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29.12.2022 / 04:01

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US announces new mandatory Covid guidelines for travellers from China from next year

With inputs from agencies

China Usa India guidelines travelers

CID team to fly to India to probe criminals linked to crimes in Sri Lanka

COLOMBO (News 1st) – Sri Lanka's Criminal Investigations Department has commenced a study on the nine criminals who were arrested from the special camp for Sri Lankan Tamil refugees at Tamil Nadu’s Tiruchirappalli.The CID said that following the evaluation a decision will be taken on the suspects that need to be repatriated to Sri Lanka for prosecution.The Criminal Investigations Department said that reports on these criminals have been called for from all the police stations, and a CID team is expected to leave for India soon for investigations. The Indian National Investigation Agency (NIA) has arrested nine Sri Lankans from the special camp for Sri Lankan Tamil refugees at Tamil Nadu’s Tiruchirappalli over their alleged involvement in drugs and arms smuggling to revive the LTTE.The agency said that two of the arrested men were in regular touch with a Pakistan-based drug runner, Haji Salim, who often travelled between Dubai, Pakistan and Iran. These men and Salim were working to revive the LTTE in Sri Lanka and India, the NIA said.The arrested men have been identified as:C.

Sri Lankans Iran India Sri Lanka Pakistan city Dubai Department travelers reports

Oil prices rise as China eases covid restrictions

Crude prices also gained amid supply concerns in the US as winter storm has hit energy production across the country New Delhi: International crude oil prices rose on Tuesday as China’s plans to relax quarantine norms for inbound travellers revived hopes of demand recovery. The February contract of Brent on the Intercontinental Exchange was trading at $84.76 per barrel, higher by 1.00% from its previous close. The February contract of the West Texas Intermediate (WTI) rose 0.80% to $80.20 a barrel.

China city New Delhi Usa India state Texas state North Dakota president quarantine travelers

China reopens borders to world in removing last Covid zero curbs

Name Change In another sign of downgrading the impact of the virus, the government changed the Chinese name of Covid-19 from “new coronavirus pneumonia" to “new coronavirus infections." Omicron’s much reduced virulence compared to the ancestral strain that emerged from Wuhan means most people are sickened with only mild upper respiratory tract infections, authorities said. “The new coronavirus will linger in nature for a long time to come," according to the statement.

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Heavy rains and strong winds wreak havoc across Sri Lanka

Colombo (News 1st) – Heavy rain and strong winds wreaked havoc across Sri Lanka on Christmas Day, killing at least two people as the depression over the Southwest Bay of Bengal began moving across Sri Lanka.Police said two people died and three were injured as a boulder fell on a house in an earth slip at Alawathugoda in the Kandy District.The Parakrama Samudraya in Polonnaruwa and Giant’s Tank in Mannar begin spilling over due to heavy rain, Irrigation Dept officials said.

Christmas Day Sri Lanka county Day travelers BAY Kandi

Covid vaccination status, RT-PCR tests likely to be mandatory again for air travellers. Details here

(With inputs from agencies)

India testing vaccine travelers

Nine SPFL clubs in financial 'distress' over Covid payment cutoff as financial study highlights pain

The number of Scottish clubs on red alert for financial problems has soared over the past six months, a shock new study has revealed.

Britain Scotland symptoms shock travelers

India arrests Sri Lankan drugs & arms smugglers from refugee camp

The Indian National Investigation Agency (NIA) has arrested nine Sri Lankans from the special camp for Sri Lankan Tamil refugees at Tamil Nadu’s Tiruchirappalli over their alleged involvement in drugs and arms smuggling to revive the LTTE.The agency said that two of the arrested men were in regular touch with a Pakistan-based drug runner, Haji Salim, who often travelled between Dubai, Pakistan and Iran. These men and Salim were working to revive the LTTE in Sri Lanka and India, the NIA said.“The arrested men have been identified as C Gunashekharan alias Guna, Pushparajah, Mohammad Asmin, Alahapperumaga Sunil Ghamini Fonseaa, Stanly Kennady, Ladiya Chandrasena, Dhanukka Roshan, Vella Suranka and Thilipan,” a spokesperson for the agency said.“The case pertains to activities of a Sri Lankan drug mafia controlled by C Gunashekharan and Pushparajah in association with Haji Salim, drug and arms supplier based in Pakistan, which has been operating in India and Sri Lanka in illegal drugs and arms for the revival of LTTE in India and Sri Lanka.

