Sri Lanka switches Coal Supplier; Five shipments from Swiss Singapore

COLOMBO (News 1st) – The Samagi Jana Balavegaya filed Fundamental Rights applications with the Supreme Court challenging the gazette issued by President Ranil Wickremesinghe declaring High-Security Zones in Colombo.The applications were filed by SJB MPs Harshana Rajakaruna, and Mujibur Rahuman on Wednesday (28).The FR applications name the Attorney General as the respondent and note that the President has no right to declare High-Security Zones, and no law allows the President to do so.The petitioners request the Supreme Court to rule that the conduct of the President had violated the Fundamental Rights of the people of Sri Lanka, and thereby issue an order to invalidate the said gazette.

COLOMBO (News 1st) – Sri Lanka Navy apprehended 06 persons who were suspected to be attempting to illegally migrate to a foreign country by sea, during a search operation carried out in seas off Sand Banks, Talaimannar on 27th September 2022.Sri Lanka Navy has been conducting regular search operations and patrols covering the sea and coastal areas around the island with the aim of suppressing illegal activities. During a special operation mounted by SLNS Thammanna in the North Central Naval Command on 27th September, a group of individuals remaining suspiciously at Sand Banks were approached and interrogated. Subsequently, the group of individuals who were suspected to be remaining there until the arrival of a boat to illegally migrate from the country were nabbed by the Navy.

COLOMBO (News 1st) – The latest report from the World Food Program reveals that four in ten housholds in Sri Lanka are consuming inadequate diets.The World Food Program said that the intensifying economic crisis continues to threaten food security, and the persistence of high food and fuel prices has pushed food further out of each. The WFP warned that in the face of inaction, the situation could deteriorate even further.Highlighting the fact that diets are in a precarious state among Sri Lankans, the World Food Program said that four in ten  households are facing insufficient food  consumption, with many consuming far less diverse diets as food prices remain high across the country.To date, WFP has received a total of US$29.35 million from the  governments of Australia, Italy,  Japan, New Zealand, Norway, United States and  Switzerland, as well as from the UN Central  Emergency Response Fund, private sector partners, and multilateral donors. This represents nearly half of its emergency appeal for US$63 million. 

COLOMBO (News 1st) – The Sri Lanka Podujana Peramuna has decided to strip the SLPP Local Government Member who was arrested over the Thambuttegama Bank Heist of his party membership.SLPP General Secretary Attorney Sagara Kariyawasam told reported on Wednesday (28) that the matter was internally probed on Tuesday (27), adding that necessary action will be taken against the local government member if it is proven via an investigation that he is responsible for the crime.A Sri Lanka Podujana Peramuna Local Government Member was arrested over the Rs. 20 Million Bank Heist in ThambuttegSri Lanka Podujana Peramuna Local Government Member ama.Sri Lanka Police said that a Sri Lanka Podujana Peramuna Local Government Member from the Rajanganaya Pradeshiya Sabha was arrested for aiding and abetting in the crime.The suspect is a 44-year-old resident from Rajanganaya.A Sri Lankan Police Officer has been hailed a hero after he valiantly stopped two men from making a getaway with over Rs.

(New York) – The Sri Lankan government should reverse a new regulation that unlawfully restricts protests in large areas of the capital, Colombo, Human Rights Watch said on Tuesday (27). On September 24, 2022, a day after the measure was issued, police arrested 84 people and used tear gas and water cannon to disperse protesters calling for the release of student activists being held under the notorious Prevention of Terrorism Act.On September 23, the Sri Lankan government invoked the Official Secrets Act to designate public streets and government buildings in central Colombo “high security zones,” where written permission from the police is required to hold any public gathering. Under the regulation, police have wide-ranging authority to arrest anyone inside these zones and only the High Court can grant bail to those detained.

Police have launched an investigaion into alleged mistreatment of patients at a mental health unit. The Manchester Evening News understands that more than 12 staff have been suspended at the facility by the NHS Trust that runs it.

