140 organizations worldwide ask IMF to issue $650 bn to help poor nations

COLOMBO (News 1st) – A delegation from Sri Lanka, including the State Minister of Finance, Shehan Semasinghe, met with the Deputy Managing Director of the International Monetary Fund, Kenji Okamura.The State Minister met with the IMF Director at the annual summit of the International Monetary Fund and the World Bank, which is currently underway at the United States.The necessary next steps to get the approval of the Executive Board of the International Monetary Fund for the proposed Extended Fund Facility have been discussed between the State Minister and the IMF Director at the meeting.Recent economic trends in Sri Lanka were also discussed at length during the meeting.The alternative Executive Director of International Monetary Fund Dr. Chandranath Amarasekara, Central Bank Governor Dr.

Photo from Eclipse's Facebook page SEATTLE - A Seattle-area dog who shot to national viral fame for riding King County Metro buses by herself has died at the age of 10. Eclipse, the half Mastiff, half black lab, gained notoriety for taking herself to the dog park on the bus. Her owner, Jeff Young, said that he used to take her to the Belltown dog park daily via bus.

COLOMBO (News 1st) – The Deputy Director of the Asia and Pacific Department of the International Monetary Fund, Anne-Marie Gulde-Wolf has said that Sri Lanka will remain a middle-income country despite the decline in GDP.Speaking at an IMF press conference on the Asia and Pacific Region’s Economic Outlook, the Deputy Director of the Asia and Pacific Department of the IMF responded to questions raised about Sri Lanka's progress toward debt restructuring negotiation, the IMF's program timeline, and whether Sri Lanka could be downgraded to low-income status.She pointed out that it is difficult to predict a timeline because the process of debt negotiations takes time, and mentioned that timelines differ depending on who the creditors are and what is involved. "We certainly are supporting the process as much as we can. And we hope that everybody can work expeditiously to get a process underway, and discussions have started, including with support of all bilateral creditors that are involved," she said. Anne-Marie Gulde-Wolf further speaking noted that with regard to the other multilateral lenders, the IMF is working very closely with the World Bank, the Asian Development Bank, the Asian Investment Bank, on programs for Sri Lanka, which would assist in closing the financing gap. "But I want to say also very importantly that the policies under the other multilateral lenders in their areas of expertise will be important to resolve Sri Lanka's longer term growth problems," Anne-Marie Gulde-Wolf emphasized.

The gasps in room 43 of the National Gallery in London capture the raw emotion of a shocking moment.

Matt Goss, 54, has opened up about his rare muscle condition in order to give children growing up with the syndrome more confidence.The star also praised Strictly Come Dancing for the way they have handled his condition, adding that the BBC show has helped him both physically and mentally.Matt has revealed just how much Strictly has done for his self-esteem after being born with a “very rare” condition. The musician was born with Poland syndrome, which is a condition characterised by webbing of the fingers and of underdevelopment of chest muscle, according to the NHS.Matt has shared that he has “one pectoral muscle on the right side instead of two.The lower one is missing, but the upper one is fine and strong.”When Matt was the frontman of Bros, he used to “pose covering that side of his chest”.However, he now has plans to reshoot campaigns thanks to the newfound confidence Strictly Come Dancing has given him. Speaking to the Daily Mail, Matt said: “My posture has improved since being on Strictly. I want to say to the judges, you’ve made me want to improve this and be proud of my posture. “I want to thank them.This is a journey for me – every week I am getting stronger.”He went on to praise Strictly’s costume team, who had been “kind and discreet” when it came to outfit fittings.Matt explained: “It has been one of my favourite things about the Strictly experience.The costume team were relative strangers at the beginning, but from the start, they’ve always been very kind and discreet – it has really touched me.“If I get a jacket made it will pull on the right side more.

COLOMBO (News 1t) – The Public Utilities Commission of Sri Lanka (PUCSL) announced power cuts of 1 hours and 20 minutes for Saturday (15) and Sunday (16).

