Independence Satyagraha Attack: Amnesty demands investigation and accountability

COLOMBO (News 1st); Ballot paper printing has been delayed indefinitely.The Government Printer said that issues surrounding the date of the Local Government Election, and the lack of facilities to continue printing ballot papers, prompted the decision to delay the printing of ballot papers indefinitely.The Government Printer also said that the ballot papers that have been printed already have been placed in a secure location.The printing of ballot papers faced continuous interruptions due to the lack of proper police protection, lack of funding and related issues.The Government Printer said that if the necessary facilities are provided, the printing of ballot papers can be completed between 25 and 30 days. 

COLOMBO (News 1st); Sri Lankan President Ranil Wickremesinghe signed a Gazette notification on Monday (27) night declaring transportation services as essential services.Accordingly, public transport services for passengers or goods, discharge, carriage, landing, storage, delivery & removal of articles of food or drink, or coal, oil, fuel from vessels within any port as defined for the purposes of the Customs Ordinance (Chapter 235), the provision and maintenance of facilities for transport services by road, rail or air, including roads, bridges, culverts, airports, ports & railway lines, have been declared as essential services with immediate effect.   

WASHINGTON (AP) - The White House is giving all federal agencies 30 days to wipe TikTok off all government devices, as the Chinese-owned social media app comes under increasing scrutiny in Washington over security concerns.The Office of Management and Budget calls the guidance, issued Monday, a "critical step forward in addressing the risks presented by the app to sensitive government data." Some agencies, including the Departments of Defense, Homeland Security and State, already have restrictions in place; the guidance calls on the rest of the federal government to follow suit within 30 days.The White House already does not allow TikTok on its devices."The Biden-Harris Administration has invested heavily in defending our nation’s digital infrastructure and curbing foreign adversaries’ access to Americans’ data," said Chris DeRusha, the federal chief information security officer. "This guidance is part of the Administration’s ongoing commitment to securing our digital infrastructure and protecting the American people’s security and privacy."The guidance was first reported by Reuters.Congress passed the "No TikTok on Government Devices Act" in December as part of a sweeping government funding package.

MONTGOMERY COUNTY - Police are asking for the public's help to find a "dangerous criminal" after a car crash quickly escalated into an armed robbery Monday morning.The incident began when a man driving erratically on York Road abruptly turned in front of another car causing a minor crash, according to authorities. Police say the man immediately got out of his car, pointed a gun at a female victim, demanded her cell phone, then fled on Davisville Road.MORE HEADLINES:"Shocked but I haven't heard anything like that around here before," said a man that FOX 29's Shawnette Wilson showed the pictures to as he left a Wawa in the area this evening. He says it's concerning. "Especially in the morning.

LOS ANGELES - A new study published on Monday found that the sugar replacement called erythritol which is used to sweeten stevia, monkfruit has links to blood clotting, stroke, heart attack and death. According to the study published in the journal Nature Medicine, people with existing risk factors for heart disease are twice as likely to experience heart failure when having high levels of erythritol in their system. Researchers also noted that erythritol appeared to cause blood clots more readily in animal testing. Patients with metabolic diseases, including type 2 diabetes and obesity, are frequently advised that the use of artificial sweeteners in place of sugar can improve glycemic control and help achieve weight loss. However, there is growing epidemiological evidence linking the consumption of artificial sweeteners to adverse cardiometabolic phenotypes, such as weight gain9, insulin resistance, type 2 diabetes and cardiovascular disease (CVD), including atherothrombotic complications12 and cardiovascular mortality," study authors wrote. In the past several years, sugar has come under fire from the medical community.

PHILADELPHIA - A Philadelphia public school basketball player propelled her team to a championship by becoming the fastest female player to reach 1,000 career points. Sophomore Shayla Smith at Universal Audenried needed just 49 games to break the record previously held by hall of fame player and coach Dawn Staley and WNBA draft pick Shawnetta Stewart. The Rockets won the Philadelphia Public League Championship this past weekend by defeating archrival Imhotep Institute Charter High School. They'll play in the 4A District Championship Thursday."The only reason I’m doing what I’m doing is because of them," Smith told FOX 29's Eddie Kadhim.

