Colombo (News 1st): The Embassy of Switzerland to Sri Lanka issued an official statement with reference to the incident that transpired recently. The statement read “A serious security incident involving a local employee of the Embassy of Switzerland in Colombo occurred. The employee was detained against their will in the street, forced to get into […]
Swiss Staffer Detention: Embassy issues an official statement
Colombo (News 1st): The Human Rights Commission of Sri Lanka has called on Acting Inspector General of Police C.D. Wickremeratne to conduct a thorough and impartial investigation, into the incident where an employee of the Switzerland Embassy was abducted. Writing a letter to the Acting IGP, the HRCSL said a speedy and impartial investigation into […]
Swiss Staffer Detention: HRCSL calls for a thorough and impartial investigation
Colombo (News 1st): Minister of State Administration, Internal Affairs, Provincial Council and Local Government Janaka Bandara Tennakoon expressed the following views in Badulla today (November 30). Minister Janaka Bandara Tennakoon said when the previous government took away the rights of officers in the development sector it was a huge injustice. He added that the President and […]
Cabinet paper to provide political freedom: Minister Janaka Bandara Tennakoon
Colombo (News 1st): Sri Lanka will reform the Credit Information Bureau listing (CRIB) with a scoring system for lenders, instead of listing customers as bad debtors. Deputy Governor of the Central Bank H.A. Karunaratne expressed the following views. H.A. Karunaratne: We have designed to give a new phase to the CRIB report, by introducing a scoring […]
Colombo (News 1st): While reaffirming its commitment to mine action under the Ottawa Convention, Canada has announced $8.3 million to support mine-affected communities including Sri Lanka. Canadian Minister of Foreign Affairs François-Philippe Champagne, and Karina Gould, Minister of International Development, issuing a statement said the new funding includes $2 million for landmine clearance in northern […]
Canada announces $2 million support for landmine clearance in Northern Sri Lanka
Colombo (News 1st): Today marks the 6th day of the international campaign “16 days of activism against gender-based violence”. According to a study commissioned by the United Nations Population Fund, 90% of women in Sri Lanka have been subjected to sexual harassment on public transport. Sexual harassment on public transport may occur in varying degrees […]
6th day of international campaign against gender-based violence
Colombo (News 1st): A woman and a child were killed in elephant attacks that took place in Polonnaruwa and Matale within a 48 hour period. Residents say that if immediate action is not taken against the wild elephant menace, this could escalate to a catastrophic level. The villagers of Alewewa in Polonnaruwa have been burdened […]
Colombo (News 1st): Defence Secretary Retired Major General Kamal Guneratne arrived in Kandy today (November 30). Upon his arrival in the ancient city, the Defence Secretary paid homage to the Temple of the Tooth Relic and thereafter worshipped the Sacred Tooth Relic. Following the religious observances, the Defence Secretary responded to questions raised by journalists. […]
Colombo (News 1st): President Gotabaya Rajapaksa is due to arrive in the island tonight (November 30), following the completion of his two-day official state visit to India. Indian President Ram Nath Kovind said visiting India, as President Gotabaya Rajapaksa’s first official foreign tour after assuming duties as President, begins a new chapter in the historic […]
Colombo (News 1st): The Consumer Affairs Authority (CAA) states that special raids have been launched to nab vendors selling food that is not suitable for the festive season. The Assistant Director of the CAA Priyantha Wijesinghe stated that the raids will be carried out in all 25 districts till the 15th of January. Accordingly, the […]
Colombo (News 1st): The Ministry of Health states that a special dengue eradication program is being implemented today (November 30) and tomorrow (December 1) surrounding the GCE Ordinary Level examination centres. Director of the National Dengue Eradication Unit, specialist Dr Aruna Jayasekara stated that accordingly, all public health officers have been informed to carry out […]
Colombo (News 1st): The Meteorological Department issuing a Rain Advisory today (November 30) noted that heavy showers about 100-150 mm are likely at some places in the Northern, North-central, North-Western, Sabaragamuwa and Central provinces and in the Trincomalee district. It adds that fairly heavy showers about 100 mm are likely at some places elsewhere particularly […]
Colombo (News 1st) – Former President Maithripala Sirisena says he is not done serving the people of the country. Attending a felicitation ceremony in Polonnaruwa today, the former head of state noted that even though some believe the this is the end of his political career, his journey is yet to conclude. He added that […]
