Sri Lanka’s Government Printer says ballot papers will NOT be printed without funds – NEC

the Agence France-Presse (AFP) that while he believes the film will do well at the box office — it’s also irked some people and even prompted death threats."Look, this is mental," Frake-Waterfield, 31, told the news outlet. "I've had petitions to stop it.

COLOMBO (News 1st); A US delegation that arrived in the country on Tuesday (14) night aboard two US Air Force planes had met with State Minister of Defence Premitha Bandara Tennakoon and Secretary of Defence General Kamal Gunaratne (Retd).Principal Deputy Assistant Secretary of Defense for Indo-Pacific Security Affairs Jedidiah P.

COLOMBO (News 1st); The High Commission of Pakistan, in collaboration with Ministry of Commerce and Trade Development Authority of Pakistan (TDAP), organized a promotional event for Pakistani Kinnows or Mandarins, at the BMICH in Colombo today. Mohan Priyadarshana de Silva, State Minister for Agriculture and A. H.

COLOMBO (News 1st) ; The Minister of Power and Energy Kanchana Wijesekara says that with the increase in the electricity tariff by 66%, power cuts will no longer be imposed from Thursday (16).Speaking to reporters in Colombo, the Minister said the electricity tariff increase was a difficult decision to make, but it was one that had to be taken.He further said that the Ceylon Electricity Board will start making direct purchases related to fuel and coal.The Minister said that the Bank of Ceylon will be providing an additional loan of Rs. 22 Billion for coal procurement, while a request was made for an additional Rs.

COLOMBO (News 1st); The Colpetty Police sealed the office of the Chairman of the Public Utilities Commission as per an order issued by the Fort Magistrate's Court,This was confirmed by the Police Spokesperson SSP Nihal Thalduwa.He said that the court order was obtained after reporting facts to the court with regard to information that claimed that events that cause inconveniences to the government were taking place within the office.The Police Spokesperson said that the Chairman of the Public Utilities Commission of Sri Lanka Janaka Ratanayake is currently overseas, and the office will be re-opened in his presence when he returns to the island. 

COLOMBO (News 1st); The Freedom People's Congress in a letter to the Prime Minister have requested for Parliament to be summoned immediately, under Standing Order 16.The letter bearing the signature of the General Secretary of the Freedom Peoples' Congress notes that the decision to indefinitely delay the issuing of ballot papers for the Local Government Election is a threat to Sri Lanka's democracy.The letter further notes that the National Election Commission had observed that the reason for the decision to indefinitely delay the issuing of ballot papers for the Local Government Election was that the Treasury had failed to deliver funds for printing, and based on that the Government Printer had refused to go ahead with the printing process.It notes that Parliament should convene immediately as Public Representatives, as the legislators, are bound to control the undemocratic situation, and managed the situation as well.14 MPs had signed the letter that was addressed to the Prime Minister.

Following a decline in covid cases, scientists believe that there are less chances of another wave given that a large number of India’s population has been exposed to the virus and vaccinated and have thus developed hybrid immunity New Delhi: India recorded 126 fresh covid cases in the last 24 hours, the Union health ministry said in an update on Thursday. Active caseload stands at 1,835, with total reported infections till date at 44.7 million. Death toll has touched 530,757 since the onset of covid pandemic.

COLOMBO (News 1st); The three teenage boys who were arrested for beating to death a man with motorcycle helmets were ordered by the Mathugama Magistrate's Court to be detained at the Child Remand Home in Makola until the 28th of February.The teenagers were identified as grade 11 students.The remains of the late Ranga Viraj Jayasinghe, a 34-year-old father of one, who was brutally beaten to death by teenagers using their helmets was moved to his residence in Welipenna on Thursday (17) morning.Relatives said the final rites will be performed on Friday (17).Ranga Viraj Jayasinghe was beaten to death with helmets for advising a group of teenagers to wear helmets when riding on motorcycles.Ranga who advised these teens for their own safety leaves behind a 11-month-old daughter.According to family and friend, Ranga was eagerly waiting to celebrate his daughters' first birthday.Sri Lanka Police said that Ranga had advised a group of teenage boys, who were riding two motorcycles at excessive speeds in Welipenna, to wear their helmets.However, an argument had broken out between the two sides and the teenage boys had beaten Ranga with their helmets, and Ranga later succumbed to his injuries.

