Price Drop: CPC reduces price of Auto Diesel by Rs. 10/- from Monday (5)

This story has been published from a wire agency feed without modifications to the text. Only the headline has been changed.

COLOMBO (News 1st) – The All Ceylon Egg Producers Association warns that if the government goes ahead with its decision to import eggs, the local producers would step away from the industry.The Chairman of the All Ceylon Egg Producers Association speaking to News 1st said that importing eggs would put the local industry at risk.,However, the Cabinet of Ministers granted approval to import eggs, Minister of Trade Nalin Fernando said on Monday (2) evening.In December 2022, as a solution to the high price of eggs, a special program was launched by the Government to sell eggs at the price of Rs. 55/ in the Colombo and Gampaha districts.Eggs were sold for Rs.

COLOMBO (News 1st) – The Chairman of the Public Utilities Commission of Sri Lanka Janaka Ratnayake said it is not the appropriate time to go ahead with the proposed electricity tariff hike.Speaking to the staff on the first working day of 2023 Ratnayake said that on multiple occasions the political authority had attempted to do away with the independence of the Public Utilities Commission of Sri Lanka.He said that if the Cabinet gives the green light to a proposal that is harmful to the people, the PUCSL will not hesitate to reject the decision, adding if the tariff hike is requested according to accepted norms, it would be considered."The PUCSL is at a challenging moment," he said.

Colombo (News 1st) – Former President of Sri Lanka Gotabaya Rajapaksa has applied for restoration of his US citizenship, the Hindustan Times reported. Quoting a foreign newspaper, the Hidustan Times reported, "This comes as he failed to get asylum in any country. Gotabaya Rajapaksa had fled Sri Lanka in July last year.

State Pension provides essential financial support for nearly 12.5 million older people across the UK, including 981,399 living in Scotland. This regular payment is available for those who have reached the UK Government’s eligible retirement age, which is now 66 for both men and women, and have paid at least 10 years worth of National Insurance Contributions.

COLOMBO (News 1st) – The Chairman and an activist of the Student Union of the University of Kelaniya were arrested by Thalangama Police.They were arrested for damaging the gate of the Education Ministry on the 10th of July 2022.The Chairman of the Student Union of the University of Kelaniya  Kelum Mudannayake, and activist Dilshan Harshana were arrested by Thalangama Police when they visited the Police Station to provide a statement.They will be prododuced to the Kaduwela Magistrate's Court on Tuesday (3).

COLOMBO (News 1st) – Sri Lanka Railways said that multiple train operations scheduled for Monday (2) evening are likely to be cancelled.A Senior Official at Sri Lanka Railways said that the shortage of staff had led to a situation of trains likely being cancelled.Ten office trains scheduled for Monday (2) morning were cancelled.The Railways Control Room said that these trains were to operate on the Kelani Valley, Coastal, Puttlam and Main routes.Around 30,000 Public Sector employees retired on the 31st of December last year, and around 500 workers from Sri Lanka Railways also went on retirement.Railway Trade Unions said that this has put multiple operations at Sri Lanka Railways in limbo.However, Sri Lanka Railways was granted permission to re-employ on a contract basis around 300 essential service employees who were set to retire at 60 years of age on 31 December 2022.Permission was granted based on the recommendations made by the Committee led by the Prime Minister's Secretary, as well as the President's Secretary.Sri Lanka Railways said that these employees will be in service on contract basis.

COLOMBO (News 1st) – Former British Prime Minister David Cameron, who is on a private visit to Sri Lanka, met President Ranil Wickremesinghe at the President's Office on Monday morning (02).During a friendly discussion, Former British Prime Minister David Cameron extended his best wishes to President Wickremesinghe for the New Year.President’s Senior Adviser on National Security and President’s Chief of Staff, Mr.

New Delhi: A group of high-ranking Sri Lankan Buddhist Monks, who were on a pilgrimage to Bodh Gaya recently, is now seeking His Holiness Dalai Lama's visit to Sri Lanka, which is reeling under a severe economic crisis.They met the Buddhist spiritual leader the Dalai Lama in Bodh Gaya on December 27 and were overwhelmed by witnessing a large gathering at the holy city.Most Venerable Waskaduwe Mahindawansa Mahanayake Thero, Mahanayake Thero, Sri Sambuddha Sasanodaya Sangha Sabha told ANI in an interview, "His Holiness came to India and people should know why he came to India. Why he settled down in India? India helped His Holiness, and now because of His Holiness, we know thousands of tourists are in Bodh Gaya."He added, "These days, Bodh Gaya is very cold and people usually don't come, but people are there because of His Holiness.

