Aravinda de Silva provides statement over cricket world cup final “match fixing” claims

COLOMBO (News1st): Investigators have recorded a statement from a former Sri Lankan chief cricket selector on the claims of match fixing during the 2011 world cup finals. “The entire situation could be understood after the investigation concludes,” Aravinda de Silva, told...

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Sri Lanka eyes organic farming under PPP project

COLOMBO (News1st): The Government has decided to enter into a Public-Private Partnership programme to commence organic farming in the Mahaweli ‘F’ Zone while the farmers question about the viability of the project. According to a Gazette issued last Friday (26th) the Moragahakanda...

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Unions urge to expedite development of ECT at Colombo Port

COLOMBO (News 1st): Unions have stepped up calls to expedite the development of the East Container Terminal at the Colombo Port, amidst speculation it is to be sold to a foreign entity. Three gantry cranes had been procured on June 20 for the development of the terminal, but...

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Supreme Court rejects request to suspend business activities of ETI Finance Ltd.

COLOMBO (News1st) : The Supreme Court on Tuesday rejected a request made by the Attorney General (AG) through a motion, to suspend the business activities of ETI Finance Ltd. The three-judge bench, headed by Chief Justice Jayantha Jayasuriya announced that an order will...

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India considering Sri Lanka’s debt relief request

COLOMBO (News1st) : India is considering Sri Lanka’s request for a debt moratorium, according to a report filed by Indian newspaper The Hindu. “The Sri Lankan side hasn’t yet responded on when to do the talks,” the report said citing an official of the Indian government. Sri...

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BIA re-opening for tourists to be delayed; says Airport & Aviation Services

Colombo (News 1st);  The re-opening of the Bandaranaike International Airport will be further delayed, and will not be re-opened on the 01st of August as planned. Vice-Chairman of Airport & Aviation Services (Sri Lanka) Ltd. Rajeewa Sooriyaarachchi said the World Health...

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WHO second wave warning on COVID-19 should be taken seriously : GMOA

Colombo (News 1st); The Government Medical Officers’ Association said warnings issued by the World Health Organization of a second wave of the virus should be taken seriously. GMOA Secretary, Dr. Senal Fernando speaking to reporters said the National Institute of Epidemiology...

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Monk files FR seeking action against terrorists responsible Aranthalawa Massacre

Colombo (News 1st); A Fundamental Rights application was filed with the Supreme Court of Sri Lanka on Tuesday (30) against the Aranthalawa Massacre committed by the LTTE in 1987. The FR was filed by Venerable Andaulpatha Buddhasara Thero, a monk who survived the massacre....

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Police Narcotic Bureau placed under a new DIG

Colombo (News 1st); DIG G.K.J. Aponsu was appointed as DIG in-charge of the Police Narcotic Bureau following approval from the National Police Commission. The NPC said approval was also given to transfer DIG Sanjeewa Medawatte, who was in-charge of the PNB, to the Police...

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Elections Chief orders to seize official vehicles not returned by Ex-MPs & Ex-Ministers

Colombo (News 1st); Sri Lanka’s Elections Chief Mahinda Deshapriya issued an order to immediately seize more than 05 official vehicles which were not returned by Ex-Ministers and MPs. Speaking to reporters on Tuesday, Deshapriya said these vehicles were to be returned...

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Ven. Omalpe Sobitha Thero wants Karuna Amman removed from Polls Process

Colombo (News 1st); Venerable Omalpe Sobitha Thero on Tuesday (30) requested the National Elections Commission to take necessary action against Vinayagamoorthy Muralitharan alias ‘Karuna Amman’ as per the laws a candidate for the general election is bound by. The Venerable...

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Permanent High Court Trial-at-Bar rejects objections by Avant-Garde accused

Colombo (News 1st); The Permanent High Court Trial-at-Bar on Tuesday (30) rejected the preliminary objections filed on behalf of the Chairman of Avant-Garde Maritime Services Nissanka Senadhipathi and 07 other accused with regard to the Avant-Garde High Seas Arms Trafficking...

