UK provides lifesaving aid for the most vulnerable in Sri Lanka

COLOMBO (News 1st) – The Meteorological Department has issued an Amber alert for strong winds and rough seas, especially for multi-day boats in the deep of the Bay of Bengal and the Andaman Sea areas. According to the Meteorology Department, the depression over north Andaman Sea has concentrated in to a deep depression and located near latitude 15.60N and longitude 88.40E (East central Bay of Bengal) Sunday (23) morning.It is very likely to move northwestward and intensify further into a cyclonic storm over central Bay of Bengal.Subsequently, it is also very likely to move North-northeastwards and cross Bangladesh coast around 25th October.Wind speeds will be (60-70) kmph and can increase up to 80 kmph in sea areas between (12N – 20N) and (85E – 100E).

COLOMBO (News 1st) – The Minister of Justice has imposed further restrictions on the rights of imprisoned persons under a gazette issued on 12th July 2022.Former Commissioner of the Human Rights Commission of Sri Lanka Ambika Satkunanathan Tweeted concerns in this regard today.According to the former HRCSL Commissioner, as per the new prison rules under the Second 94 of the Prisons Ordinance, most concerning are the reduction of visits to remanded imprisoned persons from 6 days a week to 1 a week. She added that they have also reduced the time outside cell from 4 hours to 1 hour.Some of the provisions underlined in the gazette is as follows:RIGHT TO RECEIVE VISITSAn unconvicted person to receive visits 6 days a week, is repealed by the gazette, which replaces it with a rule that limits such visits to once a week.The new rule also sets out reasons for which visits can be restricted.

COLOMBO (News 1st) – Seven people have been arrested for taking pictures without  permission in the high security zone around the Victoria Dam with the use of a drone.Police stated that the security forces have informed the concerned suspects not to take photographs in that area.However, they have taken photographs despite the order, which led to their arrest.Accordingly a camera and a drone were found in the possession of the suspects and were taken into police custody.The suspects are aged 31 and 32 and were identified as residents of Dehiwala and Weligama areas.

Hibernian have announced that Easter Road hero Frank Sauzee has had to withdraw from a charity match set to take place next month.

ROBBIE Coltrane's causes of death reveal the Harry Potter star suffered painful health problems leading up to his passing at the age of 72. The Brit acting legend died from a number of conditions including multiple organ failure, his death certificate has shown. It's understood the Harry Potter star had been unwell for some time and battled diabetes and obesity.

COLOMBO (News 1st) – The Police Special Task Force has seized 95 kg of Kerala Cannabis worth Rs. 16,000,000.00 which were brought to the country via sea routes.The consignment of Kerala Cannabis has been brought into the country from India. A team of STF personnel and combat motorcycle team personnel have conducted a raid at the Maadagal East Coast in the Ilawale Police Domain on Sunday (23), in line with information received from the Army Intelligence Division.The raid has been carried out under the guidance and supervision of SSP Hettiarachchi, SSP Nishantha, the commanding officers of Special Task Force Jaffna Camp, and as per the orders and instructions of STF Commanding Officer Varuna Jayasundara and Chief Inspector  Mendis.A consignment of 95.691 kg of Kerala Cannabis was found in a motorboat at 03:30 a.m., without any suspects. Police suspects that the Kerala Cannbis smuggling has been secretly carried out by boats for a significant period of time.

Sri Lanka commenced their Super 12 campaign with an impressive nine-wicket triumph over a disappointing Ireland in Hobart on Sunday.Namibia slip-up long forgottenThere were many fears for Sri Lanka when they were thrashed by Namibia in the opening match of the First Round, but the reigning Asia Cup champions are slowly gathering some momentum.While the nine-wicket victory over Ireland was expected by most, the way the island nation went about it was ultra-impressive as they clinically dispatched of their opponents in clinical style with plenty of improvement to come.Star spinner Wanindu Hasaranga (2/25) took his eighth and ninth scalps of the tournament thus far and he was well supported by fellow spinner Maheesh Theekshana (2/19), who was thrust into the bowling crease during Ireland's batting Powerplay.Not only did Sri Lanka take wickets at regular intervals, but they also kept the run rate down as Ireland's batters were unable to gather much momentum and were restricted to 128/8 from their 20 overs.Sri Lanka's run chase was a mere formality, with in-form opener Kusal Mendis (68 from 43 balls) continuing his excellent tournament thus far with another half-century .Ireland struggle for fluencyMuch of the good Ireland managed from eye-catching victories over Scotland and the West Indies was undone against Sri Lanka, with the European side unable to back-up their strong showings from the First Round.Veteran opener Paul Stirling (34 from 25 balls) got a handful of big shots away early, but young gun Harry Tector (45 off 42) was the only other player to look assured at the crease.Their bowling didn't fare much better, with spinner Gareth Delany (1/28) the only wicket-taker as Ireland started their Super 12 campaign in

