Government: Latest News

COLOMBO (News 1st) – Sri Lanka Police on Friday (20) prevented a protest march organized by the University Teachers.The Federation of University Teachers' Associations organized this protest march against the government's new income tax regime that imposes a tax between 6% to 36% for anyone with a monthly income of over Rs. 100,000/-.  The protest march commenced from opposite the University of Colombo.However, when they reached the Nelum Pokuna Theatre Sri Lanka Police prevented them from marching forward by blocking the road.As Sri Lanka Police continued to obstruct the protest march, the FUTA members boarded several buses and reached the Finance Ministry.The Federation of University Teachers Associations then joined with the protest that was organized by the Professionals Trade Union Collective opposite the Finance Ministry.The Federation of University Teachers Associations, Government Medical Officers' Association, Ceylon Bank Employees Union, CEB Engineers Union and several other professional bodies joined the protest.Vehicular movement along Lotus Road in Colombo came to a standstill due to the protest.

COLOMBO (News 1st) – Treasury Secretary Mahinda Siriwardena had informed the Supreme Court via an affidavit on Thursday (19) that sourcing funds for the election has become a challenge.He had directed an affidavit to the Supreme Court in relation to the writ application filed by Retired Sri Lanka Army Colonel W. M.

COLOMBO (News 1st) – India’s Minister of External Affairs Dr S. Jaishankar met with Sri Lankan President Ranil Wickremesinghe on Friday (20) morning where both sides had agreed to implement a joint program between Sri Lanka and India.President Ranil Wickremesinghe welcomed the Indian External Affairs Minister at the President's Office where the duo engaged in cordial discussions.Prior to the official meeting, President Wickremesinghe hosted the visiting Indian External Affairs Minister Dr Jaishankar for breakfast and tea at his official residence at Paget Road, Colombo.During the official meeting held between the President and Indian Foreign Minister Dr S.

COLOMBO (News 1st) – The bilateral agreement related to raising the limit of the High Impact Community Development Project (HICDP) implemented in Sri Lanka with the support of the Government of India was signed during the meeting between Indian External Affairs Minister Dr. Jaishankar and Sri Lankan President Ranil Wickremesinghe in Colombo on Friday (20).The Secretary to the Ministry of Finance, Mahinda Siriwardena, signed the agreement on behalf of Sri Lanka and the Indian High Commissioner to Sri Lanka Gopal Baglay signed on behalf of India.This agreement guides many community development projects in Sri Lanka with the support of the Government of India.This agreement related to community development projects in Sri Lanka was signed in May 2005.

COLOMBO (News 1st) – Samagi Jana Balavegaya Parliamentarian Mujibur Rahuman has decided to resign from Parliament.Making a shock announcement in Parliament, the Parliamentarian said he will be contesting for the post of Mayor at the Colombo Muncipal Council at the upcoming Local Government Election.In his comments to the house he urged the government to refrain from making any attempt to delay the Local Government Election.

COLOMBO (News 1st) – The National Election Commission said that the passage of the Regulation of Election Expenditure Bill will not be an obstacle to hold the Local Government Election.Commissioner General of Election Saman Sri Ratnayake speaking to News 1st said that following the passage of the bill, the necessary measures for election campaign financing need to be prepared.The Regulation of Election Expenditure Bill was passed in Parliament on Thursday (19) with amendments with a majority of 61 votes.The bill received 97 votes favour and 36 against.

COLOMBO (News 1st) – The Regulation of Election Expenditure Bill passed in parliament by majority vote.Votes in favor: 97 Votes against: 36During the debate on the bill on Thursday (19) the government refused to accept an amendment put forward by the opposition seeking for the bill not to be applied for an election that has already been announced.Sri Lanka's opposition parties termed the tabling of the bill as another attempt to delay the Local Government Election.

