Train services delayed due to lack of maintenance

GOOD Morning Britain host Kate Garraway gave an emotional update on Derek Draper's health this morning. The 55-year-old star appeared on Lorraine Kelly's show with co-host Ben Shephard when she opened up about her husband. Derek was taken to intensive care with Covid in March 2020 and only allowed home in April the following year.

(Reuters) – International Monetary Fund Managing Director Kristalina Georgieva said on Thursday that she will travel to Beijing next week with heads of other international institutions to press for quicker action on debt relief for poor and developing countries.The meetings with the country's leadership will focus on China's economic, COVID-19 and debt relief policies and will include officials from China Development Bank and the Export-Import Bank of China, the IMF said."This is the first time, hopefully, we will be able to sit together and discuss the very pressing issues that China, and the world are faced with," Georgieva told the Reuters NEXT conference.Georgieva said that during the Beijing meetings she intends to discuss ways to accelerate China's participation in debt relief for poor and developing countries as the world's largest official bilateral creditor."I am very hopeful that when we have a chance next week to discuss these issues, we will continue on a path of finding better solutions and strengthening the capacity of the common framework to deliver," she said, referring to G20 countries' slow-to-launch common debt restructuring framework.World Bank President David Malpass told the conference that he would join the discussions in Beijing, along with officials from the World Trade Organization, Organization for Economic Cooperation and Development and others.Georgieva and Malpass have both called for reforms of the common framework to offer heavily indebted countries a freeze in debt service payments when they apply for debt relief and clearer timelines for reaching agreement on debt treatments.Asked if China's slowing growth would limit its appetite for agreeing to debt reductions, Georgieva said she hoped

A new study has revealed that teenagers had a tremendous impact on their mental health due to the Covid-19 pandemic. The findings claimed that pandemic-related stressors have physically aged the brains of adolescents.

COLOMBO (News 1st) – Parliamentarian & Field Marshal Sarath Fonseka told Parliament on Friday (2) that the project to dig trenches as a solution to the Human-Elephant Conflict is a failure.Sarath Fonseka said that a ruling party MP from Ampara had proposed for trenches to be dug as a solution to the human-elephant conflict.Fonseka said warned that digging up a trench that is 10 feet wide and 10 feet deep would pose a direct threat to the river systems in the country.He added that even though the Department of Wildlife Conservation had not approved the project on technicalities, a 55-kilometer-long trench has been dug up, and the allegation is that the project is being used to illegally remove soil and sand.His comments were met with strong opposition from the ruling party in the house.

COLOMBO (News 1st) – IMF chief Kristalina Georgieva told Reuters Next on Friday (2) that changes to the G20 Common Framework on debt restructuring were needed to speed up debt treatments, freeze debt service payments once a country requested help, and open the process to middle-income countries like Sri Lanka."We are concerned that there is a risk for confidence in debt resolution to be eroded at a time when the level of debt is very high," Georgieva said."We don't see at this point … a risk of a systemic debt crisis," she said, adding that countries in debt distress were not large enough to trigger a crisis that would threaten financial stability.Source: Reuters

COLOMBO (News 1st) – The 3rd term for all Government & Government-approved schools will commence on Monday (5).The Education Ministry's Additional Secretary for School Affairs Lalitha Egodawala speaking to News 1st said that the 2nd term concluded on Thursday (1) and Friday (2) was declared a holiday for all schools.Christmas holidays for schools will commence on the 22nd of December, and schools will re-open on the 2nd of January 2023.Thereafter, schools will close for a month from 20th January to 20th February 2023 for the G.C.E.

COLOMBO (News 1st) – Sri Lanka's State Ministry of Higher Education says the cut-off marks for university entrance based on the results of the recent A/L examination will be released today (2). The Ministry further said that it has planned to enrol 44,000 students in the universities this year based on the cut-off marks.Over 85,000 students applied for admission to state universities this year.The selected students are scheduled to start their academic activities in each university in January 2023.