COLOMBO (News 1st) – Sri Lanka Police launched an investigation into an Rs.

COLOMBO (News 1st) – Sri Lanka's Ministry of Public Administration has noted that expressing opinions on social media by a public officer without following the proper provisions of the Establishments Code shall be consituted as an offense.A statement noted that such offense shall lead to disciplinary action.Refer full statement below:  

COLOMBO (News 1st) – Sri Lanka has decided to send a delegation for the annual summit of the International Monetary Fund and the World Bank.The 2022 Annual Meetings of the International Monetary Fund (IMF) and the World Bank Group (WBG) will take place in person from Monday, October 10, through Sunday, October 16 in the IMF and World Bank Group headquarters, in Washington DC.Sri Lanka's delegation will be led by Acting Finance Minister Shehan Semasinghe.He said the Governor of the Central Bank of Sri Lanka, the Finance Secretary and several others will accompany him.The Acting Finance Minister said that the 2022 Annual Meetings of the International Monetary Fund (IMF) and the World Bank Group (WBG) will be of paramount importance for Sri Lanka to restrucutre its debt, and also obtain financial assistance from the IMF.

COLOMBO (News 1st); Eighty houses were completely destroyed following a fire that broke out in a series of houses in Kajimawatte, Grandpass on Tuesday (27) night.Sri Lanka Police said the fire was contained by over fifty firefighters who battled the blaze for several hours.Sri Lanka Police added that 220 people were displaced by the fire, and they were moved to a community hall and a temple temporarily until the area is cleared.The Government Analyst will be summoned on Wednesday (28) to determine the cause of the fire.Colombo District Secretary Pradeep Yasaratne told News 1st that steps will be taken to provide relief to the people who were displaced by the fire.He said a proposal was put forward to award the displaced families houses from housing complexes owned by the Urban Development Authority.President Ranil Wickremesinghe, who is on an official visit to Japan, has instructed the President’s Secretary Saman Ekanayake to take steps to provide immediate relief to all the residents affected by the fire that broke out at the Kajimawatta complex in Thotalanga, Colombo.The President had instructed Secretary Saman Ekanayake to intervene immediately and direct the Colombo GA, Tri Forces Commanders, the Fire Brigade, the Health Department, the Urban Development Authority and all other relevant government agencies to look into the needs of the people who were residing in the apartment complex and provide them the required facilities immediately.Accordingly, all relevant departments have already taken steps to provide the maximum intervention required to douse the fire and provide all other necessary facilities promptly.The President has further stated that special attention should be provided to attend to the needs of

Greater Manchester Police have opened an investigation following allegations that adult patients were mistreated at a mental health unit in Prestwich.

COLOMBO (News 1st) – Report of the special committee related to the May 9 violent incidents will be submitted to Parliament soon by State Minister of Defence Premitha Bandara Tennakoon.The gazette notification to remove legal obstacles to the extradition of criminals from the UAE was also approved.State Minister of Defense Premitha Bandara Tennakoon said in Parliament that the report of the special committee related to the violent incidents that took place on and around May 9th was handed over to the President on the 8th of September and accordingly steps will be taken to inform the Cabinet and the Parliament about it in the future.The state minister said this recently (23) while presiding over the first meeting of the Ministerial Consultative Committee on Defence related to the new session.According to the report of this committee comprising former Navy Commander Admiral of the Fleet Wasantha Karnagoda, former Air Force Commander Marshal of the Air Force Mr.Roshan Gunathilake, and former Army Commander General Daya Rathnayake (retired), if any lapses have occurred in the security forces, measures will be taken in the future the State Minister said.The minister said this when the members brought to the attention of the committee whether there were any lapses by the security forces in connection with the violent incidents that took place in Sri Lanka on and around May 9 and the legal measures to be taken against those involved.Also, Defense Secretary General Kamal Gunaratne (retired) said that the law will be strictly enforced against those involved and those who supported these violent incidents.Meanwhile, the approval of the Ministerial Consultative Committee on Defense was also received to present the order made under

COLOMBO (News 1st) – Sri Lankan President Ranil Wickremesinghe said that the need at the moment for the island nation is an agreement with its three main creditors – India, China, and Japan."We've had discussions with the IMF. We have come to a staff-level agreement.