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Foreign Minister briefs US Secretary of State on MCC Review Report

Colombo (News 1st); Foreign Relations Minister Dinesh Gunawardena and US Secretary of State Mike Pompeo engaged in discussions on matters of bilateral interest in a telephone conversation on Monday (29th June). US-Sri Lanka cooperation in COVID response-supply of PPEs...

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Tuition classes to accommodate 500 students in two-time slots, adhering to health regulations

Colombo (News 1st);  President Gotabaya Rajapaksa approved a request made by the representatives of All Island Professional Educators’ Association to conduct classes for 500 students in two-time slots, strictly adhering to the health guidelines. According to the President’s...

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CID leading investigation on discovery of Assault Rifles from Homagama

Colombo (News 1st); The Criminal Investigations Department (CID) has taken over the investigation over the discovery of 12 Assault Rifles from a business establishment in Pitipana Homagama. The Police Special Task Force said 19 Assault Rifles had been placed at the location,...

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Sri Lankan forest land at risk of being sold-off to multi-national companies

Colombo (News 1st);  Venerable Pahiyangala Ananda Sagara Thero, a conservation activist, alleged meetings are taking place at ministry level to do away with circular 05/2001 which places forest land countywide under the care of Divisional Secretaries and District Secretaries....

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President tells CBSL to seek legal advice regarding ETI and TFC issues

Colombo (News 1st); President Gotabaya Rajapaksa directed officials of the Central Bank to deliver justice to depositors of ‘ETI Finance’ and ‘The Finance Company PLC’ after seeking legal advice regarding those insolvent companies immediately. The President had called...

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COVID-19 cases increase to 2,042 in the country

The total number of confirmed COVID-19 cases in Sri Lanka has risen to 2,042, The Health Ministry said. Yesterday, 05 patients tested positive for the virus. among them 3 were returnees from Pakistan and 2 returnees from Bangladesh. Meanwhile, the total number of patients who...

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1,441 failing to wear face masks, sent to self-quarantine

1,441 people have been sent to self-quarantine for failing to wear face masks in public places. They had been identified during the 24 hour period ending 6.00 a.m. today, Senior DIG in charge of the Western Province Deshabandu Tennakoon said. 39 people had been arrested during...

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Karuna Amman says will join government after election win

Colombo (News 1st); Vinayagamoorthy Muralitharan alias ‘Karuna Amman’, the leader of the Tamil United Freedom Front said the President and the Prime Minister can maintain a stable government for at least two decades because the country does not have an opposition. He said...

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Assault Rifles discovered today were to be used to attack a prison bus – Police

Colombo (News 1st);  12 Assault Rifles were discovered from inside an electrical equipment distribution centre in Pitipana, Homgama by the Police Special Task Force. Sri Lanka Police suspect the weapons may have been placed there to be used to launch an attack on a prison...

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Re-opening of airports could be delayed; Army Commander

Colombo (News 1st); The re-opening of International Airports in Sri Lanka would most likely be delayed, said Army Commander Lieutenant General Shavendra Silva. Initially, the government had planned to re-open the airports on the 01st of August 2020. The Army Commander...

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UPDATE : AG will not appear for Acting IGP in Pilapitiya Writ Application

Colombo (News 1st); Attorney General Dappula De Livera informed Acting IGP C. D. Wickremeratne of the fact he will not appear for him in the writ application filed by interdicted High Court Judge Gihan Pilapitiya in view of Acting IGPs failure to comply with the AGs advice....

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UNP Denies MCC Committee Report Allegations

Colombo (News 1st);  The United National Party has refuted the allegations leveled against the former Yahapalanya government by the committee reporting on the Millennium Challenge Corporation (MCC) agreement. The UNP statement said, according to media reports, Professor...

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Make an appointment to avoid inconvenience when visiting National Museums

Colombo (News 1st); Museums that come under the purview of the Department of National Museums will be open daily to the general public from 09:00 AM to 04:00 PM, except for public holidays. The Department of National Museums said a maximum of 15 visitors will be permitted...

