Government: Latest News

WARSAW - President Joe Biden is wrapping up his whirlwind, four-day visit to Poland and Ukraine by reassuring eastern flank NATO allies that his administration is highly attuned to the looming threats and other impacts spurred by the grinding Russian invasion of Ukraine.Before departing Warsaw on Wednesday, Biden will hold talks with leaders from the Bucharest Nine, a collection of nations on the most eastern parts of the NATO alliance that came together in response to Russian President Vladimir Putin's 2014 annexation of Crimea from Ukraine.President Joe Biden challenged Russian President Vladimir Putin to "end the war" against Ukraine and warned that the U.S. and its allies around the world will continue to support Ukraine and push for new sanctions on the Kremlin.

COLOMBO (News 1st); If the Local Government Election is not held as planned, all Local Government Bodies will be moved under the control of the Commissioner from the 20th of March, as the tenure of the Local Government Institutions ends on that day.Public Administration & Home Affairs Secretary Neel Bandara Hapuhinna stated that accordingly, the secretaries of local councils and municipal councils as well as municipal commissioners are expected to carry out the administrative activities of those institutions.The petition filed against holding of the local government election is scheduled to be called up at the Supreme Court on Thursday (23).Based on the decision taken by the Supreme Court, the election commission will meet  on Friday (24) and take a decision.As of now, the postal poll related to the election has been postponed indefinitely due to the failure of the government printer to deliver the required ballot papers.The Government Printer took that step due to the non-payment of the required money for printing ballot papers.Recently, Sri Lanka's National Election Commission informed the Supreme Court that obstacles have arisen with regard to conducting the Local Government Election on the 9th of March 2023 as planned. 

found solace in the American consumer. On the surface, Walmart’s fourth-quarter results look like exhibit A for the optimists. The company’s comparable sales in America grew by a faster-than-expected 8.3%, compared with a year earlier.

COLOMBO (News 1st); The Trinco Night Navigation Operations Project at the Trincomalee Harbour was launched recently, and is now in operation.Trincomalee Harbour, a natural deep-water harbor, is considered the fifth largest natural harbor in the world. Despite its world-class recognition among industrial and tourist ports, the development and operations of the Port of Trincomalee were hampered due to the rapid development of the Port of Colombo and the lack of potential to perform night operations. Vessels calling at the port at night had to enter the port during the daytime of the following day, after anchoring at the out-harbor waters during the previous night, which caused interruptions to port operations and their efficiency.As a result of fruitful discussions between the Government of Sri Lanka and the Government of Japan in 2017, the two governments entered into an agreement to implement a grant aid under the Japanese Non-Project Grant Aid Program 2017, also known as the Economic & Social Development Program. Accordingly, this grant aid of 01 billion Japanese Yen was provided for the Night Navigation Operations Project at the Port of Trincomalee, which included a state-of-the-art Vessel Traffic Management System, Radar Equipment, Lighthouse Equipment, 16 Navigation Buoys, 02 Mooring Buoys, 02 400KV Generators, 14 Fire Pumps with machinery, and a Pilot Vessel provided by the Japan International Cooperation System (JICS) with the assistance of the Government and the People of Japan.The Trinco Night Navigation Operations Project, which includes all of this equipment and facilities, was handed over for operations on February 17, 2023, at a function held at the Port of Trincomalee.

EAST PALESTINE, Ohio (AP) - Federal environmental regulators on Tuesday took charge of the cleanup from the East Palestine, Ohio train derailment and chemical burn and ordered Norfolk Southern to foot the bill.The Environmental Protection Agency told Norfolk Southern to take all available measures to clean up contaminated air and water, and also said the company would be required to reimburse the federal government for a new program to provide cleaning services for impacted residents and businesses.The EPA warned Norfolk Southern that if the company failed to comply with its order, the agency would perform the work itself and seek triple damages from the company."The Norfolk Southern train derailment has upended the lives of East Palestine families, and EPA’s order will ensure the company is held accountable for jeopardizing the health and safety of this community," EPA Administrator Michael S.

four-day workweek in the U.K. show showed significantly reduced rates of employee stress and illness while maintaining productivity.The six-month trial, billed as the world’s largest of its kind, included 61 companies that committed to a 20% reduction in working hours for all staff — with no drop in wages.

