COLOMBO (News 1st):- One in four people in the world will be affected by mental or neurological disorders at some point in their lives. The World Health Organization shows that around 450 million people currently suffer from such conditions, placing mental disorders among the leading causes of ill-health and disability worldwide. Mental illness isn’t as […]
COLOMBO (News 1st):- A tense situation arose at the main fish market in Chilaw today (February 29). Fishermen in the area said that associations and the Chilaw Urban Council have agreed to ban the bringing in of five types of small fish to the main fish market in Chilaw. However, against this backdrop, several lorries carrying […]
COLOMBO (News 1st):- Located in the central highlands of Sri Lanka, Diyatalawa is popularly known for its water bodies. Within the serenity of this area is the Foxhill nature reserve which is enriched with a variety of flora. This nature reserve which is blessed with a bounty of natural resources provides tranquility not only to […]
COLOMBO (News 1st):- Former Minister Mangala Samaraweera commenced his campaign to educate party supporters on the upcoming general election, in Matara today (February 29). The event took place under the auspices of UNP leader Ranil Wickremesinghe. Addressing the people, UNP Leader Ranil Wickremesinghe said; “Minister Mangala Samaraweera said back then that when we took over the government, […]
“Economy was already dead when we took over, but we did not give up” – RW
COLOMBO (News 1st):- Prime Minister Mahinda Rajapaksa attended an event held in Tangalle today (February 29). The epistle declaring a land belonging to the Wagegoda Rankothmaluwa Rajamaha Viharaya in Tangalle as a holy site, was handed over to its chief incumbent today, under the auspices of Prime Minister Mahinda Rajapaksa. Speaking at the occasion, Prime […]
COLOMBO (News 1st):- The Government gazetted minimum royalties payable to musicians, singers or lyricists by amending the Intellectual Property Act, No. 36 of 2003. According to the amendment, minimum royalties payable to a musician, singer or lyricist each time a song or musical work is aired by a radio or TV station prescribed by gazette […]
COLOMBO (News 1st):- The government’s stance with regard to the Millenium Challenge Corporation Compact has drawn social attention recently. Against this backdrop, the committee appointed to review the report had recommended the government to revise certain clauses in the pact. Leader of the Janatha Vimukthi Peramuna Anura Kumara Dissanayake revealed an unseen side of the […]
Minister Wimal Weerawansa assures people that MCC will not be signed under GR’s government
COLOMBO (News 1st):- The Core Group on Sri Lanka, expressing disappointment over Sri Lanka’s decision to withdraw from the UN resolutions on the promotion of reconciliation and accountability yesterday (February 28), called on the government to advance the principles of the resolution, to ensure a prosperous and inclusive Sri Lanka. International Ambassador for Human Rights […]
Core group on SL expresses dissapointment over withdrawal from UN resolutions
COLOMBO (News 1st):- Another rally of the Samagi Jana Balawegaya was held in Homagama yesterday (February 28). The rally was organized by the UNP’s Homagama electorate organizer Eranda Weliange. Opposition Leader and leader of the Samagi Jana Balawegaya Sajth Premadasa attended the event. Former Chairman of the National Youth Services Council, Eranda Weliange speaking at […]
COLOMBO (News 1st):- The Disciplinary Committee of the Sri Lanka Freedom Party (SLFP) has decided to name MP Wijith Wijayamuni Zoysa guilty of violating the party’s constitution. The decision will be then submitted to the Central Committee of the SLFP and the politburo. A senior member of the SLFP said that this decision was taken […]
MP Wijith Wijayamuni Zoysa named guilty by SLFP disciplinary committee
COLOMBO (News 1st):- In a raid conducted in the Galle coastal line, a haul of Heroin and Crystal Meth valued at Rs. 1.18 Billion has been discovered. Navy Media Spokesperson, Lieutenant Commander General, Isuru Suriyabandara says that 68kg of Heroin and 50kg of Crystal Meth were among the items discovered.
