Sri Lanka using expired tear gas on protests?

Last week, the largest capacity crawler crane in Sri Lanka was unloaded at Hambantota International Port. The crane, with a 750-ton lifting capacity, will be initially used for Hiruras Wind Power Project in Mannar. The German built Liebherr brand crane was being used in Japan and has now been imported to Sri Lanka for civil projects.“HIP has earned itself a name for its RORO capabilities and currently we are aggressively promoting the port’s ability to handle all types of vehicles in the international market. The way this heavy equipment was unloaded at the port is a fine example of HIP’s capability.

Colombo (News 1st) – It is of "utmost importance" that the next Inspector General of Police of Sri Lanka "should be an officer whose service in the police force is exemplary and free of any blemish and able to restore public confidence in the Sri Lanka Police," stated the Bar Association of Sri Lanka in a letter addressed to President Ranil Wickremesinghe.The BASL letter has been issued in response to news that the office of the IGP is due to fall vacant on the 23rd of March, 2023."It is of utmost importance that the best possible appointment be made to that office" the BASL urged the President."During the last few decades there has been a serious erosion of public confidence in the Sri Lanka Police. The lack of independence, politicisation, police brutality, custodial deaths, lack of professionalism have all contributed to the erosion of public confidence in the Police.

COLOMBO (News 1st); Sri Lanka's Education Minister Susil Premajayanth said that from the 23rd of March school text books will be distributed to all students across all schools in the country.He was speaking at the school books and stationery distribution program named 'Divi Saviya' organized by the LOLC Holdings on Friday (17).The 'Divi Saviya' program organized by LOLC Holdings will distribute school books and stationery material to all students.Friday's (17) program took place at the Ganemulla Sri Sumangala Prime School, and it was attended by Education Minister Susil Premajantha.This event was also attended by Kithsiri Gunawardena, Chief Operating Officer of LOLC Holdings PLC and Gampaha Zonal Education Director P. D.

Colombo (News 1st) – The Bar Council of England and Wales in a press release stated that it hopes "parliamentary authorities in Sri Lanka will reconsider most carefully the appropriateness of questioning Supreme Court Judges before a parliamentary committee, and we similarly hope that the Sri Lankan government will consider most carefully whether it can be ever be right to encourage disobedience to court orders.”The release refers recent statements made by State Minister of Finance Shehan Semasinghe and Premnath Dolawatte MP, referring to an ongoing case in the Supreme Court pertaining to the Local Authorities elections.The release, quoting the Chair of the Bar Council of England and Wales, Nick Vineall KC, said: “An independent judiciary is an essential and integral part of the rule of law.

A 55-year-old woman fought to get the gun away from her son and was shot herself after he killed two Edmonton Police Service officers who were responding to a domestic violence call in their home overnight Thursday.

Protesters hold placards reading "Power is in the streets" and "No." during a demonstration a day after the French government pushed a pensions reform through parliament without a vote on March 17, 2023. (JEAN-FRANCOIS MONIER/AFP via Getty Images) PARIS - Protesters disrupted traffic in Paris on Friday as angry critics, political opponents and labor unions around France blasted President Emmanuel Macron's decision to force a bill raising the retirement age from 62 to 64 through parliament without a vote.Opposition parties were expected to start procedures later Friday for a no-confidence vote on the government led by Prime Minister Elisabeth Borne.

COLOMBO (News 1st); FIFA has upheld a decision to maintain the suspension on Sri Lanka strip the island nation of its voting rights.Sri Lanka and Zimbabwe were suspended from voting during FIFA elections.

COLOMBO (News 1st); MP Udaya Gammanpila has filed requests with the Department of Immigration and Emigration and the Katunayake Airport seeking information on the US diplomats who recently visited Sri Lanka.The requests were filed under the Right to Information Act.MP Udaya Gammanpila noted that the US diplomats had arrived in Sri Lanka on the 17th of February, onboard two C-17 Globe master aircraft.Gammanpila via his requests seek confirmation for the presence of the Director of the Federation Bureau of Investigation among the delegation.MP Udaya Gammanpila also requested information on whether any official from Sri Lanka had instructed that the US delegation not be subject to a check by Immigration and Emigration officials and Sri Lanka Customs officials. 

