Rs. 137 mn worth Kerala Ganja seized in northern waters

COLOMBO (News 1st) – Farmers point out that the Sena caterpillar is now damaging maize crops in the Polonnaruwa district.It is reported that more than 2,500 acres have been destroyed by Sena caterpillars in the Palugaswewa Regional Secretariat division alone. Although it has been 3 to 4 months since the maize cultivation in the Palugaswewa area began, the growth of the crop has slowed down due to the Sena caterpillar invasion.Farmers point out that the Sena caterpillar eats from the soil of the maize plant and destroys the plant itself. Palugaswewa farmers cultivate maize only for one season every year.

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.

de facto police sieges of residential complexes and the rounding up of even those who merely came into contact with covid-positive people to send them off to institutional quarantines. In response to widespread protests since late November against these excesses of a surveillance state, the government allowed major cities such as Beijing, Shanghai and Guangzhou to relax rules significantly, with even home quarantine allowed and access to malls and other places eased.

Anurag Behar is CEO of Azim Premji Foundation.

Scott Disick has taken a step back to focus on his mental health.The 39-year-old star 'has stepped up his treatment and therapy' according to a source at US Weekly.Scott, who shares three children with ex Kourtney Kardashian, is 'considering' tackling his struggles with substance abuse via an in-patient program. Scott Disick has taken a step back to focus on his mental health; pictured October 24, 2019'Scott's break up and past issues with Kourtney and his parents' deaths have deeply affected him,' the magazine's insider said.'Although it didn't always show up in a negative way, there are things he's constantly had to battle and live with that don't go away overnight,' they added.

BENGALURU : Shipra Misra is chief executive and managing director of Delhi Research Implementation and Innovation (DRIIV), the umbrella body for the Delhi NCR Science and Technology (S&T) cluster. In an interview, she talks about the progress the foundation is making with Project SAMEER to control air pollution in Delhi, the move to introduce solar-powered interoperable electric vehicle (EV) charging stations, and the use of artificial intelligence (AI) in healthcare, among other things.

Matt Hancock has dropped a number of bombshells in his shameless Covid diaries. The ' I'm a Celebrity ' star discusses a number of topics in his juicy novel including his social distance-busting affair, reports the Mirror.

Matt Hancock has announced he will stand down as an MP at the next general election.

The danger is a repeat of the economic, financial and political swings that created a boom-bust cycle in the rest of the world Thursday marks two years since the Covid-19 vaccination drive began, yet both the U.S. and the world economy continue to be dominated by issues created by the pandemic.

HONG KONG : China dropped many of its quarantine and testing requirements and curtailed the power of local officials to shut down entire city blocks, as the country’s leaders accelerate plans to dismantle zero-Covid controls in the wake of nationwide protests. Though widely predicted, Beijing’s retreat from its costly and increasingly unpopular pandemic regime has been faster than expected.

COLOMBO (News 1st) – The Working Committee of the National Council Sub-Committee discussed the formulation of national policy on agriculture, animal husbandry and fisheries.This was taken into discussion under the Sub Committee on Identifying the Priorities in Formulation of Short-, Medium- & Long-Term National Policies of the National Council chaired by Hon.

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) – Fishermen from the Urawatte Fishing Community protested against the proposed decision to increase electricity tariffs on Tuesday (6).Dozens of fishermen lit torches and protested against the government and the decision to hike the electricity tariff.

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) – The National Election Commission (NEC) says it is planning to release the gazette notice related to the local government elections before the 5th of January 2023.The Chairman of the National Election Commission Attorney Nimal Punchihewa said accordingly, the local government elections can be held before March 20, 2023.Meanwhile, the National Election Commission said that the preliminary activities related to the local government elections have already begun.The Commissioner General of the NEC Saman Sri Ratnayake said the preparation of the 2022 voter lists related to 341 local government bodies has been completed.He said measures have already been taken to inspect the potential polling stations.

COLOMBO (News 1st) – Sri Lanka Railways has taken steps to carry out spot checks to detain and fine those who use the service without obtaining tickets.The Deputy General Manager of Railways E.S Polwattage said information has come to light over multiple incidents of people taking a free ride on trains, and several raids were carried out at the Colombo Fort railway station on Tuesday (6).

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.

POGUES legend Shane MacGowan's wife has given fans an update after he was rushed to hospital. Victoria May Clarke yesterday asked for "prayers and healing vibes" for the singer saying he was "in hospital again".