Sri Lankans Iran India Sri Lanka Pakistan city Dubai travelers

Sri Lanka to stop sending workers as housemaids; Over 300,000 registered as expats in 2022

COLOMBO (News 1st) – Sri Lanka will stop sending workers overseas to serve as housemaids from March 2023, said the country's Minister of Labour and Foreign Employment Manusha Nanayakkara on Monday (19).He said that a program will be introduced to send Sri Lankans as domestic aides overseas by adopting an international standard.The Minister said that measures will be taken to ensure that Sri Lankans leave for overseas employment via legal channels, and for their earnings to be remitted to the country legally.The Minister of Labour and Foreign Employment said multiple programs will be introduced for the benefit of Sri Lankan expatriates, including the provision of a vehicle import permit, and a pension scheme.Sri Lanka recently opened a special gate named the ‘HOPE GATE’ at the Bandaranaike International Airport in Katunayake, for workers leaving and returning from foreign countries, where all necessary facilities are provided to expatriate workers at the airport.The Minister said that for the first time in the history of the country, the Sri Lanka Foreign Employment Bureau registered and facilitated over 300,000 expatriate workers in 2022.A majority of these workers have travelled to Kuwait, and that figure is 76,579.In addition, a total of 69,992 people left for Qatar, and another 51,421 people left for Saudi Arabia for employment.A further 4,410 Sri Lankans left for Japan for employment as well.

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Dinesh Schaffter murder: Brian Thomas’ mobile phone seized

Colombo (New 1st): The Criminal Investigation Department says statements were recorded from around 20 people regarding the murder of respected Colombo-based businessman Dinesh Schaffter.Police said statements were also recorded from former cricket commentator Brian Thomas, while his mobile phone was seized.Colombo Additional Magistrate Harshana Kekunawela on Friday (16) imposed an overseas travel ban on Thomas over the murder of Dinesh Schaffter.Dinesh Schaffter was a Managing Director of a leading financial institution in the country, and a Director of a leading Insurance Company in Sri Lanka.Dinesh Schaffter had left his residence on Thursday (15) afternoon and had told his family that he was heading to Borella to meet Brian Thomas.Schaffter was found strangled in his car at the Borella Public Cemetery on Thursday (15) afternoon.He died on Thursday (15) night after being admitted to the Intensive Care Unit of the National Hospital in critical condition.The Criminal Investigations Department, the Colombo Crimes Division, and two other Police teams are investigating the murder.

Dinesh Schaffter Brian Thomas Sri Lanka Department travelers Mobile

Police record statements from over 10 people over Schaffter murder

Colombo (News 1st): Police say statements were recorded from over 10 people regarding the murder of respected Colombo-based businessman Dinesh Schaffter.Police said continuous investigations will be carried out over the incident, with four Police teams deployed.Schaffter was found strangled in his car at the Borella Public Cemetery on Thursday (15) afternoon.He died on Thursday (15) night after being admitted to the Intensive Care Unit of the National Hospital.Dinesh Schaffter was 51-years-old at the time of his passing.Dinesh Schaffter had left his residence on Thursday (15) afternoon and had told his family that he was heading to Borella to meet Former Cricket commentator Brian Thomas.Police Spokesperson & Attorney SSP Nihal Thalduwa told News 1st that a complaint was filed with the Police earlier stating that the former cricket commentator had taken Rs.1.4 billion from the businessman, and had not returned the money.Sri Lanka Police recorded a statement from Thomas, as Dinesh Schaffter had told his wife that he was going to meet Thomas.Accordingly, Colombo Additional Magistrate Harshana Kekunawela on Friday (16) imposed an overseas travel ban on Thomas over the murder of Dinesh Schaffter.It was reported that Thomas is in possession of two passports, and the overseas travel ban was imposed for both these passports by the court.Court also granted permission for the Borella Police to obtain a telecommunication analysis report on the mobile device used by the late Dinesh Schaffter, from telecommunication service providers.