.The US and UK currently don't offer this benefit as standard, but we hope that more governments will take inspiration from Spain—as well as Japan, Taiwan, Indonesia, South Korea, and Zambia—in accommodating the impact of periods on our health.Studies have found that the workplaces ignoring the impact of periods on an employee affects productivity considerably, as well. that people who menstruate tend to work through their period pain, and it makes them less productive.

OAKLAND, Calif. - Congresswoman Barbara Lee (D-Oakland) officially announced on Tuesday that she’s running to replace U.S. Senator Dianne Feinstein in 2024. "The Senate needs a perspective that I bring with my life experiences, as a progressive Black woman who not only fights for what is right, but also gets the job done," Lee told KTVU in her first TV interview of the campaign.

Russian President Vladimir Putin arrives for his annual meeting with the Federal Assembly on Feb. 21, 2023, in Moscow, Russia.

COLOMBO (News 1st); Sri Lankan President Ranil Wickremesinghe has emphasized the importance of having a proper plan to strengthen the country’s economy, during a meeting with businessmen and lawyers in the Kandy district.According to the President's Media Division. the President had noted that the primary issue facing the country is its economic problem, and addressing it should be a top priority.The President has also noted that the upcoming election is not a means to change the government.

COLOMBO (News 1st); The Freedom People's Congress in a letter to foreign missions in the country over the delay in holding the Local Government Election, have expressed their deep concern over the present situation surrounding the franchise of the people.The letter notes that the timeframes for the conduct of elections at all levels are defined by the Constitution of Sri Lanka and other applicable statutory regimes. It notes that compliance with these requirements is mandatory, there being no flexibility or scope for  exercise of discretion.The Freedom People's Congress says that for the first time in Sri Lanka's history, the government of the day has adopted the startling position that an election cannot be held because the financial resources required are not available, adding that the implications of this will be apparent upon a moment’s reflection.It warned that at its sole discretion, the government of the day will be entitled to postpone any election on the ground of unavailability or inadequacy of resources – a power which it will no doubt be tempted to exercise in any circumstances where imminent defeat is probable.It requested the Diplomatic Missions to bring this distressing state of affairs to the notice of their respective capitals, with a view to prevailing on the government of Sri Lanka to desist from a course of action gravely detrimental to the nation.

 COLOMBO (News 1st); A group of locals from Kalutara North protested against the hike in electricity tariffs by carrying torches on Monday (20) night.The protestors highlighted the fact that the 66% tariff hike has severely affected the livelihoods of the low-income earners, and it is making matters worse.They demanded the government immediately reduce the tariff or provide concessions to the people who are already suffering from the economic crisis.On the 15th of February 2023, the Public Utilities Commission approved a 66% hike in electricity tariffs.In order to generate an additional income of 287 billion rupees 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 yesterday the proposal was taken up again under the chairmanship of Janaka Ratnayake.A 36% 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 proposalThe electricity tariff of Rs 360 paid for 30 electricity units so far can be increased to Rs 1300.That's an increase of 261 percent.This gives an opportunity to increase the electricity tariff of Rs.

COLOMBO (News 1st); The Government Printer says that sufficient police protection has not been provided for the process of printing ballot papers.Head of the Department of Government Printing Ganga Liyanage told News 1st that as a result, the printing of ballot papers for the Local Government Election will be further delayed.The Government Printer said that only two police officers have been stationed at the main gate as of Monday (20) evening.She said that 65-person strong police force is required for the security detail to provide protection to the process of printing ballot papers.She said that requests were forwarded in this regard to all relevant agencies.On Monday (20),  Sri Lanka's National Election Commission has informed the Supreme Court that obstacles have arisen with regard to conducting the Local Government Election on the 9th of March 2023 as planned. Furthermore, the Government Printer has informed the Elections Commission that she is unable to release the ballot papers for the elections until a sum of Rs.