COLOMBO (News 1st); The petition filed with the Supreme Court against the circular issued by Neel Bandara Hapuhinne, the Secretary to the Ministry of Public Administration, Home Affairs, Provincial Councils and Local Government to suspend the acceptance of bonds for the Local Government Election, will be taken up for consideration on the 23rd of February.The matter was called up in the presence of Supreme Court Justices Priyantha Jayawardena, Murdhu Fernando, and Achala Wengappuli on Thursday (16).President's Counsel Upul Jayasuriya appearing for the petitioner requested the court to consider the petition at an earlier date noting that the circular was issued in an attempt to obstruct the People's Franchise.Additional Solicitor General Nerin Pulle appearing for the Attorney General informed the court that the letter was issued on the directive of the Cabinet Secretary, and it was recalled several hours later by the Secretary to the Ministry of Public Administration, Home Affairs, Provincial Councils and Local Government.He also noted that an apology was also made to the National Election Commission.The application was filed by Colombo Mayoral Candidate for the Samagi Jana Balavegaya, Mujibur Rahuman.

COLOMBO (News 1st); The Freedom People's Congress in a letter to the Prime Minister have requested for Parliament to be summoned immediately, under Standing Order 16.The letter bearing the signature of the General Secretary of the Freedom Peoples' Congress notes that the decision to indefinitely delay the issuing of ballot papers for the Local Government Election is a threat to Sri Lanka's democracy.The letter further notes that the National Election Commission had observed that the reason for the decision to indefinitely delay the issuing of ballot papers for the Local Government Election was that the Treasury had failed to deliver funds for printing, and based on that the Government Printer had refused to go ahead with the printing process.It notes that Parliament should convene immediately as Public Representatives, as the legislators, are bound to control the undemocratic situation, and managed the situation as well.14 MPs had signed the letter that was addressed to the Prime Minister.

The historic Temple of the Tooth Relic in the city of Kandy will host a Janaraja Perahara on February 19th, after 34 years.The procession has been organized to coincide with the 75th Independence Celebration, and it will be inaugurated under the patronage of President Ranil Wickremesinghe.According to the Coordinating Officer and the Cultural Officer of the Temple of the Tooth Relic, the procession will begin from the Magul Maduwa premises at 6.30 pm on February 19th. It will parade along the Dalada Street, Yatinuvara Street, Kanda Street, Raja Street, and return to the temple, marking the end of the event.

India to propose China, other creditors take haircuts on loans(Reuters) – India is drafting a proposal for G20 countries to help debtor nations badly hit by the economic fallout from the pandemic and Ukraine war, by asking lenders including China, the world's largest sovereign creditor, to take a large haircut on loans.Two Indian government sources told Reuters of the proposal as finance ministers and central bank chiefs from the Group of 20 prepared to meet in Bengaluru next week.

COLOMBO (News 1st); Sri Lankan President Ranil Wickremesinghe has directed Power & Energy Minister & relevant officials to ensure uninterrupted power supply is made available for electricity customers once the PUCSL tariff revision is implemented.The President's Media Division also said that the President gave directives to provide concessions for low-income families and provide solar rooftop systems for religious places & government educational institutions when the new tariff revision comes into effect.The Ministry of Power and Energy said that power outages will not be imposed from Thursday (16), as the Public Utilities Commission of Sri Lanka granted approval to the 66% electricity tariff hike.A source from the Ministry of Power and Energy speaking to News 1st said that a decision will be reached in the future with regard to those who are unable to settle their electricity bills.The Public Utilities Commission has approved a 66 percent hike in electricity tariffs with effect from Wednesday (15).It was with the agreement of the three members of the PUCSL except the Chairman of the Commission Janaka RatnayakeIn order to generate an additional income of Rs.