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) – The Committee on Parliamentary Business had decided that the Parliament will meet on Tuesday the 13th instead of next Saturday the 10th of December.Earlier it was decided to hold Parliament sittings on the 10th and the entire day was reserved for Questions for Oral Answers.Accordingly, the entire day of Tuesday 13th has been reserved for Questions for Oral Answers and as previously decided, the second reading debate of the Value Added Tax (Amendment) and Inland Revenue (Amendment) Bills will be held on Friday 9th December.Furthermore, the committee has agreed to hold the vote on the third reading of the Appropriation Bill to be held on the 8th at 5.00 pm.It has been decided to present the Order mentioned in Gazette No. 2308/62 dated 03.12.2022 under the Essential Public Service Act No.

Amanda Owen in tears over family memories after 'unreal' farewellBelinda Welsh wrote: "Wishing Shane a speedy recovery."Jo commented: "That's such a great news! Still sending all the good, healing vibes and positive energy!"Luke typed: "Sending all my love to both of you, Shane MacGowan is a living legend."Kieran Linehan penned: "Great news hope he's OK and home very soon."Shane has been confined to a wheelchair since shattering his pelvis in 2015. Last year, he also damaged his knee after a fall at home. Yesterday, she shared a picture of Shane smiling for the camera as she revealed he was back in hospital. She typed: "Please send prayers and healing vibes to Shane MacGowan in hospital again and really hoping to get out asap!! Thank you."Piers Morgan blasts Harry and Meghan for using him in doc trailer [REACTION]Emmerdale's Lisa Riley addresses tough personal news away from soap [EXCLUSIVE]Strictly's Helen Skelton gives stern warning to Gorka [REVEALED]She added to The Irish Mirror: "I’m definitely hoping he gets out this week.“He’s a bit frustrated, I think. He finds it very frustrating… he wants to get out.”When asked if he was doing okay, she added: “I think he is, yeah" adding: “Please don’t get too worried.

Hollywood success.The actor sat down for an interview with his brother, who suffers from cerebral palsy and previously underwent a heart transplant, leaving Ashton to question why he was the "lucky" one.Ashton is known for his successful Hollywood career having starred in films like Guess Who, Just Married and Jobs.However, behind closed doors in the late 1990s and early 2000s, Ashton was dealing with his complicated feelings towards his twin brother Michael.Michael was born with cerebral palsy along with several other health issues throughout his life.In a recent interview, Ashton admitted the "guilt" he feels for his brother's health issues and used the chat as an opportunity to acknowledge his brother's feelings.The brothers feature on a forthcoming episode of the Paramount Plus series, The Checkup with Dr Agus.Ashton said in a clip obtained by Entertainment Tonight: "How do I get to be this lucky? And for my brother to be born with cerebral palsy, then have a heart transplant, then have this random blood clot."These things where you're like, ‘Who has to go through that? How do I get to be this lucky?'"The actor then went on to acknowledge that he had failed to consider how Michael would feel, with Ashton admitting the brothers are finally in a good place in their relationship.Ashton continued: "There was a moment in all of this where I moved to New York and was starting to get some traction with my career and Mike came out to visit and stay, and he looked at me and he said, 'Every time you feel sorry for me, you make me less.'"He said, ‘This is the only life I’ve ever known, so stop feeling sorry for the only thing I have.'"And that then created an entire shift back to where I think we are today, which is straight-up

Naomi Osaka gave fans an update on how she is doing.The athlete said on Good Morning America on Tuesday that taking a mental health break from tennis in 2021 was 'necessary.''I wouldn't have wanted it any other way,' shared the beauty who wore a pale blue satin suit with a feather trim. Helping: Naomi Osaka gave fans an update on how she is doing.

DANNIELLA Westbrook has sparked concern amongst her fans after revealing she’s ‘blacking out’ and having seizures. The 49-year-old, who admitted she had been crying with pain, shared a troubling video from bed today as she begged for advice as she struggled with a series of health issues. Actress Danniella told her followers: “I have come on to get some advice from people because I keep passing out and every now and again I am having seizures.

KELSEY Parker has faced another devastating death in the family - just months after losing her husband, Tom. The Sun can reveal the heartbroken mum-of-two is grieving her granddad, Peter Morris, who died last week aged 84.

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 Water Supply and Drainage Board says that the water supply to many areas including Peliyagoda and Wattala will be suspended for eight and a half hours starting 8.30 am tomorrow.The board said that due to a power cut in Sapugaskda area, the water supply to Biyagama water treatment plant has been affected.Accordingly, the areas affected by the watercut are, Peliyagoda, Wattala, Jaela, Katunayake, Seeduwa Municipal Council areas, Kelaniya, Wattala, Byagama, Mahara, Dompe, Katana, Minuwangoda, and Gampaha.

