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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) – 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.

Health walks across Lanarkshire are resuming for 2023 with new participants invited to join to enjoy some gentle outdoor exercise, meet new people and help fend off the winter blues.

COLOMBO (News 1st) – Sri Lankan President Ranil Wickremesinghe summoned the members of the National Election Commission for an emergency meeting at the President's Office.A Senior Official at the National Election Commission told News 1st that the meeting took place based on an invitation extended by the President.It was reported that the Attorney General was also present for the meeting.The members of the National Election Commission had informed the President that there is no way to prevent the Local Government Elections from taking place, unless via constitutional or judicial action.The Election Commission officials had informed the President of the future programs relating to the election.

COLOMBO (News 1st) – The suspect responsible for shooting dead a restaurant owner in Hanwella on the 18th of December 2022, was killed in Police fire on Friday (6) morning.Police Spokesperson SSP Nihal Thalduwa speaking to News 1st said that sleuthts received information that the suspect was hiding insidea house in Diddeniya, Hanwella.Thereafter, a Western Province – South Police Team was deployed to the area to arrest the suspect.The Police said the suspect opened fire at the police officers to evade arrest.The suspect was gunned down in return fire, said the Police Spokesperson.A restaurant owner was brutally killed when he was shot at point-blank range inside his business premises on the night of 18th December 2022.According to the CCTV footage, the owner of the restaurant and shop was closing up for the day, moments before the fatal shooting.The deceased was identified at 46-year-old Mohamed Farzan, a father of three.Two unidentified men had arrived on a motorcycle and one of them entered the premises and opened fire at him using a pistol, and the motive for the murder is yet to be determined.

COLOMBO (News 1st) – A Sri Lankan court has ordered the guarantors for Najeem Mohammed Imran alias Kanjipani Imran to appear in court.Kanjipani Imran, who is a leading drug trafficker in the country, had fled to India and is now preparing to enter Pakistan from there.Imran's mother, brother, and another individual are listed as guarantors.Kanjipani Imran faces serious charges in Sri Lanka including murder, and he was released on a Rs.

COLOMBO (News 1st) – Sri Lankan President Ranil Wickremesinghe has instructed the Chairmen of the Ceylon Petroleum Corporation (CPC) and SriLankan Airlines to submit a report on awarding bonuses to employees, despite making losses.The President has requested their reasons to justify the payment of bonuses despite the Ministry of Finance having informed not to pay bonuses to loss-making corporations and boards.The President's Secretary Saman Ekanayake said that the chairpermen of the two institutions are expected to submit their justifications.The President's Secretary also said that the President received information that the awarding bonuses to employees was done in violation of the Finance Ministry circular.The Ceylon Petroleum Corporation has paid two months’ salaries to its employees as bonuses and SriLankan Airlines has paid 100,000 rupees as bonus to each of its employees as bonus for 2022.

COLOMBO (News 1st) – Indian media have reported that Najeem Mohammed Imran alias Kanjipani Imran, who is a leading drug trafficker in the country, had fled to India and is now preparing to enter Pakistan from there.However, the main question is, how did he fled to India after his release on bail.Indian Intelligence put Tamil Nadu on High Alert following information that one of Sri Lanka’s notorious drug lords ‘Kanjipani’ Imran had entered India through the coastal Rameswaram.An Intelligence alert said Imran had managed to enter the coastal town on Christmas eve along with another individual.Kanjipani Imran faces serious charges in Sri Lanka including murder, and he was released on a Rs.

The latest statistics from the Department for Work and Pensions (DWP) show that in August 2022 there were 5.6 million people across the UK receiving financial support through Universal Credit, a benefit intended to help those out of work or on a low income with daily living costs.

COLOMBO (News 1st): Notorious underworld gangster Mohamed Najim Mohamed Imran alias ‘Kanjipani’ Imran sneaked into Rameswaram days after his release on bail by a court in Sri Lanka according to police sources, reported The Hindu.The Tamil Nadu intelligence has sounded an alert to senior police officers across the State to mount vigil along the coastal districts and look for him and his associate who landed along the Ramanathapuram district coast on December 25, 2022.Imran, wanted by the Sri Lankan authorities for various offences, including murders and criminal intimidation, was arrested in Dubai in 2019 and deported to the Island Nation. He was in judicial custody till a local court granted him bail on payment of two sureties, each 5 million local currencies.The State intelligence had a specific input from central intelligence agencies and reliable sources that Imran was planning to enter India after his release on bail.

