Railways to launch spot checks for tickets

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.

Colombo (News 1st) – Sri Lanka’s human rights campaigner Sandya Ekneligoda is among just 25 women activists worldwide who have been named to the prestigious ‘BBC 100 Women 2022’.Mrs. Ekneligoda has relentlessly campaigned for human rights in Sri Lanka since her husband, journalist Pradeep Ekneligoda who was himself an activist, disappeared in 2010.

COLOMBO (News 1st) – Thuru Kepakaru, is a project initiated by S-Lon Lanka (Pvt) Ltd., and News 1st solely to preserve and protect the flora and fauna which make up the environment of Sri Lanka.Another leg of this program took place on Thursday (8) at the Dudley Senanayake College in Colombo.The main aim of Thuru Kepakaru is to ensure that all the planted saplings are assigned to a foster who would protect, nurture, and continuously interact with them.Thursday's (8) event took place with the participation of Juan Fernandez-Jardon, the Senior Human Rights Advisor (OHCHR) in the Office of the Resident Coordinator in Sri Lanka.In addition, the Executive Group Director of the Capital Maharaja Group S. C.

Sri Lanka Navy which is held in high esteem as the First Line of Defence of the Nation is marking the organization’s 72nd Anniversary today (09th December 2022). At the directives of Commander of the Navy, Vice Admiral Nishantha Ulugetenne, a wide range of programmes are being conducted in each Naval Command, giving prominence to time-honoured naval customs and religious practices. In addition, capital ships of the Sri Lanka Navy will rest at anchor off the Galle Face Green today (09th December), giving the public an opportunity to have a glance at some of the major ships of the Sri Lanka Navy.Coinciding with its anniversary, 222 officers as well as 3548 senior and junior sailors were promoted and advanced to their next higher ranks and rates on 09th December, at the recommendation of Commander of the Navy, Vice Admiral Nishantha Ulugetenne.

COLOMBO (News 1st) – The United Nations (UN) team in Sri Lanka and non-governmental organisations revised and extended their joint Humanitarian Needs and Priorities (HNP) Plan, which aims to provide life-saving assistance to 3.4 million people amid Sri Lanka’s worst economic crisis since independence.Since June, the HNP has been responding to the Government's request for UN-backed multi-sector support for Sri Lanka's debt and food and medicine shortages."Governments and donor agencies have helped the humanitarian community reach over 1 million of the country's most vulnerable people with cash, food, school meals, medicine, protection, and livelihood support," said the UN in a statement.The HNP—aligned with appeals from other UN agencies—has raised US $79 million for Sri Lanka thanks to landmark support from the U.S and USAID, Australia, Japan including JICA, the UN Central Emergency Relief Fund (CERF), as well as Canada, Denmark, Norway, New Zealand, Italy, EU, Switzerland, France, and with additional support from the UK, Germany, Thailand, Sweden, Georgia, Latter Day Saint Charities and private individuals and organizations."We are immensely appreciative of the solidarity the international community has shown with the people of Sri Lanka, including through their generous contributions to the HNP.

COLOMBO (News 1st) – Sri Lanka President Ranil Wickremesinghe said that the country has had to face adverse repercussions due to the short sighted popular decisions taken in the past and unpopular decisions have had to be taken for the prospects of the country.The President made this observation on Thursday (08) taking part in the third reading debate of the budget proposal for the financial year 2023.He said further that a Parliamentary Select Committee will be established on a resolution by the Parliament to look into those who led the economy to bankruptcy with their incorrect fiscal policies.The statement made by President Ranil Wickremesinghe is as follows:Some members discussed the Mahaweli lands. The lands of the state were under the Land Commissioner until 1977. Due to the rapid development, some of the urban and rural lands were brought under the Urban Development Authority, Mahaweli Authority, and several other corporations.

Indonesia's Coordinating Minister for Maritime Affairs and Investment, Luhut Binsar Pandjaitan, held bilateral talks with Sri Lankan Foreign State Minister Tharaka Balasuriya on Monday (5) to discuss cooperation in maritime security and safety and blue economy investment."Indonesia and Sri Lanka need to better increase economic cooperation," Pandjaitan said at the meeting, which was held on the sidelines of the Archipelagic and Island State Forum (AID) in the Indonesian resort island of Bali.The two countries need to make optimal use of bilateral cooperation to open up opportunities to promote the development of their economy, including maritime resource-based economy, he added."We warmly welcome and are ready to participate in boosting the two countries' economic growth.

