Sri Lanka sex slaves in Oman – Another suspect apprehended

COLOMBO (News 1st) – The former 3rd Secretary of the Sri Lankan Embassy in Oman E.

COLOMBO (News 1st) – Five Indian poaching trawlers were held in northern waters during a special operation conducted by the Navy and Coast Guard.Sri Lanka Navy and Sri Lanka Coast Guard conducted a special operation in northern waters to chase away Indian poaching trawlers from Sri Lanka’s waters yesterday (28). The operation led to the seizure of 05 Indian trawlers with 24 Indian fishermen, poaching in the island’s waters off the Kovilan Lighthouse, Kareinagar, Jaffna.Sri Lanka Navy and Coast Guard remain ever alert to foil illegal fishing practices of foreign fishing trawlers in Sri Lanka’s waters and regularly conduct patrols and operations to prevent such endeavours.As an extension of these efforts, the Northern Naval Command mounted a special operation yesterday (28), by deploying Craft of the 04th Fast Attack Flotilla and the Sri Lanka Coast Guard attached to the Northern Naval Command, to chase away a cluster of Indian poaching trawlers in Sri Lanka’s waters, off the Kovilan Lighthouse, Kareinagar, Jaffna. The operation led to the seizure of 05 Indian poaching trawlers continued to remain in the island’s waters, with 24 Indian fishers and their fishing gear.The seized trawlers together with 24 Indian fishermen were brought to the Kankesanthurai Harbour and they will be handed over to the Mailadi Fisheries Inspector for onward legal proceedings.In the recent apprehension, the Navy has seized 35 Indian poaching trawlers and 252 Indian fishermen during operations conducted thus far in the year 2022 and handed them over to the authorities for onward legal action.Illegal fishing practices of foreign fishermen in Sri Lanka’s waters deal a blow to the livelihood of local fishermen as well as the marine ecosystem's

COLOMBO (News 1st) – The Former 3rd Secretary of the Sri Lankan Embassy in Oman E.

COLOMBO (News 1st) – Sri Lanka's Cabinet of Minister granted approval to the recommendations proposed by the committee appointed to explore restructuring the CEB.The Electricity Reforms Bill will be drafted within a month to begin the unbundling process of the Ceylon Electricity Board, said Sri Lanka's Power and Energy Minister Kanchana Wijesekera.

COLOMBO (News 1st) – Super luxury cruise ‘Mein Schiff 5’ reached the Port of Colombo on Tuesday (29) morning, and will head to Hambantota on Wednesday (30).Sri Lanka'a Harbour Master Nirmal Silva told News 1st that the cruise ship is carrying 2014 passengers and 922 crew.Hapag Lloyd Lanka, a subsidiary of the Aitken Spence Group, are the agents for TUI cruises. Mein Schiff 5 is owned by the German operator TUI cruises.Mein Schiff 5 has a capacity of 2,500 guests and was built in 2016.

COLOMBO (News 1st) – Sri Lanka Police said that eight suspects have been arrested with drugs and narcotic pills at Weligama beach.This is based on information that a party organized via facebook was taking place on the Weligama beach.The suspects are residents of Weligama, Ranala, Tissamaharama, Kananke, Telijjawila, Syawala and Beliatta areas.The relevant suspects were produced to the Matara Magistrate and were later on released on bail.

COLOMBO (News 1st) – Sri Lanka's Minister of Transport Bandula Gunawardena said that operations between Mahawa and Jaffna will be suspended for five months from 2023.He said the operations between those two train stations will be suspended from 15th January 2023.He told Parliament that renovations along the trains were the cause for this decision.

COLOMBO (News 1st) – The 10.6 million liters of diesel donation by China will be provided free of charge, said the Chinese Embassy in Sri Lanka.Fuel will be given free to  232,749 farmers for harvesting 342,266 hectares paddy fields across Sri Lanka in Maha season 2022/23 (20L/hectare)In addition, the 3,796 fishing vessels below 40 feet in Sri Lanka (1,000L/vessel) will also be given free diesel courtesy from China.