COLOMBO (News 1st); Amnesty International says that Sri Lankan Authorities must exercise restraint in use of force and facilitate the right to peaceful assembly.Responding to the news that one protestor had been killed and dozens injured as a result of the unlawful use of water cannons and tear gas by the police in Colombo in Sri Lanka on Sunday, Harindrini Corea, Regional Researcher for the Right to Protest at Amnesty International said, “It is worrying that even after months of widespread protests in the country, the Sri Lankan police needs to be constantly reminded of their duty to facilitate the right to freedom of peaceful assembly and exercise restraint in the use of force while policing assemblies.

(FOX 9) - The aurora put on quite the show overnight in Minnesota, as viewer photos and videos show the mystic green glow.A geomagnetic storm made for a brilliant aurora across the northern Midwest, including Minnesota.Photos from Carla Goldschmidt and a video from Ben Sunne show the incredible glowing aurora.Photos of the Northern Lights in Esko, Minn.

Footage captured by a fixed camera in San Nicolas de los Ranchos, Mexico, shows the moment the eruption occurred at 22:36 on Friday evening. (Credit: Nicola Rustichelli via Storyful) Mexico's Popocatepetl volcano violently erupted last week, sending lava and ash thousands of feet into the air, and the explosive moment was caught on camera.Video recorded in San Nicolas de los Ranchos, Mexico, showed the exact moment the volcano exploded just after 10:30 p.m.

Officials announced on Monday that the man they believe vandalized a mosque in East Mount Airy over the weekend is in custody.  PHILADELPHIA - Officials announced on Monday that the man they believe is responsible for vandalizing a mosque in East Mount Airy over the weekend is in custody. Police launched an investigation after a man was caught on camera vandalizing the Masjidullah mosque, located on Limekin Pike in East Mount Airy. Resident Imam Abdul-Zahir says it happened just around midnight on Saturday, at a time when their youth group was wrapping up. The camera footage from the mosque shows a man getting off a bus at Washington Lane and Limekiln Pike on Friday night. The man is seen walking towards the entrance of Masjidullah before turning away and immediately heading towards the back of the building. Officials say the man spray-painted Masjidullah's doors and a brand-new refrigerator used for their food pantry.

according to Bloomberg.He reclaimed the status on the Bloomberg Billionaires Index late Monday afternoon, having a fortune valued at an estimated $187.1 billion at that time, the outlet reported. Musk’s net worth had reportedly been sitting around $180 billion the prior day.French luxury giant LVMH CEO Bernard Arnault previously supplanted Musk from the No.

TORONTO - Canada is banning TikTok from all government-issued mobile devices and Prime Minister Justin Trudeau said it might be a first step to further action.The European Union’s executive branch said last week it has temporarily banned TikTok from phones used by employees as a cybersecurity measure. The EU’s action follows similar moves in the U.S., where more than half of the states and Congress have banned TikTok from official government devices.TikTok is owned by ByteDance, a Chinese company that moved its headquarters to Singapore. It has been targeted by critics who say the Chinese government could access user data, such as browsing history and location.

PHILADELPHIA - A Philadelphia man is facing charges after prosecutors said he stalked and groped a teenager girl who was on her way to work aboard a SEPTA bus earlier this year. Prosecutors allege Elmange Watson, 25, followed a 17-year-old girl onto a SEPTA bus at Frankford Terminal the morning of Jan. 22.

