COLOMBO (News1st): The isolation status in five areas would be released at 5 am on Monday, authorities said. The areas are as follows; Narahenpita police jurisdiction 100 Watte Ports police jurisdiction Lower Saint Andrew’s Place Upper Saint Andrew’s Place Peliyagoda police jurisdiction 90 Watte (Gangabada Grama Niladhari division)
COLOMBO (News1st): A tremor with a magnitude of 2.0 on the Richter scale had been experienced in Lunugala on Sunday, the Geological Survey and Mines Bureau has said. “We heard a loud noise. The bed on which I was sleeping shook due to the tremor,” a villager noted. On January month, a tremor with a […]
COLOMBO (News1st): The report of the cabinet’s negotiation committee on the Colombo Port’s East Container Terminal is due to be handed over to ports minister Rohitha Abeygunawardana by Monday. Ports Secretary U.D.C. Jayalal said that the minister will submit the recommendations of the committee and a cabinet paper during Monday’s cabinet meeting. “We informed the […]
COLOMBO(News 1st): Plantation workers staged protests on Sunday seeking an increment of their daily wage up to Rs 1000. The National Estate Workers Union had organized a protest in Passara insisting that they would not give up their struggle until their daily wages are increased to Rs 1000. Meanwhile, plantation workers in Matale also staged a […]
COLOMBO (News1st): The government must protect all national resources regardless of whether it is the West Terminal or East Container Terminal of the Colombo Port, Ven. (Dr.) Omalpe Sobhitha Thero has said. “All these resources must be preserved for our future generations and protected for the prosperity of our country,” he told reporters on Sunday. Mahinda […]
COLOMBO (News1st): Former prime minister Ranil Wickremesinghe has said that his government’s plan to develop the Colombo Port’s East Container Terminal did not involve India’s Adani Group. “We carried out a program to develop the port, in line with a memorandum of a corporation that we signed with Japan and India,” Wickremesinghe recalled during an event […]
COLOMBO(News 1st): We will not give away the East Container Terminal or lease it, Prime Minister Mahinda Rajapaksa said. Speaking in Tangalle today, the Prime Minister said the East Container Terminal will remain under the ownership of Sri Lanka. “I believe that trade unions are aware of it. We wish to inform the trade unions […]
COLOMBO(News 1st): We will not give away the East Container Terminal or lease it, Prime Minister Mahinda Rajapaksa said. Speaking in Tangalle today, the Prime Minister said the East Container Terminal will remain under the ownership of Sri Lanka. “I believe that trade unions are aware of it. We wish to inform the trade unions […]
Colombo (News 1st); Sri Lanka will make an order for 2.5 million doses of the ‘AstraZeneca Covishield’ vaccine fom India, said the Secretary to the State Ministry of Primary Health Services, Pandemics and COVID 19 Prevention. Dr. Amal Harsha De Silva said the order will be made by the State Pharmaceuticals Corporation of Sri Lanka, and […]
2.5 Mn doses of AstraZeneca Covishield to be ordered from India
Colombo (News 1st); 52 people were arrested for failing to wear face masks and maintain social distancing on Saturday (30), said Police Spokesperson DIG Ajith Rohana. 2905 people were arrested for the offenses from the 30th of October 2020 to-date. Quarantine Operations by Sri Lanka Police are conducted across the island, especially in the Colombo […]
52 people arrested in 24 hrs for violating quarantine regulations
Colombo (News 1st); On the 29th August and 02nd September 2020, minor tremors were experienced in the Digana-Haragama area, Kandy raising serious questions on what lies below the Sri Lankan surface. The Geological Survey and Mines Bureau appointed a committee to study these events and its report outlined the initial observations of the events based […]
Colombo (News 1st); President Gotabaya Rajapaksa via an Extraordinary Gazette dated the 29th of January 2021 has appointed a Special Presidential Commission of Inquiry to implement the recommendations and decisions made by the Presidential Commission of Inquiry appointed to probe incidents of political victimization. According to the Extraordinary Gazette the members of the Special Presidential […]
Special PCoI appointed to implement decisions of political victimization PCoI
Colombo (News 1st); General Shavendra Silva, Chief of Defence Staff and Commander of the Army, Head of the National Operations Centre for Prevention of COVID-19 Outbreak (NOCPCO),inspected the Army-renovated Quarantine Centre (QC) ready for occupancy at Vasavillan, Palaly where 500- 1000 persons, arriving either for quarantining or nursing care could be facilitated in the event […]
