Man in critical condition after being shot multiple times in Hunting Park, police say

COLOMBO (News 1st) – A Red alert on landslides has been issued to the Divisional Secretariat Division of Passara, of the ​​Badulla District.Senior Geologist at the National Building Research Organization, Dr.

The best way to deal with the new COVID variant is to keep the immunity quotient high throughout the year Even after nearly 3 years, COVID remains a threat to us mostly because the virus is still mutating. The latest variant of Omicron continues to be a threat to us as it is said to spreading faster than its predecessors and has immune escape properties. So even if you are vaccinated and also boosted, you still need to be careful.

COLOMBO (News 1st) – The Ceylon Electricity Board (CEB) says that a vessel carrying 60,000 MT of coal is scheduled to reach the country on Tuesday (1).The relevant coal vessel is arriving from South Africa.

COLOMBO (News 1st) – A Sri Lanka Police Sergeant died in hospital after being severely wounded during a unrest that broke out in Kebithigollewa on Monday (31) night.Tensions boiled over in the town located in Anuradhapura in Sri Lanka's North Central Province after a man was killed in a wild elephant attack.Crowds took to the streets demanding a solution to the Human-Elephant conflict and they became unruly.Reports said that Sri Lanka Police fired several rounds into the air to control the situation. A Sri Lanka Police Sergeant was seriously injured after he was mobbed by the crowd, and was admitted to a hospital where he died.

COLOMBO (News 1st) – Sri Lanka on Monday (31) introduced a cycle to work program to promote cycling among public sector employees as a solution to the transporation crisis.The Cycle to Work progrma to promote cycling among public sector employees was organized by the Ministry of Urban Development and Housing.The aim of this program is to encourage government employees to commute using bicycles as a solution to the transportation crisis. Kick starting the initiative, a group of public sector employees cycled from Battaramulla to Sethsiripaya on Monday (31) morning.Meanwhile, a tree planting program was organized at te Setshiripaya Premises in line with World Cities Day.

COLOMBO (News 1st) – In keeping with the Memorandum of Understanding (MOU) between Sri Lanka Air Force and the Ministry of Health, a persistent vegetative state patient who met with an accident was airlifted from a Bell- 412 helicopter converting to an air ambulance from Badulla General Hospital to Sri Lanka National Hospital Colombo on Monday (31 October 2022) to retrieve vital organs. It is expected to donate these vital organs to required recipients and also for the heart transplant surgery to be conducted by National Hospital, Colombo. The No.04 Squadron SLAF Base Ratmalana successfully accomplished this operation under the guidance of the Commander of the Air Force, Air Marshal Sudarshana Pathirana.

COLOMBO (News 1st)- The price of a 450g loaf of bread in Sri Lanka will be reduced by Rs. 10/- with effect from Monday (31).The All Ceylon Bakery Owners Association announced the decision was taken considering the situation in the country, as well as the prices of wheat flour.N.

Colombo (News 1st) – The Sri Lanka Air Force under the guidance of the Commander of the Air Force, Air Marshal Sudarshana Pathirana together with the Faculty of Agriculture at the University of Peradeniya and Central Environment Authority launched the seventh wave of seed bombing at Wattegama Kebilitta Government Forest Reserve in the Siyamblanduwa Divisional Secretariat.The Command Agro Unit at SLAF Base Katunayake under the leadership of Group Captain PE Gunawardena and the Department of Forest Conservation organized this mission to achieve the aim of improving the forest density of Sri Lanka to reach the sustainable development goals of the country by increasing the forest cover from 27% to 32% by the year 2030.The first wave of the mission was executed at the Ranorawa government forest in a five acres land area and approximately 5,000 seed bombs were released. During the second wave, 67,000 seed bombs were dropped over a 60 acres area inside the forest of Lahugala in Ampara. The third wave which was conducted in December 2020 saw the dropping of approximately 30,000 seed bombs over 25 acres of land area within the Lahugala National Park. The fourth wave was carried out in the Lahugala National Park where 70,000 seed bombs were dropped over a 60-acre area. The fifth wave was carried out in the Kebilitta Government Forest Reserve where 80,000 seed bombs were dropped over a 75 acres area. Through the sixth wave, 65,000 seed bombs were dropped on over 70 acres of area inside the same forestry at Siyambalanduwa Divisional Secretariat.

