Army Commander Lieutenant General Shavendra Silva appointed as the acting Chief of Defense staff

COLOMBO (News 1st) – Army Commander Lieutenant General Shavendra Silva has been appointed as the acting Chief of Defense staff by President Gotabaya Rajapaksa. Army Commander Shanvedra Silva was appointed as the acting Chief of Defense Staff as Admiral Ravindra Wijegunaratna...

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Embassy of Switzerland hopes for a swift return to a positive cooperation

COLOMBO (News 1st) – The Switzerland Embassy in Sri Lanka says that the Embassy hopes for a swift return to an environment conducive to resuming the positive cooperation between Switzerland and Sri Lanka. In a statement to the Ministry of Foreign Affairs, the embassy said:...

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Experts to digitize the public services : Susil Premajayantha

COLOMBO (News 1st) – Minister Susil Premajayantha was questioned about the digitalization of the public sector at a media briefing in Colombo today (December 31). Journalist: Medical history will be added to the NIC and our NIC will be added to this database. Since we...

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University admission to be increased by 25%: Bandula Gunawardena

COLOMBO (News 1st) – Joint cabinet spokesperson, Minister Bandula Gunawardena noted that plans were drafted to increase the number of university admission by 25%(181 000 students) compared to the previous year. He added that 300 universities are planned to be constructed...

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Debt will paid using consolidated funds: Lakshman Yapa Abeywardena

COLOMBO (News 1st) – The total outstanding foreign debt of the government has increased by 60% during the past decade. Economists point out, the government will have to obtain more debt, to repay the existing foreign debt. By the end of 2009, an average of US$ 1bn was paid...

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A prisoner can only be kept in a government hospital : Udaya Gammanpila

COLOMBO (News 1st) – Former Minister Dr Rajitha Senaratne is further hospitalized and is currently under medical treatment. Leader of the United National Party Ranil Wickremesinghe visited the parliamentarian and inquired into his health. UNP MPs and family were also seen visiting...

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Ranil Wickremesinghe is an MP now, he could be arrested for the bond scam: Ven. Pahiyangala Ananda Sagara Thero

COLOMBO (News 1st) – Parliamentarian Ashok Abeysinghe challenged the Government today (December 31). UNP MP Ashok Abeysinghe: “Are they re-investigating the Thajudeen case? What about the bag of gems. What about the CSN case and the Siriliya Account? No one talks of these....

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Tax relief in effect from tomorrow

COLOMBO(News 1st) – Convening a media briefing today (December 31) the Cabinet spokesperson Minister Bandula Gunawardena stated that the tax relief that government accorded will be in effect from tomorrow (January 1). Economic service tax, Debt tax of financial institutions...

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Capable police personnel deprived of opportunity to uplift the Department of Police: Senior DIG S.M.Wickremesinghe

COLOMBO (News 1st) – Senior DIG in charge of the Central Province, S.M.Wickremesinghe retired from his position today (December 31). An event to bid farewell to the DIG was held at the Police grounds in Kandy yesterday. Senior DIG S.M.Wickremesinghe was appointed to the position,...

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Rajapaksas helped me with resettlements in Mannar : Rishad Bathiudeen

COLOMBO (News 1st) – Former Minister Rishad Bathiudeen expressed the views regarding the controversial resettlement in Mannar during an event held in Mattakuliya today. Rishad Bathiudeen noted that the resettlement in Mannar occurred during the Rajapaksa government. He added...

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Protesters set fire to US embassy in Baghdad

COLOMBO (News 1st) – Dozens of protesters broke into the US embassy compound in Iraqi capital Baghdad on Tuesday after smashing a main door and setting fire to a reception area, prompting tear gas and sounds of gunfire. Witnesses at the scene reported flames rising from inside...

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Special survey on historical sites in the North and East

COLOMBO(News 1st) – The Ministry of Buddashasana and Cultural Affairs states a special survey will be carried out on the historical sites in the Northern and Eastern provinces. Secretary to the ministry MKB Harischandra said that based on the instructions of the Minister of...