COLOMBO (News 1st) – The Inter University Students' Federation organized a demonstration demanding the release of student activists detained under the PTA.The protest was held under the theme, "People's wave for Justice". The demonstration was held in a train plying from Jaffna to Colombo.Our correspondent said that the group has arrived at the Beliatta station a short while ago, and heavy security has been observed around the area.The protest started from Anuradhapura railway station.

COLOMBO (News 1st) – The Employees' Provident Fund has amassed more than 28 million members.However, this number also includes those who are deceased. The Deputy General Manager of the Employee's Trust Fund, Kitsiri Ratnayake, stated that 10 welfare programs are currently in place for the said members.He stated that many do not avail the benefits of these welfare programs due to being unaware of them.Deputy General Manager Ratnayake added that a loan program is also in place for conducting the repair work of members' houses.

COLOMBO (News 1st) – The Minister of Justice, Dr.

COLOMBO (News 1st) – Two suspects have been arrested in connection with the robbery of Rs. 2.1 million in Moratuwa.The suspects were arrested during an operation carried out by the Mt.

COLOMBO (News 1st) – According to the National Road Safety Council, 40% of the current road accidents are related to motorcycles.Its Chairman, Anton de Mel stated that a research conducted in collaboration with the Moratuwa University regarding measures which can be taken to reduce motorcycle accidents, resulted in this. He further stated that much of the youth is used to using high-fuel consumption motorcycles, which has overtaken the generation as a trend.De Mel added that the steps will be taken to introduce legislation to reduce such accidents in the future, in line with the Motor Traffic Department.

Covid-19 update: The death toll due to the viral disease has gone up to 5,28,961 with four more fatalities. With 1,994 fresh cases, India's Covid-19 tally has climbed to 4,46,42,742, while the number of active cases of the infection has declined to 23,432, the Union health ministry said on Sunday. The death toll due to the viral disease has gone up to 5,28,961 with four more fatalities, according to the ministry's data updated at 8 am.

PHILADELPHIA - The sun is out in full force on this beautiful Saturday!Sunshine will stick around most of the day, bringing temperatures up to a high of 68 degrees.Clouds will start to roll Saturday evening, dropping temperatures to 62 degree as the Phillies Game 4 against the Padres begins at 7:45 p.m. at Citizens Bank Park.The evening's weather stay pleasant, and less chilly than last night's game with a low in the mid-50s by the end of the game.Sunday will see show showers as Game 5 starts in Philadelphia, but FOX 29's Drew Anderson says its should only be a nuisance! Those showers hang on throughout the rest of the week, with no dry weather until Friday.___SATURDAY: Nice day. High: 68, Low: 44SUNDAY: A few showers. High: 64, Low: 52MONDAY: A shower. High: 72, Low: 58TUESDAY: A shower. High: 74, Low: 60 WEDNESDAYS: A shower. High: 72, Low: 60THURSDAY: Passing shower. High: 74, Low: 60FRIDAY: Sunny and dry. High: 68, Low: 56

MARION COUNTY, Fla. - The Marion County Sheriff’s Office says a 14-year-old student at Lake Weir Middle School broke into her grandparents’ safe and stole about $13,500 in cash – half her grandmother’s life savings left over after she’d sold her house. Then, the sheriff’s office says the girl started handing the cash out to people at school.Parents got a voicemail from Lake Weir Middle School’s principal about that incident Thursday, asking the adults to give their kids a call.  Michelle Spaulding obliged."That’s when she was like, ‘Yeah, mom! The child did come up to me and ask me if I wanted $100,'" said Spaulding.

COLOMBO (News 1st) – Power and Energy Minister Kanchana Wijesekera says that proposals for the restructuring of the power sector are expected to be submitted to the Parliament next month.In a Twitter message, the Minister said that he has received the report of the Cabinet Appointed Committee on Power Sector Reforms.The Minister added the report will be handed over to the President and the Cabinet of Ministers.