Moves by several countries to mandate COVID-19 tests for passengers arriving from China reflect global concern that new variants could emerge in its ongoing explosive outbreak — and that the government may not inform the rest of the world quickly enough. There have been no reports of new variants to date, but China has been accused of not being forthcoming about the virus since it first surfaced in the country in late 2019. The worry is that it may not be sharing data now on any signs of evolving strains that could spark fresh outbreaks elsewhere.

The latest statistics from the Department for Work and Pensions (DWP) show that by the end of October, there were more than three million people across the UK claiming Personal Independence Payment (PIP). The regional breakdown includes nearly 330,000 claimants living in Scotland, 2.6 million in England and 226,000 in Wales.

COLOMBO (News 1st) – The United States Agency for International Development (USAID) has decided to award a subsidy of Rs. 15,000/- ($42) each to low-income earning agriculture-based families across seven districts, said the Department of Government Information on Tuesday (27).This allowance will be awarded to agriculture-based families living in the districts of Jaffna, Mullaithivu, Mannar, Trincomalee, Vavuniya, Moneragala and Batticaloa districts.Minister Mahinda Amaraweera noted that the allowance will be for families that earn a monthly income less than Rs.

COLOMBO (News 1st) – A two-minute silence will be observed across Sri Lanka on Monday (26) to remember the victims of the massive tsunami that struck the island nation in 2004.The two-minute silence will be observed from 9.25 a.m. to 9.27 a.m., said the Government Information Department.On Boxing Day 2004 a magnitude 9.0 earthquake struck in the deep seas off the coast of the Indonesian Island of Sumatra.Moments later strong waves made their way towards the coast of the country and claimed the lives of more than 30,000 people within a matter of minutes.What was termed as the world's worst train disaster, the wreckage was evident from among the debris caused by the massive waves.1,270 people who aboard the train when the waves struck Peraliya died while another 141 remain unaccounted for.Fourteen coastal districts of Sri Lanka were affected by the tsunami disaster and approximately 35,000 people died while about 5000 others disappeared. Every year since 2005, the 26th of December has been declared as "National Safety Day" and on the day, with the participation of the political leadership and public National Safety Day events are held as nationally in remembrance of all those who died in the country due to the Tsunami disaster and various other natural disasters.

The latest statistics from the Department for Work and Pensions (DWP) show that in August 2022 there were 5.6 million people across the UK receiving financial support through Universal Credit, a benefit intended to help those out of work or on a low income with daily living costs.

Colombo (News 1st) – Sri Lanka Police and the Criminal Investigations Department recorded statements from 23 people in connection with the murder of respected Colombo-based businessman Dinesh Schaffter.A homicide investigations is underway involving the CID, Colombo Crimes Division and two other police teams.The incident sent shockwaves across Colombo when Dinesh Schaffter was found tied up and strangled inside his car at the Public Cemetery in Borella on Thursday (15) evening. He was admitted to the Intensive Care Unit of the Colombo National Hospital, where he succumbed to his injuries.Questions are being raised regarding the motive for the murder: Was it premeditated? Was this an attempted intimidation tactic gone wrong? Reasons for suspicion arise when taking into account the fact that Dinesh Schaffter was still alive when he was found at the Public Cemetery in Borella.The Sri Lanka Police are investigating the homicide on multiple leads and angles.

COLOMBO (News 1st) –  Egg producers in Sri Lanka informed the Court of Appeal on Thursday (15) that they cannot agree with the price amendments produced by the Consumer Affairs Authority.Counsel for the CAA told court that the Counsumer Affairs Council that convened on Wednesday (14) had decided to impose a Maximum Retail Price of Rs. 42/- for a white egg, and Rs.

COLOMBO (News 1st) – Sri Lanka Railways has taken steps to carry out spot checks to detain and fine those who use the service without obtaining tickets.The Deputy General Manager of Railways E.S Polwattage said information has come to light over multiple incidents of people taking a free ride on trains, and several raids were carried out at the Colombo Fort railway station on Tuesday (6).

