Government: Latest News

COLOMBO (News 1st) – The Special Petition filed challenging the ‘Bureau of Rehabilitation Bill’ in the Supreme Court will be taken up for further examination on Tuesday (6).The 'Bureau of Rehabilitation Bill' was included in the Parliament agenda by the Government on the 23rd of September.The examination of the petition took place on Monday (3) in the presence of a three-member bench comprising Supreme Court Justices Gamini Amarasekara, Mahinda Samayawardena, and Arjun Obeyasekara.Deputy Solicitor General Kanishka de Silva, who appeared on behalf of the Attorney General, pointed out that the relevant bill is not a draft that overrides the constitution and that the Government is ready to amend it during the committee stages if there are any clauses that are felt to be inconsistent with the constitution of Sri Lanka.She has further stated that a person will be rehabilitated only on the orders given by the Magistrate Court and only on the consent of the person subject to undergo rehabilitation.

PHILADELPHIA - It's been almost one week since a group opened fire at four Roxborough High School football players and another teenager as they walked out of a junior varsity scrimmage. Four students were wounded and 14-year-old, Nicolas Elizalde, died from his injuries.Boys Latin Charter School’s JV team was there when gunfire erupted. Fortunately, none of their students were physically injured, but sophomore, Khary Brown, says he heard the gunshots."When I heard them I ran to the opposite, way to the far side of the field," he says.

The judge appointed to chair the independent public inquiry into the handling of the Covid pandemic in Scotland is resigning from the role.

sex worker rights groups is in Ontario Superior Court Monday asking for several sections of the Criminal Code to be deemed unconstitutional.The Canadian Alliance for Sex Work Law Reform says sections of the law that criminalize advertising sexual services and communicating to buy or sell sexual services violate workers’ Charter rights.

COLOMBO (News 1st) – Sri Lanka's Minister of Power & Energy Kanchana Wijesekera on Monday (3) revealed to Parliament that the price of diesel was not reduced during the recent fuel price revision as only a profit of one rupee was being made per liter."When we compare our import prices with the Singapore Average Price we were making a loss of Rs. 30/- per liter of Diesel.

COLOMBO (News 1st) – Parliament will convene this week from Monday (03) to Friday (07).The Secretary-General of Parliament Dhammika Dasanayake stated that the Committee on Parliamentary Business decided to set aside the 6th and the 7th of October to debate the 22nd Constitution Amendment Bill.The 3rd of October is set aside for the purpose of taking up 50 Questions for Oral Answers which were postponed due to various reasons.From 4th to 6th except for Friday 7th October, 9.30 am to 10.30 am is reserved for Questions for Oral Answers.Furthermore, it has been decided to extend the time allotted for the debate pertaining to government business by half an hour from the 4th Tuesday to allocate that time for the independent Members of the Parliament to express their opinions. Accordingly, the time for debating the government business, scheduled to end at 4.30 pm, will extend until 5.00 pm. It was agreed upon to allocate the remaining 30 minutes until 5.30 pm, for the Motion at the Adjournment Time on one day and Questions at the Adjournment Time on every other following day. October 4th from 10.30 am to 5.00 pm Order under the Strategic Development Project Act, No. 14 of 2008 published under the Gazette Extraordinary No.

US President Donald Trump speaks during a retreat with Republican lawmakers at Camp David in Thurmont, Maryland, January 6, 2018. / AFP PHOTO / SAUL LOEB (Photo credit should read SAUL LOEB/AFP via Getty Images) The National Archives and Records Administration informed lawmakers that a number of electronic communications from Trump White House staffers remain missing, nearly two years since the administration was required to turn them over.The nation's record-keeping agency, in a letter Friday to the House Committee on Oversight and Reform, said that despite an ongoing effort by staff, electronic communications between certain unidentified White House officials were still not in their custody."While there is no easy way to establish absolute accountability, we do know that we do not have custody of everything we should," Debra Steidel Wall, the acting U.S.