COLOMBO (News 1st) – Armed police officers deployed to provide security to the members of the election commission who received threats, said Police Spokesperson SSP Nihal Thalduwa on Thursday (26).Nominations for the Local Government Election are being accepted and a Police investigation is also underway over an incident where two of the five members of the National Election Commission had received death threats.Former Senior DIG K. P. P.

COLOMBO (News 1st) – Sri Lankan President Ranil Wickremesinghe said that the time is now for reconciliation and solve the issues of all communities one by one.He was speaking at the 100th anniversary of the All Ceylon Jamiyyathul Ulama in Colombo on Thursday (19).The President said the government already started discussions with the Tamil community, and will also be talking with the Tamil communities in the Hill Country in order to integrate them into society."We must have a discussion with the Muslim community on the problems you face. What are the issues you face now? I think one example is the 2018 Dhigana riots.

COLOMBO (News 1st) – US Ambassador to Sri Lanka Julie J.

COLOMBO (News 1st) – The Office of the United Nations High Commissioner for Human Rights (OHCHR) said that Sri Lanka must fully compensate victims of the Easter Sunday 2019 terrorist attacks.Sri Lanka's Supreme Court on Thursday (12) found Former President Maithripala Sirisena, his Defence Secretary, the Police Chief during his time, as well as the then Chief of National Intelligence, and Director of State Intelligence guilty of violating fundamental rights.11 Fundamental Rights petitions were filed with the Supreme Court, claiming that the Sri Lankan administration failed to prevent the 2019 Easter Sunday Attacks, despite having information about an imminent attack.More than 270 people were killed in the series of explosions at churches and hotels across the island nation. The Office of the United Nations High Commissioner for Human Rights urged Sri Lanka to provide full reparations to the victims, including to establish the truth and to ensure justice. “Whilst no amount of compensation can ever erase the suffering and pain of the victims and families, this judgment marks a step in the victims’ struggle for recognition of the harm suffered and their rights to truth, justice and reparation,” said Spokesperson Jeremy Laurence, according to the Office of the United Nations High Commissioner for Human Rights.“In its judgment, the Court expressed ‘shock and dismay’ at the lack of ‘oversight and inaction’ by the security and intelligence officials – ruling that the former President and his top security officials had failed to prevent the attacks, despite detailed intelligence suggesting such attacks were imminent,” said Laurence. The UN human rights office called on the Sri Lankan Government to ensure that victims receive

A special party leaders meeting was held in parliament including the President. The Opposition Leader and  Anura Kumara Dissanayake boycotted.

COLOMBO (News 1st) – India has told the International Monetary Fund that it confirms its strong support for Sri Lanka's prospective EFF-supported program.According to a letter seen by News 1st from Indian authorities to IMF Chief Kristalina Georgieva, India had noted it will commit to supporting Sri Lanka with financing/ debt relief consistent with restoring Sri Lanka's public debt sustainability under the IMF -supported program and ensuring that the program is fully financed as projected by IMF staff."In this context, we commit to continuing negotiations with the Sri Lankan government along with the Paris Club on a medium-to-long term debt treatment through maturity extension and interest rate reduction or any other financial operations that would deliver similar financing/ debt relief," noted the letter.According to this letter seen by News 1st, India says that the financing/ debt relief provided by Export-Import Bank of India will be consistent with restoring debt sustainability under the IMF-supported program."We look forward to continuing cordial and in-depth discussions with the Sri Lankan authorities, IMF and the Paris Club with a view to finalizing the specifics of this financingj debt relief in the coming weeks," the letter added. However, it had noted that the Sri Lankan authorities are expected to seek equitable debt treatments from all commercial creditors and other official bilateral creditors, as well as adequate financing contributions from the multilateral development banks. Sri Lanka requires the backing of China and India – its biggest bilateral lenders – to reach a final agreement with the IMF on the $2.9 billion loan that is essential to help the country emerge from its worst financial crisis in seven

