NEWSLINE: Is Sri Lanka’s health sector in a critical state?

Jen Shah has been ordered to take psychiatric medication and get mental health counseling after her release from prison, according to documents obtained by TMZ.The 49-year-old Real Housewives Of Salt Lake City star has a little more than a month to go before she is supposed to surrender to federal authorities and begin serving her sentence for conspiracy to commit wire fraud on February 17.On January 6, a judge sentenced the Real Housewives of Salt Lake star to 6.5 years behind bars at a federal penitentiary in Texas, but with good behavior, she could be out in about five-and-a-half years.  Prison: Jen Shah, 49, Jen Shah has been ordered to take psychiatric medication and get mental health counseling after her release from prison, according to documents obtained by TMZAt her sentencing hearing, Jen entered 'sensitive' information about her mental health saying that, 'Longstanding untreated mental issues caused me to create my own fractured reality. With the proper medication I can now see what happened.'I wish I could have stood outside myself.

Jeremy Clarkson, 62, is fearful he could be at risk of developing Type 2 diabetes, with the Clarkson's Farm star injecting a Danish drug to prevent it.

Colombo (News 1st) – The National Election Commission requests the government, political parties, citizens of the country and other stakeholders involved to assist in creating an envoirnment to hold free and fair elections.The Chairman of the Election Commission Nimal Punchihewa pointed out several specific attempts made by various parties to disrupt the election even before the date for the calling of nominations. Among those incidents are, the false statements made by certain ministers regarding the election, the letter sent by the Secretary of the Ministry of Public Administration to the district secretaries asking them to temporarily suspend accepting deposits for the Local Government election, as well as the reporting of false information by certain media outlets regarding discussions between the Election Commission and the Inspector General of Police.Against such a backdrop the Election Commission has appealed to all stakeholders to support the commision in creating an envorment to hold a free and fair election.

Colombo (News 1st) – The National Dengue Control Unit says that 4178 Dengue patients were reported within the first two weeks of the year. The most number of patients were reported from the Colombo District and the number of patients were 871. The number of patients reported from the Gampaha District was at 846 as well.The number of dengue patients reported from the Kalutara district was at 224 while 190 patients were reported from Kandy as well for this year so far. 533 dengue patients were reported from the Puttalam District as well. The National Dengue Control Unit reported that 255 patients had been identified in the the Jaffna district as well within the first two weeks of this month. 

BEIJING : The World Health Organization has appealed to China to keep releasing information about its wave of COVID-19 infections after the government announced nearly 60,000 deaths since early December following weeks of complaints it was failing to tell the world what was happening. The announcement Saturday was the first official death toll since the ruling Communist Party abruptly dropped anti-virus restrictions in December despite a surge in infections that flooded hospitals. That left the WHO and other governments appealing for information, while the United States, South Korea and others imposed controls on visitors from China.

COLOMBO (News 1st) – Former Member of Parliament J. Sri Ranga was elected President of the Sri Lanka Football Federation in a close contest on Saturday (14th) at the Ministry of Sports.Two candidates including J. Sri Ranga competed for the position of President, alongside Jagath Rohana.

Colombo (News 1st) – If we look back at history, Mahiyangana was a crucial area that gave leadership to the great battle of Uva-Wellassa, as Sri Lankans struggled for their freedom.But today, the people living in this area have been neglected and are in dire straits.For generations, the village of Embalawatte suffered due to the lack of a proper bridge, which even led to the deaths of residents as they braved the raging the waters just trying to get to the other side. But starting today the people of this village will not face this problem anymore. Here's why.The people of this village in rural Embalawatte have no choice but to cross the Una-Gahala Oya everyday to get to school, work or even to a hospital. During the rainy seasons, this stream turns into a raging torrent.Villagers had placed several logs across this waterway as a makeshift bridge. However, when it rains this crossing becomes a death trap due to the gushing waters. Gammadda identified the plight of these villagers, and in October 2022 launched a project to construct a bridge for these people.The Airline Pilots Guild of Sri Lanka joined hands with Gammadda to take this project off the ground.Within a short span of two months, Gammadda was able to complete a this fully functional bridge for the village.The Gammadda bridge as the villagers have crissened it will serve these communities from today and saftly convey young and old from one shore to another as they get about their daily work.