On national television, Biden administration spokesperson John Kirby mounted a feeble attempt to explain the president’s COVID-19 vaccine mandate for the military. Kirby, a retired Navy admiral, had no acceptable answers when pressed about the administration’s "folly" and the perilous impact the mandate is already having on our national security. Remarkably, Kirby perpetuated the narrative that the military’s mandate must remain in place while admitting with a straight face that he was quarantined for 10 days due to his current bout with COVID-19, despite being vaccinated and double boosted.

Troy Fletcher, 15 (Philadelphia Police Department)PHILADELPHIA - Philadelphia police have issued a warrant for another suspect in the shooting outside of Roxborough High School that killed a 14-year-old boy late last month. On Friday, police identified Troy Fletcher, 15, as a suspect in the case. He faces multiple charges, including murder, in connection with the shooting. Fletcher is now the fourth suspect to be identified by police following the Sept.

FORT LAUDERDALE, Fla. - Prosecutors in the case of Florida school shooter Nikolas Cruz are calling for an investigation after a juror said she felt threatened by another member of the jury during deliberations that ended with a life sentence for Cruz’s murder of 17 people.The motion calls for law enforcement to interview the unnamed juror after she told the state attorney’s office about what "she perceived to be a threat from a fellow juror while in the jury room." No further details were given. A hearing was held Friday afternoon, where the judge said the matter should be in the hands of law enforcement.The jury foreman said three of the jurors ultimately voted for life in prison, with one of them being a "hard no" on the death penalty and another two ultimately choosing to vote against it as well.A divided jury spared Cruz the death penalty and instead decided to send him to prison for the rest of his life in a decision that left many families of the victims angered, baffled and in tears.

COLOMBO (News 1st) – The Public Utilities Commission of Sri Lanka approved power cuts of 1 hours and 20 minutes on 15th and 16th and 2 hours and 20 minutes on 17th October.Accordingly, power cuts will take place as follows;15th & 16th – Groups ABCDEFGHIJKLPQRSTUVW  – 1 hour and 20 minutes during night17th – Groups ABCDEFGHIJKLPQRSTUVW  – 1 hour during daytime and 1 hour and 20 minutes during night.

PHILADELPHIA - As the Philadelphia Phillies and their fans are celebrating the team's first playoff appearance since 2011, they are also mourning the loss of one of their Minor League players. Corey Phelan joined the Phillies organization in August 2020 and was expected to move up through the Minor League quickly. He was diagnosed with non-Hodgkin's lymphoma in 2021 and he revealed in May that his diagnosis evolved into Leukemia. A statement from the team was released on the Phillies Player Development Twitter account, saying, "The Phillies family is extremely saddened by the tragic passing of Corey Phelan. Corey's positive presence and selflessness influenced everyone around him.

Omaha, Nebraska public schools are employing $460,000 in federal funding allocated for COVID-19 relief to invest in social emotional learning (SEL) throughout the district, a practice that is popping up across the state and the country, Parents Defending Education found. "The pandemic’s impact has taken a toll on students in particular, contributing to an increase in mental health problems since 2020, according to statewide and national data," the Omaha World-Herald reported earlier this month.

COLOMBO (News 1st) – IMF Managing Director Kristalina Georgieva says that the IMF is pressing for a more effective debt resolution mechanism. "We want the Common Framework to become more predictable with guidelines and able to bring equality of treatment for all creditors, public and private," she told a news briefing.She said that the IMF is also looking for ways in which it can expand that kind of donor coordination to middle-income countries, such as Sri Lanka."So, we have a lot to do during this week.