COLOMBO (News 1st); Sri Lankan health authorities claimed there is no risk of Listeria (Listeriosis) spreading across the Ratnapura District.Director of Health Services for the Ratnapura District Dr.

COLOMBO (News 1st); The Professionals Trade Union Collective will meet with the President's Secretary on Friday (17) morning. The PTCU is a collective of over forty trade unions that is against the government's new tax regime.Friday's (17) meeting is to be held ahead of the meeting the Professionals Trade Union Collective will have with the President.Spokesperson for the Government Medical Officers Association Dr.

Actress Shalani Tharaka was adjudged the Most Popular Woman at 'Sri Lanka Vanithabhimana 2022' The women who made the Top Five at 'Sri Lanka Vanithabhimana 2022' were Actress Shalani Tharaka, Actress Dusheni Mayurangi, Musician Kanchana Anuradhi, Actress Ruwangi Ratnayake, and Female Cricketer Chamari Atapattu.Grand Finale of 'Sri Lanka Vanithabhimana 2022' – powered by News 1st and NDB to empower Sri Lankan women took place on Thursday (16) evening at the Stein Studios in Ratmalana.The Gala evening was graced by women representing various fields and distinguished guests. 'Sri Lanka Vanithabhimana 2022' is a program organized to empower the women of Sri Lanka and to recognize them for their achievements.Vanithabhimana 2022 was an island-wide program that spanned across a year to locate Sri Lankan Women entrepenuers living in the most remote areas.On Thurday (16) evening these women walked on the Red Carpet to the Stein Studios for the Grand Finale.A panel of expert judged led by Director General Department of Manpower & Employment Anusha Gokula Fernando selected the best from the best at  Vanithabhimana 2022.Women who braved the challenges in multiple sectors including, Sports, Entrepreneur – Micro Scale, Entrepreneur – Small Scale, Upcoming Entrepreneur, Voluntary Services, Art, Education Services, and Young Leader were recognized at the event.Women who excelled in the  Provincial Level competitions under 10 categories qualified for the National Level Competition.10 women who excelled in those fields were also recognized at Vanithabhimana 2022.Further, 10 women who excelled at Industrial and Professional level were also recognized.Veteran Actress Anoja Weerasinghe, the First Female Aviator of Sri Lankan Airlines Captain

COLOMBO (News 1st); The Federation of University Teachers Associations said that its members will continue to strike against the conduct of the government.Activities across state universities were crippled on Thursday (16), and FUTA said it would refrain from taking part in evaluating the answer scripts of the G. C.

The woman who went on stage topless at the Juno Awards in Edmonton on Monday said she did it to bring attention to the loss of natural carbon-capturing areas across Canada.

Sri Lanka's economy shrank 7.8% in 2022 from the previous year, government data showed on Wednesday, as the country struggled with its worst financial crisis in more than seven decades.The island's fourth-quarter GDP contracted 12.4%, according to the figures.Sri Lanka's growth is expected to shrink by 3% this year, Moody's Investors Service said on Monday but growth is expected to rebound in 2024.Economic mismanagement coupled with the impact of the COVID-19 pandemic left Sri Lanka severely short of dollars for essential imports at the start of last year tipping the country into the worst financial crisis since Independence from the British in 1948.Sri Lanka is waiting for a $2.9 billion bailout program from the International Monetary Fund (IMF) to be finalised on March 20.“These numbers are broadly in line with expectations.

UPPER MORELAND, Pa. - Authorities in Montgomery County are searching for an armed robbery suspect who they believe could be behind a rash of similar crimes. The Upper Moreland Police Department shared video of a masked man entering the Sunoco on Easton Road in Willow Grove around 1 p.m. Thursday. Investigators say the man used a handgun to force the store clerk to hand over $400 in cash and fled the gas station in a Nissan Rouge with tinted windows and a roof rack. Police in Upper Moreland and neighboring townships are investigating if the suspect is responsible for other recent gunpoint robberies. "Our concern is that somebody is going to get hurt before we can catch him," Lt.