Jamie Lee Curtis is in quarantine after testing positive for Covid-19. The actress, 64, announced the news on social media on Friday. 'F**k COVID!' wrote the star, who looked healthy on Tuesday evening at the Golden Globe Awards in Beverly Hills.The icon added that this means she will have to miss Sunday's Critics Choice Awards where she is nominated for Best Supporting Actress for her work in the film Everything Everywhere All at Once. Quarantine: Jamie Lee Curtis, 64, will be sitting out the  Critics Choice awards and other festivities after testing positive for Covid FridayShe wrote, 'Sadly, this head cheerleader is not going to be at all the weekend festivities cheering on her friends and colleagues.

Colombo (News 1st) – President of the Sri Lanka United Businesses Alliance Tania Abeysundara discusses ways to revive the economy's backbone and overcome challenges faced by the SME sector on Newsline.

COLOMBO (News 1st) – Sri Lanka's Public Administration & Home Affairs Secretary Neil Bandara Hapuhinna has apologized to the National Election Commission for issuing a letter directing District Secretaries and Returning Officers to refrain from accepting bonds for the Local Government Election.Commissioner General of Elections Saman Sri Ratnayake in a statement to News 1st said that the Public Administration Secretary was summoned to the Election Commission to inquire about the letter.Public Administration Secretary Neil Bandara Hapuhinna had told the Election Commission that he issued the letter as per a Cabinet decision and the powers vested in him, and after he realized that it was inappropriate he decided to recall the letter within an hour of sending it out.He had further noted that he had no intention of interfering with the process of the Election Commission, and only executed a cabinet decision.He had noted that as he decided to recall the letter within an hour of sending it out, there was no impact on the bond-accepting process, and it was further evident when 131 political parties and groups placed bonds the following day.Public Administration Secretary Neil Bandara Hapuhinna apologized to the National Election Commission for causing any inconvenience.

A previously healthy young mum claims she has developed asthma from living in a mouldy local authority house for the last few years.

COLOMBO (News 1st) – The body of a second youth, who was reported missing, was recovered from behind a house in Rambukkana on Friday (13) evening.Sri Lanka Police said that the two young men were missing for over a month.A missing person complaint was filed by the families of Mohamed Anwar Mohamed Arfan from Kiringadeniya, and Mohamed Nafaz Mohamed Ali from Shafia-Watte stating they were missing since 28th November last year.Later, it was revealed that the men were murdered and buried near a house in Rambukkana.Sri Lanka Police suspect the two men were attacked and killed by a drug dealer following a dispute, and later buried in the garden of a house.A search was carried out based on a court order, and one of the bodies was found buried in the garden. The remains were wrapped in polythene.The body of the other young man was discovered on Friday (13) evening.The bodies were buried under a  concrete layer of three inches.

EKIN Su’s boyfriend Davide Sanclimenti reassured fans she was OK last night after the star was forced to pull out of Dancing On Ice training. The Love Island winner, who is partnered with Brendyn Hatfield, was banned from hitting the ice by doctors after falling ill – just days before the first live show.

COLOMBO (News 1st) – Parliamentarian Channa Jayasumana says the Freedom People’s Alliance will never join with the Sri Lanka Podujana Peramuna.He said that all progressive movements that follow the middle path and love the country, have joined to form the Freedom People’s Alliance, and it would eventually become a powerful political force in the country."When our alliance was formed, one of the main agreements among the groups was not to join with the SLPP under any circumstance," he added.He also said "We have no intention of landing the helicopter in Medamulana"The Sri Lanka Freedom Party, Freedom People's Congress, Uththara Lanka Sabhagaya, as well as 12 parties and 62 groups came together to form a new alliance to contest the upcoming local government election.

