Railway department to resume transporting goods

Colombo (News 1st): The facility to transport goods by train which was temporarily suspended in the aftermath of the April attacks, will resume tomorrow (June 1). The Railways Department said the decision to suspend cargo services was taken after considering the heightened...

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3 faculties of the University of Kelaniya to reopen on Monday

Colombo (News 1st): Three faculties of the University of Kelaniya which were closed temporarily, will re-open on Monday (June 3). Senior Lecturer Wijeyananda Rupasinghe speaking to News 1st said the faculties will re-open as students agreed to comply with the University’s security...

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Means to generate power at the lowest price possible – Ravi K.

COLOMBO (News 1st): A discussion with a Chinese company on an agreement for electricity distribution was held yesterday (May 30) in Colombo. The discussion was chaired by Minister of Power, Energy and Business Development Ravi Karunanayake. Senior officials of the Ceylon Electricity...

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President meets Indian PM

COLOMBO (News 1st):- President Maithripala Sirisena met with the Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi in New Delhi, India. President Sirisena left for India last morning (May 30) in order to take part in the swearing-in ceremony of the Indian Prime Minister. President meets...

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Veteran actress Chithra Wakishta dies at the age of 83

COLOMBO (News 1st): Veteran actress Chithra Wakishta passed away at the age of 83. Her relatives said that she passed away while receiving treatment at the National Hospital this morning (May 31). Born on December 23rd 1936, her acting career kick-started with the teledrama...

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Dambulla residents take to the streets against Kurunegala doctor

COLOMBO (News 1st): A protest is currently underway opposite the Dambulla base hospital against Dr Seigu Shiyabdeen Mohomad Safi. News 1st correspondent of the area reported that the protest is held obstructing one lane of the A9 route. The protest is held by the many voluntary...

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CBSL revises policy interest rates; SDFR & SLFR drop

COLOMBO (News 1st): The Central Bank has decided to lower the policy interest rates. The decision was reached at the monetary board meeting yesterday (May 31). Standing Deposit Facility Rate (SDFR) and the Standing Lending Facility Rate (SLFR) has been decreased by 7.5% per...

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Showers or thundershowers across the island

COLOMBO (News 1st): The Meteorology Department forecasts that showers or thundershowers will occur occasionally in the Western, Southern, Sabaragamuwa and Central provinces. Meanwhile, it was reported that due to the heavy rain in Beliaththakumbura, Deniyaya that several houses...

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AG requests SC for a full bench to hear 04/21 petition against IGP and Defence Secretary

COLOMBO (News 1st): The Attorney General requested the Supreme Court today (May 31) to appoint a complete panel of judges headed by the Chief Justice to take up the petitions in which IGP Pujith Jayasundara who was sent on compulsory leave and former Defence Secretary Hemasiri...

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What should we know about gas safety…

Natural gas is an easy and efficient way to heat your home.  It’s great for cooking, it’s healthier for your family, and cleaner than heating your home with wood or pellet stoves during the winter. Natural gas does come with some risks, but by following some simple...

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R. Kelly charged with 11 new felony counts of sexual abuse and assault

REUTERS: Grammy-winning singer R. Kelly was charged on Thursday (May 30) with 11 new felony counts of sexual assault and abuse that could, if he is convicted, send the R & B singer to prison for 30 years, the Chicago Sun Times reported. Kelly was indicted by a Cook County...

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Raptors wins opening game of NBA finals

REUTERS: The Toronto Raptors, with the support of an entire nation behind them, won the first NBA Finals game played outside the United States with a thrilling 118-109 victory over the two-time defending champion Golden State Warriors on Thursday (May 30). Toronto were...

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80 tonnes of rice unsuitable for consumption discovered in Hambantota

COLOMBO (News 1st): 80,000 kg of rice unsuitable for consumption has been discovered from a warehouse in Hambantota. Secretary of the Public Health Inspectors Association, Mahendra Balasuriya claimed that the haul of rice was discovered on a tip off received when they were...

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Pakistan province struggles with hundreds of cases of children infected with HIV

REUTERS: In the dusty town of Ratodero in southern Pakistan, doctors are struggling to cope with an alarming outbreak of young patients infected with HIV, the virus that causes AIDS, with almost 700 of new cases over the past few months, most of them children. But many of the...

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Assange court hearing postponement raise questions in UK

REUTERS: Supporters of WikiLeak’s founder Julian Assange demonstrated outside a London court after the extradition hearing was called off at short notice on Thursday morning. According to Westminster Magistrates Court, the hearing will be adjourned until around June 12 due...

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Mines Bureau to begin reissuing explosives next week

COLOMBO (News 1st): The Geological Survey and Mines Bureau states that the process of providing explosives and gun powder to external parties will recommence under an effective method. A senior spokesperson for the Bureau said that the activities will recommence next week....

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Dispute ends in murder in Godakawela

COLOMBO (News 1st): A 40 year old has been murdered in Godakawela, Rakwana. The police said that the murder was a result of an dispute over money. The victim was identified as a resident of Godakawela. The person who allegedly committed the murder was admitted to the Godakawela...