COLOMBO (News 1st) – The Public Utilities Commission of Sri Lanka (PUCSL) approved power cuts of 2 hours and 20 minutes for 28th September as follows;Groups ABCDEFGHIJKLPQRSTUVW: 1-hour during daytime 1-hour and 20-minutes during the nightGroups MNOXYZ: 2-hours and 30-minutes from 5.30 AM to 8.00 AMGroup CC: 2-hours and 30-minutes from 6.00 AM to 8.30 AM

COLOMBO (News 1st) – The President of the Bar Association of Sri Lanka President's Counsel Saliya Pieris has responded to the claims made by the Acting Defence Minister on seeking six hour prior approval for protests or demonstrations.Responding to the acting Minister of Defence saying that the Police should be notified and approval must be obtained from local Police six hours before holding a protest, the President ofthe Bar Association of Sri Lanka noted that it was not what the Supreme Court held in the case of Vivienne Goonewardene v Hector Perera as per the judgment of Justice J.F.A. Soza in 1983.He added that accordingly.

COLOMBO (News 1st) – Tests will be conducted to determine the quality of Petrol and Diesel in the country, announced the Public Utilities Commission of Sri Lanka on Tuesday (27).PUSCL Chairman Janaka Ratnayake said that samples are being obtained at present, and noted that serious complaints have been received over the quality of fuel available in Sri Lanka.

COLOMBO (News 1st) – Minister of Foreign Affairs Ali Sabry called on Secretary-General of the United Nations António Guterres and briefed him on the steps being taken by Sri Lanka to overcome current challenges.The discussion also focused on further UN assistance to Sri Lanka.Foreign Minister Ali Sabry on Saturday (24) sought for cooperation and support of the international community including the United Nations for Sri Lanka’s new resolve to “build back better” with political, economic, and social reforms following the unprecedented crisis faced by the country.Addressing the UN’s 77th General Assembly in New York, Sabry said measures include a review of the present procedures, the strengthening of the institutional framework of democratic governance, and the adoption of urgent measures to restore long-term economic stability.   

COLOMBO (News 1st) – The United States Permanent Representative to the UN Food and Agriculture Agencies in Rome, Ambassador Cindy McCain says support will be provided for Food Security and Sustainable Agriculture in Sri Lanka.The United States Permanent Representative to the UN Food and Agriculture Agencies in Rome, Ambassador Cindy McCain met with Agriculture Minister Mahinda Amaraweera at the Ministry of Agriculture, which also saw the participation of US Ambassador to Sri Lanka Julie Chang. Meanwhile, The United States Permanent Representative to the UN Food and Agriculture Agencies in Rome, Ambassador Cindy McCain, and US Ambassador to Sri Lanka Julie Chung met with the Secretary to the Minister of Foreign Affairs Aruni Wijeywaradane yesterday. US Ambassador Julie Chung noted the USA will continue its support to strengthen the economy of Sri Lanka. 

COLOMBO (News 1st) – Sri Lanka's energy regulator has approved for the Ceylon Electricity Board to purchase power from Private Plants until Norochcholai Power Plant is restored.Minister of Power and Energy Kanchana Wijesekera said the Ceylon Petroleum Corporation will provide the necessary Diesel, Naphtha, and Furnace Oil requirements to the CEB to maintain power generation without extending the power cuts.This announcement came after Generator 3 at the Norochcholai Coal Power Plant failed.The Chairman of the Public Utilities Commission of Sri Lanka said that the Generator failed due to a fault.He warned that lengthy power cuts are expected in the future, and the power cut schedule will be announced soon.Generator 2 at the Norochcholai Coal Power Plan is already out for repairs.Accordingly, only 300 MW of a total of 900 MW is being generated.

