Sri Lanka arrested in India for smuggling gold

WEST READING, Pa. - The names of all seven victims that were killed in the explosion at a Berks County chocolate factory are all identified and at least one family said they didn’t know until Wednesday their loved one had died.The victims are 30-year-old Xiorky Nunez, 63-year-old Susan Halvonik, 62-year-old Michael Breedy, 44-year-old Diana Cedeno, 55-year-old Judith Lopez-Moran, 49-year-old Amy Sandoe and 60-year-old Domingo Cruz.The family of Michael Breedy was holding out hope until the very end."It's a nightmare. It is horrible," said Elizabeth Breedy. She is seen in a picture with her husband 62-year-old Michael.

SHARON HILL, Pa. - A Delaware County family dog had quite an adventure. The little pup disappeared from home more than a year ago and a 14-year-old boy lost his best friend and emotional support dog.FOX 29 first met Christina Bolar and her then 14-year-old son with special needs in February 2022. They were desperate to find Amari’s emotional support dog, Rusteze.

SOUTH PHILADELPHIA - A shooting on the SEPTA Broad Street Line, at the Snyder Station, in South Philadelphia has led to an arrest and two people hospitalized.According to SEPTA officials, the shooting happened Wednesday evening, just after 9:30, on the northbound SEPTA Snyder Station platform.A man was shot in the back. He is in critical condition at a local hospital.

COLOMBO (News 1st); The Federation of University Teachers Associations said that its members will continue to strike against the conduct of the government.Activities across state universities were crippled on Thursday (16), and FUTA said it would refrain from taking part in evaluating the answer scripts of the G. C.

Sri Lanka's economy shrank 7.8% in 2022 from the previous year, government data showed on Wednesday, as the country struggled with its worst financial crisis in more than seven decades.The island's fourth-quarter GDP contracted 12.4%, according to the figures.Sri Lanka's growth is expected to shrink by 3% this year, Moody's Investors Service said on Monday but growth is expected to rebound in 2024.Economic mismanagement coupled with the impact of the COVID-19 pandemic left Sri Lanka severely short of dollars for essential imports at the start of last year tipping the country into the worst financial crisis since Independence from the British in 1948.Sri Lanka is waiting for a $2.9 billion bailout program from the International Monetary Fund (IMF) to be finalised on March 20.“These numbers are broadly in line with expectations.

Dio Garcia of Philadelphia was arrested in Bensalem.  BENSALEM TOWNSHIP, Pa. - The Bensalem Township Police Department is touting the success of what they call proactive police work after an armed robbery suspect wanted in Philadelphia was arrested during a traffic stop in the Bucks County town. Authorities say on Tuesday, just before 10 a.m., patrol officers saw a 2013 Ford Edge commit a violation while going south on Route 1. According to police, the officers initiated a traffic stop and made contact with 40-year-old Dio Garcia from Philadelphia. A check of the crime system revealed the car Garcia was driving was listed as a felony vehicle with an occupant wanted for a point-of-gun robbery, officials say. Police say Garcia was also wanted out of Florida on a warrant for a probation violation. MORE LOCAL HEADLINESGarcia was taken into police custody and the Ford Edge was towed by police, authorities say. After a search warrant was obtained for the vehicle, a search led to the finding of a container of suspected marijuana and a loaded .40 caliber Beretta handgun, officials say. The gun, which was reported stolen out of Delaware, matched the description of the weapon used in the armed robbery in Philadelphia, per police. Police say Garcia faces several charges in Bensalem and Philadelphia Police are obtaining an arrest warrant for the gunpoint robbery. 

Kate Garraway has shared a heartbreaking update on her husband Derek Draper’s ongoing health issues, stating he is still suffering ‘damage’ from being struck down by Covid.  Former political lobbyist Derek, 55, tested positive for Covid in March 2020 and was placed in an induced coma to help fight off the virus. He was eventually declared Covid-free and emerged from the coma, but has fought one of the most severe cases of long Covid in the country with his body wrecked from the effects of the infectious disease.