500-1000 More Beds in Jaffna Ready for any Emergency Quarantine Purposes
Colombo (News 1st); A Minor Tremor recording 2.0 in the Richter Scale was reported early Sunday morning (31) from Akiriya, Ridimaliyadda, said the Geological Survey and Mines Bureau. The tremor was reported between 02:59 AM & 03:00 AM. This tremor was recorded at all 04 Seismic Stations located in Pallekele, Mahakanadarawa, Hakmana and Buddhangala, said Anura […]
Minor tremor recording 2.0 in the Richter Scale reported from Ridimaliyadda
Colombo (News 1st); The Director General of Health Services confirmed eight (08) deaths caused by Covid-19 virus infection. Accordingly, the total number of deaths due to Covid-19 infection in Sri Lanka is 313. 01.The deceased is a 61 year old male from Colombo 10. He was diagnosed as infected with Covid 19 and transferred from General […]
313 COVID-19 fatalities in Sri Lanka; 08 deaths on Saturday: DGHS
COLOMBO (News 1st): “Nalaka Godahewa and his faction say that the East Container Terminal will never be sold to foreign factions. He says that it’s the west terminal that will be sold. This is similar to showing the younger sister and giving the older one in marriage.” UNP MP Harin Fernando said. “We see contradicting […]
COLOMBO (News 1st): 10 political parties affiliated to the government, held discussions on the future course of action with regard to the East Container Terminal at the official residence of Minister Wimal Weerawansa today. MP Ven. Athuraliye Rathana Thero from the Ape Jana Bala party was present at the meeting. Speaking after the meeting Minister Wimal […]
10 parties affiliated to the government take a hard stance on the ECT, Gov. factions meet to discuss
COLOMBO (News 1st): State Minister Dr Nalaka Godahewa spoke about the letter sent to the president by ports trade unions that included a proposals to release the West Terminal to India instead of the East Terminal. When questioned on the stance of the Viyathmaga organization on handing over the west terminal of the port to the […]
ECT will not be given to foreign investors -Dr Nalaka Godahewa
Colombo (News 1st); 32,539 people were immunized with following the jabbing of the ‘AstraZeneca Covishield’ vaccine across Sri Lanka. On Friday (29) 5,286 people received the ‘AstraZeneca Covishield’ vaccine and the total number of people who received the vaccine stands at 37,825. Jabbing of the ‘AstraZeneca Covishield’ vaccine to Army personnel serving at the front […]
32,539 people received the ‘AstraZeneca Covishield’ vaccine on Saturday (30)
COLOMBO (News 1st): General Secretary of the Sinhale Organization Ven. Medille Pagngnaloka Thero said the Government is attempting to give away the West Container Terminal instead of the East Container Terminal owing to the pressure exerted by the trade unions. “What they are suggesting is like, we will give you the Temple of the sacred […]
ECT CRISIS: Is there an ulterior motive behind the opposition against the East Container Terminal?
COLOMBO (News 1st): The made in India, AstraZeneca COVISHIELD Vaccine was administered at 100 hospitals across all 25 districts in the island, including Trincomalee and Jaffna. Secretary to the State Ministry of Primary Health Care, Epidemics and COVID Disease Control, Dr. Amal Harsha De Silva told News 1st, that Frontline healthcare workers and personnel of […]
COVID-19 VACCINE: People above 60 to be vaccinated from March
COLOMBO (News 1st): The trade unions collective to protect the East Container Terminal handed over 6 proposals on how to resolve the issues that have arisen with regard to the East Container Terminal. The initial proposals presented by the trade unions include Development of the West Container Terminal with India and Japan to resolve the […]
COLOMBO (News 1st): President Gotabaya Rajapaksa has issued instructions to Departments and Institutions to draft new laws on wildlife conservation and land in a manner that would be beneficial for the people. This was in response to a request made by a member of the public during the Gama Samaga Pilisandarak program. The Head of […]
Draft new laws on wildlife & lands, says President in Ethimale
COLOMBO (News1st): All parts of the government must come together and present one stance on the handing over of the East Container Terminal, Ven. Galagodaaththe Gnanasara Thero said. Addressing a media briefing today, the Venerable thero said that different parts of the government are expressing mixed opinions on the matter. The thero insisted that the […]
Ven. Gnanasara Thero speaks about the sale of national resources
Colombo (News 1st); The State Ministry of National Security, Home Affairs and Disaster Management has requested for the National Flag to be displayed from the 01st to the 07th of February 2021 at all residences, shops, government and private establishments and vehicles, celebrating the 73rd Independence Day marked on 04th February 2021. In addition, all […]