COLOMBO (News 1st) – Election monitoring organizations have expressed concern over the proposed law titled “Regulation of Election Expenditure Bill” has been listed for its Second Reading in Parliament. Transparency International Sri Lanka (TISL), People’s Action for Free and Fair Elections (PAFFREL), the Centre for Monitoring Election Violence (CMEV) and Institute for Democratic Reforms and Electoral Studies (IRES) have for several years been campaigning for the enactment of a strong law to regulate the role of money in election campaigns.  The collective further reiterates that the introduction of a campaign financing law should in no instance be used as a reason to delay the holding of the local government elections.Statement from Transparency International Sri Lanka: The collective of election monitoring organisations emphasizes that a law that seeks to regulate election campaign financing should prevent undue influence of donors over candidates, parties and independent groups, create a level playing field for all candidates including new entrants and underrepresented groups and reduce excessive and illegal spending on elections including by means such as the misuse of public funds and vote-buying.

COLOMBO (News 1st) – The Chairman and members of the Election Commission assured the Supreme Court again on Wednesday (18) that the Local Government Election will be held on time as per the Local Authorities Elections Act and the relevant regulations.The assurance was given to the Supreme Court by President's Counsel Saliya Pieris on behalf of the Chairman and members of the Election CommissionPresident's Counsel Romesh De Silva, and Sandeepa Jayawardena along with other Senior Counsel appearing for the interests of MPs Dayasiri Jayasekera, Lakshman Kiriella, Anura Priyadarshana Yapa, M. A.

COLOMBO (News 1st) – China has expressed opposition over the invitation extended to the Dalai Lama, the spiritual leader of the Tibetan people. Chargé d'affaires of the Chinese Embassy in Sri Lanka Hu Wei recently called on the Mahanayake Thero of the Malwathu chapter of Siam Nikaya, Most Venerable Thibbatuwawe Sri Siddhartha Sumangala Theroand stated that the government and people of China including in the Tibet Autonomous Region strongly oppose any foreign country to receive the Dalai Lama in any name.A statement from the Chinese Embassy on twitter noted that this is because the 14th Dalai Lama is absolutely not a "simple monk" as he self-claimed, but the head of the feudal serfdom and the theocracy in Tibet prior to 1951, a political exile disguised as a religious figure who has long been engaging in anti-China separatist activities and attempting to split Tibet from China.Chargé d'affaires of the Chinese Embassy in Sri Lanka Hu Wei has emphasized that China and Sri Lanka have been firmly supporting each other on issues concerning each other's core interests, including the Tibet related issue. He had noted that both sides especially the Buddhist communities must prevent a sneaky visit of the Dalai Lama to the island to promote "Tibetan independence" and safeguard the China-Sri Lanka historical relations from being damaged.Sri Lankan Buddhist monks recently invited exiled Tibetan spiritual leader the Dalai Lama to make his first visit to the island

COLOMBO (News 1st) – Sri Lanka's Opposition Leader Sajith Premadasa said that a conspiracy is afoot to underminde the people's mandate by implementing various regulations.He told Parliament on Wednesday (18) that he would not allow for the upcoming Local Government Election to be delayed via such conspiracies.The Opposition Leader said that the Election Expenditure Bill is a vital piece of legislation, however, the timing of the legislation is cause for concern.The Ministerial Consultative Committee on Justice, Prisons Affairs and Constitutional Reforms on Tuesday (17) decided to postpone the second reading debate of the Regulation of Election Expenditure Bill by one months’ time.However, Special Party Leaders meeting will has been called for on Wednesday (18) afternoon with the President and Prime Minister in attendance to discuss the Election Expenditure Bill, said the Speaker.The Opposition Leader speaking in Parliament expressed that trying to discuss the Bill while the nomination and bond acceptance process is taking place, creates a state of confusion and concern."If this bill is passed tomorrow, it will become an obstacle for the election that is expected to take place in March 2023," warned Premadasa.He said the Election Expenditure Bill contains a section where candidates are expected to produce a comprehensive report on their campaign expenses, donations, funds, etc.While noting that such articles are of paramount importance, he said failure to produce such a report will be termed as an offense, and when that happens petitions can be filed against the candidate.The Opposition Leader noted that if this Bill is passed ahead of the Local Government Election, it would also apply to the 2023 Local Government

