X-Press Pearl wreck cut in half, aft section raised from the sea floor

COLOMBO (News 1st); The World Food Program in a recent report has revealed that the vulnerable households in Sri Lanka are bearing the brunt of the food crisis.According to the December assessment results, 33% of households are food insecure. In 2019, food insecurity levels in the country stood at 9.1%.

COLOMBO (News 1st) – The National Election Commission has summoned Commissioners and Assistant Commissioners to the NEC today.Election Commission Chairman Attorney Nimal Punchihewa says the discussion will focus on the preparations for the local government election including setting up polling booths, counting of votes etc.

People across Lanarkshire have joined the UK’s biggest conversation on mental health stigma for Time to Talk Day.

As energy bills continue to rise, many households are turning to wood burning stoves as a cheaper alternative to stay warm.

Two years ago the first Bag o’ Chips walks around Perth for improved mental health began - now hundreds of people have been regularly going out with the group.

COLOMBO (News 1st); The petition filed by Retired Sri Lanka Army Colonel W. M.

COLOMBO (News 1st); General Sahir Shamshad Mirza, NI (M), the Chairman of the Joint Chiefs of Staff Committee of Pakistan called on President Ranil Wickremesinghe in Colombo on Friday (10).General Sahir Shamshad Mirza  arrived in Sri Lanka for a three day visit.Recalling the long-standing close relationship between Sri Lanka and Pakistan as friendly countries, the President joined General Zaheer Shamshad Mirza and others in a cordial conversation.General Sahir Shamshad Mirza also presented a momento to President Wickremesinghe.

NHS Ayrshire & Arran’s Covid-19 Therapeutic Service has surpassed a major milestone - after being in operation for more than a year.

COLOMBO (News 1st); A minor tremor measuring a magnitude 3.0 was reported from Buttala on Friday (10).The Geological Survey and Mines Bureau said the incident took place at approximately 12:11 in the afternoon.It added that the tremors were recorded at the Seismic Stations located in Pallekele, Mahakanadarawa, and Hakmana.According to the United States Geological Survey (USGS) two other events were reported in the Indian Ocean.A M 4.6 tremor was recorded off the west coast of northern Sumatra, and M 4.7 tremor was recorded on the Carlsberg Ridge.

COLOMBO (News 1st); Sri Lanka's Supreme Court has granted permission for the 2023 Local Government Election to go ahead as planned by the National Election Commission.The Supreme Court had noted that the National Election Commission is bound to protect the people's franchise.Further, the Supreme Court noted that orders were not necessary on the matter as the National Election Commission had already undertaken to hold the Local Government Election in terms of the Law.The matter was taken up in the presence of Supreme Court Justice S. Thurairaja, A. H.

COLOMBO (News 1st); General Sahir Shamshad Mirza, NI (M), the Chairman of the Joint Chiefs of Staff Committee of Pakistan arrived in Sri Lanka for a three day visit.The visiting General and his entourage arrived in the island at the cordial invitation extended by the Chief of Defence Staff (CDS) General Shavendra Silva WWV RWP RSP VSV USP ndc psc MPhil. Commencing the official tour in Sri Lanka, General Sahir Shamshad Mirza, NI (M) visited the Office of the Chief of Defence Staff where the visiting General was formally received in a colourful Guard of Honour, accorded on his behalf by the troops of the Sri Lanka Army. Chief of Defence Staff General Shavendra Silva and General Sahir Shamshad Mirza dedicated time for the discussions highlighting the importance of continued close relations between the two friendly nations and recalled the past memories and assistance readily extended to Sri Lanka, particularly during the height of the combat against the LTTE terrorism and remembered the bonds of understanding and goodwill that prevails between two forces throughout the years. Further, CDS conveyed his gratefulness to the Pakistan Defence Forces for the support extended to the defence sector of Sri Lanka in numerous means such as training and modern military equipment to the Sri Lankan Armed Forces. At the same time, CDS thankfully emphasized the assistance extended during the disastrous situations and stated that he looked forward to continuing the strong ties in the same spirit in the future as well.As the cordial discussions drew to a close, General Shavendra Silva symbolized the existing sound working relations by presenting a special memento to the Chairman Joint Chiefs of Staff Committee, Pakistan while wishing him all

COLOMBO (News 1st); The application filed with the Supreme Court seeking an order to suspend all activities related to the Local Government Election will be taken up on Friday (10).Retired Sri Lanka Army Colonel W. M.