COLOMBO (News 1st) – The Government has taken measures to waive duties imposed on five imported raw materials for locally produced sanitary napkins, the Presidential Media Division says. The decision has been taken in order to make hygiene products more affordable in view of ensuring hygiene among women and school girls.In addition, it has also been decided to provide tax concessions for imported finished sanitary napkins as well.Accordingly, the price of a pack of 10 sanitary napkins produced locally will be reduced by Rs. 50 to Rs.

Pierre Poilievre, have anything to say about it.The most recent polling Ipsos conducted for Global News shows why.The party most interested in reminding Canadians about ties between the convoy and Pierre Poilievre will be the Liberal Party. Why? The Liberals are in a very difficult spot. They currently trail the Conservatives in the national popular vote by five points.

ORANGE COUNTY, Fla. - Orange County Government shared several photos of the many pets and animals that were rescued after Hurricane Ian drenched Central Florida with flooding rains. "Pets are family. Period," the government wrote on Facebook.

COLOMBO (News 1st) – Rating agency Fitch states that the demand for beer may increase in the near future as the affordability for Sri Lankans may decline. The US based credit ratings firm states that consumers may trade down from spirits to strong beer, given beer's lower price point. Moreover, Fitch forecasts that the drop in sales volumes will be moderated in the next 12-18 months, assuming an ease in inflation spikes. Fitch also forecasts mild beer sales to rise on a gradual recovery in tourism.Excise duties from alcoholic-beverage makers made up 11% of government tax revenue in the past year, however with the  imposition of a social security tax of 2.5% on revenue in addition to the increase in Value Added Tax to 15% from 12% may increase the price of alcoholic beverages.

COLOMBO (News 1st) – The Auditor General has initiated a special investigation into the unilateral termination of the Light Rail Project by the Government of Sri Lanka.Auditor General W.P.

COLOMBO (News 1st) – President Ranil Wickremesinghe says that his mission is to create a developed country for the future generations of this land.The full statement is as follows:The contemporary world that adults live in is not the world children see. It is very simple and delicate.

This story has been published from a wire agency feed without modifications to the text. Only the headline has been changed.

Thursday's view of a marina in downtown Fort Myers, contrasted with a photo from before Hurricane Ian. (NOAA) We’ve already seen the frightening scenes that Hurricane Ian brought to southwest Florida, but the full extent of the storm’s impact is becoming more detailed now that the federal government is publishing aerial photos taken during recent survey flights. Imagery posted on an interactive map was taken by NOAA’s Remote Sensing Division "to support homeland security and emergency response needs" after the storm.  The photos – taken during long sweeps by the agency's Hawker Beechcraft King Air 350CER plane starting on Thursday – cover a 50-mile swath from Cayo Costa, where the storm’s eye made landfall, down to Sanibel and then up the Caloosahatchee River to Fort Myers.A second 15-mile stretch covers the coast west of Cape Coral.LINK: See NOAA's damage mapAFTER: The Sanibel Causeway (NOAA) One of the most obvious features visible in the photos is the destruction of the Sanibel Causeway.

COLOMBO (News 1st) – UNICEF welcomes the contribution of US$ 500,000 from the Japanese Government to support the provision of nutrition services for children and families affected by the current crisis that Sri Lanka faces.In coordination with the Ministry of Health and partners, the funding will be used to procure micronutrients urgently needed to care for children, carry out screening and provide the necessary follow-up, including counseling for malnutrition. 

COLOMBO (News 1st) – SJB MP S. M.

COLOMBO (News 1st) – The Iranian government has expressed its willingness to supply Fertilizers to Sri Lanka.The Ministry of Agriculture has decided to obtain fertilizer from Iran, following a meeting with the Iranian Ambassador recently.However, importing fertilizer from Iran has become an issue given international sanctions imposed on the middle-eastern country.The Agriculture Minister said the necessary applications will be made via the Foreign Ministry.

