Party: Latest News

COLOMBO (News 1st) – The Committee on Parliamentary Business will convene today (27) under the leadership of Speaker Mahinda Yapa Abeywardena.The meeting is scheduled to commence at 11.30 AM at the Parliament.Discussions will focus on the future proceedings of Parliament. Reportedly, the Budget presentation and the Budget debate will also be taken up for discussion during the meeting.

COLOMBO (News 1st) – The General Secretary of the Sri Lanka Podujana Peramuna, Attorney-at-Law Sagara Kariyawasam emphasized that dual citizens should be allowed to enter the Parliament. Speaking at a press conference held at the party headquarters, Kariyawasam stressed this point taking into example the newly appointed British Prime Minister, Rishi Sunak.Pointing out that the concept of a global village is now prevalent in the world, the SLPP General Secretary said that instead, some parties are attempting to drag the country back into tribalism.He said that England, as a country where Protestant Christianity is used as the official religion, a Hindu of Indian origin was appointed as the Prime Minister, which speaks for the UK's acceptance towards those of a different origin, in contrast to that of Sri Lanka. "The question of whether we, as a country are moving towards tribalism, I think was best answered for those who brought amendments such as the 22nd Amendemnt, by England last week," he said.However, the question remains, wheter the example taken by Kariyawasam is comparable to the situation in Sri Lanka? The current British Prime Minister Rishi Sunak was born on the 12th of May 1980 at the Southampton Hospital in Britain . Which means he was a British citizen by Birth.

COLOMBO (News 1st) – While the SLPP General Secretary says that dual citizens should be allowed to make decisions on behalf of the people of Sri Lanka, the United National Party took a different stance.The Vice President of the UNP, Akila Viraj Kariyawasam said that he opposed dual citizens taking seats in the Parliament, and Sri Lanka should only be ruled by Sri Lankans who care and think about the country.Otherwise, he pointed out, any dual citizen has the right to go to a different country in the future and act in the way that they desire without facing repercussions of their actions. Meanwhile, SJB MP S.M.

COLOMBO (News 1st) – The Public Utilities Commission of Sri Lanka issued a clarification regarding the implementation of the Social Security Contribution Tax on electricity bills. As per the Social Security Tax Act, electricity supply by Ceylon Electricity Board is subject to Social Security Contribution Tax.Accordingly, the Ceylon Electricity Board will charge the said tax from the 1st of October, 2022 on the purchase of electricity by the parties including consumers who receive electricity from the Ceylon Electricity Board. "As the electricity tariffs were revised recently, we suggested the Ministry of Finance exempt electricity consumption from this tax. The Ministry of Finance has informed us that according to the relevant Act, the electricity supply of the Ceylon Electricity Board is subject to this tax.

COLOMBO (News 1st) – The Samagi Jana Balawegaya achieved a major victory at the Kolonna Cooperative Office Election in the Ratnapura District, which was held on Friday (21).The Samagi Jana Balawegaya won 115 out of 119 candidates, which is a 5/6 majority, which comes 35 years after the party last held the power at the cooperative election in the Kolonna Constituency, which is known as a stronghold of Sri Lanka Freedom Party and the SLPP.The SJB has won the vast majority of cooperative elections nationwide, which is more than 98%. 

The 22nd Amendment to the Constitution was passed in Parliament with amendments by majority vote.It will be added to the constitution of Sri Lanka as the 21st Amendment.   174 votes were cast in favor of the amendment during the third reading in Parliament, while no one voted against it.However, during the second reading of the amendment 179 votes were cast in favor, and Dr.