COLOMBO (News 1st); The Chinese Embassy handed over a donation of material to the Government of Sri Lanka for the production of police uniforms.The donation was made by the Ambassador of China to Sri Lanka, Qi Zhenhong, to the Minister of Public Security, Tiran Alles.This donation was made at the President's Office in the presence of President Ranil Wickremesinghe.

COLOMBO (News 1st); Tensions boiled over during a protest at the Sri Lanka Ports Authority in Colombo during a strike launched by the dockworkers at the Colombo Harbour.Dock Workers withdrew from services on Wedensday(15), in line with the nation wide strike by professionals against the government's tax policy.A heated situation arose within the port between the employees who were on strike and the governing authority.Niroshan Gorakanage, Chairman of the All Ceylon General Port Employees Union said that the SLPA chairman and a group of other officials attempted to deploy port workers for shipping operations.Following the incident port employees engaged in a motorcycle parade which was obstructed by officers from the Sri Lanka Navy.  

COLOMBO (News 1st); The President's Media Division operating from the Sri Lankan President's Office released a series of statements on the nation-wide strikes that were launched on Wednesday (15).The statements by the PMD are as follows:– The Railway Department GM confirmed that as a result of the committed service of Railway employees, 20 trains had operated by 8.00 this morning for the convenience of commuters despite the union action.– CPC/CPSTL Chairman Mr. M.U.

COLOMBO (News 1st); Railway operations were crippled on Wednesday (15) morning due to a strike launched by the Locomotive Operating Engineers' Association.The Locomotive Operating Engineers' Association of Sri Lanka Railways declared a 24-hour strike that come into effect at midnight on Tuesday (14).According to Sri Lanka Railways, around 20 trains operated on Wednesday (15) morning, compared to the over 60 trains that operate daily in the morning.Railways General Manager A. D.

COLOMBO (News 1st); The teachers and principals unions in Sri Lanka went on a one-day strike on Wednesday (15).Teachers and Principals went on strike in support of the action taken by the Professionals Trade Union Collective and several other issues.News 1st correspondents reported that student turnout across schools in the country was at a low as a result of the strike.The Professionals Trade Union Collective had declared a nation-wide day of strikes and protests.Government, Semi-Government and Private Trade Unions are geared up to support the strikes.Government Medical Officers, Specialist Doctors, University Teachers, Faculty of Medicine Teachers, CEB Engineers, Bankers, Petroleum Workers, Water Supply Workers, Road Development Officers, Education Administrative Officers, Surveyors, Inland Revenue Officers are among the 40 Trade Unions that will support this move.Their main demand is to amend the unjust tax policy implemented by the government.The PAYE tax between 6% to 36% imposed on monthly earnings over Rs. 100,000/- had placed professionals across many sectors in a tough position.Public, Semi-Public and Private Trade Unions have joined their cause with several more demands.These include a demand to reduce bank interest rates, provide a Cost of Living Allowance of Rs.

COLOMBO (News 1st); Sri Lanka's Foreign Minister Ali Sabry, PC said that four more countries have stepped forward to provide debt restructuring assurances to the International Monetary Fund.He tweeted that Saudi Arabia, Pakistan, Hungary, and Kuwait have given debt restructuring assurances to IMF. The Foreign Minister is in the UK to attend the Commonwealth Day celebrations.Minister of Foreign Affairs, Ali Sabry will participate in the 22nd Commonwealth Foreign Affairs Ministers Meeting (CFAMM) at the Commonwealth Headquarters, Marlborough House, London on 15 March 2023. This year’s CFAMM will engage the Foreign Ministers in discussing joint responses to shared challenges such as the need to build resilience for peaceful and sustainable societies, climate financing for environmental sustainability and leveraging intra -commonwealth trade and digital connectivity for economic recovery, food, and energy security.On the sidelines of these events, Minister Sabry will have a call on the Rt Hon James Cleverly, Secretary of State for Foreign, Commonwealth Development Affairs (FCDO), bilateral meetings with Rt Hon Patricia Scotland KC, Secretary General of the Commonwealth, Ann Marie Trevelyan, Minister of State for Indo – Pacific FCDO and Lord Mervyn Davies of Abersoch, Prime Minister’s Trade Envoy for Sri Lanka. The Foreign Minister will also participate in an afternoon tea hosted by Rt Hon Lord Naseby at the House of Commons and deliver remarks on Sri Lanka’s relations with the UK to a cross section of British Parliamentarians organized by the Sri Lanka High Commission in London together with Sri Lanka Tea Board.

