UNs Kanni Wignaraja meets President; Reiterates support to recover

COLOMBO (News 1st) – Sri Lanka's Parliament speaker has endorsed the certificate on the Regulation of Election Expenditure Bill and the Bureau of Rehabilitation Bill, which were debated and passed in Parliament recently.Accordingly, these bills come into force as the Bureau of Rehabilitation Act No. 2 of 2023 and the Regulation of Election Expenditure Act No.

 COLOMBO (News 1st) – The Ceylon Electricity Board said that it has not yet reached a decision to suspend power cuts during the period of the G. C.

Colombo (News 1st) – The 144th Battle of the Blues has been rescheduled!The 144th Royal Thomian cricket encounter is now slated to be held from March 16-18 at the SSC grounds, according to the Royal-Thomian Joint Match Organising Committee.The match was originally scheduled to be held from the 9-11 March.

COLOMBO (News 1st) – Sri Lanka's Human Rights Commission has received a letter bearing the signature of the Managing Director of the Ceylon Petroleum Corporation stating that the present financial situation at the CPC could lead to a disruption of operations at the country's oil refinery.The letter noted that the CPC is heading towards a situation where future fuel imports will be in jeopardy as fuel is continuously provided on credit.The letter from the CPC Managing Director warns that this could lead to another fuel crisis in the country.The letter bearing the signature of the Managing Director of the Ceylon Petroleum Corporation states that it is paramount to ensure the continuous operation of the country's oil refinery when providing a continuous supply of fuel.It noted that though the CPC can provide furnace oil and naphtha to the Ceylon Electricity Board at a cost that is less than what is incurred when importing fuel, an issue is likely to arise in importing new stocks of crude oil and refined petroleum products as the existing stocks are provided on credit, despite the CEB still not settling its dues. The Managing Director of the Ceylon Petroleum Corporation states that several rounds of discussions revealed that the Ceylon Electricity Board does not have the funds to procure the fuel.It notes that despite the difficulties experienced, as the supply of electricity is a national requirement, fuel worth Rs.

COLOMBO (News 1st) – South Korea is keen to boost shrimp farming in Sri Lanka, it was revealed during a meeting between the South Korean Ambassador and the Fisheries Minister.The Ministry of Fisheries of Korea recenty made a commitment to invest around US $1.2m to help improve shrimp farming in Sri Lanka through the UN Food and Agriculture Organisation.South Korean Ambassador Santhush Woonjin Jeong called on Minister of Fisheries Douglas Devananda at the Ministry of Fisheries, in Colombo to discuss more on boosting shrimp farming in Sri Lanka.They discussed ways to promote exports, expand capacity-building and develop the fisheries industry in Sri Lanka. Both parties underscored the importance of strengthening the aquaculture sector in Sri Lanka and agreed to work closely together to deepen cooperation.

COLOMBO (News 1st) – Three members of the same family died following a fire at their residence on Thursday (26) night in Mankadawala, Elayapattuwa.Police Spokesperson SSP Nihal Thalduwa told News 1st that a woman (30), and her daughter (10) and son (5) died in the tragedy.He added that the husband of the deceased woman had attempted to rescue the family, however he had suffered burn injuries and was moved for treatment.

COLOMBO (News 1st) – Sri Lankan President Ranil Wickremesinghe has given out instruction to celebrate the 75th Independence Day with pride, at minimal cost.A pre-discussion was held on Thursday (26) at the President's Office chaired by President Ranil Wickremesinghe regarding the Independence Day celebration being held in a grand and proud manner, but maintaining minimum cost.Accordingly, in conjunction with the 75th Independence Day celebration, many special programs are scheduled to be implemented from February 2nd to the 19th. According to the President's Media Division the following events have been planned:Special Dalada Pooja and Pirith chanting Religious ceremonies of all faiths Cultural show held at Independence Square Traditional Independence Day celebration main event held at Galle Face Green National parks and Zoo's will be open to the public free of charge Opening of the Jaffna Cultural Centre Kandy republic parade Cycle race from Dondra Head to Point PedroThe President advised the officials that it is their responsibility as well as that of the political authority, to pay attention to the current financial situation of the country while estimating the expenses required for these activities.The President had advised that spending must be practical, and minimal.While pointing out that there is huge opposition among the people regarding the allocation of funds for the 75th Independence Day celebration, the President emphasized that efforts should be made to minimize the related expenses.Expressing his views further, President Ranil Wickremesinghe said, “We must celebrate the 75th Independence Anniversary, otherwise, the world will say that we are not capable of celebrating even our independence.