COLOMBO (News 1st) – Political parties in the opposition met in Parliament on Thursday (20) to sign a joint declaration opposing the governmets' decision to delay the local government elections.The Samagi Jana Balawegaya, Sri Lanka Freedom Party, National Freedom Front, Democratic Left Front, 43rd Brigade, Tamil National Alliance, Pivithuru Hela Urumaya, Sri Lanka Mahajana Party, Lanka Sama Samaja Party, Sri Lanka Communist Party, All Ceylon Muslim Congress, Nawa Lanka Freedom Party, the Democratic People's Front, the Vijayadharani Janata Sabha, the Frontline Socialist Party, and the Uttara Sabha, signed the declaration.However, the Janata Vimukthi Peramuna led National People's Power did not sign it.A unanimous decision was reached to strongly oppose individuall or collectively, any move made by the government to delay the polls, under the guise of electoral reforms.Opposition Leader Sajith Premadasa stated that the participants agreed that timely changes in respect of electoral laws, should be addressed, in a continuing time frame but insisted that this should not in any manner be used as a pretext for the postponement of elections.Any departure from the democratic and the electoral process would constitute an intolerable onslaught on the franchise of the people, he emphasized.

Cameramen film the scene as Charles Manson is brought into the Los Angeles city jail under suspicion of having masterminded the Tate-LaBianca murders of August 1969. LOS ANGELES - Before Charles Manson became infamous as a disturbed cult leader who dispatched young followers on a killing rampage, his life in Los Angeles and failed musical aspirations led him to encounter many well-known celebrities. Manson was a petty criminal who had been in and out of jail since childhood.

COLOMBO (News 1st) – The National Child Protection Authority has initiated an investigation into the alleged incident where Police had treated a child in an inhumane manner during a protest held at Galle Face on 9th of October.Its Chairman, Udaya Kumara Amarasena mentioned that several parties have filed complaints against the Police and the parents of the child in question.Accordingly, he stated that the complaints received against the Police were forwarded to the Inspector General of Police for further investigation.The Chairman stated that he has also sought further clarification from the Fort Police regarding the actions of the officers present at the time of the incident.

COLOMBO (News 1st) – Eight people, including a monk, who were arrested during the protest organized by the Inter-University Student's Federation on Tuesday (18) will be produced to the Mahara Magistrate's Court on Wednesday (19).Sri Lanka Police said that the eight people were arrested for obstructing the movement of the public and vehicles, party to an illegal assembly, unlawful assembly, and disregarding the instructions of public officials.Sri Lanka Police and the Inter-University Student's Federation were engaged in a stand-off on Tuesday (18).The stand-off took place when the police decided to block the Colombo – Kandy main road to prevent a protest march from proceeding from the University of Kelaniya citing that 6-hour prior approval was not obtained.Inter-University Student's Federation launched their protest march against suppression on a rainy Tuesday (18) afternoon.They demanded the release of the two student activists who are being held under the Prevention of Terrorism Act.They also emphasized stopping the repression immediately.

COLOMBO (News 1st) – The Sri Lanka Podujana Peramuna says that they are ready for an election at anytime.A public meeting in the series of public rallies of the Sri Lanka Podujana Peramuna, titled – 'Let's stand together' – was held in Nawalapitiya on Sunday (16).The public meeting was held under the chairmanship of SLPP Leader and the former Prime Minister Mahinda Rajapaksa.Speaking at the event, former Prime Minister Mahinda Rajapakse admitted that although they may have made mistakes, there have been people in history who have made mistakes before. "When something goes wrong, we have a chance to fix it. We don't need to be ashamed," he said. He alleged that while many know the truth of what happened, many still act as if they do not know, and stick by their lies for the shame of not being able to take back their accusations.Acknowledging the protest which took place at the same location today, the former Prime Minister said that it is unclear what they demand, and he has no idea as to what they expect."We know there is a section of this country against us.