COLOMBO (News 1st) – Sri Lanka's Ministry of Foreign Affairs said that it continues to monitor the progress of the passengers of Sri Lankan origin who were rescued and bought to the Port of Vung Tau in Viet Nam on 08 November 2022.The Ministry of Foreign Affairs informed the Sri Lanka Navy that they had received information about a vessel carrying approximately 303 persons believed to be Sri Lankans which was in distress in the waters between the Philippines and Viet Nam on 07 November 2022.  Sri Lanka Navy having contacted the vessel, informed that the crew had abandoned the vessel with the passengers onboard. On the initiative of the Ministry of Foreign Affairs in coordination with the Sri Lanka Navy and the Sri Lanka Missions in the Philippines, Singapore and Viet Nam together with the regional Maritime Rescue Coordination Centers (MRCC) based in Singapore, the rescue efforts were coordinated, said the Foreign Ministry.Subsequently, the Japanese-flagged vessel, “Helios Leader”, having been contacted by the Singapore MRCC, rescued the passengers from the distressed vessel. The passengers were handed over to Viet Nam authorities at Vung Tau Port in South Viet Nam.The screening of the passengers will be done by the International Organization for Migration (IOM) in coordination with the Viet Nam authorities and the Sri Lanka Embassy in Viet Nam.

COLOMBO (News 1st) – A special search operation carried out by the Navy in Duwa area, Negombo on 08th November 2022 made way for the seizure of over 2448kg of smuggled Kendu Leaves, 02 lorries, 01 dinghy and apprehension of 02 suspects.Sri Lanka Navy conducts regular operations to prevent a wide range of illegal activities stemming from the coastal areas of the island. In a similar effort, SLNS Parakrama in the Western Naval Command searched 02 lorries parked in Duwa area, during a special search operation conducted on 08th November, upon receipt of information to the Naval Intelligence.Following inspection of the vehicles, led to the recovery of about 1580kg and 940g of Kendu Leaves in 48 packages loaded in the lorries with the intention of distribution.

COLOMBO (News 1st) – In an unusual rescue operation in the South China Sea on Monday (7) , a migrant vessel attempting to make a transpacific voyage was rescued off the coast of Vietnam.More details about this dramatic rescue have surfaced following revelations made by the Vietnamese media.Migrant vessels are frequently rescued off Cuba, Haiti, Libya and Turkey, but these are generally small, improvised craft on regional journeys. The Myanmar-flagged trawler Lady R3, saved by a good samaritan ship off the coast of Vietnam yesterday, was none of these things. This substantial steel-hulled fishing vessel was attempting to make it all the way from Myanmar to Canada – another 6,000 nm away on a Great Circle route  – in order to deliver more than 300 Sri Lankan nationals to a new country. Vietnamese authorities in the southern province of Ba Ria-Vung Tau, in coordination with representatives from the Sri Lankan Consulate General in Ho Chi Minh City, have welcomed more than 300 Sri Lankans who were saved by a Japanese freighter, after their boat faced a serious incident in the waters off the Vietnamese town.No injuries were reported, and Helios Leader transited to Vung Tau's sea buoy in order to meet up with the Vietnamese Coast Guard and transfer the survivors.At 8:30 p.m.

COLOMBO (News 1st) – A Vietnamese rescue ship had docked alongside a Japanese ship to bring more than 300 Sri Lankans in distress ashore on Tuesday (8).According to reports from Vietnam, the Vietnamese Coast Guard vessel SAR 413 of the Center for Maritime Search and Rescue Coordination Area 3 approached the fishing boat LADY R3311.According to a border guard commander of Ba Ria – Vung Tau province, at 6 pm on November 6th, when the fishing boat arrived in the Truong Sa archipelago, it broke water and drifted into the sea, the ship sent a distress signal.On November 7th, the Japanese cargo ship Helios Leader en-route from Japan to Singapore approached the distressed vessel and brought all 305 Sri Lankan citizens and sailors on board and proceeded to Vung Tau where it was met by the Vietnamese Coast Guard.The Vietnamese functional forces boarded the Herios Leader Vessel, a vehicle carrier, anchored off the coast of Vung Tau to receive the more than 300 Sri Lankans.It is reported that the Sri Lankans were saved by the crew aboard the Herios Leader Vessel.Accompanying the delegation on board the ship SAR 413 were representatives of the Sri Lankan Embassy in Vietnam.

Police in northeastern China said that seven people have been arrested following a clash between residents and authorities enforcing COVID-19 quarantine restrictions. The violence comes as China reports new cases nationwide, with 2,230 cases reported Tuesday in the southern manufacturing and technology hub of Guangzhou.