COLOMBO (News 1st) – Sri Lankan President Ranil Wickremesinghe making a special statement to Parliament on Tuesday (17) said that the Independence Day celebration expenditure is an investment for the future.Responding to allegations that the government is spending excessively on the Independence celebrations, the President pointed out that it is an investment for the future and in the 25 years leading up to the 100th anniversary of independence, several new institutions and laws will be introduced for the reform program needed by the country."We have planned a program to provide 02 million low-income families with 10kg of rice per month during March and April. I would be happier if we could give them more.

COLOMBO (News 1st) – Sri Lanka's Supreme Court issued an interim order preventing the acceptance of nominations of the Local Government Election for the Kalmunai Municipal Council until the 19th of January 2023.The order was made by Supreme Court Justices Vijith Malalgoda, Yasantha Kodagoda, and Mahinda Samayawardena upon considering a Fundamental Rights application filed by M. A.

COLOMBO (News 1st) – Sri Lanka's Cabinet of Ministers have decided to slash 6% of the recurrent expenditure from the government expenditure estimations approved for the year 2023.It was decided to suspend 5% of the recurrent expenditure in the government expenditure estimations for the year 2023 at the meeting of the Cabinet of Ministers held on 09.01.2023 so that sufficient financial provisions can be ensured for the control of government expenditure within the existing limited financial space as well as the finances for essential and priority activities. The Department of Government Information said that the Cabinet of Ministers decided to with hold 6% from the recurrent provisions in approved government expenditure estimations instead of 5% from the recurrent expenditure.It was also decided to allocate a portion equal to 1% of the aforementioned amount to the Ministry of Health as additional provisions to purchase essential pharmaceutical drugs.

COLOMBO (News 1st) – Sri Lanka's Cabinet of Ministers has granted approval to pay the salaries of non-executive state sector employees on time and to delay the salaries of executive-grade staff by a few days, considering the current financial situation of the government.The Department of Government Information in a statement said that the 2023 revenue proposals have been implemented, and because revenue generation would take some time, the government has decided to manage its expenses from January 2023.And thus, the cabinet has approved to delay the salaries of executive-grade staff by a few days.

COLOMBO (News 1st) – Sri Lanka Freedom Party has decided to contest under the symbol of the Hand for a majority of the Local Government Institutions, and contest under the symbol of the Helicopter for a few Local Government Institutions at the upcoming elections.The Sri Lanka Freedom Party Media Unit said that this was the decision reached by a majority membership of the political committee of the SLFP that met under the Chairmanship of Former President Maithripala Sirisena.

The Sri Lankan government should immediately end the arbitrary detention of Wasantha Mudalige, a student activist who was arrested on August 18, 2022, seven human rights organizations said on Monday (16).This statement was issued by Amnesty International, Asian Forum for Human Rights and Development (FORUM-ASIA), CIVICUS, Frontline Defenders, Human Rights Watch, International Working Group on Sri Lanka, and Sri Lanka Campaign for Peace and Justice.Since August 21, Mudalige, 29, has been held on orders signed by President Ranil Wickremesinghe under the Prevention of Terrorism Act (PTA), a draconian law that the government has long promised to repeal, said a statement.A hearing on Mudalige’s bail application has been scheduled for Hulftsdorp Magistrates Court on January 17, 2023. Under the PTA, the court does not usually grant bail if the Attorney General's Department, acting on the government’s behalf, opposes it.The Sri Lankan government detained Mudalige as part of its crackdown since an economic crisis in 2022 sparked largely peaceful protests demanding governance reform and action against alleged official corruption.