COLOMBO (News 1st) – The Chairman of the Mawanella Pradeshiya Sabha was arrested by the officers attached to the Commission to Investigate Allegations of Bribery or Corruption on Friday (13) for soliciting a bribe of Rs. 2 Million.The Mawanella Pradeshiya Sabha is controlled by the Sri Lanka Podujana Peramuna, and its Chairman was arrested for soliciting a bribe to pass a building plan.He was arrested while accepting the bribe of Rs.

India Union Minister Nitin Gadkari on Thursday (12) aid that Sri Lanka and Bangladesh have shown their keenness to import ethanol from India.The minister of road transport and highways said that he discussed about ethanol with the government of both the countries—Sri Lanka and Bangladesh."I was able to discuss this matter with PM of Bangladesh and even the Sri Lankan minister.

COLOMBO (News 1st) – The National Election Commission on Friday (13) informed the Supreme Court that the Local Government Election will go ahead as planned.The Election Commission informed the Supreme Court about this matter when a petition filed by Retired Sri Lanka Army Colonel W. M.

COLOMBO (News 1st) – Sri Lanka Police interdicted Moneragala SSP Sisila Kumara who was arrested for the possession of cannabis.Sri Lanka Police said that Moneragala SSP Sisila Kumara was interdicted with the approval of the National Police Commission.Recently, the Police Special Task Force recovered 20.5 kilograms of cannabis hidden inside the ceiling of the SSP's official residence.The SPP, his driver, and four others were arrested by the Police Special Task Force following the incident.In addition, the Criminal Investigations Department arrested the OIC of Ethimale for providing the Moneragala SSP with the cannabis that was seized.

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

COLOMBO (News 1st) – One wild elephant was killed after it was knocked down by a speeding train in Hathares Kotuwa, Habarana on Friday (13) morning.Sri Lanka Railways said another two wild elephants were injured in the accident.The train bound to Colombo from Batticaloa was derailed following the incident in Habarana.Sri Lanka Railways said that operations along the Batticaloa route were delayed, due to the derailment.

COLOMBO (News 1st) – The Sri Lankan Government is preparing to celebrate the 75th National Independence Day at a cost of Rs. 200 Million.Ashoka Priyantham, the State Minister of Home Affairs said an estimate was given for Rs.

Bangladesh Bank on Thursday (12) granted Sri Lanka six more months to repay the $200 million loan after the Island nation requested to extend the repayment period due to its prolonged economic crisis.A senior official of the central bank, on condition of anonymity, said the board of directors of Bangladesh Bank has extended the repayment tenure.The Island nation, which has been facing an acute greenback shortage for months, borrowed $200 million from Bangladesh in May 2021.The country was scheduled to repay the loans by April last year, but it failed to do so.In April last year, Sri Lanka announced defaulting on its entire $51 billion of external debt.As per the agreement between the two countries, Sri Lanka was supposed to repay the loan by March.But the Island nation is still facing an acute shortage of foreign exchange reserves, which has compelled it to request BB to extend the repayment period.BB has extended the deadline at a time when its foreign exchange reserves are depleting at a faster pace.As per the new deadline, Sri Lanka will have to repay the loan by September this year.Bangladesh has already sought credit support from several multilateral lender agencies, including the International Monetary Fund.The reserves of Bangladesh stood at $32.52 billion on January 11 in contrast to $44.92 billion in the same period a year ago, according to data from the central bank.– Daily Star

Colombo (News 1st) – Watch a News1st exclusive: Breaking Barriers with Resilience & Empowerment. The BBC's Zeinab Badawi was interviewed by Faraz Shauketaly on Newsline. On YouTube and Facebook.

