Vegetables to be transported by train for the first time in 23 years

COLOMBO (News 1st) – 10 suspects who were arrested on the high seas, along with two local fishing trawlers, suspected to have smuggled narcotics into the island were brought to the Colombo Harbour on Monday (16).The apprehension was made based on information revealed by the suspects of a local fishing trawler which was held during a special operation carried out by the Navy in waters west of Beruwala on 05th January. The same operation also led to the seizure of 23kg and 235g (including packages) of heroin smuggled by those suspects.According to a coordinated operation carried out by the Navy together with other intelligence services, it has been revealed that a number of local multi-day fishing trawlers are involved in the smuggling of drugs into Sri Lanka. During the apprehension made by SLNS Wickrama II on 05th January off Beruwala, 22 packages of heroin weighing 23kg and 235g (including packages) were recovered from the suspicious trawler (Reg. No.

Eamonn Holmes has been plagued with a number of health issues after undergoing surgery on his back, including fracturing his shoulder.The GB News presenter has since returned to work after taking several months off to recover.The broadcaster has been open about his struggles with a dislocated pelvis and a trapped sciatic nerve, amongst his other health concerns.The 63-year-old was visited by his pal Rylan-Clark on Sunday evening who couldn't resist using the presenter's latest at home machinery.Eamonn and Ruth have since purchased a stair lift to help Eamonn move more freely around their home.Rylan, 34, who jokingly referred to Eamonn as "dad" took the opportunity to get on the former This Morning presenter's new toy, while Ruth filmed.Ruth was heard saying: "Wait until it stops beeping, don't bloody break it." To which Rylan replied: "Can I just do it now? It's the noise! Oh, this is great," before mimicking a royal wave as the stair lift started moving down.The Loose Women presenter starts giggling which in turn sets off Rylan with a fit of giggles before she sarcastically asks "Are you Rylan? Can I have your autograph?"Rylan quipped: "Can I just say, I know you've been through it Dad, but you've got an easy life here!"Eamonn retorted: "It's a fun fair, it's the fun palace," to which Rylan replied: "Honestly, you could rent this out."The BBC Radio 2 presenter took to Instagram and shared the clip with his 1.6 million followers, and captioned the post: "Well someone had to go and check out the tech…. @eamonnholmes.

COLOMBO (News 1st) –  A high-level delegation of the Communist Party of China (CPC), led by International Department Vice Minister Chen Zhou called on Former Sri Lankan President Mahinda Rajapaksa in Colombo on Sunday (15).Former Minister Pavithra Vanniarachchi, MP Namal Rajapaksa, State Minister Tharaka Balasuriya, and SLPP General Secretary Sagara Kariyawasam attended the meeting as well.A high-level delegation of the Communist Party of China (CPC), led by International Department Vice Minister Chen Zhou landed at the Bandranaike International Airport, on Saturday (Jan.

COLOMBO (News 1st) – The 43rd Brigade led by Patali Champika Ranawaka, and the Nawa Lanka Freedom Party led by Kumara Welgama entered into an agreement to contest the upcoming Local Government Election, together.The agreement was signed between two political groups on Monday (16).

COLOMBO (News 1st) – The Office of the Parliamentary Commissioner for Administration (Ombudsman) of Sri Lanka and Ombudsman Institution of Türkiye entered into Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) on 11 January 2023 in Ankara.The signing of the MoU took place on the sidelines of the International Ombudsman Conference 2023.The Ministry of External Affairs said that the main objective of the MoU is to focus on the role of the two institutions in Sri Lanka and Türkiye in the field of protection of human rights and remedies for injustices while protecting citizens from injustice and discrimination.Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) further creates organizational conditions for cooperation between the two parties in the field of protection of citizens’ rights, complaints and other activities related to the tasks and purposes of the work of each party and thus contribute to the protection of citizens’ rights and freedoms within the powers vested by legislations.The Memorandum of Understanding between the Office Ombudsman of Sri Lanka and Ombudsman Institution of Türkiye was signed in the presence of the Speaker of the Parliament of Türkiye Mustafa Şentop, Ambassador of Sri Lanka to Türkiye Hasanthi Urugodawatte Dissanayake, Ombudsman of Sri Lanka Justice (Retd.) K. T.