COLOMBO (News 1st) – The 'National Council' decided to form two sub-committees related to national policies and economic stabilization at the inaugural meeting held with the participation of the ruling party and the opposition.The purpose of setting up the Sub-Committee on National Policy is to set the common priorities of Parliament to guide the formulation of medium and long-term national policies. Also, the purpose of establishing the Sub-Committee on Economic Stabilization is to reach agreement on the short- and medium-term programs related to economic stabilization.These decisions were taken at the inaugural meeting of the 'National Council' held at the Parliament complex on Thursday (29) under the chairmanship of Speaker  Mahinda Yapa Abeywardena. Prime Minister Dinesh Gunawardena, Leader of the House Minister Susil Premajayantha, Chief Government Whip Minister Prasanna Ranatunga, Chief Opposition Whip Lakshman Kiriella, Minister  Tiran Alas were presented for the meeting.In addition, Members of Parliament Asanka Navaratne, Rauf Hakeem, Rishad Bathiudeen, Mano Ganesan, Palani Digambaram, Jeevan Thondaman, Sisira Jayakodi, Namal Rajapaksa, Johnston Fernando, Sagara Kariyawasam, Ali Sabri Rahim, Rohitha Abeygunawardena, Vajira Abeywardena, Sivaneshthurai Chandrakanthan, Champika Ranawaka and several members of Parliament were present.Secretary General of Parliament Mr. Dhammika Dasanayake was also present at this meeting.Prime Minister Hon.

FILE - The seals of the U.S. Cyber Command, the National Secrity Agency and the Central Security Service greet employees and visitors at the campus the three organizations share March 13, 2015 in Fort Meade, Maryland.

FILE - U.S. Senate Majority Leader Chuck Schumer (D-NY) speaks during a press conference following a Senate Democratic luncheon at the U.S. Capitol on Sept.

FILE - A gas leak causes bubbles on the surface of the water at Sea in Sweden on Sept. 29, 2022.

COLOMBO (News 1st) – Civil & Political activists point out that the recently introduced bill to establish a Bureau of Rehabilitation paves the way to crack down on the Aragalaya protesters.They allege that the bill will also allow Aragalaya Activists to be detained for a long period at Rehabilitation Camps.Justice Minister Dr.

COLOMBO (News 1st) – Attorney Amila Egodamahawatte filed a special application with the Supreme Court on Thursday (29) seeking a ruling that the Bill titled the Bureau of Rehabilitation is one that leads the country to militarization and is one that violates the constitution of Sri Lanka.The attorney General was named as the respondent in this petition. The petition was filed through Attorney Manjula Balasuriya. The petitioner pointed out that, this act provides legislature to vest the judiciary power of the people to this Bureau without following the judicial process. They also pointed out that by introducing the Burea of Rehabilitation the government is attempting to usurp the powers of the court and vest it with the bureau, and enable it to act without any orders from the court. The petitioners pointed out that although the preamble of the bill states that it is an act to rehabilitate rebels, the lack of a proper interpretation of this term could lead to the people of the aragalaya being taken away to be rehabilitated using the military. The petitioner requests the court to issue a determination requesting the legislature to pass this bill through a majority in the parliament as the bill violates the people's freedom of expression and the right to hold peaceful demonstrations. At the same time, Civil & Political acitivists point out that the the recently introduced bill to establish a Bureau of Rehabilitation paves the way to crackdown on the Aragalaya protesters.They allege that the bill will also allow Aragalaya Activists to be detained for a long period at Rehabilitation Camps.Justice Minister Dr.

Pierre Poilievre has overtaken Prime Minister Justin Trudeau as the candidate seen as the best choice to lead the country, a new poll suggests.The Ipsos poll conducted exclusively for Global News found 35 per cent of Canadians surveyed believe Poilievre is the best candidate for prime minister, while 31 per cent said the same of Trudeau, who trails the new Opposition leader in a majority of provinces — including Ontario. 1 in 3 Canadians believe Trudeau should stay in power as Tories edge ahead: poll Those numbers mark the latest sign of trouble for Trudeau’s Liberals, who are facing an increasingly dissatisfied public that polling suggests is concerned with affordability and inflation.“Now that Mr.

