Call for elections, says Ven. Muruthettuwe Thero

COLOMBO (News 1st); The Government should call for an election, says Ven. Muruthettuwe Ananda Thero expressing his views at a media briefing held today (31) at the Abayarama Temple in Narahenpita. The venerable thero said it is the duty of a right minded government to...

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‘Hippo Spirit’ – Vessel carrying rejected Chinese fertilizer enters Sea of Sri Lanka

COLOMBO (News 1st); Marine Traffic websites have confirmed that the Hippo Spirit vessel, also sailing as Seiyo Explorer, has entered the Sea of Sri Lanka. The ship is now located close to the Hambantota Port. The Hippo Spirit is carrying tonnes of rejected Chinese Fertilizer...

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State Minister Channa warns of another COVID-19 mutation

COLOMBO (News 1st); State Minister of Production, Supply and Regulation of Pharmaceuticals Prof. Channa Jayasumana warns of a mutation of the COVID-19 virus that is immune to the vaccine. He says that the A-30 mutation of the virus is immune to even the best vaccines,...

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Foreign Minister visits Cambridge University for discussion

COLOMBO (News 1st); Foreign Minister Prof. G. L. Peiris recently visited Jesus College, University of Cambridge, for a discussion of issues relating to Sri Lanka and the way forward. Among those participating in the discussion were Professor Sir Ivan Lawrence QC, the Rt....

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Water supply to several areas in Gamapaha to be suspended

COLOMBO (News 1st); The National Water Supply and Drainage Board (NWS&DB) says that the water supply to several areas in the Gampaha District will be suspended for 12 hours from 10:00 a.m. until 10:00 p.m. tomorrow (01). Accordingly, the water supply to Keragala, Demalagama,...

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People’s Bank blacklisting has economical impact: MP Kabir Hashim

COLOMBO (News 1st); Samagi Jana Balawega MP Kabir Hashim says that the blacklisting of the People’s Bank will not only diplomatically affect Sri Lanka, but has an economical impact as well. Speaking at an event held in Mawanella today (31), the SJB MP said that the...

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Press Tribunal to indict government – Report

COLOMBO (News 1st); Three press groups are preparing to set up a People’s Tribunal over the killing of three journalists. Accordingly, Reporters Without Borders, Free Press Unlimited, and the Committee to Protect Journalists will set up the People’s Tribunal. It would...

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Homeless people to be vaccinated

COLOMBO (News 1st); Operations are currently underway to identify the homeless in the Western Province who have not been vaccinated against COVID-19. Accordingly, the Police had identified 77 unvaccinated homeless people during a 7-hour operation carried out yesterday...

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Government stands for its citizens: Namal

COLOMBO (News 1st); The Government represents its citizens, said Minister of Youth and Sports Namal Rajapaksa on Sunday (31). He allged that those who championed the cause to reject fertilizer are the very people who are now demanding for chemical fertilizer. Reminding that...

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Long-distance trains to resume from 05 November

COLOMBO (News 1st); State Minister of Passenger Transport Services Dilum Amunugama says that steps will be taken to resume long distance trains from November 05th. The Minister further stated that steps will be taken to resume office trains from tomorrow (01). He added...

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Final rites of late Ven. Welamitiyawe Kusaladhamma Thero today

COLOMBO (News 1st); The final rites of the late Chancellor of the University of Kelaniya, Ven. Welamitiyawe Kusaladhamma Thero will be held with state honors this afternoon (31). The State-sponsored funeral will be held at the Independence square today (31). Meanwhile,...

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Doctor arrested for prescribing drugs in violation of accepted norms

COLOMBO (News 1st); Sri Lanka’s Police Special Task Force arrested a doctor for prescribing drugs in violation of the medical rules and regulations. The arrest was made in Panadura and STF personnel recovered more than 20,000 pills from the possession of the 50 year old suspects....

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Gayanthika sets two new Sri Lanka records at 99th National Athletics Championships

COLOMBO (News 1st); Sri Lanka Navy Leading Women Sailor Gayanthika Abeyrathna set two new Sri Lanka records in women’s 1500m and 5000m at the 99th National Athletics Championships held at the Sugathadasa Indoor Stadium. The Asian Gold Medalist set these two new records in respective...

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Glover Teixeira becomes second-oldest UFC champion in history after submitting Jan Blachowicz

Age ain’t nothing but a number to Glover Teixeira. Just days after celebrating his 42nd birthday, Teixeira finally realized his dream to become champion after tapping out Jan Blachowicz in the second round in the UFC 267 main event.   HE DID IT!@gloverteixeira is champion...

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Heavy Rains expected in multiple provinces

COLOMBO (News 1st); Showers or thundershowers will occur at times in Northern, North-central, North-western, Eastern and Uva provinces. Showers or thundershowers will occur at several places elsewhere especially during the evening or night, said the Met Department. Heavy showers...

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President Rajapaksa in Glasgow for UN COP26

COLOMBO (News 1st) President Gotabaya Rajapaksa arrived in Glasgow, Scotland to attend the 26th UN Climate Change Conference of the Parties (COP26), on Saturday (30). The delegation headed by the President arrived at the Glasgow International Airport at 12.40 p.m., Scotland...