COLOMBO (News 1st) – The Chairman of Sri Lanka Thriposha Ltd Deepthi Kularatne says Thriposha production resumed after suitable stocks of maize were made available.Nearly, 60,000 triposha packets are being produced by the company daily and are being distributed across the country.He further said that the production of triphosha products for mothers will continue.

COLOMBO (News 1st) – The Department of Meteorology says that showers or thundershowers will occur in Northern and Eastern provinces and in the Hambanthota district.Showers or thundershowers will occur elsewhere during the afternoon or night.Fairly heavy showers above 75mm are likely at some places in Western, Sabaragamuwa and Central provinces and in Galle and Matara districts.The general public is kindly requested to take adequate precautions to minimize damages caused by temporary localized strong winds and lightning during thundershowers.Condition of Rain:Showers or thundershowers will occur at times in the sea areas off the coast extending from Puttalam to Pottuvil via Kankasanturai, Trincomalee and Batticaloa. Showers or thundershowers will occur in the other sea areas during the afternoon or night.Winds:Winds will be north-easterly and wind speed will be (20-30) kmph.State of Sea:The sea areas around the island will be slight.Temporarily strong gusty winds and very rough seas can be expected during thundershowers.

COLOMBO (News 1st) – Fitch Ratings has downgraded Sri Lanka's Long-Term Local-Currency Issuer Default Rating (IDR) to 'CC', from 'CCC', and has affirmed the Long-Term Foreign-Currency IDR at 'RD' (Restricted Default). Fitch typically does not assign Outlooks to ratings of 'CCC+' or below.Fitch has also removed the Long-Term Local-Currency IDR from Under Criteria Observation, on which it was placed on 14 July 2022, following the publication of the updated Sovereign Rating Criteria.A full list of rating actions is at the end of this rating action commentary.KEY RATING DRIVERS:Challenging Domestic Financing Outlook: Sri Lanka continues to service its local-currency debt, but the downgrade of the Long-Term Local-Currency IDR reflects our view that a local-currency debt default is probable, in view of an untenably high domestic interest payment/revenue ratio, high interest costs, tight domestic financing conditions and rising local-currency debt/GDP in the context of high domestic fiscal financing requirements, which authorities forecast at about 8% of GDP in 2022.According to authorities, domestic interest payments in 8M22 were LKR718.8 billion, taking the domestic interest/revenue ratio to an estimated 56% in 8M22; the highest among sovereigns rated 'CCC+' and below.

COLOMBO (News 1st) – Sri Lanka's Fisheries Minister Douglas Devananda said recently (29) that due to the fuel crisis, steps will be taken to introduce electric motor boats for fishermen from next year.The Minister mentioned this at the meeting of the Ministerial Consultative Committee on fisheries in Parliament.The minister pointed out that it is expected to introduce electric motor boats that can travel 100 kilometres using batteries and the cost is only 86 rupees per day to fishermen engaged in small-scale fishing.The Minister also mentioned that attention has also been paid to providing electricity generation facilities through solar panels and wind turbines for boats using kerosene and diesel.State Minister of Fisheries Piyal Nishantha, mentioned that a special mobile service is being implemented successfully by the ministry to solve the problems faced by the fishermen.

COLOMBO (News 1st) – Sri Lanka's President, Prime Minister, Speaker and other public representatives stood in unity with the Women Parliamentarians’ Caucus for Global Activism against Gender-Based Violence (GBV) on Thursday (1).A wristband given to Parliamentarians with the message “Let’s Unite to end Gender Based Violence” as a sign of support.