COLOMBO (News 1st) – Sri Lankan authorities revealed that the massive haul of 300 kg of heroin seized on the high seas south of the coastal city of Hambantota was sent to Sri Lanka by a wanted criminal identified as 'Ran Malli', a close associate of underworld leader Nadun Chinthaka alias Harak Kata.Sri Lanka Police said 'Ran Malli' and 'Harak Kata' are currently in hiding in Dubai.A special operation conducted by the Navy in coordination with the Police Special Task Force and Police Narcotic Bureau off the Great Basses Reef Lighthouse Hambantota led to the interception of a local fishing trawler carrying over 331kg of heroin (Including packages), worth around Rs. 6622 – 13244 million in gross street value and apprehension of 06 suspects on 05th November 2022. The drug-carrying trawler and the suspects were brought to Galle Harbour on Monday morning (07th November).

COLOMBO (News 1st) – Eight Sri Lankan sailors, who are part of a 26 member crew of MT Heroic Idun, an oil vessel, have been "illegally" detained by Equatorial Guinea since 14 August.Apart from the Sri Lankan sailors, the crew also includes 6 Indian sailors and a national each of Poland and Philippines.As per the crew, their vessel was arrested by an Equatorial Guinea naval ship on international waters on 12th August and brought to Luba port under naval escort and threat of legal action.The vessel was arrested based on a request made by Nigeria.The Nigerian Navy says it is conducting an investigation into the activities of MT HEROIC IDUN, a supertanker, arrested by Equatorial Guinea forces over alleged crude oil theft in Nigeria.The vessel and its crew were arrested on August 7th by the Central African country after it fled from Nigeria’s AKPO oilfield when its alleged activities were uncovered by operatives of the Nigerian Navy.Adedotun Ayo-Vaughan, spokesperson of the Nigerian Navy, confirmed that the vessel is on it way back to Nigeria for further investigations.He said after the investigation is complete, the office of the attorney-general of the federation (AGF) will determine whether or not the vessel and its crew will be prosecuted by the federal government.The Nigerian National Petroleum Company (NNPC) Limited in September said it loses $700 million every month as a result of oil theft and vandalism at terminals.The Incident: The Heroic Idun ship was supposed to load cargo of crude oil in Nigeria’s AKPO terminal on 8 August, but as per terminal instructions the loading operation was delayed and the ship never made any operations in Nigeria.The same evening, the ship was approached by an unidentified craft claiming

COLOMBO (News 1st) – Sri Lankan authorities have seized a massive haul of heroin in the high seas to the south of Sri Lanka on Sunday (6) night.Sri Lanka Navy said that 300 parcels containing 1 kilogram of heroin each were discovered from three vessels in the seas off Hambantota.The Navy spokesperson told News 1st that approximately 300 kilograms of herion was discovered from two multi-day fishing vessels, and a dinghy boat.The drug bust was carried out by the Police Narcotic Bureau, Sri Lanka Police Special Task Force, and the Sri Lanka Navy, and 10 suspects were arrested during the raid.

COLOMBO (News 1st) – A special operation conducted by the Navy in coordination with the Police Special Task Force and Police Narcotics Bureau off Hambantota, led to the interception of a local fishing trawler carrying over 300kg of heroin (Including packages), worth approx. gross street value of over Rs.

COLOMBO (News 1st) – Sri Lankan authorities have seized a massive haul of heroin in the high seas to the south of Sri Lanka on Sunday (6) night.Sri Lanka Navy said that 300 parcels containing 1 kilogram of heroin each were discovered from three vessels in the seas off Hambantota.The Navy spokesperson told News 1st that approximately 300 kilograms of herion was discovered from two multi-day fishing vessels, and a dinghy boat.The drug bust was carried out by the Police Narcotic Bureau, Sri Lanka Police Special Task Force, and the Sri Lanka Navy, and 10 suspects were arrested during the raid.

COLOMBO (News 1st) – A crude oil shipment that was ordered by Sri Lanka remains anchored in Sri Lankan waters for almost 53 days, due to non-payment for the cargo by local authorities.A source from the Ministry of Power & Energy said as Sri Lanka is yet to make payments for two previous crude oil shipments, the vessel at the port has rejected the call to unload the shipment.A crude oil shipment that was ordered by Sri Lanka remained anchored in Sri Lankan waters for almost 53 days.A source from the Ministry of Power & Energy said Sri Lanka had made two previously purchased from the company that delivered the Crude Oil, and the payments are yet to be made for those two shipments.Therefore, the vessel has rejected calls to unload crude oil in Sri Lanka until the payment for the two previous shipments is made.The source from the Ministry of Power & Energy said Sri Lanka facing difficulties in sourcing US Dollars to make the payments.The Sapugaskanda Oil Refinery remains closed for weeks, due to the unavailability of crude oil