COLOMBO (News 1st) – Motorcycle gunmen struck once again on Monday (31) morning killing two men in Thiranagama, Hikkaduwa.Sri Lanka Police said that two men aged 26 & 47 were gunned down by the killers.According to report, the victims were shot dead when they traveling towards Hikkaduwa on the Colombo – Galle Main Road.Sri Lanka Police said the victims were heading to court for a legal matter when they were gunned down, adding that the men were suspects in a murder.They were identified at Kapuwa Handi Prasanna Mendis, and Henda Hewage Isuru Prasanna,

COLOMBO (News 1st) – Sri Lanka is taking necessary measures to repatriate the body of the 27-year-old Sri Lankan man who died during the stampede in South Korea during the halloween weekend.Foreign Minister Ali Sabry, PC told News 1st that relatives of the deceased had requested for the body to be brought back to Sri Lanka.The Foreign Ministry said that diplomatic staff have been assigned to hospitals, and police stations in Seoul, South Korea to ascertain if more Sri Lankans have been killed, or injured from the tragedy.The Foreign Ministry, and the Sri Lankan Embassy in South Korea is coordinating such efforts.Secretary to the Ministry of Labour and Foreign Employment P. A.

@Liamcol568 wrote: “Morning mate, I know it's exhausting, have you tried drinking five litres of water over the day, I know it sounds simple but it's effective for some people.”@CounsellorBarry penned: “I’m 54 and have had daily chronic back pain since having spinal cancer age 10. “It is exhausting and at times depressing.

COLOMBO (News 1st) – Ven. Omalpe Sobhitha Thero emphasizes that oppressing people to stabilize State income should be condemned.The Chief Congregant of Southern Sri Lanka for the Ramanna Sect, Ven. Dr.

COLOMBO (News 1st) – The Government has taken a decision to release various vehicles which were being kept with Customs for various legal reasons.The State Minister of Finance Ranjith Siambalapitiya stated that under this move, priority will be given to departments and Government institutions, including the police, which are currently facing an acute shortage of vehicles.The minister also mentioned that Cabinet approval has been obtained for the purpose.

COLOMBO (News 1st) – The State Minisrer of Finance Shehan Semasinghe says that he hopes to reach an agreement with regard to the financial assurance by creditors, which is expected by the International Monetary Fund during the negotiations that will begin on 3rd November.The State Minister said that although Sri Lanka's bilateral creditors such as China, India and Japan have verbally agreed to assist the country in debt restructuring, however, the IMF needs proper financial assurance in time for the negotiations.The Minister said that they are attemtpting to obtain the approval of the IMF board as soon as possible. The minister made these comments during an inquiry made by Newsfirst regarding the second phase of the official-level negotiations to be initiated with the International Monetary Fund.The minister stated that no moves will be made to bypass the Parliament in dealing with the International Monetary Fund.Minister Semasinghe added that no parties other than the Ministry of Finance and the Central Bank of Sri Lanka have been informed with regard to the staff level agreement with the IMF.

COLOMBO (News 1st) – The National Child Protection Authority says that the investigation into the shooting of a 15-year old student in Matara, Thihagoda will be fully overseen by the NCPA.Its Chairman, Senior Lecturer Udaya Kumara Amarasinghe stated that police officers attached to the NCPA have been directed for that purpose.Meanwhile, officials of the Sri Lanka Human Rights Commission have prepared a preliminary investigation report on the related incident.This is after an on-site inspection was conducted by the Human Rights Commission officials on Saturday (29).The concerned student is currently receiving treatment in the intensive care unit of Karapitiya Hospital.Meanwhile, the sub-inspector who accidentally discharged the shot has been remanded until November 2nd, after being presented before Matara Magistrate Isuru Netticumara yesterday.