COLOMBO (News 1st); The National Election Commission said that the Finance Ministry is yet to respond to its request for funds for the expenses of the Local Government Election for February.NEC Chairman Attorney Nimal Punchihewa speaking to News 1st said that the delay in funding could lead to an issue in making payments for the Local Government Election.Recently, the National Election Commission made an official request from the Finance Ministry to release Rs.

Bloomberg: The International Monetary Fund said its approval for a $2.9 billion loan to bail out crisis-riddled Sri Lanka will depend on the island nation securing assurances on debt relief from its bilateral creditors.“Sri Lanka continues to engage with official bilateral creditors to obtain financing assurances and also continues to advance domestic reforms,” an IMF spokesperson said in a statement on the progress of its Extended Fund Facility to the South Asian nation. “As soon as adequate assurances are obtained and remaining requirements are met, including by the Sri Lankan authorities, the EFF arrangement for Sri Lanka can be presented to the IMF’s Executive Board for approval.”The Paris Club – an informal group of rich western creditors — and India have provided formal support to the multilateral lender for the loan recast, leaving China — Sri Lanka’s biggest lender — as a holdout.

Britney Spears is having a tough time, according to those closest to her.

The budding Lanarkshire entrepreneur going for glory on hit TV show the Apprentice has had to leave the show.

The Court of Appeal has extended the interim order preventing the collection of the PAYE tax from the salaries of judges till the petition is supported.The government recently imposed taxes between 6% to 36% on the salaries of those earning more than 100,000 rupees a month. The Judicial Services Officers Union filed an appeal with the court challenging the decision, and the court issued an interim order suspending the collection of PAYE tax from Judges.When the matter was taken up today (09 Feb.), before a judge bench, comprising Justices Dhammika Ganepola, Neil Iddawela and Sobhitha Rajakaruna the interim order issued to prevent the collection of the PAYE tax from the salaries of judges was extended. The petition will be taken up again on the 21st of this month.   

The Department for Work and Pensions (DWP) is encouraging older people with a physical or mental health condition, or a disability, to check if they are entitled to claim a benefit worth either £61.85 or £92.40 every week.

COLOMBO (News 1st);  Bank employees reported to work dressed in Black to protest against the government's tax regime.The Ceylon Bank Employees Union said that all members reported to work dressed in Black in support of the National Protest Day.The Ceylon Bank Employees Union also said that the government has failed to respond to the amendments put forward by the professionals with regard to the new tax policy, and thus strict trade union action will be instituted.Over 3,000 bank employees from Public, Private and International Banks joined the protest.The Inland Revenue Department on Wednesday (8) issued a circular on exempting non-cash benefits provided to employees including vehicle, fuel allowances, housing, medical benefits etc. from the PAYE tax.These also include the value of company shares or the share options offered by employers, the value of the telephone allowances and concessionary rate loans obtained by employees. However, the Government Medical Officers' Association alleged that the amendments to the PAYE Tax were made to benefit only the 225 MPs in Parliament.Dr.

COLOMBO (News 1st); The bodies of two women were discovered in a house in Peraghamulla, Ginigathhena.Sri Lanka Police said that a mother and her daughter were found dead inside a house in Peraghamulla, Ginigathhena.Neighbours had informed Sri Lanka Police that the mother and daughter were not seen for days, and a foul odour was emitting from the residence.Accordingly, the police discovered the two bodies on Thursday (9) morning.A 50-year-old woman and her 30-year-old daughter were identified as the deceased individuals.Sri Lanka Police said that the deceased woman's husband and son were employed in Colombo.

Reece Donnelly has quit The Apprentice due to health reasons, it has been confirmed.