Former President Maithripala Sirisena promises rebirth in politics
Colombo (News 1st): The Swiss Embassy has handed over information regarding the abduction of one of its employees to the Criminal Investigation Department. Police Media Spokesperson SSP Ruwan Gunasekara noted that the CID had requested the Swiss Ambassador to provide information regarding the incident inorder to carry out the investigation. A team of officers from […]
Swiss Embassy hands over information on staffer abduction to the CID
Colombo (News 1st) – 6 individuals attached to 2 organised criminal gangs were apprehended by the Police STF during raids conducted this morning. According to the Police, the arrested suspects are linked to crimes such as murder, extortion and illegal sand mining. The Police added that the suspects are accomplices of the individuals known as […]
Colombo (News 1st) – United National Party MP Sajith Premadasa has requested President Gotabaya Rajapaksa not to betray the mandate given to him by the people of this country. Issuing a release, MP Sajith Premadasa said that certain events in the country have instilled fear among the people. The MP said the incident where an employee […]
Colombo (News 1st) – 13 Sri Lankan fishermen have been arrested by Maldivian authorities according to the Department of Fisheries. Asst. Director of the Department’s search operations unit, Padmapriya Thissera notes that they have begun discussions with the Government of Maldives to free the fishermen. The arrested persons had set off to sea onboard the […]
Colombo (News 1st): President Gotabaya Rajapaksa was given a ceremonial welcome at the Rashtrapati Bhavan in New Delhi this morning. The President was awarded a military guard of honour after he was greeted by his Indian counterpart Ram Nath Kovind. While congratulating the new President of Sri Lanka, the Indian President Ram Nath Kovind said […]
President Gotabaya Rajapaksa meets Indian President Ram Nath Kovind
Colombo (News 1st): State Minister of Energy Rohitha Abeygunewardena affirmed once again, that the fuel price formula will be abolished. He noted that there is no need for a government to increase and reduce the price of fuel when fuel prices in the world markets change. He added that the government is needed to protect […]
Fuel price formula will be abolished: State Minister Rohitha Abeygunewardena
Colombo (News 1st): The Government assured that the Suraksha Students Insurance will not be abolished. Ranjith Siyambalapitiya assuming duties as State Minister of Educational Services, explained the student welfare program. He said; “Within two weeks after schools reopen, we will provide the vouchers for uniforms and shoes. And another thing that was discussed is this […]
Colombo (News 1st): The Central Bank has decided to maintain its accommodative monetary policy with the Standing Deposit Facility Rate and the Standing Lending Facility Rate, at their current levels of 7% and 8%, respectively. With the intention of boosting economic growth, The Central Bank reduced policy rates during several instances in the recent past. […]
Colombo (News 1st): Prime Minister Mahinda Rajapaksa says a complaint with regard to the alleged incident where a Sri Lankan employee of the Embassy of Switzerland was abducted, has not been received yet. The Prime Minister added that the Criminal Investigation Department has commenced an investigation although a complaint has not been lodged. Meanwhile, several […]
Swiss embassy incident is a conspiracy against the govt. : State Minister Vasudeva Nanayakkara
Colombo (News 1st): Presidential secretary P.B. Jayasundara in a letter to all Ministry secretaries has conveyed instructions regarding the management of public enterprises, state institutions, and state-owned commercial enterprises The letter calls on the ministry secretaries to consult with their relevant ministers and call on existing Chairpersons and Board Directors of state institutions, that come […]
Ministry secretaries receive instructions on State Institutions
Colombo (News 1st): MP Ajith P Perera expressed the following views at a media briefing regarding the future of the United National Party. He noted that new leadership is needed for the UNP and for the opposition. He added that everyone who voted for them and the ones who didn’t vote for them know, that […]
Colombo (News 1st): The Forensic Audit Report prepared by International Experts on the Central Bank Treasury Bond Scam was submitted to the Committee on Public Enterprises (COPE). Speaking to News 1st today Chairman of COPE Sunil Handunnetti noted that they have received copies of the report and it is them who will decide on submitting it […]
* The article originally appeared on www.aljazeera.com Iraqi Prime Minister Adel Abdul Mahdi has said he will submit his resignation to the country’s parliament after a day of intense bloodshed amid mass anti-government demonstrations. Abdul Mahdi’s decision, announced in a statement on Friday, came in response to a call for a change of leadership by […]