Colombo (News 1st); Port Trade Unions said they expect a response from the government with regard to the trade union proposal submitted to President Gotabaya Rajapaksa on the East Container Terminal of the Colombo Port. President of the Port Branch of the Sri Lanka Nidahas Sevaka Sangamaya Prasanna Kalutharage, said if they don’t receive a response […]
Port trade unions launch work to rule; expecting GoSL response on ECT soon
COLOMBO (News 1st): The anti-narcotics operations in the country should be conducted in a methodical manner and people are encouraged to come forward with information on drug trafficking, Deputy Inspector General of Police Ajith Rohana, said. “We need to conduct anti-narcotics operations in a methodical manner to eliminate the drug menace from our country,” Police […]
COLOMBO (News 1st): India’s AstraZeneca COVISHIELD Vaccine will be administered at 100 hospitals across the island on Saturday (Jan. 30), the Ministry of Health said. Frontline healthcare workers and personnel of the Tri-Forces will receive the jab today (30), and plans are in place to conclude the 1st phase of inoculation in the next 10 […]
COLOMBO (News 1st): A special flight with 293 Sri Lankan expatriates who faced various forms of harassment while employed in Qatar, arrived at the Bandaranaike International Airport on Saturday (Jan. 30), airport officials said. The group of Sri Lankan migrant workers were referred for quarantine, the Duty Manager at the Katunayake Airport told News 1st […]
COLOMBO (News 1st): Four suspects were arrested for attempting to sell five Elephant pearls in the Udupussellawa area, Sri Lanka Police said on Saturday (Jan. 30). The suspects, who are residents of Matale and Medirigiriya, were arrested during a raid carried out based on a tip-off, the Police further added. A luxury SUV and a […]
COLOMBO (News 1st): Eight deaths were reported due to fatal motor traffic accidents in a 24-hour window that ended on Saturday morning (Jan. 30). Upon analysing the accident report, Police Spokesperson DIG Ajith Rohana said the majority of victims are riders and passengers of three-wheelers, motorcycles and pedestrians. “We need to ensure the road safety, […]
COLOMBO (News 1st): One suspect was arrested in connection with the robbery reported at the Usmudulawa rural bank in Ambalangoda on Friday afternoon (Jan. 29), Sri Lanka Police said on Saturday (Jan. 30). “The suspect who arrived at the bank on a motorcycle wearing a jacket and a full-face helmet had threatened the Manager of […]
COLOMBO (News 1st): The wholesale and retail prices of vegetables at the Dambulla Special Economic Centre have risen substantially. The hike in prices is due to the low supply of vegetable stocks as a result of inclement weather conditions experienced in the country, reported the News 1st correspondent in Dambulla. Accordingly, 1 kilogram of green […]
COLOMBO (News 1st): The inoculation of frontline healthcare workers, personnel of the Tri-Forces and Police with India’s AstraZeneca COVISHIELD vaccine against the COVID-19 infection will be conducted today (Jan. 30) as well, the Ministry of Health said. Sri Lanka’s COVID-19 vaccination drive began on Friday (Jan. 29) at eight hospitals with frontline healthcare workers, personnel […]
COLOMBO (News 1st): Sri Lanka reached another grim milestone in the COVID-19 pandemic with the death toll exceeding 300 after the Director-General of Health Services confirmed that eight COVID-19 deaths were reported in the country on Friday (Jan. 29). As of Saturday (Jan. 30), Sri Lanka’s COVID-19 death toll stands at 305. The details of […]
Colombo (News 1st); Importing the COVID vaccine to Sri Lanka, further strengthened the process of combating the coronavirus, said Health Minister Pavithra Wanniarachchi on Friday (29). She issued a statement from the National Institute of Infectious Diseases where she is being treated for the coronavirus and said she is pleased with the vaccination process. The ‘AstraZeneca […]
Vaccine strengthened process to combat COVID-19; Health Minister
Colombo (News 1st); Opposition Lawmaker Mujibur Rahuman questioned why the government of Sri Lanka is not seeking the extradition of Sarah, the wife of the suicide bomber responsible explosion in Katuwapitiya in 2019. He said the Traffic OIC of Kaluwanchikudy who assisted Sarah to evade capture, is currently detained by the CID. ‘Sarah is the […]
Why isn’t SL seeking Sarah’s extradition?; questions Mujibur
Colombo (News 1st); Sri Lanka Police have launched a manhunt to locate and arrest a member of the Batapola Pradeshiya Sabha for conspiracy to murder. Police Spokesperson DIG Ajith Rohana speaking to News 1st said the wanted suspect is identified as Batapola Pradeshiya Sabha member Shakthi Madusanka for the murder of 24-year-old Ishan Tharindu. The Meetiyagoda […]
