Sri Lankan families spend 75% of earnings on purchasing food

Colombo (New 1st):  The All Ceylon Canteen Owners Association says that the price of several food items including koththu will be reduced by 10 rupees with effect from midnight today.It's chairman Asela Sampath sited the reduction in prices of wheat flour as the reason behind for the decision. 

Colombo (New 1st):  The All Ceylon Restaurant Owners' Association says that the price of several food items including kottu will be reduced by 10 rupees with effect from midnight today.It's chairman Asela Sampath sited the reduction in prices of wheat flour as the reason behind for the decision. 

According to foreign media, reports have emerged saying banks from India's neighbouring island nation have opened special rupee trading accounts, called Vostro accounts, this comes days after the Central Bank of Sri Lanka said that it was awaiting the Reserve Bank of India's approval to designate Indian Rupee (INR) as a foreign currency in Sri Lanka. Sri Lanka had requested the RBI to facilitate and promote trade and tourism in the SAARC region. It means that Sri Lankan citizens can now hold $10,000 (INR 8,26,823) in physical form. This also means that Sri Lankans and Indians can use Indian rupees instead of US dollars for international transactions with each other. The Indian government since July this year, has been looking to bring countries that are short of dollars, into its rupee settlement mechanism.The reason behind this is that designating INR as a legal currency in Sri Lanka will provide the country with much-needed liquidity support to help it tide over its economic crisis amid inadequate availability of the US dollar. 

Colombo (News 1st) – Sri Lanka Police and the Criminal Investigations Department recorded statements from 23 people in connection with the murder of respected Colombo-based businessman Dinesh Schaffter.A homicide investigations is underway involving the CID, Colombo Crimes Division and two other police teams.The incident sent shockwaves across Colombo when Dinesh Schaffter was found tied up and strangled inside his car at the Public Cemetery in Borella on Thursday (15) evening. He was admitted to the Intensive Care Unit of the Colombo National Hospital, where he succumbed to his injuries.Questions are being raised regarding the motive for the murder: Was it premeditated? Was this an attempted intimidation tactic gone wrong? Reasons for suspicion arise when taking into account the fact that Dinesh Schaffter was still alive when he was found at the Public Cemetery in Borella.The Sri Lanka Police are investigating the homicide on multiple leads and angles.

Colombo (New 1st): The Criminal Investigation Department says statements were recorded from around 20 people regarding the murder of respected Colombo-based businessman Dinesh Schaffter.Police said statements were also recorded from former cricket commentator Brian Thomas, while his mobile phone was seized.Colombo Additional Magistrate Harshana Kekunawela on Friday (16) imposed an overseas travel ban on Thomas over the murder of Dinesh Schaffter.Dinesh Schaffter was a Managing Director of a leading financial institution in the country, and a Director of a leading Insurance Company in Sri Lanka.Dinesh Schaffter had left his residence on Thursday (15) afternoon and had told his family that he was heading to Borella to meet Brian Thomas.Schaffter was found strangled in his car at the Borella Public Cemetery on Thursday (15) afternoon.He died on Thursday (15) night after being admitted to the Intensive Care Unit of the National Hospital in critical condition.The Criminal Investigations Department, the Colombo Crimes Division, and two other Police teams are investigating the murder.

Colombo (News 1st) – Commander of the Navy, Vice Admiral Nishantha Ulugetenne was promoted to the rank of Admiral effective from today (17th December 2022) by President Ranil Wickremesinghe. He was appointed as the 24th Commander of the Sri Lanka Navy on 15th July 2020. Upon being promoted to the 4-star rank, Admiral Nishantha Ulugetenne arrived at the Navy Headquarters, where he was received according a Guard of Honour in accordance with naval traditions, on Saturday (17 December). Admiral Nishantha Ulugetenne joined the Sri Lanka Navy as an Officer Cadet of the 13th Intake of the Sri Lanka Navy in 1985.