COLOMBO (News 1st); Sri Lanka Police on Wednesday (15) arrested four suspects for sexually abusing a ten-year-old school girl in Weligama.Sri Lanka Police said that the victim of the abuse was heading to a tuition class on Friday (10), and was sexually abused by the suspects.In addition to abusing the victim, the suspects had also threatened her with death, said Sri Lanka Police.The victim had notified her mother over the injuries suffered to her genital area, and thereafter the mother had filed a complaint with the local police.The four suspects in their twenties were arrested on Wednesday (15) evening.The victim of the abuse was admitted to the Matara General Hospital for an examination, and Sri Lanka Police is conducting an investigation over the crime against a minor.

COLOMBO (News 1st); Nine students were injured following a clash between two student groups at the University of Sabaragamuwa on Wednesday (15) night.Sri Lanka Police said that the clash was between first year students from the Management Faculty, and students from the university hostel.The nine injured students were admitted to the Balangoda Hospital, and no arrests were made.

COLOMBO (News 1st); The Ministry of Power and Energy said that power outages will not be imposed from Thursday (16), as the Public Utilities Commission of Sri Lanka granted approval to the 66% electricity tariff hike.A source from the Ministry of Power and Energy speaking to News 1st said that a decision will be reached in the future with regard to those who are unable to settle their electricity bills.The Public Utilities Commission has approved a 66 percent hike in electricity tariffs with effect from Wednesday (15).It was with the agreement of the three members of the PUCSL except the Chairman of the Commission Janaka RatnayakeIn order to generate an additional income of Rs. 287 billion for the Ceylon Electricity Board, the proposal to increase the electricity tariff by 66 percent which was approved by the cabinet was forwarded to the Public Utilities Commission on January 2nd.The proposal was not approved by the Public Utilities Commission and several members of the commission resigned due to conflict of opinion on the proposal.Three new members were appointed for the vacant positions on two occasions and on Tuesday (14) the proposal was taken up again under the chairmanship of Janaka Ratnayake.A 36 percent increase in electricity tariff was proposed to generate an income of 142 billion rupees based on the suggestions of public consultation and all other parties, but only Chairman Janatha Ratnayake agreed to the proposal.The other members of the commission namely Attorney Chaturika Wijesinghe, Douglas Nanayakkara and SG Senaratne had rejected the proposal.According to the new electricity bill hike proposal:The electricity tariff of Rs 360 paid for 30 electricity units so far can be increased to Rs 1,300.

Brenda Lucki said Wednesday she is stepping down as the head of Canada’s national police force.Lucki will exit the top job on March 17, she said in a statement. She was appointed in 2018 and was the first woman to permanently hold the role.She has faced intense criticism in recent years for the RCMP’s handling of multiple crises, including the mass shooting in Nova Scotia and the response to the so-called “Freedom Convoy” protests in Ottawa and at border crossings across the country.Multiple sources told Global News the government was not planning to extend Lucki’s mandate.“Today I announced that I have made a personal decision to retire.

BEIJING - China said Wednesday it will take measures against U.S. entities related to the downing of a suspected Chinese spy balloon off the American East Coast.At a daily briefing, Foreign Ministry spokesperson Wang Wenbin gave no details and did not identify the targets of the measures.China says the balloon was a unmanned weather airship that was accidentally blown off course and accuses the U.S.

COLOMBO (News 1st); The Hambantota High Court on Wednesday (15) sentenced four Police Officer to death over the murder of an individual back in 2005.The Crimes OIC of the Humangama Police, a Retired Police Constable, a Police Constable attached to the State Intelligence Service and currently at the Hambantota Harbor Police, and Former Police Constable attached to the Tissamaharama Police who was dishonorably discharged from service, were sentenced to deaht by the Hambantota High Court Judge Priyantha Liyanage.The accused had carried out a raid on the 29th of June 2005 to arrest a suspect responsible for three robberies in Matarawatte, Debarawewa in Tissamaharama.Initial police investigations revealed that the accused had surrounded the house of the suspect at midnight on that day, and following his arrest had instructed him to run off and then opened fire at him.The deceased was identified as Loku Hennadige Amila Mahesh, a resident of Matarawatte.This is incidentally the first time in Sri Lankan history that four police officers were sentenced to death at the same time.