COLOMBO (News 1st) – A Sri Lankan has died in the stampede which took place during a halloween festival in Seoul, South Korea.When inquired by News 1st, the Minister of Foreign Affairs Ali Sabry stated that a 27-year-old resident of Kandy had died.The minister mentioned that representatives have been directed to the Police and hospitals in Seoul to find out if more Sri Lankans have been killed, or injured.The Minister said that they are looking for more information regarding the incident through the Ministry of Foreign Affairs and the Sri Lankan Embassy in South Korea.South Korea's President Yoon Suk-yeol declared a period of national mourning on Sunday after a Halloween crush killed some 151 people in a packed nightlife area in Seoul.Yoon expressed condolences to the victims, mostly teenagers and people in their 20s, and his wishes for a speedy recovery to the many injured."This is truly tragic," he said in a statement. "A tragedy and disaster that should not have happened took place in the heart of Seoul last night."A huge crowd celebrating in the popular Itaewon district surged into an alley on Saturday night, emergency officials said, adding the death toll could rise.Choi Sung-beom, head of the Yongsan Fire Station, said 151 deaths had been confirmed, including 19 foreigners.

COLOMBO (News 1st) – According to the Ministry of Fisheries, the Ceylon Petroleum Corporation has agreed to supply 500,000 liters of kerosene to the fisheries ports daily.Its Secretary, Indu Karunaratne said that this agreement was reached during the discussions regarding the fishermen's fuel problem.Accordingly, the kerosene will be released to fishing ports and selected fuel stations.The secretary stated that about 27,000 fishing vessels have been registered for this purpose.Majority of these fishing vessels are engaged in daily fishing and the main problem they faced in the past was shortage of kerosene.Meanwhile, a special program was initiated on Saturday (29) to identify the deficiencies of the fishing ports and the problems faced by fishermen.The Secretary to the Ministry, Karunaratne stated that accordingly, the Minister in charge and a team including herself will be engaged in an observation tour of the ports including Kirinda Fisherman's Port, and other ports located in Tangalle, Puranawella and Suduwella.The program aims to identify the economic problems faced by families engaging in fishing, especially in the context of the current economic crisis.She added that relief will be provided for them immediately.

COLOMBO (News 1st) – The Meteorological Department says that a low-level atmospheric disturbance is developing in the vicinity of Sri Lanka, and therefore, showery condition over the island is expected to be enhanced for next few days.Accordingly, showers or thundershowers will occur at times in Northern, Eastern and North-central provinces.

The consumer-goods giant subjected its product range to broader scrutiny after ShareAction, a responsible investment charity, championed a resolution urging the company to do the reporting. Unilever’s rivals have yet to do the same.

COLOMBO (News 1st) – A Sub-Inspector has been interdicted by the Police and has been arrested by a special Police team which is conducting an investigation into the shooting of a 15-year old boy in Thihagoda, Matara.The Police Spokesperson said that during a scuffle with a police officer, the officer's firearm was accidentally discharged and the 15-year old was injured.   The Police said that steps were taken to inspect a suspicious three-wheeler in Naimbula,​​Thihagoda.Three people had fled while two others were taken into police custody.

COLOMBO (News 1st) – A youth who was injured in a shooting which occurred on Friday (28) evening in Tihagoda, ​​Matara has been hospitalized.Police said that during a scuffle with a police officer, the officer's firearm was accidentally discharged and the youth was injured.The injured individual was identified as a 16 year old.The Police said that steps were taken to inspect a suspicious three-wheeler in Naimbula,​​Thihagoda.Three people had fled while two others were taken into police custody.

Justin Bieber and Shawn Mendes are investing time in their spiritual side…

COLOMBO (News 1st) – Minister of State for Finance Ranjith Siyambalapitiya says in a statement that there is no other option but to raise taxes in a situation where 4 million of the 6.8 million families living in the country are demanding various subsidies. The relevant announcement further states that the people also have a responsibility to keep the poor people of the country alive. The announcement also emphasized that there is a huge deficit between the government's income and expenditure and to cover it, as inflation is close to 100 per cent, money cannot be printed anymore, so taxes should be levied as much as possible. 

COLOMBO (News 1st) – The Department of Meteorology says that several spells of Showers will occur in Western, Sabaragamuwa, Central and North-Western provinces and Galle and Matara districts.Showers or thundershowers may occur at a few places in the Uva province and Ampara and Hambantota districts during the afternoon or night.The general public is kindly requested to take adequate precautions to minimize damages caused by temporary localized strong winds and lightning during thundershowers.Condition of Rain:A few showers will occur in the sea areas off the coast extending from Colombo to Matara via Galle.Winds:Winds will be north-westerly or variable in direction.