COLOMBO (News 1st) – The Ministry of Trade, Commerce and Food Security say that steps have been taken to discuss reducing the prices of school equipment & stationery with importers and local manufacturers.Minister Nalin Fernando said that he has informed the Consumer Affairs Authority (CAA) to discuss the matter and submit a report.Meanwhile, the Chairman of the All Ceylon Communication Owners' Association Indrajith Perera said that the price of office stationery is also skyrocketing given the present economic situation in the country.

COLOMBO (News 1st) – Sri Lanka's President, Prime Minister, Speaker and other public representatives stood in unity with the Women Parliamentarians’ Caucus for Global Activism against Gender-Based Violence (GBV) on Thursday (1).A wristband given to Parliamentarians with the message “Let’s Unite to end Gender Based Violence” as a sign of support.

COLOMBO (News 1st) – The train schedule will be revised from the 5th of December, in stages.The General Manager of Railways Gamini Seneviratne says that the Kelani Valley railway line's schedule will be revised from the 5th of next month. He further said that the changes of other routes will be informed in due course as well. At the same time, he says that the train operations will have a change of 5 to 10 minutes.Meanwhile, a spokesperson of the Railway Department said that due to the shortage of employees, there are obstacles to the continuation of the railway service.He further said that NO action has been taken so far to fill the existing 8000-employee vacancies. Sri Lanka Railways said that it has sought permission from the Public Services Commission to meet the staff requirements, however, no permission has been granted yet.Due to this matter, it has become a problem to summon retired personnel back to work.

COLOMBO (News 1st) – Sri Lanka Police said that eight suspects have been arrested with drugs and narcotic pills at Weligama beach.This is based on information that a party organized via facebook was taking place on the Weligama beach.The suspects are residents of Weligama, Ranala, Tissamaharama, Kananke, Telijjawila, Syawala and Beliatta areas.The relevant suspects were produced to the Matara Magistrate and were later on released on bail.

COLOMBO (News 1st) – The Supreme Court ordered the Inspector General of Police to establish a committee to formulate a regulatory framework for Police officers to follow when conducting inquiries into disputes. The Supreme Court gave this direction as part of an interim order issued when an incident where a senior police officer had obstructed an Attorney at Law from performing his duties was taken up in court. According to the petitioner, an Attorney, he had visited the Boralasgamuwa Police on the 13th of November 2021 to represent his client at the police station. The petitioner stated, while representing his client, Senior Superintendent of Police K.S.K Rupasinghe had demanded that he step out of the room. The petitioner had refused to do so. The SSP had then proceeded to threaten the Attorney claiming he will be thrown into a cell.

COLOMBO (News 1st) – Venerable Galwewa Siridhamma Thero was remanded to the 6th of December by the Kaduwela Magistrate's Court on Wednesday (23).Earlier in the day, the Thero was granted bail by the Fort Magistrate's Court and was later produced to the Kaduwela Magistrate's Court for a separate case, where he was returned to remand custody.Granted Bail in the Morning:Venerable Galwewa Siridhamma Thero, the converner of the Inter-University Bhikku Federation was released on bail on Wednesday (23).The Venerable Thero was detained for 89-days under the Prevention of Terrorism Act and was thereafter remanded along with the Convener of the Inter-University Student's Federation Wasantha Mudalige.Venerable Galwewa Siridhamma Thero was released on two personal bails of Rs. 500,000/- each.Bail was granted by Colombo Additional Magistrate T.

COLOMBO (News 1st) – Two more men arrested for their alleged link to the sex trafficking ring in Oman were remanded to the 1st of December 2023.The suspects were produced to the Colombo Chief Magistrate Nandana Amarasinghe by the Criminal Investigations Department on Tuesday (22).One suspect was arrested by the CID in Kurunegala, while the other was arrested in Colombo.Sri Lanka's Criminal Investigations Department arrested a woman with links to the sex trafficking ring in Oman, after she surrendered to the CID on Monday (21) morning. She was later released on two personal bails of Rs.