Nihal Thalduwa Dinesh Schaffter Brian Thomas Sri Lanka travelers reports Mobile

Schaffter Murder: Travel Ban on Brian Thomas

COLOMBO (News 1st) – Colombo Additional Magistrate Harshana Kekunawela on Friday (16) imposed an overseas travel ban on Former Cricket commentator Brian Thomas over the murder of Colombo-based businessman Dinesh Schaffter.It was reported that Former Cricket commentator Brian Thomas is in possession of two passports, and the overseas travel ban was imposed for both these passports by the court.The Borella Police making submissions to the court requested for an order to be made on telecommunication service providers to provide a telecommunication analysis report on the mobile device used by the late Dinesh Schaffter.Court granted permission to obtain the record from the service providers.Police Investigation: Four police teams are investigating the murder of Dinesh Schaffter, a Colombo-based businessman who was a Managing Director of a leading financial institution in the country, and a Director of a leading Insurance Company in Sri Lanka.Schaffter was found bound and choked inside his car on Thursday (15) afternoon at the Public Cemetery in Borella.He was admitted to the Colombo National Hospital but succumbed to his injuries while being treated in the ICU.What Happened To Dinesh Schaffter?Businessman Dinesh Schaffter had left his residence on Thursday (15) afternoon and had told his wife that he was heading to Borella.Sri Lanka Police said that Dinesh Schaffter had told his family that he was going to meet Former Cricket commentator Brian Thomas.Police said that Dinesh Schaffter had left home at around 2 PM, and that multiple calls made by his wife had gone unanswered.After using an App and tracing the phone to the Public Cemetery in Borella, the wife of the late Dinesh Schaffter had called his work place and informed of

Dinesh Schaffter Brian Thomas Sri Lanka travelers reports Provident

Businesswoman Thilini Priyamali granted bail

COLOMBO (News 1st) – Businesswoman Thilini Priyamali who was arrested and remanded for alleged financial fraud was granted bail by Fort Magistrate Thilina Gamage on Friday (16).Thilini Priyamali was released on a cash bail of Rs. 15,000/- and two personal bails of Rs.

Department travelers reports

Private jets, flying lessons in demand as pandemic wanes

NEW DELHI : The super rich, including corporate executives are travelling by private jets and taking flying lessons for both leisure and business, aviation insiders said, putting down the trend to a post-pandemic travel pivot.“Present demand is about 25-30% above pre-covid level," Rajesh Bali, Managing Director of Business Aircraft Operators Association said. “HNIs (high net-worth individuals) are looking at long-range and ultra-long-range business jets and others are looking at medium-range aircraft so there is renewed interest in this segment from people who may not be HNIs but who have business requirement to travel by air." There is also high interest among salaried employees in private helicopters for pilgrimage and related purposes where they are ready to pay up to ₹1.5 lakh each for a 2-3 day tour in a five-seater helicopter, Bali said. The fleet size of non-scheduled jets is estimated to be around 550 in India with the potential to grow at 10% per year.

city New Delhi India pandemic sanitizer travelers

India reports 3,767 active covid cases

Under the covid vaccination drive, more than 219.98 crore vaccine doses have been administered to the people across the country so far. New Delhi India’s active covid cases have come down to 3,767, health ministry data said. More than 4.46 crore covid cases have been reported so far, while India has recorded 530,668 covid deaths in the last nearly three years.

India city New Delhi, India vaccine travelers reports

Electric motor boats for Sri Lankan fishermen

COLOMBO (News 1st) – Sri Lanka's Fisheries Minister Douglas Devananda said recently (29) that due to the fuel crisis, steps will be taken to introduce electric motor boats for fishermen from next year.The Minister mentioned this at the meeting of the Ministerial Consultative Committee on fisheries in Parliament.The minister pointed out that it is expected to introduce electric motor boats that can travel 100 kilometres using batteries and the cost is only 86 rupees per day to fishermen engaged in small-scale fishing.The Minister also mentioned that attention has also been paid to providing electricity generation facilities through solar panels and wind turbines for boats using kerosene and diesel.State Minister of Fisheries Piyal Nishantha, mentioned that a special mobile service is being implemented successfully by the ministry to solve the problems faced by the fishermen.