PHILADELPHIA - The Philadelphia Eagles may have lost the Super Bowl, but that doesn't mean our beloved Birds didn't have a parade-worthy season!FOX 29 decided to celebrate our home team with a 5-mile "Hurts Parade," kicking off from City Hall to Lincoln Financial Field Wednesday morning.Mike Jerrick started his march at 7 a.m.

COLOMBO (News 1st) – Sri Lankan President Ranil Wickremesinghe said that the government will not give into the demands of protestors.He noted that just, because certain groups strike demanding the removal of certain officials, the government will not remove anyone arbitrarily as there is a procedure that has to be followed and the government will follow the rules and act accordingly.He was addressing the launch of the Centre for Governance and Public Policy (C-GaPP) at the Sri Lanka Technological Campus (SLTC) Research University at the Trace City in Colombo on Wednesday (15).He said that the responsibility to address such issues rests to a large extent with the Universities. The President noted that even at the point of the new Centre for Governance and Public Policy (C-GaPP) being inaugurated at the Sri Lanka Technological Campus (SLTC) Research University, two strikes were in progress. One was staged at the Ruhuna University demanding the removal of the Vice Chancellor and another one demanded the removal of the General Manager of a state Corporation.President Wickremesinghe further stated that the removal of the General Manager is a matter of the government. “Just, because there is a strike we will not remove him.

COLOMBO (News 1st); Two special US Air Force planes landed at the Katunayake Airport late on Tuesday (14) evening and left on Wednesday (15) afternoon.News 1st contacted the US Embassy in Colombo for details on arrival of these planes, and those on board, and the mission said it has no comment regarding the inquiry. Sources at the Katunayake International Airport told News 1st that these two special US Air Force planes reached Sri Lankan from a US Military Base in Greece.One aircraft landed in Sri Lanka at 6:58 PM on Tuesday (14), and the other landed at 7:10 PM the same night.These aircraft were identified as C-17 Globe masters.The C-17 is capable of rapid strategic delivery of troops and all types of cargo to main operating bases or directly to forward bases in the deployment area.It was reported that 29 personnel, including a high-level delegation from the United States of America arrived aboard these planes.The Daily Mirror had reported that the delegation included US Principal Deputy Assistant Secretary of Defense for Indo-Pacific Security Affairs Jedidiah Royal.The two US Air Force planes left Sri Lanka on Wednesday (15) afternoon.

(Reuters) – Sri Lanka and India will sign a pact to link their power grids and start negotiations on an upgraded trade agreement within two months, a Sri Lankan diplomat said on Wednesday (15), as the island nation seeks a way out of its worst economic crisis in decades.India has provided some $4 billion in assistance to its southern neighbour since the crisis hit early last year, but Sri Lanka is now seeking to enhance trade and investments as it moves to close a $2.9 billion loan from the International Monetary Fund, the country's envoy to New Delhi told Reuters."We have to have growth, otherwise basically the economy will shrink," Milinda Moragoda, the Sri Lankan High Commissioner to India said."As far as growth is concerned, India offers that prospect. So we will have to move on that.

WHO health supplies bound for earthquake zones last week. ©WHO

Indian Minister of Commerce and Industry, Piyush Goyal on Tuesday (14) met Sri Lanka's High Commissioner Milinda Moragoda and discussed support for economic recovery through bilateral trade expansion.During the discussion between Minister Goyal and High Commissioner Moragoda, which was held in a very cordial manner, a wide range of issues pertaining to the areas of bilateral trade and commerce, particularly aiming at the economic recovery in Sri Lanka, was discussed, read High Commission of Sri Lanka press release.Mechanisms relating to the expansion of bilateral trade, the ways to establish and promote rupee trade between Sri Lanka and India as a means of economic recovery in Sri Lanka, and the possibility of further bilateral integration in the textiles and garment sector were among the key issues discussed between the Indian Commerce Minister and the Sri Lankan High Commissioner.Moragoda thanked India for the unprecedented support that it has extended to Sri Lanka to mitigate the negative impact of the economic crisis.Recalling India's timely issuance of financial assurances to the IMF, the first creditor to do so, High Commissioner Moragoda emphasized the key role that India could play in the recovery phase of the Sri Lankan economy, added the press release.India sent financing assurances to the International Monetary Fund (IMF), becoming the first of Sri Lanka's creditors to officially back the crisis-hit island nation's debt restructuring programme.This takes Sri Lanka one step closer to getting a crucial USD 2.9-billion package from the IMF, made contingent on "receiving financing assurances from Sri Lanka's official creditors and making a good faith effort to reach a collaborative agreement with private