COLOMBO (News 1st) – Sri Lanka's Minister of Labour and Foreign Employment  Manusha Nanayakkara in Parliament informed today (22) that the law will be strictly enforced against those involved in trafficking women to Oman, where they are auctioned and sold to the highest bidder.Minister Manusha Nanayakkara revealed to the parliament that as per the data available with the Sri Lanka Foreign Employment Bureau there are 12 Sri Lankan women at the Safe-House in Oman operated by the Sri Lankan Embassy who had registered themselves with the SLFEB, and another 65 who had used visit visa to travel to Oman citing other reasons to Sri Lankan authorities.He added that 70 Sri Lankan women registered with the Sri Lanka Foreign Employment Bureau, and 7 Sri Lankan women have used visit visa and are currently held in Dubai.The Minister went on to note that Sri Lankans who registered with the Sri Lanka Foreign Employment Bureau and face issues overseas can be brought back to the country without any issue, however, there is growing concern over the rise in numbers using visit visa for employment purposes.He added that legal action was instituted on over 100 incidents of abuse, and multiple suspects were arrested based on the investigations.He revealed to the house that only 40 Sri Lanka Foreign Employment Bureau personnel are assigned to meet the needs of all countries, however, Cabinet has approved to recruit of another 50 personnel.Minister Manusha Nanayakkara individual at the Sri Lankan Embassy in Oman who is accused of committing sexual abuse towards Sri Lankan women over there has been interdicted and will be brought back to the country where he will be arrested on arrival, and will be investigated. 

COLOMBO (News 1st) – The Third Secretary of the Sri Lankan Embassy in Oman E. Kushan is alleged to have committed sexual abuse, and engaged in the trafficking of Sri Lankan women for sex. However, he denies these claims and told EXCLUSIVELY to News 1st that these allegations are fabricated and have no ground. On Sunday (21) several former expats visited News 1st and expose startling details, and the said Third Secretary of the Sri Lankan Embassy rejected all the allegations as baseless. "While talking he put his arms around me, and I tried to push him away. I told him that that was not what I came for and I came to speak.

COLOMBO (News 1st) – Concerns were raised in Parliament on Monday (21) regarding the participation of the Police Commission Chief at the welcome ceremony for Basil Rajapaksa at the BIA.Opposition Lawmakers questioned the reasons for the Chairman of the National Police Commission, and member P. P.

COLOMBO (News 1st) – Sri Lanka’s government promised parliament on Saturday that it would investigate revelations by News 1st of a major sex slave trade in which Sri Lankan women are being sold into slavery in Oman.Prime Minister Dinesh Gunawardena told the house that a special team was dispatched to look into the complaints of the sex slave ring in Oman, in order to take swift action. "The President has paid special attention to this situation.

COLOMBO (News 1st) – Sri Lanka's Opposition Leader has requested the country's parliament to intervene for the release of student leaders detained under the PTA.Sri Lankan Opposition Leader Sajith Premadasa speaking in Parliament on Thursday (17) raised alarm that Venerable Galwewa Siridhamma Thero, and Wasantha Mudalige who are student leaders detained under the Prevention of Terrorism Act would complete their 90-Day detention on Friday (28), are to be retained in detention via an extension of the Detention Order.He termed the use of the Prevention of Terrorism Act again suprression as State Sponsored Terrorism, and requested the government end the suppression and release the detained student leaders.The opposition leader also demanded the government to disclose the alleged acts of terror committed by Venerable Galwewa Siridhamma Thero, and Wasantha Mudalige.Leader of the House & Minister Dr.

The latest statistics from the Department for Work and Pensions (DWP) show that in August 2022 there were 5.6 million people across the UK receiving financial support through Universal Credit, a benefit intended to help those out of work or on a low income with daily living costs.

COLOMBO (News 1st) – In recent months people were gunned down by mysterious shooters and concerns were raised on matters like how did these criminals get their hands on such weapons and who owned them.On Thursday (10) night, Sri Lanka Police arrested a man for the possession of weapons and ammunition prepared to be used in a crime in Deenagoda, Beruwala.The man was arrested close to the Berwala Railway Station for suspicious behaviour and based on the information extracted during questioning his house was searched, where the weapons and ammunition were discovered.Sri Lanka Police said they discovered a Repeater Shotgun, a 0.22 mm firearm, and a locally manufactured weapon.Police said that the locally manufactured firearm has been upgraded to be used as a sniper rifle with laser targetting.In addition, Sri Lanka Police said that the barrel used for this weapon was manufactured in Germany and was modified to fit 0.22 mm bullets.In addition to these three weapons 101 bullets compatible with a 12-bore shotgun, and 489 .022 mm bullets were found in the possession of the 49-year-old suspect.In 2018, the suspect was arrested by police on weapons manufacturing charges.

