Lankan Leopard (Panthera pardus kotiya) was discovered from an estate in Norton Bridge.Police received information that a dead Leopard was sighted inside a tea estate in Vidulipura in Wimalasurendra Gama located within the Norton Bridge Police jurisdiction.Initial investigations revealed that the leopard was injured in two areas on the back and another serious wound on its forward right leg.The leopard is believed to be around 6 years of age, and is a species native to Sri Lanka.Officers from the Nallatanniya Wildlife Office had visited the site and taken away the carcass for further investigations.

Russian forces pressed on with a full-scale invasion of Ukraine, many Americans are wondering how they can help the Ukrainian people in their time of suffering. Charity Navigator has put together a list of some of the top-rated nonprofits that are aiding in relief and recovery efforts in Ukraine. These charities have earned high ratings for their financial efficiency and for clarity and transparency about their operations. Charity Navigator helps charitable givers make "intelligent giving decisions" by providing objective ratings and analysis of the financial health and accountability of America's largest charities. The following nonprofits are "engaged in relief and recovery efforts in Ukraine and the surrounding region," according to Charity Navigator. While any decision to give should be carefully considered, the groups below earned three or more stars from Charity Navigator.Ukrainian refugees and a child seen at a train station in Przemysl, Poland on Feb. 24, 2022.

MOSCOW, RUSSIA - FEBRUARY 24, 2022: Russia's President Vladimir Putin is seen during a meeting with members of Russian business community in the Moscow Kremlin. Alexei Nikolsky/Russian Presidential Press and Information Office/TASS (Photo by Alexei N BRUSSELS - With a military intervention in Ukraine off the table, and countries around the world looking to heap more financial punishment on Moscow, the United States, Britain and European Union said Friday they will move to sanction Russian President Vladimir Putin and Foreign Minister Sergey Lavrov.The Russian military is in the middle of a full-scale invasion of Ukraine.The EU’s unanimous decision, part of a broader sanctions package, indicated that Western powers are moving toward unprecedented measures to try to force Putin to stop the brutal invasion of Russia’s neighbor and from unleashing a major war in Europe.

As Russian forces bear down on the Ukrainian capital, UBC political science professor Allen Sens speaks with our Jennifer Palma on what could come next.

A Delta Air Lines plane taxis toward a gate between other Delta planes at John F. Kennedy International Airport in New York, U.S., on Monday, July 20, 2009.

More than 5 million children have lost a parent or caregiver during the COVID-19 pandemic, according to a modeling study published yesterday in The Lancet Child & Adolescent Health.The study by an international team used updated excess mortality and fer

Eva Herzigova left jaws dropped when she walked in the Missoni show at Milan Fashion Week. Eva, 48, wore a long-sleeved Lurex maxi dress, red boots, and a look of confidence during the Friday (Feb. 25) event. The appearance came less than a day after she closed out the Blumarine show, walking in the final look of Thursday’s spectacular: a seductive, black velvet gown that showed off her fit stomach and toned legs. For Eva and fashion fans, this was more than a supermodel strutting her stuff: it marked a return that many thought wouldn’t be possible due to Eva contracting COVID-19 in December 2020.

COLOMBO (News 1st); Lanka IOC increased its Retail Selling Prices with effect from Friday (25).According Diesel was increased by Rs. 15/- per Liter and Petrol by Rs. 20/- per Liter due to significant rise in international fuel prices.

Some health experts say the change in the way Saskatchewan reports and tracks COVID-19 cases had made it difficult to figure out areas of concern.

19 lakh children in India have lost a parent or caregiver to the Covid-19 pandemic, according to a study by The Lancet Child & Adolescent Health journal. 

COLOMBO (News 1st); The Public Utilities Commission of Sri Lanka has announced the power cut schedule for the weekend.Groups A, B, C: (Saturday – 26th)Day time power cut will be for 3 hoursAll other groups: (Saturday – 26th)Day time power cut will be for 2 1/2 hoursThere will be no power outages for Sunday (27), except for groups A, B, C which will be 2 1/2 hours during the daytime.Saturday Power Cut Schedule: 26-02-2022-PowerInterruption-ScheduleSunday Power Cut Schedule: 27-02-2022-power-interruption-schedule

COLOMBO (News 1st); The Catholic Bishops’ Conference in Sri Lanka stated that as there is an attempt to hide the truth, exploit the massacre for political gain, it sees no option other than to seek international assistance to mete out justice to the victims of the Easter Sunday Bomb Attacks.Together with His Eminence Malcolm Cardinal Ranjith, the Archbishop of Colombo, the CBCSLreiterates the need to adopt the said option, it added in a statement. 

COLOMBO (News 1st); The Government of Sri Lanka is deeply concerned about the recent escalation of violence in Ukraine.Sri Lanka in a statement, calls upon all parties concerned to exercise maximum restraint and work towards the immediate cessation of hostilities, in order to maintain peace, security and stability in the region.Sri Lanka emphasizes the need for concerted efforts by all parties concerned to resolve the crisis through diplomacy and sincere dialogue.

COLOMBO (News 1st); Sri Lankan President Gotabaya Rajapaksa on Friday (25) visited Mico for Inspection.State Minister D. B.

Aer Lingus has today reported an operating loss, before exceptational items, of €347m for the year to the end of December, an improvement on the loss of €361m reported in 2020.

COLOMBO (News 1st); Sri Lanka’s Parliament speaker Mahinda Yapa Abeywardena told the house on Friday (25) that a complaint will be filed with the Inspector General of Police to conduct an investigation into the incident where MP Harin Fernando was seen using a torch inside the chamber.He said voicing protest over an issue is not the problem at hand and, the issue is that public officers were prevented from carrying out their duties.The Parliamentary debate was adjourned for 10 minutes on 24th February due to MP Harin Fernando’s attempt to convince the Parliament of the impact of power cuts on the public, by bringing a torch to the Parliament.The Leader of the House, Dinesh Gunawardana informed the House that a confrontation broke out when the Police had requested to examine an object brought by an MP to the Parliament and emphasized that such actions can have consequences as MPs are not permitted to bring such objects.SJB MP Fernando, responded to the allegations stated that a power cut could occur when he is using the washroom, and that is the reason why he brought three torches to use.Minister Gunawardana responded stating that an investigation should be conducted as such objects are not permitted within the Parliament, and even if there is a power cut, it’s clear that this action is unlawful and goes against parliamentary practices.This object could prove to be a security risk and must be banned, he added.