COLOMBO (News 1st); Postal Voting for the upcoming Local Government Election will go ahead as planned on the 22nd, 23rd, and 24th of February 2023, confirmed the Chairman of the National Election Commission Attorney Nimal Punchihewa on Wednesday (15).He said that the distribution of the ballot papers for Postal Voting was delayed, though the distribution process was scheduled to commence on Tuesday (14).However, the Government Printer said that an issue arose regarding the provision of the ballot papers for the Postal Vote due to funding issues.In the meantime, the National Election Commission and the Government Printer had engaged in a series of talks and based on those discussions the Government Printers is expected to deliver the ballot papers for postal voting in the coming days.Moreover, Election Monitors have decided to take legal action against the conduct of the Government Printer for failing to deliver the ballot papers.Election Monitors said that the Government Printer has taken an unconstitutional decision to not deliver the ballot papers.Rohana Hettiarachchi, the Executive Director of the People's Action for Free & Fair Elections (PAFFREL) said the National Election Commission must also take legal action against the Government Printer.Secure packages containing the ballot papers for postal voting were to be handed over to Sri Lanka Post on Wednesday (15), however as the ballot papers were not delivered, the process was suspended indefinitely as per a decision reached by the National Election Commission on Tuesday (14). 

WASHINGTON - The pace of consumer price increases eased again in January compared with a year earlier, the latest sign that the high inflation that has gripped Americans for nearly two years is slowly easing.At the same time, Tuesday’s consumer price report from the government showed that inflationary pressures in the U.S. economy remain stubborn and are likely to keep prices elevated well into this year.

Read more: Alberta begins welcoming people displaced by war in Ukraine Read next: Part of the Sun breaks free and forms a strange vortex, baffling scientists Ostapiv says she wanted to help them forget about the war and decided to take them on a vacation she had pre-booked before Russia invaded Ukraine.However, when it came time to head back to the airport, she learned the kids could not fly back to Canada.Ostapiv is a Canadian citizen, but her three adopted children, Anastasia, Yulia and Maksim, are not. Read more: 1 in 3 Ukrainians with visas have arrived in Canada as applications near 700K Read next: Exclusive: Widow’s 911 call before James Smith Cree Nation murders reveals prior violence They hold a CUAET (Canada-Ukraine authorization for emergency travel), which grants them one-time entry into the country.

COLOMBO (News 1st); Three 16-year-old boys were arrested for beating a 34-year-old man to death with a helmet in Aluthgama.Sri Lanka Police said that the incident took place at the Kurundippita Junction in Galmatte, Aluthgama.The three teenagers had beaten to man to death with their helmets over a verbal dispute.Sri Lanka Police said that the victim succumbed to his injuries en route to the hospital, and he was identified as a resident of Walagedara, Kurundippita.a

High Commissioner of Sri Lanka to India, Milinda Moragoda met with the Finance and Corporate Affairs Minister of India Smt. Nirmala Sitharaman on Tuesday (14) at the Ministry of Finance in New Delhi, as the latest of a series of meetings he has had with her since November 2021.The meeting between the Finance Minister of India and the High Commissioner of Sri Lanka took place just ahead of the first meeting of the G20 Finance Ministers scheduled to be held on 24-25 February 2023 in Bengaluru, chaired by Minister Sitharaman.During the discussion, High Commissioner Moragoda once again thanked Minister Sitharaman for the unprecedented emergency assistance that India has extended to Sri Lanka and for the timely issuance of India’s financial assurances to the International Monetary Fund, concerning the country’s debt restructuring process.The High Commissioner also thanked India and Minister Sitharaman for the assistance being provided to Sri Lanka in the present economic recovery phase, in particular for the necessary regulations and approvals that are being set in place to facilitate rupee trade between the two countries. The discussion also focused on the ways and means to utilize the available resources in the 1 billion USD Indian line of credit to import urgently required essential pharmaceuticals, which are in short supply in Sri Lanka.

