Coal Update: Sri Lanka pays for Coal Shipment

COLOMBO (News 1st) – The Ministry of Power and Energy says that payments have not been made for two shipments of Diesel and Crude Oil that reached Sri Lankan shores recently.The Ministry said that the shipment includes 40,000 MT of diesel and 100,000 MT of crude oil.In the meantime, 37,000 MT of Petrol was unloaded yesterday (3) from a ship that arrived earlier. The Ministry also went on to note that the shipment of 11,000 MT of Jet Fuel is being unloaded.

As per the health ministry, active cases in the country has now declined to 34,598 from the earlier 36,126. A decline of around 2,000 has been recorded in the active COVID-19 caseload in a span of 24 hours. India sees a huge drop in infections with 1,968 Covid-19 cases reported in the last 24 hours, the lowest in 133 days, according to the Union Health Ministry data updated on Tuesday.

COLOMBO (News 1st) – The Public Utilities Commission of Sri Lanka (PUCSL) approved power cuts of 2 hours and 20 minutes for 04th & 05th October as follows;Groups ABCDEFGHIJKLPQRSTUVW: 1-hour during daytime 1-hour and 20-minutes during the night

COLOMBO (News 1st) – The Sri Lankan Government has declared a number of essential services via an extraordinary gazette.Accordingly, the following services have been declared as essential by order of the President:1. All services connected to the supply of electricity 2.

PHILADELPHIA - A local husband, father, and artist lost his life to gun violence on Labor Day and now his family wants answers after police released surveillance video of the suspect and the suspected vehicle on Monday night. 50-year-old Charles Gossett, known to many as Chali Khan, was well-known in the music and arts world. Nearly a month after someone shot Gossett to death, police released video of the suspected killer and now Gossett's family is speaking out. "All I feel now is pain and anger," said Linda Cruz, Gossett's sister. Family members say at around 2:00 a.m.

COLOMBO (News 1st) – The Special Petition filed challenging the ‘Bureau of Rehabilitation Bill’ in the Supreme Court will be taken up for further examination on Tuesday (6).The 'Bureau of Rehabilitation Bill' was included in the Parliament agenda by the Government on the 23rd of September.The examination of the petition took place on Monday (3) in the presence of a three-member bench comprising Supreme Court Justices Gamini Amarasekara, Mahinda Samayawardena, and Arjun Obeyasekara.Deputy Solicitor General Kanishka de Silva, who appeared on behalf of the Attorney General, pointed out that the relevant bill is not a draft that overrides the constitution and that the Government is ready to amend it during the committee stages if there are any clauses that are felt to be inconsistent with the constitution of Sri Lanka.She has further stated that a person will be rehabilitated only on the orders given by the Magistrate Court and only on the consent of the person subject to undergo rehabilitation.

COLOMBO (News 1st) – Sri Lanka Police received a missing persons complaint over the disappearance of a third-year student of the Engineering Faculty of the University of Peradeniya.Sri Lanka Police said that the University of Peradeniya filed the missing person complaint citing the student in question was not seen since this morning.The university student was identified as 25-year-old Pulasthi Pramudith Perera from Ganemulla.The University of Peradeniya had informed Sri Lanka Police that the student who was living in the university dorms was last seen on Saturday (2).The Peradeniya Police is conducting investigations.

Sir Ringo Starr and his All-Starr band have cancelled further shows in the US after the former Beatles drummer tested positive for Covid. On Sunday night, the 82-year-old cancelled performances at the Four Winds Casino in New Buffalo, Michigan, and Mystic Lake Casino in Prior Lake, Minnesota, citing illness.

Among patients seen at long-COVID clinics in four countries, older people were the most likely to report symptoms and have abnormal chest imaging and lung function tests, finds a study published late last week in the International Journal of Infectious Diseases.

The sun sets behind a SpaceX Falcon 9 rocket and Dragon spacecraft at Kennedy Space Center in Florida ahead of the Crew-5 astronaut launch. (Image: SpaceX) CAPE CANAVERAL, Fla. - Operations at Florida's spaceport are getting back to normal after Hurricane Ian's rampage throughout the state. NASA and SpaceX are now targeting Wednesday, Oct.

Katie Couric provided an update after receiving her stage 1A breast cancer diagnosis in September.

COLOMBO (News 1st) – The Police Sergeant who foiled a money heist in Thambuttegama was rewarded on Monday (3).Police Sergeant Buddhika Kumara was hailed a hero when he prevented a heist of Rs. 22.3 Million in Thambuttegama disregarding his own safety.The Police Sergeant was invited to the Ministry of Public Security on Monday (3) where he was recognized for his bravery by the Minister of Public Security, the Inspector General of Police, and other Senior Ranks of Sri Lanka Police.Police Sergeant Buddhika Kumara was promoted to the rank of Sub-Inspector and was awarded a cash prize of Rs.