COLOMBO (News 1st) – The National Livestock Development Board says that it has decided to review the prices of eggs.State Minister D.B Herath said a discussion will be held on Wednesday (28) with the participation of all stakeholders.The Minister said that he expects to discuss the existing egg prices and make the necessary amendments.The Minister further said that the discussion will consider whether the current production cost presented by the egg producers is reasonable.Also Watch:  

COLOMBO (News 1st) – The Minister of Power and Energy says that the remaining Cargos from last year's Coal Tender has been advanced to fulfill the immediate requirements of Norochcholai.Accordingly, the advance payment for the 1st Cargo was completed yesterday (26).A Long Term Tender & A Spot Tender will be advertised this week for the full requirements.

COLOMBO (News 1st) – A Sri Lanka Podujana Peramuna Local Government Member was arrested over the Rs. 20 Million Bank Heist in ThambuttegSri Lanka Podujana Peramuna Local Government Member ama.Sri Lanka Police said that a Sri Lanka Podujana Peramuna Local Government Member from the Rajanganaya Pradeshiya Sabha was arrested for aiding and abetting in the crime.The suspect is a 44-year-old resident from Rajanganaya.A Sri Lankan Police Officer has been hailed a hero after he valiantly stopped two men from making a getaway with over Rs.

COLOMBO (News 1st) – The Agrarian Services Department says that it expects to cultivate over 845,000 hectares of paddy in the Maha season.The Agrarian Services Department says that 512,000 hectares of paddy were cultivated in the Yala season.It further said that only 80% of the harvest was reaped during the Yala Season.

 tOKYO (News 1st) – President Ranil Wickremesinghe met with the Prime Minister of Singapore Lee Hsien Loong in Tokyo on Tuesday (27), and said that his priority was to bring into effect the Free Trade Agreement with Singapore.During the discussions President Wickremesinghe informed the Singaporean Prime Minister that an international trade office was being established in the President’s office.Prime Minister Lee Hsien Loong welcomed the news, and stated that Singapore was looking forward to investing in Sri Lanka once again.President Wickremesinghe invited the Singaporean Prime Minister to visit Sri Lanka next year when the country celebrates its 75th Independence Anniversary.

COLOMBO (News 1st) – Generator 3 at the Norochcholai Coal Power Plant has failed.The Chairman of the Public Utilities Commission of Sri Lanka said that the Generator failed due to a fault.He warned that lengthy power cuts are expected in the future, and the power cut schedule will be announced soon.Generator 2 at the Norochcholai Coal Power Plan is already out of for repairs.Accordingly, only 300 MW of a total of 900 MW is being generated.

Tokyo (News 1st) – President Ranil Wickremesinghe held discussions with Japan’s Foreign Minister Yoshimasa Hayashi in Tokyo on Tuesday (27).During the meeting, Foreign Minister Hayashi welcomed Sri Lanka’s progress with the IMF and expressed his country’s willingness to take a leading role in Sri Lanka’s creditor talks.President Wickremesinghe expressed regret over the breakdown of relations between Japan and Sri Lanka following the cancellation of several investment projects by the former Government. The President stressed that he was keen to restart those projects.The President also indicated that the Government was interested in Japan investing in Sri Lanka’s renewable energy projects.Japan Foreign Minister Hayashi explained that Japan had increased its commitment to renewable energy and would be willing to explore future investment opportunities in Sri Lanka.The Foreign Minister also explained that Japan would begin the skilled worker examinations in January 2023 for Sri Lankan migrant workers.The President appreciated the support extended by Japan on the international stage and expressed the Government’s willingness to support both Japan’s and India’s campaign to become permanent members of the United Nations Security Council.