NEW DELHI : National AIDS toll-free helpline, lifetime free ART services and regular viral load monitoring for PLHIV are some of the steps taken by the government to strengthen HIV/AIDS and STD response, said Union Minister of state for Health and Family Welfare, Bharati Pravin Pawar on Thursday.  Addressing the World AIDS Day celebrations, the minister said that the World AIDS Day is an opportunity to show solidarity with people living with HIV (PLHIV) and create awareness for the same. “The theme of this year’s World AIDS Day is ‘Equalize’, which is a slogan for a call to action for all connected with this crusade.

COLOMBO (News 1st) – Sri Lankan President Ranil Wickremesinghe said that a bill on gender equality and women's empowerment will be submitted to Parliament soon and he also instructed the Women Parliamentarians’ Caucus to prepare the bill. The President emphasized that women's representation should be increased not only in the Parliament but also in other sectors and the public sector as well as the private sector should focus their attention in this regard. The President pointed out that the representation of women in the First Council of Sri Lanka was 2% and 91 years after universal suffrage, the representation of women in the current parliament is only 5.3%. President Ranil Wickremesinghe made these observations by joining the Committee Stage Debate on the budget proposal for the financial year 2023 in parliament on Thursday (01). Statement issued by the President's Media Division:“I expect to speak especially on the Ministry under me. We thank the Women Parliamentarians’ Caucus for commencing a 16-day campaign against Gender-Based Violence (GBV). It was in 1931 that Sri Lankans got the universal franchise.

Sarah Beeny has been inundated with supportive messages from fans today after she shared a positive update following her recent cancer diagnosis.The 50-year-old shared a selfie of her wearing a purple woolly hat as she enjoyed a walk out in the open.Alongside the post, she revealed she was feeling more "human" following a recent picture of her back in hospital for treatment.She wrote: "It may be cold but WHAT a beautiful morning!!"One of my very fav hats I’ve been given and feeling human! You were right - it does pass!"Many of the presenter's 245,000 followers flocked to her post to comment.Zara Tindall's hug with Mike on I’m A Celeb questioned by Ant and DecSusieqbach typed: "Hang on in there, Sarah. Looking marvelous, out there using all your senses, smell that air, hear those birds, see those views."Shelleylilburne wrote: "Very cute hat...

COLOMBO (News 1st)- Sri Lanka's Public Security Secretary S. Hettiarachchi expects to deploy the Police Special Task Force to crack down on drugs and underworld criminal activity."Prisons are reaching maximum capacity because of the rising number of drug users.

Stephen Robinson insists St Mirren will “play their part” in protecting players from developing dementia after they’ve retired.

COLOMBO (News 1st) – A Sri Lankan and a Russian died after a three-wheeler collided with a train in Galle on Thursday (1) morning.Sri Lanka Police said the Russian was a female, and the train was travelling from Beliatte to Vavuniya. The three-wheeler had caught fire following the accident at the Maharamba Railway Crossing in Galle.Sri Lanka Railways said that there may be minor delays in operations.

COLOMBO (News 1st) – The Hambantota International Port announced that another luxury cruise MV Azamara Quest is expected to arrive on December 5th.The MV Azamara Quest will become the second cruise ship to dock at the Hambantota International Port this year, after the visit of Mein Schiff 5.Passengers from the Mein Schiff 5 visited Colombo, Yala national park, Udawalawe wildlife park, and the historical rock temple of Mulkirigala.Bundala National Park, Hambantota Botanical Gardens, Galle and Kataragama were popular destinations among the Mein Schiff 5’s passengers. MV Azamara Quest (IMO: 9210218) is a Passenger Ship that was built in 2000 (22 years ago) and is sailing under the flag of Malta.Its carrying capacity is 30277 Gross Tonnage and its current draught is reported to be 5.9 meters.

COLOMBO (News 1st) – Sri Lanka's Cabinet approved a hike in electricity tariffs under two steps in January and June 2023.A statement from Sri Lanka Parliament said that although the electricity tariff has been increased in the past, it is not sufficient to cover the loss of the electricity board and thus, the request to increase the electricity bill has received cabinet approval. This was disclosed at the Sub Committee on Identifying the Short & Medium-Term Programmes related to Economic Stabilization of the National Council held on Wednesday (29).Accordingly, the Cabinet has approved increasing the electricity tariffs under two steps in January and June 2023.