A bullfrog is seen on the course during the second round of the Charles Schwab Challenge at Colonial Country Club on May 27, 2022 in Fort Worth, Texas. (Photo by Tom Pennington/Getty Images) The Utah Division of Wildlife Resources is encouraging people to help out the environment by hunting – and even eating – bullfrogs. "Since it's National Invasive Species Awareness Week, it's a good time to remind you that bullfrogs are invasive to Utah, so you can catch as many as you want," the agency said Thursday on Twitter, adding, "And bonus: they're tasty." According to Lee Kay, a public shooting range facilities and grounds supervisor at Utah DWR, bullfrogs are an invasive species and are voracious predators in Utah that will eat almost anything, including snakes, fish, toads and mice.Bullfrogs are typically green or gray-brown with brown spots and have easily identifiable circular eardrums — or tympanum — on either side of their heads, the agency explains. The largest of all North American frogs, bullfrogs can grow to a length of eight inches and can weigh up to 1.5 pounds. "So target the big ones — they have the most meat," Kay said in a 2019 blog post on the agency's website.

PHILADELPHIA - A Philadelphia judge ruled Monday to hold two young teenagers charged in the traffic cone beating death of an elderly man who later posted bail with the help of a local organization. James Lambert, 73, was walking on the 2100 block of Cecil B. Moore Avenue on June 24 around 3 a.m.

A stock photo of a curving country road illuminated by a car's headlights. via Getty Images A woman who was being held hostage in Vermont was able to escape by driving off in the suspects’ car – even though her hands were still bound and her face partially covered. Two people have since been arrested in connection with the woman’s restraint. Witnesses in the town of St.

PHILADELPHIA - The Philadelphia Police Department's Central Detective Division is investigating a shooting in the North Philadelphia section of the city. According to police, On Friday around 7:30 p.m., suspects got out of a dark colored SUV and fired several shots on the 1500 block of Croskey Way. Authorities say no one was reported injured, but the gunfire struck several homes in the area. MORE LOCAL HEADLINESPolice say the suspects arrived and fled the scene in a dark-colored, late model SUV that is believed to be an Accura. Philadelphia Police released surveillance video of the shooting in hopes that someone could identify the shooters or share information about the incident. Anyone with information is urged to contact Philadelphia Police at 215-686-8477 or submit an anonymous tip online. 

SAN JOSE, CALIFORNIA - NOVEMBER 18: Former Theranos CEO Elizabeth Holmes on November 18, 2022 in San Jose, California. Holmes appeared in federal court for sentencing after being convicted of four counts of fraud for allegedly engaging in a multimill Theranos founder Elizabeth Holmes has given birth to her second child, court documents filed last week by the disgraced entrepreneur's defense team revealed.Holmes' attorneys cited the baby's birth in their latest request for a federal judge to allow her to remain out of prison while she appeals her federal fraud convictions, arguing in part that she is not a flight risk because of her close family ties.In pleading for U.S.

WILMINGTON, Del. - A 7-Eleven in the Wilmington area became the scene of an armed robbery over weekend, and police are asking for the public's help to find the culprits.The two men, ages 25-30, entered the 7-Eleven convenience store located at 4865 Governor Printz Boulevard around 10:30 p.m.

Iron Eyes Cody, circa 1975. (Photo by Getty Images) Since its debut in 1971, an anti-pollution ad showing a man in Native American attire shed a single tear at the sight of smokestacks and litter taking over a once unblemished landscape has become an indelible piece of TV pop culture.It's been referenced over the decades since on shows like "The Simpsons" and "South Park" and in internet memes.

READ MORE: Andrea McLean bedridden for days as she admits 'I have been poorly for so long now'TMZ reported earlier this month that Richard had been diagnosed with pneumonia at a hospital near where the family was staying in Nuevo Vallarta. Sources told the outlet that Richard had a "bad cough" before embarking on the trip which continued throughout the first leg of their vacation. The cough worsened and the actor ultimately checked himself into a hospital where his treatment turned into an overnight stay.

young woman’s claims that she may be Madeleine McCann.Julia Wendell, who also goes by Julia Faustyna or Julia Wendlet, attracted a huge amount of attention last week after posting videos to social media where she attempted to identify herself as the missing three-year-old girl who vanished in 2007 while on vacation with her British family in Portugal.The crux of Wendell’s “proof” regarding physical resemblance revolves around McCann’s rare eye disorder, one Wendell claimed to share. When McCann went missing, a coloboma abnormality in her right eye was used as a major identifying feature.