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Titanium Sands Ltd. halts trading amid Mannar Island controversy

COLOMBO (News1st) : Australian mineral exploration company Titanium Sands Ltd has halted trading at the Australian Stock Exchange (ASX) pending an update over a proposed sand mining project on Mannar Island in Sri Lanka. “The Company requests the trading halt last from receipt...

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Central Mail Exchange on strike over duty transfer

COLOMBO (News 1st): A group of employees at the Central Mail Exchange have launched a strike action since midnight on Sunday (June 28). “The strike was launched over decision taken to move the task of accepting the ‘Sealed Ballot Paper Packets’ of the 2020 Parliamentary Election,...

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Associate of 02 underworld leaders nabbed with 12 T-56 assault rifles.

Colombo (News 1st);  Police Special Task Force personnel discovered 12 T-56 Assault Rifles from a house in Pitipana, Homagama. STF arrested one suspected and identified him as an associate of incarcerated underworld gang leaders ” Kosgoda Tharaka ” and ” Gagana “. The...

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Sri Lanka Police charge over 3500 people for traffic violations

COLOMBO (News 1st): Sri Lanka Police have instituted legal action against 3,534 people over violations of motor traffic regulations, following a special raid carried out across the island. “Cases were filed against 422 people for driving under the influence and another 3112...

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More than 1200 people in Western province warned over failure to wear face masks in public places: SL Police

COLOMBO (News 1st): Strict warnings were issued on 1,280 people who failed to wear face masks in public places in the Western province on Sunday, Sri Lanka Police said on Monday (June 28) Operations in search of those who fail to comply with the quarantine regulations, including...

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72,284 curfew violators arrested since 20th March: SL Police

COLOMBO (News 1st): Sri Lanka Police arrested a total of 72,284 people over curfew violations, since the quarantine curfew was imposed on the 20th of March in a bid to contain the COVID-19 pandemic. According to Police, of the total curfew violators arrested, legal action was...

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27 year old missing after falling off “Sera-Ella” falls during a pre-shoot

Colombo (News 1st); A 27-year-old male is reported missing after falling into the Sera-Ella falls in Laggala, Mathale. The tragedy had taken place when the victim was doing a pre-shoot ahead of his wedding with his to be wife. Police said both the to-be husband and wife...

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AG will not appear for Acting IGP in Gihan Pilapitiya Writ Application

Colombo (News 1st); Attorney General Dappula De Livera has informed Acting IGP C. D. Wickremeratne of the fact he will not appear for him in the writ application filed by interdicted High Court Judge Gihan Pilapitiya in view of Acting Inspector General of Police’s failure to...

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Face masks in public areas mandatory: SL Police to monitor the situation

COLOMBO (News 1st): Islandwide operations are underway to monitor those who fail to wear face masks in public places as instructed by health authorities, to prevent further spread of COVID-19, the Police Headquarters announced. “Such operations will be carried out during this...

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1st Phase of re-opening schools post COVID-19 begins today: Only administration and management staff allowed

COLOMBO (News 1st): The first phase in the re-opening of schools that were closed in line with the COVID-19 outbreak, will commence on Monday (June 29), with the opening of schools, piriven and education centres for Buddhist nuns, education authorities said. “Under phase 01,...

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Over 700 arrested during a special raid in the Western Province : SL Police

COLOMBO (News 1st): Sri Lanka Police arrested 729 people on suspicion of various crimes during a special operation conducted in the Western Province on Sunday (June 28). “310 suspects wanted for 38 serious crimes and 60 minor offenses, were among those arrested,” Sri Lanka...

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CBSL implements a Credit Guarantee and Interest Subsidy Scheme for Businesses affected by the COVID-19 Pandemic

COLOMBO (News 1st): The Monetary Board of the Central Bank of Sri Lanka, has decided to implement a Credit Guarantee and Interest Subsidy Scheme to accelerate lending by banks to businesses adversely affected by the COVID-19 pandemic. The decision was reached at its meeting...