COLOMBO (News 1st) – Prime Minister Dinesh Gunawardena requested the International Labour Organisation (ILO) to assist the government’s initiative to establish a digital database of the labor workforce in Sri Lanka. He pointed out that the Ministry of Labour has taken steps to establish a comprehensive digitalized database of the workforce and urged the ILO to assist in expediting the process.This was discussed when ILO Country Director Simrin C Singh and Senior Employment Specialist of ILO Headquarters, Sher Verick called on him at the prime Minister’s Office yesterday (13).The Prime Minister briefed them on the impact of the Covid pandemic and economic crisis on the labor workforce and the short-term and long-term steps taken by the government to recover the economy and to help the workers, especially the low-income labor force.Simrin Singh said despite some signs of positive trends, most developing countries including Sri Lanka are faced with difficulties due to the global recession, limited fiscal space, debt sustainability challenges, and rising inflation. She pointed out that these issues have resulted in a labor market crisis.Prime Minister Gunawardena stressed that the government was very keen to make the labor workforce upwardly mobile and explained the multitude of training programs launched for skill development. Increasing the quality and quantity of jobs is the surest way of moving people out of poverty, he said. Employment Specialist Sher Verick said that the founding principles of the ILO are concerned not only with ensuring sources of income, but also as a means for people to live a self-determined life, and for participating fully as citizens in their communities.Minister of Labour and Foreign Employment

COLOMBO (News 1t) – The Public Utilities Commission of Sri Lanka (PUCSL) warns of power cuts of 2 hours and 20 minutes for today (14) as follows;Groups ABCDEFGHIJKLPQRSTUVW:1-hour during daytime 1-hour and 20-minutes during the night

Former American Idol star Willie Spence has died at age 23.

Goalkeeper Yussef Hassan L of Qatar attends a public training session of Qatar national team in preparation for the FIFA World Cup Qatar 2022 at the Jassim bin Hamad stadium in Doha, Qatar, on Oct. 2, 2022.

LAS VEGAS - Fifty-six-year-old Lance Reberger reached a milestone this week: he learned how to make a password for an online account.For many people, it may not sound like a big deal, but after 31 years in prison, Reberger is digitally illiterate."If you go out and have a plan, which most people it seems like they have a plan, but once you get out and face the reality of what’s going on out here, I had no clue. So right now I would be homeless if I didn’t have the help that I had," Reberger told KVVU.The help he’s speaking of is Jared Uraine, a Nevada realtor who met Reberger through a prison ministry program."When I heard that he’d been in for 31 years I kind of did the math, and knowing him on somewhat of a personal level ...

TV's Ant McPartlin and Declan Donnelly have both contracted Covid-19 which means they won't be able to present their Britain's Got Talent magic spin-off show and they won't be at tonight's (October 13) National Television Awards 2022.The humorous pair, 46 and 47, posted images of their positive Covid tests to their Instagram (which they also share) saying "we even get ill together". They added they are "so sorry" to be missing the NTAs and said: "After feeling unwell a few days ago we both tested and we're positive for Covid...

COLOMBO (News 1st) – Sri Lankan State Minister Sanath Nishantha appeared in court on Thursday (13) after the Court of Appeal ordered for his immediate arrest for failing to appear in court.The Judicial Services Commission and multiple Counsel had filed petitions with the Court of Appeal claiming that State Minister Sanath Nishantha has made comments that bring disrepute to the Judiciary and the Magistrates, during a press conference convened at the Sri Lanka Podujana Peramuna Head Office.The Court of Appeal had ordered the State Minister to appear in court on Thursday (13) to provide reasons as to why the court should not impose any punishment on him for the contempt of court allegations mentioned in the petitions.The application was called up in the presence of Court of Appeal Justices Nissanka Bandula Karunaratne, and R.

Meghan, Duchess of Sussex called a woman shopping at a grocery store when her mental health was in a "dire state. " The 41-year-old royal - who tied the knot with Prince Harry in 2018 - moved to LA in 2020 with her husband after stepping down from royal duties and revealed that the Duke of Sussex had given her the phone number of a woman who he thought could help her when her mental health was at its "worst. " She said: "I mean I think, at my worst point, being finally connected to someone that, you know, my husband had found a referral for me to call and I called this woman.

COLOMBO (News 1t) – Sri Lanka will go for power cuts of 2 hours and 20 minutes from 12th – 14th October, said the Public Utilities Commission of Sri Lanka.Groups ABCDEFGHIJKLPQRSTUVW:1-hour during daytime 1-hour and 20-minutes during the night

Canada will fare better in the year ahead than some other global economies amid dire warnings Tuesday from the International Monetary Fund (IMF) about a looming downturn, according to economists who spoke to Global News.