COLOMBO (News 1st); Nadun Chinthaka Wickramaratne, a notorious underworld gang leader and drug trafficker, wanted by Sri Lankan authorities for multiple crimes, was extradited to Sri Lanka on Wednesday (15) morning.Detectives from the Criminal Investigations Department escorted Harak Kata to Sri Lanka along with his associate Salindu Malshaka also known as Kudu Salindu. Sri Lanka Police said the suspects will be subject to further investigations.

Police began an investigation on March 8 after being contacted with "concerns for the safety of a child," and located the baby on March 9 "along the road in the 5300 block of Delaware Street in Warren County." On Monday, officials said that Megan Sta A mother and grandfather in Iowa were arrested after allegedly killing a newborn baby.The Norwalk, Iowa police department said in a press release that Megan Staude, 25, gave birth to a baby in the last days of February. Investigators say that with the help of her father, 64-year-old Rodney Staude, the baby was "left to die" and disposed of along a street in the town.Police began an investigation on March 8 after being contacted with "concerns for the safety of a child," and located the baby deceased on March 9 "along the road in the 5300 block of Delaware Street in Warren County." On Monday, officials said that Megan Staude and Rodney Staude had been arrested.Megan Staude and Rodney Staude are being charged with first-degree murder in the newborn baby's death, police said.IOWA MAN DIED IN ‘DEPLORABLE CONDITIONS’ AFTER SON, GIRLFRIEND DENIED HIM CARE: POLICEAccording to KCCI-TV, Megan Staude's coworkers contacted police after becoming suspicious when noticing that she wasn't pregnant anymore and finding that her story didn't make sense. Police said that the baby's body was found a few miles from their house, the report states.VIDEO SHOWS OFF-DUTY CHICAGO COP IN DEADLY SHOOTING OF ASSAILANT: ‘I TOLD YOU I’D SHOOT YOU'Law enforcement and professional volunteer searches assisted in locating the baby.CLICK HERE TO GET THE FOX NEWS APPOfficials say that an autopsy was conducted by the Iowa State Medical Examiner, with results pending.

COLOMBO (News 1st); Sri Lankan President Ranil Wickremesinghe has expressed gratitude to the Paris Club, Japan, India, and China for enabling cooperation required to reach an IMF facility for the country.In an open letter to Sri Lanka's Official Bilateral Creditors, President Wickremesinghe noted that the government deployed all efforts to demonstrate our commitment to the EFF program and relentlessly engage on the path to reforms. He said the administration has already implemented major reforms by way of prior actions agreed with the IMF.The President said his government introduced a robust  reform agenda aimed at achieving debt sustainability, strengthening governance, widening the social safety nets supporting the most vulnerable and ensuring we can grow an inclusive  economy attractive to international business. He said this is how Sri Lanka will improve the lives of its people and ensure they are first in line to benefit from improvements in our economic conditions.The President has requested creditors to maintain and even enlarge and strengthen official bilateral creditor coordination in the context of Sri Lanka's forthcoming engagement. He called on the Paris Club  bilateral partners, in particular Japan, together with all our other official bilateral partners,  including India and China, to garner and foster coordination as you best see fit.The Presidnet noted that Sri Lanka is committed to communicate transparently with all on any debt treatment terms that are agreed with any creditor or group of creditors, before being formalized. The President in his letter has also committed not to resume debt service to any creditor unless that creditor agrees on a comprehensive debt treatment in line with IMF-supported