Colombo (News 1st): Police say statements were recorded from over 10 people regarding the murder of respected Colombo-based businessman Dinesh Schaffter.Police said continuous investigations will be carried out over the incident, with four Police teams deployed.Schaffter was found strangled in his car at the Borella Public Cemetery on Thursday (15) afternoon.He died on Thursday (15) night after being admitted to the Intensive Care Unit of the National Hospital.Dinesh Schaffter was 51-years-old at the time of his passing.Dinesh Schaffter had left his residence on Thursday (15) afternoon and had told his family that he was heading to Borella to meet Former Cricket commentator Brian Thomas.Police Spokesperson & Attorney SSP Nihal Thalduwa told News 1st that a complaint was filed with the Police earlier stating that the former cricket commentator had taken Rs.1.4 billion from the businessman, and had not returned the money.Sri Lanka Police recorded a statement from Thomas, as Dinesh Schaffter had told his wife that he was going to meet Thomas.Accordingly, Colombo Additional Magistrate Harshana Kekunawela on Friday (16) imposed an overseas travel ban on Thomas over the murder of Dinesh Schaffter.It was reported that Thomas is in possession of two passports, and the overseas travel ban was imposed for both these passports by the court.Court also granted permission for the Borella Police to obtain a telecommunication analysis report on the mobile device used by the late Dinesh Schaffter, from telecommunication service providers.

Colombo (News 1st) – It's been almost 2 days since the brutal stabbing of social media activist Dilan Senanayake, who continues to receive treatment after being brutally stabbed inside his own office on Pagoda Road in Nugegoda on Wednesday (14). However, Sri Lanka Police are yet to make any arrests over the incident.Senanayake was admitted to the Kalubowila hospital following the attack.

COLOMBO (News 1st) – Colombo Additional Magistrate Harshana Kekunawela on Friday (16) imposed an overseas travel ban on Former Cricket commentator Brian Thomas over the murder of Colombo-based businessman Dinesh Schaffter.It was reported that Former Cricket commentator Brian Thomas is in possession of two passports, and the overseas travel ban was imposed for both these passports by the court.The Borella Police making submissions to the court requested for an order to be made on telecommunication service providers to provide a telecommunication analysis report on the mobile device used by the late Dinesh Schaffter.Court granted permission to obtain the record from the service providers.Police Investigation: Four police teams are investigating the murder of Dinesh Schaffter, a Colombo-based businessman who was a Managing Director of a leading financial institution in the country, and a Director of a leading Insurance Company in Sri Lanka.Schaffter was found bound and choked inside his car on Thursday (15) afternoon at the Public Cemetery in Borella.He was admitted to the Colombo National Hospital but succumbed to his injuries while being treated in the ICU.What Happened To Dinesh Schaffter?Businessman Dinesh Schaffter had left his residence on Thursday (15) afternoon and had told his wife that he was heading to Borella.Sri Lanka Police said that Dinesh Schaffter had told his family that he was going to meet Former Cricket commentator Brian Thomas.Police said that Dinesh Schaffter had left home at around 2 PM, and that multiple calls made by his wife had gone unanswered.After using an App and tracing the phone to the Public Cemetery in Borella, the wife of the late Dinesh Schaffter had called his work place and informed of

COLOMBO (News 1st) – The Gross Domestic Product for Sri Lanka for the third quarter of year 2022 at current price reported as Rs. 6,417,031 million.The Gross Domestic Product for Sri Lanka for the third quarter of year 2022 at constant price (2015) reported as Rs.

COLOMBO (News 1st) – Sri Lanka's Minister of Power and Energy Kanchana Wijesekera held discussions with Russian Ambassador to Sri Lanka Levan Dzhagaryan on Thursday (15).The Minister said that the country's energy sector requirements were discussed at the meeting.In addition, Sri Lanka's fuel needs, refinery operations, and the challenges faced in the supply of coal were discussed between the Minister and the Russian Ambassador.The Minister tweeted that the Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) signed for nuclear energy cooperation with Rosatom – a Russian state-owned corporation specializing in nuclear energy, nuclear non-energy goods and high-tech products –  were discussed.

COLOMBO (News 1st) – Sri Lankan authorities seized over 200 kg of heroin and Crystal methamphetamine (ICE) on Wednesday (14) from a multi-day fishing vessel in the high seas off the southern coast of Sri Lanka.In addition, another Sri Lankan multi-day fishing vessel that was supplying fuel to the detained vessel was also seized by authorities.Sri Lanka Navy, Sri Lanka Navy Intelligence, State Intelligence Service, and the Police Narcotic Bureau conducted a special operation in the southern seas that led to the detection of the drugs, and the arrest of multiple Sri Lankans.The two fishing vessels and the suspects are currently being brought ashore for further investigations.