COLOMBO (News 1st) – President Ranil Wickremesinghe said amidst major economic stress, Sri Lanka is undertaking an unprecedented fiscal effort as part of the government’s commitment to restoring the country’s debt sustainability. Therefore, he expressed hope and expectation that Sri Lanka’s creditors, and all stakeholders, will support Sri Lanka in these efforts to restore the country’s debt sustainability and help put the country back on the path of inclusive and sustainable economic growth.President Wickremesinghe presided over the annual meeting of the ADB Board of Governors on Thursday (29) which was held at the ADB headquarters in Manila, Philippines and attended by Governors and official government delegations.President Wickremesinghe noted that the government has already undertaken major macroeconomic policy reform measures and this program is aligned with the commitment of the government to implement an ambitious and comprehensive package of reforms that will help restore the sustainability of the country’s public finances, addressing external imbalances, and restarting the growth engine through structural reforms and improvements in governance.“Amidst major economic stress, Sri Lanka is undertaking an unprecedented fiscal effort as part of our commitment to restoring the country’s debt sustainability.

(Nikkei) Sri Lanka's government appears increasingly upbeat about its chances of receiving International Monetary Fund board approval for a $2.9 billion bailout by December, but the multilateral lender has cautioned that the time frame remains uncertain, and much depends on discussions with the heavily indebted country's creditors.Peter Breuer, senior mission chief for Sri Lanka, and Masahiro Nozaki, mission chief for Sri Lanka, in written comments to Nikkei Asia, said, "It is difficult to predict the timeline, as the process of debt relief discussions takes time. All parties who are involved in the process should move expeditiously, so that Sri Lanka can emerge from the crisis as quickly as possible."On Sept.

COLOMBO (News 1st) – Sri Lanka is importing 95 Octane Petrol at a price cheaper than 92 Octane Petrol, and concerns have been raised over the government's fuel price formula as well.The Fuel Price Formula that is adopted in Sri Lanka has become a cause of concern.Recently, Sri Lanka's Power and Energy Minister made public the Fuel Price Formula on his social media account.According to the document made public by the Minister, 95 Octane Petrol is purchased at a price that is less than what is offered for 92 Octane Petrol.As per data obtained on the world fuel refining industry, there is no great price difference between 95 Octane Petrol and 92 Octane Petrol as Market Rates determine the fuel prices globally.According to the documents Sri Lanka is purchasing Diesel and Petrol as per the PLATTS rates.Sri Lanka purchases a Barrel of 95 Octane Petrol for USD 100 and 75 cents as per the PLATTS  rates.At the same time, Sri Lanka purchases a barrel of 92 Octane Petrol for USD 100 and 19 cents.The difference between the two is 76 Cents US.Now, what happens next?A litre of 95 Octane Petrol is unloaded at the Port for Rs. 243 and 88 cents.A litre of 92 Octane Petrol is unloaded at the Port for Rs.

Justin Trudeau deserves to remain in power appears to be slightly lower than it was one year ago amid the federal election, a new poll suggests.Polling done by Ipsos exclusively for Global News indicates 33 per cent of Canadians say Trudeau deserves to be re-elected, which is a drop of four per cent compared to polling done last fall.Sixty-seven per cent say it is time for another party to take over.“What we’re seeing in the numbers right now is not so much that there’s been a ‘new leader bump’ for the Conservatives, though they’re up just a little bit but within the margin of error,” said Darrell Bricker, CEO of Ipsos Public Affairs. “It’s really more that the Liberals have been losing.”He said the data suggests people who have previously voted Liberal are bleeding out to not only the Conservatives, which are also seeing a consolidation of some voters from the People’s Party of Canada, but also to the NDP and the Bloc Quebecois.“It’s not so much about the surge of the Conservative Party as it is about the slipping of the Liberals.” Trudeau criticizes ‘buzzwords, dogwhistles’ as Poilievre crowned Tory leader That Ipsos polling suggests it is the federal Conservatives that now hold a five-point lead on the Liberals among decided voters, with 35 per cent of those surveyed saying they prefer that party compared to 30 per cent for the Liberals, 20 per cent for the NDP, and seven per cent nationally for the Bloc Quebecois.Those numbers represent a one-point increase since the election for Conservatives, and a three-point decrease for the Liberals.