PHILADELPHIA - Philadelphia police have launched an investigation after a student found a gun in her backpack at a North Philadelphia school Monday morning. "As school began this morning, a student communicated to her teacher that a firearm was present in her backpack. This young student was keenly aware that this weapon was dangerous and should not be in school with her," said the statement from Bryan Carter, Gesu School President. Carter said the student's backpack and gun were confiscated immediately, and the police were notified.

NORRISTOWN, Pa. - Investigators say small amounts of fentanyl and heroin were found during further testing of THC products seized from three Pennsylvania smoke shops following two non-fatal overdoses. Montgomery County District Attorney Kevin Steele on Friday called an emergency press conference to warn the public about Strictly Delta brand of ‘Delta 8 THC 600 MG Happy Cubes’ sold at Tobacco Hut stores that may be tainted with illicit drugs. "Urb Extrax" and "Pinewood Coned," which were also sold at the stores, tested positive for fentanyl, according to the District Attorney's Office. Authorities launched an investigation into the Tobacco Hut after two people who consumed tainted THC gummies overdosed on fentanyl and recovered. Authorities in Montgomery County are warning of THC gummies tainted with heroin and fentanyl after two non-fatal overdoses were traced back to three county tobacco stores."Individuals should not consume any flavors of these Strictly Delta brand of CBD gummies, if anyone has any of these gummies, do not eat them," DA Steele said at Friday's press conference.The products were seized for testing during a search warrant executed last Thursday night.

WASHINGTON - Carson Wentz's time as a Washington Commander is over. The team released the veteran quarterback Monday, saying it hoped Wentz would help them make a playoff push last season but after missing more than half the games due to an injury — that didn't pan out. Instead, Wentz played in just eight games and the Commanders finished 8-8-1, at the bottom of the NFC East division. Who should the Washington Commanders start as quarterback? The #DMVZONE team discusses in a vibrant NFL discussion.The 30-year-old threw for 1,755 yards during the 2022 season, 11 passing touchdowns, and nine interceptions. He was sacked on 26 occasions and fumbled the football 3 times.Wentz was acquired by the franchise through a trade with the Indianapolis Colts last offseason. LANDOVER, MD- JANUARY 1: Washington Commanders quarterback Carson Wentz (11) run into the locker room after the Cleveland Browns defeat of the Washington Commanders at FedEX Field on January 1, 2023 in Landover MD.

Tourists on white sandy beach with palm trees along Druif Bay at Water Island, south of Saint Thomas, American Virgin Islands in the Caribbean Sea. (Photo by: Marica van der Meer/Arterra/Universal Images Group via Getty Images) A former American swimming champion is dead in the U.S.

Woody Harrelson told a joke about an anti-vaccine conspiracy theory on Saturday Night Live this week, the audience was unsure how to react.The joke, which has since created controversy online, was part of Harrelson’s SNL opening monologue. Harrelson, 61, told the audience he’d been sent a movie script with a clear, real-world metaphor.

WASHINGTON, DC - NOVEMBER 15: Sen.-elect John Fetterman (D-PA) heads to a lunch meeting with Senate Democrats at the U.S. Capitol on November 15, 2022 in Washington, DC.

FILE - A young woman stands at a window in her home. (Photo by Fabian Sommer/picture alliance via Getty Images) A recent report shared by the U.S.

A woman who died from Covid pneumonia waited nine hours for an ambulance after a fall at home. Patricia Green also faced a three hour wait to see a doctor after arriving at A&E at Tameside hospital, a coroner's report says.