Local politico wanted for murder; police seek public assistance
Colombo (News 1st); Sri Lanka Police arrested a person who imported 62 domestic birds in early January from Doha, Qatar, for violating the quarantine procedures in Sri Lanka. Police Spokesperson DIG Ajith Rohana said according to the procedure all animals and birds imported to Sri Lanka should follow the quarantine procedures. He said the accused had […]
Colombo (News 1st); Those who celebrated when national resources were sold are not speaking of protecting national resources, alleged Sports Minister Namal Rajapaksa on Friday (29). Commenting on the East Container Terminal Development at the Colombo Port, the Minister said there is no possibility for shares of the port to be listed in the Colombo Stock […]
Colombo (News 1st); The inoculation of the first shots of ‘AstraZeneca Covishield’ vaccine to naval personnel got underway on Friday (29th January 2021), after the doses allocated to the Navy were brought to the Navy General Hospital, Welisara form the Ministry of Health. This vaccine consignment arrived in the island following a request made by the […]
Naval personnel receive first jabs of ‘AstraZeneca Covishield’
Colombo (News 1st); Education authorities will explore the possibility of re-opening all schools in the Western Province before the 15th of February 2021, said Minister G. L. Peiris on Friday (29). At present only students sitting for the G. C. E. Ordinary Level examination are attending schools in the Western Province. Professor G. L. Peiris added […]
Colombo (News 1st); In line with the island-wide vaccination of the Indian government-gifted Oxford Astra Zeneca, the Sri Lanka Air Force commenced its vaccination program on Friday (29 January 2021) morning at the Air Force Hospital in Colombo by administering the first few doses to front line health workers. The initial vaccination program was held under […]
Colombo (News 1st); 15 suspects, including Ex-LTTE cadres and underworld criminals charged with transporting and selling weapons, were remanded to the 12th of February by Colombo Chief Magistrate Mohamed Mihail on Friday (29). A case was filed with the court stating Ex-LTTE cadres were supplying weapons and ammunition which have been unearthed from the North and […]
Arms trafficking Ex-LTTE Cadres & Underworld criminals remanded
Colombo (News 1st); Sri Lanka Air Force flypast rehearsals for the 73rd Independence Celebrations will be conducted in the general area of Colombo from 28th January to 4th February where aircraft will be flying at very low heights. The Sri Lanka Air Force requested the general public to refrain from sending KITES, BALLOONS or DRONES in […]
Colombo (News 1st); The Criminal Investigations Department on Friday (29) told Galle Chief Magistrate Harshana Kekumawela that ‘Podi Lassie’, a criminal gangster whose real name is Janith Madusanka, is currently detained by the CID. The Criminal Investigations Department also told the court the investigation against ‘Podi Lassie’ was completed and the reports were sent to the […]
Colombo (News 1st); Sri Lanka Cricket has been summoned to appear at the Committee of Public Enterprises on the 11th of February 2021. COPE Chairman Professor Charitha Herath said the National Child Protection Authority was summoned to appear on the 12th of February. The Special Audit Report on Child Abuse will be taken up for consideration […]
Colombo (News 1st); The daily revenue of the Sri Lanka Transport Board has dropped by Rs. 40 Million. SLTB Operations Superintendent A. S. B. Weerasooriya speaking to News 1st the revenue drop was the result of adopting the process to limit passengers to the seating capacity of individual buses. He said the daily revenue of the […]
Colombo (News 1st); Port Workers have decided to launch a work to rule campaign against the decision taken to release the East Container Terminal of the Colombo Port to India’s Adani Group. Minister of Ports and Shipping Rohitha Abeygunawardena speaking to reporters said the work to rule campaign will only disrupt the process of strengthening the […]
Port Workers to launch Work to Rule campaign against GoSL decision on ECT
Colombo (News 1st); Rear Admiral Sarath Weerasekara, the Ministry of Public Security said the case files with regard to the 08 suicide bombings on the 21st of April 2019 were sent to the Attorney General. The report of the Presidential Commission of Inquiry appointed to probe the 2019 April 21st Attacks is expected on the 31st […]
The Department of Meteorology says showers or thundershowers are likely in parts of the Northern, North-central, Eastern and Uva provinces t...