COLOMBO (News 1st) – The court of appeal granted permission to examine the writ application filed seeking a ruling that State Minister Diana Gamage is unfit to become a Member of the Sri Lankan Parliament and that she should be prevented from serving as an MP.The writ application was filed by civil activist Osanda Lakmal Anil Herath, and it was called up in the presence of Justices Sobitha Rajakaruna and Dhammika Ganepola.State Minister Diana Gamage, the Public Security Minister Tiran Alles, the Controller General of Immigration and Emigration, and the Chairman of the National Election Commission among 15 others were named as respondents in the case.The Court of Appeal ordered for notice to be served on the respondents to make their submissions with regard to the matter.The exmination of the petition will commence on the 12th of December 2022, ordered the Court of Appeal.The Controller General of Immigration and Emigration was also ordered by the Court of Appeal to submit all documents related to the citizenship of Diana Gamage to the court.

COLOMBO (News 1st) – Sri Lanka Minister of Foreign Affairs Ali Sabry called on Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina at her Official Residence in Dhaka, Bangladesh recently.Minister Sabry and Prime Minister Hasina highlighted the long-standing friendship and cooperation between the two countries, focusing on enhancing people-to-people contact using air and sea connectivity. The Prime Minister encouraged acquiring more traction for Bangladesh vessels through the Port of Colombo and invited further investments from Sri Lanka. Minister Sabry emphasized the importance of tourism promotion and invited Bangladesh tourists and investors to explore Sri Lanka.Minister Ali Sabry is in Dhaka to attend meetings as the Vice-Chair of IORA, at the 22nd Meeting of the Council of Ministers.

COLOMBO (News 1st) – The Public Utilities Commission of Sri Lanka (PUCSL) approved power cuts of 2 hours and 20 minutes on 28th & 29th November as follows;Groups ABCDEFGHIJKLPQRSTUVW: 1-hour during daytime 1-hour 20-minutes during the night

COLOMBO (News 1st) – The Department of Meteorology says that several spells of light showers will occur in the Northern province.Showers or thundershowers will occur at several places in Uva and Southern provinces, and showers or thundershowers may occur at a few places in Central, Sabaragamuwa, and Eastern provinces during the afternoon or night.The Misty condition can be expected in Sabaragamuwa, Central provinces, and Galle and Matara districts during the morning.Condition of Rain:Several spells of light showers may occur in the sea areas off the coast extending from Mannar to Kankasanturai.Winds:Winds will be from a north-easterly or variable direction and the speed will be (20-30) kmph.

COLOMBO (News 1st) – Today’s exchange rates from the Central Bank of Sri Lanka:USD Buy 360.2922 Sell 371.2929GBP Buy 434.6091 Sell 451.3888EUR Buy 373.0369 Sell 388.6538JPY Buy 2.5825 Sell 2.6902AUD Buy 242.0396 Sell 253.3277

Colombo (News 1st) – The 2022 FIFA World Cup surprises keep coming as Morocco beat the world's second best side, Belgium 2-0. Thanks to late goals by Abdelhamid Sabiri and Zakaria Aboukhlal, Morocco pulled off just its third-ever win at a World Cup. Belgium had 10 shots, but they only had three on target.

A group of Lanarkshire pals have kickstarted a new initiative to improve local men's mental and physical health through football.

COLOMBO (News 1st) – The National STD/AIDS Control Programme says that a system has been set up to schedule HIV tests online. Specialist Doctor Nimali Jayasuriya says that this online method can be used instead of going to clinics. Accordingly she further sais that bookings for HIV tests can be made at the website www.know4sure.lk News 1st is now on Whatsapp, Viber, LinkedIN and Telegram. Don't miss out on all the latest developments in Sri Lanka and overseas.

COLOMBO (News 1st) – Sri Lanka's Power and Energy Minister Kanchana Wijesekera said that electricity tariffs will be increased, again."No matter who becomes, President, Finance Minister, or Government we cannot avoid another hike in tariffs.," he told Parliament on Friday (25) adding that Sri Lanka will not receive rainfall in 2023 as it did in 2022.Therefore, according to the Minister it costs Rs. 56.90 to generate a unit for the CEB to deliver around clock electricity."We charge Rs.