Colombo (News 1st) – The Inter-Club Rugby League set to kick off this evening with the Navy SC taking on Havelock SC while CH & FC takes on the Army SC. 8 clubs will be vying for the league crown this year with Kandy seeking to retain its championship for the 6th consecutive year. Founder […]
Colombo (News 1st): State Minister of Investment Promotion Keheliya Rambukwella speaking about the garbage issue noted that importing garbage is not an investment to the country. However, he added that garbage has now become a commercial product and what is important is knowing how to use it properly. He noted garbage is a good way […]
Loans should be replaced with Foreign investments: State Min. Keheliya Rambukwella
Colombo (News 1st) – Following the meeting between President Gotabaya Rajapaksa and Indian Premier Narendra Modi, the two heads of state hosted a joint media briefing. Addressing the briefing President Gotbaya Rajapaksa noted that his meeting with PM Modi was very cordial and reassuring adding that several important issues were discussed. National security took priority […]
President Gotabaya Rajapaksa thanks India for $400mn LOC to develop infrastructure and economy
Colombo (News 1st) – President Gotabaya Rajapaksa who is on an official visit to India met with Indian Premier Narendra Modi and President Ram Nath Kovind today. In a tweet, the Indian premier noted that he was happy to receive President Gotabaya Rajapaksa on his first overseas visit as the President of Sri Lanka. PM Modi […]
Colombo (News 1st) – The Speaker’s office notes that Mahinda Deshapriya has submitted a request to the President to step down from the position of Chairman of the Elections Commission. Responding to the request, the Speaker as the Chairman of the Constitutional Council has requested Deshapriya to remain in the position. The speaker has also commended […]
Colombo (News 1st) – The Supreme Court has issued an interim injunction preventing overseas travel for Jude Anthony Jayamaha. Jayamaha was convicted of the infamous Royal Park murder and was sentenced to death in 2012 before he received a Presidential pardon on the 10th of this month. The order was issued when a petition filed against […]
SC issues order preventing overseas travel for Jude Anthony Jayamaha
Colombo (News 1st) – All registered political party leaders have been requested to attend a meeting at the National Elections Commission on the 4th of December. The meeting which is set to take place at 10am will be chaired by the Chairman of the Commission, Mahinda Deshapriya. The meeting is set to focus on matters […]
Party leaders to meet in December to discuss General Election
Colombo (News 1st) – Minister of Plantation Industries Dr. Ramesh Pathirana states that the Cabinet of Ministers has decided to ban the cultivation of oil palm. The Minister stated that the decision was reached at the recent cabinet meeting and added that the Government would take steps to enforce the ban. Protests were held in […]
Colombo (News 1st) – Operations along the Northern Railway line which were disrupted due to the derailing of the Yal Devi train have been restored. The Railway control room notes that services to Anuradhapura, Jaffna, and KKS began, as usual, this morning. The Northern Railway Line suffered considerable damages on Wednesday (Nov 27) when 5 […]
Colombo (News 1st) – The 3rd term of academic activities at Government schools ends today. Schools will commence academic activities for the new year on the 2nd of January. Education officials have informed School administrations to conduct cleaning activities at their respective school together with the parents, before the start of the new academic year, […]
Colombo (News 1st) – President Gotabaya Rajapaksa is due to meet Indian President Ram Nath Kovind and Prime Minister Narendra Modi today on his official two-day visit to India. President’s Media Director General Mohan Samaranayake said the welcome ceremony for President Rajapaksa will be held at the Indian President’s House today. He said bilateral talks […]
Colombo (News 1st) – The Police arrested two men for the possession of 124 counterfeit Rs 5000 notes from Kurunegala and also seized a computer used for the printing of these fake notes. Police said the suspects had used the fake notes to purchase groceries from a store in Kurunegala adding the store-owner alerted the […]
COLOMBO (News 1st) – Prime Minister Mahinda Rajapaksa stated that a comprehensive investigation into the alleged incident that took place at the office of the Swiss Embassy will continue, even without a complaint being lodged in this regard. Mahinda Rajapaksa, Prime Minister noted that if the rumour is true it is unfortunate and they have not […]
COLOMBO (News 1st) – A candlelight vigil was held in memory of Yvonne Jonsson at the Women’s International Hall last evening. Yvonne Jonsson who had dual Sri Lankan and Swedish nationality was killed in the stairwell of the Colombo apartment building her family was living on July 1st, 2005.