COLOMBO (News 1st) – A 36-year-old man was injured following a shooting in Kumbuka, along the Horana – Piliyandala Road.Sri Lanka Police said the gunmen opened fire at the victim at 12:30 AM, and he was injured in the neck.A police investigation is underway to identify and arrest the suspects, and the injured man is being treated at the Horana Hospital.

COLOMBO (News 1st) –  Sri Lanka's President Ranil Wickremesinghe on Thai Pongal day (15) assured that the 13th Amendment of the Constitution will be fully implemented.President Wickremesinghe said that the Social Justice Commission will be established in order to build a country where everyone can live in harmony, by solving the problems of the people belonging to all sections of the population and that the government expects to fully implement the 13th Amendment to the Constitution.In addition, the President stated that in order to build a country where all races coexist and achieve economic prosperity, everyone must return to the Sri Lankan identity established by the late D.S Senanayake 75 years ago.The President stated that a statement on the government’s steps toward reconciliation will be made public in February and that a meeting of party leaders will be convened next week to discuss the matter.President Wickremesinghe also stated that the Truth and Reconciliation Commission’s work will be accelerated in order to provide relief to the families of the disappeared.The full speech of President Ranil Wickremesinghe is as follows:First of all, I wish everyone a very Happy Thai Pongal. Thai Pongal festival in particular is a national festival.

Colombo (News 1st) – Two people have been killed during a dispute between two groups in Udiyawala, Giriulla last night.Police said they were stabbed.The victims were 39 and 41 year old residents of DambadeniyaA Police Special Task Force sergeant was among the deceased.Police investigations are underway to arrest those involved in the incident.

Colombo (News 1st) – The Ceylon Electricty Board says that a special discussion will be held on Monday (16) regarding the continuous supply of electricity for the GCE Advanced Level Examinations. The General Manager of the Board Rohan Senaviratne says that a request has been made by the Department of Education to provide a continuous supply of electricty before the exams, as per the exam schedule. Accordingly he says that a final decision will be reached after the meeting on Monday. Advice from the PUCSL will also be obtained in this regard.

[Warning: Potentially Triggering Content]

The World Health Organization expressed appreciation for China’s sharing of Covid-19 data after Beijing reported around 60,000 Covid-related deaths over the past month, providing the first major accounting of the death toll since the country lifted pandemic restrictions.

Edited excerpts: There is a lot of talk of a possible fourth wave as China is seeing sudden surge. What is the situation in India? We have observed during the last six weeks, the covid-19 cases have not increased. In fact, as a result of enhanced testing from the middle of December, the number of testing is now between 200,000 to 250,000 per day.

Jen Shah has been ordered to take psychiatric medication and get mental health counseling after her release from prison, according to documents obtained by TMZ.The 49-year-old Real Housewives Of Salt Lake City star has a little more than a month to go before she is supposed to surrender to federal authorities and begin serving her sentence for conspiracy to commit wire fraud on February 17.On January 6, a judge sentenced the Real Housewives of Salt Lake star to 6.5 years behind bars at a federal penitentiary in Texas, but with good behavior, she could be out in about five-and-a-half years.  Prison: Jen Shah, 49, Jen Shah has been ordered to take psychiatric medication and get mental health counseling after her release from prison, according to documents obtained by TMZAt her sentencing hearing, Jen entered 'sensitive' information about her mental health saying that, 'Longstanding untreated mental issues caused me to create my own fractured reality. With the proper medication I can now see what happened.'I wish I could have stood outside myself.

Jeremy Clarkson, 62, is fearful he could be at risk of developing Type 2 diabetes, with the Clarkson's Farm star injecting a Danish drug to prevent it.