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Registration now open for Poson Dansals

COLOMBO (News 1st): Registering of dansals for Poson poya has commenced. Secretary of the Public Health Inspectors Association, Mahendra Balasuriya said that the applications to register Dansal could be obtained from the PHI in charge of the respective area. The number of dansals...

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What happened to Rs. 2300 mn of the Suraksha insurance? PCOI begins investigation

COLOMBO (News 1st): The Presidential Commission inquiring into irregularities at state institutions within the past four years is due to take up the complaints regarding the frauds said to have occurred in the Suraksha Insurance and reinsurance; an initiative of the Ministry...

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Goods transport by trains to re-commence tomorrow

COLOMBO (News 1st): The Railway Department states that the transportation of goods on trains that was temporarily suspended due to the  04/21attack will recommence from tomorrow (June 01). Superintendent of Railways Dilantha Fernando said that the process of packing goods...

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Passport issuing fee revised from tomorrow

COLOMBO (News 1st): The Department of Immigration and Emigration has taken measures to increase the fee charged in issuing passports with effect from tomorrow (June 01). In a communique issued by the department it states; The amount charged for the normal service which was...

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England opens the World Cup in style

Colombo (News 1st): Batting first England scored a comfortable 311 runs for the loss of 8 wickets. Winning the toss Proteas skipper Faf Du Plessis decided to bowl first. Ben Stokes top-scored for England with 89 runs. Lungi Ngidi picked up 3 wickets for 66 runs. Chasing a target...

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EVERYTHING YOU NEED TO KNOW TODAY

COLOMBO (News 1st) – Your Friday Morning Brief 1. President Maithripala Sirisena reiterates that he did not receive any prior intel on the 04/21 terror attacks. 2. Police media spokesperson SP Ruwan Gunasekera denies rumours regarding the lack of security at schools...

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Action TV : Failed project forced on CMC under guise of new company

Colombo (News 1st): The official term of the Colombo Municipal Council ended only a year after the government of good governance came into power, after which the responsibilities of the council fell upon the Municipal Commissioner. However evading the Municipal Commissioner,...

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President : Never aware of the 04/21 attacks

Colombo (News 1st): President Maithripala Sirisena reiterated that he was not made aware by anyone of the  04/21 terror attacks. The President’s media division in a statement notes local and international reports which suggest that the President was made aware of the incidents...

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Milinda Rajapaksa shortlisted for One Young World Politician of the Year Award 2019 world prize

Colombo (News 1st): Colombo Municipal Councillor Milinda Rajapaksa has been shortlisted for a prize awarded by the globally acclaimed One Young World institution Milinda Rajapaksa was shortlisted for the One Young World Politician of the Year Award 2019. Milinda is an elected...

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Over 100 people displaced due to a fire in Talawakelle

Colombo (News 1st): More than 100 people belonging to 24 families in the Holyrood area in Talawakelle have been displaced as a result of a fire that erupted in the line houses. The fire erupted last night and initial investigations reveal that the incident took place as a result...

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Samurdhi tamasha in Ampara :Trade unions allege irregularities

Colombo (News 1st): The inauguration ceremony of the program to induct 600,000 families into the Samurdhi Beneficiary Scheme was held today (May 30) at the premises of the G.H. Weerasinghe Grounds in Ampara. The Ampara town and adjoining areas were decorated heavily for the...

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AG to institute legal action against Minister Ravi Karunanayake

Colombo (News 1st): The Attorney General’s Department informed Colombo Chief Magistrate Lanka Jayaratne today (May 30), that it will be taking measures to institute legal action against Minister Ravi Karunanayake for providing false evidence before the Presidential Commission...

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SL needs a leader who can survive any force: Sajith Premadasa

Colombo (News 1st): Deputy leader of the UNP, Minister Sajith Premadasa expressing his views at an event in Ahatu weva today (May 30) noted that at least at the turning point taking place in 2019, the program to transform Sri Lanka into another Singapore, requires the...

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SP Ruwan Gunasekera debunks rumours of the lack of security at schools

Colombo (News 1st): Police media spokesperson SP Ruwan Gunasekera today (May 30) said there is no truth to the rumours spreading of a lack of security at schools. The Police media spokesperson requested the general public not to be deceived by such false reports. “We have observed...

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Govt. funds Dr Neville Fernando Private Hospital

Colombo (News 1st): Health Secretary Wasantha Perera appeared before the Presidential Commission of Inquiry Probing Fraud and Corruption over the past 04 years at state institutions over a complaint which claims public funds were used to maintain the Dr Neville Fernando Teaching...

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University of Kelaniya closed again

Colombo (News 1st): All faculties at the University of Kelaniya except the Medical Faculty were closed today until further notice. Officers at the University had informed students to leave the university premises by 10 am. Following the opposition of certain student groups,...