Sri Lanka crisis travelers Provident

Russian, and a Sri Lankan dead in tragic accident in Galle

COLOMBO (News 1st) – A Sri Lankan and a Russian died after a three-wheeler collided with a train in Galle on Thursday (1) morning.Sri Lanka Police said the Russian was a female, and the train was travelling from Beliatte to Vavuniya. The three-wheeler had caught fire following the accident at the Maharamba Railway Crossing in Galle.Sri Lanka Railways said that there may be minor delays in operations.

Sri Lanka Russia county Cross travelers

Govt to blacklist doctors who go abroad without proper permission

COLOMBO (News 1st) – Health Minister Keheliya Rambukwella announced in Parliament that doctors who travel abroad without proper permission will be blacklisted.He said that notice will be issued to these doctors stating that they have vacated their posts.The Health Minister also said that it is possible to terminate the registration with the Medical Council of doctors who travel overseas without permission.

Keheliya Rambukwella doctor travelers Health

Sex Trafficking: Ex-Embassy Official arrested

COLOMBO (News 1st) – The Former 3rd Secretary of the Sri Lankan Embassy in Oman E.

Sri Lanka Oman city Abu Dhabi Department travelers

School kids using ICE on the rise

COLOMBO (News 1st) – The National Dangerous Drugs Control Board says that the use of a drug called ICE (methamphetamine) among school children is on the rise.The Chairman of the National Dangerous Drugs Control Board, Sakya Nanayakkara said that parents should pay special attention to their children and their activities.He further said that parents should pay special attention to the people their children associate with, their travels, and their children's behaviour.

travelers ICE

India’s active covid cases dip to 5,516

With a steady decline in covid cases, several state governments have eased travel norms and mandatory wearing of masks NEW DELHI: India reported 365 fresh coronavirus infections in the last 24 hours, pulling down active cases to 5,516, according to an update by the Union health ministry on Friday. Total reported cases in the country since the pandemic hit in 2020 now stands at 4,46,70,830, and death toll at 530,604. Active cases account for 0.01% of total reported infections, while the recovery rate stands at 98.80%, according to the health ministry.

city New Delhi India vaccine travelers Health

Siridhamma Thero remanded again, for separate case

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.

Galwewa Siridhamma Thero information prevention travelers

Lanarkshire teacher grieves a life lost after being crippled by long COVID

A Lanarkshire teacher has been left unable to read books after a crippling long COVID battle.

testing symptoms travelers

Sex Trafficking: CID makes two more arrests; suspects remanded

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.

Sri Lanka Oman information Department travelers

Keheliya indicted, barred from going overseas

COLOMBO (News 1st) – Indictments were served on Former Media Minister Keheliya Rambukwella, Former Operations Director of the Sri Lanka Rupavahini Corporation Chandrapala Liyanage, and Former Chairman Wimal Rupasinghe at the Colombo High Court on Tuesday (22).The case was filed against them for using Rs. 990,000/- in funds owned by the Sri Lanka Rupavahini Corporation during the run-up to the 2015 Presidential Election, and purchasing 600 GI pipes for various other uses.After the indictments were served, the three defendants were released on a cash bail of Rs.

Keheliya Rambukwella Sri Lanka prevention travelers

Sex Trafficking: Minister says Embassy official interdicted, will be arrested

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.