Christina Hall revealed she has scheduled 'a couple of appointments' about getting her breast implants removed after experiencing 'unexplained health' issues for years.After suffering from mercury and lead poisoning and years of 'unexplained health' issues last month, the HGTV star, 39, has been taking every step to heal her body. 'I'm just really focused on doing a cleanse right now, eating super clean,' the mother-of-three told E! News.  Health first: Christina Hall revealed she has scheduled 'a couple of appointments' about getting her breast implants removed after experiencing 'unexplained health' issues for yearsShe continued: 'I'm doing supplement detox and there's a local wellness place nearby where I've been doing hyperbaric chambers and IVs.' Her precautions and treatments have already helped her to feel '75 percent better.'Still, she plans on getting her breast 'implants removed' after fears they made be causing some of her 'unexplained' ailments.  Already feeling better: After suffering from mercury and lead poisoning and years of 'unexplained health' issues last month, the HGTV star, 39, has been taking every step to heal her body Last month, the Flip or Flop alum speculated on Instagram that her work renovating homes is also one of the sources of her issues.'[The problems] most likely from all the gross houses I’ve been in and I have small intestine bacteria overgrowth,' she told her social media followers.Lead poisoning occurs over time and is a result of continuous exposure to the dangerous chemical. While its use in houses and buildings is tightly regulated in the US, many older homes still have lead paint, pipes and other material.

I don’t want to buy health insurance but want a critical illness plan where I can get the full sum insured irrespective of the actual cost for several diseases. I got this information from an insurance agent. Please let me know how does critical illness insurance work. Also, why should one have regular health insurance if there is a critical health policy? —Name withheld on request A critical illness plan is a fixed benefit plan.

₹2,400 per tonne from the previous week to align with global prices, while India rebar prices rose by ₹1,800 a tonne. However domestic HRC prices are at modest discounts to Chinese imports, but at a premium to the imports from South Korea and Japan.

COLOMBO (News 1st) – The Ceylon Electricity Board announced that the electricity tariff will be increased with effect from the 15th of January, as per the decision reached by the Cabinet of Ministers.CEB General Manager Rohan Seneviratne told reporters that the Public Utilities Commission of Sri Lanka will be apprised of the data on the tariff hike within a month.As per the proposal that was approved by the Cabinet of Ministers, the fixed rates for domestic electricity units will also be increased from the 15th of January.For Units 0 to 30: Fixed Rate increased from Rs. 120/- to Rs.

COLOMBO (News 1st) – Sri Lanka Police arrested two men for aiding and abetting in the murder of a man in Bastian Mawatha, Colombo and injuring another.Sri Lanka Police said that it received information about the motorcycle that was used by the gunmen in last year's shooting, and visited Piliyandala to conduct a raid where officers arrested a suspect in possession of the motorcycle.Following the interrogation of the suspect, police officers arrested another suspect from Mattakuliya for handing over the motorcycle to the suspect from Piliyandala.On the 30th of May 2022, One person was killed and another was injured in a shooting near the Private Bus Terminal at Bastian Mawatha, Colombo.Police investigations revealed that the man who was gunned had attended a court hearing at the Hultsdorf Court with three others before he was targeted by two masked gunmen.According to Police, four men had exited the court and one of them had left on a motorcycle. Thereafter, two men on a motorcycle approached the three men at the Bus Terminal and opened fire using a T-56 Assault Rifle.Investigations revealed that the three men were previously employed as security officers attached to a restaurant in Cinnamon Gardens, and a case was filed against them following an incident said to have taken place at the restaurant.Police officers also uncovered that the men were supposed to pay a certain sum to the court over the incident.An eye-witness told News 1st that the shooters fired several rounds in broad daylight when hundreds were moving in and out of the Bastian Mawatha Private Bus Terminal.News 1st inquiries revealed that the three men who were targeted had once served in the Commando Regiment of the Sri Lanka Army, and after leaving service

MICHAEL Flatley shocked fans after revealing last night that he was battling cancer. The 64-year-old dancer broke the news on Facebook and said he had undergone surgery because of the "aggressive" disease. The Riverdance star is currently being cared for by a team of doctors in hospital.