PHILADELPHIA - City leaders gathered outside Roxborough High School on Tuesday at announce thousands in security funding, two weeks after 14-year-old Nicholas Elizalde was killed and four others were wounded in an ambush shooting that erupted following a football scrimmage. The half million dollars will be used to improve cameras, install new door locks, and place new fire alarms among other improvements. Elizalde's mother joined politicians and educators at the school on Tuesday, and described the pain of losing her son to gun violence plaguing the city. "We’re in a state of emergency," she said.  "We’re in a war and no one has the luxury of sitting on the bench, I was the best mom that I knew how to be, I tucked my son in every night."Inside the school there’s a dream wall where students write of their dreams.

said on her podcast that it was who found her first professional referral when she was at her “worst point.” “My husband had found a referral for me to call,” the Duchess of Sussex told her guest, Hindi language film star Deepika Padukone. “And I called this woman—she didn't know I was even calling her. And she was checking out at the grocery store.

Hockey Canada’s CEO and entire board of directors will leave the organization after facing fierce criticism for its handling of alleged sexual assaults.

(Reuters) – The annual IMF/World Bank meetings in Washington D.C. from Monday (10) to Saturday will include talks on several emerging markets squeezed by rising inflation and borrowing costs against a backdrop of slowing global growth.The economic hit from Russia's invasion of Ukraine has added to pressures that surfaced during the COVID-19 pandemic and have led many smaller developing economies to turn to the International Monetary Fund in recent months for help.The IMF has approved programs or financing facilities for 10 countries since the start of the Ukraine war on Feb.

COLOMBO (News 1st) – Cascading global crises have left 54 countries including Sri Lanka – home to more than half of the world's poorest people — in dire need of debt relief, the UN said Tuesday (11).In a new report, the United Nations Development Programme warned that dozens of developing nations were facing a rapidly deepening debt crisis and that "the risks of inaction are dire".UNDP said without immediate relief, at least 54 countries would see rising poverty levels, and "desperately needed investments in climate adaptation and mitigation will not happen".That was worrisome since the affected countries were "among the most climate-vulnerable in the world".The agency's report, published ahead of meetings of the International Monetary Fund, the World Bank, and also of G20 finance ministers in Washington, highlighted the need for swift action.But despite repeated warnings, "little has happened so far, and the risks have been growing," UNDP chief Achim Steiner told reporters in Geneva."That crisis is intensifying and threatening to spill over into an entrenched development crisis across dozens of countries across the world."The poor, indebted countries are facing converging economic pressures and many find it impossible to pay back their debt or access new financing.'Volatility'"Market conditions are shifting rapidly as a synchronised fiscal and monetary contraction and low growth are fuelling volatility around the globe," UNDP said.The UN agency said debt troubles had been brewing in many of the affected countries long before the Covid-19 pandemic hit."The rapid build-up in debt over the past decade has been consistently underestimated," it said.The freeze on debt repayment during the Covid crisis to lighten their burden

COLOMBO (News 1st) – It is no secret that the prevailing economic crisis has led to the disruption of the day-to-day lives of the general public. How many families have been impacted by this unprecedented economic crisis? Has sufficient attention been given to those who are severely affected? The Gammadda Door to Door initiative continues to identify a range of issues faced by average Sri Lankans. On Monday (10), which was Day Six of the Sixth edition of the Gammadda Door to Door program, the team that completed it's tour in the Jaffna district reached the Killinochchi district.They visited the Malayalapuram area in the Karachchi Divisional Secretariat, where most of the residents are day-wage earners.Unfortunately, the economic crisis left them with no work, ruining their chances of providing for their families. Gammadda teams in the Ratnapura district visited Handagirigoda, Handagiriya, Kolonna andSuriyakanda villages in the Welligepola Divisional Secretariat and met with the poverty-stricken estate workers living in Suriyakanda. People in this area do not have the luxury of enjoying cell phone services as the area lacks the basic facilities. Unlike most areas in Sri Lanka children in the area do not have access to online education.Gammadda teams in the Polonnaruwa district toured many areas in the Hingurakgoda Divisional Secretariat. On top of the economic crisis, people in this area face wild elephant threats. 