COLOMBO (News 1st) – Former President Maithripala Sirisena on Friday (27) was seen getting into the defendant's dock when the case filed with the Fort Magistrate's Court against him for failing to prevent the 2019 April Attacks despite receiving credible information about the attacks, was taken up.Initially, he did not get into the dock, and following a clarification made by the court, Sirisena was asked to get into the defendant's dock.An individual who lost a limb in the attacks on the St. Anthony's Church in Kochchikade on the 21st of April 2019, and Rev.

Almost two thirds of Scottish parents say they're suffering mentally because of the cost-of-living crisis. A new poll of parents and carers found that 64 per cent of those asked thought the rising prices of food, energy and bills had "negatively impacted" their mental health.

COLOMBO (News 1st) – Wednesday the 25th of January went down in history as the day in which a majority of the country's public and private sector employees were met with the highest income tax ever-imposed on the monthly salary, and allowances.Some of those working in the public and private sector and got taxes shared horror on social media platforms, noting that in addition to the existing deductions for loans, the new tax had left them with a very low take-home salary.The government's controversial new tax law, the Inland Revenue (Amendment) Act, was passed in Parliament last year.The new tax regime imposes an extraordinary maximum 36% tax bracket on monthly income, with the lowest bracket starting at 6% for those earning over Rs. 100,000/- per month.To protest against the unjust tax policy, a Black Protest Week was launched by the Professionals' Trade Union Alliance, and it will end on Friday (27).Doctors in the public service, university teachers, bank employees, engineers and professionals belonging to 15 organizations that form the Professionals' Trade Union Alliance launched a campaign against the unjust tax regime.The Professionals' Trade Union Alliance warned that if this tax regime continues, the country would experience a mass exodus of its professionals who would seek beneficial employment opportunities elsewhere.Effective from 1st January 2023, the progressive personal income tax rates would be 6%, 12%, 18%, 24%, 30% and 36%.The new tax regime will impose an extraordinary maximum 36% tax bracket on monthly income, with the lowest bracket starting at 6% for those earning over Rs.

The Cooperation Afloat Readiness and Training (CARAT) – 2023 bilateral exercise successfully concluded in Sri Lanka  on 26th January 2023. Hosted by the U.S. Pacific Fleet in partnership with the Sri Lanka Navy, CARAT – 2023 Exercise was held in Colombo, Trincomalee and Mullikulam from 19th to 25th January.The closing ceremony of CARAT – 2023 was held on board ‘USS Anchorage’ at the pier side of Colombo harbour under the auspices of U.S.

BBC Radio 1's Big Weekend is understood to be making a landmark return to Dundee, three years after the city's second turn at the event was kiboshed by Covid. The Record understands from festival insiders that the City of Discovery will play host to the annual festival on May 26-28, boasting a world-class line-up of big hitters.

Bristol Palin is getting real about what she’s been through on the operating table.

COLOMBO (News1st) – Fort Magistrate Thilina Gamage today ordered the release of media spokesperson of the Samagi Trade Unions Collective Ananda Palitha and Chairman of the Electricity Consumers' Association Sanjeewa Dhammika, on two personal bails of Rs.

Assessing the risks The debate stemmed in part from a December study in International Journal of Environmental Research and Public Health, which is a peer-reviewed journal. It analyzed previous studies on gas stoves as well as US census data and concluded that nearly 13% of U.S. childhood asthma cases can be attributed to gas stove use.

₹ 325 a dose, and for ₹ 800 in private settings. It is country’s first indigenously made nasal Covid-19 vaccine. In December, iNCOVACC received approval for a primary two-dose schedule, and as a heterologous booster dose.Clinical trials were conducted to evaluate iNCOVACC as a primary dose, and as heterologous booster dose for subjects who have previously received two doses of the two commonly administered Covid-19 vaccines in India.

COLOMBO (News 1st) – Colombo High Court today acquitted Sri Lanka Podujana Peramuna MP Dr. Nalaka Godahewa and two others for misappropriating state funds.Dr.