TikTok on all government-issued mobile devices, Treasury Board President Mona Fortier announced on Monday.Effective Tuesday, TikTok “will be removed from government-issued mobile devices,” Fortier said in a statement.“Following a review of TikTok, the Chief Information Officer of Canada determined that it presents an unacceptable level of risk to privacy and security,” she added.“The decision to remove and block TikTok from government mobile devices is being taken as a precaution, particularly given concerns about the legal regime that governs the information collected from mobile devices, and is in line with the approach of our international partners.” Read more: TikTok on government devices under assessment in Canada TikTok’s data collection methods on mobile devices provide “considerable access” to the contents of the phone, Fortier explained.“While the risks of using this application are clear, we have no evidence at this point that government information has been compromised,” she added.When pressed on the announcement during a press conference on Monday, Prime Minister Justin Trudeau said the government is “looking carefully at how to ensure Canadians are kept safe online.”“We’re making the decision for government employees, for government equipment, it is better to not have them access TikTok because of the concerns that people have in terms of safety,” Trudeau said.“This may be a first step.

PHILADELPHIA - Winter conditions that moved into the Delaware Valley over the weekend will return Monday. A Winter Weather Advisory is in effect for areas north of Philadelphia from Monday afternoon until Tuesday morning. The morning will be dry and precipitation will begin to move in during the evening commute. FOX 29's Sue Serio says rain will move in before some areas see a changeover to snow, making for slippery conditions. According to weather models, the Philadelphia area could see an inch-and-a-half of snowfall as the mountains see up to 10 inches. Temperatures will begin in the 30s before rising to the 40s. Looking ahead to Tuesday, after a changeover from snow back to rain, winds will move in as conditions dry out. On Wednesday, the month of March will begin with a mild day in the 50s before Thursday brings a sunny and mild warm up. >> Download the FOX 29 Weather Authority app for alerts in your area_____SEVEN-DAY FORECASTMONDAY: P.m. rain & mix.

An 800-square-foot home in a Montauk trailer community is under contract to sell for $3.75 million. (Fox News) A Montauk, New York 800-square-foot oceanfront residence in a mixed trailer development is under contract to sell for a whopping $3.75 million.The two bedroom, two bath custom home is in Montauk on the oceanfront in a development called Montauk Shores along Ditch Plains beach, just west of Amsterdam Beach State Park.Not far from the property are places like Camp Hero State Park, the Montauk Lighthouse, some of the best waves on the East Coast, and the best striped bass surf fishing in the U.S.HAMPTONS, NEW YORK, REAL ESTATE: WHAT YOU CAN GET FOR $1.6MBut also, nearby are some of the most luxurious mansions in the U.S.

Colombo (News1st) – Imagine having to risk your life and the lives of your family, just to get to work, or to school, or to rush a patient to hospital.Imagine living a life where you have to make a daily choice between possibly being killed by herds of wild elephants or falling to your death off a rickety wooden bridge with rotting planks that could give way at any moment.This may not be easy for people who live in cities to understand. But this is the harsh daily reality for the 300 families who live in the villages of Pussalavinna and Sooriyapokuna in the Dehiaththakandiya region, on the border of the Maduru Oya National Park.This bridge is the shortest route for children to go to school and connects the two villages to the town. The dilapidated state of this bridge has left the 300 families living here in dire straits because they must gamble with their lives every time they cross this bridge when it rains. Residents who have been battered for decades by the Human Elephant Conflict, don't have a proper road to travel on.

Colombo (News1st) – Billionaire businessman Onesh Subasinghe has been found dead in an apartment in Jakarta Indonesia.This was confirmed to News1st by Sri Lanka's Ambassador to the Republic of Indonesia Admiral Professor Jayanath Colombage. He said that a police investigation is underway in Jakarta Indonesia.When News1st reached out Ministry of Foreign Affairs, the Director Public Diplomacy said the ministry was "looking into the matter".Onesh Subasinghe was the Managing Director of Opex Holding (Pvt) Ltd, a family business.