COLOMBO (News 1st) – The Cabinet paper presented by President Ranil Wickremesinghe for the provision of 10 kg of rice per month for two million low income families, including Samurdhi beneficiaries for a period of two months, has been approved, said the President's Media Division.It also added that the government will purchase 61,600 metric tons of paddy to meet the requirement of 40,000 Metric Tons.

COLOMBO (News 1st) – The 43rd Brigade led by Patali Champika Ranawaka, and the Nawa Lanka Freedom Party led by Kumara Welgama entered into an agreement to contest the upcoming Local Government Election, together.The agreement was signed between two political groups on Monday (16).

Colombo (News 1st) – The National Election Commission requests the government, political parties, citizens of the country and other stakeholders involved to assist in creating an envoirnment to hold free and fair elections.The Chairman of the Election Commission Nimal Punchihewa pointed out several specific attempts made by various parties to disrupt the election even before the date for the calling of nominations. Among those incidents are, the false statements made by certain ministers regarding the election, the letter sent by the Secretary of the Ministry of Public Administration to the district secretaries asking them to temporarily suspend accepting deposits for the Local Government election, as well as the reporting of false information by certain media outlets regarding discussions between the Election Commission and the Inspector General of Police.Against such a backdrop the Election Commission has appealed to all stakeholders to support the commision in creating an envorment to hold a free and fair election.

Scottish Secretary Alister Jack benefited from a Government-backed £2million Covid loan, the Sunday Mail can reveal.

COLOMBO (News 1st) – Sri Lanka's Public Administration & Home Affairs Secretary Neil Bandara Hapuhinna has apologized to the National Election Commission for issuing a letter directing District Secretaries and Returning Officers to refrain from accepting bonds for the Local Government Election.Commissioner General of Elections Saman Sri Ratnayake in a statement to News 1st said that the Public Administration Secretary was summoned to the Election Commission to inquire about the letter.Public Administration Secretary Neil Bandara Hapuhinna had told the Election Commission that he issued the letter as per a Cabinet decision and the powers vested in him, and after he realized that it was inappropriate he decided to recall the letter within an hour of sending it out.He had further noted that he had no intention of interfering with the process of the Election Commission, and only executed a cabinet decision.He had noted that as he decided to recall the letter within an hour of sending it out, there was no impact on the bond-accepting process, and it was further evident when 131 political parties and groups placed bonds the following day.Public Administration Secretary Neil Bandara Hapuhinna apologized to the National Election Commission for causing any inconvenience.

COLOMBO (News 1st) – Parliamentarian Channa Jayasumana says the Freedom People’s Alliance will never join with the Sri Lanka Podujana Peramuna.He said that all progressive movements that follow the middle path and love the country, have joined to form the Freedom People’s Alliance, and it would eventually become a powerful political force in the country."When our alliance was formed, one of the main agreements among the groups was not to join with the SLPP under any circumstance," he added.He also said "We have no intention of landing the helicopter in Medamulana"The Sri Lanka Freedom Party, Freedom People's Congress, Uththara Lanka Sabhagaya, as well as 12 parties and 62 groups came together to form a new alliance to contest the upcoming local government election.

India Union Minister Nitin Gadkari on Thursday (12) aid that Sri Lanka and Bangladesh have shown their keenness to import ethanol from India.The minister of road transport and highways said that he discussed about ethanol with the government of both the countries—Sri Lanka and Bangladesh."I was able to discuss this matter with PM of Bangladesh and even the Sri Lankan minister.

COLOMBO (News 1st) – The National Election Commission on Friday (13) informed the Supreme Court that the Local Government Election will go ahead as planned.The Election Commission informed the Supreme Court about this matter when a petition filed by Retired Sri Lanka Army Colonel W. M.