COLOMBO (News 1st) – Speaker Mahinda Yapa Abeywardena endorsed the certificate on the “Appropriation (Amendment)” Bill which was passed in Parliament on Wednesday (30).This bill to amend Appropriation Act No. 30 of 2021 was presented by the Prime Minister and Minister of Public Administration, Home Affairs, Provincial Councils and Local Government Dinesh Gunawardena on 15th of November, 2022.Accordingly, paragraph (b) of subsection (1) of section 2 of the Appropriation Act, No.

Health Secretary Humza Yousaf has told Scots “I am sorry” over long waits for ­treatment in our crisis-hit NHS.

COLOMBO (News 1st) – Sri Lanka Police arrested three people from Silvan Lane in Panadura over a shooting incident on Wednesday (30) night.News 1st correspondents said that among the arrested was an attorney.According to Sri Lanka Police, the attorney and two others had visited a house in Panadura on Wednesday (30) night and an argument had broken out over a monetary transaction.As the argument had escalated, the attorney had taken out his licensed pistol and fired into the air.Sri Lanka Police said that the pistol, and the vehicle owned by the attorney, were taken into custody.NO one was injured in the shooting.

COLOMBO (News 1st) – Litro says it will distribute 100,000 domestic LP gas cylinders daily from today (1) without any shortage during the festive season.Litro said that a vessel carrying 3,740 MT of cooking gas arrived in the country yesterday (30).The Chairman of Litro, Muditha Peiris confirmed that gas has been ordered as per the requirement, as the demand for gas increases during the festive season.

COLOMBO (News 1st) – The National Water Supply and Drainage Board (NWSDB) said the water supply will be interrupted for 15 hours tomorrow (2) to several areas in the Colombo district.The water cut will be in effect from 10.00 PM on Friday (2) to 1.00 PM on Saturday (3) in Colombo 11, 12, 13, 14, and 15.NWSDB urged the people to gather the necessary water in advance to avoid inconveniences.Further, NWSDB said that the water supply will be interrupted due to the laying of new transmission pipes related to the Ambatale Energy Improvement Project.

COLOMBO (News 1st) – The Public Utilities Commission of Sri Lanka says that there will be daily outages during the festive season starting today (1).The Chairman of the PUCSL Janaka Ratnayake says the power crisis is ongoing due to issues in generating hydropower and purchasing coal.He adds power cuts will have to be imposed until the issues are resolved.However, PUCSL approved power cuts of 2 hours and 20 minutes on 1st & 2nd December as follows;Groups ABCDEFGHIJKLPQRSTUVW: 1-hour during daytime 1-hour 20-minutes during the night

COLOMBO (News 1st) – The Department of Meteorology says that showers and thundershowers may occur over the island from tomorrow (2).Meteorology says that there is a high possibility for afternoon thundershowers over the island and morning showers over the Northern and Eastern provinces from tomorrow (2).A few showers will occur in Northern and Eastern provinces.Showers or thundershowers may occur at a few places in Sabaragamuwa province and Galle and Matara districts during the afternoon or night.The misty condition can be expected in Western, Sabaragamuwa and Uva provinces and Galle and Matara districts during the morning.Condition of Rain:Showers may occur at a few places in the sea areas over the island during the evening or night.Winds:Winds will be north-easterly or variable in direction and wind speed will be (20-30) kmph. State of Sea:The sea areas around the island will be slight. 

PACKED Lunch host Steph McGovern revealed that she was forced to turn down I’m A Celebrity due to a health reason. The TV presenter, 40, said she's been asked several times to take part in the ITV show, but has been reluctant to sign up as she has irritable bowel syndrome (IBS). Channel 4 star Steph explained that she worries that the jungle diet would wreak havoc on her body.