COLOMBO (News 1st) – On the 26th and 27th of November, the Dawoodi Bohra community of Sri Lanka will host the Bohra Business Exposition 2022 at the Havelock City Hall, from 10am- 9pm.For generations, the Dawoodi Bohra community in Sri Lanka has played an instrumental role in Sri Lanka's business sphere and continually has had an impact on the lives of million employed and engaged with their sectors. Subsequent to their entry into Sri Lanka's business community in 1830, the Bohra entrepreneurs infiltrated the business community as traders and merchants.

COLOMBO (News 1st) – The Government of China has donated 10.6 Million liters of Diesel to Sri Lanka for farmers and fisheries in Sri Lanka.The "Super Eastern" vessel carrying diesel is scheduled to arrive in the country form Singapore to the Port of Colombo tomorrow (26).The embassy earlier tweeted that China will donate 10.6 million liters of diesel to farmers and fishermen in remote areas of Sri Lanka, to upgrade livelihood in the most affected sectors of agriculture & fishery. The shipments are scheduled between November and December, and will be distributed to the needed asap.

COLOMBO (News 1st) – A special commemoration speech to mark the 55th death anniversary of the late D.A. Rajapaksa was held yesterday (24) under the leadership of President Ranil Wickremesinghe at the Nawarangahala in Colombo.This ceremony was organised by the Rajapakse Memorial Educational, Cultural and Social Services Foundation, and was presided over by the Venerable Anunayake of the Sri Lanka Ramanya Maha Nikaya, Head of the Minuwangoda Patthaduvana Bhikshu Training Institute Venerable Nadagamuwe Vijaya Maitri Thero.Professor Samitha Hettige of the University of Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia delivered the keynote address on “The Belt – Road: Lessons for Sustainable Development”.The book containing the Commemoration speech was also presented to the President.Speaker Mahinda Yapa Abeywardena laid a floral tribute at the statue of the Late D.

COLOMBO (News 1st) – Bangladesh Foreign Minister Dr A K Abdul Momen has underscored the need for setting up direct shipping connectivity with Sri Lanka to boost trade relations between Bangladesh and the South Asian nation.He also emphasised the resumption of negotiations for the early conclusion of the Preferential Trade Agreement (PTA) between the two countries.Bangladesh's foreign minister put the importance while holding a meeting with his visiting Sri Lankan counterpart Ali Sabry on Wednesday on the eve of the 22nd ministerial meeting of the Indian Ocean Rim Association (IORA) in the capital, a foreign ministry press release said on Thursday.During the meeting, the two leaders discussed the wide spectrum of bilateral relations and expressed hope to work closely together for the betterment of the two peoples and inclusive development of the region.Momen urged Sri Lanka to increase the import of agricultural products and pharmaceuticals from Bangladesh at an affordable price.Sri Lankan foreign minister said that his country is keen to work in close partnership with Bangladesh.The two leaders agreed to expedite the completion of the formalities to form an institutional platform to hold regular and comprehensive dialogues between the two countries at the level of foreign minister.The issue of mutual support for each other's candidature at various international fora was also discussed with due importance.Momen also sought support from Sri Lanka in repatriating the forcibly displaced Myanmar nationals sustainably.

COLOMBO (News 1st) – Sri Lankan Opposition Leader Sajith Premadasa told Parliament on Friday (24) that he did not apply for the post of Prime Minister, during the tenure of Gotabaya Rajapaksa.Sajith Premadasa said that the Former President repeatedly requested him to accept the post of Prime Minister, and four conditions were put forward to Rajapaksa for the establishment of an interim short-term government.• President must resign from his position during a stipulated minimum period of time;• Implement and enact the 19th constitutional amendment within a period of two weeks, with the support of all political parties;• Implement the provisions in the Constitution within a minimum time period to abolish the executive presidency; and• Call for a parliamentary election to allow the public to form a permanent government after implementing the constitutional amendments and rebuilding the community life and ensuring the rule of law.Sajith Premadasa said he wrote to then-President Rajapaksa citing these four conditions to accept the post of Prime Minister, and did not request or apply for the post of Prime Minister.Sajith Premadasa was responding to a comment made by President Ranil Wickremesinghe in Parliament on Thursday (24).'Our Opposition Leader also said today that I asked for this presidency. I didn't ask for this.