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Sri Lanka Police to deploy around 75,000 officers to ensure quarantine regulations during 2020 Parliamentary Elections

COLOMBO (News 1st): Sri Lanka Police will deploy 75,000 officers including Police Special Task Force for election duty, in line with the upcoming 2020 Parliamentary Elections, the Police Headquarters said on Monday (June 29). In addition around 10,000 officers from the Sri...

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Purchasing of paddy from the Yala season to commence today

COLOMBO (News 1st): The process of purchasing paddy from the “Yala” season will commence starting Monday (June 29), the Paddy Marketing Board said. “The process of purchasing paddy from the Yala season will begin today from the Batticaloa district,” Dr. Jatal Mannapperuma,...

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288 Sri Lankans repatriated from Oman arrive in Sri Lanka

COLOMBO (News 1st): A group of 288 Sri Lankans who were repatriated from Oman arrived in the island on Monday (June 29). According to Duty Manager at the Bandaranaike International Airport, the group was repatriated aboard a SriLankan Airlines flight. Another group of 25 Sri...

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Legal action instituted against 85 premises over Dengue breeding grounds

COLOMBO (News 1st): Legal action has been instituted against 85 premises including houses and construction sites over the discovery of dengue mosquito breedings grounds, according to the National Dengue Control Unit. This was following inspections conducted during the Special...

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Total COVID-19 cases at 2037: recoveries at 1661

COLOMBO (News 1st): The total number of confirmed COVID-19 cases in the country as of Monday (June 29), stands at 2037, health officials said. According to the Government Information Department, 04 new cases of COVID-19 were confirmed on Sunday (June 28) night. “The 04 cases...

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Murali named Most Valuable Test player of 21st century

COLOMBO (News1st): Former Sri Lankan cricketer Muttiah Muralitharan has been named as the Most Valuable Test Player of the 21st Century by the Wisden Cricket Monthly magazine. Data concerning the performance of players had been collected from 2000 to 2020 before awarding Muralitharan...

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Claims and counter claims bounce off MCC agreement

COLOMBO (News1st): Opposition and ruling faction politicians have traded verbal blows over the Millenium Challenge Corporation (MCC) agreement of the US. “The government is trying to change the laws act of our country and impose new ones by obtaining two-thirds majority...

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India accused of blocking development of East Container Terminal

COLOMBO (News1st): India has thwarted the development of the East Container Terminal at the Colombo Port, opposition politicians said on Sunday. Three gantry cranes worth USD 25.7 million that had been purchased on June 20 for the development of the terminal, have not been...

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Wildlife officers probe death of elephant by shooting

COLOMBO (News1st): Wildlife officers have launched a probe into the death of an elephant that was shot dead in Ambanpola recently. There were two gun shot wounds — on the shoulder and the head — on the elephant identified as a 25-year old, wildlife officers said on...

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PM seeks strong mandate to defeat conspiracies against Sri Lanka

COLOMBO (News1st): Prime Minister Mahinda Rajapaksa has urged the people to grant him a strong mandate to defeat both local and foreign conspiracies against Sri Lanka. “If people cast their votes based on various minor distractions, we will lose everything, our country, our...

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GMOA elects Dr. Anuruddha Padeniya as the new President

COLOMBO(News 1st): Specialist Dr. Anuruddha Padeniya has been re-elected as the new President of the Government Medical Officers Association at its Annual General Meeting held yesterday. This is the 10th year Dr. Anuruddha Padeniya has been appointed to the post. Meanwhile,...

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Island-wide curfew lifted completely

COLOMBO(News 1st): Island-wide curfew was lifted with effect from Sunday the 28th of June. Until today the curfew was in effect from 12 midnight to 4 am. The curfew to control the spread of COVID-19 was first imposed on the 20th of March. Island-wide curfew lifted complete...

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“There is a significant drop in passengers using trains” – Department of Railways

COLOMBO(News 1st): Although operations of trains have begun, there is a significant drop in passengers using trains, the Department of Railways stated. This has reduced the daily income from the train services from 17 million rupees to 7 million rupees, General Manager of Railways,...

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