COLOMBO (News 1st) – The Meteorology Department says that showers or thundershowers will occur at times in Western, Sabaragamuwa, Central, North-Western and Northern provinces and in Galle and Matara districts on Saturday (22).Accordingly, fairly heavy showers above 75 mm may be expected at some places.Showers or thundershowers may occur elsewhere over the Island during the afternoon or night, and the general public has been kindly requested to take adequate precautions to minimize damages caused by temporary localized strong winds and lightning during thundershowers.

COLOMBO (News 1st) – The All Ceylon Poultry Businessmen's Association says that steps have been taken to reduce the price of one kilogram of chicken by Rs. 250/-.Its Chairman Ajith Gunasekara said that the new price of a kilogram of chicken is Rs.

COLOMBO (News 1st) – Two people have died from drowning in the Nawalapitiya and Kuliapitiya areas.Police said that a 58-year-old man died on Friday (21) afternoon after falling into the Edandewela Canal and being swept away by the currents.It occurred when a van transporting 5 people has been driving from Kuliyapitiya Diyawala to Aruvpola.Police said that the van driver stepped out of the vehicle to check the water level near the Edandewela Canal, when he fell into the canal and got swept away.Meanwhile, another person died after falling into a canal in Galabadawatta area in ​Nawalapitiya.Police said the victim was a 65-year-old resident of Kegalle.Police added that the victim had visited his relative's residence when he met with this tragic accident.

COLOMBO (News 1st) – The Minister of Power and Energy Kanchana Wijesekera informed the National Council that the report of the committee on to the restructuring of the energy sector will be submitted to the National Council within two weeks.At the same time, the Minister informed that the National Council is also expected to be informed about the proposed measures to be taken for the various energy generation projects proposed to be launched by the Sri Lanka Sustainable Energy Authority and the Ceylon Electricity Board.The National Council met on 20th October under the Chairmanship of the Speaker of the Parliament, Mahinda Yapa Abeywardana, Prime Minister Dinesh Gunawardena and the Chief Opposition Whip Lakshman Kiriella.Institutions such as the Sri Lanka Electricity Board and Sri Lanka Sustainable Energy Authority were called before the National Council where the officials presented ideas and proposals related to the progress of the energy sector.MP Namal Rajapaksa, as the Chairman of the National Council sub-committee on identifying short and medium-term programs related to National Policy, and the Chairman of the National Council sub-committee on identifying short and medium-term programs related to Economic Stabilization, Patali Champika Ranawaka informed the National Council about the progress and the expected future work of the committees.

COLOMBO (News 1st) – The Disaster Management Center says that 4,929 people from to 1,296 families have been affected due to the severe weather conditions being experienced over the island over the course of the last few days.The Disaster Management Center also stated 116 people belonging to 31 families have been moved to safe shelters.Senior geologist at the National Building Research Organization Wasantha Senadeera says landslide warnings issued to several districts continues to remain in effect.

COLOMBO (News 1st) – The Ministry of Health says that no final decision has been taken so far with regard to the COVID-19 vaccines which are due to expire.A senior official of the Ministry said that the vaccines are due to expire on October 31st.The consignment of vaccines which is due to expire amounts to over a million, the Health Ministry added.

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.

India reported 2,112 new infections raising the COVID-19 tally to 4,46,40,748, while the number of active cases declined to 24,043, according to the Union Health Ministry data updated on Saturday. The death toll climbed to 5,28,957 with four fatalities which includes three deaths reconciled by Kerala, the data updated at 8 am stated. One death has been reported from West Bengal in a span of 24 hours.

COLOMBO (News 1st) – The Criminal Investigation Department has been requested to conduct an investigation into the case of an illegally imported Hummer vehicle being given to the same person who imported it at an auction held after it was impounded.This investigstion is being conducted based on a notification by the Secretary of the Ministry of Finance to the Inspector General of Police on the advice of the State Minister of Finance, Ranjith Siambalapitiya.The vehicle in question was illegally imported to Sri Lanka on February 22nd, 2021.The State Minister of Finance, Ranjith Siambalapitiya had previously called for a report from the Director General of Customs regarding the incident, and the Ministry of Finance announced that this step was taken based on the recommendations of the report.

COLOMBO (News 1st) – The Meteorology Department says that showers or thundershowers will occur at times in Western, Sabaragamuwa, Central, North-Western and Northern Provinces and in Galle and Matara Districts on Saturday (22). Accordingly, fairly heavy showers above 50 mm may be expected at some places.Showers or thundershowers will occur at several palaces in the Eastern and Uva provinces and in Hambantota district during the afternoon or night.General public is kindly requested to take adequate precautions to minimize damages caused by temporary localized strong winds and lightning during thundershowers.

