Election Comm. seeks fund confirmation for Local Government Poll

Colombo (News 1st) – Election monitoring organizations say that 7,000 independent observers will be deployed to monitor the Local Government Election.Executive director of election monitoring body People's Action for Free & Fair Elections (PAFFREL) Rohana Hettiarachchi said steps will be taken to increase the number of election observers deployed at district level, from next week.He said a majority of the observers will be deployed on election day.Hettiarachchi added however the observers will also cover the period leading up to the election and the post election period.

Diversification, not decoupling  For now, US government figures through to November show total US-China trade could approach or hit a high in 2022. "Going forward, you're going to see more diversification," as opposed to a complete cut-off of shipments from China, said Sweet. Auto manufacturers, for example, experienced supply chain problems during the pandemic.

COLOMBO (News 1st) – The U.S. Department of State released a statement mentioning that the Under Secretary of State for Political Affairs Victoria Nuland will travel to Sri Lanka between the 28th of January and the 3rd of February, 2023.Under Secretary Nuland will travel to Nepal, India, Sri Lanka, and Qatar as well starting today (28).Her visit is said to mark the 75th anniversary of U.S.-Sri Lanka relations, according to the U.S.

World Health Organisation (WHO) on Friday notified that in the past week, almost 40,000 deaths were reported, more than half were reported from China alone.  WHO chief notified, in total, over the past 8 weeks, over 170 thousand deaths have been recorded, actual numbers are higher.

COLOMBO (News 1st) – Sri Lankan President Ranil Wickremesinghe has informed the All Party Leaders' Conference on Reconciliation that the Cabinet was agreeable to fully implementing 13th Amendment, until the Party Leaders decide whether or not to abolish the Amendment.This was reported by the President's Media Division on Friday (27).President Ranil Wickremesinghe had said that he is bound to implement the existing law in accordance with the executive powers of the President.He had said further that the 13th Amendment to the Constitution is being implemented accordingly or the Parliament should abolish the 13th amendment.The President Wickremesinghe also pointed out that any parliamentarian could move a private member’s bill to abolish the 13th Amendment to the constitution and the same amendment would have to be implemented provided that the bill was voted against by the majority of the House.The President stressed that he was not ready to divide the country.President Wickremesinghe made these remarks at the All-Party Conference, which was held at the President's Office on Thursday (26) evening.The statement made by the President is as follows:It is my responsibility as the Executive to carry out the current law. For approximately 37 years, the 13th Amendment has been a part of the constitution.

COLOMBO (News 1st) – The President's Office has reserved a slot with the Government Printer to issue the Proclamation to Prorogue Parliament with effect from midnight on Friday (27).President's Secretary Saman Ekanayake confirmed to News 1st that the respective gazette was sent to the Government Printer as per a decision taken by the President to prorogue parliament with effect from midnight on Friday (27).He said that the new session of Parliament will take place on the 8th of February 2023 at 10 AM.A Senior Official at the Government Printer confirmed to News 1st that the respective gazette was received to go ahead with printing.What is prorogation?To prorogue Parliament means to prolong it,or toput it off for a later day.It is basically a temporary recess of Parliament.Parliament ordinarily functions over a series of sitting days which make up what is called a session; when Parliament is prorogued, a session comes to an end.Effect of Prorogation in Our Parliament:Constitutional ProvisionsDuring the prorogation the Speaker continues to function and the Members retain their membership even though they do not attend meetings of Parliament. The effect of a prorogation is to suspend all current Business before the House and all proceedings pending at the time are quashed except impeachments.  A Bill, motion or question of the same substance cannot be introduced for a second time during the same Session.

Colombo (News 1st) – The 144th Battle of the Blues has been rescheduled!The 144th Royal Thomian cricket encounter is now slated to be held from March 16-18 at the SSC grounds, according to the Royal-Thomian Joint Match Organising Committee.The match was originally scheduled to be held from the 9-11 March.

