SLFP-SLPP coalition, Sri Lanka Nidahas Podujana Alliance formed

COLOMBO (News 1st) – The memorandum of understanding to establish the Sri Lanka Nidahas Podujana Alliance was signed at the Sri Lanka Foundation Institute in Colombo today (October 31). The event was chaired by Presidential Candidate of the SLPP Gotabaya Rajapaksa. 17...

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Sajith Premadasa’s arrival at Kurunegala failed due to a sabotage attempt : Tissa Attanayake

COLOMBO (News 1st) – Presidential Candidate Sajith Premadasa faced an unexpected situation last night when he arrived in Kurunegala to attend a public rally. The issue arose when attempting to land the helicopter carrying Sajith Premadasa and as a result, the helicopter was...

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I will review all the foreign agreements after November 16th : Sajith Premadasa

COLOMBO(News 1st) – Presidential Candidate of the New Democratic Front Sajith Premadasa called on the Chief Prelates this morning. Premadasa met with the Chief Prelate of the Asgiriya Chapter of the Siam Sect and handed over his Manifesto to the Ven. Thero. Sajith Premadasa, Presidential...

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Two leading presidential candidates spend Rs 750mn for advertising

COLOMBO(News 1st) – The Elections Commission issuing a communique notes that it is compulsory for all electors to bring documents of identification to the polling stations. The communique states that electors must bring one of the following identification documents when they...

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Sajith Premadasa’s election manifesto unveiled : 20 key highlights

COLOMBO (News 1st) – Presidential candidate of the New Democratic Front Sajith Premadasa unveiled his manifesto to the general public today in Kandy. The manifesto titled Sajith’s Social revolution was launched at the Queens Hotel. The attendees at the event included the Maha...

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Postal voting concludes tomorrow

COLOMBO (News 1st) – Casting of postal votes for the 2019 Presidential Election commenced this morning. Allocations have been made for registered postal voters to cast their vote today and tomorrow between 8:30 am and 4:15 pm, at their respective workplaces. The total number...

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MCC aggrement to be presented in parliament : Bar Association advises a democratic debate before approval

COLOMBO (News 1st) – The Finance Ministry issuing a media release says the MCC agreement drafted with the consent of the Attorney General will be presented in Parliament. The media release further states, the whole process and the final agreements, with regard to the MCC Compact,...

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U.S. releases Baghdadi raid video, warns of likely retribution attack

Reuters – The Pentagon on Wednesday released its first images from last weekend’s commando raid in Syria that led to the death of Islamic State leader Abu Bakr al-Baghdadi and warned the militant group may attempt to stage a “retribution attack.” The declassified, grainy, black-and-white...

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Guideline issued for private sector employees to exercise their mandate : NEC

COLOMBO (News 1st) – The National Elections Commission has launched an investigation over an incident where a marked postal ballot paper was shared on social media. Commissioner-General of the National Elections Commission Saman Sri Ratnayake speaking to News 1st said strict...

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Professor Ananda Samarasekara ordered to be arrested

COLOMBO(News 1st) – Colombo Additional Magistrate Shalani Perera issued a warrant today (October 31) for the arrest of Professor Ananda Samarasekara, the former Chief JMO of Colombo for failing to appear in court over the Wasim Thajudeen homicide case. Samarasekera is...

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Twitter to ban political ads in apparent swipe at Facebook

Reuters – Twitter Inc (TWTR.N) will ban political advertising on its platform next month, the company’s chief executive said on Wednesday, a move that won praise from Democrats and scorn from Donald Trump’s presidential campaign. “We’ve made the decision to stop all political...

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4ir and the future of work in Sri Lanka

COLOMBO(News 1st) – 4IR AND THE FUTURE OF WORK IN SRI LANKA From the IPS flagship publication ‘Sri Lanka: State of the Economy 2019’ Scientific breakthroughs in a broad spectrum of fields including genetics, artificial intelligence (AI), nanotechnology and 3D printing, are...