COLOMBO (News 1st); Opposition MPs launched a protest in Parliament demanding that steps be taken to conduct the Local Government Election.Due to the protest, Parliament sessions were adjourned to 9:30 AM on Wednesday (22).On Monday (20), the Samagi Jana Balavegaya led a protest march in Colombo demanding for the Local Government Election be held.Police fired tear gas, and water cannons to disperse the protest at Technical Junction, Maradana.Also on Monday (20), Sri Lanka Police fired tear gas and water cannons to disperse a protest organized by the Jathika Jana Balavegaya against the attempt to delay the Local Government Election in Kurunegala.On Tuesday (21), The Government Printer said that sufficient police protection has not been provided for the process of printing ballot papers.Head of the Department of Government Printing Ganga Liyanage told News 1st that as a result, the printing of ballot papers for the Local Government Election will be further delayed.The Government Printer said that only two police officers have been stationed at the main gate as of Monday (20) evening.She said that 65-person strong police force is required for the security detail to provide protection to the process of printing ballot papers.She said that requests were forwarded in this regard to all relevant agencies.On Monday (20),  Sri Lanka's National Election Commission has informed the Supreme Court that obstacles have arisen with regard to conducting the Local Government Election on the 9th of March 2023 as planned. Furthermore, the Government Printer has informed the Elections Commission that she is unable to release the ballot papers for the elections until a sum of Rs.

American activist Erin Brockovich poses for AFP at her home In Agoura Hills, California on March 16, 2021. (Photo by Valeria Macon/AFP via Getty Images) Activist Erin Brockovich says she coming to East Palestine, the site of the freight train derailment where toxic chemicals spilled or were burned off in Ohio more than two weeks ago. Brockovich is holding a town hall on Friday, Feb.

COLOMBO (News 1st); Sri Lanka's National Election Commission has informed the Supreme Court that it is likely that it would not be able to conduct the Local Government Election on the 9th of March 2023 as planned. The National Election Commission made this notification via a motion on Monday (20).The NEC on the 18th of January, and 10th of February gave an undertaking that it has taken steps according to the law to conduct the 2023 Local Government Election, and that it will continue to take steps according to the law to conduct the said election.However, the NEC had noted that after the said undertaking, circumstances have arisen which would prevent the Elections Commission from acting according to the circumstances entirely beyond the control of the Elections Commission.The motion filed by the NEC noted that the Treasury Secretary had informed he is unable to provide the necessary funds to conduct the said election.Furthermore, the Government Printer has informed the Elections Commission that she is unable to release the ballot papers for the elections until a sum of Rs.

How to buy medicines safely from an online pharmacy, and BeSafeRx: your source for online pharmacy information. The government is under pressure from associations of retail chemists, who see online pharmacies as an existential threat. They have reportedly used the lobbying power of the Confederation of All India Traders (CAIT), a body that’s ideologically aligned with the party in power at the Centre.

COLOMBO (News 1st); The Samagi Jana Balavegaya is preparing to protest in Colombo on Monday (20) afternoon, citing government attempts to delay the election.The Colombo Chief Magistrate Prasanna Alwis rejected a request made by police to issue an order preventing the SJB-led protest from entering several roads within the Cinnamon Gardens police jurisdiction.The Cinnamon Gardens Police made the request from the court citing that offices, residences, schools, and foreign missions are located in the said area and the protests could inconvenience the public visiting those places.The Chief Magistrate noted that if the protestors are conducting themselves in a manner that causes inconvenience to the public, police can use necessary force to prevent those events from taking place and a court order is not necessary.Thereby, the request was turned down.

COLOMBO (News 1st); A writ application filed by Retired Sri Lanka Army Colonel W. M.

COLOMBO (News 1st); A writ application filed by Retired Sri Lanka Army Colonel W. M.

Presidents Day 2023, consider soaking up some fun and interesting presidential facts.Throughout our nation's history, there have been quite a number of memorable leaders at the helm. This Presidents Day, take a look at interesting numerical info about America's leaders.Feb. 22, 1732 – Presidents Day takes place on Feb.

Facebook and Instagram users pay for a verified account.Meta CEO Mark Zuckerberg announced Meta Verified on his social media accounts Sunday. Testing will begin in New Zealand and Australia this week and will roll out to other countries soon, he said.For $11.99 per month on the web or $14.99 per month on Apple and Android operating systems, Meta will use a government identification to verify a user’s account and give the account a blue badge.