COLOMBO (News 1st) – Sri Lanka's Supreme Court on Thursday (12) found Former President Maithripala Sirisena, his Defence Secretary, the Police Chief during his time, as well as the then Chief of National Intelligence, and Director of State Intelligence guilty of violating fundamental right.11 Fundamental Rights petitions were filed with the Supreme Court, claiming that the Sri Lankan administration failed to prevent the 2019 Easter Sunday Attacks, despite having information about an imminent attack.The applications contain revelations of reckless failure on the part of the Executive Branch of the government and the Petitioners allege that these illegal omissions effectively betray the people and public trust by recklessly failing to take cognizance and accord due priority to intelligence information received regarding the premeditation of the attacks which could have been prevented if proactive and timely response had been taken.The respondents named in the petitions are Former President Maithripala Sirisena, Former Defence Secretary Hemasiri Fernando, Former Police Chief Pujith Jayasundara, Former National Intelligence Service Chief Sisira Mendis, and Former State Intelligence Services Chief Nilantha Jayawardena.Maithripala Sirisena:The Supreme Court observed that multiple gazettes bestowed 23 duties on the President as a Minister of Defence, thus an increase of duties vested in the Minister.The Supreme Court observed that an exponential range of powers over security continued to be bestowed on Minister of Defence as the years rolled by and it cannot be gainsaid that the Minister of Defence was the repository of the national security of the country. The Supreme Court noted that the custody of personal liberty and

Long Covid subtype impacting cardiac and renal systems was the most common—34% of patients fell into this category Even though infections related to COVID are significantly mild now, what it still worrying is the long-term effects of the disease, i.e long COVID.  Till now, much about the condition has remained unclear, including how long it lasts and researchers have been studying the symptoms to understand more about the disease. Now, a new study has revealed that there are as many as 4 subtypes of long COVID, and many of the symptoms are serious.

died aged 88.The late star’s husband, director John D Hancock, confirmed the sad news that his wife had died in her sleep on January 8.The pair had been married for 48 years, after first tying the knot in 1975.Dorothy died surrounded by her husband and her caretaker, Marcia Brodhacker, her representation has confirmed.The Hollywood actress had tragically been battling Alzheimer's disease for the past 10 years, according to Variety.Dorothy made her film debut in 1970’s X-rated movie End of the Road.From there, she went on to star alongside Jane Fonda and Donald Sutherland in the Oscar-nominated film Klute the following year.Some fans might also recognise the actress from 1973’s road movie Scarecrow.She also became a huge local star in the town of Michiana, Michigan after shooting the 1989 Christmas film Prancer on location there.Dorothy also co-wrote and starred in 2015 drama The Looking Glass, which served as her final role.She returned to acting for the part after spending decades away from showbiz, with her husband John directing the movie.The production saw Dorothy star as a woman with dementia symptoms who looked after her troubled teen granddaughter and the film was set in the couple’s Indiana home.John is an established stage and film director, probably best known for his sports drama film Bang the Drum Slowly.Dorothy was born on May 9, 1934, and raised in the Yorkville area of Manhattan.She attended Washington Irving High School and the School of Industrial Arts in New York.The star first started out as a model, travelling to Europe and appearing on covers of Life magazine and Vogue.Before she met husband John, she was married to director Aram A.

COLOMBO (News 1st) – Sri Lanka's Finance Ministry said that a circular on slashing 5% of the budgeted funds of the ministries will be issued soon.A Senior Officer at the Finance Ministry said the circular will be directed to the Ministry Secretaries in due course.President Ranil Wickremesinghe had informed the cabinet that the fund allocations made via the budget for all ministries will have to be cut down by 5%.This was announced by Minister Bandula Gunawardena, the Cabinet Spokesperson on Tuesday (10) at the weekly Cabinet media briefing."There is no stable income to even support the essential welfare expenses.

Colombo (News 1st) – A News1st exclusive: Breaking Barriers with Resilience & Empowerment. The BBC's Zeinab Badawi interviewed by Faraz Shauketaly on Newsline.