PHILADELPHIA - Kyle Schwarber's first inning solo home run sent Citizens Bank Park into a frenzy, but it was Jean Segura's roller coaster game the served as the subplot to the Phillies' NLCS game 3 win. With the Phillies up 1-0 in the 4th, Segura whiffed a catch while covering second on what would have been an inning-ending double play to allow the tying run to score from third. He redeemed himself in the bottom of the inning, looping a 2 out single to right field that scored two runs to retake the lead. The inning ended less than a pitch later when Segura got picked off first base.Alec Bohm added a run two innings later a line drive double that Padres' right fielder failed to catch on a diving attempt.PHILADELPHIA, PENNSYLVANIA - OCTOBER 21: Jean Segura #2 of the Philadelphia Phillies celebrates with Nick Castellanos #8 after making a diving stop and throwing out Ha-Seong Kim #7 of the San Diego Padres (not pictured) at first base during the seven Ranger Suarez was solid for five innings, allowing just two hits and two runs; one of which was unearned.

Elijah Jennings (Philly's Most Wanted)BROOKHAVEN, Ga. - A high-speed chase through metro Atlanta led to the arrest of a man wanted for murder in Pennsylvania.Elijah Jennings, 28, of Philadelphia, was wanted for the shooting death of a man inside his car in May 2022. Warrants for murder and firearms possession were obtained the following month.Jennings caught the eye of federal authorities earlier this month when warrants were issued for him by the Eastern District of Pennsylvania for fleeing prosecution.Last Friday, Jennings was arrested near Lenox Square mall after a high-speed chase through Brookhaven.

COLOMBO (News 1st) – Today is day two of the 6th edition of the Gammadda Door to Door program, which was launched to gather scientific data on the issues faced by average Sri Lankans, analyse them and propose sustainable solutions thereafter. On Thursday (6) Gammadda teams will visit rural Sri Lankan villages in Jaffna, Matale, and the Kalutara District.The University of Peradeniya has joined hands with Gammadda similar to previous years to make this initiative a success. The primary task of this year's campaign is to comprehend the ground reality faced by Sri Lankans across the island owing to the COVID-19 pandemic and the economic crisis that ensued thereafter. 

COLOMBO (News 1st) – The 6th Phase of the Gammadda Door-to-Door program commenced on Wednesday (5) morning centering three district.The Gammadda Door to Door program is joined by the University of Peradeniya as well. The 6th edition of the Gammadda Door to Door program is currently underway in the Jaffna, Matale, and Kalutara Districts.Gammadda is well known among all Sri Lankans, young and old, as the people's force that brings about a new beginning for the villages and towns of Sri Lanka.Gammadda implements these projects by identifying the real needs of the local population.The needs of the people were identified following an extensive and streamlined study of the findings in the Gammadda Door to Door program that was implemented five times before along with the University of Peradeniya.The COVID-19 Pandemic and the Economic Crisis have forced the people of Sri Lanka to undergo various hardships.Gammadda is ready once again to identify the socio-economic issues of the people of Sri Lanka. 

COLOMBO (News 1st) – NPP Parliamentarian Vijitha Herath requested the Government to immediately submit a draft of the trade agreement between the Governments of China and Sri Lanka.Speaking at the Parliament on Tuesday (4), Herath pointed out that the people still do not know the contents of the trade agreement, and in addition, Parliamentarians deserve the right to remain aware of the said FTA.If the agreement is signed without knowing its contents, manufacturers could face much difficulty in manufacturing and exporting their contents.Citing a statement made by Foreign Minister Ali Sabry at New York with regard to hastening the agreement, the NPP MP demanded whether it is being done so for the purpose of loan restructuring. 

COLOMBO (News 1st) – Ursula von der Leyen, President of the European Commission congratulating President Ranil Wickremesinghe on his election as the President of the Democratic of Socialist Republic of Sri Lanka has assured its support to the government of Sri Lanka for the efforts to overcome the crisis successfully.Issuing a statement, Ursula von der Leyen noted that at a time of unprecedented challenges faced by the people of Sri Lanka, the European Union remains committed to support Sri Lanka’s efforts to overcome the crisis successfully, including the necessary reforms that will bring the country back to a path of inclusive prosperity and lasting national reconciliation.She further stated that in this process, freedom of expression and assembly, dialogue among all stakeholders, as well as respect for the rule of law and fundamental rights will remain essential.She has also made a reference to the assessment by the European Union on the progress made by Sri Lanka on GSP+ commitments.