Colombo (News 1st) – Sri Lanka roared back to square the ODI series with Afghanistan in Pallekelle on Wednesday (30th) by chasing down an imposing target of 313. The hosts won by 4 wickets with 2 balls to spare after a record breaking knock of 162 by Afghan opener Ibrahim Zadran.Sri Lanka started the run chase briskly with Kusal Mendis (67) and Pathum Nissanka (35) putting on a 101-run opening stand.

A man left devastated by the deaths of three friends to suicide says an overhaul of mental health services is needed in Scotland to prevent future tragedies.

COLOMBO (News 1st) – Department of Meteorology says that the low-level atmospheric disturbance in the South-east of Sri Lanka has intensified into a low-pressure area. It is likely to develop further during the next 24 hours. Therefore, rainy conditions over most parts of the Island will expect to enhance. Cloudy skies can be expected in Northern, North-Central and Eastern provinces.Showers or thundershowers will occur at times in Eastern, Uva, Northern and North-Central provinces and the Matale district.Showers or thundershowers will occur elsewhere during the afternoon or night.Heavy showers above 100 mm can be expected at some places in Northern, North-Central Eastern, Sabaragamuwa and Southern provinces.The general public is kindly requested to take adequate precautions to minimize damages caused by temporary localized strong winds and lightning during thundershowers.The Low-level atmospheric disturbance in the South-east of Sri Lanka has intensified into a low-pressure area. It is likely to develop further during the next 24 hours and very likely to move northwestwards towards the Northern coast of Sri Lanka.Naval and fishing communities are advised not to venture into the deep and shallow sea areas off the coast extending from Batticaloa to Mannar via Trincomalee and Kankasanturai.Condition of Rain:Showers or thundershowers will occur at times in the sea areas off the coast extending from Pottuvil to Mannar via Batticaloa, Trincomalee and Kankasanturai. Showers or thundershowers will occur in other sea areas around the island during the afternoon or night. Winds:Winds will be North-easterly or variable in direction. Wind speed will be (20-30) kmph.

Ulrika Jonsson, 55, paid tribute to her daughter today as she turned 22 by sharing a sweet message on Instagram.The Gladiators star has previously opened up about Bo Jonsson’s heartbreaking health struggles. In view of her 204,000 followers, Ulrika shared a moving video montage including different pictures of Bo throughout her life to the tune of Harry Styles’ song As It Was.She captioned the sweet snaps: “My darling girl. 22 today!“How you got this far in life remains a mystery but is definitely a miracle of hope and medicine.“You’re determined; wilful; obstinate.

The head of Ayrshire’s ailing health service claims she will work “like a dog with a bone” to turn its fortunes around.

(More details are being added.)    

COLOMBO (News 1st) – The United Nations (UN) team in Sri Lanka and non-governmental organisations have today 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. 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, and 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 including Brandix Apparels Ltd, Hemas Holdings PLC, Dilmah Ceylon Tea Company PLC, Daraz (Alibaba Group), Amana Bank PLC and the Citi Foundation. The HNP's revision extends the plan through 2022 and requires US $70 million in additional funds to reach a total of US $149.7 million."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) – The system failure at the Immigration and Emigration Department has been restored.Passport services will re-commence as usual from Wednesday (9), said Immigration and Emigration spokesperson Piyumi Bandara. The Department of Immigration and Emigration earlier announced that there is a delay in issuing passports on Tuesday (8) due to a system issue.Immigration and Emigration spokesperson Piyumi Bandara told News 1st that the department has suspended accepting applications for passports, adding that the system is being restored.