COLOMBO (News 1st) – Chairman of the National Election Commission Attorney Nimal Punchihewa has refuted rumours being spread that he is planning on submitting his resignation to the NEC."Paying any heed to these rumours is a waste of time", he said."All preparations are being made to hold the local government election", Attorney Punchihewa said."The resignation of one member of the Election Commission does not affect the Commission's ability to hold the election", he added.The Chairman of the commission was responding to the media reports regarding the resignation of member of the Election Commission P.S.M.

COLOMBO (News 1st) – An all-party conference will be held at 04:00 PM on Thursday (26) at the President's office under the chairmanship of President Ranil Wickremesinghe.According to a PMD statement, the purpose of this conference is to come to a consensus and strengthen national harmony. Speaker of Parliament Mahinda Yapa Abeywardena, Opposition Leader Sajith Premadasa, former presidents Mahinda Rajapaksa and Maithripala Sirisena, Tamil National Alliance Leader R.

COLOMBO (News 1st) – The Appeal Court on Wednesday (25) vacated the death sentence imposed on the convict who was the second accused in the 2007 quintuple murder in Mahawatte, Delgoda.On the 22nd of February 2017, the Gampaha High Court Judge sentenced the second accused Welivita Liyanage Don Mahesh Lasantha Perera to death by hanging at the Welikada Prison.He was indicted with having committed the murder of five members of the same family, K.W.W. Tillakaratne, A.D.

Cindy Crawford's brunette bombshell daughter Kaia Gerber, 21, started modeling as a teen which forced her to travel alone all around the world while her parents stayed in Malibu.And in the February issue of Elle, which she has posed for the cover of, the beauty shared that sometimes she felt 'lonely' without her family nearby which impacted her mental health, but now she is working from home more. She added it helps to have a therapist as well.

Officials from the health ministry, AIIMS, National Centre for Disease Control, National Disaster Response Force (NDRF) and NDMA are devising a mechanism along with state governments to put it into action. New Delhi: The government is setting up 100 teams that will respond to health emergencies, including pandemics, along the lines of the National Disaster Management Authority (NDMA). Officials from the health ministry, AIIMS, National Centre for Disease Control, National Disaster Response Force (NDRF) and NDMA are devising a mechanism along with state governments to put it into action.

FORMER HOLLYOAKS star Hollie-Jay Bowes revealed that she's been diagnosed with attention deficit hyperactivity disorder (ADHD). The actress - who played Michaela McQueen in the Channel 4 soap - said she was relieved to receive the news after being on a waiting list for three years. Hollie-Jay, 34, who also plays Debs Rafferty in the new series of BBC's Waterloo Road, will be part of a new storyline with pupil Kelly Jo Rafferty, played by Alicia Forde, in which she learns whether she has ADHD.

₹800 for private markets while for the supplies to Union and State governments, Bharat Biotech has kept the price at ₹325. The nasal vaccine for now is not available on CoWin.

COLOMBO (News 1st) – Lanka Sathosa has reduced the prices of six essential items with effect from Thursday (26).1 kg of Dried Chili reduced by Rs. 30/- to Rs. 1,700/-.1 kg of White Kekulu (Local) reduced by Rs.

COLOMBO (News 1st) – Sri Lanka's Central Bank Governor Dr. Nandalal Weerasinghe is hopeful that assurances from creditors can be obtained within the 1st quarter of the year.Speaking at the Monetary Policy Review No. 01 of 2023, the governor said that he is hopeful that the International Monetary Fund would be able to receive necessary financing assurances from all the creditors in a very short period."India has clearly given the financial assurances which are acceptable to the International Monetary Fund.