COLOMBO (News 1st) – Sri Lankan President Ranil Wickremesinghe has urged all to work together to ensure that Sri Lanka returns to normalcy by the end of 2023.The Head of State made this remark during an event held at the President's Office in Colombo on Monday (2).President Ranil Wickremesinghe said that no one can shirk their responsibilities for the country in the year 2023, which is a crucial year for the Sri Lankan economy, and invited all public servants to dedicate themselves towards making Sri Lanka a prosperous nation in the New Year.He extended this invitation to the Presidential Secretariat staff during the oath-taking ceremony for the New Year 2023 before commencing their duties on Monday morning (02)."Five and a half months ago, we took over a historic task at this office. During those five and a half months, we took steps to establish normalcy in the country at a time when the government had collapsed and the economy had also collapsed.

COLOMBO (News 1st) – The three armed forces and Sri Lana Police have launched a joint program to crack down on drugs in Sri Lanka, said Navy Commander  Vice Admiral Priyantha Perera in an Exclusive with News 1st."There is a network operating in Sri Lanka in relation to drugs, that also involves fishing boats as well," he said.According to the Navy Commander drug shipments often reach Sri Lanka's maritime border and then transfer the haul into a Sri Lankan boat. "It's like a game of cops and robbers," remarked the Navy Commander.He said that it is impossible to say the drug menace will be eradicated 100%, as what authorities see is just the tip of the iceberg.

COLOMBO (News 1st): President Ranil Wickremesinghe in his new year message stated that Sri Lanka has gone through the "bleakest of times" and thanked the public for their "patience and courage" in the face of measures taken to stabilise the economy. "2023 will be a critical year in which we plan to turn around the economy," stated the President while wishing all Sri Lankans a "happy and peaceful new year."The Head of State admitted that the cries of the youth for a system change "cannot be ignored" adding that "proposed social, economic and political reforms" need to be implemented boldly. President's New Year Greeting "We are looking at the New Year 2023 after having undergone the bleakest of times, immense hardships, as well as the uncertainties and hopelessness of the last year. I understand the great burdens that are placed on all of us and the setbacks that a majority of us have suffered due to the country’s abject economic collapse.

COLOMBO (News 1st) – The proposal containing the electricity tariff amendment that will be in effect from 2023, will be presented to the Cabinet of Ministers on Monday (2).The Cabinet Paper will be presented by Energy Minister Kanchana Wijesekera.The process that should be followed with respect to amending the elctricity tariffs is mentioned in Article 30 of the Sri Lanka Electricity Act.Accordingly, the Ceylon Electricity Board must prepare a proposal and produce it to the Public Utilities Commission of Sri Lanka.Thereafter, the proposal will be reviewed for justification, and when necessary public opinion will also be obtained.If concessions are to be provided, the treasury needs to be consulted and thereafter a process will be adopted to amend the electricity tariff.According to the country's Power & Energy Minister the objective of this tariff hike is to cover the cost of providing a continuous supply of electricity. He made this remark during a media briefing in December 2022.One of the scenarios presented by the CEB engineers will be used for this purpose, and according to the Minister the generation plan is as follows:27% from hydro-power 28% from Coal 13% from Diesel and Furnace Oil 2% Wind Power  12% from Private Diesel or Furnace Oil Power Plants.

Covid-19: Currently, India's active caseload stands at 2,670. India saw a decline in daily Covid-19 cases as the country reported 173 new coronavirus infections in the past 24 hours, taking the cumulative tally to 4.46 crore (4,46,78,822), according to Union Health Ministry data updated on Monday.  On Sunday, the country logged 265 fresh coronavirus infections.  Currently, India's active caseload stands at 2,670, that comprises 0.01% of the total infections.

A company linked to the husband of Scottish businesswoman Michelle Mone ploughed tens of thousands of pounds into the Conservatives.

THE Pogues singer Shane MacGowan has shared an alarming health update after being taken to hospital. The 65-year-old star went to hospital earlier this month, as revealed by his wife Victoria May Clarke. Victoria, 56, did not say what was wrong with the star at the time, but he’s known to have faced health problems in recent years.

Victims’ families set out to find killers as authorities grapple with shift in clearance rates When homicides surged across America during the pandemic, murders of Black women and girls rose more dramatically than other groups.

Risk profile!