COLOMBO (News 1st) – The Secretary to the Ministry of Public Administration and Home Affairs Neil Bandara Hapuhinna has been summoned to the Election Commission on Friday (13) with regard to a letter he issued to all District Secretaries.The letter in question ordered all District Secretaries to refrain from accepting bonds for the Local Government Elections.The circular contained the signature of the Secretary to the Ministry of Public Administration and Home Affairs.Earlier this week, Ministry Secretary Neil Bandara Hapuhinna noted that the Cabinet that met on Monday (9) had instructed him to order all the District Secretaries to refrain from accepting the bonds from candidates until further notice.However, the Commissioner General of Elections had ordered all District Returning Officers to continue to accept the bonds by the candidates, noting that as per the powers vested with the Election Commission via the Local Authorities Elections (Amendment) Act Returning Officers have been appointed for the respective districts.

COLOMBO (News 1st) – The Sri Lankan Government is preparing to celebrate the 75th National Independence Day at a cost of Rs. 200 Million.Ashoka Priyantham, the State Minister of Home Affairs said an estimate was given for Rs.

COLOMBO (News 1st) – Sri Lanka's Finance Ministry said that a circular on slashing 5% of the budgeted funds of the ministries will be issued soon.A Senior Officer at the Finance Ministry said the circular will be directed to the Ministry Secretaries in due course.President Ranil Wickremesinghe had informed the cabinet that the fund allocations made via the budget for all ministries will have to be cut down by 5%.This was announced by Minister Bandula Gunawardena, the Cabinet Spokesperson on Tuesday (10) at the weekly Cabinet media briefing."There is no stable income to even support the essential welfare expenses.

COLOMBO (News 1st) – Chairman of the National Delimitation Committee Mahinda Deshapriya said that the final report of the Committee on the delimitation of the country's local government bodies could be further delayed.However, he said the delay in issuing the report will not impact the upcoming local government election.Chairman of the National Delimitation Committee Mahinda Deshapriya said the delay in issuing the report was due to multiple reports including the promotion of three District Secretaries, the retirement of four District Secretaries, transfers given to seventeen Statistics Officers, transfers given to nine Senior Superintendent of Surveys, as well as the busy schedule of the Assistant & Deputy Election Commissioner.He said the National Delimitation Committee was to produce its final report to the government on the 28th of February, however, given the existing situation it could be delayed to late March.He said that a request will be made next week to the respective officials to extend the tenure of the National Delimitation Committee.Mahinda Deshapriya stressed that the delay in producing the Final Report of the National Delimitation Committee will in no way impact the upcoming Local Government Election.   

COLOMBO (News 1st) – Sri Lanka's Supreme Court has ordered the government pay Rs. 1 Million as compensation per person to those who were killed in the 2019 Easter Sunday Attacks.The Supreme Court on Thursday (12) ruled that the respondents named in the Fundamental Rights petitions for failing to prevent the 2019 Easter Sunday attacks, despite having credible information of an imment attack, had violated the Fundamental Rights of the petitioners.The respondents named in the petitions are Former President Maithripala Sirisena, Former Defence Secretary Hemasiri Fernando, Former Police Chief Pujith Jayasundara, Former National Intelligence Service Chief Sisira Mendis, and Former State Intelligence Services Chief Nilantha Jayawardena.Court ordered Former President Maithripala Sirisena to pay a compensation of Rs.

COLOMBO (News 1st) – Rear Admiral Eileen Laubacher, Senior Director for South Asia of the US National Security Council called on President Ranil Wickremesinghe on Wednesday (11), and the President's Media Division said the United States values Sri Lanka’s partnership and is keen to further strengthen ties between the two countries through a broad array of partnerships.During the meeting, the Rear Admiral expressed her government’s appreciation for the recovery efforts undertaken by President Wickremesinghe in regard to the economic crisis in the country, said the PMD in a statement.President Wickremesinghe had outlined the government’s economic plans including the economic reforms being undertaken.The President also discussed maritime matters, including the increased efforts by the Government to crack down on the narcotics trade.Laubacher also met Senior Advisor to the President on National Security and President’s Chief of Staff Sagala Ratnayaka following the meeting with the President.U.S.