The Ukrainian flag flutters between buildings destroyed in bombardment, in the Ukrainian town of Borodianka, in the Kyiv region on April 17, 2022. (Photo by Sergei Supinsky/AFP via Getty Images) MUNICH (AP) - The United States has determined that Russia has committed crimes against humanity in Ukraine, Vice President Kamala Harris said Saturday, insisting that "justice must be served" to the perpetrators.Speaking at the Munich Security Conference, Harris said the international community has both a moral and a strategic interest in pursuing those crimes, pointing to a danger of other authoritarian governments taking advantage if international rules are undermined."Russian forces have pursued a widespread and systemic attack against a civilian population — gruesome acts of murder, torture, rape, and deportation," Harris said.

Colombo (News1st) – The Bar Assocation of Sri Lanka has charged that there is a concerted effort to prevent elections, to undermine the franchise of the people, and endanger the sovereignty of the people of Sri Lanka.FULL STATEMENT:"The Bar Association of Sri Lanka (BASL) expresses its deep concern over recent attempts by state authorities to disrupt the Local Authorities Elections, which are mandated by law to be held prior to March 19th, 2023. The BASL emphasizes that all elections are a vital part of Sri Lanka's democratic process and must not be hindered.The BASL notes several decisions by the government in recent weeks, purportedly aimed at managing public funds, have had the effect of preventing the Elections Commission from conducting the elections.

LOS ANGELES - 'How to Survive' is a series where experts explain how to survive everything from natural disasters to everyday issues that affect us all.The peril of nuclear war — and its aftermath — has been an ominous threat looming over mankind since the 1940s. While the politics and the players may have changed through the years, the one constant has been the sheer destructiveness of the weapons.Now, many Americans are, for the first time in their lives, contemplating the possibility of a nuclear attack and how to survive it."If anything like [a nuclear attack] does happen – defense systems fail, nukes that large hit the United States – it's going to be really, really terrible," said Thomas Coyne a professional survival instructor who teaches courses at and owns California Survival Training.Nuclear bomb blast.

NEW YORK - Jen Shah, the convicted cast member of "Real Housewives of Salt Lake City" has reported to federal prison.She arrived at Federal Prison Camp Bryan in Bryan, Texas.  She is now in the custody of the Bureau of Prisons, the agency confirmed in an email to FOX 5 News.The reality TV star was sentenced last month to 6.5 years in prison in connection with her fraud case.Shah pleaded guilty in July to one charge of conspiracy to commit wire fraud in connection with telemarketing.Federal prosecutors in Manhattan said she admitted she victimized 10 or more persons over the age of 55 as part of the plea.Get breaking news alerts in the free FOX5NY News app!  |  Sign up for FOX 5 email newslettersShah, 48, of Park City, Utah, had faced a maximum sentence of 30 years in prison.Prosecutors said Shah used profits from the scam fraud to live in a mansion dubbed "Shah Ski Chalet" in the resort ski town of Park City, Utah.

COLOMBO (News 1st) – The National Election Commission announced on Friday (17) that Postal Voting for the 2023 Local Government Election will not go ahead as scheduled.Postal Voting for the Local Government Election was expected to take place on the 22nd, 23rd and 24th of February.Commissioner General of Elections Saman Sri Ratnayake in a statement said that Postal Voting for the 2023 Local Government Election was postponed indefinitely as the Government Printer had failed to deliver the Postal Voting ballot papers on time.The new dates for Postal Voting will be announced laters, said the Commissioner General of Elections. 

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 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 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.

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) – 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.

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

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.

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. 

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); 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); 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 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); 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); Sri Lanka's Cabinet of Ministers on Monday (13) approved a proposal submitted by President Ranil Wickremesinghe aimed at reducing the difficulties faced by the people and providing immediate relief in the face of the current economic situation.Accordingly, the Cabinet has approved a measure to provide 10 kg of rice to 02 million low-income families each in March and April. This will provide immediate relief to families in need and help improve their overall well-being.It has also been decided that the gratuity arrears owed to 18,000 retired government servants will be paid out in instalments using liquid cash.