COLOMBO (News 1st) – The shortage of fertilizer has severely affected tea-small holders in Sri Lanka.The tea-small holders in Akuressa, Matara said that the authorities have not shown any interest to address the issue, as the lives of many workers depend on this industry.They further say that they have to buy fertilizers at high prices and sell the leaves at low prices, leaving them at a loss.

COLOMBO (News 1st) – Great Britain has expressed its willingness to provide the necessary technical and practical support to Sri Lanka to implement the “Climate Prosperity Plan”.The Deputy High Commissioner of Great Britain to Sri Lanka, Lisa Whanstall said that Great Britain appreciates the efforts taken by Sri Lanka to address climate change and will work to provide the necessary technical and theoretical support in the future, said the President's Media Division.These remarks were made during a discussion held on Wednesday (7) between the President’s Senior Adviser on Climate Change Ruwan Wijewardene, and the British Deputy High Commissioner, at the Presidential Secretariat.Whanstall also said that she will provide the necessary support for the International University on Climate Change, which is planned to be built on the instructions of President Ranil Wickremesinghe.Furthermore, the Deputy British High Commissioner praised Sri Lanka’s program for renewable energy and pointed out that it is a well-planned step for the future of the country.Ruwan Wijewardene presented the information about President Ranil Wickremesinghe’s upcoming programs regarding climate change and stated that the Act on Climate Change will be submitted to Parliament shortly.In addition, Wijewardene said that a climate change office will be established in Sri Lanka to investigate climate change in the region and that the necessary solutions to address climate change that may occur will be developed.He further said that the government has already focused on green hydrogen energy on the advice of President Ranil Wickremesinghe and the government has planned to further develop the potential for renewable energy in Sri Lanka.They also discussed the

(PTI) External Affairs Minister S Jaishankar on Wednesday (7) justified the Indian government’s support to Sri Lanka, saying India would be shirking its responsibility if it did not step forward to support a crisis-hit neighbour.The economic support that India offered to Sri Lanka during its worst post-independence economic crisis was for the entire country and not based on any communal approach, he said.Replying to clarifications sought by MPs on his suo motu statement on foreign policy in Rajya Sabha, the minister said India absenting from a vote against Sri Lanka in the UN Human Rights Commission was in accordance with the long-standing position — which was also followed by previous governments — that it “is the most constructive way of addressing, advancing the interest of Tamil community in Sri Lanka.” “That continues to be our approach,” he said.On the support to the island nation, he said, “We have given support to the entire Sri Lanka which also include the Tamil community.” “We have not taken the communal approach in giving support,” he said.

COLOMBO (News 1st) – The Colombo air quality index (AQI) has increased further towards an unhealthy level.The National Building Research Organization said that the AQI across many cities in Sri Lanka range between 150 – 200, which is an unhealthy level.-What is the AQI?The AQI reports on how clean or polluted the air in your area is, and what effects breathing the outdoor air may have on your health.The AQI takes into account five of the major air pollutants. These pollutants are ground-level ozone, particle pollution, carbon monoxide, sulfur dioxide and nitrogen dioxide. How to protect yourself from unhealthy or hazardous air pollution: If the air quality in your area is compromised, there are several things you can do to protect yourself.

COLOMBO (News 1st) – The UN says that 6.2 million people, including 2.9 million children, are in urgent need of humanitarian assistance in 2023.The latest UNICEF report on Humanitarian Action for Children 2023 says that in the context of soaring inflation, heightened income insecurity and scarce availability of essential products, families cannot meet their basic needs.While 5.3 million people were already skipping meals as a coping strategy, this number is expected to increase drastically in the coming months with the combined impact of climate-induced natural hazards and a political impasse.66,000 people are severely acute food insecure. Two in five households (41.8 per cent) spend more than 75 per cent of their expenditures on purchasing food, leaving little to spend on health and education.

COLOMBO (News 1st) – The Central Bank of Sri Lanka said that earnings from merchandise exports declined in October 2022, on a year-on-year basis, for the first time since March 2022, mainly due to lower earnings from garments exports. The decline in import expenditure continued in October 2022, (y-o-y), for the eighth consecutive month, despite recording an increase, compared to September 2022.The merchandise trade deficit recorded a notable contraction in October 2022, compared to the previous year. Meanwhile, the workers’ remittances steadied and earnings from tourism improved in October 2022, whereby earnings from tourism crossed over USD 1 bn during January-October 2022, while workers’ remittances reached about USD 3 bn during January-October 2022.Foreign investment in the government securities market and the Colombo Stock Exchange (CSE) recorded a marginal net inflow during October 2022. The Central Bank continued to provide forex requirement to finance essential imports, exhausting the liquid level of gross official reserves. Meanwhile, the weighted average spot exchange rate in the interbank market remained around Rs.