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GMOA requests President to remove Health Minister

Colombo (News 1st): The GMOA has requested the President to remove Minister of Health Dr Rajitha Senaratne from his position with immediate effect.  The letter requesting for legal action to be taken against the Health Minister highlights three main reasons. The first...

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Councillor Shermila Gonawela files a petition against Garbage disposal scheme at CMC

Colombo (News 1st): Colombo Municipal Councillor Shermila Gonawela filed a petition at the Supreme Court today (May 30) alleging that her rights were violated through irregularities in the garbage disposal scheme at the Colombo Municipal Council. The petition alleges that the...

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Malwatte Mahanayake celebrates 75th birthday

Colombo (News 1st): Today (May 30) marks the 75th birthday of the Most Venerable Thibbatuwawe Sri Sumangala Thero, Mahanayaka of the Malwatte Chapter of the Siyam Nikaya. Most Venerable Thibbatuwawe Sri Sumangala Thero was born on May 30, 1944. The Thero hails from Sri Siddhartha...

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Kitchen Remodel Ideas That Pay Off

Kitchens are a place of sustenance and sociability. Food, family, and friends mingle to create a winning combination. So it makes perfect sense that remodels are so often geared toward the kitchen. But what about thinking of your kitchen in the long-term sense, in terms of...

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5 Ways to Decorate With Vintage Ladders…

When a ladder is no longer safe to climb, it used to be forgotten about and exposed to the elements. In recent years, savvy homeowners have been repurposing these unused wooden gems into some fun home decor projects. One tried-and-true way to add rustic appeal to your home...

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AG instructed Acting IGP to enforce traffic laws equally across the country

Colombo (News 1st): As a result of media reports and taking note of the evidence presented with regard to the non enforcement of traffic laws in the eastern province namely the violations such as non-usage of helmets by motorcyclists the Attorney General has instructed acting...

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Around 100,000 people do not have a birth certificate

Colombo (News 1st): Registrar General’s Department says that around 100,000 Sri Lankans do not have a birth certificate. Registrar General N.C. Vithanage said a program is in place to issue birth certificates immediately to such people. He added information is gathered...

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PM Modi may visit Sri Lanka along with Maldives

Prime Minister Narendra Modi could make a short visit to Sri Lanka on his way to or back from the Maldives in early June, during his first visit overseas in his second term. While his visit to the Maldives would underline the primacy of neighbours and India’s neighbourhood...

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How to Build a Garden Trellis…

A garden trellis is one of the few landscaping elements that literally blankets itself with flowers and foliage. A garden trellis brings a welcome sense of peace and serenity to your property. With basic tools, inexpensive materials, and a free day or two, you can build a simple...

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CID to analyse 1800 contacts linked to April 21st suicide bombers

Colombo (News 1st): The Criminal Investigations Department has begun analysing more than 1800 telephone numbers the April 21st Suicide Bombers contacted before the attacks. This was confirmed to News 1st by Police Spokesperson SP Ruwan Gunasekera. CID to analyse 1800 contacts...

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Islandwide accidents: 4 die including 3 of the same family

COLOMBO (News 1st) – Three people died in a road accident in Sinharagama, Anuradhapura today(May 30). Police stated that a three-wheeler that was travelling from Nochchiyagama to Anuradhapura had collided with a container truck which was travelling in the opposite direction....

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President refutes allegations that he received intel on terror attack

COLOMBO (News 1st) – The President’s Media Unit in a press release states that President Maithripala Sirisena was not informed of the April 21st attacks. According to the PMD, the president stated that local and international reports which suggest the President was made...

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20 Sri Lankan asylum seekers sent back by Australian authorities

COLOMBO (News 1st) – A boat carrying 20 Sri Lankan asylum seekers has been intercepted on its way to Australia. The Department of Home Affairs and Deputy Prime Minister Michael McCormack have confirmed that authorities intercepted the boat last week and the asylum...

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New Air Force Commander assumes duties

COLOMBO (News 1st) – New Commander of the Air Force, Air Marshal Sumangala Dias assumed duties this morning(May 30). Air Marshal Sumangala Dias is the 17th Commander of the Sri Lanka Air Force. Addressing those present he said that his utmost goal is to strengthen the...

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Ferrari accelerates move into hybrid cars

Reuters – Ferrari presented a luxury car with a difference on Wednesday (May 29) a hybrid model that can cruise silently through city streets on electric power as well as hitting a top speed of 340 km per hour. Fitted with a 1,000 horsepower engine developed from Formula...

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Baby meerkats melt hearts at Thai zoo

Reuters – A zoo in southern Thailand has welcomed four newly-born meerkats into its family, drawing attention from tourists eager to see the small mammals up close. Officials from the Songkhla zoo said the three-week old cubs were born from second-time meerkat parents,...

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Ravi K. and daughter to appear before CID for providing false evidence

COLOMBO (News 1st) – The Attorney General’s Department informed Colombo Chief Magistrate Lanka Jayaratne today(May 30), that it will be taking measures to institute legal action against Minister Ravi Karunanayake for providing false evidence before the Presidential Commission...

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