COLOMBO (News 1st); Sri Lanka's Prime Minister Dinesh Gunawardena noted that immediate measures will be taken to announce the new tenure of Local Government Institutions.The Prime Minister said that the new tenure will be announced following talks with the Election Commission, and the Ministry officials.All public property used by Local Government Members should be handed over to the state before the 19th of March.State Minister Janaka Wakkumbura told News 1st that the tenure of Local Government Institutions will cease from midnight on the 19th of March, and the administration will fall under the Urban Commissioners and the Pradeshiya Sabha Secretaries.He said that only reform measures can be adopted by Local Government Institutions after the 19th of March.

PHILADELPHIA - A man has been taken into police custody after he drove a minivan into the front of Philadelphia Police headquarters. The crash happened just before 5 a.m.

COLOMBO (News 1st); Sri Lanka's Cabinet of Ministers has granted approval to go ahead with a pilot project to install Floating Solar Panel Power Plants on the surface of Kiriibban Wewa reservoir and Chandrika Wewa reservoir in the Ratnapura District.Under the Framework Convention on Grant Aid signed between the Republic of Korea and Sri Lanka in 2009, the Minister of Trade, Industry and Energy of the Republic of Korea has agreed to provide a grant amounting 6.83 Billion Korean Won for the implementation of a pilot project to install floating solar panel power plant with 1 MW capacity on the surface of reservoirs. Korea Institute for Advancement of Technology is acting as the monitoring agency for the pilot project on behalf of the Korean government, said the Department of Government Information.Accordingly, the Cabinet of Ministers approved the proposal presented by the Minister of Power and Energy to sign the documents between the Korea Institute for Advancement of Technology, the Ministry of Power and Energy and the Department of External Resources to start and implement this pilot project according to the agreement reached.

COLOMBO (News 1st); Leave of all employees of Sri Lanka Railways cancelled with immediate effect, said the Superintendent of Sri Lanka Railway on Tuesday (14) afternoon.The announcement came after the Locomotive Operating Engineers' Association of Sri Lanka Railways declared a 24-hour strike.The strike will come into effect at midnight on Tuesday (14).The Locomotive Operating Engineers' Association decided to go on strike in support of the mass strike that will launched by multiple trade unions on Wednesday (15), against the governments unjust tax policy, and several other social issues.

COLOMBO (News 1st); Multiple sectors have decided to go on strike for 24-hours on Wednesday (15). One of the main reasons for the strike is the government's latest tax policy, which professionals term as unfair. They have called for immediate reforms in the tax policy.Health Services:The Trade Union action, launched by the Government Medical Officers' Association on Monday (13), continued on Tuesday (14) across five provinces and is expected to go nation-wide on Wednesday (15).The GMOA went on strike against the government's new tax regime, medicine shortage and several other social issues.The All Ceylon Nurses' Union said it would support Wednesday's (15) strike action.Postal Services:The United Postal Services Trade Union Front said it would engage in a trade union action as planned on Wednesday (15).It added that workers at the Central Mail Exchange will step away from duties from 4 PM on Tuesday (14).Transportation Services:The Locomotive Operating Engineers' Association of Sri Lanka Railways declared a 24-hour strike. The strike will come into effect at midnight on Tuesday (14).Education Services: Prof.

COLOMBO (News 1st); The Locomotive Operating Engineers' Association of Sri Lanka Railways have declared a 24-hour strike.The strike will come into effect at midnight on Tuesday (14).The Locomotive Operating Engineers' Association decided to go on strike in support of the mass strike that will launched by multiple trade unions on Wednesday (15), against the governments unjust tax policy, and several other social issues.

COLOMBO (News 1st); Sri Lanka's Postal Service has been declared as an essential service by the President via an extraordinary gazette dated 13th March 2023. 