COLOMBO (News 1st) – Speaker Mahinda Yapa Abeywardena announced in Parliament yesterday (10) that special security arrangements as done in previous years will be implemented in connection with the Budget speech for the year 2023 to be made by the Minister of Finance on Monday the 14th of November 2022.Accordingly, today (11) the entire Parliament building including the restrooms and wardrobes of the Members of Parliament will be subjected to security inspection.On the 14th, when the budget is presented in Parliament, galleries will be restricted only to the Diplomatic Corps. As the Members’ car park will be kept closed on this day the vehicles of the Members will be directed to the relevant Car Parks. The Speaker also requested the Members of Parliament to arrive in Parliament on that day in a Chauffeur-driven vehicle as far as possible. The speaker also informed that Valet parking of the self-driven vehicles of the Members of Parliament will be attended to by the Chauffeurs of the Parliament Staff who will be deployed at the Members’ Entrance.In addition, special traffic arrangements will be adopted by the Traffic Police and the nearest Police Stations in the area on this day. The speaker also informed that the cooperation of all Members of Parliament is kindly expected towards the aforementioned special security arrangements.

COLOMBO (News 1st) – The Court of Appeal on Thursday (10) ordered the Attorney General to produce all audio and video material of State Minister Sanath Nishantha's comments to the media at a media briefing held on the 28th of August at the SLPP Head Office premises.The material is expected to be produced in court on the 12th of November, and the order was made when a case filed against the State Minister for alleged contempt of court was taken up.The Appeal Court ordered the State Minister to appear in court in person on the 12th of November 2022.Senior State Counsel Hasini Opatha appearing for the Attorney General informed the court that the preparation of the charge sheet against the State Minister is underway and is yet to be completed.State Minister Sanath Nishantha, who is a respondent in the case, appear in court in person on Thursday (10) as per a previous court order.The plant against Sanath Nishantha was filed by Attorneys Priyalal Sirisena, Vijitha Kumara and the Judicial Services Commission.

COLOMBO (News 1st) – Sri Lanka's Ministry of Foreign Affairs said that it continues to monitor the progress of the passengers of Sri Lankan origin who were rescued and bought to the Port of Vung Tau in Viet Nam on 08 November 2022.The Ministry of Foreign Affairs informed the Sri Lanka Navy that they had received information about a vessel carrying approximately 303 persons believed to be Sri Lankans which was in distress in the waters between the Philippines and Viet Nam on 07 November 2022.  Sri Lanka Navy having contacted the vessel, informed that the crew had abandoned the vessel with the passengers onboard. On the initiative of the Ministry of Foreign Affairs in coordination with the Sri Lanka Navy and the Sri Lanka Missions in the Philippines, Singapore and Viet Nam together with the regional Maritime Rescue Coordination Centers (MRCC) based in Singapore, the rescue efforts were coordinated, said the Foreign Ministry.Subsequently, the Japanese-flagged vessel, “Helios Leader”, having been contacted by the Singapore MRCC, rescued the passengers from the distressed vessel. The passengers were handed over to Viet Nam authorities at Vung Tau Port in South Viet Nam.The screening of the passengers will be done by the International Organization for Migration (IOM) in coordination with the Viet Nam authorities and the Sri Lanka Embassy in Viet Nam.

COLOMBO (News 1st) – US Ambassador to Sri Lanka Julie Chung met with the Easter Province Governor Anuradha Yahampath on Tuesday (8).The Governor noted that the Ambassador during the discussion stressed the US will support Sri Lanka's debt restructuring program."The Ambassador said that the US will provide assistance and facilities for to secure a successful debt restructuring program, and IMF program. She said that we will have to make some tough decisions.

COLOMBO (News 1st) – A special search operation carried out by the Navy in Duwa area, Negombo on 08th November 2022 made way for the seizure of over 2448kg of smuggled Kendu Leaves, 02 lorries, 01 dinghy and apprehension of 02 suspects.Sri Lanka Navy conducts regular operations to prevent a wide range of illegal activities stemming from the coastal areas of the island. In a similar effort, SLNS Parakrama in the Western Naval Command searched 02 lorries parked in Duwa area, during a special search operation conducted on 08th November, upon receipt of information to the Naval Intelligence.Following inspection of the vehicles, led to the recovery of about 1580kg and 940g of Kendu Leaves in 48 packages loaded in the lorries with the intention of distribution.

COLOMBO (News 1st) – MP Premnath C.