Colombo (News 1st) – United States Ambassador to Sri Lanka Julie Chung has recalled the multitude of ways the US and Sri Lanka have come together in 2022 to make a difference."In 2022 alone, the United States has announced more than $240 million in new assistance to Sri Lanka", Taking to Twitter, the Ambassador said."That new assistance supports basic food security and addresses the needs of the most vulnerable communities, including funding for school lunches, fertilizer for small holder farmers, and cash assistance for new and expectant mothers," she said."We are also supporting loans, training & assistance for SMEs in Sri Lanka, as they face the heaviest burden in times of crisis. This assistance is on top of our existing development partnership working with government, the private sector, civil society, and the people of Sri Lanka," she added."The relationship between the two countries, however, is much bigger than just about assistance.

COLOMBO (News 1st): Notorious underworld gangster Mohamed Najim Mohamed Imran alias ‘Kanjipani’ Imran sneaked into Rameswaram days after his release on bail by a court in Sri Lanka according to police sources, reported The Hindu.The Tamil Nadu intelligence has sounded an alert to senior police officers across the State to mount vigil along the coastal districts and look for him and his associate who landed along the Ramanathapuram district coast on December 25, 2022.Imran, wanted by the Sri Lankan authorities for various offences, including murders and criminal intimidation, was arrested in Dubai in 2019 and deported to the Island Nation. He was in judicial custody till a local court granted him bail on payment of two sureties, each 5 million local currencies.The State intelligence had a specific input from central intelligence agencies and reliable sources that Imran was planning to enter India after his release on bail.

As the first case has been found in India, here are five things you must know about this new Covid strain - XBB.1.5 variant. Experts believe that the new Covid version XBB.1.5 in the scene is the "next big thing" and has the potential to trigger a significant upsurge globally.

EAMONN Holmes has revealed he will be returning to work in the new year amid his ongoing health struggles. The 63-year-old recently underwent a back operation to ease his “chronic pain” and has been absent from public life as he regains mobility. But this evening, Eamonn returned to social media and shared a picture of himself looking happy and healthy.

SAFFRON Barker’s older brother was rushed to hospital on Thursday after suffering a near fatal heart attack. Casey, 27, who is also a social media star, revealed he made it “just in time”, as a devastated Saffron begged her followers to wish him well.

On Friday, Covid guidelines were revised by the Centre for passengers arriving on international flights. Negative RT-PCR tests will be mandatory from January 1 to enter India from countries that are seeing massive COVID surge currently. These countries include China, Singapore, Hong Kong, the Republic of Korea, Thailand and Japan.

KERRY Katona revealed she's at her wits' end after another nasty illness flare-up. Still in her makeup from last night's pantomime performance, Kerry recorded a video in her car lamenting her bad health.

Colombo (News 1st) – The Public Utilities Commission of Sri Lanka (PUCSL) says there will be no power cuts on Saturday (31 December) and Sunday (01 January).The PUCSL said a power 2-hour 20-minute power cut will be imposed again on Monday (02).Accordingly, a 1-hour power cut will be imposed on areas A-L and P-W during the afternoon hours followed by a 1-hour 20-minute power cut during the night.

This story has been published from a wire agency feed without modifications to the text. Only the headline has been changed.

Colombo (News 1st) – Over Rs.10.65 million has been stolen from ATM machines of Sri Lankan state banks in Baddegama, Hikkaduwa and Karapitiya.Police said a group suspected to be foreigners hacked into the computer system of the ATMs during the early hours of Friday (30) morning, changed the data in the software and stole the money.Police suspect the same group is responsible for the theft in all three cities due to the manner in which it was carried out. The Police Media Unit said further investigations are underway by the Hikkaduwa, Galle and Baddegama Police stations to arrest the suspects involved in the incident.

Colombo (News 1st) – A committee consisting of medical experts has been appointed to obtain the necessary recommendations to increase the financial assistance currently paid for surgery and treatment through the President's Fund in Sri Lanka.The President's Media Division said President Ranil Wickremesinghe issued directives to to increase the amount of medical assistance paid as soon as the recommendations of the committee are made.Accordingly, in the first few months of 2023, the allowances paid as medical aid will be increased.The PMD said apart  from the number of diseases for which medical aid will be paid, the committee has been instructed to give necessary recommendations about the conditions for which further medical aid should be paid. As soon as the instructions are received, the necessary approvals will be obtained and the amount of medical aid paid as well as the list of diseases for which medical aid will be paid will be updated.Taking into account the transportation and other economic difficulties faced by the public who submit applications to the President's Fund for receiving medical aid, text messages will be sent on six occasions to cover each occasion from the time the application is submitted to the point the payment is made. It is also planned to further streamline these activities in 2023.