COLOMBO (News 1st); Lanka Sathosa has further reduced the prices of several essential goods with effect from Thursday (9).1kg of Watana has been reduced of Rs. 10/- to Rs.

COLOMBO (News 1st); The Inland Revenue Department on Wednesday (8) issued a circular on exempting non-cash benefits provided to employees including vehicle, fuel allowances, housing, medical benefits etc. from the PAYE tax.These also include the value of company shares or the share options offered by employers, the value of the telephone allowances and concessionary rate loans obtained by employees. However, the Government Medical Officers' Association alleged that the amendments to the PAYE Tax were made to benefit only the 225 MPs in Parliament.Dr.

COLOMBO (News 1st); Former Sri Lankan Minister A. H. M.

COLOMBO (News 1st); The Colombo Chief Magistrate's Court pointed out to the Criminal Investigations Department that MP Diana Gamage can be arrested as it appears that she had violated the Immigration and Emigration Law.Colombo Chief Magistrate Prasanna Alwis pointed out the matter to the CID when a private plaint filed by Lakmal Herath was taken up for consideration. The complaint filed with the court notes that MP Diana Gamage is NOT a Sri Lankan Citizen and that she is a British Citizen.

New Delhi: India has reported 109 new covid cases in the last 24 hours, with active cases declining to 1,781, the union health ministry data on Thursday showed. ' The total number of covid cases has reached 4.47 crore, and covid related deaths stood at 530,748 since the onset of covid pandemic. Covid cases are declining across the country with daily and weekly positivity recorded at 0.08%.

The Government of Switzerland has contributed Swiss Francs (CHF) 500,000 through UNICEF to meet the urgent needs of children impacted by the economic crisis in Sri Lanka.With this funding, UNICEF will procure essential medical supplies, including medicines for treatment of illnesses and complications among children and women.In education, the funds will help children in disadvantaged schools continue learning and support catch-up classes to recover learning loss, including by providing transport allowance to teachers and daily snacks to students.UNICEF will also support case management for children facing violence, neglect and family separation, including children with a disability.“UNICEF and partners swiftly responded to the needs of the most vulnerable children from the outset of the economic crisis last year, with thanks to the support of donors. This contribution from the Swiss government and people is crucial in sustaining the response and protecting children from the effects of the crisis as it continues”, said Christian Skoog, Representative, UNICEF Sri LankaThe Swiss contribution will also be used to support data collection and analysis to assess the impact of the on-going crisis on households’ social and economic well-being and vulnerabilities, to help national and development partners put in place effective response strategies.“Switzerland has worked closely with many partners, including UNICEF in addressing the needs of communities during crises such as the one that Sri Lanka faces now.

Indian Union minister L.

COLOMBO (News 1st); The body of an unidentified male was discovered on the shores of Crow Island in Mattakkuliya.Sri Lanka Police said the identity of the deceased is yet to be ascertained.The remains were moved to the morgue of the National Hospital in Colombo.

President Ranil Wickremesinghe as the Minister of Finance, Economic Stabilization and National Policy has instructed the Treasury Secretary to only provide provisions for essential government expenses in order to maintain public services until the state revenue situation improves.The list of expenditure to be funded include salaries, debt servicing, pensions, medical supplies for hospitals, subsidies for low-income groups, scholarships, farmers’ pensions, school nutrition programs, payments for war heroes and disabled soldiers, utility payments, food supplies for hospitals and prisons, among others.This move is expected to have a significant impact on the economy, as it will prioritize the most important needs of the people and prevent funds from being misused. The Treasury has stressed the importance of sticking to the list of essential expenditure, as releasing funds for any other purpose could negatively impact the people and slow down the country’s economic recovery.

COLOMBO (News 1st); Sri Lankan President Ranil Wickremesinghe delivering his Government’s Policy Statement following the ceremonial opening of the parliament session said that the country needs media reforms, and for this purpose a national policy on mass media is being prepared."In order to succeed in economic, social and political reforms, it is essential to make the community aware, based on accurate facts. The main role of making the society aware belongs to the media," said the President in Parliament.He also said that journalists should be given national and international level training in that regard. "In 1993, as the Prime Minister, I appointed a Committee with Dr.