COLOMBO (News 1st) – The Public Utilities Commission of Sri Lanka (PUCSL) approved power cuts of 2-hours and 20-minutes for today and tomorrow as follows;Group ABCDEFGHIJKLMNOPQRSTUVW: 1-hour power cut during the daytime 1-hour and 20-minutes during the night

NASA’s Space Launch System (SLS) rocket with the Orion spacecraft aboard is seen atop the mobile launcher at Launch Pad 39B, Monday, Aug. 29, 2022, as the Artemis I launch teams load more than 700,000 gallons of cryogenic propellants including liquid CAPE CANAVERAL, Fla. - NASA's mega moon rocket will have to wait to launch until mid-November as engineers are preparing to roll back the Space Launch System rocket in preparation for Hurricane Ian.On Saturday morning, NASA teams decided to stand down on preparing for a Tuesday launch opportunity to allow them time to configure systems for rolling back the SLS rocket and Orion spacecraft to the Vehicle Assembly Building. Artemis I managers announced Monday plans to roll back the SLS to the VAB due to the latest Hurricane Ian forecast, which includes Florida's Space Coast in the cone of uncertainty.HURRICANE IAN STRENGTHENS IN CARIBBEAN'S WARM WATERS; FLORIDA'S GULF COAST AND TAMPA BAY BRACE FOR MAJOR THREATThe first motion of the crawler used to move the giant rocket is expected to happen at 11 p.m.

COLOMBO (News 1st) – The Human Rights Commission of Sri Lanka says that the notion that the High-Security Zones be declared under the Official Secret Act is a fallacy without any justification or basis. The Human Rights Commission is deeply concerned about the Government’s approach to adopting the Official Secret Act and making a declaration which grossly violates the fundamental rights of the people of this country.

COLOMBO (News 1st) – The Chinese Government handed over eight state-of-the-art CKD (Chronic Kidney Disease) Screening Vehicles (mobile labs) worth Rs. 660 million to the Ministry of Health on Monday (26).QI Zhenhong, the Chinese Ambassador to Sri Lanka, officially handed over the mobile laboratory buses to the Minister of Health, Dr.

COLOMBO (News 1st) – Sri Lanka railways have decided to reduce the speed of trains operating along the western coast.Railways General Manager Gamini Seneviratne told News 1st that the speed of the trains operating between Colombo Fort and Wadduwa will be limited to 20 kmph from Monday (26) due to renovations on the coastal railway route.

COLOMBO (News 1st)- A Sri Lankan Police Officer has been hailed a hero after he valiantly stopped two men from making a getaway with over Rs.

COLOMBO (News 1st) – Sri Lanka's Defence Secretary General (Retd) G D H Kamal Gunaratne conceded that the 'Agitation Site' introduced by then-President Gotabaya Rajapaksa is in the wrong place."We have understood that the agitation site was declared in the wrong place. Many accomadation sites used by Foreign Envoys are located in this particular are as well.

COLOMBO (News 1st) – The Minister of Power and Energy noted that the Ceylon Petroleum Corporation (CPC) will respond legally to the Chairman of the Public Utilities Commission of Sri Lanka (PUCSL) on the accusation of quality of Crude oil.Minister Kanchana Wijesekera tweeted that the CPC has adequate stocks of Diesel & Fuel Oil.Further, the extended Power Cuts were requested by Ceylon Electricity Board (CEB) due to a breakdown at Lakshapana, and insufficient funds at CEB for diesel & fuel oil & Hydro management.