COLOMBO (News 1st) – Sri Lanka's Human Rights Commission has received a letter bearing the signature of the Managing Director of the Ceylon Petroleum Corporation stating that the present financial situation at the CPC could lead to a disruption of operations at the country's oil refinery.The letter noted that the CPC is heading towards a situation where future fuel imports will be in jeopardy as fuel is continuously provided on credit.The letter from the CPC Managing Director warns that this could lead to another fuel crisis in the country.The letter bearing the signature of the Managing Director of the Ceylon Petroleum Corporation states that it is paramount to ensure the continuous operation of the country's oil refinery when providing a continuous supply of fuel.It noted that though the CPC can provide furnace oil and naphtha to the Ceylon Electricity Board at a cost that is less than what is incurred when importing fuel, an issue is likely to arise in importing new stocks of crude oil and refined petroleum products as the existing stocks are provided on credit, despite the CEB still not settling its dues. The Managing Director of the Ceylon Petroleum Corporation states that several rounds of discussions revealed that the Ceylon Electricity Board does not have the funds to procure the fuel.It notes that despite the difficulties experienced, as the supply of electricity is a national requirement, fuel worth Rs.

COLOMBO (News 1st) – Wednesday the 25th of January went down in history as the day in which a majority of the country's public and private sector employees were met with the highest income tax ever-imposed on the monthly salary, and allowances.Some of those working in the public and private sector and got taxes shared horror on social media platforms, noting that in addition to the existing deductions for loans, the new tax had left them with a very low take-home salary.The government's controversial new tax law, the Inland Revenue (Amendment) Act, was passed in Parliament last year.The new tax regime imposes an extraordinary maximum 36% tax bracket on monthly income, with the lowest bracket starting at 6% for those earning over Rs. 100,000/- per month.To protest against the unjust tax policy, a Black Protest Week was launched by the Professionals' Trade Union Alliance, and it will end on Friday (27).Doctors in the public service, university teachers, bank employees, engineers and professionals belonging to 15 organizations that form the Professionals' Trade Union Alliance launched a campaign against the unjust tax regime.The Professionals' Trade Union Alliance warned that if this tax regime continues, the country would experience a mass exodus of its professionals who would seek beneficial employment opportunities elsewhere.Effective from 1st January 2023, the progressive personal income tax rates would be 6%, 12%, 18%, 24%, 30% and 36%.The new tax regime will impose an extraordinary maximum 36% tax bracket on monthly income, with the lowest bracket starting at 6% for those earning over Rs.

COLOMBO (News 1st) – Chairman of the National Election Commission Attorney Nimal Punchihewa has refuted rumours being spread that he is planning on submitting his resignation to the NEC."Paying any heed to these rumours is a waste of time", he said."All preparations are being made to hold the local government election", Attorney Punchihewa said."The resignation of one member of the Election Commission does not affect the Commission's ability to hold the election", he added.The Chairman of the commission was responding to the media reports regarding the resignation of member of the Election Commission P.S.M.

Officials from the health ministry, AIIMS, National Centre for Disease Control, National Disaster Response Force (NDRF) and NDMA are devising a mechanism along with state governments to put it into action. New Delhi: The government is setting up 100 teams that will respond to health emergencies, including pandemics, along the lines of the National Disaster Management Authority (NDMA). Officials from the health ministry, AIIMS, National Centre for Disease Control, National Disaster Response Force (NDRF) and NDMA are devising a mechanism along with state governments to put it into action.

₹800 for private markets while for the supplies to Union and State governments, Bharat Biotech has kept the price at ₹325. The nasal vaccine for now is not available on CoWin.

COLOMBO (News 1st) – Sri Lanka's Central Bank Governor Dr. Nandalal Weerasinghe is hopeful that assurances from creditors can be obtained within the 1st quarter of the year.Speaking at the Monetary Policy Review No. 01 of 2023, the governor said that he is hopeful that the International Monetary Fund would be able to receive necessary financing assurances from all the creditors in a very short period."India has clearly given the financial assurances which are acceptable to the International Monetary Fund.