COLOMBO (News 1st) – Essential medicines and medical supplies valued at over Rs. 2 Billion donated by China to the Sri Lankan people reached Colombo on Tuesday (6).The shipment comes in 24 containers (16,000 boxes) with a total weight of over 255 metric tonnes.China has donated Rs.

COLOMBO (News 1st) – Sri Lanka Railways says it will implement a new program where people can purchase train tickets more comfortably without having to wait in queues.This program is being implemented by a Chinese company, and the General Manager of Sri Lanka Railways W.A.B.S.E Gunasinghe said that people can buy train tickets under the new program through three main methods once it is implemented.Railway General Manager further said that train tickets will be issued online, with self-service ticket machines and prepaid cards.In addition, he said this program is scheduled to start in March 2023.

COLOMBO (News 1st) – The Department of Meteorology says that the depression located over Southeast Bay of Bengal (320km north-east of Trincomalee) is likely to move west-northwestwards, intensify further gradually into a Cyclonic Storm around today (7) evening. The system is likely to approach the coast of North Tamil-Nadu, Puducherry and South Andhra Pradesh over the Southwest Bay of Bengal tomorrow (8).Cloudy skies will prevail over most parts of the Island.  Showers will occur at times in the Northern and North-central provinces and Trincomalee districts. Fairly heavy rainfall above 75 mm can be expected at some places in the Northern province and Trincomalee district.

COLOMBO (News 1st) – Sri Lanka has completely relaxed the restrictions imposed on overseas arrivals during the COVID-19 pandemic.Accordingly, the requirement to produce a COVID-19 Vaccination Certificate by any person arriving to Sri Lanka via any airport or sea port is removed with effect from Tuesday (6).The Director General of Health Services said that the requirement to produce a pre boarding or on arrival negative COVID-19 test (PCR/RAT) by any person arriving to Sri Lanka via any airpoft or sea port is no longer required.If foreign nationals/tourists become COVID-19 positive after arriving to Sri Lanka, they should isolate for 7 days in a private hospital/hotel/place of residence.

COLOMBO (News 1st) – High Commissioner of Sri Lanka to India, Milinda Moragoda met with the Finance and Corporate Affairs Minister of India Smt.

COLOMBO (News 1st) – The Secretary General of Parliament said that the Committee on High Posts approved the appointment of Chairmen to four institutions and the appointment of an ambassador.Accordingly, the Committee on High Posts approved the appointment of Kandeepan Balasubramaniam as the Ambassador of Sri Lanka to the State of Kuwait.Furthermore, the appointments of Upul Dharmadasa as the Chairman of the Civil Aviation Authority and K. A.

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) – Sri Lankan President Ranil Wickremesinghe on Monday (5) said that Japan is the first choice when it comes to giving out the East Container Terminal at the Colombo Port."Why don't we develop and become a logistics centre? When I last tried to develop the Colombo Harbour and tried to give out the East Terminal, there was a big debate, as to I am trying to sell the country. Now we have given the West terminal out. Very good, but if you really want to get going, you have to give the East terminal out.

COLOMBO (News 1st) – President Ranil Wickremesinghe told a gathering on Monday (5) that China has requested Sri Lanka to engage in talks with the Exim Bank, and these discussions are underway.He said that the country has already started discussions with bilateral creditors including India, which have proven to be successful."The talks with China started later because they had to start after the party conference. They wanted it.

COLOMBO (News 1st) – The Colombo Crimes Division arrested a 41-year-old man from Colombo 15 for his involvement in a kidney transplant racket.Sri Lanka Police said that suspect had targetted people from poor families promising them money in return for their kidneys following surgery at a leading hospital in Colombo.Four men and one woman had filed complaints with the Borella Police citing that the suspect had not given them the money as promised.Sri Lanka Police said that the suspect had acted as a broker between the donor and the recipient of the kidney.Police said that in addition to broker fees, the suspect had also scammed the donor and recipient.The suspect will be produced in court on Tuesday (6).

COLOMBO (News 1st) – The Public Utilities Commission of Sri Lanka (PUCSL) approved power cuts of 2 hours and 20 minutes on 06th, 08th & 09th and 1 hour on 07th (Poya) December as follows;-06th, 08th & 09th DecemberGroups ABCDEFGHIJKLPQRSTUVW: 1-hour during the daytime 1-hour 20-minutes during the night-07th December (Poya day)1 hour from 3 pm – 6 pm

COLOMBO (News 1st) – OCHA Regional Office for Asia and the Pacific (ROAP) says Sri Lanka continues to face a multidimensional crisis compounded by food insecurity, threatened livelihoods, shortages of vital and essential medicines, as well as rising protection concerns.A 40 percent reduction in agricultural outputs in the 2021/2022 Maha and 50 percent reduction during the 2022 Yala seasons have further exacerbated the situation.Forecasts for the 2022/2023 Maha season indicate a significantly reduced harvest as well, which, coupled with a food inflation of 85.6 percent in October, means that a significant part of the population is finding it difficult to meet basic needs.The food security situation continues to be problematic with around three in ten households consuming insufficient food, which includes eating fewer and less diverse diets.According to the World Bank, Sri Lanka currently has the 6th highest food price inflation in the world.