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Police to tackle Kelani river extortion scam

COLOMBO(News 1st) – A Special Law Enforcement Unit has been to crack-down on criminal organizations operating from Avissawella to Wellampitiya. This unit will be supervised by the DIG in charge of the Western and Northern Division. According to the Ministry of Defence,...

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Chief of Defence Staff Admiral Ravindra Wijegunaratne retires

COLOMBO(News 1st) –  Chief of Defence Staff Admiral Ravindra Wijegunaratne retired from his position, today(December 31). A ceremony to mark the occasion was held at the BMICH in Colombo. Commanders of the forces, acting Inspector General of Police and several other...

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SLTB to import 2000 new buses

COLOMBO(News 1st) – The Sri Lanka Transport Board says it has taken steps to import 2,000 new buses. An official attached to the SLTB said the new buses will arrive in the country within the first three months of next year. He added, the SLTB is facing a deficit of 1,650...

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4.4% unemployment rate in 2018

COLOMBO(News 1st) – According to the annual labor force survey issued by the department of statistics, unemployment in Sri Lanka has increased to 4.4% in 2018, from 4.2% in 2017. A reduction in the employed population is mainly due to the reduction in female labour participation....

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Suspect arrested with 1kg of Heroin in Vavuniya

Colombo (News 1st) –  One person has been arrested in Settikulam, Vavuniya for the possession of 1 KG of Heroin. The arrest was made during a joint raid carried out by the Police and Army. The value of the Heroin is estimated to be Rs. 10 million. The arrested individual...

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Former SPC Chairman arrested in connection to white van accusers

Colombo (News 1st) – The Former Chairman of the State Pharmaceutical Corporation, Dr. Rumi Mohammed has been arrested in connection to the white van press conference. He was arrested after he surrendered to the CID this morning. Dr. Mohammed allegedly paid Rs 1 million...

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Individual stabbed to death in Kilinochchi

Colombo (News 1st) – An individual was stabbed to death with the use of a sharp weapon in the Malayalapuram area in Kilinochchi. According to the Police, the victim is a 38-year-old area resident. The Police added that the murder is believed to have occurred due to a personal...

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Accident claims lives of 4 airforce personnel

Colombo (News 1st) – A motor accident that occurred in close proximity to the Ranwala junction in Warakapola, along the Colombo-Kandy main road, claimed the lives of 4 persons. According to the Police the accident, which occurred early this morning,  was between a lorry...

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Two suspects flee police custody in Panadura

Colombo (News 1st) – Two suspects that were receiving treatment at the Panadura base hospital under Police protection have fled the hospital. According to the Police, one of the suspects was arrested for stealing spare parts from vehicles while the other had been arrested on...

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Former Minister Rishad Bathiudeen provides a statement to the CID

COLOMBO (News 1st) – The CID today (December 30) recorded a statement from former Minister Rishad Bathiudeen regarding the April 21st attacks. After providing a statement for almost three hours, the former minister speaking to the media assured that he is not even remotely...

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GMOA provides a statement against Rajitha Senaratne

COLOMBO (News 1st) – The Government Medical Officers Association today (December 30) provided a statement to the Commission to Investigate Allegations of Bribery or Corruption with regard to an investigation on alleged fraud and corruption said to have taken place at the...

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Dr. Rajitha Senaratne granted bail

COLOMBO (News 1st) – The Colombo Chief Magistrate Lanka Jayaratne ordered that former minister Dr Rajitha Senaratne be granted bail when the matter was taken up earlier today. Rajitha Senaratne was remanded on the 27th of December over a case filed by the Criminal Investigations...

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Not appropriate for clergy to contest at the general election : Ven. Medagama Dhammananda Thero

COLOMBO (News 1st) – Registrar of the Asgiriya Chapter of the Siam Sect, Ven. Medagoda Dhammananda Thero, making a statement to the media today stated that monks should not contest the forthcoming parliamentary elections. Ven. Medagama Dhammananda Thero stated that there is...