COLOMBO (News 1st) – The Embassy of Sri Lanka to the United States, working in collaboration with renowned American humanitarian donor organizations, has achieved a significant milestone in the provision of free medicines and medical supplies to Sri Lanka from July to October 2022.Three consignments have already been sent to the Ministry of Health and a fourth is expected to land on 2nd October.The total value of the 4 consignments is over US Dollars 12,645,150. At today’s exchange rate, this is worth approximately SL Rupees 4.6 billion (exactly LKR 4,588,925,697).Sri Lanka’s Ambassador to the United States, Mahinda Samarasinghe, who reached out to US donor organizations earlier this year, has conveyed his heartfelt gratitude to the three donors, Heart to Heart International, Hope Worldwide, and Americares for their generosity which has proved timely and potentially lifesaving for hundreds of thousands of Sri Lankans in dire need. The Ambassador intends to continue working with humanitarian organizations and agencies to assist vulnerable segments of the population.Commencing in July 2022, Heart to Heart International has sent two consignments worth USD 9.131 million.The consignment from Americares arrived in Colombo earlier in September and is valued at over USD 773,000.

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

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

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

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

COLOMBO (News 1st) – State Councilor and Foreign Minister Wang Yi met with Sri Lankan Foreign Minister Ali Sabry on the sidelines of the United Nations General Assembly in New York recently.Wang Yi expressed, China and Sri Lanka are each other's, strategic cooperative partners. The two countries have always shared weal and woe and sincerely helped each other. This year, which marks the 65th anniversary of the establishment of diplomatic relations between China and Sri Lanka and the 70th anniversary of the signing of the Rubber-Rice Pact, is of great significance for inheriting the past and ushering in the future. China is ready to work with Sri Lanka to carry forward the traditional friendship, consolidate strategic mutual trust and deepen and expand pragmatic cooperation. Congratulations to Sri Lanka on its initial results in stabilizing the situation and easing difficulties. China has provided medicines, rice, fuel, and other emergencies humanitarian assistance to Sri Lanka, and will continue to offer assistance within our capacity to help Sri Lanka overcome temporary difficulties.Sabry said that the Sri Lanka-China friendship has a solid foundation. China has provided strong support for Sri Lanka's economic and social development for a long time. In particular, China has offered timely help to Sri Lanka when it encountered difficulties. Sri Lanka will never forget that.

COLOMBO (News 1st) – Four out of the seven Sri Lankans who were held captive by Russian forces in Ukraine have been identified as medical students in the city of Kupiansk, while the other three were identified as workers.This information is being revealed in contrast to the rumors circulating with regard to the captured Sri Lankans being illegal immigrants, and the Ukrainian President Zelenskyy's brief about the seven Sri Lankans being medical students.A report by the Associated Press citing a press conference held at Kharkiv Police states that the Sri Lankans were tortured at a factory in the area which was captured by Russian forces, and were beaten, mainly because they could not understad the language.The former captives include Nilojan Vasanthakumar, 20, Uthayakamar Mary Edid Prema, 50, Sharujan Gianeswaran, 25, Thinees Jokenthhiran, 34, Dilukshan Robertclive, 25, Dilujan Paththinajakan, 20 and Ainkaranathan Ganesamoorthi, 38.According to the captured Sri Lankans, six among the group were held in a large upstairs room, while the seventh, the only woman, was kept in a dark cell by herself. On 17th September, the Ukrainian President Voldomyr Zelenskyy in his briefing noted that seven Sri Lankan students were found in 'torture chambers' where civilians were abused by Russian soldiers in areas of the Kharkiv region in Ukraine. One man said he was shot in the foot by the Russian captors. Another had a toenail ripped off after the soldiers repeatedly bashed it with the butt of a rifle.“Every day we were cleaning toilets and bathrooms,” Dilukshan Robertclive, one of the former captives, said in English.

COLOMBO (News 1st) – The  Minister of State for the Middle East, South Asia, and the UN of the United Kingdom, Lord Tariq Ahmad says the UK is providing urgent food and farming support to Sri Lankans hit hardest by the economic crisis. Taking to twitter, Minister Ali Sabry mentioned that during the meeting held on the sidelines of the UN General Assembly, Lord Tariq Ahmad set out the UK’s package of £3 million assistance to Sri Lanka.While extending gratitude for the assistance, Minister Ali Sabry also briefed Lord Tariq Ahmad on steps being taken towards reconcilliation and accountability in Sri Lanka. The funding will be delivered through Red Cross and UN partners. It will provide access to food, seeds, and tools to help grow crops as well as mental health care, including for survivors of sexual and gender-based violence."The UK stands by the people of Sri Lanka who are facing such a challenging time.