COLOMBO (News 1st) – President Ranil Wickremesinghe emphasized that all should join together to solve the people’s food issues, casting traditional party politics aside.The President made this observation addressing the public officers at an awareness program on the multi-sector mechanism to empower rural economic revitalization centers to ensure food security and nutrition at Hardy Advanced Technological Institute Auditorium in Ampara this morning (15).The President further noted that no one would be allowed to starve despite the fact that the country is going through a very difficult time and pointed out the importance of successfully implementing the national food production program to prepare for a possible global food crisis in 2023.The president also said that the agriculture modernization program would be implemented from next year concurrent to the food security program.The implementation of the multi-sector mechanism to empower rural economic revitalization centers to ensure food security and nutrition in transforming the Ampara District also into a prosperous one with a blooming community was also discussed at length.The Ampara district contributes 22 percent to the national paddy harvest and discussions were also focused on making the paddy cultivation in the Yala and Maha seasons a success.It was also special feature that the President paid special attention to the issues faced by the government officials during the field work. The president was made aware of issues related to the agriculture and fisheries industry in the Ampara district and he directed the officials to address those issues.

Ohio are pleading for help in the state's Senate contest, afraid they may lose a winnable election unless national party leaders make major investments in the coming days.So far, the most powerful groups in Democratic politics have prioritized Senate pickup opportunities in North Carolina, Wisconsin and Pennsylvania over Ohio, once a perennial swing state that veered right in the Trump era. But on the eve of the 2022 midterms, some public polls suggest Ohio is as competitive as the other swing states, leaving many Democrats here wondering why their party isn't backing Senate contender Tim Ryan more forcefully."Ohio’s just not a priority anymore.

HARRISBURG - Josh Shapiro, Pennsylvania's Democratic nominee for governor, has smashed the state’s 2-decade-old campaign spending record as he competes against Republican Doug Mastriano, who was on track to spend less than a tenth as much.The race between Shapiro and Mastriano may test how powerful that campaign spending is in one of the nation’s highest-profile races for governor. One candidate has spent more money than any other gubernatorial nominee ever in Pennsylvania, and the other has spent less than any other in at least the past two decades.The money raised by Shapiro has enabled him to run TV ads every day dating to April, helping him lead in polling since the race began.

COLOMBO (News 1st) – The Education Secretary of the Frontline Socialist Party, Pubudu Jagoda states that it is not fair to put the tax burden on the people, citing that the Inland Revenue Division, which had stated that Rs. 800 billion of taxed remain unpaid from large companies.He further pointed out that scams such as the sugar scam have taken place, yet no action has been taken with regard to it, and the taxes have not been reimbursed from the companies which were involved.Moreover, Jagoda said that the same fate has befallen the coconut oil scam and the garlic scam.

UNITED STATES - SEPTEMBER 24: Democratic candidate for U.S. Senate Lt.

WELLINGTON, New Zealand - New Zealand's government on Tuesday proposed taxing the greenhouse gasses that farm animals make from burping and peeing as part of a plan to tackle climate change.The government said the farm levy would be a world first, and that farmers should be able to recoup the cost by charging more for climate-friendly products.But farmers quickly condemned the plan. Federated Farmers, the industry's main lobby group, said the plan would "rip the guts out of small-town New Zealand" and see farms replaced with trees.Federated Farmers President Andrew Hoggard said farmers had been trying to work with the government for more than two years on an emissions reduction plan that wouldn't decrease food production.FILE - A photo taken on August 10, 2022, shows cows being milked on a dairy farm near Cambridge in New Zealand's Waikato region.

WASHINGTON (AP) - All but lost in the shadow of major contests for U.S. Senate and governor, voters in some battleground states will be deciding ballot proposals this November that could reshape the way they vote in the next presidential election.In Arizona, scene of the closest presidential contest in 2020, the question is whether to require more identification to vote in the future.

Suspects sought in armed robbery near Temple campus. PHILADELPHIA - Police are asking for the public's help to identify three suspects after an armed robbery unfolded near Temple University last weekend.The male suspects reportedly stole wallets and phones from a group of people just three blocks from campus on October 1.

New Zealand’s government on Tuesday proposed taxing the greenhouse gasses that farm animals make from burping and peeing as part of a plan to tackle climate change.The government said the farm levy would be a world first, and that farmers should be able to recoup the cost by charging more for climate-friendly products.But farmers quickly condemned the plan. Federated Farmers, the industry’s main lobby group, said the plan would “rip the guts out of small town New Zealand” and see farms replaced with trees.Federated Farmers President Andrew Hoggard said farmers had been trying to work with the government for more than two years on an emissions reduction plan that wouldn’t decrease food production.“Our plan was to keep farmers farming,” Hoggard said.