COLOMBO (News 1st) – The latest report from the World Food Program reveals that four in ten housholds in Sri Lanka are consuming inadequate diets.The World Food Program said that the intensifying economic crisis continues to threaten food security, and the persistence of high food and fuel prices has pushed food further out of each. The WFP warned that in the face of inaction, the situation could deteriorate even further.Highlighting the fact that diets are in a precarious state among Sri Lankans, the World Food Program said that four in ten  households are facing insufficient food  consumption, with many consuming far less diverse diets as food prices remain high across the country.To date, WFP has received a total of US$29.35 million from the  governments of Australia, Italy,  Japan, New Zealand, Norway, United States and  Switzerland, as well as from the UN Central  Emergency Response Fund, private sector partners, and multilateral donors. This represents nearly half of its emergency appeal for US$63 million. 

COLOMBO (News 1st) – The Sri Lanka Podujana Peramuna has decided to strip the SLPP Local Government Member who was arrested over the Thambuttegama Bank Heist of his party membership.SLPP General Secretary Attorney Sagara Kariyawasam told reported on Wednesday (28) that the matter was internally probed on Tuesday (27), adding that necessary action will be taken against the local government member if it is proven via an investigation that he is responsible for the crime.A Sri Lanka Podujana Peramuna Local Government Member was arrested over the Rs. 20 Million Bank Heist in ThambuttegSri Lanka Podujana Peramuna Local Government Member ama.Sri Lanka Police said that a Sri Lanka Podujana Peramuna Local Government Member from the Rajanganaya Pradeshiya Sabha was arrested for aiding and abetting in the crime.The suspect is a 44-year-old resident from Rajanganaya.A Sri Lankan Police Officer has been hailed a hero after he valiantly stopped two men from making a getaway with over Rs.

(New York) – The Sri Lankan government should reverse a new regulation that unlawfully restricts protests in large areas of the capital, Colombo, Human Rights Watch said on Tuesday (27). On September 24, 2022, a day after the measure was issued, police arrested 84 people and used tear gas and water cannon to disperse protesters calling for the release of student activists being held under the notorious Prevention of Terrorism Act.On September 23, the Sri Lankan government invoked the Official Secrets Act to designate public streets and government buildings in central Colombo “high security zones,” where written permission from the police is required to hold any public gathering. Under the regulation, police have wide-ranging authority to arrest anyone inside these zones and only the High Court can grant bail to those detained.

COLOMBO (News 1st); Eighty houses were completely destroyed following a fire that broke out in a series of houses in Kajimawatte, Grandpass on Tuesday (27) night.Sri Lanka Police said the fire was contained by over fifty firefighters who battled the blaze for several hours.Sri Lanka Police added that 220 people were displaced by the fire, and they were moved to a community hall and a temple temporarily until the area is cleared.The Government Analyst will be summoned on Wednesday (28) to determine the cause of the fire.Colombo District Secretary Pradeep Yasaratne told News 1st that steps will be taken to provide relief to the people who were displaced by the fire.He said a proposal was put forward to award the displaced families houses from housing complexes owned by the Urban Development Authority.President Ranil Wickremesinghe, who is on an official visit to Japan, has instructed the President’s Secretary Saman Ekanayake to take steps to provide immediate relief to all the residents affected by the fire that broke out at the Kajimawatta complex in Thotalanga, Colombo.The President had instructed Secretary Saman Ekanayake to intervene immediately and direct the Colombo GA, Tri Forces Commanders, the Fire Brigade, the Health Department, the Urban Development Authority and all other relevant government agencies to look into the needs of the people who were residing in the apartment complex and provide them the required facilities immediately.Accordingly, all relevant departments have already taken steps to provide the maximum intervention required to douse the fire and provide all other necessary facilities promptly.The President has further stated that special attention should be provided to attend to the needs of

BERLIN (FOX Business) - Unprecedented leaks in the Nord Stream energy pipelines connecting Russia to Germany were likely the result of sabotage, Germany argued Tuesday.The Nord Stream 1 and 2 pipeline systems suffered three leaks in a single day on Tuesday, though neither pipeline was operating at the time. The damaged offshore pipelines lay at the bottom of the Baltic Sea. Neither of the pipelines was operating at the time of the damage, however.