Kate Garraway has shared a heartbreaking update on her husband Derek Draper’s ongoing health issues, stating he is still suffering ‘damage’ from being struck down by Covid.  Former political lobbyist Derek, 55, tested positive for Covid in March 2020 and was placed in an induced coma to help fight off the virus. He was eventually declared Covid-free and emerged from the coma, but has fought one of the most severe cases of long Covid in the country with his body wrecked from the effects of the infectious disease.

COLOMBO (News 1st); The Chinese Embassy handed over a donation of material to the Government of Sri Lanka for the production of police uniforms.The donation was made by the Ambassador of China to Sri Lanka, Qi Zhenhong, to the Minister of Public Security, Tiran Alles.This donation was made at the President's Office in the presence of President Ranil Wickremesinghe.

COLOMBO (News 1st); Tensions boiled over during a protest at the Sri Lanka Ports Authority in Colombo during a strike launched by the dockworkers at the Colombo Harbour.Dock Workers withdrew from services on Wedensday(15), in line with the nation wide strike by professionals against the government's tax policy.A heated situation arose within the port between the employees who were on strike and the governing authority.Niroshan Gorakanage, Chairman of the All Ceylon General Port Employees Union said that the SLPA chairman and a group of other officials attempted to deploy port workers for shipping operations.Following the incident port employees engaged in a motorcycle parade which was obstructed by officers from the Sri Lanka Navy.  

COLOMBO (News 1st); The President's Media Division operating from the Sri Lankan President's Office released a series of statements on the nation-wide strikes that were launched on Wednesday (15).The statements by the PMD are as follows:– The Railway Department GM confirmed that as a result of the committed service of Railway employees, 20 trains had operated by 8.00 this morning for the convenience of commuters despite the union action.– CPC/CPSTL Chairman Mr. M.U.

COLOMBO (News 1st); Railway operations were crippled on Wednesday (15) morning due to a strike launched by the Locomotive Operating Engineers' Association.The Locomotive Operating Engineers' Association of Sri Lanka Railways declared a 24-hour strike that come into effect at midnight on Tuesday (14).According to Sri Lanka Railways, around 20 trains operated on Wednesday (15) morning, compared to the over 60 trains that operate daily in the morning.Railways General Manager A. D.

COLOMBO (News 1st); The teachers and principals unions in Sri Lanka went on a one-day strike on Wednesday (15).Teachers and Principals went on strike in support of the action taken by the Professionals Trade Union Collective and several other issues.News 1st correspondents reported that student turnout across schools in the country was at a low as a result of the strike.The Professionals Trade Union Collective had declared a nation-wide day of strikes and protests.Government, Semi-Government and Private Trade Unions are geared up to support the strikes.Government Medical Officers, Specialist Doctors, University Teachers, Faculty of Medicine Teachers, CEB Engineers, Bankers, Petroleum Workers, Water Supply Workers, Road Development Officers, Education Administrative Officers, Surveyors, Inland Revenue Officers are among the 40 Trade Unions that will support this move.Their main demand is to amend the unjust tax policy implemented by the government.The PAYE tax between 6% to 36% imposed on monthly earnings over Rs. 100,000/- had placed professionals across many sectors in a tough position.Public, Semi-Public and Private Trade Unions have joined their cause with several more demands.These include a demand to reduce bank interest rates, provide a Cost of Living Allowance of Rs.

protests against the queer community has risen sharply across North America in recent months and groups that study online hate believe they know why.“The data shows an uptick in anti-LGBT+ demonstrations in Canada alongside the larger increase in the United States,” said Sam Jones, communications lead for the Armed Conflict Location and Data Project. “More anti-LGBT+ demonstration events have already been recorded in Canada so far this year than in all of 2021 and 2023 is on track to exceed 2022.”Canadian Anti-Hate Network executive director Evan Balgord says Canada is seeing the protests happening right across the country with multiple events happening every week.