COLOMBO (News 1st) – A mobile phone was recovered from the cell occupied by Thilini Priyamali, who was arrested for financial fraud, at the Welikada Prison.The mobile device was handed over to the Criminal Investigations Department.Prisons Commissioner and Spokesperson Chandana Ekanayake told News 1st that the device was recovered by the Sri Lanka Prisons Emergency Action and Tactical Force on Sunday (9) night.He said the Superintendent of the Welikada Prison is leading an internal investigation into the matter.At the same time, General Secretary of the Sri Lanka Freedom Party Dayasiri Jayasekera, and MP Nalaka Godahewa filed a complaint with the Criminal Investigations Department seeking an investigation into statements alleging that they were involved in transactions with the woman in question.

COLOMBO (News 1st) – Fort Magistrate Thilina Gamage has turned down a request made by Sri Lanka Police to issue an order against the protest planned for Monday (10) evening at Galle Face Green.President's Counsel Saliya Pieris, appearing for the Rights of Lawyers, and Professions movement told the Court that engaging in peaceful assembly is a fundamental right.He pointed out that multiple political parties had held protests at Galle Face Green on previous occasions.After considering the submissions, Fort Magistrate Thilina Gamage noted that there is no evidence to claim that anything illegal or violent will take place at the protest.The Magistrate noted that there are no obstructions towards any protest that does not obstruct the rights of others, and further noted that if any act of violence does take place, Sri Lanka Police has the power to take action to prevent such from taking place. 

Alberta Premier Jason Kenney says federal Conservative leader Pierre Poilievre needs to steer away from “fringe issues” if he aims to lead not only the party but the country.“He understands that to become prime minister, he needs to speak to the aspirations of regular Canadians, not to fringe issues.” Alberta’s premier-designate wants ‘greater’ provincial autonomy, but is it her 1st priority? Kenney also believes that Poilievre is “wise beyond his years.”“He’s a brilliant young man,” he said.According to a recent poll from the end of last month, Poilievre overtook Prime Minister Justin Trudeau as the best leader for the country.“Since the moment he was elected leader, he’s demonstrated great discipline in focusing on the kitchen-table issues that matter to ordinary Canadian families,” said Kenney.However, Poilievre has had a number of interactions with fringe movements in Canada.Most recently, a Global News analysis of 50 of Polievre’s official YouTube videos showed that they included a hidden tag appealing to a misogynistic online movement that Canada’s intelligence agencies view as a danger.The tag, #mgtow, is an acronym for “Men Going Their Own Way” — a mostly-online movement consisting of anti-feminists who cut women completely out of their lives.The Conservative leader has also drawn criticism for his support of the convoy protest that paralyzed downtown Ottawa and blockaded border crossings in February.Poilievre chose to walk with James Topp, an activist with connections to convoy figures who have marched across the nation to protest COVID-19 vaccine mandates.After posing for a photograph with Jeremy Mackenzie — the de-facto leader of a far-right group called Diagalon who was arrested on a Canada-wide warrant for

COLOMBO (News 1st) – The Ministry of Justice has introduced a new controversial anti-corruption bill that would see the creation of an independent commission that is empowered to carry out arrests without a warrant or a magesterial order, for officials who are suspected to have carried out an offence under the proposed anti-corruption act. The Minister of Justice, Wijeyadasa Rajapaksa, speaking to News 1st said that the bill was drafted based upon the UN convention against corruption, which has been ratified by Sri Lanka in 2004. The Minister said that the existing bribery and corruption commission does not have the power that is proposed in the current bill, while it is important to make the commission independent without any political party or any affiliations. In addition, the Minister said that it has been proposed to dissolve the existing laws with regard to assets and liabilities, which will be included within the proposed bill. Moreover, whistleblower rights will also be protected, the Minister said. According to the bill, any authorized officer of the Commission may without an order from a Magistrate and without a warrant arrest any person suspected of committing an offence under the provisions of this Act. The Minister emphasized that this is NOT a quasi-judicial power, as the Police too is able to arrest people without a warrant. Section (58)1 of the proposed bill highlights that "an authorised officer of the Commission may apply in writing to the High Court for a warrant authorizing the covert monitoring of any conduct and recording of any communication if such officer has reasonable grounds to suspect or believe that a person has committed, is committing or is about to commit an offence under this Act,".The