COLOMBO (News 1st) – Sri Lanka's Ministry of Power and Energy says that the Sapugaskanda Oil Refinery will re-open on Friday (15).The refinery was closed down on the 7th of October 2022 due to insufficient stocks of crude oil to produce fuel.The Ministry said that two Crude Oil shipments reached Sri Lanka recently, and another is anchored at the Colombo Port.It added that 1,500 MT of Diesel, 550 MP of Petrol, 950 MT of kerosene and Jet Fuel, and 1,500 Naphtha will be produced from the Sapugaskanda Oil Refinery daily from Friday (15).In addition, Lanka Coal Company (Private) Limited said that the entire stock of coal required for electricity generation can be imported to the country by the 30th of April 2023.During this period 32 shipments are expected to reach Sri Lanka, and five of them have already reached the country, while another is expected next week,.The remaining shipments will reach the country from January 2023, and five shipments will reach Sri Lanka weekly.Lanka Coal Company (Private) Limited said there need not be any unncessary panic over the claims made that the Norochcholai Coal Power Plant will not be able to function.

COLOMBO (News 1st) – Sri Lanka's Supreme Court has decided to consider two applications filed seeking an order on the Election Commission to call for Local Government Elections without delay.The applications will be considered on the 18th of January 2023.The applications were filed by Professor G. L.

Bruce Willis is seen smiling and cuddling a puppy in the first family pictures since announcing his retirement from acting due to health reasons earlier this year. The Hollywood actor, 67, was pictured “getting into the holiday spirit” with his children, in a selection of photos shared by his former partner Demi Moore. In March, Willis’ family announced he would be “stepping away” from his successful acting career after having been diagnosed with aphasia, a condition affecting his cognitive abilities.

Colombo (News 1st) – Well-known Colombo businessman Dinesh Schaffter, 52, died shortly before midnight on Thursday (15th) in the ICU of the National Hospital from wounds suffered during an assault last night, police said.Mr. Schaffter was a Director of the Janashakthi Group of Companies and a member of the Schaffter family famed for generations among Sri Lanka's business community, was found injured and tied up in the driving seat of his own car at the Borella Cemetery last night and rushed to hospital.He had been missing for several hours after leaving home to meet a person to whom he had reportedly lent a large sum of money.

COLOMBO (News 1st) – Nearly 24 hours after the crime, Sri Lanka Police are yet to make any arrests over the brutal stabbing of social media activist Dilan Senanayake inside his own office on Pagoda Road in Nugegoda yesterday (14th), striking fear into the hearts of journalists and others active on social media.The attack comes at a time when the government is controversially mulling legislation to impose controls over all types of social media.Senanayake is currently at the Colombo South Teaching Hospital – Kalubowila for treatment.Police said two masked men had arrived in a three-wheeler at 9 pm and attacked Senanayake before making their getaway in a three-wheeler. Police are yet to trace the vehicle.There is no known motive for the attack except the possibility of it being linked to his activism over social media.

Colombo (News 1st) – Rotary International's  President, Jennifer Jones, visited the head office of Capital Maharaja Group, the parent company of News 1st, on Thursday (15th), during her 4-day visit to Sri Lanka. She met with Mr. Sashi Rajamahendran, Chairman of Capital Maharaja Group, and Mr.

GEMMA Collins has revealed her secret family heartbreak as she admits be having a low-key Christmas this year. The reality star, 41, said it's a very "upsetting" time as she opened up about her uncle's health battle.Advertisement Gemma explained that the festive period will be a quiet one this year as she "prays" for her dad Alan's twin brother, who is currently in hospital.

COLOMBO (News 1st) –  Egg producers in Sri Lanka informed the Court of Appeal on Thursday (15) that they cannot agree with the price amendments produced by the Consumer Affairs Authority.Counsel for the CAA told court that the Counsumer Affairs Council that convened on Wednesday (14) had decided to impose a Maximum Retail Price of Rs. 42/- for a white egg, and Rs.