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102 Police Superintendents promoted

Colombo (News 1st): 102 Superintendents of Police have been promoted to the rank of SSP. The promotions were given the approval of the Police Commission and the Elections Commission. The promotions were awarded to 87 SP’s of whom 14 SPs are attached to the Special Task Force....

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Litro assures continued supply of gas

Colombo (News 1st): Litro Gas has assured consumers of continued supply despite the LPG shortage experienced during the past weeks. Issuing a statement, Litro Gas said there has been an understandable shortage of LP gas in the market due to various reasons, such as the drone...

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Apples not fit for consumption being sold

Colombo (News 1st): The Public Health Investigators Union have revealed a scam involving apples that are not fit for human consumption. Its Secretary Mahinda Balasuriya noted that this was discovered following a special operation carried out in the Polonnaruwa district. Accordingly,...

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Schools in Hambantota and Mulatiyana to remain closed

Colombo (News 1st): Education Ministry in the Southern Province noted that schools in the Hambantota district and Mulatiyana Educational Zone, Matara will remain closed tomorrow (November 1) as well. This is due to the risk of floods and landslides caused by heavy rains. News...

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“Not bound to uphold any international agreement unless it’s in Sri Lanka’s best interest”, Sajith assures Mahanayake Theras

Colombo (News 1st): Making a statement to the Chief Prelate of the Asgiriya Chapter, NDF Presidential Candidate Sajith Premadasa said he would relook at all international agreements signed by the governments both past and present and decide on commitments only based on the...

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1st copies of Sajith’s manifesto presented to Malwathu and Asgiri chief prelates

Colombo (News 1st): The first copies of New Democratic Front Presidential Candidate Sajith Premadasa’s manifesto were presented to the chief prelates of the Malwathu and Asgiri Chapters this morning (October 31). The manifesto titled “Sajith’s Social Revolution” is to be officialy...

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Postal voting to be held today and tomorrow

Colombo (News 1st): The Polling of Postal Voting for the 2019 Presidential Election will be held today (October 31) and tomorrow (November 1). State sector officials that have qualified for postal voting except those in the Police, the Elections Commission and District offices,...

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MoU to be signed between SLPP and 15 parties

Colombo (News 1st): The Memorandum of Understanding surrounding the formation of the Sri Lanka Nidahasa Podujana Alliance, an alliance comprising 16 parties, will be signed today (October 31). The signing will take place at 9.30 AM at the Sri Lanka Foundation Institute. Chairman...

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Sajith’s manifesto to be unveiled today

Colombo (News 1st): The Manifesto of the New Democratic Front will be vested with the public today (October 31), by its Presidential candidate Sajith Premadasa. The manifesto named Sajith’s Social Revolution, will be launched in Kandy. The first copies will be handed over to...

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EVERYTHING YOU NEED TO KNOW TODAY

COLOMBO (News 1st) Your Thursday Morning Brief 1. Schools in the Hambantota district and Mulatiyana Education Zone in Matara will remain closed due to the prevailing weather conditions. 2. The agreement to form an alliance between the Sri Lanka Podujana Peramuna and 15 other...

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Kandy Teaching Hospital officially named a National Hospital

COLOMBO (News 1st) – The Kandy Teaching Hospital was officially made a National Hospital today (October 30). Set up in 1860 as an infectious disease hospital, the Kandy Teaching Hospital was given its name in 1964 and today it is a fully equipped hospital in the Central Province....

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Waidyalankara who was appointed to nab thieves has been nabbed by thieves : Thalatha Athukorale

COLOMBO (News 1st) – Minister of Justice Thalatha Atukorale and the Police media spokesperson SP Ruwan Gunasekara shared their thoughts and situation report regarding the ongoing investigation into retired Senior DIG Ravi Waidyaalankara. Minister Thalatha Atukorale:...

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These leaders need conflicts to run a country : Anura Kumara

COLOMBO (News 1st) – Presidential candidate of the People’s Power Movement Anura Kumara Dissanayaka attended a public rally held in Kinnya, Trincomalee yesterday(October 29). Many politicians and Civil activists were present at the rally. Anura Kumara Dissanayake stated that...