COLOMBO (News 1st) – The Hambantota International Port (HIP) and Sri Lanka Navy partnered with Shangri La Hotel – Hambantota to kick off the year-end festive season with a mid-sea cake mixing ceremony.The event was held on board a Sri Lankan Naval vessel docked at Hambantota International Port. The Christmas cake, which is complex and unique in its making, is an age-old tradition. While each home has a special recipe for it, hotels have made it into a much anticipated seasonal activity that spells the beginning of the holiday season and this year HIP played an important role in it.“The coming together of the Hambantota International Port Group (HIPG) and the Sri Lankan Navy to host this event is significant as Sri Lanka positions itself to receive record numbers of tourists this year for the winter season. We are proud to be a part of this endeavour.

COLOMBO (News 1st) – UNICEF says in order to prevent a child protection crisis in Sri Lanka, there needs to be a generation of data on the types of violence against girls and boys, the locations, the perpetrators and the accessibility of services. This will help improve the planning and implementation of programmes to prevent and respond to child protection issues.It added that a child-friendly legal framework, that is fit for Sri Lankan children in 2022, rather than laws drafted 80 years ago during the colonial period that far pre-date the ratification of the Convention on the Rights of the Child, is necessary.The principles of best interests and participation need to be brought into new legislation that provides the possibility for prevention, including family strengthening and ensures that all forms of institutionalization and detention of children are the last resort and for the shortest possible time.UNICEF also said that a  strong social service and justice workforce – who work together – to better protect children in Sri Lanka, needs to be forced and to this end, the government should prioritize the development and planning of a professional social service and justice workforce. It also needs to invest in training and supervision of the workforce, as well as clear definitions of roles and responsibilities.The Ministries and their Departments, the Police and the Judiciary should establish regular coordination mechanisms to provide appropriate services adapted to meet the needs of girls, boys and women. Finally, as negotiations move ahead with the re-structuring of the economy and public finance, it is critical that the child welfare and justice services are preserved, allocated minimum financial resources and

COLOMBO (News 1st) – Reports have surfaced that an attempt is being made to cover up a serious fraudulent deal involving the importation of dairy heifers from Australia dating back to 2012 all the way up to 2018.Sri Lanka spend US $37.3 Mn to import 5,000 dairy heifers from Australia for dairy farms operated by the National Livestock Development Board from 2012 to 2015.A majority of the dairy heifers imported from Australia's Wellard without following proper procurement process died as they could not adapt to Sri Lanka's climate.The project failed, and thereafter in 2018 the Ministry of Rural Economic Development again decided to import dairy heifers, and this time the number was 20,000 animals.Sri Lanka obtained a US $237 Mn loan from Rabobank in the Netherlands, and used US $23.7 Mn to import 5,000 heifers.Most of these animals fell ill and died after they were given to farmers, and at the same time another US $11.9 Mn was paid in advance for another back of 5,000 heifers.The advance was paid when there were no monetary allocations, and the then-Ministry Secretary had made payments without approval from the parliament.The payment was made five days before she retired, and her spouse is a high ranking public servant at the moment.This serious matter was taken up in COPE on Wednesday (24).Mahindananda Aluthgamage, a Former Minister said "Heifers were imported from Wellard for this project for breeding at a cost of Rs. 4.46 Billion.

COLOMBO (News 1st) – SriLankan Airlines CEO Richard Nuttall was upbeat on on support of global travel trade for tourism revival in the country, however expressed concern over the exodus of pilots from the airline that is in its early stages."As Sri Lankan Airlines we carry 60% of the tourists that come to the country. We also have 37 sales offices around the world and we are the first point of contact with many of the tour operators and travel agents that sell to the country.

COLOMBO (News 1st) – Sri Lanka's Public Security Minister Tiran Alles told Parliament on Thursday (24) that investigations have uncovered that Venerable Galwewa Siridhamma Thero and Wasantha Mudalige are Aragalaya activists inciting terror.He said that the opposition leader recently speaking in parliament had noted that there were normal aragalaya activists and terrorists during the unrest.The Minister said based on the investigations, it is clear the Venerable Galwewa Siridhamma Thero and Wasantha Mudalige fall in to the category of aragalaya activists inciting terror, and not with the normal aragalaya activists. He said the normal argalaya activists continue dialogue even today, and they were moved out of Galle Face by the others led by Venerable Galwewa Siridhamma Thero and Wasantha Mudalige.The Minister said investigations are ongoing and many revelations will be made in the coming days, including those who funded and accommodated the groups led by Venerable Galwewa Siridhamma Thero and Wasantha Mudalige.