The change of presidents of Sri Lanka in 2022 did not lead to any improvement in the country’s human rights record, Human Rights Watch said on Thursday (12) in its World Report 2023.During 2022, thousands of Sri Lankans took to the streets after years of misrule, impunity, and corruption undermined the rule of law and contributed to a severe economic crisis that threatened millions. President Gotabaya Rajapaksa, long implicated in grave rights violations, stepped down in July. However, the new president, Ranil Wickremesinghe, cracked down on largely peaceful protests, imprisoned activists, and disregarded calls for justice for past violations.“President Ranil Wickremesinghe responded to calls for reform and accountability with repression,” said Meenakshi Ganguly, South Asia director at Human Rights Watch.

Colombo (News 1st) – The Sri Lanka Freedom Party, the Nidahas Janatha Sabhawa, Uththara Lanka Sabhagaya, 12 parties and 62 groups came together on Wednesday (11) to form a new alliance to contest the upcoming local government election. The new alliance has been named the Nidahas Janatha Sandhanaya or Freedom Peoples' Alliance. They will contest under symbol of the Helicopter.

Colombo (News 1st) – Chairman of the National Election Commission Attorney Nimal Punchihewa stated that there are no divisions amongst the commission members. "In any institution, be it a commission, agency, or even the Supreme Court, various opinions are put forth when a decision is being made – that is the order of things" he stated. "That has happened within this commission as well.

COLOMBO (News 1st) – The Media Division of the United National Party in a statement on Tuesday (10) evening said that the UNP is engaged in discussions with political parties, factions, and groups that support the government with regard to the upcoming Local Government Election.It added that several rounds of discussions took place recently among the UNP members and the representatives from the other parties, and among them is the Sri Lanka Podujana Peramuna.The statement said that the UNP is expected to engage in talks with other parties and groups shortly. It added that the UNP Chairman Vajira Abeywardena, UNP Deputy Leader Ruwan Wijewardena, UNP General Secretary Palitha Range Bandara, and UNP Executive Director represented the party at these discussions.It added that the talks are yet to reach the final stages, and when the discussions are over the manner in which the UNP will contest the Local Government Election will be announced officially.

COLOMBO (News 1st) – A letter claiming to contain an order made to all District Secretaries notifying them to refrain from accepting bonds for the Local Government Elections is currently making its rounds on social media.The circular contains the signature of the Secretary to the Ministry of Public Administration and Home Affairs.Ministry Secretary Neil Bandara Hapuhinna noted that the Cabinet that met on Monday (9) had instructed him to order all the District Secretaries to refrain from accepting the bonds from candidates until further notice.However, the Commissioner General of Elections had ordered all District Returning Officers to continue to accept the bonds by the candidates, noting that as per the powers vested with the Election Commission via the Local Authorities Elections (Amendment) Act Returning Officers have been appointed for the respective districts.Opposition Leader Sajith Premadasa, and NPP Leader Anura Kumara Dissanayake slammed the government's efforts to delay the elections.

COLOMBO (News 1st) – Sri Lanka's Cabinet of Ministers decided to intruct the Minister of Power and Energy to introduce a price formula for electricity tariff, similar to the fuel price formula.The Government Information Department in a statement said that the Cabinet of Ministers considered the proposal submitted by the President in his capacity as the Minister of Finance, Economic Stability and National Policies and the Minister of Power and Energy regarding the revision of electricity tariffs. It was further observed by the Cabinet that the Treasury is not able to provide the necessary funds for the Sri Lanka Electricity Board within the existing financial space and therefore there is no other option but to revise the existing electricity tariffs to ensure a continuous electricity supply in the country while minimizing the impact on electricity consumers as much as possible. Accordingly, approval was given to proceed as follows:– The Public Utilities Commission of Sri Lanka will further study the proposed revision of electricity charges submitted by the Electricity Board and if any revision is required, to submit the same on or before 15.02.2023.– Until then, the Ceylon Electricity Board and the Public Utilities Commission of Sri Lanka will jointly take necessary measures to implement the electricity tariff revision proposed by the Ceylon Electricity Board with effect from 01.01.2023 as an interim measure in accordance with the amendments to the Public Policy Guidelines currently in force regarding the Power Industry– If the Sri Lanka Public Utilities Commission submits any amendments, the Ceylon Electricity Board will take steps to implement those amendments and make the necessary adjustments to future monthly