Former US President Donald Trump makes a speech at the 2022 Hispanic Leadership Conference in Miami, Florida, United States on October 5, 2022. (Photo by Kyle Mazza/Anadolu Agency via Getty Images) ((Photo by Kyle Mazza/Anadolu Agency via Getty Images))NEW YORK - Former President Donald Trump is finally opening his checkbook, reserving millions of dollars in airtime for ads to bolster his endorsed candidates in key midterm races just one month before Election Day.Trump's newly-formed MAGA Inc. super PAC will begin airing ads Saturday in Nevada, Georgia and Arizona, according to Medium Buying, an ad tracking firm.

COLOMBO (News 1st) – Former President Mahinda Rajapaksa says that President Ranil Wickremesinghe will continue to have the support of Sri Lanka Podujana Peramuna to move the country forward.The former President and former Prime Minister, attending a public meeting held in Kalutara, said that he believed that President Wickremesinghe has returned to a 'better path'.SLPP MP Rohitha Abeygunawardena organized the public rally under the theme, "Let's rise together from Kalutara", at his coordination office which was burned down previously.Prime Minister Dinesh Gunawardena, former Prime Minister Mahinda Rajapaksa and many MPs of the Sri Lanka Podujana Peramuna attended the event.The former Prime Minister Mahinda Rajapaksa speaking at the event said that despite Sri Lanka facing many challenges today, the party has the strength to overcome those challenges, and should go forward with programs that the people of the country needs. "I believe that the duty of a government is to understand the needs of the people and fulfill their needs. Therefore, we say that today we have taken steps to fulfill that role.

COLOMBO (News 1st) – Former President Mahinda Rajapaksa says that President Ranil Wickremesinghe will continue to have the support of Sri Lanka Podujana Peramuna to move the country forward.The former President and former Prime Minister, attending a public meeting held in Kalutara, said that he believed that President Wickremesinghe has returned to a 'better path'.SLPP MP Rohitha Abeygunawardena organized the public rally under the theme, "Let's rise together from Kalutara", at his coordination office which was burned down previously.Prime Minister Dinesh Gunawardena, former Prime Minister Mahinda Rajapaksa and many MPs of the Sri Lanka Podujana Peramuna attended the event.The former Prime Minister Mahinda Rajapaksa speaking at the event said that despite Sri Lanka facing many challenges today, the party has the strength to overcome those challenges, and should go forward with programs that the people of the country needs. "I believe that the duty of a government is to understand the needs of the people and fulfill their needs. Therefore, we say that today we have taken steps to fulfill that role.

COLOMBO (News 1st) – Two people suspected to be involved in the murder of a father-son duo in Maharagama and Panadura areas have been arrested, 31 years after the crime was committed.The police said that a suspect, who was arrested in connection with the two murders, was remanded for up to 14 days after being produced before the Moratuwa Magistrate's Court.Another 55-year-old suspect identified as a resident of Molligoda, Wadduwa area was also arrested on Friday (7) in connection with the murders.The police said that the suspect had assaulted the son with a sharp weapon during a party and had then dumped the body at a swamp near the Bolgoda river.The father-son duo had been killed in 1991.

COLOMBO (News 1st) – Former Deputy Minister Eric Prasanna Weerawardena has joined the National People's Power.Earlier, he worked as the secretary of the Sri Lanka Freedom Party Youth Front and is also the former organizer of the Sri Lanka Freedom Party in the Senkadagala seat.