COLOMBO (News 1st) – Sri Lankan rice farmers who feed the nation are in a situation where they cannot even afford their own meals.This can be attributed to the diseases that is turning rice plants yellow, which is spreading across a plethora of paddy lands in the country.Farmers from Henkola Wewa that falls under the Mahasen Bedum Ela Agrarian Organization in Polonnaruwa commenced the Maha Season cultivation with high hopes.However, their dreams of a rich harvest were shattered by the disease that is turning rice plants to yellow.Farmers claim that around 800 acres of rice fields have been affected, leaving the farmers at a massive loss.Farmers also said that they immediately informed the authorities when they noticed the disease in the initial stages, however, the relevant officials turned a blind eye to the issue.In addition, over 100 acres of rice fields in the Weligepola area in Ratnapura have also been affected  by the disease that is turning rice plants to yellow.Another 6,000 acres of paddy land in the Rajanganaya Agrarian Settlement have been destroyed by the same disease.The same fate had befallen many other rice cultivations across the country.The Rice Research and Development Institute (RRDI) in Bathalagoda said that tests have revealed that organic fertilizer was NOT a cause for rice plants to turn yellow.Director of the Rice Research and Development Institute (RRDI) Dr. Jayantha Senanayake told News 1st that the samples obtained from paddy lands and organic fertilizer samples obtained from the possession of farmers, are being subject to tests.He added that remedies are available to address the situation.

COLOMBO (News 1st) – A 72-year-old woman was rescued 20 hours after she was carried away by strong currents in the Dambulu Oya. News 1st correspondent said that the senior citizen was seen walking towards the Dambulu Oya at around 10 AM on Monday (23), however, as she did not return her children had alerted the neighbours and launched a search.

COLOMBO (News 1st) – The National Election Commission in a letter to the Governor of the Central Bank of Sri Lanka has inquired over the possibility of making available the facilities required for the upcoming election.The letters inquired the Central Banks' position to provide US dollars for the Ceylon Petroleum Corporation and the Ceylon Electricity Board to supply electricity and fuel for the election.At the recent meeting with the National Election Commission, the CPC and the CEB had pointed out that they are short of US Dollars to ensure a continuous supply of electricity.They had requested the National Election Commission to inquire from the Central Bank of Sri Lanka on supporting them to avert a dollar crisis.

COLOMBO (News 1st) – An armed gang have stolen an ATM that was set up at a private bank in the Gampola Town.Sri Lanka Police said that the armed gang had arrived in a van, threatened the security office of the bank, tied him up and taken the time to remove the entire ATM from its platform.The exact amount of money stolen by the thieves is yet to be determined, and a special police investigation is underway.

A cancer patient told how her life was “ruined” afer she was denied cancer treatment because of the Covid lockdown. Fiona Weir, 44, was concerned about the changing shape and colour of a mole but she was unable to see a doctor face to face during lockdown.

COLOMBO (News 1st) – Sri Lanka's Central Bank Governor Dr. Nandala Weerasinghe on Monday (23) said that when Sri Lanka obtains all assurances from its bilateral creditors, it would be able to unlock the IMF program somewhere in February.Speaking to the Committee on Public Finance in Parliament, the Governor said that it was not wise for him as the governor to make comments on the assurances from the creditors, as Sri Lanka is a third party to the process."Creditors are supposed to give their assurances to the fund (IMF), so we are a third party as a debtor.

COLOMBO (News 1st) – The Sri Lankan Government is preparing to celebrate the 75th National Independence Day at a cost of Rs. 200 Million.Ashoka Priyantham, the State Minister of Home Affairs said an estimate was given for Rs.

COLOMBO (News 1st) – Sri Lankan President Ranil Wickremesinghe will virtually attend the 'Voice of Global South Summit' in India.Ranil Wickremesinghe will be among 20 world leaders who will participate in the two-day summit, which has the theme “Unity of voice, unity of purpose”, and will bring together developing countries on a common platform.Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi will inaugurate the virtual Voice of Global South Summit on Thursday (12).The summit will provide a platform to developing countries to present their priorities and challenges related to developmental issues.The summit envisages 10 sessions, four on Thursday and six on Friday.Each session is expected to witness the participation of leaders and ministers from 10 to 20 countries.Modi will chair two sessions for heads of state and government, one each at the start and conclusion of the summit.The summit is also part of India’s effort to strengthen its credentials as a representative of the Global South.According to the Hindustan Times, the Indian external affairs ministry said last week that more than 120 countries were being invited to the summit, though there was no clarity on the confirmed participants.