Colombo (News 1st) – NEWSLINE: How will the people's aspirations be achieved in 2023? Watch on YouTube 

Jonathan Ross, 62, has given an update on the health of his daughter Betty, 31.The presenter’s daughter suffers from fibromyalgia, chronic fatigue syndrome and POTS syndrome.Jonathan shares three children with his wife Jane Goldman, 52: Betty, Harvey, 29 and Honey, 25.Speaking on Loose Women, the talk show host discussed how his eldest child is showing signs of improvement following her treatment. He spoke about how it had been a “tough couple of years" following Betty's fibromyalgia diagnosis.The NHS describes Fibromyalgia as “a long-term condition that causes pain all over the body”. Jonathan went on to explain how his daughter struggles with depression and how she is now using an electric wheelchair.“She has fibromyalgia and she has chronic fatigue syndrome and POTS syndrome as well, which is where your heart rate shoots up,” he told Loose Women panellists Kaye Adams, Frankie Bridge, Dame Kelly Holmes and Denise Welch.Speaking about the way Betty’s illness had affected the family, he said: “She still can't walk very far. “We got her an electric wheelchair in the summer, so we can at least go out and go for walks with the dogs and that's lifted her spirits a lot. “Because that's the problem, if anyone out there who knows or who's got someone with a long term illness, you know, it's the depression."Being stuck indoors and not being able to join in with things because even stairs are a challenge to her."So if we're going out we have to give her plenty of time to get ready, get downstairs and then have a rest before we go to the next step, you know."“It does have an impact but the good news is she's definitely showing improvement and feeling better in herself.So we're relieved and we're happy with that.”However, Jonathan

TESTS Not all countries are imposing tests. European Union members, in particular, are divided. Over the past days, officials in France, Germany and Portugal have said they saw no need for now for new restrictions, while Austria has stressed the economic benefits of Chinese tourists' return to Europe.

AB-HWCs also encompass wellness sessions on yoga, zumba, cyclathons, walkathons and provide guidelines on diet, physical activity, positive parenting, tobacco, alcohol cessation among other aspects to imbibe a mindset for community well-being New Delhi: In a significant achievement demonstrating strengthening of the country’s health infrastructure, India has surpassed a notable landmark- 150,000 Ayushman Bharat Health and Wellness Centres (AB-HWCs) have been operationalised before 31 December, the Ministry of Health and Family Welfare said in a statement. Prime Minister Narendra Modi applauded the efforts of the nation in accomplishing this feat before the set deadline and said that these centres will help provide citizens easy access to primary healthcare facilities.

STAND-UP comedian Rhod Gilbert's wife remains hopeful he will beat his stage four cancer and return "stronger and better". Sian Harries was inundated with supportive messages after a trip to A&E with Rhod, 54, this week. One fan asked her on Twitter: "How is he doing, the funniest comedy for years.

 

Colombo (News 1st) – The Samagi Jana Balawegaya has appointed Sajith Premadasa as the Leader of the party for the year 2023.The decision was reached during the annual party convention held at the Campbell Park in Colombo on Sunday (11).Field Marshall Sarath Fonseka was appointed SJB Chairman, while MP Ranjith Madduma Bandara was named as the General Secretary.MP Tissa Attanayake was appointed National Organizer of the SJB while Dr.

Colombo (News 1st) – Secretary to the Ministry of Education Nihal Ranasinghe says all government and government funded schools, which were closed due to the recent bad weather, will reopen on Monday (12).Schools across the island closed on Friday, the 9th of December, due to the unusual drop in air quality levels.The National Building Research Organization says air quality levels have returned to normal.Accordingly the Education Secretary says schools will operate as usual from tomorrow.

COLOMBO (News 1st) – Religious leaders led by His Eminence Malcolm Cardinal Ranjith called on the people to cut down on unnecessary spending and help one another this Christmas."The Archdiocese decided that Christmas this year should be celebrated with the poor and needy. We urge the Catholic community and every single citizen in this country, not to waste anything.

COLOMBO (News 1st) – The Chairman of the All Ceylon Private Bus Owners Association Gamunu Wijeratna says the operations of buses during the holidays will reduce by 50%.Further, he said that although the price of diesel is reduced it is not possible to reduce the bus fares, as the fuel price drop was not a significant reduction.