Paul Rudd is sharing the great news regarding Jeremy Renner‘s recovery!

The tourism minister said that approximately 6.19 million foreign tourists were received in India during 2022. “This is a four-fold increase in the number of arrivals over the last year.” New Delhi: Despite the severe effects of Covid-19 pandemic on the tourism sector, India saw a boost in foreign tourist arrivals in 2022, said tourism minister G Kishan Reddy said on Wednesday. Addressing the inaugural session of the 1st Tourism Working Group meeting under India’s G20 presidency, the minister said that approximately 6.19 million foreign tourists were received in India during 2022.

COLOMBO (News 1st); Military and Police Units equipped in riot gear were seen stationed at multiple locations in Fort, Colombo as Trade Unions launched protests against the governments' unjust tax regime.Trade Unions in Sri Lanka have declared Wednesday the 8th of February as a day for protests.Trade Unions are protesting against the government's failure to address the medicine shortage, and the unjust tax regime imposed by the government.The Government Medical Officers Association, a party to the Professionals' Trade Union Collective launched a 24-hour token strike across all Private and State hospitals.The Federation of University Teachers' Association also decided to engage in a one-day token strike.Trade Unions from the electricity, water supply, petroleum and port sectors organized joint protests in Fort, Colombo on Wednesday (8) afternoon.Port sector trade unions announced a work-to-rule action in the morning, and joined the protest in the afternoon.The water supply, petroleum and power supply sector trade unions announced that they will take sick leave on Wednesday (8) and join the protest without reporting to work.Activities across hospitals, universities, divisional secretaries, and other sectors affected by the trade union action launched by the Professionals' Trade Union CollectiveHowever, the Ceylon Electricity Board Technological Engineers and Superintendent Union stated that although they support the protest against the unjust tax regime, they will be taking necessary measures to supply electricity without disruption. A.G.U.

World Health Organisation (WHO) on Friday notified that in the past week, almost 40,000 deaths were reported, more than half were reported from China alone.  WHO chief notified, in total, over the past 8 weeks, over 170 thousand deaths have been recorded, actual numbers are higher.

COLOMBO (News 1st) – Sri Lanka's Minister of Power and Energy Kanchana Wijesekera said that the officials from the Ministry of Power and Energy who attended a recent meeting with the Human Rights Commission of Sri Lanka had disclosed that they were pressurized to sign two documents that they did not agree do.The Minister tweeted on Friday (27) that the officials were pressurized by two members of the Human Rights Commission, and that they were threatened with jail sentences.On Wednesday (25), the Human Rights Commission of Sri Lanka revealed that all the  necessary stakeholders including Ceylon Electricity Board (CEB) agreed to provide uninterrupted power supply during the advanced level examination period until February 17th.However, despite the statement from the Human Rights Commission of Sri Lanka, power outages were experienced on Wednesday (25) and Thursday (26).The Human Rights Commission of Sri Lanka on Friday (27) said it will elaborate facts to the Supreme Court against officials including the Chairman of the Ceylon Electricity Board and the Secretary to the Ministry of Power and Energy for breaching an agreement by suspending the supply of power. Speaking further, an official from the HRCS said it has been observed that the CEB and the Ministry of Power and Energy are operating arbitrarily, going against the laws of the land. Meanwhile, the Public Utilities Commission of Sri Lanka directing a letter to the Chairman of the HRCSL said that it will not approve power outages occurring during the period between the 26th of January and 17th of February. The Human Rights Commission emphasized that if the CEB does not act according to the directive, the HRCSL has the ability to act according to Section 21 of the Sri

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.