COLOMBO (News 1st) – President Ranil Wickremesinghe has informed the cabinet that the fund allocations made via the budget for all ministries will have to be cut down by 5%.This was announced by Minister Bandula Gunawardena, the Cabinet Spokesperson on Tuesday (10) at the weekly Cabinet media briefing."There is no stable income to even support the essential welfare expenses.

COLOMBO (News 1st) – The United National Party will contest the upcoming  Local Government Election together with the Sri Lanka Podujana Peramuna, said the UNP General Secretary on Tuesday (10).The Sri Lanka Podujana Peramuna and the United National Party met for talks again on Tuesday (10) at the President's Office.UNP General Secretary Palitha Range Bandara told reporters that the SLPP and the UNP decided to contest the Local Government Election together.He said the matter was discussed with the district leaders.He also said that discussions took place on which Local Government Institutions will be contested under the symbol of the Elephant, and which will be contested under the symbol of the Flower Bud.He also added that an agreement was also reached with regard to using a common symbol for certain Local Government Institutions.

COLOMBO (News 1st) – Sri Lanka's Cabinet of Ministers have once again granted approval to import eggs.Trade Minister Nalin Fernando speaking to News 1st said the Cabinet granted approval to his proposal on Monday (9).He said eggs will be imported before the end of the week from India, and the distribution will be handed over to the private sector, while Lanka Sathosa will be involved in the sale of eggs.The government decided to import eggs as a solution to address the high prices of eggs, as the local price of an egg is between Rs. 60/- to Rs.

COLOMBO (News 1st) – Sri Lanka's Cabinet of Ministers on Monday (9) granted approval to increase the electricity tariff.The tariff hike will be reviewed by a committee until the 15th of February, and measures will be taken to reduce the tariff, if there is a possibility, a Senior Government Minister told News 1st.The Chairman of the Public Utilities Commission of Sri Lanka said that a proposal to amend the electricity tariff was received on Monday (9) evening.

COLOMBO (News 1st) – Sri Lankan President Ranil Wickremesinghe said that he was deeply concerned about the recent violence that erupted in Brasilia. In a statement he said that Sri Lanka not so long ago also experienced similar attempts by groups to overthrow democratic structures through unconstitutional means. While noting that such hostilities are condemned, the President said the Sri Lankan stands in solidarity with the President, Government and people of Brazil in this hour of confrontation.President Wickremesinghe said that it is imperative that democracy and its institutions are universally respected by all citizens.For several days, supporters of former Brazilian President Jair Bolsonaro have been protesting as they refuse to accept that the populist autocrat lost his bid for reelection, claiming the election was stolen.Hundreds called for military intervention to overthrow President Luiz Inacio Lula da Silva, who was inaugurated one week ago.    Hundreds of supporters of Brazil's former president stormed the Planalto presidential palace, National Congress and the Supreme Court headquarters.After hours of chaos, Brazilian police have retaken control of the premises occupied by the protesters.Lula has declared federal security intervention in Brasilia and vowed to punish ‘neo-fascists’ with ‘full force of law’Bolsonaro denied any involvement in the attack, calling any suggestion otherwise a “baseless” accusation.While Lula has served two presidential terms, he has also served a prison term and some Brazilian say it is "shameful" he should have returned to the presidential palace after his time in jail.Lula spent 580 days in jail after being convicted of corruption in 2017 and was banned from running in the 2018