Colombo (News 1st) – The National Election Commission requests the government, political parties, citizens of the country and other stakeholders involved to assist in creating an envoirnment to hold free and fair elections.The Chairman of the Election Commission Nimal Punchihewa pointed out several specific attempts made by various parties to disrupt the election even before the date for the calling of nominations. Among those incidents are, the false statements made by certain ministers regarding the election, the letter sent by the Secretary of the Ministry of Public Administration to the district secretaries asking them to temporarily suspend accepting deposits for the Local Government election, as well as the reporting of false information by certain media outlets regarding discussions between the Election Commission and the Inspector General of Police.Against such a backdrop the Election Commission has appealed to all stakeholders to support the commision in creating an envorment to hold a free and fair election.

Colombo (News 1st) – The National Dengue Control Unit says that 4178 Dengue patients were reported within the first two weeks of the year. The most number of patients were reported from the Colombo District and the number of patients were 871. The number of patients reported from the Gampaha District was at 846 as well.The number of dengue patients reported from the Kalutara district was at 224 while 190 patients were reported from Kandy as well for this year so far. 533 dengue patients were reported from the Puttalam District as well. The National Dengue Control Unit reported that 255 patients had been identified in the the Jaffna district as well within the first two weeks of this month. 

COLOMBO (News 1st) – Police fired water cannons to disperse a group of protesters in Nallur, Jaffna earlier today. The protest has now ended.The protest was organized in line with President Ranil Wickremesinghe's visit to the Nallur Kovil in Jaffna for Thai Pongal celebrations. Our News 1st Correspondent says that the protest march began from the Jaffna University and proceeded towards the Nallur Kovil. The march was met with police presence at the Arasi Adi road, where water cannons were fired to disperse them.

COLOMBO (News 1st) – The Minister of Justice says that the draft of a new National Security Act will be submitted to the Cabinet next week. Minister of Justice, President's Counsel Attorney Wijayadasa Rajapaksa says that the Prevention of Terrorism act would be repealed and the new National Security Act would replace it.  The minister says that the proposal for the new act would be submitted to the Cabinet Secretariat within the next week for this purpose. The Minister of Justice says that the new National Security Bill would be reviewed by a special committee appointed under the co-chairmanship of Additional Solicitor General Nerin Pulle and President's Counsel Nalinda Indatissa. 

Scottish Secretary Alister Jack benefited from a Government-backed £2million Covid loan, the Sunday Mail can reveal.

Covid-19 continues to spread en masse in several coutnries across the globe.

BEIJING : The World Health Organization has appealed to China to keep releasing information about its wave of COVID-19 infections after the government announced nearly 60,000 deaths since early December following weeks of complaints it was failing to tell the world what was happening. The announcement Saturday was the first official death toll since the ruling Communist Party abruptly dropped anti-virus restrictions in December despite a surge in infections that flooded hospitals. That left the WHO and other governments appealing for information, while the United States, South Korea and others imposed controls on visitors from China.

COLOMBO (News 1st) – Former Member of Parliament J. Sri Ranga was elected President of the Sri Lanka Football Federation in a close contest on Saturday (14th) at the Ministry of Sports.Two candidates including J. Sri Ranga competed for the position of President, alongside Jagath Rohana.

News 1st wishes all Sri Lankans a Happy Thai Pongal.

 

Colombo (News 1st) – If we look back at history, Mahiyangana was a crucial area that gave leadership to the great battle of Uva-Wellassa, as Sri Lankans struggled for their freedom.But today, the people living in this area have been neglected and are in dire straits.For generations, the village of Embalawatte suffered due to the lack of a proper bridge, which even led to the deaths of residents as they braved the raging the waters just trying to get to the other side. But starting today the people of this village will not face this problem anymore. Here's why.The people of this village in rural Embalawatte have no choice but to cross the Una-Gahala Oya everyday to get to school, work or even to a hospital. During the rainy seasons, this stream turns into a raging torrent.Villagers had placed several logs across this waterway as a makeshift bridge. However, when it rains this crossing becomes a death trap due to the gushing waters. Gammadda identified the plight of these villagers, and in October 2022 launched a project to construct a bridge for these people.The Airline Pilots Guild of Sri Lanka joined hands with Gammadda to take this project off the ground.Within a short span of two months, Gammadda was able to complete a this fully functional bridge for the village.The Gammadda bridge as the villagers have crissened it will serve these communities from today and saftly convey young and old from one shore to another as they get about their daily work.