A general view shows the state funeral for Japan's former prime minister Shinzo Abe in the Nippon Budokan in Tokyo on September 27, 2022. (Photo by FRANCK ROBICHON / POOL / AFP) TOKYO - Japan's assassinated hawkish former leader, Shinzo Abe, was given a rare state funeral Tuesday that was full of military pomp and surrounded by throngs of mourners as well as by widespread protests, with thousands taking to the streets in opposition.Prime Minister Fumio Kishida said the publicly financed ceremony was a well-deserved honor for Japan's longest-serving modern political leader, but it has deeply split public opinion.The event was attended by U.S.

COLOMBO (News 1st) – Minister of Foreign Affairs Ali Sabry called on Secretary-General of the United Nations António Guterres and briefed him on the steps being taken by Sri Lanka to overcome current challenges.The discussion also focused on further UN assistance to Sri Lanka.Foreign Minister Ali Sabry on Saturday (24) sought for cooperation and support of the international community including the United Nations for Sri Lanka’s new resolve to “build back better” with political, economic, and social reforms following the unprecedented crisis faced by the country.Addressing the UN’s 77th General Assembly in New York, Sabry said measures include a review of the present procedures, the strengthening of the institutional framework of democratic governance, and the adoption of urgent measures to restore long-term economic stability.   

COLOMBO (News 1st) – A Sri Lanka Podujana Peramuna Local Government Member was arrested over the Rs. 20 Million Bank Heist in ThambuttegSri Lanka Podujana Peramuna Local Government Member ama.Sri Lanka Police said that a Sri Lanka Podujana Peramuna Local Government Member from the Rajanganaya Pradeshiya Sabha was arrested for aiding and abetting in the crime.The suspect is a 44-year-old resident from Rajanganaya.A Sri Lankan Police Officer has been hailed a hero after he valiantly stopped two men from making a getaway with over Rs.

Tokyo (News 1st) – President Ranil Wickremesinghe held discussions with Japan’s Foreign Minister Yoshimasa Hayashi in Tokyo on Tuesday (27).During the meeting, Foreign Minister Hayashi welcomed Sri Lanka’s progress with the IMF and expressed his country’s willingness to take a leading role in Sri Lanka’s creditor talks.President Wickremesinghe expressed regret over the breakdown of relations between Japan and Sri Lanka following the cancellation of several investment projects by the former Government. The President stressed that he was keen to restart those projects.The President also indicated that the Government was interested in Japan investing in Sri Lanka’s renewable energy projects.Japan Foreign Minister Hayashi explained that Japan had increased its commitment to renewable energy and would be willing to explore future investment opportunities in Sri Lanka.The Foreign Minister also explained that Japan would begin the skilled worker examinations in January 2023 for Sri Lankan migrant workers.The President appreciated the support extended by Japan on the international stage and expressed the Government’s willingness to support both Japan’s and India’s campaign to become permanent members of the United Nations Security Council.

Tim Houston has announced an “unprecedented” relief package of $40 million for residents impacted by post-tropical storm Fiona past weekend.Fiona hit Atlantic Canada on Friday night into Saturday, causing widespread power outages, washing out roads and downing trees. As of 4 p.m.

Oakville, Ont., teacher’s attire.“In this province, in our schools, we celebrate our differences and we also believe that there must be the highest standards of professionalism in front of our kids,” Education Minister Stephen Lecce said Friday when asked about the situation.“And on that basis, I’ve asked the Ontario College of Teachers to review and to consider strengthening those provisions with respect to professional conduct which we think would be in the interest of all kids in Ontario.” School board aware of possible protests over Oakville teacher’s attire as dress code under review Images have gone viral online and in the media in recent days, appearing to show a teacher at Oakville Trafalgar High School wearing large prosthetic breasts in class.Protests were held on Friday and over the weekend regarding the situation.The Ontario College of Teachers website says it “licenses, governs and regulates Ontario’s teaching profession in the public interest.” It is responsible for licencing teachers, setting ethical standards, investigating concerns, among other responsibilities.All publicly funded teachers in the province must be certified by the college.Also last week, trustees with the Halton District School Board (HDSB) met and agreed to review the dress code.The board has said that it is “committed to establishing and maintaining a safe, caring, inclusive, equitable and welcoming learning and working environment for all students and staff.”“We strive to promote and support a positive learning environment in schools consistent with our values and to ensure a safe and inclusive environment for all students, staff and the community, regardless of their race, age, ability, sex, gender identity, gender expression,

MEXICO CITY, MEXICO - SEPTEMBER 16: President of Cuba Miguel Diaz Canel speaks during the annual shout of independence (Grito de Independencia) as part of the independence day celebrations on September 16, 2021 in Mexico City, Mexico.