COLOMBO (News 1st) – President Ranil Wickremesinghe noted that the country needs a national policy that does not change with every government that comes to power and invited everyone to commit to building the country on one national policy without party differences.The President pointed out that to build a developed economy and raise Sri Lanka to the pinnacle of the world, a solid economic policy as well as political stability is a must. Hence, he invited everyone to join hands to discuss the national policy framework using the "Jathika Sabhawa" (National Council) as a platform.President Wickremesinghe stated this while declaring open the first life-saving pharmaceutical manufacturing plant established in Sri Lanka on Monday (10).The President also pointed out that he is working towards establishing a national policy to prepare an export economy using competitive and modern technology.Expressing his views further, the President said, “This company has taken steps to develop our export industry, not only to supply medicines needed domestically but also by producing medicines needed internationally. We sincerely hope that this project commenced by this young entrepreneur will progress to greater heights.

COLOMBO (News 1st) – The Federation For Health Professionals warned that if the retirement age for one particular profession is extended, it would protest against such decisions.The Federation For Health Professionals in a statement said that the government had reached a policy decision to bring down the retirement age of all public sector employees to 60 years.It notes that reports have revealed an attempt being made by a Cabinet Sub-Committee to reverse this decision for one particular profession in the health sector.The Federation For Health Professionals strongly condemns the attempts to completely disregard its contribution towards implementing the government's policies.The Federation For Health Professionals warned that trade union action would be inevitable if the cabinet of ministers decided to reach a decision that would not treat all health sector professions equally.Around twenty trade unions representing health professionals had signed the letter requesting that the retirement age policy not be reversed.

Alberta Premier Jason Kenney says federal Conservative leader Pierre Poilievre needs to steer away from “fringe issues” if he aims to lead not only the party but the country.“He understands that to become prime minister, he needs to speak to the aspirations of regular Canadians, not to fringe issues.” Alberta’s premier-designate wants ‘greater’ provincial autonomy, but is it her 1st priority? Kenney also believes that Poilievre is “wise beyond his years.”“He’s a brilliant young man,” he said.According to a recent poll from the end of last month, Poilievre overtook Prime Minister Justin Trudeau as the best leader for the country.“Since the moment he was elected leader, he’s demonstrated great discipline in focusing on the kitchen-table issues that matter to ordinary Canadian families,” said Kenney.However, Poilievre has had a number of interactions with fringe movements in Canada.Most recently, a Global News analysis of 50 of Polievre’s official YouTube videos showed that they included a hidden tag appealing to a misogynistic online movement that Canada’s intelligence agencies view as a danger.The tag, #mgtow, is an acronym for “Men Going Their Own Way” — a mostly-online movement consisting of anti-feminists who cut women completely out of their lives.The Conservative leader has also drawn criticism for his support of the convoy protest that paralyzed downtown Ottawa and blockaded border crossings in February.Poilievre chose to walk with James Topp, an activist with connections to convoy figures who have marched across the nation to protest COVID-19 vaccine mandates.After posing for a photograph with Jeremy Mackenzie — the de-facto leader of a far-right group called Diagalon who was arrested on a Canada-wide warrant for

COLOMBO (News 1st) – Lieutenant General Vikum Liyanage, Commander of the Army in his Army Day Message (October 10) aka 73rd Anniversary Day says the prime responsibility of the Sri Lanka Army is to identify the threats to national security and protect the Constitution and democracy in the country and our unity as one would help to overcome any challenge that may pose in the future. " I encourage you to avoid procrastination and discharge your duties effectively to reach the goals of the organization and serve the best interestas of the Nation, " Here follows the full text of his message;Today, the Sri Lanka Army marks its 73 years of illustrious forward march since its inception as the proud “Protector of the State” that continues to render an unparalleled service for safeguarding sovereignty, territorial integrity, and unity of our beloved motherland. As the Commander of the Army, I take great pride and pleasure in extending my warmest wishes on the occasion of the 73rd Anniversary of the Sri Lanka Army.I fervently consider this is the aptest moment to retrospect on the successful journey of the Sri Lanka Army spanned more than seven decades since its founding on 10 October 1949. The Army has become what it is today owing to the exceptional services rendered by former Commanders, Officers, Other Ranks, and civil employees who served and retired. Thus, I honor their selfless commitment and dedication on this remarkable day. I also consider it our prime duty to pay our utmost tribute and respect to the war heroes who made the supreme sacrifice while safeguarding our motherland and bringing peace and harmony to our country to create a better future for the Nation, and I wish a speedy recovery to those who were wounded and