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Swiss embassy staffer granted bail under strict bail conditions

COLOMBO (News 1st) – Garnier Banister Francis, the employee of the Embassy of Switzerland who was allegedly abducted, was released on bail earlier today (December 30). The order was given when her case was taken up by Colombo Chief Magistrate Lanka Jayaratne. Garnier Banister...

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Second bond scam more deliberate and thorough

COLOMBO (News 1st) – The report of the Presidential Commission to probe the Central Bank Treasury Bond Scam was handed over to former President Maithripala Sirisena exactly two years ago. The Presidential Commission led by former Supreme Court Justice KT Chitrasiri made several...

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One data center for all the registration functions: President Gotabaya Rajapaksa

COLOMBO (News 1st) – President Gotabaya Rajapaksa spoke about the importance of collecting people’s information by one National Data Centre at a special meeting. The meeting was held at the Presidential Secretariat today. The discussion was held between the President and several...

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This is a government that was formed through deceit: Range Bandara

COLOMBO (News 1st) – UNP MP Palitha Range Bandara spoke at a media briefing which was held at the UNP Headquarters Sirikotha today. Palitha Range Bandara stated that this was a government that was formed through deceit and it will end that way as well. He added that the...

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350,000kg of expired rice discovered at a Sathosa warehouse

COLOMBO (News 1st) – 350,000kg of expired rice was discovered from a Sathosa storage facility in Hingurakgoda today. The stock was discovered following an inspection carried out by the All Ceylon Farmers Federation. A group including the national organizer of the All Ceylon...

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4.8 Billion US Dollars of debt due next year has been taken by the government in power: Dr.Harsha De Silva

COLOMBO (News 1st) – Sri Lanka must repay US$ 4.8 billion as external foreign debt next year. This is thus far, the largest debt repayment in the history of Sri Lanka. As per Central Bank statistics, outstanding central government debt increased to Rs. 12,863.5 bn by the end...

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P.S.M. Charles as the New Governor of Northern Province

COLOMBO(News 1st) – P.S.M. Charles was sworn in today, as the New Governor of the Northern Province before President Gotabaya Rajapaksa. She was the Former Customs Director-General.     P.S.M. Charles as the New Governor of Northern Provinc...

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German cabin crew union says to strike next week at Germanwings

Reuters – German cabin crew will go on strike from Monday to Wednesday next week at Lufthansa’s budget airline Germanwings, the UFO labour union said on Friday (December 27). The strike is an escalation of a months-long dispute with Lufthansa and its subsidiaries over pay and...

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Tokyo 2020 to take measure after asbestos found at venue

Reuters – Tokyo 2020 organizers will take “emergency countermeasures” after asbestos was found at the water polo venue for next year’s Games after initially opting against treating it when it was discovered two years ago, Asahi newspaper reported on Monday (December 30). Asbestos,...

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Thousands evacuated from Australian tourist haven as bushfires rage

Reuters – Thousands of residents and holidaymakers have been told to evacuate a swathe of Victoria as soaring temperatures and strong winds fanned massive bushfires in the Australian state on Monday (December 30). With the mercury set to top 40 degrees Celsius (104 Fahrenheit)...

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A Block to be Unchained? – Blockchain Implementation in Sri Lanka

 The Fortune Business Insight estimated that the global blockchain technology market size is expected to reach USD 21,070 million by the end of 2025, with a compound annual growth rate of 38.4%, showing a promising start for the upcoming technology. In a blockchain, transactions...

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Swiss embassy staffer bailed out

Colombo (News 1st) – The Swiss Embassy staffer that was allegedly abducted and questioned, has been released on bail by the Colombo Magistrate’s court. The case was taken up before Colombo Chief Magistrate Lanka Jayaratne today. The embassy staffer was arrested on the 16th...