COLOMBO (News 1st) – The first of its kind Basic Diving Module arranged for the lady officers and women sailors of the Sri Lanka Navy concluded on a successful note in Trincomalee recently. The certificate awarding for 03 participants who completed the module was held under the patronage of the Commandant of Naval and Maritime Academy (NMA), Commodore Damian Fernando at the Diving School in the Naval Dockyard Trincomalee on 24th September 2022.The initiative was set in motion for the first time in the history of the Sri Lanka Navy in July this year, as per an idea mooted by Commander of the Navy, Vice Admiral Nishantha Ulugetenne, allowing an opportunity for Navy women who are willing to engage in diving. Accordingly, 02 lady officers and 01 woman sailor who met the physical fitness standards required for Basic Diving Module completed the module, conducted for 20 days from 05th to 24th September at the Diving School in the Naval Dockyard. On successful completion of the Basic Diving Module, Lieutenant (S) Gayanka Satharasinghe, Sub Lieutenant (VNF) Nimasha Jayawickrama, and Women Able Seaman (PTI) GDD Sakunthala marked their names in the history of diving in the Sri Lanka Navy, as women who achieved this significant feat for the first time.Commenced in 1962, the Diving Unit of the Sri Lanka Navy established its Diving School at the Naval Dockyard, Trincomalee in 1988, to provide formal diving training to Navy divers. The Navy Diving Unit undertakes a wide range of underwater activities such as; underwater inspection, maintenance and repair of naval vessels, salvage work, clearance, and underwater demolition, underwater surveying, lifesaving, and rescue as well as diving assistance of non-naval nature to public and

COLOMBO (News 1st) – Sri Lankan authorities will pose no obstruction towards 'Peaceful Protests', said Acting Defence Minister Premitha Bandara Tennakoon on Monday (26).He noted that protests or demonstrations must take place as per the provisions of the law, where prior approval must be obtained from the security forces six hours ahead of the planned demonstration or protest."There will be no issue if prior approval is obtained," he said.The Acting Defence Minister said the government will guarantee the right to protest and demonstrate, however, these protests or demonstrations or marches should not disrupt the normal lives of the public and the economy."Protests, Rallies, and demonstrations that attempt to create a crisis in the country, and that disrupts the lives of the public will be contained as per the provisions of the law by the security forces," said the Acting Defence Minister, adding that it will be same for the future.He went on to note that no party will be allowed to engage in irresponsible conduct that violates the laws on public security and disrupt public operations.Commenting on the High-Security Zones that were declared by the President recently, the Acting Defence Minister noted that the people can go about with their activities in those areas, and issues will only arise if one engaged in unlawful conduct.

COLOMBO (News 1st) – Ambassador Cindy Hensley McCain, the United States Permanent Representative to the UN Agencies in Rome met with President Ranil Wickremesinghe on Sunday (25) and had a productive discussion.US Ambassador to Sri Lanka Julie Chung also joined the meeting.Discussions were carried out considering the ongoing economic hardships on Sri Lankans, as well as exploring the many ways the United States of America & Sri Lanka are working together to meet urgent humanitarian needs.United States Permanent Representative to the UN Food and Agriculture Agencies in Rome Ambassador Cindy McCain will visit Sri Lanka until September 28th to highlight U.S. food assistance programs in Sri Lanka and reinforce the U.S.

COLOMBO (News 1st) – Alertness, coupled with battle-hardened experience and professionalism of Sri Lanka Combat Convoy Company (CCC) troops, practiced in Mali under life-threatening circumstances resulted in the award of a special service medal to Major R.A.D.M.D Senevirathna of 12 Sri Lanka Engineers (SLE) in the CCC during an appreciative meeting.During a recent logistics convoy from Gao to Kidal in Mali, the Sri Lanka Search and Detection team of the CCC uncovered two Improvised Explosive Devices (IEDs) and effectively defused both of them before they caused a bloodbath. Mali-based CCC under the UN Multidimensional Integrated Stabilization Mission in Mali (MINUSMA) has been engaged in convoy protection duties in Mali since the year 2017.Lieutenant General Cornelis Johannes Matthijssen, the Force Commander, MINUSMA upon arrival at the CCC camp, highly appreciated the professional competence of the troops of the 4th Combat Convoy Company of Sri Lanka Army and awarded a Service Appreciation Medal to the senior officer, Major R.A.D.M.D Senevirathna of 12 Sri Lanka Engineers (SLE) who discovered both landmines, buried near the roadside.The MINUSMA Force Commander spoke highly of the CCC’s professional management of the defusion, alertness, attention, and diligence after their exclusive detection by the said Officer and the CCC troops, responsible for search and detection operations.In the past 2-3 months, tribal terrorist groups in Mali have intensified their fierce internecine violent acts targeting their rivals as well as UN troops serving the landlocked country. Similarly, their brutal terrorist attacks have posed a formidable threat to all UN troops, deployed for UN peacekeeping assignments.