COLOMBO (News 1st) – Sri Lanka's Supreme Court has ordered the government pay Rs. 1 Million as compensation per person to those who were killed in the 2019 Easter Sunday Attacks.The Supreme Court on Thursday (12) ruled that the respondents named in the Fundamental Rights petitions for failing to prevent the 2019 Easter Sunday attacks, despite having credible information of an imment attack, had violated the Fundamental Rights of the petitioners.The respondents named in the petitions are Former President Maithripala Sirisena, Former Defence Secretary Hemasiri Fernando, Former Police Chief Pujith Jayasundara, Former National Intelligence Service Chief Sisira Mendis, and Former State Intelligence Services Chief Nilantha Jayawardena.Court ordered Former President Maithripala Sirisena to pay a compensation of Rs.

Imperial researchers have developed a low-cost, easy-to-manufacture stabiliser for broken bones to help in regions where such devices are expensive or in short supply and people sometimes resort to homemade options.The stabiliser, known as an external fixator, holds broken bones in place with metal pins or screws attached to a surrounding metal frame.When soft tissue is severely damaged together with bone, external fixators are the first step in keeping fractures in legs and arms in place before an operation to definitively fix the bones can be carried out.However, their cost and low availability in many regions mean people resort to homemade or low-quality fixators that may lead to serious complications or improper healing.The Imperial external fixator is currently being tested in Gaza and Sri Lanka, and since the invasion of Ukraine, more than 500 fixators have been manufactured in Poland to help with the crisis.This fixator, details of which are published in Frontiers in Medical Technology, is low-cost and has a lightweight design that can be manufactured locally to international standards. The team developed the design and a toolkit to allow repeated precise manufacture of the fixator anywhere in the world, including in the least developed countries.In Sri Lanka, it is being tested for road traffic accidents, which account for around 70 percent of fractures in low- and middle-income countries (LMICs).

COLOMBO (News 1st) – Sri Lankan President Ranil Wickremesinghe will virtually attend the 'Voice of Global South Summit' in India.Ranil Wickremesinghe will be among 20 world leaders who will participate in the two-day summit, which has the theme “Unity of voice, unity of purpose”, and will bring together developing countries on a common platform.Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi will inaugurate the virtual Voice of Global South Summit on Thursday (12).The summit will provide a platform to developing countries to present their priorities and challenges related to developmental issues.The summit envisages 10 sessions, four on Thursday and six on Friday.Each session is expected to witness the participation of leaders and ministers from 10 to 20 countries.Modi will chair two sessions for heads of state and government, one each at the start and conclusion of the summit.The summit is also part of India’s effort to strengthen its credentials as a representative of the Global South.According to the Hindustan Times, the Indian external affairs ministry said last week that more than 120 countries were being invited to the summit, though there was no clarity on the confirmed participants.

BBC – Sri Lanka's central bank has urged China and India to agree a write-down of their loans as soon as possible, reported the BBC on Thursday (12).The crisis-hit Indian Ocean state defaulted on its debt repayments and negotiated a $2.9bn (£2.4bn) bailout.But the International Monetary Fund will not release the cash until China and India first agree to reduce Sri Lanka's billions of dollars of debt.The governor of Sri Lanka's central bank told BBC Newsnight it was in the interest of all parties to act quickly.Dr. Nandalal Weerasinghe said: "The sooner they give us finance assurances that would be better for both [sides], as a creditor, as a debtor.""That will help us to start repaying their obligations," he added."We don't want to be in this kind of situation, not meeting the obligations, for too long.

COLOMBO (News 1st) – Rear Admiral Eileen Laubacher, Senior Director for South Asia of the US National Security Council called on President Ranil Wickremesinghe on Wednesday (11), and the President's Media Division said the United States values Sri Lanka’s partnership and is keen to further strengthen ties between the two countries through a broad array of partnerships.During the meeting, the Rear Admiral expressed her government’s appreciation for the recovery efforts undertaken by President Wickremesinghe in regard to the economic crisis in the country, said the PMD in a statement.President Wickremesinghe had outlined the government’s economic plans including the economic reforms being undertaken.The President also discussed maritime matters, including the increased efforts by the Government to crack down on the narcotics trade.Laubacher also met Senior Advisor to the President on National Security and President’s Chief of Staff Sagala Ratnayaka following the meeting with the President.U.S.