Grammy-nominated actress Selma Blair and her service dog Scout were surrounded by ladies as they headed inside Skylight Books in LA's Los Feliz neighborhood on Tuesday.The Michigan-born 50-year-old was scheduled to host a 3:30pm reading/signing for her memoir Mean Baby: A Memoir of Growing Up, which was released back on May 24.Selma was wearing a b&w-patterned blouse, black slacks, and pink peep-toe heels for the ticketed event. All smiles: Grammy-nominated actress Selma Blair and her service dog Scout were surrounded by ladies as they headed inside Skylight Books in LA's Los Feliz neighborhood on TuesdayBlair (born Beitner) appeared to be in great spirits following her October 17 exit from Dancing with the Stars.'Oh the places I've been! But I never considered I would be in a dance rehearsal space for a live @disneyplus ballroom dance show,' the Far More actress - who boasts 3.5M social media followers - wrote on Instagram that same day.

COLOMBO (News 1st) – Opposition Leader Sajith Premadasa says incentives must be given to industries that generate dollars for Sri Lanka, in order to boost the economy."We can't resolve these issues by putting pressure on the economy. A program to boost the economy is mandatory.

COLOMBO (News 1st) – Coconut cultivations across multiple districts have been severely affected due to the Coconut White Fly infestation.The Coconut White Fly, which was reported for the first time from the Kegalle district in 2019, is currently widespread in several districts.The Assistant Director of the Coconut Research Institute, Dr.

COLOMBO (News 1st) – The Foreign Employment Bureau said that five Sri Lankan expatriates who had gone to Saudi Arabia to work as domestic aides will be repatriated soon.The Spokesperson Deputy General Manager Gamini Senarath Yapa said that the group departed Sri Lanka via the same Foreign Employment agency, and were trapped in a province some 1,200 km away from the Capital Riyadh.He said that the Sri Lankan Embassy in Saudi Arabia is coordinating the activities to repatriate them to Sri Lanka.Writer: Teena Marian

COLOMBO (News 1st) – Two  ships of the Royal Australian Navy, namely; HMAS Adelaide and HMAS Anzac which are engaged in Indo-Pacific Endeavour 2022 arrived at the Port of Colombo this morning (25th October 2022). On their arrival, the visiting ships were welcomed by the Sri Lanka Navy in accordance with naval tradition.Indo-Pacific Endeavour (IPE) began in 2017 as an activity coordinated by the Australian Defence Force to strengthen Australia’s engagement and partnerships with regional security forces. Thus, this year’s IPE will return to Southeast and South Asia, consolidating partnerships with 14 countries such as Timor-Leste, Vietnam, the Philippines, Laos, Cambodia, Thailand, Brunei, Malaysia, Singapore, Indonesia, Sri Lanka, Bangladesh, the Maldives and India.Commodore Mal Wise of Royal Australian Navy is the Commander Joint Task Force for Indo-Pacific Endeavour 2022.The visiting ship HMAS Adelaide which is a 230m-long Landing Helicopter Dock (LHD) is commanded by Captain SJ Watters.

LOOSE Women star Linda Robson has opened up about how overcoming her crippling health condition "transformed her life". The TV panellist revealed that she had her varicose veins in her legs treated after they ruined her "self-esteem" and "self-confidence".

COLOMBO (News 1st) – 'Stabilization is a very very painful process', was a statement made by the Governor of the Central Bank Dr. Nandalal Weerasinghe at this morning's (25) launch of the report on the 'state of the economy' published by the Institute of Policy Studies (IPS). The report contains national policy frameworks for recovery and policy adjustments for stabilization that were tabled and discussed by the board of the IPS and the Governor.