COLOMBO (News 1st); Sri Lanka's Foreign Minister Ali Sabry, PC said that four more countries have stepped forward to provide debt restructuring assurances to the International Monetary Fund.He tweeted that Saudi Arabia, Pakistan, Hungary, and Kuwait have given debt restructuring assurances to IMF. The Foreign Minister is in the UK to attend the Commonwealth Day celebrations.Minister of Foreign Affairs, Ali Sabry will participate in the 22nd Commonwealth Foreign Affairs Ministers Meeting (CFAMM) at the Commonwealth Headquarters, Marlborough House, London on 15 March 2023. This year’s CFAMM will engage the Foreign Ministers in discussing joint responses to shared challenges such as the need to build resilience for peaceful and sustainable societies, climate financing for environmental sustainability and leveraging intra -commonwealth trade and digital connectivity for economic recovery, food, and energy security.On the sidelines of these events, Minister Sabry will have a call on the Rt Hon James Cleverly, Secretary of State for Foreign, Commonwealth Development Affairs (FCDO), bilateral meetings with Rt Hon Patricia Scotland KC, Secretary General of the Commonwealth, Ann Marie Trevelyan, Minister of State for Indo – Pacific FCDO and Lord Mervyn Davies of Abersoch, Prime Minister’s Trade Envoy for Sri Lanka. The Foreign Minister will also participate in an afternoon tea hosted by Rt Hon Lord Naseby at the House of Commons and deliver remarks on Sri Lanka’s relations with the UK to a cross section of British Parliamentarians organized by the Sri Lanka High Commission in London together with Sri Lanka Tea Board.

COLOMBO (News 1st); Nadun Chinthaka Wickramaratne, a notorious underworld gang leader and drug trafficker, wanted by Sri Lankan authorities for multiple crimes, was extradited to Sri Lanka on Wednesday (15) morning.Detectives from the Criminal Investigations Department escorted Harak Kata to Sri Lanka along with his associate Salindu Malshaka also known as Kudu Salindu. Sri Lanka Police said the suspects will be subject to further investigations.

BUCKS COUNTY, Pa. - Several credit card skimmers discovered at local gas stations has prompted a police department to take further action to protect their citizens.Police say the skimmers were found on several gas station pumps at two separate locations in Penndel, a borough in Bucks County:No devices were found at a third location in town, according to authorities.MORE HEADLINES:Police say the source of the skimmers is not known at this time. However, an investigation has been launched, and additional checks are being added."We have been frequently checking the pumps for skimmers and working with the business owners to prevent them in the first place.

COLOMBO (News 1st); Sri Lankan President Ranil Wickremesinghe has expressed gratitude to the Paris Club, Japan, India, and China for enabling cooperation required to reach an IMF facility for the country.In an open letter to Sri Lanka's Official Bilateral Creditors, President Wickremesinghe noted that the government deployed all efforts to demonstrate our commitment to the EFF program and relentlessly engage on the path to reforms. He said the administration has already implemented major reforms by way of prior actions agreed with the IMF.The President said his government introduced a robust  reform agenda aimed at achieving debt sustainability, strengthening governance, widening the social safety nets supporting the most vulnerable and ensuring we can grow an inclusive  economy attractive to international business. He said this is how Sri Lanka will improve the lives of its people and ensure they are first in line to benefit from improvements in our economic conditions.The President has requested creditors to maintain and even enlarge and strengthen official bilateral creditor coordination in the context of Sri Lanka's forthcoming engagement. He called on the Paris Club  bilateral partners, in particular Japan, together with all our other official bilateral partners,  including India and China, to garner and foster coordination as you best see fit.The Presidnet noted that Sri Lanka is committed to communicate transparently with all on any debt treatment terms that are agreed with any creditor or group of creditors, before being formalized. The President in his letter has also committed not to resume debt service to any creditor unless that creditor agrees on a comprehensive debt treatment in line with IMF-supported

Greenbelt was kicked off stage by Avril Lavigne during Monday night’s Juno Awards.On Monday evening, as Lavigne was speaking to assembled guests at the Edmonton event, a topless protester appeared on the stage behind her.The message “Save the Greenbelt” was written on their body.Lavigne was quick to order the protester to leave the stage. “Get the f–k off,” she said, still speaking into the microphone.