COLOMBO (News 1st); Colombo Additional Magistrate Rajindra Jayasuriya ordered the Colombo Chief Judicial Medical Officers, and the Government Analyst to preserve the bio-samples of the late Dinesh Schaffter, who died under mysterious circumstances.President's Counsel Anuja Premaratne appearing for the aggrieved party informed the court that the samples would be necessary if another post-mortem is to be carried out over the death of the Colombo-based businessman.Based on this submission, the Colombo Additional Magistrate ordered the Chief Judicial Medical Officer of the Colombo General Hospital, and the Director of the Colombo National Hospital to provide a comprehensive report to the court detailing all medical treatment provided to Dinesh Schaffter after he was admitted to the hospital on the 15th of December 2022.In addition, the Colombo Additional Magistrate ordered the Colombo Chief Judicial Medical Officer and the Officer in Charge of the Crimes Laboratory to provide all photographs and videos obtained before and after the postmortem examination, as well as those taken when performing the post-mortem.Dinesh Schaffter was found dead inside his car at the Borella Public Cemetery on the 15th of December 2022.The Criminal Investigations Department informed the court that in addition to Dinesh Schaffter's biosamples, other samples were found on the zip-ties used to his hands, the wire used to strangle him, and the bottle discovered inside his. 

COLOMBO (News 1st); A 43-year-old man was gunned down in Elpitiya on Tuesday (14) night.Sri Lanka Police said that a gunman had entered a store in Uragaha, Elpitiya and opened fire at the victim.A police investigation is underway.

New Jersey Gov. Phil Murphy (Edwin J. Torres/Governor's Office)PHILADELPHIA - Democratic Gov.

Michigan state representative Ranjeev Puri doesn’t want your condolences — he wants real change.After a gunman killed three students and wounded five others at Michigan State University on Monday night, Puri, a Democratic legislator, released a statement beginning with one powerful, strongly worded sentence: “F— your thoughts and prayers.” Read more: Three people killed after shootings at Michigan State University, police say Read next: Part of the Sun breaks free and forms a strange vortex, baffling scientists Puri said the shooting has caused “unimaginable trauma and grief” to the Michigan State University community.Today, we begin to collectively heal from the horrific events which transpired, tomorrow we work. My official statement regarding the Michigan State University shooting is below:Fuck your thoughts and prayers.

Ashton Kutcher has been open about the health issues he's battled for the past few years, but now he's revealing how those struggles led him to pushing himself at the South Pole. "I had a weird autoimmune disorder three years ago," he shared on "The Late Late Show with James Corden." "So last year, I was like, 'I am just going to push myself to the end of my physical capacity in every form.'" As part of this mission, he said, "I went to the South Pole, I ran a marathon, I went ‘Running Wild with Bear Grylls.’ I was just going to push it as far as I can just to get the self-confidence that I'm fully back, which I am." During the trip, Kutcher climbed a mountain and was given the opportunity to name it – and his mind instantly went to his wife Mila Kunis.

COLOMBO (News 1st); Sri Lankan Opposition Leader Sajith Premadasa said that any agreement inked by Sri Lanka must be transparent.Premadasa was speaking at the SJB Economic Summit 'The Blue Print' in Colombo on Tuesday (14), and said the International Monetary Fund agreement is integral to Sri Lanka to come out of bankruptcy."Where we will differ is the way we negotiate, the substance, and the issues. We will be taking a pro-people, pro-business approach, he said.Sajith Premadasa also went on to note that the present executive presidency, together with the Prime Minister has manipulated and connived to prevent the election from being held, because they lack a mandate.The Opposition Leader said that the SJB will work with everyone, and not do anything that is detrimental to the interest of any country."What we will do is, we will promote our national interests.