COLOMBO (News 1st) – Sri Lanka's Minister of Power & Energy Kanchana Wijesekera on Monday (3) revealed to Parliament that the price of diesel was not reduced during the recent fuel price revision as only a profit of one rupee was being made per liter."When we compare our import prices with the Singapore Average Price we were making a loss of Rs. 30/- per liter of Diesel.

FILE - Kim Kardashian is seen out on Sept. 9, 2022, in New York City.

deteriorating health of the 82-year-old leader. He is undergoing treatment in the hospital since 22 August. "Sh Mulayam Singh is currently admitted to Critical Care Unit of Medanta Hospital, Gurgaon, and is being treated by a comprehensive team of specialists," the hospital said in a statement.

COLOMBO (News 1st) – Minister of Foreign Affairs, Ali Sabry will be traveling to Geneva for the concluding segment of the 51st Session of the Council. The 51st session of the United Nations Human Rights Council is currently ongoing in Geneva and is scheduled to conclude on 07 October 2022.

COLOMBO (News 1st) – Sri Lanka Navy's latest Off Shore Patrol Vessel, orginally used by the US Coast Guard called port in Guam.Sri Lanka Navy officially took delivery of the EX-United States Coast Guard Cutter, USCGC Douglas Munro, provided by the United States, on 26th October 2021.Subsequently, she was designated with the Pennant Number P 627 in SLN Fleet and underwent certain modernization equipped to suit the operational needs of the Sri Lanka Navy. The ship departed for Sri Lanka from the Port of Seattle, United States on 03rd September 2022.Having covered a long sea voyage of about 5898 nautical miles (10923km) in the Pacific Ocean, P 627 called at Port Apra in Guam for replenishment on 02nd October.During the passage she is also expected to make port calls at Manila in the Philippines and Changi in Singapore for replenishment and services. Meanwhile, P 627 is scheduled to arrive at the Port of Colombo in the first week of November 2022.

COLOMBO (News 1st) – Asia’s highest inflation rates and ongoing fuel scarcity continue to threaten food security in Sri Lanka. Sri Lanka continues to experience an unprecedented economic crisis with high inflation, rising commodity prices, power shortages and scarcity of fuel.The World Food Program said that Asia’s highest inflation rates and ongoing fuel scarcity continue to threaten food security in Sri Lanka. According to the World Food Programme (WFP), an estimated 6.2 million people in Sri Lanka are facing moderate to severe acute food insecurity, with one in every four households applying negative coping strategies such as reducing the number of meals per day, reducing expenses on other essential things such as healthcare or withdrawing children from school. Female-headed households are seen to be particularly hard it, as are the urban poor and people working in the estate-sector.The United Nations Office for the Coordination of Humanitarian Affairs said that given the deteriorating food security and nutrition situation in Sri Lanka and the strong likelihood that the upcoming Maha season will not produce sufficient yields, several countries have pledged further assistance, especially towards improving food security and the critical inputs for the agriculture sector. The United States Agency for International Development (USAID) announced an additional US$20 million in humanitarian assistance, bringing USAID’s total assistance to nearly US$92 million since June of this year. The United Kingdom pledged £3 million in lifesaving support going mostly toward food security and supporting farmers, while the EU released €1.5 million in humanitarian aid which will mainly be utilized for multipurpose cash assistance.The final

COLOMBO (News 1st) – Sri Lanka has been categorized as a FAO – WFP Hunger Hotsport or a major food crisis by the UN GRFC.This was revealed in a recent statement by the International Monetary Fund.Sri Lanka is among the 48 countries designated as Hunger Hotspots that are considered as countries highly exposed to fed insecurity. The other countries include a series of nations in the African Continent. Food insecurity has been rising since 2018. Even before Russia’s invasion of Ukraine, the increasing frequency and severity of climate shocks, regional conflicts and the pandemic were all taking their toll, disrupting food production and distribution, and driving up the cost of feeding people and families.The situation took an even more dramatic turn with the war in Ukraine.

COLOMBO (News 1st); Sri Lankan Speaker Mahinda Yapa Abeywardena on Monday (3) announced that 27 members each have been appointed to the Committee on Public Enterprises & Committee on Public Accounts. 