JUST IN: Navy discovers Heroin and Crystal Meth valued at over a billion
COLOMBO (News 1st):- The blood samples of the two individuals who had arrived in the country from Italy and hospitalized under the suspicion of being infected with Coronavirus have been sent over to the Medical Research Institute for further inspection. The two were admitted to the Sri Jayawardenhapura and Ragama hospitals over a number of […]
Sri Lankans in Italy free of Coronavirus so far : Consulate General of SL in Milan
COLOMBO (News 1st):- The drought conditions that have impacted more than five districts around the country and have left over 231,000 people in distress. Assistant Director at the Disaster Management Centre, Janaka Handunpathiraja says that this includes 55,213 families.
COLOMBO (News 1st):- A fire erupted at the garbage dump at Sundarapola, Kurunegala. The Kurunegala Municipal Council and the Kurunegala Unit of the Disaster Management Centre joined to douse the fire.
COLOMBO (News 1st):- The Child Protection Authority states that the assistance of the Government Analyst’s Department will be obtained to carry out investigations into the video available on the internet of a young girl being sexually assaulted. Chairman of the Authority, Muditha Widanapathirana states that the Cyber Surveillance division of the authority has also joined […]
Child Protection Authority seeks Government Analyst’s assistance to probe child abuse video
COLOMBO (News 1st):- The Health Ministry states that the distribution of the Wolbachia bacteria to the environment, a remedy to eradicate dengue will commence on March 2nd. Specialist Doctor of the Dengue Eradication Unit at the Ministry, Aruna Jayasekara says that the initial phase of the project will be carried out around Nugegoda and the […]
Wolbachia bacteria to eradicate dengue to be released to the environment
COLOMBO (News 1st):- In a raid conducted in Rajagiriya, over 3kg of heroin were seized by the Police Narcotics Bureau last night (February 28). The police stated that the value of the haul of heroin exceeds Rs. 3.5 billion. The PNB has also arrested two suspects and seized a three-wheeler over the incident. The suspects […]
Two suspects arrested with heroin worth Rs. 3.5 billion : Court issues 7-day detention order
COLOMBO (News 1st):- The Commissioner-General of the Rehabilitation Department states that 350 rehabilitated individuals who were addicted to drugs will be reintegrated into society today (February 29). Commissioner General Dharshana Hettiarachchi says that these individuals were provided with education, counseling, psychosocial skills, and vocational training. He further said that nearly 1000 individuals are still being […]
COLOMBO (News 1st):- In a raid carried out by the Intelligence Officers of the Army in Kilinochchi, a 46-year-old suspect has been arrested with a haul of Kerala ganja of nearly 320kg. The suspect who was arrested at Walepadu, Jayapuram in Kilinochchi while transporting the haul of KG in a tipper truck has been identified […]
Colombo (News 1st) – In a groundbreaking partnership announced recently, The Clinton School of Public Service at the University of Arkansas in the US will partner The Gammadda Movement, Sri Lanka’s largest non-government humanitarian initiative. The Clinton School is the first university in the US to offer graduate programmes in Public Service, and was founded […]
Colombo (News 1st) – Jen Morris, who spearheaded Australian mining magnate Andrew Forrest’s global fight against modern-day slavery, was recently appointed to comm giant Cannings Purple as it’s National Director. Jen spent many years at the forefront of the global fight against slavery, which included playing a key role in getting several leading Sri Lankan […]
Colombo (News 1st) – The Working Committee of the United National Party convened at the Party headquarters Sirikotha today. The working committee meeting was headed by Party Leader Ranil Wickremesinghe. Members of the working committee and Deputy Leader of the UNP Sajith Premadasa attended the meeting. Upon conclusion of the meeting, the General Secretary of […]
Colombo (News 1st) – The Sri Lanka Muslim Congress on Friday (Feb 28) announced it would support the Samagi Jana Balavegaya led by Sajith Premadasa. Addressing a media briefing at the Parliamentary Complex SLMC leader Rauff Hakeem noted that the SLMC as a party that represents the Muslim community of Sri Lanka would join the Samagi […]
Colombo (News 1st) – 1200 employees attached to the Department of Railways, functioning on casual and contract basis, were provided permanent appointments today. The event to hand over the appointments was held at the Maradana railway station. Minister of Transport Management, Power & Energy, Mahinda Amaraweera while congratulating those who received appointments expressed hope that there […]