COLOMBO (News 1st) – Sri Lanka has decided to amend the age for the manadatory requirement of doctors.An extraordinary gazette citing the amendments was issued by Prime Minister Dinesh Gunawardena in his capacity as the Minister of Public Administration, Home Affairs, Provincial Councils and Local Government.The provisions of the extraordinary gazette are as follows:(a) Sending the Medical Officers on retirement, who have already completed the age of 63 years, before 31st December 2022.(b) Sending Medical Officers on retirement, who have already completed the age of 62 years, on completion of 63 years of age.(c) Sending Medical Officers on retirement, who have already completed the age of 61 years, on completion of 62 years of age.(d) Sending Medical Officers on retirement, who have already completed the age of 60 years, on completion of 61 years of age.(e) Sending Medical Officers on retirement, who have already completed the age of 59 years, on completion of 60 years of age.However, the Medical Consultants, Government Medical Officers, Dental Surgeons and the registered Medical Officers of the Government whose birthday falls within the period from 1st of January to 30th of June should be given the opportunity to serve up to 30th June of the relevant year and sent on retirement and the Medical Consultants, Government Medical Officers, Dental Surgeons and the registered Medical Officers of the Government whose birthday falls within the period from 1st of July to 31st of December should be given the opportunity to serve up to 31st December of the relevant year and sent on retirement, noted the extraordinary gazette. 

Colombo (News 1st) – President Ranil Wickremesinghe has said that new laws to ensure food security are expected to be introduced in the future.He made this statement while briefing representatives of the Joint Mechanism Committee on Food Security and Nutrition.Plans are being made to present the related bills to parliament soon, President Wickremesinghe said.He also highlighted the need to obtain accurate data in establishing food security and the nutritional status of the people.Speaking at the meeting, the President stressed that there have been disparities in the data available at the national level and at the regional level which should be rectified immediately, a PMD statement added.

Colombo (News 1st) – The 26-year-old driver of the car that crashed in Colpetty on Saturday morning killing one person, who fled overseas within hours of the accident, and arrested on arrival at Bandaranaike International Airport from Dubai this morning (12th) has been remanded until 16 December.Police on Monday said that they would seek Interpol assistance to have him extradited to Sri Lanka. Police said he had been driving the Mercedes-Benz that crashed into a parked three-wheeler on Galle Road around dawn on Saturday killing the 58-year-old driver of the 3-wheeler.

(Reuters) – The executive board of the International Monetary Fund is not expected to formally approve Sri Lanka's $2.9 billion bailout before year-end, a key step required for the embattled country to receive funding, two sources familiar with the matter said.Seeking a way out of its worst economic crisis in decades, Sri Lanka reached an IMF staff-level agreement in June with the deal subject to approval and contingent on Sri Lanka authorities following through with previously agreed measures.Sri Lanka said in September it expected the board to approve the deal by year-end. Progress has been slow in recent months, and Sri Lanka's finance minister acknowledged last month the request might extend into January.Sri Lanka has to secure prior financing assurances from creditors, put its heavy debt burden on a sustainable path and increase public revenue before the global lender will disburse the funds.

Colombo (News 1st) – Veteran vocalist, lyricist and composer Nihal Nelson passed away on Tuesday (13). He was 76 years old at the time of his demise.Nihal Nelson was one of the most influential singers in Sri Lanka and considered ‘undefeated on the concert stage’.Nelson holds the record for the most albums recorded by a Sri Lankan artist with 113 albums. Nihal Nelson was born on 1946 in Moratuwa, and received his primary education from Innocent Maria Mixed School which is currently known as Rawathawaththa Methodist College.After passing grade 8, he entered Moratu Maha Vidyalaya where he completed A/L in 1960.Nelson married Malini Sriyalatha in 1974. He was among the first Sri Lankan vocalists to release a cassette in 1978 with Gune Ayyage Kamare.

Colombo (News 1st) – The 26-year-old driver of the car that crashed in Colpetty on Saturday morning killing one person, who fled overseas within hours of the accident, was arrested on arrival at Bandaranaike International Airport from Dubai this morning (12th), police said.Police on Monday said that they would seek Interpol assistance to have him extradited to Sri Lanka. Police said he had been driving the Mercedes-Benz that crashed into a parked three-wheeler on Galle Road around dawn on Saturday killing the 58-year-old driver of the 3-wheeler.

Colombo (News 1st) – Rotary International's  President, Jennifer Jones, arrived in Sri Lanka on Sunday (11th) on a 4-day visit. She is the first woman President in the 115-year history of Rotary.Ms.