COLOMBO (News 1st) – Cabinet co-spokesperson Minister Bandula Gunawardena convened a special media briefing today (November 28) to enlighten further on the tax concessions. Minister Bandula Gunawardena noted that from this day onwards the P-A-Y-E Tax will not be in effect in Sri Lanka both in the state or the private sector, however, if you […]
COLOMBO(News 1st) – The Speaker stated the post of an opposition leader will only come into effect when he makes an official announcement on the matter at the next Parliamentary session in keeping with Parliamentary tradition. He added that this will only be carried out after the MPs from the opposition reach an agreement on […]
Opposition leadership crisis : Resolution in 48 hours – Mano Ganeshan
COLOMBO(News 1st) – Minister of Education Dullas Alahapperuma made a statement about uniforms to school students. Dullas Alahapperuma, Minister of Education, Sports and Youth Affairs: “School vacation season starts tomorrow (November 29) and uniform vouchers were due to be distributed tomorrow. I apologize for the delay. I personally believe the provision of vouchers instead of uniform […]
Uniform vouchers to be distributed in the 2nd week of January
COLOMBO(News 1st) – The President’s Media Division said it received reliable reports with evidence to claim that certain individuals and groups are attempting to exploit the public by using various means to falsify that they have close contact with President Gotabaya Rajapaksa. The PMD notes that such individuals or groups claim they have close ties with […]
Do not be misled by people who cliam they have ties with the president-PMD
COLOMBO(News 1st) – Joint Cabinet Spokesperson Minister Bandula Gunawardena addressing a media briefing said the provision of tabs for school students and the Suraksha Insurance scheme have been temporarily suspended until a proper investigation is carried out.
COLOMBO(News 1st) – Gammadda, a movement aimed at rural development and uplifting rural communities in Sri Lanka by providing practical and effective solutions to the issues faced by them, commenced another project today(November 28). The project was aimed at providing drinking water to the school children of Sudarshana Maha Vidyalaya in Thalawa Adampane in the […]
Gammadda: Drinking water for students of Sudarshana Maha Vidyalaya
COLOMBO(News 1st) – Maldivian media reports that Former Maldivian president Abdullah Yameen Abdul Gayyoom has been found guilty of money laundering. A five-judge bench unanimously concurred that Yameen is guilty on the charge of laundering state funds for personal gain. Yameen was charged with laundering USD one million through the state-owned Maldives Marketing and Public […]
Former Maldivian president Abdullah Yameen sentenced for 5 years in prison
Colombo (News 1st): A 35-year-old man was sentenced to death by Colombo High Court Judge Dhammika Ganepola for hacking to death a youth down Station Road in Ratmalana. The murder took place on the 10th of July 2003 and the defendant Devasiri Susantha Priyadarshana was sentenced to death for killing Hevawitharanage Sarath.
Colombo (News 1st): The Colombo High Court today (November 28) granted permission for Minister Basil Rajapaksa to travel to the United States of America from the 05th of December till the 07th of March 2020 for medical reasons. High Court judge Gihan Kulantunga thereby ordered for the evidence examination on the case filed against Basil […]
Colombo (News 1st): The UNP won the 2020 budget of the Weligama Urban Council. The budget was presented this morning by the Chairman of the Weligama Urban Council Rehan Jayawickrema. 9 members from the UNP and 3 members from the SLFP voted in favor of the budget. The only member who voted against the budget […]
The Department of Meteorology says showers or thundershowers are likely in parts of the Northern, North-central, Eastern and Uva provinces t...