COLOMBO (News 1st) – The Ministerial Consultative Committee on Justice is scheduled to meet on the 4th at 2.00 pm in Parliament to consider the twenty-second Constitution Amendment Bill to be debated in Parliament on the 6th and 7th.Members of Parliament will also have the opportunity to present their views and proposals regarding this bill in the committee chaired by the Minister of Justice, Prison Affairs and Constitutional Reforms, (Dr.) Wijeyadasa Rajapakshe.Meanwhile, the Ministerial Consultative Committee on Power and Energy is scheduled to meet at 11.00 am on that day under the chairmanship of Minister Kanchana Wijesekera.The Committee on Public Finance is scheduled to meet on the 3rd at 1.00 pm and the Committee on Ethics and Privileges is scheduled to meet on the 4th at 3.00 pm.Also, a special meeting of the Select Committee of Parliament to look into and report to Parliament its recommendations to ensure gender equity and equality in Sri Lanka will be held on the 5th at 11.00 a.m.

COLOMBO (News 1st) – Ursula von der Leyen, President of the European Commission congratulating President Ranil Wickremesinghe on his election as the President of the Democratic of Socialist Republic of Sri Lanka has assured its support to the government of Sri Lanka for the efforts to overcome the crisis successfully.Issuing a statement, Ursula von der Leyen noted that at a time of unprecedented challenges faced by the people of Sri Lanka, the European Union remains committed to support Sri Lanka’s efforts to overcome the crisis successfully, including the necessary reforms that will bring the country back to a path of inclusive prosperity and lasting national reconciliation.She further stated that in this process, freedom of expression and assembly, dialogue among all stakeholders, as well as respect for the rule of law and fundamental rights will remain essential.She has also made a reference to the assessment by the European Union on the progress made by Sri Lanka on GSP+ commitments.

Covid-19 update: Active cases in the country has now declined to 36,126 from the earlier 37,444. A decline of 1,318 cases has been recorded in the active COVID-19 caseload in a span of 24 hours. India sees slight drop in infections with 3,011 Covid cases reported in the last 24 hours, according to the Union Health Ministry data updated on Monday.

COLOMBO (News 1st) – The Public Utilities Commission of Sri Lanka(PUCSL) approved power cuts of 2 hours and 20 minutes for 03rd October as follows;Groups ABCDEFGHIJKLPQRSTUVW: 1-hour during daytime 1-hour and 20-minutes during the night

COLOMBO (News 1st); Today’s exchange rates from the Central Bank of Sri Lanka:USD Buy 359.1618 Sell 369.9103GBP Buy 396.3452 Sell 412.4602EUR Buy 349.9242 Sell 364.6306JPY Buy 2.4669 Sell 2.5686AUD Buy 231.3223 Sell 242.2604

COLOMBO (News 1st) – The Ministry of Foreign Affairs launched an e-channeling appointment system in collaboration with SLT Mobitel on 29th September to render better and more efficient services to the public, who seek authentication services from the Consular Affairs Division in Colombo and its regional offices in Jaffna, Trincomalee, Kandy, Kurunegala and Matara.Accordingly, public who needs authentication services may schedule an appointment through the e-channeling appointment system dialing 225 (Mobile subscribers) or 1225 (landline subscribers) and visiting Mobitel e-channeling (www.echannelling.com) or official website of the Ministry of Foreign Affairs (www.mfa.gov.lk).Addressing the gathering at the launch, Minister of Foreign Affairs, Ali Sabry expressed that there is a demand for migrant workers from Sri Lanka. As a result, the services from the Ministry of Foreign Affairs has doubled and resulted in long queues at the Authentication Section of the Consular Affairs Division of the Ministry of Foreign Affairs.The public has been inconvenienced as a result of this and the Ministry of Foreign Affairs set out to offer a better service to the people, the Minister said.

COLOMBO (News 1st) – The Public Utilities Commission of Sri Lanka (PUCSL) has approved 2 hours 20 minutes power cuts for Monday (03) as follows;Groups ABCDEFGHIJKLPQRSTUVW  1hour during daytime and 1hour and 20minutes during night.  

COLOMBO (News 1st) – The Minister of Foreign Affairs, Ali Sabry welcomed investments from Australian Companies in Sri Lanka in the energy and education sectors.The Foreign Minister met with the Australian High Commissioner Paul Stephens at the Ministry on 30th September, 2022.