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Rajitha Senaratne granted bail

Colombo (News 1st) – Former Minister Rajitha Senaratne has been granted bail by the Colombo Magistrate’s Court. Senaratne was released on 2 suerties of Rs 500,000 after he was produced before court today. The Colombo Magistrate’s court also extended the overseas travel...

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A hospital for zoo animals in Dehiwala

Colombo (News 1st) – A fully equipped, state of the art veterinary hospital has been constructed in the premises of the Dehiwala Zoo. According to the Department of National Zoological Gardens, the two-storyed hospital is due to be declared open in the coming days.  The...

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Railways Department to bolster security service

Colombo (News 1st) – The Department of Railways notes that steps will be taken to recruit 180 individuals into the Railway Security Service. Superintendent of Railway Security, Anura Premaratne noted that the recruitments will be made based on the written examination that was...

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10 injured in Vavuniya motor accident

Colombo (News 1st) – 10 people suffered injuries in a motor accident that occurred in the Irattaperiyakulam area in Vavuniya. According to the Police, the accident occurred when a bus plying from Tangalle to Jaffna veered off the road. The injured were admitted to the Vavuniya...

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We need a strong parliament to discard the 19th amendment : President Gotabaya Rajapaksa

COLOMBO (News 1st) – President Gotabaya Rajapaksa met with Heads of Local Government Institutions today (December 29) at his official residence. Addressing the meeting the President said, it is the responsibility of the representatives of the people to act in a way that would...

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People consume plastic equal to a credit card in size weekly : World Wild Life Fund

COLOMBO (News 1st) – The latest research revealed information regarding the possibility of plastic waste in the ocean might end up in human bodies. According to research done by the World Wild Life Fund and the Newcastle University in Australia, per week, all humans around...

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Speaker should comprehend the public mandate: Vasudeva Nanayakkara

COLOMBO(News 1st) – Will the position of speaker change at the new parliamentary session? State Minister Vasudeva Nanayakkara made an open invitation to Speaker Karu Jayasuriya on the matter. Vasudeva Nanayakkara, State Minister of Water Supply Facilities noted that although...

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Rajitha Senaratne’s transfer to Prison hospital deferred

COLOMBO (News 1st) – The order to transfer Dr Rajitha Senaratne who is currently at a private hospital in Colombo, to the Prison’s hospital was halted. Chief Medical Officer of the Prison’s Hospital, arrived at the private hospital in Narahenpita, to inquire into the health...

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First foreign investment project to be launched

COLOMBO (News 1st) – The first foreign investment under the new government of President Gotabaya Rajapaksa will be launched soon. Issuing a release, the Ministry of Finance, Economy and Policy Development said US$ 250 million mixed project of a 30 storied commercial tower with...

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Patali Champika reports to CCD

COLOMBO (News 1st) – Former Minister Patali Champika Ranawaka who was released on bail recently, appeared before the Colombo Crimes Division today (December 29). According to an order issued by the Colombo Magistrate’s Court, the minister must appear before the CCD every last...

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Whoever is responsible for the bond scam should be punished : Rose Fernando, Katana UNP Organizer

COLOMBO (News 1st) – Representatives from the opposition as well as from the ruling faction urge the government to take legal action against the perpetrators behind the Central Bank Bond Scam. Rose Fernando, Katana Electoral Organizer to the UNP noted that everybody...

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Singing the anthem in Tamil will help them be a part of us : Vasu

COLOMBO (News 1st) – State Minister Vasudeva Nanayakkara spoke about views expressed with regard to the language of the national anthem today (December 29). He expressed these views at a media briefing in Eheliyagoda. Vasudeva Nanayakkara, State Minister of Water Supply...

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Gem miner dies of toxic gas poisoning

COLOMBO (News 1st) – A gem miner in the Uda-Karawita area in Nivithigala, Ratnapura, died inside the mine. Police suspect the death occurred due to inhaling toxic gas. It has been revealed that the mine worker who had been working at a gem mine in the 12th post area of ​​Udakarawita...

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