COLOMBO (News 1st) – The Human Rights Commission of Sri Lanka says that a special probe has been launched into the firing of water cannons and tear gas on silent protestors who led a Satyagraha opposite the Elphinstone hall in Maradana on Friday (03).The HRCSL says that the preliminary investigations have begun in this regard as teams from the commission had visited the scene on the day of the incident and on Saturday (04).The Commission added that a preliminary report is to be submitted to them on Monday (06).The Satyagraha was organized by social and civil rights activists who were engaging in a silent protest against the 75th Independence Day celebrations that were held at huge public expense.During this silent protest, it was reported that another group had arrived and had created a heated situation with those engaged in the silent protest.It was following this that the police intervened in removing the protestors from the site of the Satyagraha using water cannons and tear gas.03 individuals who were arrested following the incident were granted bail after being produced before the Maligakanda Magistrate Court, yesterday (04).Meanwhile, the 75th Independence Day celebrations were held in Colombo on Saturday (04) at Galle Face Green.

Sri Lanka's President and Prime Minister issued statements to mark the 75th Independence Day.In his message, President Ranil Wickremesinghe says there is a new economic and social reform agenda before the country with the objectives focusing first on recovery and then on renewed development. The Head of State stated it is imperative for us to unite in its implementation so that we can emerge with a high level of economic prosperity. He pledged to make the extremely difficult though vital decisions to achieve this goal with courage and determination. Prime Minister Dinesh Gunawardena in his message to mark the 75th Independence Day said "today, we not only celebrate our freedom, but also pay tribute to the ones who fought for it, to the ones who held a vision for our country, and to the ones who sacrificed themselves for the same." The Premier says the bravery, heroic acts as well as untold miseries suffered by our forefathers during their struggle for freedom of the Motherland must not be allowed to fade away from our memories.The Prime Minister adds the government has taken a series of measures to ensure recovery of the economy, and increase agricultural production to attain self-sufficiency and food security. Opposition Leader Sajith Premadasa also issued a statement to mark the 75th Independence Day. He stated "despite the fact that Sri Lanka has been independent for 75 years, we have failed to make that independence meaningful on national, social, educational, and religious levels."The Opposition Leader stated being trapped in "narrow chauvinism and communalism" is not the way to experience true freedom.

On Sri Lanka’s 75th Independence Day, Gammadda gave the people of Hengamuwa village in the Kobeigane region of the Kurunegala District something to celebrate, by providing a source of safe drinking water to the entire community, with the presentation of a Reverse Oscillation (RO) Plant.This community, which relies on agriculture and whose produce feeds thousands in the nation, had no source of healthful drinking water. The water in the wells was not of suitable standard for drinking and authorities seemed deaf to the pleas of the villagers.

Colombo (News 1st) – Violence broke out in Maradana close to the city centre in Sri Lanka’s capital city as police used tear gas and water cannons to disperse a group of peaceful protesters practicing a satyagraha.

COLOMBO (News 1st); The Indian Minister of State for External Affairs and Parliamentary Affairs, Shri V. Muraleedharan will be visiting Colombo to participate in the celebrations connected with the 75th Independence Day of Sri Lanka on 4 February 2023.The Indian Ministry of External Affairs said that his visit will take place at the invitation of the Government of Sri Lanka.During the visit, the Minister of State will also have separate bilateral interactions with President Ranil Wickremesinghe and the Sri Lankan Foreign Minister, Mr.

COLOMBO (News 1st); Sri Lankan Opposition Leader Sajith Premadasa has decided not to attend the 75th Independence Day celebrations in Colombo on Saturday (4).Speaking to News 1st the Opposition Leader confirmed his decision to boycott the grand event.In addition, the group of MPs led by Dullas Alahapperuma who left the government to become independent have also decided to boycott the 75th Independence Day celebrations.Speaking to News 1st MP Alahapperuma said he decided to boycott the event as he cannot agree with the programs carried out by the present government.Sri Lanka will be celebrating the 75th Independence Day at Galle Face on Saturday (4) in a three-hour long event starting from around 8 AM.