He said: "I have Poland Syndrome, so I only have one pec that was brought to the attention of a lot of people so I'm glad that the Poland Syndrome [was brought to people's attention].”"I remember sitting down and tears falling out of my eyes watching the Olympics - it was given a name and it hadn't been given a name."A Poland Syndrome charity said they'd never had so much publicity and an 85-year-old man said he didn't know what it was called until he read the piece.“Because people look at you and it's like, 'what's going on', you feel like a weirdo and now I feel like I am who I am."According to the NHS, Poland Syndrome is a very rare condition that is characterised by webbing of the fingers and of underdevelopment of chest muscle.Following his stint on Strictly, Matt spoke exclusively to Express.co.uk about his time on the show as he promotes his upcoming Christmas single, The Beautiful Unknown.Matt explained that the criticism he received for not "smiling enough" was down to "stuff" going on in his life, hinting at personal woes he wanted to keep away from the dancefloor.Express.co.uk asked the Bros singer if he paid attention to any of the critiques on social media or from the judges.Matt said: "Apparently I wasn't smiling enough on Strictly and I'm sure you know there's stuff going on in my life that had to take precedence and I had to resolve that."I didn't want to reveal either because it was painful and I just, you know, had to hold on and I wanted to put my best foot forward, no pun intended.So I didn't feel the need to share that on social media."Matt recently moved back to the UK after living in the US for 25 years, as his return sadly took place without his mother and sister around to support him. In 2019,

COLOMBO (News 1st) – The Sri Lankan Government has announced via an Extraordinary gazette that electricity supply, petroleum production and distribution, hospital services have been declared as essential services. 

COLOMBO (News 1st) – A crude oil shipment that was ordered by Sri Lanka remains anchored in Sri Lankan waters for almost 53 days, due to non-payment for the cargo by local authorities.A source from the Ministry of Power & Energy said as Sri Lanka is yet to make payments for two previous crude oil shipments, the vessel at the port has rejected the call to unload the shipment.A crude oil shipment that was ordered by Sri Lanka remained anchored in Sri Lankan waters for almost 53 days.A source from the Ministry of Power & Energy said Sri Lanka had made two previously purchased from the company that delivered the Crude Oil, and the payments are yet to be made for those two shipments.Therefore, the vessel has rejected calls to unload crude oil in Sri Lanka until the payment for the two previous shipments is made.The source from the Ministry of Power & Energy said Sri Lanka facing difficulties in sourcing US Dollars to make the payments.The Sapugaskanda Oil Refinery remains closed for weeks, due to the unavailability of crude oil

COLOMBO (News 1st) – Sri Lanka's Parliament Speaker Mahinda Yapa Abeywardena said that it impossible to activate the Sectoral Oversight Committees in Parliament in the absence of representatives from the Opposition.Speaking to News 1st the speaker said the leader in the opposition was repeatedly informed to make the appointments to those committees, however, a positive response is yet to be received.Recently, the Sri Lankan Parliament gave the green light to activate 17 Parliamentary Sectoral committees, and the speaker said he hopes to complete the appointment of representatives to the committee during the next parliament week.President Ranil Wickremesinghe on Thursday (3) pointed out that although the formation of the National Assembly has been concluded to bring far-reaching systematic changes, satisfactory progress has not been made with regard to other proposals.The President has indicated this in a letter to Speaker Mahinda Yapa Abeywardena.The establishment of a National Assembly and the appointment of three committees related to public finance and banking were proposed under far-reaching systematic changes.In addition, it was also proposed to appoint the Banking and Financial Services Committee, the Economic Stabilization Committee and the Committee on Ways and Means related to banking affairs, as well as to delegate five youth representatives for the Sectoral committees and to establish the Parliamentary Budget Office.President Ranil Wickremesinghe has expressed that although 17 Parliamentary Sectoral committees should be established as indicated by these proposals; the chairpersons have not been designated for them and the criteria for selecting the youth representatives to be appointed for this purpose has yet