COLOMBO (News 1st); Sri Lankan President has decided to appoint a Committee to identify suitable government hospitals to be used as Teaching Hospitals to provide clinical training for Private Medical Students.The President's Media Division said this decision was made to provide clinical training for Medical Students enrolled at the KDU, Dr. Neville Fernando Hospital, Lyceum Campus and other universities in Colombo, Kalutara, Gampaha, Kurunegala & Polonnaruwa, According to the President's Media Division this training will be provided without hampering the training of students in State Universities.Accordingly, State Minister of Health Dr. Seetha Arambepola will be appointed as the Chairperson of the aforementioned Committee, while other appointed members will include Additional Secretary to the Ministry of Health Dr.

COLOMBO (News 1st); West End stars Roshani Abbey and Nuwan Hugh Perera from Sri Lanka made a special performance of the song "Anagathaye" at the Commonwealth Day Service, that was also attended by King Charles.Their Majesties The King and The Queen Consort attended the annual Commonwealth Day Service at Westminster Abbey on Monday 13th March – The King’s first as monarch.During the service, which was conducted by the Dean of Westminster, the Very Reverend Dr David Hoyle, The King delivered his Commonwealth Day message from the Great Pulpit, saying:'Commonwealth Day was an occasion of particular pride for my beloved mother, the late Queen; a treasured opportunity to celebrate our Commonwealth family, to whose service she dedicated her long and remarkable life. The Commonwealth has been a constant in my own life, and yet its diversity continues to amaze and inspire me.

University of Saskatchewan along with other researchers across Canada have received $20 million of federal money from the Canadian Institutes of Health Research (CIHR) to help study and combat long COVID effects. Read more: After 3 years of COVID-19, here’s how Canada’s ‘endemic’ future may look The Canada-wide consortium of researchers will study the aftereffects of COVID-19 infections for the next five years.

LEVITTOWN, Pa. - An arrest has been made in a deadly Bucks County hit-and-run that left a man dead more than one month ago, according to authorities. On Monday, Bucks County District Attorney Matt Weintraub announced the arrest of 45-year-old Daniel Stephen Dietrich of Palmyra, New Jersey, in connection with the death of Jason Smith, 47. According to police, the search for the driver of a pickup truck began after the incident occurred on February 5 around 4:15 p.m. in the parking lot of the McDonald's on the 7700 block of Bristol Pike in Levittown. Authorities say 47-year-old Jason Smith was struck and killed by the driver of a Chevy Silvarado in the parking lot of a Bucks County McDonalds.

People in seven areas of the country who tested positive for Covid-19 may receive a text from the Health Service Executive from tomorrow as part of a study to measure their recovery from the disease and provide data on those with Long Covid.

COLOMBO (News 1st); Sri Lankan President Ranil Wickremesinghe congratulated Chinese President Xi Jinping on his confirmation for a third term and praised China's progress under his leadership. The President's Media Division said that Wickremesinghe expressed appreciation for China's support in Sri Lanka's economic challenges, especially in the IMF process & expressed confidence that the two countries' robust cooperation will continue to flourish during Prez. Xi Jinping's new term.Chinese leader Xi Jinping was awarded a third five-year term as president on 10th March, putting him on track to stay in power for life at a time of severe economic challenges and rising tensions with the U.S.

COLOMBO (News 1st); Sri Lanka wildlife veterinarian Malaka Kasun Abeywardana considers himself lucky, after he was attacked by an injured leopard recently, and lived to tell the tale. Dr.

COLOMBO (News 1st); Sri Lankan President Ranil Wickremesinghe said that the government has taken a principled decision to expand the distribution of fuel.He also noted that Hambantota has been identified as a primary energy hub. According to the President's Media Division, he made these comments during a discussion with the representatives of the Sinopec Group held at the President's Office in Colombo on Monday (13).Sinopec has also pledged to invest in a refinery in Hambantota, said the PMD.The representatives informed the Sri Lankan Government that their organization has adhered to the existing system and has applied accordingly. They further conveyed their readiness to fully finance the construction of a refinery in Hambantota, which has been identified as a central energy hub by the government.Moreover, the representatives stated that their company is prepared to respond to future solicitations that align with the aspirations of the country.