COLOMBO (News 1st) – President Ranil Wickremesinghe has appointed a committee consisting of representatives of the public and private sectors of Sri Lanka to work with the multidisciplinary team of the National Dairy Development Board of India to prepare a short, medium and long-term plan to increase local milk production to reduce the country’s dependence on imported milk powder. Accordingly, India's National Dairy Development Board (NDDB) and the Indian Amul Milk Company have taken steps to provide the necessary technical support for the production of liquid milk in Sri Lanka, and a preliminary discussion was held in this regard at the Presidential Secretariat on Monday (05) under the chairmanship of President's Secretary Saman Ekanayake. It was discussed at length about doubling local milk production by implementing short and medium-term plans and making Sri Lanka self-sufficient in milk in the long run through a targeted program. Source: PMD

A study published in The Lancet has said that the symptoms of long Covid may change in children and the younger population over time. For the study, the researchers asked children in the age group of 11 to 17 how their health was six months and 12 months after taking the PCR tests. They were also asked to recall their symptoms when they took the tests.

COLOMBO (News 1st) –  Minister of Tourism and Lands Harin Fernando said that a new mobile application will be introduced for the safety of tourists coming to Sri Lanka while promoting the tourism industry.The Minister stated the above at the Ministerial Consultative Committee on Tourism and Lands held recently (30) at the Parliament.The Minister said he hopes to use this mobile application in January.The Minister further explained that through this application, tourists can be allowed to check their location, and if they get lost or need to take some safety measures, they can access the app for instructions.The Minister also said that for the safety of tourists, a tourist police team will be stationed at every beach with tourist attractions.Harin Fernando also mentioned that it is planned to bring 1.5 million tourists to Sri Lanka, especially in the year 2023.

COLOMBO (News 1st) – The Central Bank of Sri Lanka noted that the speculation that expatriate Sri Lankans' remittances to the country are taxed and forcibly converted into Sri Lankan Rupees is completely unfounded.In a statement, it added that there are no taxes on remittances, and expatriate Sri Lankans are free to hold such remittances in foreign currency form in their bank accounts.They can also convert such remittances into Sri Lankan rupees at their discretion, said the Central Bank.It added that expatriate Sri Lankans can continue to enjoy the current incentives without any charge whatsoever.

COLOMBO (News 1st) – Sri Lanka Police discovered seven packets of narcotic pills in a canteen at a school in Gampaha.38 narcotic pills were discovered on the school premises which is located in the Malwathuhiripitiya area in Gampaha.Police arrested a woman over the discovery of the narcotic pills, and said investigations were underway.

COLOMBO (News 1st) – The Public Utilities Commission of Sri Lanka (PUCSL) has approved power cuts of 2 hours and 20 minutes on 05th December as follows;Groups ABCDEFGHIJKLPQRSTUVW: 1-hour during daytime 1-hour 20-minutes during the night

Colombo (News 1st) – There is a rapid increase in the rate of Colorectal Cancer among both men and women across the country, the Sri Lanka College of Oncologists raised the alarm on Saturday (Dec. 03). "In Sri Lanka, the number of Cancer cases detected per year is increasing.

COLOMBO (News 1st) – IMF chief Kristalina Georgieva told Reuters Next on Friday (2) that changes to the G20 Common Framework on debt restructuring were needed to speed up debt treatments, freeze debt service payments once a country requested help, and open the process to middle-income countries like Sri Lanka."We are concerned that there is a risk for confidence in debt resolution to be eroded at a time when the level of debt is very high," Georgieva said."We don't see at this point … a risk of a systemic debt crisis," she said, adding that countries in debt distress were not large enough to trigger a crisis that would threaten financial stability.Source: Reuters

COLOMBO (News 1st) – Sri Lanka's State Ministry of Higher Education says the cut-off marks for university entrance based on the results of the recent A/L examination will be released today (2). The Ministry further said that it has planned to enrol 44,000 students in the universities this year based on the cut-off marks.Over 85,000 students applied for admission to state universities this year.The selected students are scheduled to start their academic activities in each university in January 2023.