COLOMBO (News 1st); Sri Lanka's Prime Minister Dinesh Gunawardena noted that immediate measures will be taken to announce the new tenure of Local Government Institutions.The Prime Minister said that the new tenure will be announced following talks with the Election Commission, and the Ministry officials.All public property used by Local Government Members should be handed over to the state before the 19th of March.State Minister Janaka Wakkumbura told News 1st that the tenure of Local Government Institutions will cease from midnight on the 19th of March, and the administration will fall under the Urban Commissioners and the Pradeshiya Sabha Secretaries.He said that only reform measures can be adopted by Local Government Institutions after the 19th of March.

COLOMBO (News 1st); Sri Lanka's Cabinet of Ministers has granted approval to go ahead with a pilot project to install Floating Solar Panel Power Plants on the surface of Kiriibban Wewa reservoir and Chandrika Wewa reservoir in the Ratnapura District.Under the Framework Convention on Grant Aid signed between the Republic of Korea and Sri Lanka in 2009, the Minister of Trade, Industry and Energy of the Republic of Korea has agreed to provide a grant amounting 6.83 Billion Korean Won for the implementation of a pilot project to install floating solar panel power plant with 1 MW capacity on the surface of reservoirs. Korea Institute for Advancement of Technology is acting as the monitoring agency for the pilot project on behalf of the Korean government, said the Department of Government Information.Accordingly, the Cabinet of Ministers approved the proposal presented by the Minister of Power and Energy to sign the documents between the Korea Institute for Advancement of Technology, the Ministry of Power and Energy and the Department of External Resources to start and implement this pilot project according to the agreement reached.

COLOMBO (News 1st); Leave of all employees of Sri Lanka Railways cancelled with immediate effect, said the Superintendent of Sri Lanka Railway on Tuesday (14) afternoon.The announcement came after the Locomotive Operating Engineers' Association of Sri Lanka Railways declared a 24-hour strike.The strike will come into effect at midnight on Tuesday (14).The Locomotive Operating Engineers' Association decided to go on strike in support of the mass strike that will launched by multiple trade unions on Wednesday (15), against the governments unjust tax policy, and several other social issues.

COLOMBO (News 1st); Multiple sectors have decided to go on strike for 24-hours on Wednesday (15). One of the main reasons for the strike is the government's latest tax policy, which professionals term as unfair. They have called for immediate reforms in the tax policy.Health Services:The Trade Union action, launched by the Government Medical Officers' Association on Monday (13), continued on Tuesday (14) across five provinces and is expected to go nation-wide on Wednesday (15).The GMOA went on strike against the government's new tax regime, medicine shortage and several other social issues.The All Ceylon Nurses' Union said it would support Wednesday's (15) strike action.Postal Services:The United Postal Services Trade Union Front said it would engage in a trade union action as planned on Wednesday (15).It added that workers at the Central Mail Exchange will step away from duties from 4 PM on Tuesday (14).Transportation Services:The Locomotive Operating Engineers' Association of Sri Lanka Railways declared a 24-hour strike. The strike will come into effect at midnight on Tuesday (14).Education Services: Prof.

COLOMBO (News 1st); The Professionals Trade Union Collective says that the ongoing trade union action will continue on Tuesday (14).According to Trade Union representatives, discussions with the President's Secretary on Monday (13) night ended without any decision being reached.The Professionals Trade Union Collective is currently engaged in protests, strikes, and work to rule campaigns against the government's tax regime.Their primary demand is that the tax policy be amended to a reasonable level.Over 40 trade unions from multiple sectors are engaged in the trade union action.Doctors in The North Western, Uva, Sabaragamuwa, Northern, and North Central provinces are on strike on Tuesday (14).