The Samagi Jana Balavegaya on Tuesday (14) presented its Economic Policy in Colombo.Blueprint 2.0: is a Ten-Point Program for Economic Stabilisation and Equitable Growth.1. Transparency and Accountability2. Debt Crisis Management3.

 COLOMBO (News 1st); The Sri Lankan who died in the earthquakes in Turkiye on the 6th of February was buried in Hatay/Antakya in Turkiye, confirmed the Ministry of Foreign Affairs on Tuesday (14).The Embassy of Sri Lanka in Ankara had been working to ascertain the welfare of the sixteen Sri Lankans who were living in the area affected by the earthquake and tremors, in coordination with the  Türkiye authorities. It was confirmed that 15 of them, contacted by the Embassy are safe, while a Sri Lankan female who was living in Hatay/Antakya Province in Türkiye, was reported missing. The Embassy was able to confirm the fate of the Sri Lankan concerned and also noted the unfortunate death of the missing Sri Lankan.The identity of the deceased Sri Lankan is withheld at the request of the family. Burial of the human remains of the deceased already took place in Hatay/Antakya, in line with regulations imposed by the health authorities, said the Foreign Ministry.Death toll from earthquakes went past 37,000.

COLOMBO (News 1st); The Walana Anti-Vice Unit arrested a man for the possession of a pair of elephant tusks.Police said that the suspect was preparing to sell the elephant tusks for approximately Rs.

COLOMBO (News 1st); Postal Voting for the Local Government Election was postponed indefinitely, said the  National Election Commission on Tuesday (14).A Senior Official at the NEC told News 1st that the decision was taken as the funds required to print the ballot papers for the Postal Vote were not received.The National Election Commission had planned for the Postal Vote to take place on 22nd, 23rd, and 24th of February 2023.The National Election Commission informed the Political Party Secretaries that it will not be able to direct the ballot papers for Postal Voting tomorrow (15), as previously planned. This was revealed by the Secretaries of the Political Parties who met with the National Election Commission on Tuesday (14) morning.The Secretaries of the Political Parties  revealed that the National Election Commission is yet to decide on whether or not the Local Government Election will be held on the 9th of March 2023.

COLOMBO (News 1st); Sri Lanka has not been able to make payments for two coal shipments that reached the Island.Shehan Sumanasekara, the Chairman /MD of Lanka Coal Company (Pvt) Ltd said that the two shipments reached the country on Friday (10), and Saturday (11), and it has not been able to settle the payments.The coal shipment that reached Sri Lanka before these two shipments were unloaded on Monday (13).The Chairman /MD of Lanka Coal Company (Pvt) Ltd said though the Ceylon Electricity Board made a certain amount of funds available on Monday (13), it was not sufficient for coal procurement.

COLOMBO (News 1st); The National Election Commission has informed the Political Party Secretaries that it will not be able to direct the ballot papers for Postal Voting tomorrow (15), as previously planned. This was revealed by the Secretaries of the Political Parties who met with the National Election Commission on Tuesday (14) morning.Earlier, Chairman of the National Election Commission Attorney Nimal Punchihewa speaking to News 1st said that the current state of affairs surrounding the election will be discussed at the meeting. Election Monitors were also summoned for this meeting.The Secretaries of the Political Parties  revealed that the National Election Commission is yet to decide on whether or not the Local Government Election will be held on the 9th of March 2023. They also noted that the National Election Commission is likely to face an issue concerning the Ballot Papers required for postal voting.Palitha Range Bandara, the General Secretary for the United National Party told reporters that the UNP has never called for a delay in elections."How can one even ask for funds from President Ranil Wickremesinghe, after he took over a country that was literally bankrupt," he told the media while leaving the National Election Commission premises.He said that based on the meeting with the NEC it is likely the election would be delayed."If the government says it does not have the funds, if the Government Printer says it cannot print the ballot papers without payment, it is the National Election Commission that needs to decide on the matter," he added.Ranjith Madduma Bandara, the General Secretary of the Samagi Jana Balavegaya told reporters that the National Election Commission had given an undertaking to go ahead with