COLOMBO (News 1st) – The Minister of Foreign Affairs, Ali Sabry who is leading the Sri Lanka delegation to the 77th Session of the United Nations General Assembly met a number of leaders of delegations of the UN member states and addressed several high level events in New York.Foreign Minister Sabry met the President of the United States of America Joseph Biden and First Lady Dr. Jill Biden at a dinner reception hosted by the US President.He also met the Prime Minister of Bangladesh Sheikh Hasina.

COLOMBO (News 1st) – Foreign Minister Ali Sabry met US President Joe Biden at the reception hosted by the President of the United States and Dr.

COLOMBO (News 1st) – Sri Lanka is currently facing its worse economic crisis, and people who cannot afford to pay a high cost for fuel have been forced to use public transport, especially the jam-packed trains.News 1st's Teena Marian filed this report during her early morning commute to work.The Colombo-bound train from Polgahawela was already packed like cans of sardines when it reached one of the busiest train stations on the coastal route this morning.As the train reached the platform, commuters rushed to the doors trying to creep inside the already packed compartments to make their way to Colombo for school and work.The train on its journey to Colombo passed many other stations, and some passengers waiting to board the train simply had to look on as the packed train passed by with no room for more passengers.For many, this has been the case for decades and more additional compartments is a paramount need.News 1st's inquiries from authorities at Sri Lanka Railways on why this perennial issue has gone unresolved despite footage and images of packed trains going viral for decades went unanswered.Overcrowded public transport is now the norm, as many hang off footboards for their lives and livelihoods.

COLOMBO (News 1st) – Under Secretary for Political Affairs of the U.S.

COLOMBO (News 1st) – It’s not a secret that we are all broke as a country, and we have to pull ourselves up by our bootstraps, said Sri Lankan President Ranil Wickremesinghe addressing a meeting with the Sri Lankan Diaspora.President Ranil Wickremesinghe who visited the United Kingdom to attend the funeral ceremony of Queen Elizabeth II had met with the Sri Lankan Diaspora in Britain on Monday (19) afternoon." We have already started discussions with the IMF and staff level agreement is there. We have to talk to India, China and Japan and to the private creditors.

COLOMBO (News 1st) – On 17th September, the Ukrainian President Voldomyr Zelenskyy in his briefing noted that seven Sri Lankan students were found in 'torture chambers' where civilians were abused by Russian soldiers in areas of the Kharkiv region in Ukraine. The Russian InvasionOn 24th of February, Russian forces initiated what they dubbed as a 'special operation', which was later declared by Russia as an operation for the “liberation of Donbas” – broadly referring to Ukraine’s regions of Luhansk and Donetsk.More than a third of this area was already seized by Russian proxy forces in a war that began in 2014.The liberation of IziumIzium was subject to intense Russian artillery attacks in April.

COLOMBO (News 1st) – A Ukrainian journalist has released horrific details about the seven Sri Lankan medical students who were allegedly captured and tortured by Russian soldiers in the Kharkiv region near the Russian border where there has been intense fighting for months.The six men and one woman were beaten, had their nails torn off, and forced to work for free, Maria Romanenko, a Ukrainian journalist reporting from the UK, said in her Tweeted story.The seven students, aged 20-40, arrived in Ukraine around 3 weeks before the all-out invasion last March and rented a house in Kupiansk, a town that was captured by Russian forces and occupied until it was retaken by the Ukrainian army a few days ago. They were hiding in their house for some time until they decided to try and flee into Kharkiv, she tweeted.However, they were stopped at the first Russian checkpoint that they tried to cross.

COLOMBO (News 1st) – A Ukraining Journalist has released the first details about the insane story from Kharkiv region’s police about the 7 Sri Lankans, who were in Ukraine for work and studies, and were kidnapped by Russians, beaten, and had their nails torn off, and forced to work for free (clean).The 6 men and 1 woman, all aged 20-40, arrived in Ukraine around 3 weeks before the all-out invasion and rented a house in Kupiansk (which was occupied until a few days ago). They were hiding in their house for some time until they decided to try and flee into Kharkiv, she tweeted.However, they were stopped at the first Russian checkpoint that they tried to cross.