(With inputs from agencies)

COLOMBO (News 1st) – The Human Rights Commission of Sri Lanka has planned to initiate an investigation into the causes of the economic crisis in the country.The HRCSL said that special attention will be given to the impact of ever-changing political reasons that resulted in policy changes within the economy.Moreover, the Commission  expects to pay attention to the way in which authorities have acted in making policy decisions that caused the economic downturn, such as ignoring national interests while separating ministries from their scope.The commission also stated it expects to record statements from officials at the Central Bank of Sri Lanka, the Ministry of Finance, the ministries related to the implementation of national policies, which are directly related to the economy of the country, and those who are currently working at those institutions in addition to those who had worked at the relevant ministries in the past.Accordingly, the support of several economic experts will also be obtained for the relevant matter.The Human Rights Commission emphasized that the investigation is being conducted due to the violation of people's right to life through the economic crisis.Recently, the United Nations Human Rights Commissioner had also explained facts regarding the economic crimes in Sri Lanka in the report presented to the 51st Human Rights Council session held recently.In that report, she pointed out that in order to obtain a permanent solution to the economic crisis that has affected the human rights of all communities, attention must be paid to the corruption that is rooted in this country.The United Nations Human Rights Commissioner also emphasized the need to take action regarding past and recent human rights

Dave Navarro has some bad news to share with fans looking forward to seeing him on tour with Jane’s Addiction this fall.

Russia said Saturday it has withdrawn its troops from the once-occupied city of Lyman, as Ukraine’s eastern counteroffensive recaptures more territory.

COLOMBO (News 1st) – The President and the Minister of Defence, Ranil Wickremesinghe has issued an extraordinary gazette revoking the order issued declaring the High Security Zones. On Friday (23), Sri Lankan President Ranil Wickremesinghe declared multiple areas in Colombo as High Security Zones.

COLOMBO (News 1st) – Three people, including a Sri Lankan woman who attempted to sell an infant via social media for 12,000 Dirhams, have been arrested in Dubai.Dubai media revealed that a 35-year-old Indonesian woman attempted to sell her newborn baby boy in need of money.Two associates, including a Sri Lankan woman, have helped her in her efforts to find a buyer.The 45-year-old Sri Lankan woman had posted an advertisement online last February to sell the 2-month-old baby.After receiving information about this incident, the Dubai Police has initiated an investigation to find the suspects.Accordingly, a policewoman contacted the Sri Lankan woman and went under the pretense of attempting to buy the child, and in the process, arrested the three suspects.In the trial held last week, all three were found guilty at the Dubai Courts for human trafficking.Accordingly, one suspect has been sentenced to three years in prison and a fine of four thousand dirhams.Due to their illegal stay at the United Arab Emirates, they have been sentenced to an additional month's imprisonment and a fine of 1,000 dirhams.

COLOMBO (News 1st) – China is a most sincere and reliable friend of Sri Lanka, notes the Ambassador Qi Zhenhong in a statement released by the Embassy in commemoration of the 73rd anniversary of the founding of the People’s Republic of China.The Ambassador also visited several key Chinese enterprises and projects in Sri Lanka to meet with the local and the Chinese staff to pass wishes for the National Day holiday in China.The full statement of the Chinese Embassy is as follows:On the 73rd anniversary of the founding of the People’s Republic of China, and with the approaching of the 20th National Congress of the Communist Party of China, I would like to wish the country prosperity and progress, our people health and happiness, and best regards to all the Chinese fellow citizens working, studying and living in Sri Lanka! I would also like to extend my heartfelt thanks to our Sri Lankan friends from all walks of life, who have always been following and supporting the development of China and China-Sri Lanka relations!In the past year, the world has gone through tremendous changes. Under the strong leadership of CPC Central Committee with Comrade Xi Jinping as the core, we have overcome adverse effects brought by complexed international challenges，sporadic outbreaks of COVID-19 pandemic and unpredictable earthquakes, floods and droughts, and China’s economy has maintained a stabilized and increasing momentum with much potential to be released.

COLOMBO (News 1st) – The former Commissioner of the Human Rights Commission of Sri Lanka Ambika Satkunathan has filed a petition at the Supreme Court of Sri Lanka challenging the Bill titled “Bureau of Rehabilitation Act”, emphasizing that the provisions of Bill are inconsistent with the fundamental rights enshrined in the Constitution of Sri Lanka.The petition states that the Bill purports to establish a Bureau for the rehabilitation of “drug dependant persons, ex-combatants, members of violent extremist groups and any other group of persons who require treatments and rehabilitation”.Moreover, the petitioner alleges that these categories have not been properly defined and do not clarify how persons may qualify for rehabilitation under these categories, in addition to assuming that “members of violent extremist groups” and “drug dependent persons” require that same approach to rehabilitation. The Bill, Sathkunathan states, uses vague and arbitrary classifications, leading to persons being detained for rehabilitation for even participating in protests, as recent arrests of protestors under the Prevention of Terrorism Act have demonstrated. The petitioner further states that under this bill, the rehabilitation process has been militarized, and allows the President to designate any member of the armed forces to exercise, perform and discharge the powers, duties and functions under the Act.The petitioner therefore requests the Supreme Court to declare several sections of the Bill as outlined in the petition inconsistent with the Constitution of Sri Lanka as they violate the fundamental rights and Sovereignty of the People.