COLOMBO (News 1st) – Sri Lanka's Parliament Speaker Mahinda Yapa Abeywardena said that it impossible to activate the Sectoral Oversight Committees in Parliament in the absence of representatives from the Opposition.Speaking to News 1st the speaker said the leader in the opposition was repeatedly informed to make the appointments to those committees, however, a positive response is yet to be received.Recently, the Sri Lankan Parliament gave the green light to activate 17 Parliamentary Sectoral committees, and the speaker said he hopes to complete the appointment of representatives to the committee during the next parliament week.President Ranil Wickremesinghe on Thursday (3) pointed out that although the formation of the National Assembly has been concluded to bring far-reaching systematic changes, satisfactory progress has not been made with regard to other proposals.The President has indicated this in a letter to Speaker Mahinda Yapa Abeywardena.The establishment of a National Assembly and the appointment of three committees related to public finance and banking were proposed under far-reaching systematic changes.In addition, it was also proposed to appoint the Banking and Financial Services Committee, the Economic Stabilization Committee and the Committee on Ways and Means related to banking affairs, as well as to delegate five youth representatives for the Sectoral committees and to establish the Parliamentary Budget Office.President Ranil Wickremesinghe has expressed that although 17 Parliamentary Sectoral committees should be established as indicated by these proposals; the chairpersons have not been designated for them and the criteria for selecting the youth representatives to be appointed for this purpose has yet

Covid-19 update: The death toll climbed to 5,30,479 with 18 fatalities which includes 15 deaths reconciled by Kerala, the data updated at 8 am stated. With 1,216 people testing positive for coronavirus infection in a day, India's tally of Covid-19 cases rose to 4,46,58,365, while the active cases declined to 15,705, according to the Union Health Ministry data updated on Friday. The death toll climbed to 5,30,479 with 18 fatalities which includes 15 deaths reconciled by Kerala, the data updated at 8 am stated.

COLOMBO (News 1st) – A walk by two Aragalaya Activists that was to reach Galle Face Green on Wednesday (2) was blocked by security forces from Baladaksha Mawatha in Colombo."We come here with love. We do not have any stones with us.

COLOMBO (News 1st) – Sri Lanka's National Water Supply and Drainage Board said that Rs. 6.5 Billion in unsettled bills are pending from consumers.Rs.

Dame Judi Dench, 87, has discussed how she had to get her partner David Mills to “cut up her food” for her due to her declining health.The star also revealed that she cannot read or write anymore due to suffering from advanced macular degeneration. The James Bond actress revealed that, while out for dinner recently with her partner David, he had to cut up her food as she couldn't see it on her plate.“He cut it up and handed something to me on a fork and that's the way I ate it,” she recalled.However, the legendary star has insisted that she will not be retiring from acting anytime soon despite her condition. Nonetheless, Judi admitted that her health was in a “bad” state as she opened up about the way her life has changed as a result. “I don't want to retire,” she said. “I'm not doing much at the moment because I can't see.

COLOMBO (News 1st) – President Ranil Wickremesinghe says that if the process to restructure debts with India and China is delayed, the process to reach an agreement with the IMF Executive Board could be further delayed till January. Speaking at the 32nd Annual General meeting of the Sri Lanka Tea Factory owners, the President said that Sri Lanka must first ensure that it can get out of bankruptancy, and negotiate with creditors."I went to the Paris Club first. Western countries and Japan are there. But we are in a special place.

Health and social care managers in North Lanarkshire are calling for local people to get in touch with feedback to ensure services improve further.

COLOMBO (News 1st) – Sri Lanka on Monday (31) introduced a cycle to work program to promote cycling among public sector employees as a solution to the transporation crisis.The Cycle to Work progrma to promote cycling among public sector employees was organized by the Ministry of Urban Development and Housing.The aim of this program is to encourage government employees to commute using bicycles as a solution to the transportation crisis. Kick starting the initiative, a group of public sector employees cycled from Battaramulla to Sethsiripaya on Monday (31) morning.Meanwhile, a tree planting program was organized at te Setshiripaya Premises in line with World Cities Day.