Colombo (News 1st) – Prime Minister Mahinda Rajapaksa notes that this an important time period and that the Parliament and President must work together to develop the country. PM Rajapaksa believes that the country can never be developed if the President goes one way and the Parliament goes another. He noted that this was evident […]
President and Parliament must work together for the country to move forward – PM
Colombo (News 1st) – The Dalugama premises of the Kelaniya University was closed indefinitely to students. The University Administration had taken a decision to impose a two year class suspension against 25 students for causing damage to the CCTV system installed across the university premises. The University Administration added as academic activities for 2017 – […]
Colombo (News 1st) – Dr. Ajantha’ Perera who contested the 2019 Presidential Election announced she joined with the United National Party. Speaking to reporters she said the political party which makes an effort to bring the people together is what is important for development and it can be seen in the United National Party, thereby she […]
Dr. Ajantha joins UNP to contest General Election from Colombo
Colombo (News 1st) – President Gotabaya Rajapaksa said it is wise for the legislature to act towards the betterment of the country casting aside party differences. ” When Independent Commissions are appointed, they in fact need to be independent in nature,” said the President, adding sadly, one member of the Independent Elections Commission wrote columns which […]
Independent Commissions must be truly independent – President
Colombo (News 1st) – Speaking at a media briefing today, IMF Director Gerry Rice said the final review of the current IMF supported program will take place after mid-April. Rice noted that while many are inquiring whether the IMF would implement a new program with Sri Lanka after the election, the final decision on this […]
GOSL has expressed intrest in working with the IMF in the future
The Cabinet of Ministers decided not to sign the Millennium Challenge Corporation (MCC) agreement after considering the recommendations made by the committee appointed to review the agreement The Cabinet of Ministers gave the green light for increasing the minimum certified price given for a kilo of big onion at present from Rs. 60/- to Rs. […]
Colombo (News 1st) – A fire has been reported at a construction site on Galle Rd, Bambalapitiya. 04 fire trucks dispatched to douse the fire according to the Colombo Fire Brigade details to follow …
Colombo (News 1st) – New Supreme Court Judge Yasantha Kodagoda today stressed that the insufficiency of judges can only result in delays in administration of justice adding it is necessary to consider whether Sri Lanka has a sufficient number of judges to administer justice expeditiously. Speaking at today’s ceremonial welcome, his Lordship said an optimal number […]
Increase judges & funding for better justice system – SC Judge Yasantha Kodagoda
Colombo (News 1st) – A meeting will be held between, UN High Commissioner for Human Rights, Michelle Bachelet and Minister of Foreign Relations, Dinesh Gunawardena, today. The meeting is scheduled at the UNHRC headquarters in Geneva, Switzerland. During yesterday’s UNHRC sessions, the UN High Commissioner for Human Rights responded to Sri Lanka’s decision to withdraw from […]
Min. Dinesh Gunawardene to meet UN High Commissioner for Human Rights
Colombo (News 1st) – The Cabinet of Ministers has decided not to sign the proposed Millennium Challenge Corporation Compact (MCC) agreement but is prepared to discuss to amend the agreement, Co Cabinet Spokesman said on Friday. Prime minister Mahinda Rajapaksa handed over the interim report of the 4-member Committee appointed to review the proposed Millennium Challenge […]
Sri Lanka will not sign MCC but ready to amend – Cabinet Spokesman
Colombo (News 1st) – A suspect that was transporting a haul of dust tea has been taken into custody in the Rajaela area in Gampola. The arrest was made by the officers attached to the Gampola STF camp. The haul of dust tea was weighed at 3055 kg. The suspect and the tea have been […]
Colombo (News 1st) – A suspect has been arrested from the Batuwatte area in Ragama for the possession of 515g of ICE and 5.31g of heroin. According to the Police STF, the arrested suspect has been linked to a number of organized crimes including the theft of over Rs 70mn in Wattala in 2010 and […]
Colombo (News 1st) – A fire that erupted in the Poronuwa reserve in Pelmadulla has been doused with the support of area residents and wildlife officials. According to the Pelmadulla Divisional Secretary, the fire has destroyed around 5 acres of land. Firefighting efforts had been hampered due to the location of the fire on a […]