COLOMBO (News 1st) – Eight Sri Lankan sailors, who are part of a 26 member crew of MT Heroic Idun, an oil vessel, have been "illegally" detained by Equatorial Guinea since 14 August.Apart from the Sri Lankan sailors, the crew also includes 6 Indian sailors and a national each of Poland and Philippines.As per the crew, their vessel was arrested by an Equatorial Guinea naval ship on international waters on 12th August and brought to Luba port under naval escort and threat of legal action.The vessel was arrested based on a request made by Nigeria.The Nigerian Navy says it is conducting an investigation into the activities of MT HEROIC IDUN, a supertanker, arrested by Equatorial Guinea forces over alleged crude oil theft in Nigeria.The vessel and its crew were arrested on August 7th by the Central African country after it fled from Nigeria’s AKPO oilfield when its alleged activities were uncovered by operatives of the Nigerian Navy.Adedotun Ayo-Vaughan, spokesperson of the Nigerian Navy, confirmed that the vessel is on it way back to Nigeria for further investigations.He said after the investigation is complete, the office of the attorney-general of the federation (AGF) will determine whether or not the vessel and its crew will be prosecuted by the federal government.The Nigerian National Petroleum Company (NNPC) Limited in September said it loses $700 million every month as a result of oil theft and vandalism at terminals.The Incident: The Heroic Idun ship was supposed to load cargo of crude oil in Nigeria’s AKPO terminal on 8 August, but as per terminal instructions the loading operation was delayed and the ship never made any operations in Nigeria.The same evening, the ship was approached by an unidentified craft claiming

COLOMBO (News 1st) – State Minister of Finance Shehan Semasinghe said Sri Lanka's second round of discussions with creditors concluded successfully.He added that legal advisers, financial advisers and major creditors including China, India and Japan joined the discussions.Several reforms were made since March, in order to obtain IMF assistance, and restructure the country's debt.The State Minister added that Sri Lanka has agreed to deal with all creditors in a transparent manner.The Central Bank of Sri Lanka and the Ministry of Finance have communicated that they will work with the creditors to provide them with the necessary information and clarifications.The State Finance Minister said that the IMF Board of Directors will grant its approval, as soon as Sri Lanka obtains assurance from its creditors, and these discussions are vital for the process.Sri Lanka expects to receive assistance from the IMF by the end of 2022.

COLOMBO (News 1st) – Sri Lanka Police arrested a man for the possession of three kilograms of heroin from Angunukolapelessa on Friday (4) morning based on the information extracted from a suspect arrested on Thursday (3) for heroin possession.On Thursday (3) night, Sri Lanka Police arrested a man and a woman for the possession of 25 kilograms of heroin in Ambalantota.Sri Lanka Police discovered 25 kilograms of heroin in a house in Ambalantota following a raid.Police said five people connected to a heroin distribution ring have been arrested.Sleuths have informed detectives that the heroin was smuggled to Kudawella by boat and was concealed inside a cooking gas cylinder.

COLOMBO (News 1st) – Sri Lanka's Parliament Speaker Mahinda Yapa Abeywardena said that it impossible to activate the Sectoral Oversight Committees in Parliament in the absence of representatives from the Opposition.Speaking to News 1st the speaker said the leader in the opposition was repeatedly informed to make the appointments to those committees, however, a positive response is yet to be received.Recently, the Sri Lankan Parliament gave the green light to activate 17 Parliamentary Sectoral committees, and the speaker said he hopes to complete the appointment of representatives to the committee during the next parliament week.President Ranil Wickremesinghe on Thursday (3) pointed out that although the formation of the National Assembly has been concluded to bring far-reaching systematic changes, satisfactory progress has not been made with regard to other proposals.The President has indicated this in a letter to Speaker Mahinda Yapa Abeywardena.The establishment of a National Assembly and the appointment of three committees related to public finance and banking were proposed under far-reaching systematic changes.In addition, it was also proposed to appoint the Banking and Financial Services Committee, the Economic Stabilization Committee and the Committee on Ways and Means related to banking affairs, as well as to delegate five youth representatives for the Sectoral committees and to establish the Parliamentary Budget Office.President Ranil Wickremesinghe has expressed that although 17 Parliamentary Sectoral committees should be established as indicated by these proposals; the chairpersons have not been designated for them and the criteria for selecting the youth representatives to be appointed for this purpose has yet