COLOMBO (News 1st) – Rear Admiral Eileen Laubacher, Senior Director for South Asia of the US National Security Council called on President Ranil Wickremesinghe on Wednesday (11), and the President's Media Division said the United States values Sri Lanka’s partnership and is keen to further strengthen ties between the two countries through a broad array of partnerships.During the meeting, the Rear Admiral expressed her government’s appreciation for the recovery efforts undertaken by President Wickremesinghe in regard to the economic crisis in the country, said the PMD in a statement.President Wickremesinghe had outlined the government’s economic plans including the economic reforms being undertaken.The President also discussed maritime matters, including the increased efforts by the Government to crack down on the narcotics trade.Laubacher also met Senior Advisor to the President on National Security and President’s Chief of Staff Sagala Ratnayaka following the meeting with the President.U.S.

COLOMBO (News 1st) – Sri Lankan President Ranil Wickremesinghe held talks with the Chairman of the Export-Import Bank of China Wu Fulin on Tuesday (10).During the video conference both sides exchanged views on bilateral cooperation and Sri Lanka's current debt issues, said the Chinese Embassy in Colombo.The two sides agreed to further strengthen exchanges and collaboration on the resolution of Sri Lanka's debt issues, and help the island's economic recovery and sustainable development

The change of presidents of Sri Lanka in 2022 did not lead to any improvement in the country’s human rights record, Human Rights Watch said on Thursday (12) in its World Report 2023.During 2022, thousands of Sri Lankans took to the streets after years of misrule, impunity, and corruption undermined the rule of law and contributed to a severe economic crisis that threatened millions. President Gotabaya Rajapaksa, long implicated in grave rights violations, stepped down in July. However, the new president, Ranil Wickremesinghe, cracked down on largely peaceful protests, imprisoned activists, and disregarded calls for justice for past violations.“President Ranil Wickremesinghe responded to calls for reform and accountability with repression,” said Meenakshi Ganguly, South Asia director at Human Rights Watch.

COLOMBO (News 1st) – President Ranil Wickremesinghe has informed the cabinet that the fund allocations made via the budget for all ministries will have to be cut down by 5%.This was announced by Minister Bandula Gunawardena, the Cabinet Spokesperson on Tuesday (10) at the weekly Cabinet media briefing."There is no stable income to even support the essential welfare expenses.

COLOMBO (News 1st) – Sri Lankan President Ranil Wickremesinghe said that he was deeply concerned about the recent violence that erupted in Brasilia. In a statement he said that Sri Lanka not so long ago also experienced similar attempts by groups to overthrow democratic structures through unconstitutional means. While noting that such hostilities are condemned, the President said the Sri Lankan stands in solidarity with the President, Government and people of Brazil in this hour of confrontation.President Wickremesinghe said that it is imperative that democracy and its institutions are universally respected by all citizens.For several days, supporters of former Brazilian President Jair Bolsonaro have been protesting as they refuse to accept that the populist autocrat lost his bid for reelection, claiming the election was stolen.Hundreds called for military intervention to overthrow President Luiz Inacio Lula da Silva, who was inaugurated one week ago.    Hundreds of supporters of Brazil's former president stormed the Planalto presidential palace, National Congress and the Supreme Court headquarters.After hours of chaos, Brazilian police have retaken control of the premises occupied by the protesters.Lula has declared federal security intervention in Brasilia and vowed to punish ‘neo-fascists’ with ‘full force of law’Bolsonaro denied any involvement in the attack, calling any suggestion otherwise a “baseless” accusation.While Lula has served two presidential terms, he has also served a prison term and some Brazilian say it is "shameful" he should have returned to the presidential palace after his time in jail.Lula spent 580 days in jail after being convicted of corruption in 2017 and was banned from running in the 2018

COLOMBO (News 1st) – Sri Lankan President Ranil Wickremesinghe summoned the members of the National Election Commission for an emergency meeting at the President's Office.A Senior Official at the National Election Commission told News 1st that the meeting took place based on an invitation extended by the President.It was reported that the Attorney General was also present for the meeting.The members of the National Election Commission had informed the President that there is no way to prevent the Local Government Elections from taking place, unless via constitutional or judicial action.The Election Commission officials had informed the President of the future programs relating to the election.

COLOMBO (News 1st) – President Ranil Wickremesinghe will meet with the Tamil National Alliance for a special round of talks on Thursday (5).Spokesperson for the Tamil National Alliance, President's Counsel M. A.

