Millennium City Scandal: Court rejects request to release defendant

COLOMBO (News 1st); Passport services at the Department of Immigration and Emigration were delayed on Monday (13) due to a system issue.Harsha Ilukpitiya, the Controller General of the Immigration and Emigration Department, told News 1st that an issue arose with the system at around 10:30 AM.A large number of people who visited the department to obtain single-day services with regard to their passports were severely inconvenienved by this delay.The Controller General of the Immigration and Emigration Department said that those who did not receive their passports on Monday (13) would have their passports sent to them by post at the expense of the department.

COLOMBO (News 1st); The strike launched by a group of Railway workers was called off on Monday (13) afternoon.A group of Railway Drivers had launched a trade union action citing that an officer at Sri Lanka Railways had instituted disciplinary action against a group of fellow railway workers.The General Manager of Railways said that the strike was called off following a discussion.Indika Dodangoda – Convener of the Union Federation to Uplift Sri Lanka Railways – told News 1st that the strike was called off following a reasonable solution being provided to the issue. However, 23 train operations were cancelled on Monday (13) morning due to the strike.A large number of people who were hoping to return to work following the weekend were severely inconvenienced due to a strike action launched by a group of Train Drivers on Monday (13) morning.A large number of commuters put their lives on the line as they were seen clinging to the trains to get to work.A group of Train Drivers had decided to go on an unannounced strike on Monday (13) morning against the conduct of a Work Supervisor who was very strict concerning the time reporting to work, and time leaving work.

An initial shipment of 600 metric tons of fortified rice funded by the U.S. Agency for International Development (USAID) arrived in Sri Lanka last week to support the Government of Sri Lanka’s national school meal program.According to a Crop and Food Security Assessment Mission report by U.N.’s World Food Program (WFP) and the Food and Agriculture Organization, nearly thirty percent of the Sri Lankan population is currently facing food insecurity.

HIP-HOP legend Trugoy the Dove who cofounded trio De La Soul has passed away after suffering from congestive heart failure. Dave Jolicoeur's death was confirmed by the group's publicist on Sunday. He was just 54.

COLOMBO (News 1st); Sri Lanka Police arrested 31 people from Biyagama for the possession of Party Drugs.They were arrested while partying at a hotel in Bandarawatte, Biyagama and the gathering was organized via Facebook.The suspects are residents of Mattakkuliya, Mutuwal, Wellampitiya, Maradana, Grandpass, Peliyagoda and Kelaniya.The suspects will be produced to the Mahara Magistrate's Court.

India reported 82 new covid cases in the last 24 hours, the union health ministry data showed on Monday. While active cases declined to 1,837, the total number of covid cases has reached 44.7 million so far. India has recorded 530,753 covid-related deaths since the onset of pandemic.

COLOMBO (News 1st); The National Election Commission said that around 30,000 applications for postal voting for the upcoming Local Government Election were rejected.The NEC said a majority of the applicants had submitted incomplete applications.It added that approximately 675,000 applications were submitted for postal voting for the 2023 Local Government Election.The secure packages containing the postal vote ballot papers will be handed over to the Department of Posts on the 15th of February, and the official ballot papers for the election will be handed over on the 19th of February.Approximately 200,000 state employees will be assigned to election duty.Postal voting for the 2023 Local Government Election will take place on the 22nd, 23rd, and 24th of February.

Colombo (News 1st) – The Attorney General has filed an appeal before the Colombo High Court calling to set aside the order issued by the Colombo Chief Magistrate in releasing the Convenor of the Inter University Students Federation Wasantha Mudalige from all charges filed against him.The Attorney General's Department said the appeal was filed before the High Court on Friday (10).The Appeal was filed by the Attorney General on the grounds that a Magistrate does not have the authority to release a suspect who is arrested and remanded under the Prevention of Terrorism Act, until the Attorney General's advice is provided. In his appeal, the Attorney General has stated that this order was made by the Colombo Chief Magistrate without considering the objections raised by the state counsel.The Attorney General also pointed out that releasing a suspect from all charges under these circumstances by a Magistrate Court violates the law of the country. Therefore the Attorney General has requested the High Court of Colombo to set aside the order issued by the Colombo Chief Magistrate's Court. Wasantha Mudalige, who was arrested and remanded under the PTA, was released on the 31st of January 2023 after the Colombo Chief Magistrate considered the requests made by counsels representing him.

COLOMBO (News1 st) – Can the old forests of Sri Lanka be restored to its former glory keeping in mind the economical benefits it provided to humans living among it? News 1st's Dhisal Kapuge files this report in hopes of finding answers to that question. WATCH FULL VIDEO:  

Colombo (News1st) – Speaker Mahinda Yapa Abeywardana says the letter submitted by a group of Parliamentarians stating that the National Election Commission violated their privileges, will be forwarded to the Committee on Parliamentary Business.He stated it will be submitted to the Parliamentary Privileges Committee based on the decision taken by the party leaders.The Speaker said the Parliamentary Privileges Committee has not yet been appointed for the new Parliament session.The Speaker said therefore the letter will be presented at the next party leaders meeting.He added, a group of MPs submitted the letter to him on Thursday (9).

COLOMBO (News 1st) – A Custom official said that 206 Live star tortoises were being smuggled out of Sri Lanka to Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia.The star tortoises were seized by Sri Lanka Custom's Biodiversity, Cultural and National Heritage Protection Division on Saturday(11) at the BIA based on intelligence.The tortoises were placed inside six boxes labeled "Dried Sea Foods" after being placed inside cloth sacks. 

Covid cases are constantly declining across the country with Karnataka reporting 123 active cases while Kerala with 1,248 active cases New Delhi : India has reported 124 new covid cases in the last 24 hours, the Union health ministry data on Sunday. The total number of covid cases have reached 44.7 million, with 530,750 covid related deaths since the onset of covid pandemic. Covid cases are constantly declining across the country with Karnataka reporting 123 active cases while Kerala with 1,248 active cases.

COLOMBO (News 1st) – The Health Ministry has taken a decision to delay surgeries that are not urgent, in government hospitals – Health Minister

COLOMBO (News 1st) – A massive rescue operation to save 14 beached pilot whales was underway in the coastal town of Kalpitiya, Sri Lanka.The pilot whales had washed up on the Kudawa beach in Kandakuliya early on Saturday (11).Three of the whales were confirmed dead by Sri Lanka Police.Efforts to rescue the remaining 11 were underway, led by Sri Lanka Navy, police, and wildlife officers. 

COLOMBO (News 1st) – A minor tremor was reported near the Wellawaya Town on Saturday (11) morning.This follows two minor tremors reported on Friday (10) afternoon in Wellawaya and Buttala. Saturday's tremor measured a magnitude of 2.3, and was reported at about 03:48 am."There is no threat was reported to the area", Acting Director General of the Geological Survey & Mines Bureau Janaka Ajith Prema said.A team of geologists was deployed to Buttala to investigate the tremors that were reported.

COLOMBO (News 1st) – The Professionals' Trade Unions will meet on Monday to discuss the measures that will be taken against the government's unjust tax regime, to levy excessive taxes from 6 percent to 36 percent for monthly incomes exceeding 100,000 rupees. The meeting will be held at the head office of the Government Medical Officers' Association.The Professionals' Trade Unions consists of 40 trade unions including the GMOA, FUTA, Faculty of Medicine Teachers Association, CEB Engineer's Union and the Ceylon Bank Employees' Union.

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

Indian Union minister L.

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

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

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