FILE - Former intelligence contractor Edward Snowden poses for a photo during an interview in an undisclosed location in December 2013 in Moscow, Russia. (Barton Gellman/Getty Images)Russian President Vladimir Putin granted full Russian citizenship to U.S.

COLOMBO (News 1st) – The Human Rights Commission of Sri Lanka says that the notion that the High-Security Zones be declared under the Official Secret Act is a fallacy without any justification or basis. The Human Rights Commission is deeply concerned about the Government’s approach to adopting the Official Secret Act and making a declaration which grossly violates the fundamental rights of the people of this country.

COLOMBO (News 1st); The British pound plunged to a record low on Monday morning in Asia, following last week’s announcement by the new U.K. government that it would implement tax cuts and investment incentives to boost growth.Sterling briefly fell 4% to an all-time low of $1.0382 on Monday in Asia.Critics say those economic measures will disproportionately benefit the wealthy and could see the U.K.

Coronation Street's first disabled actor has said disabled people were killed by the government’s Covid failure. Speaking at a Labour Party Conference fringe event Cherylee Houston wept as she said 'we’re not seen as human', adding: “It makes me want to cry every time”.

COLOMBO (News 1st) – Sri Lankan authorities will pose no obstruction towards 'Peaceful Protests', said Acting Defence Minister Premitha Bandara Tennakoon on Monday (26).He noted that protests or demonstrations must take place as per the provisions of the law, where prior approval must be obtained from the security forces six hours ahead of the planned demonstration or protest."There will be no issue if prior approval is obtained," he said.The Acting Defence Minister said the government will guarantee the right to protest and demonstrate, however, these protests or demonstrations or marches should not disrupt the normal lives of the public and the economy."Protests, Rallies, and demonstrations that attempt to create a crisis in the country, and that disrupts the lives of the public will be contained as per the provisions of the law by the security forces," said the Acting Defence Minister, adding that it will be same for the future.He went on to note that no party will be allowed to engage in irresponsible conduct that violates the laws on public security and disrupt public operations.Commenting on the High-Security Zones that were declared by the President recently, the Acting Defence Minister noted that the people can go about with their activities in those areas, and issues will only arise if one engaged in unlawful conduct.

COLOMBO (News 1st) – Ambassador Cindy Hensley McCain, the United States Permanent Representative to the UN Agencies in Rome met with President Ranil Wickremesinghe on Sunday (25) and had a productive discussion.US Ambassador to Sri Lanka Julie Chung also joined the meeting.Discussions were carried out considering the ongoing economic hardships on Sri Lankans, as well as exploring the many ways the United States of America & Sri Lanka are working together to meet urgent humanitarian needs.United States Permanent Representative to the UN Food and Agriculture Agencies in Rome Ambassador Cindy McCain will visit Sri Lanka until September 28th to highlight U.S. food assistance programs in Sri Lanka and reinforce the U.S.

HOUSTON, TEXAS - SEPTEMBER 08: Vice President Kamala Harris speaks at the National Baptist Convention on September 08, 2022 in Houston, Texas. The National Baptist Convention was formed in 1886, and gathers church members and leaders from around the WASHINGTON (AP) - Attending funerals on behalf of the United States is normally a straightforward assignment for a vice president, but Kamala Harris will confront controversy at nearly every turn as she visits Asia for the memorial honoring former Japanese Prime Minister Shinzo Abe.American allies are seeking clarity after mixed messages over whether President Joe Biden would send troops to defend Taiwan from a Chinese invasion, a potential conflict that could swiftly engulf the rest of the region.