to report patients needing more frequent touch-ups, but a found that Botox could be less effective after Covid vaccination. The key word there is could, though: the report states that Botox “might be less effective" post-vaccination, noting that “further research is required" to reach any conclusion—especially because the study was only conducted on 45 people. “More research is needed [on the topic],” , MD, board-certified dermatologist at points out.

Jamie Lee Curtis is in quarantine after testing positive for Covid-19. The actress, 64, announced the news on social media on Friday. 'F**k COVID!' wrote the star, who looked healthy on Tuesday evening at the Golden Globe Awards in Beverly Hills.The icon added that this means she will have to miss Sunday's Critics Choice Awards where she is nominated for Best Supporting Actress for her work in the film Everything Everywhere All at Once. Quarantine: Jamie Lee Curtis, 64, will be sitting out the  Critics Choice awards and other festivities after testing positive for Covid FridayShe wrote, 'Sadly, this head cheerleader is not going to be at all the weekend festivities cheering on her friends and colleagues.

Colombo (News 1st) – President of the Sri Lanka United Businesses Alliance Tania Abeysundara discusses ways to revive the economy's backbone and overcome challenges faced by the SME sector on Newsline.

COLOMBO (News 1st) – Sri Lanka's Public Administration & Home Affairs Secretary Neil Bandara Hapuhinna has apologized to the National Election Commission for issuing a letter directing District Secretaries and Returning Officers to refrain from accepting bonds for the Local Government Election.Commissioner General of Elections Saman Sri Ratnayake in a statement to News 1st said that the Public Administration Secretary was summoned to the Election Commission to inquire about the letter.Public Administration Secretary Neil Bandara Hapuhinna had told the Election Commission that he issued the letter as per a Cabinet decision and the powers vested in him, and after he realized that it was inappropriate he decided to recall the letter within an hour of sending it out.He had further noted that he had no intention of interfering with the process of the Election Commission, and only executed a cabinet decision.He had noted that as he decided to recall the letter within an hour of sending it out, there was no impact on the bond-accepting process, and it was further evident when 131 political parties and groups placed bonds the following day.Public Administration Secretary Neil Bandara Hapuhinna apologized to the National Election Commission for causing any inconvenience.

A previously healthy young mum claims she has developed asthma from living in a mouldy local authority house for the last few years.

COLOMBO (News 1st) – The body of a second youth, who was reported missing, was recovered from behind a house in Rambukkana on Friday (13) evening.Sri Lanka Police said that the two young men were missing for over a month.A missing person complaint was filed by the families of Mohamed Anwar Mohamed Arfan from Kiringadeniya, and Mohamed Nafaz Mohamed Ali from Shafia-Watte stating they were missing since 28th November last year.Later, it was revealed that the men were murdered and buried near a house in Rambukkana.Sri Lanka Police suspect the two men were attacked and killed by a drug dealer following a dispute, and later buried in the garden of a house.A search was carried out based on a court order, and one of the bodies was found buried in the garden. The remains were wrapped in polythene.The body of the other young man was discovered on Friday (13) evening.The bodies were buried under a  concrete layer of three inches.

If we look back at history, Mahiyangana was a crucial area that gave leadership to the great battle of Uva-Wellassa, as Sri Lankans struggled for their freedom.But today, the people living in this area have been neglected and are in dire straits.For generations, the village of Embalawatte suffered due to the lack of a proper bridge, which even led to the deaths of residents as they crossed the water.But after the Gammadda team visited the area and spoke with the villagers, listening to their tale of woe, their longstanding challenge was resolved.Embalawatte is a village located in one of the most scenic environments in Wewatte, Mahiyanganaya in the Badulla District.Unfortunately, the people in this area face a daily challenge caused precisely by their picturesque surroundings.In order to reach the closest town, the villages must cross the Una-Gahala Oya. During the rainy seasons, this stream turns into a raging torrent.Villagers had placed several planks and logs across this waterway as a makeshift bridge.