Sri Lankans Sri Lanka Oman city Dubai information travelers Action

5,000 Sri Lankans in Dubai for work using Visit Visa

COLOMBO (News 1st) – More than five thousand Sri Lankans have travelled to Dubai on visit visa for exmployment, revealed Sri Lanka's State Tourism Minister Tharaka Balasuriya on Monday (21).The State Minister also said that 19 Sri Lankans who had travelled to Abu Dhavi have also refused to return to Sri Lanka.'These groups are trying to travel to Oman for employment,' said the State Minister adding that most people are interested in overseas employment opportunities given the current situation in the country, however, stressed that it is important use official channels to travel overseas for employment.The State Minister also said that a proper study will be conducted to control the use of visit visa for employment overseas.The situation surrounding overseas employment in the Middle East reached national level condemnation after reports surfaced that Sri Lankan women were being auctioned and sold as sex slaves in Oman.Suspects Arrested:On Saturday 19th October 2022, Sri Lanka's Immigration and Emigration Department arrested a 40-year-old man at the Katunayake Airport for engaging in human smuggling.He was arrested when returning to Sri Lanka from Dubai, and was identified as a resudent from Wattala who was operating a Foreign Employment Agency in Maradana, Colombo 10.Thereafter, on Sunday (20) another suspect connected to the human trafficking ring was arrested from Avissawella.He was identified as a broker who sends Sri Lankan women to the Middle Easter, where they are smuggled from Abu Dhabi to Oman to be sold as sex slaves.The suspect was arrested based on the complaints made filed by Sri Lankan women stranded in the Middle East.Foreign Employment Agencies in hot water:The Sri Lanka Bureau of Foreign Employment over

Sri Lankans Tharaka Balasuriya Sri Lanka Oman Department travelers reports

Sri Lanka sex slaves in Oman – Another suspect apprehended

COLOMBO (News 1st) – Yet another suspect connected to the shocking revelations of a major sex slave trade in which Sri Lankan women are being sold into slavery in Oman has been arrested. News 1st has been closely following this story for over a week and exclusively revealing the sordid facts surrounding this shame on our nation.

Sri Lanka Oman Uae shock travelers Man

Stranded Overseas: Sri Lankan women expose abuse by embassy official

COLOMBO (News 1st) – In recent days, News 1st exposed the plight of Sri Lankan women taken to Oman on visit visas and being auctioned for sex in the Middle East.Around 90 women who were subject to multiple forms of physical and mental abuse are currently given shelter at a safe house operated by the Sri Lankan Embassy in Oman.However, this safe house lacks the most basic facilities to accommodate a single woman, let alone 90 of them.These Sri Lankan women, some of who were auctioned for sex, are at this safe house because of the excessive trauma that they experienced, and sadly it has now been revealed that they repeatedly exploited the safe house in Oman."It's been three years since I arrived in Oman. I came here last month, but they are not allowing me to leave. The officer has my passport and documents.

Sri Lanka Oman Department travelers Man

Army Major dead in a tragic accident

COLOMBO (News 1st) – A Sri Lanka Army Major and two others died in a tragic motor accident in Gamgaluwa on Thursday (17) night.Sri Lanka Police said the car in which they were travelling veered off the road and crashed into a tree.The deceased were a Sri Lanka Army Major attached to the Saliyapura Military Camp, and two of his relatives.Two others who were injured were admitted to the Anuradhapura Teaching Hospital.

Sri Lanka county Major hospital travelers

Sex Trafficking | 90 Sri Lankan women given refuge at embassy in Oman

COLOMBO (News 1st) – The Sri Lankan mission in Oman has made it clear that if people are entering the Sultanate of Oman for employment, they must enter through the proper channels.The announcement came following multiple News 1st revelations about Sri Lankan women being trafficked to Oman using visit visa, and sold for sex.Earlier this week, News 1st revealed that 12 Sri Lankan women who were taken against their will to Oman after flying to Abu Dhabi on a visit visa, remain unaccounted for, and an extensive investigation is underway locally and overseas.An investigation by Sri Lanka's Criminal Investigations Department revealed that traffickers were taking away Sri Lankan women to Oman on visit vias, and they auctioned them to the highest bidder for sex.Following News 1st revelations, reports have emerged of several other women who remain missing after being taken to Oman. Some reports claim these women have been detained against their will.Fathima Hameedia is one Sri Lankan woman who remains unaccounted for in Oman.A 22-year-old mother of one, Fathima Hameedia is a resident of Palakkadu, Batticaloa and she left for Oman on the 6th of March on a visit visa.She had travelled overseas via a Foreign Employment Agency, however, several days after leaving the country she went missing."It's been nine months since my daughter went missing.