Colombo (News 1st) – 4 Police constables attached to the Dehiwala police have been interdicted for driving a motorbike under the influence and causing a motor accident. According to the Police, the officers in question had consumer liquor at a hotel in Mt. Lavinia and the accident occurred when one constable attempted to leave the […]
Colombo (News 1st) – Forme Minister Dr. Wijeyadasa Rajapakshe has been summoned before the presidential commission probing the 4/21 terror attack. The commission is due to record statements from him regarding Thouheed Jamath, about which the MP had spoken both inside and outside Parliament. DIG Lalith Pathinayake appeared before the commission yesterday. The Presidential Commission […]
Colombo (News 1st) – Bribes and commissions were taken when purchasing aircraft as well as cancelling agreements made to purchase aircraft according to State Min. of Renewable Energy & Power Mahindananda Aluthgamage. Addressing a media briefing on Wednesday (Feb 26), Aluthgamage noted that both parties involved in such criminal acts should be punished. While accepting that […]
Colombo (News 1st) – Five years have elapsed since Sri Lanka’s largest financial scam, the Central Bank bond scam, took place. On the 27th of February 2015 – exactly five years ago – deviation from due process and manipulation resulted in the Largest Financial Scam to take place in Sri Lankan history – which is […]
Bond Scam : 5 years later public still waiting for concrete action
UN High Commissioner for Human Rights, Michelle Bachelet , urged the Sri Lankan Government to preserve and build upon the gains which have been made over the last few years. “I regret that the new Government has announced a very different approach to the commitments previously made in the resolution which risks setting back efforts […]
UN HIGH COMMISSIONER UNCONVINCED COI WILL ADVANCE SRILANKA’S AGENDA
Colombo (News 1st) – Sri Lanka Cricket today apologized over the assault of cricket fans outside the Sooriyawewa International Cricket Stadium during the second ODI between Sri Lanka and West Indies yesterday. President of Sri Lanka Cricket Shammi Silva speaking to the media noted that they did not predict that around 9,000 people would arrive […]
Sri Lanka cricket apologies to cricket fans over Sooriyawewa assault
UNP General Secretary Akila Viraj Kariyawasam said the Working Committee chaired by Ranil Wickremesinghe will meet at 03 PM at the party Headquarter Sirikotha. He said the meeting will discuss matters of political importance and the general elections. The official launch of the SAMAGI JANA BALAVEGAYA will take place on Monday the 02nd of March […]
Former Parliamentarian Sajin De Vass Gunawardena was remanded until the 12th of March by Colombo High Court Judge Gihan Kulatunga. State Counsel Udara Karunathilaka appearing on behalf of the Attorney General’s Department said the accused Former MP had made influences on the witnesses from the prosecution. The Attorney General filed the case against Gunwardena for […]
Immigration and Emigration Officials foiled a Human Smuggling operation at the Bandaranaike International Airport today, arresting the lead suspect and another man. Authorities said the other man was a 31 year old from Palestine who was being smuggled to Germany via Sri Lanka. Both men were arrested while in transit at the BIA after arriving […]
The government will not take action to cancel the UNHRC resolution though the government said that they have withdrawn from co-sponsoring the resolution, JVP MP Vijitha Herath speaking at a media briefing in Colombo on Wednesday. Herath said if the government is genuinely withdrawing from the resolution the government must present a new proposal for […]
Government Spokesman State Minister Keheliya Rambukwella on Thursday said that the government will not sign the MCC agreement at any circumstance. “No, will not sign,” The State Minister of Investment Promotions Rambukwella, responding to questions raised by News 1st said. The MCC agreement, if signed, would see USD 480 million being granted to Sri Lanka […]
Sri Lanka will not sign MCC at any circumstance-Govt spokesman.
The two Sri Lankans who were quarantined aboard the Diamond Princess cruise ship docked in Yokohama, Japan, where a majority of coronavirus patients were reported, have arrived in New Delhi. On his official twitter handle, Prime Minister Mahinda Rajapaksa said, the Acting High Commissioner for India informed him about this. The two Sri Lankans were […]
The Government Analyst confirmed the voice samples of the two men who attended the controversial white van media briefing are a match to the recordings obtained from the briefing. Deputy Solicitor General Dileepa Peiris informed the Colombo Chief Magistrate’s Court today of this revelation. The first and second suspects in the case are Sarath Kumara […]
White Van Media Briefing : Voice samples a match to recordings
The Department of Meteorology says showers or thundershowers are likely in parts of the Northern, North-central, Eastern and Uva provinces t...