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Ambassador Dr. Dayan Jayatilleke responds to rumours

COLOMBO (News 1st) – Issuing a communique, Dr Dayan Jayatilleka, the Ambassador to Russia has responded to allegations levelled against him, regarding a Presidential Candidate. In this release, Dr Jayatilleka highlights, that at a meeting held yesterday (October 29) with...

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Catholic Bishop’s Conference advises citizens to act wisely in presidential election

COLOMBO (News 1st) – The Catholic Bishop’s Conference in Sri Lanka calls on citizens to discern wisely and courageously on the choice of Presidential Candidate. Issuing a statement, the Catholic Bishop’s Conference said the chosen presidential candidate should be a person...

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Postal voting for presidential election commences tomorrow

COLOMBO (News 1st) – Postal voting for the 2019 Presidential Election is scheduled to take place tomorrow and the day after tomorrow (October 31). The total number of seven hundred and seventeen thousand nine hundred and eighteen (717,918) had applied to cast postal votes for...

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Wages will be increased by 107% : Sajith Premadasa

COLOMBO (News 1st) – Presidential candidate of the New Democratic Front Minister Sajith Premadasa attended public rallies held in the North, North Central, Eastern, North-Western and Western Provinces today (October 30). A public rally was held in Minuwangoda: UPFA MP Ruwan...

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I will abolish the exam oriented education system : Gotabaya Rajapaksa

COLOMBO (News 1st) Presidential Candidate of the Sri Lanka Podujana Peramuna Gotabaya Rajapaksa addressed several public rallies today (October 30). Gotabaya Rajapaksa was given a warm reception at the Public Rally held at the Ruwanwella public grounds. Gotabaya Rajapaksa:...

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Wasantha Senanayake dares UNP to remove him from the party

COLOMBO(News 1st) – State Minister Wasantha Senanayake convened a media briefing today (October 30) and said: “I was of the view that I should tender my letter of resignation to President Sirisena, and resign from my ministerial position. In fact I have already prepared this...

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I will be the Prime Minister of the government : Ranil Wickremesinghe

COLOMBO (News 1st) Prime Minister Ranil Wickremesinghe convened a media briefing at Temple Trees this morning. Journalist: Will economic changes be made next year under your prime ministership? Prime Minister Ranil Wickremesinghe responded saying yes and it would be under him...

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MCC agreement would be signed before elections : Prime Minister

COLOMBO (News 1st) Several opinions were expressed today at the media briefing organised by the Prime Minister regarding the MCC agreement. Journalist: There was an announcement stating the MCC agreement was given approval by the cabinet. Will it be signed before the election...

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2138 election complaints reported to the Election Commission

COLOMBO (News 1st)  As of midnight yesterday (October 29), a total of 2138 complaints relating to the Presidential Election were made to the National Elections Commission. The NEC said during a 24-hour window which ended at 04:30 pm on Monday (October 28), 124 complaints...

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Dengue on the rise due to rainy weather : Health Ministry

COLOMBO (News 1st) – The Health Ministry warned dengue is spreading across several areas in the country due to heavy rains. National Dengue Control Unit Director, Dr Aruna Jayasekara said during the past few weeks more than 8,000 dengue patients were reported. He said...

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Government only wanted to insult Mahinda Rajapaksa : Gotabaya Rajapaksa

COLOMBO (News 1st) – Sri Lanka Podujana Peramuna Presidential Candidate Gotabaya Rajapaksa slammed the present government for suspending all projects launched by the previous government adding that it was the sole reason for the economy to collapse. He said it cost the...

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Cambodian police, sniffer dogs look for missing British woman

COLOMBO(News 1st) – Police and sniffer dogs have joined the search for missing British backpacker Amelia Bambridge on the island of Koh Rong, Cambodia on Wednesday (October 30). Bambridge, 21, disappeared after attending a beach party on the popular tourist island of Koh Rong,...