COLOMBO (News 1st) – The ‘75th Independence Anniversary Commemoration Medal’ was introduced to the Sri Lankan Tri-Forces recently. Symbolising the bestowal of the new medal, the Chief of Defence Staff General Shavendra Silva WWV RWP RSP VSV USP ndc psc MPhil, Commanders of the Sri Lanka Army, Navy and Air Force, and a cross section of the tri services that is comprised of both officers and other ranks were ceremonially awarded the medal by the the president Ranil Wickremesinghe.Addressing the event in Kandy on Wednesday (1), President Ranil Wickremesinghe emphasized that although lives lost during the war cannot be regained, the income lost during the economic war could be regained.The President also pointed out that the stability of political and territorial integrity of a country is the best factor to win over the economic war.

Colombo (News 1st) – Watch Dr. Rohan Pethiyagoda on Newsline with Faraz Shauketaly. Streaming on FB and Youtube.

COLOMBO (News1st) – The Catholic Church questions how Sri Lanka can proudly celebrate its independence at a time when the country's economy and the rule of law is in disarray.   At a media briefing in Colombo today, Media Spokesperson of the Catholic Church, Reverend Father Cyril Gamini stated, "We must question how independence day can be celebrated proudly at a cost of Rs.200 million in a country that is unable to meet its foreign debt obligations, a country that is bankrupt". He further explained the situation in the country, that "30% of the population is starving, 33.4% of children under 5 years are suffering from malnutrition, many people are being laid off, small and medium scale businesses are crashing, the rule of law has deteriorated severely,human rights are being violated without any remorse, laws including the PTA are being misused to suppress fundamentals rights of the people, electricity cannot be provided continuously even during the A/L exam period and the lives of patients are at risk due to medicine shortages".Rev.

COLOMBO (News 1st) : Sri Lanka's Parliament Speaker Mahinda Yapa Abeywardena said that applications for the appointment of Members of the Independent Commissions will be called for from 1st February. The deadline to submit applications is 15th February 2023.The Constitutional Council on Monday (30) decided to publish the advertisement on newspapers on 1st February 2023, calling for applications for the appointment as Members of the Commissions. The draft format of the application would be published on the Official Parliament website.Accordingly, applications will be called for positions in the National Elections Commission, Human Rights Commission of Sri Lanka, Judicial Services Commission, National Police Commission, Commission to Investigate Allegations of Bribery or Corruption, Procurement Commission, National Audit Commission, and the Public Services Commission.The Constitutional Council considered the recommendation of the President to appoint K.P.

COLOMBO (News 1st) – Sri Lanka Police said that no Independence Day rehearsals will take place on Monday (30), and none of the roads in the area will be closed.Sri Lanka Police said that the special traffic plan for the 75th Independence Day celebrations will be in effect from the 1st of February to the 4th of February.According to this traffic plan, 20 roads around Galle Face will be closed from 5 AM to 12 noon.During the said time period, residents can use those roads based on the directives issued by the Traffic Police Officers. 

COLOMBO (News 1st) – Police say that a new traffic plan is to begin today due to the rehearsals of the independence day celebrations.The officer in charge of the Western Traffic Division Senior DIG Roshan Wijesingha says that the new plan will be in place today (28), tomorrow (29), and from the 1st to the 4th of February as well. He says that during the aforementioned days, certain roads in the areas surrounding the celebrations will be closed, and limited road access will be given to some areas as well. Officer in charge of the Western Traffic Division Senior DIG Roshan Wijesingha added that road closures surrounding the areas will take place from 5:00 am to 12 noon during those days. 

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.