COLOMBO (News 1st) – The World Children's Day program organized by MTV Channels (Pvt) Ltd. is currently being held at Viharamaha Devi Park.The longest painting in the country was unveiled on Saturday (1), created by the efforts of hundreds of children covering all 25 districts across the country for more than a month.The title of the painting is, "United we stand."This effort is a mission to enhance the creativity of our children during this challenging time, and to enrich them with artistic abilities as well as leadership qualities for the future.The painting started from Independence Square and Jaffna on 30th August and is due to be completed in Colombo today.

FILE - Coolio on July 14, 1995, in Chicago, Il. (Paul Natkin/WireImage)Fans will get a chance to listen to new music recorded by the late West Coast rapper Coolio following his death on Wednesday. Coolio’s dialogue and music will be featured in the upcoming reboot of the animated comedy "Futurama." The artist made recordings for the show before he died at the age of 59."Futurama’s" executive producer David X.

COLOMBO (News 1st) – MP Namal Rajapaksa has reiterated his commitment to recontest the upcoming elections via a broad alliance.Speaking at a program held in Bandarawela, the MP said that current President Ranil Wickremesinghe has succeeded in stabilizing the economy, as well as in going forward with the IMF staff agreement, and the SLPP will extend its support in this regard.He further emphasized the importance of ensuring that law and order prevails within the country, preventing incidents such as murders and other crimes from taking place in Sri Lanka.

COLOMBO (News 1st) – The social security levy of 2.5% will be implemented from Saturday (01).The State Minister of Finance Shehan Semasinghe stated that the price of certain goods may increase through this levy.The State Minister said that the levy, which was passed in Parliament on 8th September, is expected to assist those who are in poverty and extreme poverty in Sri Lanka as a short term solution. The tax is levied at the rate of 2.5 percent on the turnover of importers, manufacturers, service providers and wholesalers and retailers with an annual turnover of more than 120 million.

COLOMBO (News 1st) – The Auditor General has initiated a special investigation into the unilateral termination of the Light Rail Project by the Government of Sri Lanka.Auditor General W.P.

Canada slapped new sanctions on Russian officials and elites Friday after President Vladimir Putin formally annexed four regions of Ukraine.

COLOMBO (News 1st) – The Embassy of Sri Lanka to the United States, working in collaboration with renowned American humanitarian donor organizations, has achieved a significant milestone in the provision of free medicines and medical supplies to Sri Lanka from July to October 2022.Three consignments have already been sent to the Ministry of Health and a fourth is expected to land on 2nd October.The total value of the 4 consignments is over US Dollars 12,645,150. At today’s exchange rate, this is worth approximately SL Rupees 4.6 billion (exactly LKR 4,588,925,697).Sri Lanka’s Ambassador to the United States, Mahinda Samarasinghe, who reached out to US donor organizations earlier this year, has conveyed his heartfelt gratitude to the three donors, Heart to Heart International, Hope Worldwide, and Americares for their generosity which has proved timely and potentially lifesaving for hundreds of thousands of Sri Lankans in dire need. The Ambassador intends to continue working with humanitarian organizations and agencies to assist vulnerable segments of the population.Commencing in July 2022, Heart to Heart International has sent two consignments worth USD 9.131 million.The consignment from Americares arrived in Colombo earlier in September and is valued at over USD 773,000.

COLOMBO (News 1st)  – Sri Lanka's Opposition Leader Sajith Premadasa revealed on Friday (30) that the Sri Lanka Podujana Peramuna cooked up a plan to destroy his political career by appointing him as the country's Prime Minister.Sajith Premadasa told reporters that Gotabaya Rajapaksa made a request for him to take up the post of Prime Minister."He did not off me the post for the benefit of the people or the country. I became aware that they planned to bring forward a motion of no-confidence against me after I am made the Prime Minister," he said adding that at the time the SLPP had a majority of the MPs."134 votes were cast in favor of the main protector of the Rajapaksas, the current president.

COLOMBO (News 1st) – UNICEF welcomes the contribution of US$ 500,000 from the Japanese Government to support the provision of nutrition services for children and families affected by the current crisis that Sri Lanka faces.In coordination with the Ministry of Health and partners, the funding will be used to procure micronutrients urgently needed to care for children, carry out screening and provide the necessary follow-up, including counseling for malnutrition.