Sri Lanka Oman city Abu Dhabi Department travelers reports

Travel Ban on Diana Gamage extended

COLOMBO (News 1st) – Colombo Chief Magistrate Nandana Amarasinghe on Thursday (17) extended the overseas travel ban on State Minister Diana Gamage to the 15th of December.The order was made when the case filed challenging the citizenship of the State Minister, who is also alleged to have produced fake documents to obtain a passport, was taken up for examination.President's Counsel Sarath Jayamanne appeared in court on behalf of State Minister Diana Gamage, and he requested the court to lift the overseas travel ban imposed on the 11th of November, citing that it was an unjust move.Cousel appearing for SJB General Secretary Ranjith Madduma Bandara, and President;s Counsel Rienzie Arsecularatne appearing for Oshadha Herath, the complainant raised strong objections and requested court to reject the request made by the defense.The Chief Magistrate had noted that an order on the request made by President's Counsel Sarath Jayamanne who appeared in court on behalf of State Minister Diana Gamage will be made in due course.

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Covid-19: Masks no more compulsory during air travel, says Govt

However, the Centre suggested that passengers should preferably use them Mask no more compulsory during air travel but passengers should preferably use them: Govt.

India covid-19 mask travelers

People on Universal Credit with any of these health conditions could be due an extra £627 each month

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.

Britain Scotland information travelers Health

Mother’s march reaches Galle Face; activists raise concerns against Police

COLOMBO (News 1st) – The Mother's march that began from Kalutara yesterday demanding for the release of the convenor of the Inter University Students Federation Wasantha Mudalige and Ven. Siridhamma Thero ended at Galle face on Sunday (13).The Mother's protest march began at about 10.30 AM this morning from Moratuwa.

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Lost at Sea: Skipper not among Sri Lankans taken to Vietnam

COLOMBO (News 1st) – Authorities in Vietnam have reported that the skipper of the large migrant boat that was rescued by its Navy was not among those who were rescued.Vietnam media quoting the rescued Sri Lankans reported that the captain of the iron-hulled ship LADY R3 abandoned the boat after it started drifting at sea, and then did not return.A border guard commander of Ba Ria – Vung Tau province had also confirmed the information.A Sri Lankan man had reportedly said that his group had traveled from Sri Lanka to Myanmar and from there they had boarded the LADY R3 boat to travel to Canada by sea.It is unclear if all 303 Sri Lankans traveled together or in groups to Myanmar, and how they made it to Myanmar, as investigations are pending.Before 303 Sri Lankan citizens were rescued by the Helios Leader Vessel on the afternoon of November 6th, their ship had been stalled for nearly 40 hours, unable to maneuver and was drifting freely. On the afternoon of November 8th, when the SAR 413 vessel from the Vietnamese Coast Guard organized to welcome the 303 Sri Lankan citizens from the Helios Leader vessel to shore, initially four men got off the ship, the rest refused to get off despite the persuasion of the Honorary Consul of Sri Lanka, who took an entire hour to pursuade them to leave the Japanese freighter.At this time, the authorities considered the option for these four people to return to the Helios Leader, but they refused and said that if they returned, they would be beaten. Thereafter, all 303 Sri Lankans were taken off the Helios Leader in batches and brought ashore.For humanitarian reasons, the Ba Ria – Vung Tau Provincial Command for Natural Disaster Prevention and Control and Search and Rescue has arranged for 303

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Travel ban on Diana Gamage over citizenship case

COLOMBO (News 1st) – A Sri Lankan court on Friday (11) imposed a travel ban on State Minister of Tourism Diana Gamage.The Colombo Chief Magistrate ordered to prevent the State Minister from travelling overseas until the 17th of December 2022.The case filed against the citizenship of the State Minister was called up via a motion that was filed by Attorney Gunaratna Wanninayake and several other counsels.On Thursday (10) the Colombo Chief Magistrate's Court ordered the OIC of the Criminal Investigations Department to immediately investigate whether State Minister Diana Gamage is remaining in Sri Lanka without a valid visa, and submit a progress report to the court on the 15th of December.Attorney Gunaratna Wanninayake told reporters outside the court that attempts were made earlier to undermine this investigation.