COLOMBO (News 1st) –  Sri Lankan president Ranil Wickremesinghe said that as a policy it is accepted that a government should not be running businesses, except that the government will stay in the financial sector.He said on Thursday (23) that the government will build the state-owned banks and make them stronger, however, they will be operated as commercial banks."We won't mind giving a part of the minority shares to the deposit holders,' said the President adding that it will bring some discipline.He said the future digital economy will be export oriented with social protection, which is also environmentally friendly for a Blue-Green economy."We need to go ahead. We can't be begging anymore and we can't be asking for countries for loans any more.

COLOMBO (News 1st) – According to the Governor of the Central Bank Dr. Nandalal Weerasinghe, market interest rates have been tightening since last August and the Central Bank has been continuing to tighten their monetary policy since April and July of this year; Central banks engage in tight monetary policy when an economy is accelerating too quickly or inflation is rising too fast.

COLOMBO (News 1st) – Sri Lankan Foreign Affairs Minister Ali Sabry told the Indian Ocean Rim Association session in Bangladesh on Thursday (24) that Sri Lanka is poised and is well positioned to be one of the major trading hubs of the Indian Ocean, addign that the country has demonstrated manifestly significant openness to trade and commerce.He emphasised the significance and necessity of actively engaging with the countries of the Indian Ocean Rim to mutually advance the economic and commercial interests of Sri Lanka as well as to maintain peace and stability in the region of Indian Ocean. He further stressed that Sri Lanka’s commitment to the matters that concern the Indian Ocean region remains one of the key cornerstones of the current economic and foreign policy of Sri Lanka. Minister highlighted that Sri Lanka is strategically positioned at the centre of one of the busiest sea lanes of the world, adding that Sri Lanka’s traditional and ancient links with the countries of the IORM go back many centuries and empirical evidence reveals that Sri Lanka’s geographical centrality markedly facilitated and aided maritime commerce and trade over the centuries.Given its progression as an Indian Ocean Hub, Sri Lanka has emerged as one of the most pivotal shipping lanes since two-thirds of the petroleum products and half of the container shipments of the world criss-cross close to the Southern coast of the Island.The Minister apprised the member states at the Council of Ministers of the IORA concerning Sri Lanka’s efforts in sustainable and efficacious usage of maritime resources and immense ocean pollution challenges as well as projects and programs implemented to safeguard the coastal belt and the Indian Ocean. This is to

COLOMBO (News 1st) – Human Rights Watch quoting economists says that the economic situation in Sri Lanka could deteriorate rapidly without action by foreign creditors, placing the basic needs of millions of people in further jeopardy.To stabilize the economy, international creditors should agree to restructure Sri Lanka’s debt so the country can secure final approval for an International Monetary Fund (IMF) loan and financing from other global agencies, it added.In April, Sri Lanka defaulted on over US$50 billion in debts to international creditors. In September, it reached a staff-level agreement with the IMF for a four-year, $2.9 billion bailout.

COLOMBO (News 1st) – Minister of Foreign Affairs, Ali Sabry, left for Dhaka, Bangladesh on 23 November 2022 to attend the 22nd Meeting of the Council of Ministers (COM) of the Indian Ocean Rim Association (IORA). Foreign Minister Sabry is expected to address the IORA Council of Ministers on 24th  November 2022 as the current Vice Chair of the IORA.

COLOMBO (News 1st) – The Department of Meteorology says that mainly fair weather will prevail over most parts of the island.Condition of Rain:A few showers are likely in sea areas off the coast extending from Galle to Matara.Winds:Winds will be north-westerly or south-westerly and speed will be (20-40) kmph. State of Sea:The sea areas off the coast extending from Matara to Hambantota will be moderate. 

COLOMBO (News 1st) – The Central Bank of Sri Lanka has decided to maintain the policy interest rates at current levels.Accordingly, the Standing Deposit Facility Rate (SDFR) and the Standing Lending Facility Rate (SLFR) of the Central Bank will be at their current levels of 14.50 per cent and 15.50 per cent, respectively.The decision comes after considering the recent and expected developments in the domestic and global economy and macroeconomic projections. 