COLOMBO (News 1st); Top delegations from the Sinopec Group (Ranking 5th in the Fortune Global 500 list of 2022) and the China Merchants Group (152nd) are currently visiting Sri Lanka.The Chinese Embassy in Sri Lanka tweeted that the delegates are in the country to enhance cooperation and further investment on petroleum & chemicals, trade, and port & industrial park operation.China Merchants Group: China Merchants Group (CMG) is a state-owned backbone enterprise headquartered in Hong Kong. CMG was founded in the Self-strengthening Movement in the late Qing Dynasty in 1872. As the first joint-stock company in modern China, it established the first merchant fleet, the first bank and the first insurance company in China, pioneering China's modern national shipping industry and driving the development of many other modern industries, and occupying an important position in the history of China's modern economic and social development. China Merchants Group is also the parent company of the Hambantota International Port Group (HIPG).Sinopec Corp:China Petroleum & Chemical Corporation (Sinopec Corp) is a listed company on domestic and international stock exchanges with integrated upstream, midstream and downstream operations, strong oil & petrochemical core businesses and a complete marketing network. Sinopec Corp.

The Bar Association of Sri Lanka organized a felicitation ceremony on Sunday (12), to honour those who have completed fifty years at the Bar.During the Felicitation Dinner, President Ranil Wickremesinghe, who has also completed fifty years at the Bar, was honoured and presented with a plaque by Chief Justice Jayantha Jayasuriya PC.The Felicitation Dinner was organized by the Bar Association of Sri Lanka (BASL) to honour 26 individuals who have served at the Bar for 50 or more years.The event coincided with the two-day National Law Conference 2023, also organized by the BASL, which is held on the 12th and 13th of March.Juliana Margaret Coswatte, Walter Leslie de Silva, Ratnasabapathy Arumugam Jegatheson, Upali A. Gooneratne PC, Kanagaratnam Kaneshayogan, M.

PHILADELPHIA - Philadelphia police say a woman was just trying to get off a bus when she became the victim of a stabbing in the city's Frankford section.The victim, a 44-year-old woman, was stepping off a bus on Pratt and Saul Streets just after midnight when she was stabbed in the forehead by a male suspect.She was transported to a local hospital, where she was placed in stable condition.MORE HEADLINES:Police say a 42-year-old man was taken into custody, and charges are pending at this time.

COLOMBO (News 1stA); The Sri Lanka Navy conducted a special operation to chase away Indian poaching trawlers from Sri Lankan waters on Sunday (12) morning. The operation led to the seizure of 2 Indian trawlers with 16 Indian nationals poaching in Sri Lankan waters northeast of Veththalakeni and off the Analativu Island.The Navy continues to conduct regular patrols and operations in Sri Lankan waters to curb illegal fishing practices of foreign fishing trawlers.As an extension of these operations, the Northern Naval Command deployed Fast Attack Craft of the 04th Fast Attack Flotilla to chase away a cluster of Indian poaching trawlers, having spotted they were engaging in illegal fishing in Sri Lankan waters northeast of Veththalakeni and off the Analativu Island.

COLOMBO (News 1st); The Department of Immigration and Emigration said that MP Mahindananda Aluthgamage was turned away from the Bandaranaike International Airport on Friday (10), as another persons' data was added to the system, instead of the MPs passport data.Harsha Ilukpitiya, Controller General of the Immigration and Emigration Department, stated that the travel ban list came into effect after the wrong data was added to the system.The officer who added the wrong data into the system has been suspended, pending inquiry.The Criminal Investigation Department and the Sri Lanka Computer Emergency Readiness Team are conducting further investigations into the matter.