COLOMBO (News 1st); Sri Lanka's Cabinet of Ministers approved the proposal to ban the importation, domestic manufacture, sale and local use of a series of plastic products with effect from 1st of June 2023.The decision comes based on a recommendation made by the Committee of Experts that was appointed to inquire into Single Use Plastic/ Polythene Control Proposals regarding the import, domestic production, sale and local use of 7 Single Use Plastic/Polythene products.The following plastic products will be banned from June• Single-use plastic drinking straws and stirrers • Single-use plastic plates, cups (except yoghurt cups), spoons, forks and knives, including yoghurt spoons made of plastic • Plastic garlands • String Hopper moulds made of plastic  

COLOMBO (News 1st); Sri Lanka's Cabinet of Ministers on Monday (13) granted approval to import eggs to Sri Lanka from India.A Senior Government Minister said that permission was granted on the recommendation that the imported eggs do not contain bird flu.Accordingly, permission was granted to import eggs for a period of two months.The Senior Government Minister said the imported eggs will not be released to the local market, instead would be directly sent to industries that use eggs on mass scale.

COLOMBO (News 1st); Sri Lanka has decided to create several new Elephant Corridors in an attempt to solve the Human Elephant Conflict.The Ministry of Wildlife and Forest Resources Conservation said that the elephant corridors will be constructed by clearing certain sections of forest lands that have been designated to be used to solve the Human Elephant Conflict.Wildlife Secretary R. M.

COLOMBO (News 1st); Japanese Government has decided to award a grant of USD 38 Million for an uninterrupted essential and emergency health service, said Cabinet Spokesperson Minister Bandula Gunawardena on Tuesday (14).Speaking to reporters during the weekly briefing to announce Cabinet Decision, the Minister said under Japan's Economic and Social Development Programme to Sri Lanka the funds will be made available for the purchase of fuel, especially diesel, which is of paramount importance to the country's health sector.

COLOMBO (News 1st); Three leading local car dealers have decided to recall a large number of vehicles over faulty airbags and for upgrades.The Commissioner General of the Department of Motor Traffic Nishantha Anurudhdha Weerasinghe told News 1st that discussions are underway with all other dealers to rectify the faulty airbag issue.Millions of vehicles ranging from a variety of makes and models across the world are being recalled due to faulty airbags made by a Japanese auto parts maker.The Commissioner General of the Department of Motor Traffic Nishantha Anurudhdha Weerasinghe told News 1st that vehicles that fall under the recall category are currently in use in Sri Lanka.He said that a special meeting will take place on Tuesday (14) with local car dealers to address the issue.It has now been confirmed that vehicles with defective airbags that can increase the risk of injury, fail to protect occupants, or cause a driver to crash have been sold across the world, and these include Sedans and SUBs.Although vehicles belonging to the relevant make and models have been recalled overseas to rectify the issue, in Sri Lanka, those vehicles continue to operate in the streets.The Commissioner General of the Department of Motor Traffic Nishantha Anurudhdha Weerasinghe said that local vehicle importers have decided to recall 47 vehicle models with faulty airbags to rectify the issue.These include the following:Honda: 33 Models from 9 vehicle types Mitsubishi: 8 Models from 3 vehicle types Toyota: 6 ModelsHowever, across the world, over 100 vehicle models have been recalled to rectify the airbag issue, and they include the following:Mazda: 7 vehicle categories Benz: 10 vehicle categories Mitsubishi: 6 vehicle categories Subaru: 5

COLOMBO (News 1st); Sri Lanka has announced a certified price for paddy purchasing during the Maha Cultivation Season.Agriculture Secretary Gunadasa Amarasekera speaking to News 1st said that the Finance Ministry has issued the relevant circular for this purpose.Accordingly, a kilogram of paddy with moisture will be purchased for Rs. 88/- and a kilogram of dry paddy will be purchased for Rs.