COLOMBO (News 1st) – The Kalaikathir News Paper From Jaffna had revealed that Samant Kumar Goel, the Chief of the Research and Analysis Wing of India, also known as RAW recently visited Colombo on a highly classified visit.The Research and Analysis Wing is the foreign intelligence agency of India, and the Kalaikathir News Paper From Jaffna has reported the visit citing highly credible sources.The Kalaikathir News Paper From Jaffna reported that Samant Kumar Goel met with Sri Lankan President Ranil Wickremesinghe in Colombo.It also reported that the meeting with the President was also highly confidential.The President's Media Division is yet to make an announcement on the visit, and the meet.

COLOMBO (News 1st) – Sri Lanka's Central Bank Governor Dr. Nandalal Weerasinghe said that the Central Bank cannot make popular decisions, and making popular decisions is the job of the government."When you listen the budget debate these days, there are a lot of allegations on the Central Bank saying that CBSL contracted the economy and this model is not sustainable, and as a result the people are suffering," he said while speaking at the 40th Annual General Meeting of the Sri Lankan Apparel Exporters Association in Colombo on Tuesday (22).He said as the Governor of the Central Bank he is the person who is in charge of the monetary policy, and would not like to creep into or encroach someone else's authority in terms of the fiscal policy.

A Lanarkshire teacher has been left unable to read books after a crippling long COVID battle.

COLOMBO (News 1st) – Sri Lanka is among the seven countries with a high risk of a currency crisis, warned Nomura Holdings, Japan’s top brokerage and investment bank.The other countries are  Egypt, Romania, Turkey, the Czech Republic, Pakistan, and Hungary.According to Reuters, the Japanese bank said that 22 of the 32 countries covered by its in-house "Damocles" warning system have seen their risk rise since its last update since May, with the largest increases in the Czech Republic and Brazil.It meant the sum of the scores generated on all 32 by the model had increased sharply to 2,234 from 1,744 since May."This is the highest total score since July 1999 and not too far from the peak of 2,692 during the height of the Asian crisis," Nomura economists said, calling it "an ominous warning sign of the growing broad-based risk in EM currencies".The model crunches 8 key indicators on a country's FX reserves, exchange rate, financial health and interest rates to give an overall score.Based on data from 61 different EM currency crises since 1996, Nomura estimates that a score above 100 indicates a 64% chance of a currency crisis in the following 12 months.Egypt, which has already devalued its currency heavily twice this year and sought an International Monetary Fund (IMF) programme, now generates the worst score at 165.Romania is next on 145 having been propping up its currency with interventions.

COLOMBO (News 1st) – Sri Lankan President Ranil Wickremesinghe told Parliament on Wednesday (23) that he would not dissolve the house until stability returns to the country and vowed not to allow another Aragalaya to change the country's government. He said he would deploy the military and use emergency powers if necessary.The President accused the Frontline Socialist Party (FSP) and its leader Kumar Gunaratnam of being responsible for the attempt to capture parliament on the 13th of July 2022.

COLOMBO (News 1st) – Sri Lanka Navy held a lorry transporting over 24kg of Kerala Cannabis and apprehended 02 suspects, during a search operation carried out in Nachchikuda, Mannar yesterday (22).The coordinated search operation was mounted by SLNS Buwaneka in the North Central Naval Command with the assistance of Illuppukadawai Police in the Nachchikuda area yesterday (22) morning. The search led to the interception of a suspicious lorry at the Wellankulam roadblock and the recovery of 12 packages containing about 24kg and 200g of Kerala Cannabis from the lorry. Accordingly, the lorry, the consignment of Kerala Cannabis and 02 suspects in connection to the incident were held.The gross street value of the stock of Kerala Cannabis held in this operation is believed to be over Rs.7 Million.The suspects were identified as residents of Vavuniya, aged 37 and 45. The accused together with Kerala cannabis and the lorry were handed over to the Illuppukadawai Police for onward legal action

COLOMBO (News 1st) – Today’s exchange rates from the Central Bank of Sri Lanka:USD Buy 360.9919 Sell 371.8325GBP Buy 425.8233 Sell 442.3703EUR Buy 367.9610 Sell 383.3119JPY Buy 2.5285 Sell 2.6343AUD Buy 236.7264 Sell 248.0444

COLOMBO (News 1st) – The Health Entomologists Association says that the number of dengue patients across 20 MOH divisions is considerably high.The Chairman of the Health Entomologists Association Najith Sumanasena said that several MOH divisions in the Western Province are considered dengue high-risk areas.He requested the general public to ensure to keep their surroundings clean to prevent the spread of dengue in those identified MOH divisions.Over 55,500 dengue cases have been reported in the country so far this year, twice the number reported in 2021.