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Britain set for Dec. 12 election to break the Brexit deadlock

Reuters – Britain will hold its first December election in almost a century after Prime Minister Boris Johnson won approval from parliament on Tuesday (October 28) for an early ballot aimed at breaking the Brexit deadlock. After the European Union granted a third delay to the...

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Chinese cafe owner turns his dogs into pandas to draw in the crowds

Reuters – A pet café in Chengdu, Southwest China, went viral online last week after the café owner dyed his six baby Chow Chow dogs black and white to resemble pandas. Co-founder of the recently opened “Candy Planet Pet Cafe” and owner of the Chow Chows, Lu Yunning, said...

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Suspect sentenced to death for drug posession and racketeering

Colombo (News 1st) – A suspect who was indicted on charges of posession of heroin (9.06g) and racketeering was sentenced to death today by Colombo High Court Judge Gihan Kulatunga. The suspect a 38 year old father of two and a resident of Rajagiriya was arrested by the Colombo...

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2nd T20I : Sri Lanka vs Australia in Brisbane

Colombo (News 1st) – The 2nd T20I between Sri lanka and Australia is currently underway in Brisbane.  Sri Lanka won the toss and chose to bat first. Catch all the action live on Sirasa TV. 2nd T20I : Sri Lanka vs Australia in Brisban...

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NEC Chairman issues warning to Presidential Candidates

Colombo (News 1st) –  The National Election Commission has warned Presidential Candidates against holding any events promoting a candidate inside state institutions. Elections Commissioner General Saman Sri Ratnayake said the instructions were issued yesterday during a...

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Expect another day of heavy rain

Colombo (News 1st) – The Met. Department noted that the low pressure area in the bay of Begal is currently located to the West of Sri Lanka and is on a tragectory which is leading it away from the country. The department expects a gradual reduction in the effects of the low...

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Several projects under Uma oya to be declared open

Colombo (News 1st) – Several projects attached to the Uma Oya Multipurpose Development project are set to be vested in the public today under the patronage of President Maithripala Sirisena. The four reservoirs of Alikotara, Dayabara, Puhulpola and Handapanagala are to...

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Supplementary and Paramedical health officials launch strike

Colombo (News 1st) – Personelle attached to 21 Professions Supplementary to Medicine and Paramedic Services unions are currently engaged in a one day trade union action citing a number of demands. Chairman of the  Joint Council of Professions Supplementary...

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It is time to embrace something fresh with JVP, says Anura Kumara Dissanayake

COLOMBO (News 1st) – Presidential Candidate of the National People’s Power Movement attended a women’s convention in Kattankudy today (October 29). Women activists representing the Muslim community attended the event held to ensure the victory of the Presidential Candidate...

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Opposition is bashing me for true concern over women : Sajith Premadasa

COLOMBO (News 1st) – Presidential Candidate of the New Democratic Front, Sajith Premadasa attended several public rallies today (October 29). Sajith Premadasa was warmly welcomed by those present at a public rally in Divulapitiya, Gampaha today. Sajith Premadasa: “My opponents...

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US$ 480mn MCC grant : Those who shed their blood for independence would be ashamed today

COLOMBO (News 1st)  The Cabinet of Ministers today (October 29) approved the implementation of a US$ 480mn MCC grant. The proposal was presented by Minister of Finance Mangala Samaraweera. According to a release issued by the Ministry of Finance, the MCC consists of grant...

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Polling time period extended : NEC

COLOMBO(News 1st) – The National Election Commission has decided to extend the period to cast the vote at the Presidential Election. The announcement was made by the Chairman of the Commission Mahinda Deshapriya. The NEC convened a meeting with all political parties today....

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Luxury tax on vehicles revised

COLOMBO(News 1st) – The Finance Ministry announced that it will revise the scheme of luxury tax on vehicles with effect from the 1st of November. The proposal to amend the luxury tax imposed on vehicles, submitted by Finance Minister Mangala Samaraweera through the vote on...

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