COLOMBO (News 1st) – State Councilor and Foreign Minister Wang Yi met with Sri Lankan Foreign Minister Ali Sabry on the sidelines of the United Nations General Assembly in New York recently.Wang Yi expressed, China and Sri Lanka are each other's, strategic cooperative partners. The two countries have always shared weal and woe and sincerely helped each other. This year, which marks the 65th anniversary of the establishment of diplomatic relations between China and Sri Lanka and the 70th anniversary of the signing of the Rubber-Rice Pact, is of great significance for inheriting the past and ushering in the future. China is ready to work with Sri Lanka to carry forward the traditional friendship, consolidate strategic mutual trust and deepen and expand pragmatic cooperation. Congratulations to Sri Lanka on its initial results in stabilizing the situation and easing difficulties. China has provided medicines, rice, fuel, and other emergencies humanitarian assistance to Sri Lanka, and will continue to offer assistance within our capacity to help Sri Lanka overcome temporary difficulties.Sabry said that the Sri Lanka-China friendship has a solid foundation. China has provided strong support for Sri Lanka's economic and social development for a long time. In particular, China has offered timely help to Sri Lanka when it encountered difficulties. Sri Lanka will never forget that.

COLOMBO (News 1st) – The UK is providing urgent food and farming support to Sri Lankans hit hardest by the economic crisis.More than one-third of people are struggling to eat and are suffering from shortages of fuel, power, and medicines. Sri Lanka has the fifth largest food price inflation in the world, up 93.7% last month, with rice costing 150% more than this time last year.In a meeting with Sri Lankan Foreign Minister Ali Sabry at the UN General Assembly, Lord Ahmad will set out the UK’s package of £3 million in lifesaving support.The funding will be delivered through Red Cross and UN partners. It will provide access to food, seeds, and tools to help grow crops as well as mental health care, including for survivors of sexual and gender-based violence. UK Minister of State for the Middle East, South Asia, and the UN, Lord Tariq Ahmad of Wimbledon said:The UK stands by the people of Sri Lanka who are facing such a challenging time. The ongoing crisis is deeply concerning with so many in dire need of help. We are providing £3 million of lifesaving support to the most vulnerable and will continue to work with international partners to help Sri Lanka.This new funding is just part of the UK’s ongoing support to Sri Lanka.

COLOMBO (News 1st) – The Public Utilities Commission of Sri Lanka (PUCSL) approved power cuts of 2 hours and 20 minutes for 26th September as follows;Groups ABCDEFGHIJKLPQRSTUVW: 1-hour during daytime 1-hour and 20-minutes during the night

Also Read: Ex Karnataka CM S M Krishna put on respiratory support Speaking to the media Dr Sudhakar said, "There are some issues in the hardware and the GVK-EMRI company which is handling the contract, and it is being rectified. Since the system is 15 years old, it is vulnerable to malware attacks. Technicians have resolved the motherboard issue.