(Reuters) – India has committed to help ease the debt burden of its crisis-stricken neighbor Sri Lanka as part of a possible International Monetary Fund-supported program, the IMF said on Monday.The island nation of 22 million people has grappled with challenges during the past year ranging from a shortage of foreign currency to runaway inflation and a steep recession – the worst such crisis since independence from Britain in 1948.Reuters reported last week that India had told the IMF it strongly supports Sri Lanka's debt restructuring plan as the island seeks a $2.9 billion loan from the global lender, according to a letter."Sri Lanka is engaged with other official bilateral creditors to obtain similar assurances," an IMF spokesperson said in a statement on Monday."As soon as adequate assurances are obtained and remaining requirements are met, including by the Sri Lankan authorities, a Fund-supported program for Sri Lanka can be presented to the IMF's Executive Board for approval that would unlock much needed financing."Sri Lanka requires the backing of China and India – its biggest bilateral lenders – to reach a final agreement with the IMF that is essential to help the country emerge from its worst financial crisis in seven decades.

Colombo (News 1st) – Entry of heavy vehicles to the Radella Short Cut Road, Nuwara Eliya, has been temporarily suspended, following the fatal Nanu Oya accident. Four people from the same family lost their lives in the tragedy on the Radella Shortcut last evening (20) when a bus filled with students from Thurstan College, Colombo, who were returning from an educational tour of Nuwara Eliya, collided head-on with a van and a three-wheeler. Those who died from the family from Dik Oya were the father Abdul Raheem, 55, mother Aysha Fathima, 45, and daughters Mariam, 13, and Nadeeha, 8. A 14-year-old boy, Raheem, who was a relative of the family also died in the accident. The van driver, Nesaj Pillai, 55, was also killed, as was the three-wheeler driver Shanmuga Raj, 25 of Nanu Oya.

Colombo (News 1st) – Entry of heavy vehicles to the Radella Short Cut Road, Nuwara Eliya, has been temporarily suspended, following the fatal Nanu Oya accident. Four people from the same family lost their lives in the tragedy on the Radella Shortcut last evening (20) when a bus filled with students from Thurstan College, Colombo, who were returning from an educational tour of Nuwara Eliya, collided head-on with a van and a three-wheeler. Those who died from the family from Dik Oya were the father Abdul Raheem, 55, mother Aysha Fathima, 45, and daughters Mariam, 13, and Nadeeha, 8. A 14-year-old boy, Raheem, who was a relative of the family also died in the accident. The van driver, Nesaj Pillai, 55, was also killed, as was the three-wheeler driver Shanmuga Raj, 25 of Nanu Oya.

With agency inputs

COLOMBO (News 1st) – The Consumer Affairs Authority says it will impose control prices for eggs.The control prices are as follows:White Egg: Rs. 44/- Brown Egg: Rs. 46/-

COLOMBO (News 1st) – The National Water Supply and Drainage Board said that a nine-hour water cut will be in effect for Colombo and its suburbs on Saturday (21).The water supply for Colombo, Dehiwala, Mount Lavinia, Kotte, Kaduwela, Ratmalana, Katubedda, Maharagama, Boralesgamuwa, Kolonnawa, Kotikawatte, and Mulleriyawa will be suspended for nine hours from 11 AM to 8 PM on Saturday (21).Essential maintenance by the Ceylon Electricity Board was listed as the reason for the water cut.

Nick Carter's benefit concert in memory of his estranged late brother Aaron Carter raised $150k for a children's mental health charity.Songs For Tomorrow - which Nick, 42, and N*Sync's Lance Bass, 43, headlined at West Hollywood's Heart on Wednesday - raised money for On Our Sleeves: The Movement for Children’s Mental Health.Former child star Aaron was found dead in his bathtub at his Lancaster, California home on November 5 at age 34. His fiancee Melanie Martin and mother Jane have recently claimed he died from an overdose and did not drown in his bath as previously suspected.

 

COLOMBO (News 1st) – US Ambassador to Sri Lanka Julie J.

COLOMBO (News 1st) – The National Water Supply and Drainage Board said that a nine-hour water cut will be in effect for Colombo and its suburbs on Saturday (21).The water supply for Colombo, Dehiwala, Mount Lavinia, Kotte, Kaduwela, Ratmalana, Katubedda, Maharagama, Boralesgamuwa, Kolonnawa, Kotikawatte, and Mulleriyawa will be suspended for nine hours from 11 AM to 9 PM on Saturday (21).Essential maintenance by the Ceylon Electricity Board was listed as the reason for the water cut.

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