COLOMBO (News 1st) – The guides who accompanied a group in a fleet of vehicles who operated recklessly inside the Yala National Park, and the Park Rangers who failed to control the situation have been interdicted, said Minister Mahinda Amaraweera.Several videos of a fleet of vehicles entering the Yala National Park and doing doughnuts inside the park premises harassing the wildlife went viral on social media, attracting widespread condemnation from netizens.Sri Lanka's Ministry of Agriculture in a statement said that Minister Mahinda Amaraweera had instructed to immediately take action against against those involved in the incident.In addition, the Minister had requested the Inspector General of Police to arrest them irrespective of their status and position.The Minister added that steps will be taken to blackslist such individuals and vehicles from entering the Yala National Park.On Monday (24), The Department of Wildlife said that strict legal action will be taken against individuals who cause harm or harassment to the wild animals inside the Yala National Park.Director General of Wildlife Chandana Sooriyabandara told News 1st that Minister Mahinda Amaraweera has given clear instructions to institute immediate legal action against all individuals who had caused harm to wild animals using vehicles inside the Yala National Park.He said the Department of Wildlife is in possession of the information regarding such people, and the necessary evidence to take action against them.

COLOMBO (News 1st) – The individuals & vehicles involved in reckless joyriding inside the Yala National Park have been blacklisted.The Director General of Wildlife told News 1st that these individuals and vehicles cannot enter any National Park in Sri Lanka for three years.The guides who accompanied the group in a fleet of vehicles who operated recklessly inside the Yala National Park, and the Park Rangers who failed to control the situation were interdicted, said Minister Mahinda Amaraweera on Tuesday (26).Several videos of a fleet of vehicles entering the Yala National Park and doing doughnuts inside the park premises harassing the wildlife went viral on social media, attracting widespread condemnation from netizens.Sri Lanka's Ministry of Agriculture in a statement said that Minister Mahinda Amaraweera had instructed to immediately take action against against those involved in the incident.In addition, the Minister had requested the Inspector General of Police to arrest them irrespective of their status and position.The Minister added that steps will be taken to blackslist such individuals and vehicles from entering the Yala National Park.On Monday (24), The Department of Wildlife said that strict legal action will be taken against individuals who cause harm or harassment to the wild animals inside the Yala National Park.Director General of Wildlife Chandana Sooriyabandara told News 1st that Minister Mahinda Amaraweera has given clear instructions to institute immediate legal action against all individuals who had caused harm to wild animals using vehicles inside the Yala National Park.He said the Department of Wildlife is in possession of the information regarding such people, and the necessary evidence to take

COLOMBO (News 1st) – The Department of Meteorology says that the prevailing showery condition over the island is expected to reduce to some extent.Several spells of Showers will occur in Western, Sabaragamuwa, Central, North-Western, and Northern provinces and Galle and Matara districts.Showers or thundershowers may occur at several places in Uva, Eastern, and North-Central provinces during the afternoon or night.The general public is kindly requested to take adequate precautions to minimize damages caused by temporary localized strong winds and lightning during thundershowers.Condition of Rain:Showers or thundershowers will occur at several places over the sea areas around the Island. Winds:Winds will be Westerly or South-westerly in direction.

House prices in Edinburgh and Glasgow have boomed as workers returned to the office.

COLOMBO (News 1st) – The Department of Meteorology says that showers or thundershowers will occur at times in Western, Sabaragamuwa, Central, and North-Western provinces and in Galle and Matara districts. Heavy showers above 100 mm may be expected at some places in the Western and Sabaragamuwa provinces and Galle and Matara districts.Showers or thundershowers may occur elsewhere over the Island during the afternoon or night.The general public is kindly requested to take adequate precautions to minimize damages caused by temporary localized strong winds and lightning during thundershowers.Condition of Rain:Showers or thundershowers will occur at times over the sea areas around the Island.Winds:Winds will be westerly or South-westerly.

Hibernian have announced that Easter Road hero Frank Sauzee has had to withdraw from a charity match set to take place next month.

ROBBIE Coltrane's causes of death reveal the Harry Potter star suffered painful health problems leading up to his passing at the age of 72. The Brit acting legend died from a number of conditions including multiple organ failure, his death certificate has shown. It's understood the Harry Potter star had been unwell for some time and battled diabetes and obesity.

MARION COUNTY, Fla. - The Marion County Sheriff’s Office says a 14-year-old student at Lake Weir Middle School broke into her grandparents’ safe and stole about $13,500 in cash – half her grandmother’s life savings left over after she’d sold her house. Then, the sheriff’s office says the girl started handing the cash out to people at school.Parents got a voicemail from Lake Weir Middle School’s principal about that incident Thursday, asking the adults to give their kids a call.  Michelle Spaulding obliged."That’s when she was like, ‘Yeah, mom! The child did come up to me and ask me if I wanted $100,'" said Spaulding.