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84 Vaccination Centers Open on Sunday (31)

84 Vaccination Centers Open on Sunday (31...

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Two men arrested with multiple weapons in Theldeniya

COLOMBO (News 1st); Sri Lanka Police arrested two men for the possession of multiple weapons and other material from Theldeniya on Saturday (30). The Police Media Division said one of the arrested men is a US citizen. Police recovered 100 bullets compatible with a pistol, One...

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“Attacking Someone Over Religion Is Most Pathetic”: Virat Kohli

India captain Virat Kohli has torn into social media trolling, throwing his weight behind Mohammed Shami who suffered vile abuse after India’s loss to Pakistan in the team’s T20 World Cup opener. Kohli spoke about backing Shami “200 per cent” “There’s a good reason why we are...

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Indian Nano Fertilizer distributed, but will it be sufficient for the Maha Season?

COLOMBO (News 1st); It’s been 10 days since Sri Lanka received a consignment of Nano Urea (Liquid) fertiliser from the Indian Farmers Fertiliser Cooperative or IFFCO. Agriculture Secretary Uditha. K. Jayasingha said this particular consignment was distributed to agricultural...

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Sri Lanka lose thrilling Group 1 match to South Africa by four wickets

(Sharjah) South Africa made it two wins out of three with their victory over Sri Lanka in the Super 12 stage of the ICC Men’s T20 World Cup 2021. Needing 22 runs from nine balls, Kagiso Rabada and David Miller soaked in the pressure to strike three sixes and a boundary to chase...

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Over 500 new COVID infections reported on Saturday (30)

Over 500 new COVID infections reported on Saturday (30...

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People’s Bank untainted since its inception, gets blacklisted for complying with Court Order?

COLOMBO (News 1st); Sri Lanka’s People’s Bank had honoured an order issued by the Commercial High Court preventing them from processing the payment to Qingdao Seawin Biotech Group Co., Ltd. for a fertilizer shipment that did not meet local specifications, The People’s Bank...

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Foreign Minister invites UK to set up arbitration center

COLOMBO (News 1st); Sri Lanka has invited the UK to set-up an arbitration center in the country, Foreign minister G.L. Peiris stated during an event in London. The Sri Lanka – United Kingdom Chamber of Commerce was launched at the Sri Lankan High Commission in London...

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Electricity Trade Union to defy Essential Service declaration

COLOMBO (News 1st); Electricity Trade Unions in Sri Lanka have warned that they would not comply with the order in declaring their service as essential services. “The government should consider it a failure if they assume to suspend out actions by imposing declarations on essential...

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Sudanese gear up for nationwide protests against military coup

(News 1st); Opponents of a military coup in Sudan are planning to take to the streets to demand the restoration of a civilian-led government and put the country back on a path to democracy, in conjunction with calls for demonstrations in the “Million of October 30” to...

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Why is Gammanpila in Govt, he accuses of being corrupt: State Minister

COLOMBO (News 1st); State minister Shehan Semasinghe says that he is disappointed over the statements made by Minister Udaya Gammanpila at a forum on Friday (29) against the LNG deal. The State Minister said that the Minister’s statement will lead the public to misunderstand...

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Police raid prostitution ring involving Indonesians

COLOMBO (News 1st); Sri Lanka Police arrested five Indonesian women and a Sri Lankan for prostitution in Mount Lavinia. Police said they have received information regarding a racket involving Indonesian women being exploited for prostitution in Sri Lanka and a raid...

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Gazette issued declaring several institutions as essential services

HL: Gazette issued declaring several institutions as essential services COLOMBO (News 1st); A special gazette notification has been issued declaring several institutions including ports, fuel, postal transport and Government banks as essential services. The gazette,...

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Schools to re-open for O/L & A/L students from 8th November

COLOMBO (News 1st); All school in Sri Lanka will re-open for Grade 10, 11, 12 and 13 from 8th November, announced the Education Ministry on Saturday (30). Earlier, the Health Ministry also granted permission to re-commence tuition classes for O/L & A/L students from the...

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Law must be always followed when making decisions: MP Weerakkody

COLOMBO (News 1st);  SLPP Parliamentarian Chandima Weerakody says the law must always be followed when decisions are made. He made these remarks referring to the Government’s decision to import nano Nitrogen fertilizer. MP Weerakkody said while there is a shortage...

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Tuition classes for O/L & A/L students from 16th Nov; New guidelines for November released

COLOMBO (News 1st) ; Sri Lanka’s Health Ministry has issued guidelines on continuing operations from the 1st to the 15th of November 2021. The circular notes that the number of employees reporting to work should be limited while working from home should be encouraged. However,...

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St Petersburg’s Artillery Academy in Historic Fortress Honours Army Chief Firing Canons

(Moscow) St Petersburg-based prestigious Mikhailovskaya Military Artillery Academy, established in the year 1855 which uses professional expertise of scientists, constructors and budding professionals in order to groom junior officers for development of artillery, small arms...