COLOMBO (News 1st); The Locomotive Operating Engineers' Association of Sri Lanka Railways have declared a 24-hour strike.The strike will come into effect at midnight on Tuesday (14).The Locomotive Operating Engineers' Association decided to go on strike in support of the mass strike that will launched by multiple trade unions on Wednesday (15), against the governments unjust tax policy, and several other social issues.

COLOMBO (News 1st); Sri Lanka's Postal Service has been declared as an essential service by the President via an extraordinary gazette dated 13th March 2023. 

COLOMBO (News 1st); Sri Lankan President has decided to appoint a Committee to identify suitable government hospitals to be used as Teaching Hospitals to provide clinical training for Private Medical Students.The President's Media Division said this decision was made to provide clinical training for Medical Students enrolled at the KDU, Dr. Neville Fernando Hospital, Lyceum Campus and other universities in Colombo, Kalutara, Gampaha, Kurunegala & Polonnaruwa, According to the President's Media Division this training will be provided without hampering the training of students in State Universities.Accordingly, State Minister of Health Dr. Seetha Arambepola will be appointed as the Chairperson of the aforementioned Committee, while other appointed members will include Additional Secretary to the Ministry of Health Dr.

City of Madison Fire Department noted. On March 12, the agency released footage of a home explosion obtained by the social news platform Storyful. According to local media reports, no one was home, and there were no injuries in the incident. In a Facebook post, the Madison Fire Department wrote "large amounts of snow can put heavy weight and pressure on the pipes which ultimately causes them to break and fail.  "In both home explosions, there was 10+ ft or more of snow on the gas meter."Officials concluded writing "another issue is snow clogging the vent on the regulator which can cause a build up of pressure which can cause gas to leak into a home," the fire department wrote.

A Minnesota man turned himself in to police last week, telling them he bludgeoned a 78-year-old to death with a shovel and a moose antler because he believed the man was sexually “offending” children.

COLOMBO (News 1st); West End stars Roshani Abbey and Nuwan Hugh Perera from Sri Lanka made a special performance of the song "Anagathaye" at the Commonwealth Day Service, that was also attended by King Charles.Their Majesties The King and The Queen Consort attended the annual Commonwealth Day Service at Westminster Abbey on Monday 13th March – The King’s first as monarch.During the service, which was conducted by the Dean of Westminster, the Very Reverend Dr David Hoyle, The King delivered his Commonwealth Day message from the Great Pulpit, saying:'Commonwealth Day was an occasion of particular pride for my beloved mother, the late Queen; a treasured opportunity to celebrate our Commonwealth family, to whose service she dedicated her long and remarkable life. The Commonwealth has been a constant in my own life, and yet its diversity continues to amaze and inspire me.

University of Saskatchewan along with other researchers across Canada have received $20 million of federal money from the Canadian Institutes of Health Research (CIHR) to help study and combat long COVID effects. Read more: After 3 years of COVID-19, here’s how Canada’s ‘endemic’ future may look The Canada-wide consortium of researchers will study the aftereffects of COVID-19 infections for the next five years.

People in seven areas of the country who tested positive for Covid-19 may receive a text from the Health Service Executive from tomorrow as part of a study to measure their recovery from the disease and provide data on those with Long Covid.

COLOMBO (News 1st); Sri Lankan President Ranil Wickremesinghe congratulated Chinese President Xi Jinping on his confirmation for a third term and praised China's progress under his leadership. The President's Media Division said that Wickremesinghe expressed appreciation for China's support in Sri Lanka's economic challenges, especially in the IMF process & expressed confidence that the two countries' robust cooperation will continue to flourish during Prez. Xi Jinping's new term.Chinese leader Xi Jinping was awarded a third five-year term as president on 10th March, putting him on track to stay in power for life at a time of severe economic challenges and rising tensions with the U.S.

COLOMBO (News 1st); Sri Lanka wildlife veterinarian Malaka Kasun Abeywardana considers himself lucky, after he was attacked by an injured leopard recently, and lived to tell the tale. Dr.