COLOMBO (News 1st) – Sri Lanka's Parliament Speaker Mahinda Yapa Abeywardena said that it impossible to activate the Sectoral Oversight Committees in Parliament in the absence of representatives from the Opposition.Speaking to News 1st the speaker said the leader in the opposition was repeatedly informed to make the appointments to those committees, however, a positive response is yet to be received.Recently, the Sri Lankan Parliament gave the green light to activate 17 Parliamentary Sectoral committees, and the speaker said he hopes to complete the appointment of representatives to the committee during the next parliament week.President Ranil Wickremesinghe on Thursday (3) pointed out that although the formation of the National Assembly has been concluded to bring far-reaching systematic changes, satisfactory progress has not been made with regard to other proposals.The President has indicated this in a letter to Speaker Mahinda Yapa Abeywardena.The establishment of a National Assembly and the appointment of three committees related to public finance and banking were proposed under far-reaching systematic changes.In addition, it was also proposed to appoint the Banking and Financial Services Committee, the Economic Stabilization Committee and the Committee on Ways and Means related to banking affairs, as well as to delegate five youth representatives for the Sectoral committees and to establish the Parliamentary Budget Office.President Ranil Wickremesinghe has expressed that although 17 Parliamentary Sectoral committees should be established as indicated by these proposals; the chairpersons have not been designated for them and the criteria for selecting the youth representatives to be appointed for this purpose has yet

COLOMBO (News 1st) – A suspect who reprimanded, and assaulted a police officer who was on duty at the Nuwara Eliya Magistrate's Court was remanded to the 9th of November 2022.Sri Lanka Police said that the Police Officer in question had instructed the suspect who had visited the court to remain silent inside the premises.Thereafter, the Police Officer informed the man to leave the court premises if his matter was concluded.At that instance, the suspect reprimanded the police officer and assaulted him, said Sri Lanka Police.The suspect was arrested by fellow Police Officers who were present and was remanded to the 9th of November 2022.

COLOMBO (News 1st) – Sri Lanka is planning on relaxing the restrictions on all marriages between Sri Lankans and foreigners.P. S.

COLOMBO (News 1st) – Journalist Tharidu Jayawardena had filed a private complaint against ASP Nalin Dilruk, and SSP Roshan Dias for alleged obstruction caused during a protest on the 10th of October 2022 in Colombo.The Attorney General on Tuesday (1) had filed an ex-parte motion to call for the matter, and on Wednesday (2) counsel appearing for the complainant expressed their objections over this move.Appearing for the complainant President's Counsel Saliya Peiris told the court that the Attorney General is not a person with special privileges.The President's Counsel pointed out that the Attorney General was not a party to the private plaint filed against two police officers, and noted that summoning the case via an ex-parte motion to obtain orders sets a negative precedent.He added that if the Attorney General wanted to call for the case via a motion, the Attorney General must inform the complainant or his counsel.President's Counsel Saliya Peiris stressed that Senior State Counsel Saminda Wickrama appearing for the Attorney General had concealed the fact that he did not inform the complainant or the counsel from the Magistrate, and presented facts over the matter.He informed the court that he was only made aware that the case was called up via a motion on Tuesday (1) following media reports on the matter, and that the counsel for the state had told the court that the complainant had made false submissions to the court.President's Counsel Saliya Peiris stressed that the complainant or the counsel have never produced any false fact to the country, and had never misled the court.He pointed out that the submissions made by the Attorney General's Department were published in the media, and though the Attorney General had

COLOMBO (News 1st) – Heavy police presence was witnessed since morning on Wednesday (2) in Colombo ahead of the mass protest planned by multiple groups including political parties.Trade Unions, Students Movements, supported by political parties will march from Maradana to Fort, where a rally will take place against state suppression.The Samagi Jana Balavegaya, Sri Lanka Freedom Party, Frontline Socialists Party, Tamil National Alliance, 43rd Brigade, Freedom People's Congress among 20 political parties, and over 150 trade unions and mass organizations will take part in the protest.Police says NO permission:Sri Lanka Police has issued a letter informing the various protest groups – including students, trade, and political bodies – who planned to protest in Colombo on Wednesday (2), stating that permission will not be granted to protest opposite the Fort Railway Station or in close proximity.The letter bears the signature of Colombo Central Division 1 Police Superintendent K. A.