COLOMBO (News 1st) – Four out of the seven Sri Lankans who were held captive by Russian forces in Ukraine have been identified as medical students in the city of Kupiansk, while the other three were identified as workers.This information is being revealed in contrast to the rumors circulating with regard to the captured Sri Lankans being illegal immigrants, and the Ukrainian President Zelenskyy's brief about the seven Sri Lankans being medical students.A report by the Associated Press citing a press conference held at Kharkiv Police states that the Sri Lankans were tortured at a factory in the area which was captured by Russian forces, and were beaten, mainly because they could not understad the language.The former captives include Nilojan Vasanthakumar, 20, Uthayakamar Mary Edid Prema, 50, Sharujan Gianeswaran, 25, Thinees Jokenthhiran, 34, Dilukshan Robertclive, 25, Dilujan Paththinajakan, 20 and Ainkaranathan Ganesamoorthi, 38.According to the captured Sri Lankans, six among the group were held in a large upstairs room, while the seventh, the only woman, was kept in a dark cell by herself. On 17th September, the Ukrainian President Voldomyr Zelenskyy in his briefing noted that seven Sri Lankan students were found in 'torture chambers' where civilians were abused by Russian soldiers in areas of the Kharkiv region in Ukraine. One man said he was shot in the foot by the Russian captors. Another had a toenail ripped off after the soldiers repeatedly bashed it with the butt of a rifle.“Every day we were cleaning toilets and bathrooms,” Dilukshan Robertclive, one of the former captives, said in English.

COLOMBO (News 1st) – The Human Rights Commission of Sri Lanka is due to meet on Monday (26) to discuss the gazette notification issued designating several areas in Colombo as High Security Zones.Several parties, including the Bar Association of Sri Lanka (BASL) and the Center for Policy Alternatives (CPA) have already expressed concern in this regard, in relation to its legitimacy.On Friday (23), Sri Lankan President Ranil Wickremesinghe declared multiple areas in Colombo as High Security Zones.

COLOMBO (News 1st) – The Human Rights Commission of Sri Lanka has called for an urgent report on the arrest of 83 people during a protest organized by the Socialist Youth Union.The Human Rights Commission stated that it had informed the IGP to forward the relevant report to the commission on Monday (26).Human Rights Commission personnel have also been directed to the police stations to check the condition of those who are currently in custody.Meanwhile, Police Media Spokesperson SSP Nihal Thalduwa stated that the 83 people arrested during the protest will be presented to the court on Sunday (25).The Police Media Spokesperson stated that their statements were recorded last night.Further investigations into the incident are being conducted under the direct supervision of the DIG in charge of Colombo District.Two Ven.

COLOMBO (News 1st) – The United States Permanent Representative to the UN Food and Agriculture Agencies in Rome, Ambassador Cindy McCain will arrive in Sri Lanka on Sunday (25).Her visit will span from September 25-28 to highlight U.S. food assistance programs in Sri Lanka and reinforce the U.S.

COLOMBO (News 1st) – The special audit report compiled on the importation of nano-nitrogen liquid fertilizer from India has been forwarded to the Ministry of Agriculture for further inquiry.Auditor General W.PC Wickramaratne stated that after examining the facts, the relevant report will be forwarded to the Parliament for further action.Last year, the Ministry of Agriculture placed an order for nearly 2.1 million liters of liquid nano-nitrogen fertilizer from Farmers Fertilizer Cooperative of India in Gujarat, India.In the process, it was revealed that Sri Lanka had purchased the nano nitrogen liquid fertilizer at 12.45 dollars, when its price in the Indian Market stood at 3.23 dollars.Due to this, Sri Lanka had to pay Rs. 1,867 more than the actual retail price to purchase 500 ml of nano nitrogen fertilizer from India.If this amount was spent on the fertilizers ordered in full, Sri Lanka would have incurred an additional cost of approximately Rs.

COLOMBO (News 1st) – The 92nd National Day of Saudi Arabia  was celebrated in Colombo yesterday, 23rd of September. Minister at the Embassy, Abdulelah Orkobi joined Saudi Arabia’s newly appointed Ambassador to Sri Lanka Khalid Hamoud Nasser Aldasan Al-Kahtani in receiving the galaxy of guests from the diplomatic corps, Cabinet, Parliament, Sri Lankan business community, clergy, public and private sectors.The reception was launched with the singing of the national anthems of the Kingdom and Sri Lanka followed by the traditional Saudi folk dances.Among the members of the clergy, Galagoda Aththe Gnanasara Thero,the Secretary General of Bodu Bala Sena and Ven. Dr.