Instagram to admit that she has been forced to postpone her European tour after being diagnosed with Stiff Person Syndrome.The singer is said to be "overwhelmed" by the public support but knows she has a "difficult road ahead of her", leaving her to take the time to focus on her family and health.The My Heart Will Go On hitmaker moved fans to tears as she revealed that she had been diagnosed with Stiff Person Syndrome.This causes her muscles to tense uncontrollably, with the condition ultimately leaving its sufferers like "human statues''.A source told the People on Friday: "Celine is overwhelmed and moved by the outpouring of love and support from her fans."It's been a very difficult time and she has a hard road ahead of her, but she is doing everything she can to get back and see her fans."They have always been there for her. For now, she is focusing on her health and her children.She is the picture of resilience."Celine is the mother of three sons Rene-Charles, 21, and twins Nelson and Eddy, 12, whose father is her late husband René Angélil, who died in 2016.The condition, which affects one in a million people, ultimately leaves sufferers as "human statues" as it progressively locks the body into rigid positions, leaving sufferers unable to walk or talk.While there is no cure for the condition, there are treatments to slow down the progression, with Celine saying that she is doing all she can to minimise these symptoms.She wrote on Instagram in a touching message: "Hello everyone, I'm sorry it's taken me so long to reach out to you.

Colombo (News 1st) – Sri Lanka’s human rights campaigner Sandya Ekneligoda is among just 25 women activists worldwide who have been named to the prestigious ‘BBC 100 Women 2022’.Mrs. Ekneligoda has relentlessly campaigned for human rights in Sri Lanka since her husband, journalist Pradeep Ekneligoda who was himself an activist, disappeared in 2010.

COLOMBO (News 1st) – Thuru Kepakaru, is a project initiated by S-Lon Lanka (Pvt) Ltd., and News 1st solely to preserve and protect the flora and fauna which make up the environment of Sri Lanka.Another leg of this program took place on Thursday (8) at the Dudley Senanayake College in Colombo.The main aim of Thuru Kepakaru is to ensure that all the planted saplings are assigned to a foster who would protect, nurture, and continuously interact with them.Thursday's (8) event took place with the participation of Juan Fernandez-Jardon, the Senior Human Rights Advisor (OHCHR) in the Office of the Resident Coordinator in Sri Lanka.In addition, the Executive Group Director of the Capital Maharaja Group S. C.

Sri Lanka Navy which is held in high esteem as the First Line of Defence of the Nation is marking the organization’s 72nd Anniversary today (09th December 2022). At the directives of Commander of the Navy, Vice Admiral Nishantha Ulugetenne, a wide range of programmes are being conducted in each Naval Command, giving prominence to time-honoured naval customs and religious practices. In addition, capital ships of the Sri Lanka Navy will rest at anchor off the Galle Face Green today (09th December), giving the public an opportunity to have a glance at some of the major ships of the Sri Lanka Navy.Coinciding with its anniversary, 222 officers as well as 3548 senior and junior sailors were promoted and advanced to their next higher ranks and rates on 09th December, at the recommendation of Commander of the Navy, Vice Admiral Nishantha Ulugetenne.

COLOMBO (News 1st) – The United Nations (UN) team in Sri Lanka and non-governmental organisations revised and extended their joint Humanitarian Needs and Priorities (HNP) Plan, which aims to provide life-saving assistance to 3.4 million people amid Sri Lanka’s worst economic crisis since independence.Since June, the HNP has been responding to the Government's request for UN-backed multi-sector support for Sri Lanka's debt and food and medicine shortages."Governments and donor agencies have helped the humanitarian community reach over 1 million of the country's most vulnerable people with cash, food, school meals, medicine, protection, and livelihood support," said the UN in a statement.The HNP—aligned with appeals from other UN agencies—has raised US $79 million for Sri Lanka thanks to landmark support from the U.S and USAID, Australia, Japan including JICA, the UN Central Emergency Relief Fund (CERF), as well as Canada, Denmark, Norway, New Zealand, Italy, EU, Switzerland, France, and with additional support from the UK, Germany, Thailand, Sweden, Georgia, Latter Day Saint Charities and private individuals and organizations."We are immensely appreciative of the solidarity the international community has shown with the people of Sri Lanka, including through their generous contributions to the HNP.