COLOMBO (News 1st) – The 2022 Annual Meetings of the International Monetary Fund (IMF) and the World Bank Group (WBG) will take place today (10) and will go on to October 16 at the IMF and World Bank Group headquarters, in Washington DC.Sri Lanka decided to send eight representatives for the annual summit of the IMF and the World Bank.Sri Lanka's delegation will be led by State Finance Minister Shehan Semasinghe.Also, the Governor of the Central Bank of Sri Lanka, the Finance Secretary, and several others will accompany to the State Minister.

Tanya Hinsley said she snapped this photo right after the Starbucks barista prayed with a customer. (Credit: Tanya Hinsley) JONESBORO, Ark. - Waiting in the drive-thru line can be a bit tedious, but Tanya Hinsley said she captured a moment that made it all worth it. The Jonesboro, Arkansas, resident said she was recently at a local Starbucks with her son who had just received his driving permit. "He wanted more practice with going through a drive-thru," Hinsley told FOX Television Stations. RELATED: Hurricane Ian shakes Florida's faith, but can't destroy itHinsley said she was waiting in line when Carrie, the Starbucks employee, started praying with the customer at the front of the line. "My son and I were having a discussion about how we loved that she stopped what she is doing and was bold in her faith and cared enough to pray with someone," Hinsley continued.

COLOMBO (News 1st) – The Meteorological Department has issued an amber advisory for severe lightning until 11:00 pm on Sunday (9).According to the advisory, thundershowers accompanied by severe lightning are likely to occur at several places in Uva, Eastern, Northern and North-Central provinces and in Kurunegala district. Moreover, heavy showers about 100 mm may occur at some places in these areas.There may be temporary localized strong winds during thundershowers, and the general public is kindly requested to take adequate precautions to minimize damages caused by lightning activity.

COLOMBO (News 1st) – A Sri Lankan delegation has left the island with the aim of participating in the annual summit of the International Monetary Fund and the World Bank in Washington, USA.The delegation is headed by the State Minister of Finance, Shehan Semasinghe, and includes eight representatives. The delegation also includes several high-ranking officials including the Secretary of the Ministry of Finance and the Governor of the Central Bank.The conference, which starts on 10th October, is scheduled to be held until 16th October.

COLOMBO (News 1st) – The Emigration and Immigration Department says that more than 700,000 passports have been issued within the first 9 months of 2022.The Deputy Controller and Media Spokesperson of the Department, Piyumi Bandara stated that 700,733 passports have been issued during the relevant period.This number is significant in comparison with the previous year, as only 300,000 passports have been issued within the full 12 months of 2021.Immigration and Emigration Department data shows that the number of foreign passports issued in the year 2021 is 392,032.According to the data, passports were issued for 409,919 men and 290,814 women within the first nine months of 2022.The highest number of foreign passports were issued in the month of August, which is 115,286.

COLOMBO (News 1st) – An Extraordinary Gazette notification has been issued moving several functions under the Ministry of Irrigation to the State Minister of Irrigation.The gazette has been issued by the Minister of Irrigation Roshan Ranasinghe.Accordingly, the State Minister has been empowered to carry out water drainage and flood control through the flood control schemes, prevention of environmental pollution related to water sources such as rivers, streams and lakes and the power to implement the water disposal schemes.In addition, the State Minister is required to assist the Minister of Irrigation in all development projects under the Ministry of Irrigation, according to the relevant gazette notification.