COLOMBO (News 1st) – Two people have died from drowning in the Nawalapitiya and Kuliapitiya areas.Police said that a 58-year-old man died on Friday (21) afternoon after falling into the Edandewela Canal and being swept away by the currents.It occurred when a van transporting 5 people has been driving from Kuliyapitiya Diyawala to Aruvpola.Police said that the van driver stepped out of the vehicle to check the water level near the Edandewela Canal, when he fell into the canal and got swept away.Meanwhile, another person died after falling into a canal in Galabadawatta area in ​Nawalapitiya.Police said the victim was a 65-year-old resident of Kegalle.Police added that the victim had visited his relative's residence when he met with this tragic accident.

PHILADELPHIA - Kyle Schwarber's first inning solo home run sent Citizens Bank Park into a frenzy, but it was Jean Segura's roller coaster game the served as the subplot to the Phillies' NLCS game 3 win. With the Phillies up 1-0 in the 4th, Segura whiffed a catch while covering second on what would have been an inning-ending double play to allow the tying run to score from third. He redeemed himself in the bottom of the inning, looping a 2 out single to right field that scored two runs to retake the lead. The inning ended less than a pitch later when Segura got picked off first base.Alec Bohm added a run two innings later a line drive double that Padres' right fielder failed to catch on a diving attempt.PHILADELPHIA, PENNSYLVANIA - OCTOBER 21: Jean Segura #2 of the Philadelphia Phillies celebrates with Nick Castellanos #8 after making a diving stop and throwing out Ha-Seong Kim #7 of the San Diego Padres (not pictured) at first base during the seven Ranger Suarez was solid for five innings, allowing just two hits and two runs; one of which was unearned.

Elijah Jennings (Philly's Most Wanted)BROOKHAVEN, Ga. - A high-speed chase through metro Atlanta led to the arrest of a man wanted for murder in Pennsylvania.Elijah Jennings, 28, of Philadelphia, was wanted for the shooting death of a man inside his car in May 2022. Warrants for murder and firearms possession were obtained the following month.Jennings caught the eye of federal authorities earlier this month when warrants were issued for him by the Eastern District of Pennsylvania for fleeing prosecution.Last Friday, Jennings was arrested near Lenox Square mall after a high-speed chase through Brookhaven.

PHILADELPHIA - Police are investigating after a man was found inside a car in West Philadelphia injured from a shooting. According to authorities, police responded to 38th Street and Girard Avenue for reports of a person with a gun on Thursday night around 10:15 p.m.Officials say a 53-year-old man was found inside a Chrysler Pacifica suffering from multiple gunshot wounds to his chest, abdomen and left arm. The man was transported to Penn Presbyterian Medical Center, where he is listed in critical condition, according to police. MORE LOCAL HEADLINESAuthorities say the shooting took place near where the victim was located, on the 3800 block of Cambridge Street. The investigation is ongoing and active, police say. 

COLOMBO (News 1st) – The cooperation between Sri Lanka and India in the sphere of Defense was hailed by State Minister of Defence, Pramitha Banadara Tennakoon at the biennial global defence exhibition DefExpo2022.The exhibition was inaugurated by Prime Minister Narendra Modi on 19 October 2022 at Gandhinagar, Gujarat, and a three-member official delegation from Sri Lanka, led by State Minister of Defense Premitha Bandara Tennakoon and comprising Army and Navy officers, is currently on a visit to India for attending the exhibition. State Minister of Defense Tennakoon highlighted the importance of defense industrial base in augmenting Security policy and noted that DefExpo 2022 provided a great avenue for a deeper understanding of the nature of transformation in modern warfare across five dimensions.The Sri Lankan dignitary met the Minister of State for Defense and Tourism of India Shri Ajay Bhatt on 17 October 2022 along the sidelines of DefExpo2022.During the meeting, India’s readiness to continue to support Sri Lanka in the defence sphere was reiterated. The Sri Lankan delegation also had cordial interactions with Defense Minister, Defense Secretary, Chief of Defense Staff and all three Service Chiefs of India during the visit.Experience sharing and capacity building has been a key pillar of India-Sri Lanka defense cooperation, which is marked by camaraderie and mutual benefit in enhancing our shared security. Indian military establishments including NDC have been the preferred choice of the Sri Lankan Armed Forces for decades and have produced leaders of Sri Lankan Armed forces.