COLOMBO (News 1st) – Sri Lanka President Ranil Wickremesinghe said that the country has had to face adverse repercussions due to the short sighted popular decisions taken in the past and unpopular decisions have had to be taken for the prospects of the country.The President made this observation on Thursday (08) taking part in the third reading debate of the budget proposal for the financial year 2023.He said further that a Parliamentary Select Committee will be established on a resolution by the Parliament to look into those who led the economy to bankruptcy with their incorrect fiscal policies.The statement made by President Ranil Wickremesinghe is as follows:Some members discussed the Mahaweli lands. The lands of the state were under the Land Commissioner until 1977. Due to the rapid development, some of the urban and rural lands were brought under the Urban Development Authority, Mahaweli Authority, and several other corporations.

Indonesia's Coordinating Minister for Maritime Affairs and Investment, Luhut Binsar Pandjaitan, held bilateral talks with Sri Lankan Foreign State Minister Tharaka Balasuriya on Monday (5) to discuss cooperation in maritime security and safety and blue economy investment."Indonesia and Sri Lanka need to better increase economic cooperation," Pandjaitan said at the meeting, which was held on the sidelines of the Archipelagic and Island State Forum (AID) in the Indonesian resort island of Bali.The two countries need to make optimal use of bilateral cooperation to open up opportunities to promote the development of their economy, including maritime resource-based economy, he added."We warmly welcome and are ready to participate in boosting the two countries' economic growth.

COLOMBO (News 1st) – The shortage of fertilizer has severely affected tea-small holders in Sri Lanka.The tea-small holders in Akuressa, Matara said that the authorities have not shown any interest to address the issue, as the lives of many workers depend on this industry.They further say that they have to buy fertilizers at high prices and sell the leaves at low prices, leaving them at a loss.

COLOMBO (News 1st) – Great Britain has expressed its willingness to provide the necessary technical and practical support to Sri Lanka to implement the “Climate Prosperity Plan”.The Deputy High Commissioner of Great Britain to Sri Lanka, Lisa Whanstall said that Great Britain appreciates the efforts taken by Sri Lanka to address climate change and will work to provide the necessary technical and theoretical support in the future, said the President's Media Division.These remarks were made during a discussion held on Wednesday (7) between the President’s Senior Adviser on Climate Change Ruwan Wijewardene, and the British Deputy High Commissioner, at the Presidential Secretariat.Whanstall also said that she will provide the necessary support for the International University on Climate Change, which is planned to be built on the instructions of President Ranil Wickremesinghe.Furthermore, the Deputy British High Commissioner praised Sri Lanka’s program for renewable energy and pointed out that it is a well-planned step for the future of the country.Ruwan Wijewardene presented the information about President Ranil Wickremesinghe’s upcoming programs regarding climate change and stated that the Act on Climate Change will be submitted to Parliament shortly.In addition, Wijewardene said that a climate change office will be established in Sri Lanka to investigate climate change in the region and that the necessary solutions to address climate change that may occur will be developed.He further said that the government has already focused on green hydrogen energy on the advice of President Ranil Wickremesinghe and the government has planned to further develop the potential for renewable energy in Sri Lanka.They also discussed the

(PTI) External Affairs Minister S Jaishankar on Wednesday (7) justified the Indian government’s support to Sri Lanka, saying India would be shirking its responsibility if it did not step forward to support a crisis-hit neighbour.The economic support that India offered to Sri Lanka during its worst post-independence economic crisis was for the entire country and not based on any communal approach, he said.Replying to clarifications sought by MPs on his suo motu statement on foreign policy in Rajya Sabha, the minister said India absenting from a vote against Sri Lanka in the UN Human Rights Commission was in accordance with the long-standing position — which was also followed by previous governments — that it “is the most constructive way of addressing, advancing the interest of Tamil community in Sri Lanka.” “That continues to be our approach,” he said.On the support to the island nation, he said, “We have given support to the entire Sri Lanka which also include the Tamil community.” “We have not taken the communal approach in giving support,” he said.

COLOMBO (News 1st) – The Colombo air quality index (AQI) has increased further towards an unhealthy level.The National Building Research Organization said that the AQI across many cities in Sri Lanka range between 150 – 200, which is an unhealthy level.-What is the AQI?The AQI reports on how clean or polluted the air in your area is, and what effects breathing the outdoor air may have on your health.The AQI takes into account five of the major air pollutants. These pollutants are ground-level ozone, particle pollution, carbon monoxide, sulfur dioxide and nitrogen dioxide. How to protect yourself from unhealthy or hazardous air pollution: If the air quality in your area is compromised, there are several things you can do to protect yourself.