Diana Gamage Sri Lanka prevention travelers reports

Sri Lankan women sold for sex in Oman – CID probing human smuggling ring

COLOMBO (News 1st) – Sri Lanka's Criminal Investigations Department is investigating a human trafficking ring where Sri Lankan women who travel to Oman to work as domestic aides are auctioned and sold to work as escorts.Police Spokesperson & Attorney SSP Nihal Thalduwa told News 1said that a team of detectives led by two ASPs visited Oman to conduct the investigation.Multiple foreign employment agencies are sending young girls and women to Oman promising them employment as domestic aides, and most of them had used tourist visas to enter the middle-eastern country.Detectives uncovered that when the group reaches Oman, they are lined up according to their age and appearance and auctions and sold to engage in sexual activity."I was sexually abused inside a room. I am not afraid to reveal this to the CID and the Foreign Employment Bureau.

Nihal Thalduwa Sri Lanka Oman Department travelers Man

India’s active covid caseload dips to 13,559

States have been asked to continue monitoring incoming international travelers, undertake constant genome sequencing and step-up vaccination. NEW DELHI: India reported 811 fresh covid infections in the past 24 hours, while active cases slipped to 13,559, the health ministry said in an update on Wednesday.

city New Delhi India vaccine travelers reports

Don’t go for overseas work on tourist visa – SLBFE

COLOMBO (News 1st) – The Sri Lanka Bureau of Foreign Employment is requesting that people not travel overseas for employment using a tourist visa.Deputy General Manager of the SLBFE Gamini Senarath Yapa told News 1st that a number of people have travelled to the UAE and Oman for employment on Tourist Visa, and are now left stranded overseas.He also said that the SLBFE has suspended the registration of a person who wishes to travel overseas for employment using tourist visas.

Sri Lanka Oman Uae travelers

NO foreign trips during Budget

COLOMBO (News 1st) – The Cabinet of Ministers approved the Prime Minister's proposal that ministers should not travel abroad during the sitting days of parliament and the budget debate.However, in case of urgent medical needs or very urgent work of the government, ministers are allowed to travel abroad.

Government travelers

Hikkaduwa Shooting: Cops say victims were suspects in Kudu Roshan’s murder

COLOMBO (News 1st) – Sri Lanka Police revealed that the two men who were gunned down on Monday (31) morning in Hikkaduwa were the main suspects in the brutal hacking to death of Kudu Roshan on the 20th of December 2020 in Milla, Hikkaduwa.Kudu Roshan was a resident of Meetiygoda, and was a close associate of the slain underworld don Makandure Madush who was killed in police fire.Kudu Roshan was also a suspect in the killing of another underworld leader known as Samayan in Ranala.Motorcycle gunmen opened fire at two men travelling on another motorcycle in Thiranagama, Hikkaduwa on Monday (31) morning.News 1st correspondents said that the targets of the shooting were ruled dead on the spot.Sri Lanka Police said that the gunmen had come from behind and opened fire using a T-56 Assault Rifle.Detectives recovered a total of 17 bullet casings from the crime scene.The victims were identified as 47-year-old Kapuwa Handi Prasanna Mendis, and 26-year-old Henda Hewage Isuru Prasanna, both from Kalupe Hikkaduwa.They were gunned down while en router to a case at the Galle Magistrate's Court.No arrests were made regarding Monday's (31) shooting, and seven police teams were deployed for investigations.

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Motorcycle gunmen shoot dead murder suspects in Hikkaduwa

COLOMBO (News 1st) – Motorcycle gunmen struck once again on Monday (31) morning killing two men in Thiranagama, Hikkaduwa.Sri Lanka Police said that two men aged 26 & 47 were gunned down by the killers.According to report, the victims were shot dead when they traveling towards Hikkaduwa on the Colombo – Galle Main Road.Sri Lanka Police said the victims were heading to court for a legal matter when they were gunned down, adding that the men were suspects in a murder.They were identified at Kapuwa Handi Prasanna Mendis, and Henda Hewage Isuru Prasanna,