COLOMBO (News 1st) – ASP Naleen Dilruk and SSP Roshan Dias were issued summon on Friday (21) to appear in court on 08th November.They were issued summons when a personal complaint filed by the president of the Young Journalists' Association, journalist Tharindu Jayawardena, was called before Fort Magistrate Thilina Gamage.Summons were issued to ASP Naleen Dilruk and SSP Roshan Dias, who were suspected of disrupting a protest march from Galle Face towards Hultsdorf.Attorneys-at-law Manujaya de Silva and Jayantha Dehiyattage, in addition to Saliya Peiris PC presented facts on behalf of the plaintiff, Tharindu Jayawardena.

COLOMBO (News 1st) – Political parties in the opposition met in Parliament on Thursday (20) to sign a joint declaration opposing the governmets' decision to delay the local government elections.The Samagi Jana Balawegaya, Sri Lanka Freedom Party, National Freedom Front, Democratic Left Front, 43rd Brigade, Tamil National Alliance, Pivithuru Hela Urumaya, Sri Lanka Mahajana Party, Lanka Sama Samaja Party, Sri Lanka Communist Party, All Ceylon Muslim Congress, Nawa Lanka Freedom Party, the Democratic People's Front, the Vijayadharani Janata Sabha, the Frontline Socialist Party, and the Uttara Sabha, signed the declaration.However, the Janata Vimukthi Peramuna led National People's Power did not sign it.A unanimous decision was reached to strongly oppose individuall or collectively, any move made by the government to delay the polls, under the guise of electoral reforms.Opposition Leader Sajith Premadasa stated that the participants agreed that timely changes in respect of electoral laws, should be addressed, in a continuing time frame but insisted that this should not in any manner be used as a pretext for the postponement of elections.Any departure from the democratic and the electoral process would constitute an intolerable onslaught on the franchise of the people, he emphasized.

COLOMBO (News 1st) – Sri Lankan fishermen had refrained from setting out to sea on Friday (21) after the Met Department warned of heavy rain and strong winds, especially for the coastal areas.Multi-day boats in the Bay of Bengal and North Andaman sea are advised to return to shore or move to safer areas immediately due to strong winds and rough seas.The Met Department warned that a Low-Pressure Area formed over the North Andaman Sea and adjoining areas of the south Andaman Sea & Southeast Bay of Bengal on 20th October 2022.It is very likely to move west-northwestwards and intensify into a Depression over the same region around 22nd October.Fishermen from multiple coastal areas in Sri Lanka refrained from setting out to sea following the warning issued by the Met Department.News 1st correspondents said that the seas in Hikkaduwa were rough, while Galle was experiencing heavy rainfall since Thursday (20) night.Multi-day boats and other smaller boats did not set out to sea from Matara due to bad weather.News 1st correspondents said that Whale Watching Tour operators also suspended operations on Friday (21) due to bad weather.

COLOMBO (News 1st) – A Chinese vessel has reached Sri Lankan shores to assist in the salvage operations of the X-Press Pearl vessel that sand in Sri Lankan waters.The X-Press Pearl burnt and sank off the coast of Sri Lanka in May 2021, reportedly after two ports had refused to off-load a container leaking nitric acid – typically used in fertilizers and explosives – because they lacked the expertise and facilities to tend to the leak. This produced an ecological catastrophe.Sri Lanka's Marine Environment Protection Authority told News 1st that the Chinese salvage team will cut the vessel in half, and move the two parts of the vessel away from Sri Lanka.This operation will commence once favourable weather conditions prevail, and salvage operation will also include the removal of debris from the Sri Lankan ocean floor in an area of one square kilometer around the shipwreck.Incident Overview:On May 20, 2021, the Singapore -flagged Containership, ‘X-Press Pearl’ reported smoke from the cargo hold while at Colombo anchorage, Sri Lanka.On May 21, the vessel reported fire on deck.