COLOMBO (News 1st) – The Central Bank of Sri Lanka said that earnings from merchandise exports declined in October 2022, on a year-on-year basis, for the first time since March 2022, mainly due to lower earnings from garments exports. The decline in import expenditure continued in October 2022, (y-o-y), for the eighth consecutive month, despite recording an increase, compared to September 2022.The merchandise trade deficit recorded a notable contraction in October 2022, compared to the previous year. Meanwhile, the workers’ remittances steadied and earnings from tourism improved in October 2022, whereby earnings from tourism crossed over USD 1 bn during January-October 2022, while workers’ remittances reached about USD 3 bn during January-October 2022.Foreign investment in the government securities market and the Colombo Stock Exchange (CSE) recorded a marginal net inflow during October 2022. The Central Bank continued to provide forex requirement to finance essential imports, exhausting the liquid level of gross official reserves. Meanwhile, the weighted average spot exchange rate in the interbank market remained around Rs.

COLOMBO (News 1st) – Essential medicines and medical supplies valued at over Rs. 2 Billion donated by China to the Sri Lankan people reached Colombo on Tuesday (6).The shipment comes in 24 containers (16,000 boxes) with a total weight of over 255 metric tonnes.China has donated Rs.

COLOMBO (News 1st) – Sri Lanka Railways has taken steps to carry out spot checks to detain and fine those who use the service without obtaining tickets.The Deputy General Manager of Railways E.S Polwattage said information has come to light over multiple incidents of people taking a free ride on trains, and several raids were carried out at the Colombo Fort railway station on Tuesday (6).

COLOMBO (News 1st) – Sri Lanka Railways says it will implement a new program where people can purchase train tickets more comfortably without having to wait in queues.This program is being implemented by a Chinese company, and the General Manager of Sri Lanka Railways W.A.B.S.E Gunasinghe said that people can buy train tickets under the new program through three main methods once it is implemented.Railway General Manager further said that train tickets will be issued online, with self-service ticket machines and prepaid cards.In addition, he said this program is scheduled to start in March 2023.

COLOMBO (News 1st) – The Department of Meteorology says that the depression located over Southeast Bay of Bengal (320km north-east of Trincomalee) is likely to move west-northwestwards, intensify further gradually into a Cyclonic Storm around today (7) evening. The system is likely to approach the coast of North Tamil-Nadu, Puducherry and South Andhra Pradesh over the Southwest Bay of Bengal tomorrow (8).Cloudy skies will prevail over most parts of the Island.  Showers will occur at times in the Northern and North-central provinces and Trincomalee districts. Fairly heavy rainfall above 75 mm can be expected at some places in the Northern province and Trincomalee district.

COLOMBO (News 1st) – Sri Lanka has completely relaxed the restrictions imposed on overseas arrivals during the COVID-19 pandemic.Accordingly, the requirement to produce a COVID-19 Vaccination Certificate by any person arriving to Sri Lanka via any airport or sea port is removed with effect from Tuesday (6).The Director General of Health Services said that the requirement to produce a pre boarding or on arrival negative COVID-19 test (PCR/RAT) by any person arriving to Sri Lanka via any airpoft or sea port is no longer required.If foreign nationals/tourists become COVID-19 positive after arriving to Sri Lanka, they should isolate for 7 days in a private hospital/hotel/place of residence.

COLOMBO (News 1st) – High Commissioner of Sri Lanka to India, Milinda Moragoda met with the Finance and Corporate Affairs Minister of India Smt.

COLOMBO (News 1st) – The Secretary General of Parliament said that the Committee on High Posts approved the appointment of Chairmen to four institutions and the appointment of an ambassador.Accordingly, the Committee on High Posts approved the appointment of Kandeepan Balasubramaniam as the Ambassador of Sri Lanka to the State of Kuwait.Furthermore, the appointments of Upul Dharmadasa as the Chairman of the Civil Aviation Authority and K. A.

KELSEY Parker has faced another devastating death in the family - just months after losing her husband, Tom. The Sun can reveal the heartbroken mum-of-two is grieving her granddad, Peter Morris, who died last week aged 84.

COLOMBO (News 1st) – Religious leaders led by His Eminence Malcolm Cardinal Ranjith called on the people to cut down on unnecessary spending and help one another this Christmas."The Archdiocese decided that Christmas this year should be celebrated with the poor and needy. We urge the Catholic community and every single citizen in this country, not to waste anything.