COLOMBO (News 1st) – The Department of Meteorology says that mainly fair weather will prevail over most parts of the island.Condition of Rain:A few showers are likely in sea areas off the coast extending from Galle to Matara.Winds:Winds will be north-westerly or south-westerly and speed will be (20-40) kmph. State of Sea:The sea areas off the coast extending from Kankasanturai to Trincomalee via Mullaitivu and from Colombo to Hambantota via Galle and Matara will be fairly rough at times. 

COLOMBO (News 1st) – Sri Lanka's Former Central Bank Governor Ajith Nivard Cabraal said that Former President Gotabaya Rajapaksa simply let things happen during his tenure as the Head of State.Speaking to News 1st's 10 Questions program the Former Head of the Central Bank said he too believed that the Former President should have conducted himself differently, and that could have changed the fate of the country."An unexpected person is now the President.

COLOMBO (News 1st) – The Offshore Patrol Vessel P 627 the most recent addition to the Sri Lanka Navy fleet acquired from the United States (U.S.) Coast Guard was commissioned as Vijayabahu under the patronage of President Ranil Wickremesinghe on Tuesday (22) at the Colombo Port. The Vessel P 627 began her home-bound journey from the Port of Seattle on the 03rd September 2022 and arrived in Colombo on November 02 after about 10656 nautical miles (19734 km) of the sea passage.The President as the Chief Guest was accorded a Guard of Honour by the Sri Lanka Navy. The President boarded the SLNS Vijayabahu Vessel accompanied by Navy Commander Vice Admiral Nishantha Ulugetenna and unveiled the ship's name board.Following a tour onboard the President unveiled the plaque and a memento was presented to the President by the Navy Commander. P 627, the second ‘Hamilton Class High Endurance Cutter’, received by SL Navy, measures 115m in length and is capable of reaching a maximum speed of 29 knots with 14000 nautical miles of endurance at cruising speed. Further, she has been designed for 187 crew members and is equipped with modern weapons and machinery that suit SL Navy’s operational requirements. During her stint with the U.S.

By Tyrone DevottaThe digital chapter of FITIS on its internet day message says although Financial Technology (FinTech) is now a global phenomenon, in providing financial benefits to the elite and right down to the bottom of the pyramid, Sri Lanka has not cashed in on its full advantages.  This is because we lack the policy framework for Fintech companies to operate in their full capacity.

The second reading of the 2023 Budget was passed in Parliament on Tuesday (22) by a slim majority of 37 votes.Votes in Favor: 121Votes Against: 84Abstentions: 1The debate on the second reading of the Appropriation Bill began on November 15th, and the voting for the second reading took place on Tuesday (22) evening.The debate on the committee stage of the Appropriation Bill is scheduled to be held from November 23rd to December 8th, and the voting will be held on December 8th at 7.00 pm.Minister Mahinda Amaraweera said that all Sri Lanka Freedom Party MPs who are connected to the government decided to vote in favour of the second reading of the budget today (22).Meanwhile, the Samagi Jana Balawegaya, the Sri Lanka Freedom Party, the People's Freedom Congress, and the National People's Power have decided to vote against it.The Tamil National Alliance decided not to take part in the voting process for the Second Reading of the 2023 Appropriation Bill.

COLOMBO (News 1st) – The Department of Meteorology says that mainly fair weather will prevail over most parts of the island.Condition of Rain:A few showers are likely in sea areas off the coast extending from Galle to Matara.Winds:Winds will be north-westerly or south-westerly and speed will be (20-40) kmph. State of Sea:The sea areas off the coast extending from Kankasanturai to Trincomalee via Mullaitivu and from Colombo to Hambantota via Galle and Matara will be fairly rough at times.