The United National Party said that President Ranil Wickremesinghe has officially informed the party that he will NOT be involved in any election-related activity for Local Government institutions, namely the Municipal Councils, Urban Councils, and Pradeshiya Sabhas.A statement from the UNP notes that the President officially communicated his position on Tuesday (3).According to the UNP, the President had noted that he was given a mandate NOT to engage in elections, but to uplift the country within two years.The President had also informed the leaders of the United National Party that he is not prepared to act in contravention of that mandate.The President made these comments when he met with the senior leadership of the United National Party in Colombo on Tuesday (3).The President had told the UNP senior leadership that he is only ready to chair the UNP Working Committee in keeping with tradition if the UNP wants to decide on contesting the Local Government Election.In addition, the President had stressed that he would not be involved in any activity related to the Local Government Election. He had also informed the UNP seniors that if the party decides to contest the Local Government Election, 40% of the candidates should represent fresh faces. The President had also noted funds should only be allocated for 4,000 elected representatives, while the other 4,000 elected representatives must declare their services as free with no salary or benefits.

COLOMBO (News 1st) – Sri Lankan President Ranil Wickremesinghe visited the Embassy of the Holy See (Vatican Apostolic Nunciature) in Colombo on Wednesday (04) to express his condolences on the demise of Pope Emeritus Benedict XVI who was called to rest on Saturday (31) morning in the Mater Ecclesia Monastery in the Vatican.Pope Emeritus Benedict XVI from Germany, was called to rest at age of 95, after having served for more than eight years as Pope from 2005 to 2013.

COLOMBO (News 1st) – Sri Lankan President Ranil Wickremesinghe has instructed the Chairmen of the Ceylon Petroleum Corporation (CPC) and SriLankan Airlines to submit a report on awarding bonuses to employees, despite making losses.The President has requested their reasons to justify the payment of bonuses despite the Ministry of Finance having informed not to pay bonuses to loss-making corporations and boards.The President's Secretary Saman Ekanayake said that the chairpermen of the two institutions are expected to submit their justifications.The President's Secretary also said that the President received information that the awarding bonuses to employees was done in violation of the Finance Ministry circular.The Ceylon Petroleum Corporation has paid two months’ salaries to its employees as bonuses and SriLankan Airlines has paid 100,000 rupees as bonus to each of its employees as bonus for 2022.

COLOMBO (News 1st) – Former British Prime Minister David Cameron, who is on a private visit to Sri Lanka, met President Ranil Wickremesinghe at the President's Office on Monday morning (02).During a friendly discussion, Former British Prime Minister David Cameron extended his best wishes to President Wickremesinghe for the New Year.President’s Senior Adviser on National Security and President’s Chief of Staff, Mr.

COLOMBO (News 1st) – Sri Lankan President Ranil Wickremesinghe has urged all to work together to ensure that Sri Lanka returns to normalcy by the end of 2023.The Head of State made this remark during an event held at the President's Office in Colombo on Monday (2).President Ranil Wickremesinghe said that no one can shirk their responsibilities for the country in the year 2023, which is a crucial year for the Sri Lankan economy, and invited all public servants to dedicate themselves towards making Sri Lanka a prosperous nation in the New Year.He extended this invitation to the Presidential Secretariat staff during the oath-taking ceremony for the New Year 2023 before commencing their duties on Monday morning (02)."Five and a half months ago, we took over a historic task at this office. During those five and a half months, we took steps to establish normalcy in the country at a time when the government had collapsed and the economy had also collapsed.

COLOMBO (News 1st): President Ranil Wickremesinghe in his new year message stated that Sri Lanka has gone through the "bleakest of times" and thanked the public for their "patience and courage" in the face of measures taken to stabilise the economy. "2023 will be a critical year in which we plan to turn around the economy," stated the President while wishing all Sri Lankans a "happy and peaceful new year."The Head of State admitted that the cries of the youth for a system change "cannot be ignored" adding that "proposed social, economic and political reforms" need to be implemented boldly. President's New Year Greeting "We are looking at the New Year 2023 after having undergone the bleakest of times, immense hardships, as well as the uncertainties and hopelessness of the last year. I understand the great burdens that are placed on all of us and the setbacks that a majority of us have suffered due to the country’s abject economic collapse.