COLOMBO (News 1st) – Sri Lankan President Ranil Wickremesinghe held talks with the Chairman of the Export-Import Bank of China Wu Fulin on Tuesday (10).During the video conference both sides exchanged views on bilateral cooperation and Sri Lanka's current debt issues, said the Chinese Embassy in Colombo.The two sides agreed to further strengthen exchanges and collaboration on the resolution of Sri Lanka's debt issues, and help the island's economic recovery and sustainable development

The change of presidents of Sri Lanka in 2022 did not lead to any improvement in the country’s human rights record, Human Rights Watch said on Thursday (12) in its World Report 2023.During 2022, thousands of Sri Lankans took to the streets after years of misrule, impunity, and corruption undermined the rule of law and contributed to a severe economic crisis that threatened millions. President Gotabaya Rajapaksa, long implicated in grave rights violations, stepped down in July. However, the new president, Ranil Wickremesinghe, cracked down on largely peaceful protests, imprisoned activists, and disregarded calls for justice for past violations.“President Ranil Wickremesinghe responded to calls for reform and accountability with repression,” said Meenakshi Ganguly, South Asia director at Human Rights Watch.

Colombo (News 1st) – The Sri Lanka Freedom Party, the Nidahas Janatha Sabhawa, Uththara Lanka Sabhagaya, 12 parties and 62 groups came together on Wednesday (11) to form a new alliance to contest the upcoming local government election. The new alliance has been named the Nidahas Janatha Sandhanaya or Freedom Peoples' Alliance. They will contest under symbol of the Helicopter.

Colombo (News 1st) – Chairman of the National Election Commission Attorney Nimal Punchihewa stated that there are no divisions amongst the commission members. "In any institution, be it a commission, agency, or even the Supreme Court, various opinions are put forth when a decision is being made – that is the order of things" he stated. "That has happened within this commission as well.

Over 15 lakh passengers have been traced & out of them over 200 passengers have been detected as Covid positive. Owing to the sudden COVID surge globally, Centre is tracing all the airports to ensure that no new variant enters the country.

The senior Congress leader was admitted to Sir Ganga Ram Hospital with a viral infection. Former Congress president Sonia Gandhi, who was admitted to Sir Ganga Ram Hospital, was discharged from the hospital on Tuesday around 3 pm, Dr Ajay Swaroop, Chairman Board of Management at the hospital, said.  The senior leader was admitted to Sir Ganga Ram Hospital with a viral infection.

Colombo (News 1st) – NEWSLINE: Nadima, an Afghan humanitarian, talks to Faraz Shauketaly about 'Reconciliation and Resilience'. Watch on YouTube. 

Colombo (News 1st) – India won game one of the three match ODI series against Sri Lanka depsite some late heroics by Sri Lankan skipper Dasun Shanaka in Guwahati, India.After the visitors won the toss and chose to field, the home side got off to a blistering start with openers Rohit Sharma and Shubman Gill putting on 143 for the first wicket. The partnership was broken when Gill was dismissed for 70 in the 20th over.

COLOMBO (News 1st) – The Media Division of the United National Party in a statement on Tuesday (10) evening said that the UNP is engaged in discussions with political parties, factions, and groups that support the government with regard to the upcoming Local Government Election.It added that several rounds of discussions took place recently among the UNP members and the representatives from the other parties, and among them is the Sri Lanka Podujana Peramuna.The statement said that the UNP is expected to engage in talks with other parties and groups shortly. It added that the UNP Chairman Vajira Abeywardena, UNP Deputy Leader Ruwan Wijewardena, UNP General Secretary Palitha Range Bandara, and UNP Executive Director represented the party at these discussions.It added that the talks are yet to reach the final stages, and when the discussions are over the manner in which the UNP will contest the Local Government Election will be announced officially.