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 parties including the Sri Lanka Freedom party attended this event. The parties that signed […]
SLFP-SLPP coalition, Sri Lanka Nidahas Podujana Alliance formed
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 diverted to Katunayake. Since Sajith Premadasa’s failure to arrive at the rally, […]
Sajith Premadasa’s arrival at Kurunegala failed due to a sabotage attempt : Tissa Attanayake
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 Candidate of the NDF: “All agreements signed with foreign nations will […]
I will review all the foreign agreements after November 16th : Sajith Premadasa
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 go to their respective polling stations to vote for the presidential election. The identification […]
Two leading presidential candidates spend Rs 750mn for advertising
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 Sangha, religious leaders, leaders of political parties and members of the general […]
Sajith Premadasa’s election manifesto unveiled : 20 key highlights
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 of registered postal voters for this year’s election is 659,514. The […]
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, were carried out under the guidance of the Attorney […]
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 aerial videos from Saturday’s raid showed U.S. special operations forces […]
U.S. releases Baghdadi raid video, warns of likely retribution attack
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 action will be taken against the person who committed the offence, certifying officer of […]
Guideline issued for private sector employees to exercise their mandate : NEC
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 the 03rd suspect in the case, and it will be taken up again on February […]
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 advertising on Twitter globally,” said Twitter CEO Jack Dorsey in a statement here “We […]
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 feeding into innovations that are redefining the way people reproduce, grow food, live, […]
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. Additionally, a female superintendent of Police has been […]
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 attack on the Saudi Aramco oil installation, that took […]
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, the vendors sell imported apples which are not fit for human consumption in the […]
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 1st correspondents noted that several areas in the Matara and Hambantota Districts […]
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 best interest of Sri Lanka. He made a specific comment about the ACSA […]
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 unveiled to the public at an event at the Queens Hotel in Kandy this […]
1st copies of Sajith’s manifesto presented to Malwathu and Asgiri chief prelates
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, will cast their vote today and tomorrow. Police Officers, Elections Commission employees […]
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 of the Sri Lanka Freedom Party President Maithripala Sirisena, and the Leader […]
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 the Chief Prelates of the Malwathu and Asgiri Chapters. According to […]
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 parties including the Sri Lanka Freedom Party will be signed at […]
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. The hospital is well known for performing […]
Kandy Teaching Hospital officially named a National Hospital
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: “Waidyalankara who was appointed to nab thieves has been nabbed by thieves. He was bought for money and now he is […]
Waidyalankara who was appointed to nab thieves has been nabbed by thieves : Thalatha Athukorale
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 he is more than ready to take up the responsibility of the security for all nationalities and […]
These leaders need conflicts to run a country : Anura Kumara
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 the participation of several politicians representing the Sri Lanka Podujana Permuna, had named him as being […]
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 of integrity to work in close collaboration with all to safeguard the freedom and rights […]
Catholic Bishop’s Conference advises citizens to act wisely in presidential election
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 the 2019 Presidential Election. Out of which six hundred and […]
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 Ranatunga pledged his support to Minister Sajith Premadasa during this rally. Minister Sajith Premadasa […]
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: “In the long term, we plan to abolish the exam centred education system that is currently […]
I will abolish the exam oriented education system : Gotabaya Rajapaksa
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 letter. However, after a statement was made by a so […]
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 as the prime minister and Sajith Premadasa as the president. However, presidential candidate stated […]
I will be the Prime Minister of the government : Ranil Wickremesinghe
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 or after? Prime Minister responded that it would be signed before the […]
MCC agreement would be signed before elections : Prime Minister
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 were received. Two of those complaints related to acts of violence, […]
2138 election complaints reported to the Election Commission
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 Dengue Control Programs centering 22 districts are taking place across the country […]
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 jobs of almost 400,000 people directly involved in projects through supplies , contracts and […]
Government only wanted to insult Mahinda Rajapaksa : Gotabaya Rajapaksa
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, Cambodia on Thursday (October 24). The next morning, a bag containing […]
Cambodian police, sniffer dogs look for missing British woman
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 divorce that was originally supposed to take place on […]
Britain set for Dec. 12 election to break the Brexit deadlock
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 that he and his fellow business partners […]
Chinese cafe owner turns his dogs into pandas to draw in the crowds
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 Crimes division on the 14th of […]
Suspect sentenced to death for drug posession and racketeering
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.
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 meeting held at the National Election Commission with Presidential candidates, political party representatives and secretaries. He said that several […]
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 pressure system on […]
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 be declared open today. The President’s media unit also noted that President Maitripala Sirisena is […]
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 to Medicine and Paramedic Services, Upul Rohana speaking to News 1st stated that a number of professionals including Phramacists and Radiologists […]
Supplementary and Paramedical health officials launch strike
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 of the Movement, Anura Kumara Dissanayake today. Anura Kumara Dissanayaka: “There have been 15 governments in power […]
It is time to embrace something fresh with JVP, says Anura Kumara Dissanayake
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 are slinging mud at me for a recent statement I made, over a progressive decision […]
Opposition is bashing me for true concern over women : Sajith Premadasa
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 funds for traffic management in Colombo, Road Construction island-wide, and land […]
US$ 480mn MCC grant : Those who shed their blood for independence would be ashamed today
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. Representatives of parties including Sri Lanka Podujana Peramuna, New Democratic Front and Janatha […]
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 account, was approved in parliament today. The finance ministry said […]
The Department of Meteorology says showers or thundershowers are likely in parts of the Northern, North-central, Eastern and Uva provinces t...