COLOMBO (News 1st); Sri Lankan President Ranil Wickremesinghe said that the government has taken a principled decision to expand the distribution of fuel.He also noted that Hambantota has been identified as a primary energy hub. According to the President's Media Division, he made these comments during a discussion with the representatives of the Sinopec Group held at the President's Office in Colombo on Monday (13).Sinopec has also pledged to invest in a refinery in Hambantota, said the PMD.The representatives informed the Sri Lankan Government that their organization has adhered to the existing system and has applied accordingly. They further conveyed their readiness to fully finance the construction of a refinery in Hambantota, which has been identified as a central energy hub by the government.Moreover, the representatives stated that their company is prepared to respond to future solicitations that align with the aspirations of the country.

COLOMBO (News 1st); Top delegations from the Sinopec Group (Ranking 5th in the Fortune Global 500 list of 2022) and the China Merchants Group (152nd) are currently visiting Sri Lanka.The Chinese Embassy in Sri Lanka tweeted that the delegates are in the country to enhance cooperation and further investment on petroleum & chemicals, trade, and port & industrial park operation.China Merchants Group: China Merchants Group (CMG) is a state-owned backbone enterprise headquartered in Hong Kong. CMG was founded in the Self-strengthening Movement in the late Qing Dynasty in 1872. As the first joint-stock company in modern China, it established the first merchant fleet, the first bank and the first insurance company in China, pioneering China's modern national shipping industry and driving the development of many other modern industries, and occupying an important position in the history of China's modern economic and social development. China Merchants Group is also the parent company of the Hambantota International Port Group (HIPG).Sinopec Corp:China Petroleum & Chemical Corporation (Sinopec Corp) is a listed company on domestic and international stock exchanges with integrated upstream, midstream and downstream operations, strong oil & petrochemical core businesses and a complete marketing network. Sinopec Corp.

The Bar Association of Sri Lanka organized a felicitation ceremony on Sunday (12), to honour those who have completed fifty years at the Bar.During the Felicitation Dinner, President Ranil Wickremesinghe, who has also completed fifty years at the Bar, was honoured and presented with a plaque by Chief Justice Jayantha Jayasuriya PC.The Felicitation Dinner was organized by the Bar Association of Sri Lanka (BASL) to honour 26 individuals who have served at the Bar for 50 or more years.The event coincided with the two-day National Law Conference 2023, also organized by the BASL, which is held on the 12th and 13th of March.Juliana Margaret Coswatte, Walter Leslie de Silva, Ratnasabapathy Arumugam Jegatheson, Upali A. Gooneratne PC, Kanagaratnam Kaneshayogan, M.

A Sri Lankan attempting to smuggle in gold worth Rs 6.5 Million (Indian) was arrested by Bengaluru Customs sleuths at Kempegowda International Airport.

COLOMBO (News 1stA); The Sri Lanka Navy conducted a special operation to chase away Indian poaching trawlers from Sri Lankan waters on Sunday (12) morning. The operation led to the seizure of 2 Indian trawlers with 16 Indian nationals poaching in Sri Lankan waters northeast of Veththalakeni and off the Analativu Island.The Navy continues to conduct regular patrols and operations in Sri Lankan waters to curb illegal fishing practices of foreign fishing trawlers.As an extension of these operations, the Northern Naval Command deployed Fast Attack Craft of the 04th Fast Attack Flotilla to chase away a cluster of Indian poaching trawlers, having spotted they were engaging in illegal fishing in Sri Lankan waters northeast of Veththalakeni and off the Analativu Island.

COLOMBO (News 1st); The Department of Immigration and Emigration said that MP Mahindananda Aluthgamage was turned away from the Bandaranaike International Airport on Friday (10), as another persons' data was added to the system, instead of the MPs passport data.Harsha Ilukpitiya, Controller General of the Immigration and Emigration Department, stated that the travel ban list came into effect after the wrong data was added to the system.The officer who added the wrong data into the system has been suspended, pending inquiry.The Criminal Investigation Department and the Sri Lanka Computer Emergency Readiness Team are conducting further investigations into the matter.