EKIN Su’s boyfriend Davide Sanclimenti reassured fans she was OK last night after the star was forced to pull out of Dancing On Ice training. The Love Island winner, who is partnered with Brendyn Hatfield, was banned from hitting the ice by doctors after falling ill – just days before the first live show.

COLOMBO (News 1st) – Parliamentarian Channa Jayasumana says the Freedom People’s Alliance will never join with the Sri Lanka Podujana Peramuna.He said that all progressive movements that follow the middle path and love the country, have joined to form the Freedom People’s Alliance, and it would eventually become a powerful political force in the country."When our alliance was formed, one of the main agreements among the groups was not to join with the SLPP under any circumstance," he added.He also said "We have no intention of landing the helicopter in Medamulana"The Sri Lanka Freedom Party, Freedom People's Congress, Uththara Lanka Sabhagaya, as well as 12 parties and 62 groups came together to form a new alliance to contest the upcoming local government election.

COLOMBO (News 1st) – The Chairman of the Mawanella Pradeshiya Sabha was arrested by the officers attached to the Commission to Investigate Allegations of Bribery or Corruption on Friday (13) for soliciting a bribe of Rs. 2 Million.The Mawanella Pradeshiya Sabha is controlled by the Sri Lanka Podujana Peramuna, and its Chairman was arrested for soliciting a bribe to pass a building plan.He was arrested while accepting the bribe of Rs.

India Union Minister Nitin Gadkari on Thursday (12) aid that Sri Lanka and Bangladesh have shown their keenness to import ethanol from India.The minister of road transport and highways said that he discussed about ethanol with the government of both the countries—Sri Lanka and Bangladesh."I was able to discuss this matter with PM of Bangladesh and even the Sri Lankan minister.

COLOMBO (News 1st) – The National Election Commission on Friday (13) informed the Supreme Court that the Local Government Election will go ahead as planned.The Election Commission informed the Supreme Court about this matter when a petition filed by Retired Sri Lanka Army Colonel W. M.

COLOMBO (News 1st) – Sri Lanka Police interdicted Moneragala SSP Sisila Kumara who was arrested for the possession of cannabis.Sri Lanka Police said that Moneragala SSP Sisila Kumara was interdicted with the approval of the National Police Commission.Recently, the Police Special Task Force recovered 20.5 kilograms of cannabis hidden inside the ceiling of the SSP's official residence.The SPP, his driver, and four others were arrested by the Police Special Task Force following the incident.In addition, the Criminal Investigations Department arrested the OIC of Ethimale for providing the Moneragala SSP with the cannabis that was seized.

COLOMBO (News 1st) – The Secretary to the Ministry of Public Administration and Home Affairs Neil Bandara Hapuhinna has been summoned to the Election Commission on Friday (13) with regard to a letter he issued to all District Secretaries.The letter in question ordered all District Secretaries to refrain from accepting bonds for the Local Government Elections.The circular contained the signature of the Secretary to the Ministry of Public Administration and Home Affairs.Earlier this week, Ministry Secretary Neil Bandara Hapuhinna noted that the Cabinet that met on Monday (9) had instructed him to order all the District Secretaries to refrain from accepting the bonds from candidates until further notice.However, the Commissioner General of Elections had ordered all District Returning Officers to continue to accept the bonds by the candidates, noting that as per the powers vested with the Election Commission via the Local Authorities Elections (Amendment) Act Returning Officers have been appointed for the respective districts.

A team of global scientists have raised fears the devastating bird flu outbreak could eventually transmit to humans and create a new pandemic.