Jason Kenney says he concerned about certain elements that appear to be taking over along the right of the political spectrum.Pointing to the works of traditional conservative philosopher Roger Scruton, Kenney said an important tenet of conservative politics is recognizing the “prosperous and free society” handed down by past generations and being a custodian for future generations.“Conservatism, therefore, means protecting what’s best about what we’ve inherited. Not being opposed to thoughtful reform, but being opposed to radical overnight change and the destruction of institutions,” Kenney told The West Block’s Mercedes Stephenson in an interview airing in full on Sunday..“And so some of what I see now, what I call ‘populism with a snarl,’ is not conservatism.

(AndreyPopov / iStock / Getty Images Plus) Going through a divorce can be incredibly difficult, no matter the reason. It often brings on feelings of grief over the end of a marriage, and for many, anxiety about the unknowns of the future. Emotions aside, the financial cost of divorce can also vary widely — depending on the couple’s circumstances. "I think one of the big misconceptions is that it’s always expensive because people hear these horror stories," Elizabeth Gjelten, a legal editor for Nolo.com, told FOX Television Stations.

COLOMBO (News 1st) –  MP Namal Rajapaksa has been appointed as the Chairman of the Committee on Identifying the Priorities in Formulation of Short, Medium & Long-Term National Policies of the National CouncilMP Sagara Kariyawasam has proposed the name Rajapaksa, which was seconded by MP Ali Sabry Rahim.MPs who are members of the committee presented their ideas and suggestions on the formulation of state policies.The members of the party have agreed to call experts in the fields of public administration, health policy, education policies, fisheries and food policy, electricity, and energy policy, climate change policy, and entrepreneurship policy to the sub-committee to obtain ideas and proposals related to reforming the policies.Accordingly, the comments and suggestions from experts will be used to formulate and submit short-term proposals within one month, medium-term proposals within two months, and long-term proposals within 03 months by the members of the committee.

COLOMBO (News 1st) – A meeting of party leaders will be held today (7) at the parliament complex under the leadership of Speaker Mahinda Yapa Abeywardana.Final decisions will be made on the matters scheduled for next week during the parliament session.

Albertans will learn later Thursday who the new premier of the province will be.Voting is wrapping up by members of the United Conservative Party (UCP) to select a successor to Premier Jason Kenney. How Alberta’s UCP leadership race works Kenney announced in the spring he was leaving after receiving 51 per cent in a party leadership review.“I’m feeling great.

Kate Garraway has had the nation in tears with her regular updates about the condition of her husband.Derek Draper had an unusually severe form of long Covid which nearly cost him his life.Coronavirus ravaged the former Labour Party adviser’s body from top to bottom, causing brain inflammation, kidney failure, damage to his liver and pancreas and his heart to stop several times. He lost eight stone and was left with holes in his lungs from repeat infections.The 55-year-old did manage to return to the north London home he shares with his radio presenter partner and their two children but requires round-the-clock care.Even two-and-a-half years on from first contracting the virus, his wife — who is on ITV's DNA Journey to learn about her family history on Thursday (October 6) — said he still struggles to communicate.Derek Draper is a PR and former political advisor who was born in Chorley, Lancashire, on August 15, 1967.Draper entered politics after university, securing a job in 1992 with Peter Mandelson, then MP for Hartlepool and a central player in Tony Blair’s New Labour government.He later shifted to head up a lobbying firm called GPC Market Access between 1996 and 1999.While working there, he was embroiled in a scandal known as “lobbygate”.Draper was caught on tape boasting to an undercover reporter from The Observer, posing as a businessman, offering to sell access to government ministers.He denied the allegations and accused the newspaper of attempting to entrap him.The incident saw Draper leave politics to retrain as a psychotherapist, studying for a masters in the US.In 2008, Draper made a return to British politics and a year later set-up the website LabourList, a blog that focused on Labour Party news.