Sri Lanka travelers reports

Mobster Hara Kata’s ‘accountant’ nabbed

COLOMBO (News 1st) – The Colombo Crimes Division arrested a Former Lance Corporal of the Sri Lanka Army for links with organized crimes and drugs.Sri Lanka Police said that it arrested a Former Lance Corporal of the Sri Lanka Army for his connections with notorious underworld gangster, drug trafficker, and Wanter Criminal Nadun Chinthaka alias Harak Kata.Harak Kata is currently in hiding in Dubai, and Police said that the Former Lance Corporal of the Sri Lanka Army has managed his finances here in Sri Lanka.6 grams of heroin were discovered from the possession of the suspects, and based on his statement a firearm and a hand grenade was recovered hidden under the new Kelani Bridge in Sedawatte.Information has also come to light that the 31-year-old suspect forged a passport to travel to Dubai and returned to the country in early October 2022.

Sri Lanka city Dubai travelers Discover

Ranjan turned away from BIA

COLOMBO (News 1st) – Former Parliamentarian Ranjan Ramanayake was turned away from the Bandaranaike International Airport by Immigration and Emigration Department officials on Friday (28) morning.Airport Immigration and Emigration said the former politician was turned away based on a court order barring overseas travel.Ranjan Ramanayake speaking to News 1st said that an overseas travel ban was imposed on him with regard to case filed over the distribution rice during the COVID-19 pandemic era.Ramanayake said the case was concluded and the overseas travel ban was lifted, however the relevant agencies had not been informed of the matter.He said that action will be taken on Friday (28) to resolve the matter, adding that he was to fly to the United States of America to attend an event.

Ranjan Ramanayake Usa covid-19 Department travelers

Sri Lanka’s first Wild Life Documentary on Nat Geo WILD

COLOMBO (News 1st) – ‘Sri Lanka Leopard Dynasty’ by Thivanka Rukshan Perera will become the first ever Sri Lanka documentary to be aired on National Geographic – WILD.News 1st's Senitha Senanayake reports, that ‘Sri Lanka Leopard Dynasty’ produced by ‘Thivanka Rukshan Perera and Aegle Creations PVT Ltd – Sri Lanka’ will air on National Geographic – WILD from November 13th to 30th this year. It will initially make its premiere on German Television (on November 13th, 2022) thereafter there will be a global release on Nat Geo WILD, where it will be dubbed and shown in different languages. The director, writer and editor of the film – ‘Thivanka Rukshan Perera’ – is an alumni of Academy of Art University in San Francisco, USA and a BFA (Hon) – in Motion Picture and Television.According to Thivanka, this documentary was produced with much difficulty, as it faced numerous obstacles including the COVID pandemic that restricted travel for many months.However, “Sri Lanka – Leopard Dynasty” was successfully completed by 2021 and acquired by National Geographic the following year. Currently, it is being dubbed to be shown in different languages worldwide later this year.

Usa Sri Lanka Germany San Francisco, Usa pandemic travelers reports

Collision between two buses injures 30

COLOMBO (News 1st) – 30 people sutained injuries in an accident when two passenger buses collided head-on along the Colombo-Kandy main road.The accident took place in Mawanella, Anwaram along the Colombo – Kandy main road Police said that the accident took place between a private passenger bus and an SLTB bus.The private passenger bus was enroute to Nuwara Eliya from Kegalle while the SLTB bus was travelling from Mawanella to Kegalle.

travelers Kandi

Army Captain dead in Defender accident

COLOMBO (News 1st) – An Army Captain has died while three others have been injured in an accident involving a Defender on Saturday (22).Police said that the driver of the Defender bearing number 8806 of the Sri Lanka Army lost control of the wheel and crashed on to a tree in Muthuwella. The Defender was travelling from Trincomalee to Maduru Oya early on Saturday (22) morning.The deceased has been identified as Captain Devinda Woodward from 4 Special Forces.

Sri Lanka travelers

United States	Cases: 46 252 513 Deaths: 750 423 Recovered: 0
India	Cases: 34 321 025 Deaths: 459 652 Recovered: 0
Brazil	Cases: 21 835 785 Deaths: 608 235 Recovered: 0
United Kingdom	Cases: 9 215 683 Deaths: 141 607 Recovered: 0
Russia	Cases: 8 494 589 Deaths: 237 619 Recovered: 0