COLOMBO (News 1st) – One wild elephant was killed after it was knocked down by a speeding train in Hathares Kotuwa, Habarana on Friday (13) morning.Sri Lanka Railways said another two wild elephants were injured in the accident.The train bound to Colombo from Batticaloa was derailed following the incident in Habarana.Sri Lanka Railways said that operations along the Batticaloa route were delayed, due to the derailment.

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.

Bangladesh Bank on Thursday (12) granted Sri Lanka six more months to repay the $200 million loan after the Island nation requested to extend the repayment period due to its prolonged economic crisis.A senior official of the central bank, on condition of anonymity, said the board of directors of Bangladesh Bank has extended the repayment tenure.The Island nation, which has been facing an acute greenback shortage for months, borrowed $200 million from Bangladesh in May 2021.The country was scheduled to repay the loans by April last year, but it failed to do so.In April last year, Sri Lanka announced defaulting on its entire $51 billion of external debt.As per the agreement between the two countries, Sri Lanka was supposed to repay the loan by March.But the Island nation is still facing an acute shortage of foreign exchange reserves, which has compelled it to request BB to extend the repayment period.BB has extended the deadline at a time when its foreign exchange reserves are depleting at a faster pace.As per the new deadline, Sri Lanka will have to repay the loan by September this year.Bangladesh has already sought credit support from several multilateral lender agencies, including the International Monetary Fund.The reserves of Bangladesh stood at $32.52 billion on January 11 in contrast to $44.92 billion in the same period a year ago, according to data from the central bank.– Daily Star

Colombo (News 1st) – Watch a News1st exclusive: Breaking Barriers with Resilience & Empowerment. The BBC's Zeinab Badawi was interviewed by Faraz Shauketaly on Newsline. On YouTube and Facebook.

COLOMBO (News 1st) – The Treasury has agreed to provide the funds necessary for the election without any disruption, said the Commissioner General of Elections on Thursday (12).Commissioner General of Elections Saman Sri Ratnayake speaking to News 1st said officials from the Treasury were summoned to the National Election Commission on Wednesday (11) to make inquiries regarding the views that were being expressed claiming that the funds for the election will not be available.The Treasury officials have noted that as the election is a constitutional matter, the funds will be provided without any disruption.The Chairman of the Election Commission and its members, the Commissioner General of Elections, and the Chief Financial Controller of Election had also attended this meeting.

Although we may not be facing lockdowns or tough restrictions any more, Covid still continues to affect people every day.

Christina Hall revealed she has scheduled 'a couple of appointments' about getting her breast implants removed after experiencing 'unexplained health' issues for years.After suffering from mercury and lead poisoning and years of 'unexplained health' issues last month, the HGTV star, 39, has been taking every step to heal her body. 'I'm just really focused on doing a cleanse right now, eating super clean,' the mother-of-three told E! News.  Health first: Christina Hall revealed she has scheduled 'a couple of appointments' about getting her breast implants removed after experiencing 'unexplained health' issues for yearsShe continued: 'I'm doing supplement detox and there's a local wellness place nearby where I've been doing hyperbaric chambers and IVs.' Her precautions and treatments have already helped her to feel '75 percent better.'Still, she plans on getting her breast 'implants removed' after fears they made be causing some of her 'unexplained' ailments.  Already feeling better: After suffering from mercury and lead poisoning and years of 'unexplained health' issues last month, the HGTV star, 39, has been taking every step to heal her body Last month, the Flip or Flop alum speculated on Instagram that her work renovating homes is also one of the sources of her issues.'[The problems] most likely from all the gross houses I’ve been in and I have small intestine bacteria overgrowth,' she told her social media followers.Lead poisoning occurs over time and is a result of continuous exposure to the dangerous chemical. While its use in houses and buildings is tightly regulated in the US, many older homes still have lead paint, pipes and other material.

I don’t want to buy health insurance but want a critical illness plan where I can get the full sum insured irrespective of the actual cost for several diseases. I got this information from an insurance agent. Please let me know how does critical illness insurance work. Also, why should one have regular health insurance if there is a critical health policy? —Name withheld on request A critical illness plan is a fixed benefit plan.