Mulayam Singh ji is still critical and on life saving drugs, he is being treated in the ICU Medanta hospital, Gurugram, by a comprehensive team of specialists." Samajwadi Party patriarch has been under treatment since August 22 for his regular medical checkups and examinations. On Sunday suddenly his health deteriorated after which he was shifted to ICU in Medanta Hospital. Earlier on Sunday, Prime Minister Narendra Modi spoke to Samajwadi Party (SP) chief Akhilesh Yadav and enquired about his father Mulayam Singh Yadav's health, said sources.

COLOMBO (News 1st) – Sri Lankan President Ranil Wickremesinghe told Parliament on Thursday (6) that he hopes to visit New Delhi to brief Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi on Sri Lanka's postion.However, he did not specify when he would fly to India in his special statement to the Parliament.Noting that Sri Lanka is slowly reaching stability, the President said that a majority in Sri Lanka support the efforts that have been made, while there are some who are against it."They will not support the recovery of an ailing economy, and are waiting for the economy to breathe its last. They believe that when the people start to die in hunger, they can obtain power over the dead.

32 Chunk is pictured on Sept. 9, 2022. (Courtesy L.

COLOMBO (News 1st) – A parliamentary debate seeking the 22nd Amendment to Sri Lanka‘s Constitution is scheduled to be held on October 6th and 7th, however, uncertainty looms over this debate.Now the debate on the bill can be stalled due to opposing views within the ruling Sri Lanka Podujana Peramuna (SLPP).The Sri Lanka Podujana Peramuna is uncertain about the adoption of the 22nd amendment, however, the Ministerial Consultative Committee on Justice that met on Tuesday (4) had agreed to debate the 22nd Amendment to the Constitution.The Communications Department of the Sri Lankan Parliament quoted Sri Lanka's Justice Minister as saying that the 22nd Amendment will be a more progressive one that goes beyond the 19th Amendment to the constitution.The Minister of Justice had called for a meeting of the ruling party again on Wednesday (5), and none of the members of the ruling party confirmed that the draft will be submitted to the parliament tomorrow.The SLPP General Secretary Sagara Kariyawasam stated that the reinstatement of the 19th amendment poses a threat of anarchy and separatism and pointed out that the people are not seeking a constitutional amendment at this time.MP Dilan Perera of the Freedom People's Congress stated that at the Ministerial Consultative Committee on Justice, the Justice Minister noted that many SLPP MPs are of the view that the four-and-a-half-year period for the dissolution of Parliament must not be changed. "If this matter was presented to the Supreme Court, the court would definitely say that it needs to be passed by a special majority or at a people's referendum.

COLOMBO (News 1st) – The General Secretary of the Sri Lanka Podujana Peramuna, Sagara Kariyawasam said that the SLPP will not support the proposed 22nd constitutional amendment if it is the 19th amendment being restored for the needs of a single person.If the 19th amendment is being reinstated for the needs of a single person, it creates a questionable situation, Kariyawasam said, adding that there is suspicion whether some parties aim to lead the country to an anarchic situation by bringing forward the relevant amendment.He further alleged that bringing the 19th amendment would only give rise to separatism within the nation."At this time, people are not asking for a constitutional amendment, so if they are bringing this forward to satisfy the needs of someone else, I think there will be a big public uprising against this move," he added.

COLOMBO (News 1st) – The Secretary of the Ceylon Worker's Congress, Parlimentarian Jeevan Thondaman has stepped down from the National Council.The Speaker says that M. Rameshwaram the Chairman of the Ceylon Worker's Congress has been appointed as his replacement. The Speaker also announced that MP Patali Champika Ranawaka was also included into the National Council.The resolution proposed by the Prime Minister Dinesh Gunawardena to constitute the Parliamentary Committee called 'National Council' was passed in Parliament recently.The 'National Council’ is constituted to represent all the parties representing the Ninth Parliament from the recognized political parties of Sri Lanka.Presenting this proposal to Parliament on 20th September, the Prime Minister explained the authority and general responsibilities of the 'National Council'.One of them is the determine the general priorities of Parliament to guide the formulation of  short, medium, and long-term national policies.Another responsibility is to agree on short-term and medium-term common minimum programs related to economic stabilization.It is also tasked with organizing special meetings with the Ministers of the Cabinet, the National Council, the Chairperson of Special Committees and Youth Observers of Youth Organizations.The 'National Council' also has the power to summon reports from the Sectoral Oversight Committees, the Committee on Public Finance, the Committee on Public Accounts, the Committee on Public Enterprises and any committee that controls the Public finance.The National Council will consist of the Hon.