COLOMBO (News 1st); Government hospital waiting rooms were empty on Monday (13) morning as patients were turned back due to a strike launched by the Government Medical Officers' Association against the government's new tax regime.Doctors across four provinces in Sri Lanka, namely the Western, Southern, Central, and Eastern provinces, went on strike with effect from 8 AM against the government's tax policy.The Professionals Trade Union Collective is spearheading the trade union action, and it is supported by at least forty Government and Semi-Government trade unions against the government's new tax regime, the bank interest rate hike, salary and wage anomalies, and several other demands.The Colombo National Hospital was the worst affected, as only emergency services were in operation while all other services were crippled by the strike.

COLOMBO (News 1st); New Zealand have won the first test against Sri Lanka at Christchurch by 2 wickets, thanks to an unbeaten second innings century by Kane Williamson.The Blackcaps resumed day five on 28 for 1, needing 257 more runs to win the game. With William on strike the Blackcaps were seen as the favorites to win the game, however, the Sri Lankan bowlers did not make it easy for the hosts.New Sealand lost seven wickets in their chase on day five.Earlier, Sri Lanka batting first posted 355 runs in their first innings to which the hosts replied with 302 runs.Thereafter, Sri Lanka posted 373 runs for their second innings giving New Zealand 285 runs to chase. 

Colombo (News 1st) – Oscar-winning Ke Huy Quan first shot to fame as a child actor when he played a pickpocket named Short Round opposite star Harrison Ford in the 1984 blockbuster Indiana Jones and the Temple of Doom, which was shot in Sri Lanka. It was directed by the multiple award-winning Steven Spielberg.Born in Vietnam, Quan and his family were among the thousands of boat people who fled when a communist regime came to power.

COLOMBO (News 1st); Minister of Foreign Affairs, Ali Sabry will attend the Commonwealth Day celebrations on Monday (13) at the Commonwealth Headquarters, Marlborough House, London.Commonwealth Day marks the 10th anniversary of the signing of the Commonwealth Charter that outlines the values and aspirations uniting the Commonwealth member countries. The member states will also support “the Commonwealth of Nations Flag for Peace” initiative in symbolizing these values, and the celebrations will end with a reception hosted by King Charles III to the visiting Foreign Ministers.Minister of Foreign Affairs, Ali Sabry will participate in the 22nd Commonwealth Foreign Affairs Minister's Meeting (CFAMM) at the Commonwealth Headquarters, Marlborough House, London on 15th March 2023. This year’s CFAMM will engage the Foreign Ministers in discussing joint responses to shared challenges such as the need to build resilience for peaceful and sustainable societies, climate financing for environmental sustainability and leveraging intra -commonwealth trade and digital connectivity for economic recovery, food, and energy security.On the sidelines of these events, Minister Sabry will have a call on the Rt Hon James Cleverly, Secretary of State for Foreign, Commonwealth Development Affairs (FCDO), bilateral meetings with Rt Hon Patricia Scotland KC, Secretary General of the Commonwealth, Ann Marie Trevelyan, Minister of State for Indo – Pacific FCDO and Lord Mervyn Davies of Abersoch, Prime Minister’s Trade Envoy for Sri Lanka.

COLOMBO (News 1st); US Ambassador to Sri Lanka Julie Chung has stressed that Local Government Election are critical." Democracies are understrained across the globe and no democracy stands without the rule of law," she told the 2023 edition of the National Law Conference, the most prestigious event of the Bar Association of Sri Lanka."The United States support for the rights of everyday Sri Lankans to voice their concerns peacefully and participate in their government is unwavering. The country's proud history of free elections underpins those rights.

COLOMBO (News 1st); Sri Lanka Police arrested three people for attempting to shoot dead a person in Wellampitiya.Police said that two men were arrested from Kotuwila for planning the murder, and aiding in the attempted murder.Following interrogation, the motorcyclist who was assigned to carry out the shooting was arrested in Bomiriya.The motorcycle was discovered from Borella, and the suspects will be produced in court on Monday (13). 

COLOMBO (News 1st); Train operations along the main railway line were delayed on Monday (13) morning due to a derailment in Orugodawatte.Sri Lanka Railways said that several fasteners, a Railway Track Component, had been removed and stolen, resulting in the derailment.Sri Lanka Railways considers the act of removing the fasteners as theft, and noted that steps were taken to restore operations.