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UN Secretary General calls for world leaders to deliver solutions on climate change

(News 1st); United Nations Secretary-General Antonio Guterres has called on G20 leaders to come together to deliver solutions on climate change and the global coronavirus pandemic before a global summit on climate change. Speaking in Rome on the eve of the Group of 20...

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Finance Minister says he is unaware of People’s Bank blacklisting

COLOMBO (News 1st); The Minister of Finance Basil Rajapaksa says that he has not been informed of the People’s Bank being blacklisted by the Economic and Commercial Office of the Chinese Embassy in Sri Lanka. He made these remarks while speaking to media after visiting...

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CBSL issues new rules for conversion of export proceeds

COLOMBO (News 1st); The Monetary Board of the Central Bank of Sri Lanka (CBSL) has issued new rules in respect of repatriation of export proceeds into Sri Lanka and conversion of such export proceeds to Sri Lanka Rupees. In a press release, the CBSL has repealed the existing...

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Kidnappers who impersonated cops arrested

COLOMBO (News 1st): The three suspects who impersonated Police officers and demanded ransom upon kidnapping an individual from Molewatte in Grandpass have been arrested, Sri Lanka Police said on Saturday (Oct. 30). According to Police, the suspects had held the victim against...

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Full vaccination made mandatory for private bus drivers & conductors

COLOMBO (News 1st); Full vaccination has been made mandatory for drivers and conductors engaged in private passenger transport. The Director General of the National Transport Commission, Commander Nilan Miranda stated that a program has been prepared to inspect the vaccination...

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Distribution of organic fertilizer from Monday

COLOMBO (News 1st); The Department of Agrarian Development says that the distribution of organic fertilizer to all districts will commence from next Monday (01). Commissioner General of Agrarian Development, A.H.M.L. Abeyratne said that the distribution of organic fertilizer...

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Graduates to receive permanent appointments in public service

COLOMBO (News 1st); The Ministry of Local Government and Provincial Councils says that information on vacancies for graduates have been collected from State institutions to given them permanent appointments in the near future. Its Secretary, J.J. Ratnasiri stated that...

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Adverse weather conditions affect Puttalam, Badulla

COLOMBO (News 1st); The Department of Meteorology says that the highest rainfall of 90.5 mm was received in the Puttalam District, last night. Moreover, Badulla District has received 57.6 mm of rain. Assistant Director of Disaster Management of the Badulla District, Udaya...

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‘At that point I wondered whether I was dreaming’ – Wimal recalls LNG deal in Cabinet

COLOMBO (News 1st); “At that point I wondered whether I was dreaming” said Minister Wimal Weerawansa, recalling the instance when the cabinet paper on the controversial LNG power plant deal was approved within the Cabinet. 11 Government-affiliated parties including the Sri...

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President leaves for Scotland to attend COP26

COLOMBO (News 1st): President Gotabaya Rajapaksa left for Scotland early on Saturday morning (Oct. 30), to attend the 2021 United Nations Climate Change Conference, also known as COP26. The COP26 Summit is the 26th UN Climate Change Conference. The President’s Media Division...

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Teacher’s satyagraha continues against unresolved salary anomay

COLOMBO (News 1st); The Satyagraha action launched by the Ceylon Teachers’ Union of Sri Lanka demanding the immediate intervention of the President and the Minister of Finance to resolve the 24 year teacher-principal salary disparity went into effect for the fourth day...

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Hidden force behind protests: Johnston

COLOMBO (News 1st); Minister Johnston Fernando says that there is clearly a hidden force behind the ongoing trade union protests. Speaking to media today (29), the Minister of Highways stated that not every decision taken by trade unions is correct, and although they opposed...

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DMT introduces automated system for appointments

COLOMBO (News 1st); The Department of Motor Vehicles has introduced an automated call system and a website which allows public to obtain a date and time in advance to for all services by the Department. This service is in operation from Friday (29). Accordingly public...

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CIABOC to reconsider case against Minister Johnston

COLOMBO (News 1st); Sri Lanka’s Bribery Commission told the Colombo Chief Magistrate that on the 3rd of November, it would announce whether or not it will proceed with the case filed against Minister Johnston Fernando and two others. The Bribery Commission filed the case against...

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Imported nadu rice priced at Rs. 98/-, to be sold from today

COLOMBO (News 1st); Retired Rear Admiral Ananda Peiris, Chairman of the Lanka Sathosa states that Nadu rice imported from India will be released to the market at Rs. 98 per kilogram from today (29). The Chairman stated that 9 containers of Nadu rice have been received...

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President pays last respects to Ven. Kusaladamma Thera

COLOMBO (News 1st); President Gotabaya Rajapaksa paid his last respects to late Chancellor of the University of Kelaniya, Chief Judicial Prelate for the two Regions of Colombo and Chilaw and the Chief Incumbent of the Peliyagoda Vidyalankara Pirivena, Aggamahapandit Dr. Most...

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President has encouraged for broader dialogue with diaspora: Foreign Minister

COLOMBO (News 1st); President Gotabaya Rajapaksa has encouraged for a broader dialogue with the Tamil diaspora and is also reaching out to the Tamil National Alliance for this purpose, Foreign Minister Prof. G.L. Peiris stated during a meeting with the UK Secretary of...

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