PHILADELPHIA - A local husband, father, and artist lost his life to gun violence on Labor Day and now his family wants answers after police released surveillance video of the suspect and the suspected vehicle on Monday night. 50-year-old Charles Gossett, known to many as Chali Khan, was well-known in the music and arts world. Nearly a month after someone shot Gossett to death, police released video of the suspected killer and now Gossett's family is speaking out. "All I feel now is pain and anger," said Linda Cruz, Gossett's sister. Family members say at around 2:00 a.m.

François Legault‘s Coalition Avenir Québec will form the next government in Quebec after cruising to a commanding majority for a second time.Global News projected the victory Monday night after a five-week election campaign that saw party leaders crisscross the province in hopes of appealing to voters and their base of supporters.Legault’s party jumped to an early lead, with the call coming in around the 15-minute mark after polls closed on election night. As of 9:20 p.m, the CAQ was leading or elected in more than 90 ridings — a significant rise from the party’s standing of 76 seats before parliament broke for the summer.

deteriorating health of the 82-year-old leader. He is undergoing treatment in the hospital since 22 August. "Sh Mulayam Singh is currently admitted to Critical Care Unit of Medanta Hospital, Gurgaon, and is being treated by a comprehensive team of specialists," the hospital said in a statement.

Mel B today revealed how she 'felt suffocated' at the thought she could have spent the Covid lockdown with her ex-husband and admitted she may have taken her own life. Speaking at a fringe event at the Conservative Party conference in Birmingham, the Spice Girl told an audience how she 'would have died' if she had still been with her former spouse during the pandemic. The 47-year-old pop star is a patron of the Women's Aid charity, which campaigns on behalf of domestic abuse survivors.

Rita Wilson still has a "persistent cough", more than two years after contracting COVID-19. The 65-year-old singer-and-actress and her husband Tom Hanks were the first famous faces to come forward and reveal they had contracted the virus in the early days of the pandemic in March 2020 and though the 'Asteroid City' star is still feeling the effects of the illness, she feels "very lucky" that things aren't worse. Asked if her breathing and therefore her singing had been affected by the virus, she said: "It was.

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.

COLOMBO (News 1st) – China is a most sincere and reliable friend of Sri Lanka, notes the Ambassador Qi Zhenhong in a statement released by the Embassy in commemoration of the 73rd anniversary of the founding of the People’s Republic of China.The Ambassador also visited several key Chinese enterprises and projects in Sri Lanka to meet with the local and the Chinese staff to pass wishes for the National Day holiday in China.The full statement of the Chinese Embassy is as follows:On the 73rd anniversary of the founding of the People’s Republic of China, and with the approaching of the 20th National Congress of the Communist Party of China, I would like to wish the country prosperity and progress, our people health and happiness, and best regards to all the Chinese fellow citizens working, studying and living in Sri Lanka! I would also like to extend my heartfelt thanks to our Sri Lankan friends from all walks of life, who have always been following and supporting the development of China and China-Sri Lanka relations!In the past year, the world has gone through tremendous changes. Under the strong leadership of CPC Central Committee with Comrade Xi Jinping as the core, we have overcome adverse effects brought by complexed international challenges，sporadic outbreaks of COVID-19 pandemic and unpredictable earthquakes, floods and droughts, and China’s economy has maintained a stabilized and increasing momentum with much potential to be released.