COLOMBO (News 1st) – The Ministry of Trade, Commerce and Food Security say that steps have been taken to discuss reducing the prices of school equipment & stationery with importers and local manufacturers.Minister Nalin Fernando said that he has informed the Consumer Affairs Authority (CAA) to discuss the matter and submit a report.Meanwhile, the Chairman of the All Ceylon Communication Owners' Association Indrajith Perera said that the price of office stationery is also skyrocketing given the present economic situation in the country.

Health insurance aims to protect against uncertain... moreHealth insurance aims to protect against uncertain risks and meet health emergency requirements.

(Reuters) – International Monetary Fund Managing Director Kristalina Georgieva said on Thursday that she will travel to Beijing next week with heads of other international institutions to press for quicker action on debt relief for poor and developing countries.The meetings with the country's leadership will focus on China's economic, COVID-19 and debt relief policies and will include officials from China Development Bank and the Export-Import Bank of China, the IMF said."This is the first time, hopefully, we will be able to sit together and discuss the very pressing issues that China, and the world are faced with," Georgieva told the Reuters NEXT conference.Georgieva said that during the Beijing meetings she intends to discuss ways to accelerate China's participation in debt relief for poor and developing countries as the world's largest official bilateral creditor."I am very hopeful that when we have a chance next week to discuss these issues, we will continue on a path of finding better solutions and strengthening the capacity of the common framework to deliver," she said, referring to G20 countries' slow-to-launch common debt restructuring framework.World Bank President David Malpass told the conference that he would join the discussions in Beijing, along with officials from the World Trade Organization, Organization for Economic Cooperation and Development and others.Georgieva and Malpass have both called for reforms of the common framework to offer heavily indebted countries a freeze in debt service payments when they apply for debt relief and clearer timelines for reaching agreement on debt treatments.Asked if China's slowing growth would limit its appetite for agreeing to debt reductions, Georgieva said she hoped

COLOMBO (News 1st) – The 3rd term for all Government & Government-approved schools will commence on Monday (5).The Education Ministry's Additional Secretary for School Affairs Lalitha Egodawala speaking to News 1st said that the 2nd term concluded on Thursday (1) and Friday (2) was declared a holiday for all schools.Christmas holidays for schools will commence on the 22nd of December, and schools will re-open on the 2nd of January 2023.Thereafter, schools will close for a month from 20th January to 20th February 2023 for the G.C.E.

PACKED Lunch host Steph McGovern revealed that she was forced to turn down I’m A Celebrity due to a health reason. The TV presenter, 40, said she's been asked several times to take part in the ITV show, but has been reluctant to sign up as she has irritable bowel syndrome (IBS). Channel 4 star Steph explained that she worries that the jungle diet would wreak havoc on her body.

COLOMBO (News 1st) – Steps taken to implement the country's development process through the partnership of public and private sectors in the future, said Prasanna Ranatunga, Minister of Urban Development and Housing.He said that a large number of persons have lost their jobs due to the ceasing of work in the construction sector.The Minister made these remarks when Members of Parliament inquired regarding the matter at the Ministerial Consultative Committee on Urban Development & Housing held under his chairmanship recently.The minister further mentioned that since there are private investors in the country who are willing to spend on development programs, development activities can be done through the partnership of the public and private sectors without using money from the treasury.Furthermore, the plans related to the development of the city were discussed at length at the Committee meeting held, and the officials pointed out that although no money has been allocated for the development activities, most of the plans related to the development have already been completed and all those plans can be completed in 2023. The minister also instructed the officials to present the relevant plans to the district and regional development committees and complete them considering their needs.The minister also instructed the officials to present the relevant plans to the district and regional development committees and complete them considering their needs.Officials pointed out that due to the huge increase in the price of construction materials, construction has been abandoned. Due to this, the officials pointed out that they are also receiving complaints from people who have paid money to buy houses about those projects. The

COLOMBO (News 1st) – The 10.6 million liters of diesel donation by China will be provided free of charge, said the Chinese Embassy in Sri Lanka.Fuel will be given free to  232,749 farmers for harvesting 342,266 hectares paddy fields across Sri Lanka in Maha season 2022/23 (20L/hectare)In addition, the 3,796 fishing vessels below 40 feet in Sri Lanka (1,000L/vessel) will also be given free diesel courtesy from China.

It’s a damning statistic.

COLOMBO (News 1st) – Commissioner General of Examinations L. M.