Colombo (News 1st) – Sri Lanka is likely to be rocked by severe strike actions in many crucial sectors nationwide which will bring the country to a standstill, as the public buckles under the financial strain of multiple price hikes and heavy taxation.The Professionals Trade Union Collective and several other trade unions representing government and semi-government sectors have planned to launch trade union actions from Monday, March 13. More than 40 trade unions including health, education, water, electricity, nurses, teachers, government and semi-government sectors have expressed their support.Trade unions said one of the main reasons for the trade union action is the failure to provide solutions to the burdens caused by the unfair tax policy, while salaries have not been increased and the economic crisis continues.Through the protests, the trade unions will also highlight several other matters including skyrocketing interest rates and issues related to salaries and increments.Dr.

By Frederica JanszThe word ‘IMF’ has got to be the most spoken in Sri Lanka today. As this word runs on a daily cycle of constant discussion which lends ear to a babble of discourse mostly filled with resentment, it is interesting to note, how few are aware of the true functions and makeup of the International Monetary Fund.It is indeed correct that this powerful organization has repetitively come under criticism for a lack of accountability.

A research conducted by Verite Research observes that economic management in Sri Lanka lacks compliance both by the bureaucracy and Parliament. Commenting on the new Public Finance Management Act proposed in September 2022, Verite Research suggests that rather than the lack of fiscal rules, the more critical problem for Sri Lanka may be the lack of compliance with fiscal rules in public finance management. The analysis, which was reported in a Verite publication titled Verite Insights, sheds light on how the Parliament of Sri Lanka had consistently revoked rules set out in the Fiscal Management (Responsibility) Act either by blatantly breaching them or by amending the rule whenever it became a constraint.The three rules that have been flouted include the rule on budgeted deficit, the rule on central government debt and the rule on treasury guarantees. The research further states that in order to recover confidence and build the economy, Sri Lanka may need deeper diagnostic and more robust correction mechanisms with regard to the crisis of governance.

Colombo (News 1st) – Local Government Elections are 'critical' for Sri Lanka, stated US Ambassador to Sri Lanka Julie Chung.She made the statement while speaking as the Guest of Honour at the 2023 edition of the National Law Conference, the most prestigious event of the Bar Association of Sri Lanka, in Colombo on Sunday (12)."Democracies are understrained across the globe and no democracy stands without the rule of law. You, all of you are the guardians of that precious rule" the US Ambassador to Sri Lanka stated."The United States support for the rights of everyday Sri Lankans to voice their concerns peacefully and participate in their government is unwavering," Ms.

The Human Rights Commission of Sri Lanka expressed concerns over law enforcement officers who resorted to the use of tear gas, water cannons and wooden rods as a crowd control mechanism to disperse protesters over the past few days.Issuing a statement, the HRCSL noted that every citizen is entitled to the freedom of Assembly and expression and that this right has been exercised by different individuals and groups in the country. The statement further read that the Commission has initiated inquiries and investigation procedures to ascertain whether the crowd control procedures adopted by law enforcement officers are in line with constitutional provisions, international human rights obligations of Sri Lanka and basic principles of respecting human dignity. Public Security Minister Tiran Alles is expected to appear before the Commission tomorrow for an inquiry over the violent crackdown by the Police on March 7 and 8 when dispersing protests held near the Universities of Colombo and Kelaniya.The Commission is optimistic that the discussion with the Minister would help adopt a mechanism to prevent the violations of fundamental human rights in future and recommend guidelines in compliance with human rights for the control of crowds during protests.The Human Rights Commission of Sri Lanka expressed concerns over law enforcement officers who resorted to the use of tear gas, water cannons and wooden rods as a crowd control mechanism to disperse protesters over the past few days.Issuing a statement, the HRCSL noted that every citizen is entitled to the freedom of Assembly and expression and that this right has been exercised by different individuals and groups in the country. The statement further read that the Commission has