COLOMBO (News 1st) – The Meteorology Department has issued an Amber alert with regard to severe lightning.Accordingly, thundershowers accompanied by severe lightning are likely to occur at several places in Uva, Eastern, Northern and North-central provinces. Fairly heavy showers above 75 mm may occur at some places in these areas.There may be temporary localized strong winds during thundershowers, and general public is kindly requested to take adequate precautions to minimize damages caused by lightning activity.

International students studying in Canada are now eligible to work more hours off campus as the country continues to grapple with labour shortages, according to the country’s immigration minister.

Ozzy Osbourne has opened up on his fellow rock stars that have reached out to him during his ongoing health issues, noting that while his social circle in the music scene has essentially gotten smaller, he's extremely appreciative of those that have continued to make the effort. In a new interview with Revolver, Ozzy reveals that he now has a great relationship with fellow Black Sabbath legend Tony Iommi these days, and that the two still text each other regularly. "Tony, God bless him, he comes to my rescue," he says.

COLOMBO (News 1st) – The Public Utilities Commission of Sri Lanka (PUCSL) approved power cuts of 2 hours and 20 minutes from 08th – 10th October as follows;Groups ABCDEFGHIJKLPQRSTUVW:1-hour during daytime1-hour and 20-minutes during the night

COLOMBO (News 1st) – Today is Day 3 of the 6th Edition of the Gammadda Door-to-Door Program, and the Gammadda teams were deployed across three districts today as well.The Gammadda teams engaged in the Door to Door program are currently based in the Jaffna, Matale, and Kalutara Districts.The team in the Kalutara District visited the Thebuwara West Village in the Dodamgoda Divisional Secretariat.This village is constantly flooded due to the effects of the Kalu River. Villagers state that these are the results of illegal constructions that obstruct the waterways. They further added that this is a result of negligence by the authorities. Another Gammadda Team is in the Matale District today. The main issue these villagers are facing is that the main access road to the village has not been renovated. Gammdda teams are in the Jaffna District as well. Most villagers in the most rural areas in the Jaffna District face an issue: the lack of access to clean drinking water. A water purification project commenced 5 years ago.

COLOMBO (News 1st) – Minister of Justice Dr.Wijayadasa Rajapaksa says the latest resolution adopted on Sri Lanka at the UN Human Rights Council would have an effect on the proposed IMF bailout as well as the GSP+ concession. The Minister of Justice and Constitutional Reforms attributes the change of stances Sri Lanka as a nation adopted from time to time and the breakdown of the general public's trust in its leaders to the UNHRC resolution being passed.The Minister warned that this development has pushed Sri Lanka into a perilous situation. The resolution presented at the 51st Session of the UNHRC by the core group on Sri Lanka was passed yesterday.9 out of the 19 facts presented in the resolution concerned the economic crisis in the country and recent violations of human rights.20 countries voted in favour of the resolution while 7 opposed it. 20 countries including India, Japan and Nepal abstained from voting. The Minister of Justice pointed out that he will continue to hand in hand with the Ministry of Foreign Affairs to expedite steps to introduce democratic reforms while working with the international community through a mutual understanding.

Chrystia Freeland said Thursday while speaking on the bill at the Senate Committee.“This relief is really needed by people. That’s why I am very grateful to all the MPs in the House of Commons who decided to support the measure,” added Freeland, who sponsored the bill.The enactment amends the Income Tax Act in order to double the Goods and Sales Tax/Harmonized Sales Tax (GST/HST) credit for six months.

COLOMBO (News 1st) – The Public Utilities Commission of Sri Lanka (PUCSL) approved power cuts of 2 hours and 20 minutes for today (7);Groups ABCDEFGHIJKLPQRSTUVW:  1-hour during daytime 1-hour and 20-minutes during the night

COLOMBO (News 1st) – Sri Lanka will meet with the International Monetary Fund next week for another round of talks, said Governor of the Central Bank Dr. Nandalal Weerasinghe on Thursday (6)."Next week, the State Finance Minister, Treasury Secretary and CBSL staff will meet the IMF for talks and we hope to continue with the discussions with creditor nations, and commercial creditors.