COLOMBO (News 1st) – A 72-year-old woman was rescued 20 hours after she was carried away by strong currents in the Dambulu Oya. News 1st correspondent said that the senior citizen was seen walking towards the Dambulu Oya at around 10 AM on Monday (23), however, as she did not return her children had alerted the neighbours and launched a search.

COLOMBO (News 1st) – The National Election Commission in a letter to the Governor of the Central Bank of Sri Lanka has inquired over the possibility of making available the facilities required for the upcoming election.The letters inquired the Central Banks' position to provide US dollars for the Ceylon Petroleum Corporation and the Ceylon Electricity Board to supply electricity and fuel for the election.At the recent meeting with the National Election Commission, the CPC and the CEB had pointed out that they are short of US Dollars to ensure a continuous supply of electricity.They had requested the National Election Commission to inquire from the Central Bank of Sri Lanka on supporting them to avert a dollar crisis.

A cancer patient told how her life was “ruined” afer she was denied cancer treatment because of the Covid lockdown. Fiona Weir, 44, was concerned about the changing shape and colour of a mole but she was unable to see a doctor face to face during lockdown.

COLOMBO (News 1st) – Former Sri Lankan Minister A. H.

COLOMBO (News 1st) – SJB Candidate for the post of Mayor of Colombo Mujibur Rahuman filed a petition with the Supreme Court seeking a ruling that the circular issued by Home Affairs Secretary Neil Bandara Hapuhinna on suspending the acceptance of bonds, had violated his Fundamental 35 factions including the Secretary to the Cabinet, the Secretary of the Ministry of Provincial Councils and Local Government Neil Bandara Hapuhinna, the Cabinet of Minister, the Attorney General and the Chairman of the Election Commission have been named as respondents. The petition notes that the circular issued by Home Affairs Secretary Neil Bandara Hapuhinna while an election had been called for violated the Fundamental Rights of all the citizens.He also sought compensation of Rs.

COLOMBO (News 1st) – Fifteen organizations representing the professionals in the public sector have warned that if the government does not withdraw its unjust tax regime, strict action will be taken following pay day, which is tomorrow (25).These professional bodies have already declared a Black Protest Week against the tax regime they term as unjust.The Collective of Professionals' Trade Unions represented by multiple organizations including the Government Medical Officers' Association, Federation of University Teachers' Association, Ceylon Electricity Board Engineers Union, and the Ceylon Bank Employees Union convened a media briefing in Colombo.The Sri Lankan government has already decided to impose a tax regime of 6% to 36% on monthly earnings over Rs.

(Reuters) – The Export-Import Bank of China has offered Sri Lanka a two-year moratorium on its debt and said it will support the country's efforts to secure a $2.9 billion loan from the International Monetary Fund, according to a letter reviewed by Reuters.India wrote to the IMF earlier this month, saying it would commit to supporting Sri Lanka with financing and debt relief, but the island nation also needs the backing of China in order to reach a final agreement with the global lender.China's Jan.

 (Reuters) – Sri Lanka is committed to meeting all its debt repayments and is hoping to complete debt restructuring negotiations in the next six months, the country's central bank chief P. Nandalal Weerasinghe said on Tuesday."There has been good progress this month with India already pledging financing assurances.

Over 200 schools will receive funding from Australia via the Food and Agriculture Organization of the United Nations (FAO) to build entrepreneurial school gardens in the North, Central and Uva Provinces to support nutritional security among children.The entrepreneurial school gardens programme, implemented as part of a project funded by the Australian government totalling over USD 2.3 million, is aimed at improving the food and nutritional security of groups most affected by the ongoing economic crisis, particularly women and children.The programme features a discovery-based learning approach for over 100,000 secondary school students from grades 8 – 12, where they will be educated on the capacity to transform their school gardens into sources of nutritious produce that will facilitate diverse and healthy eating habits and encourage students to apply entrepreneurial thinking into agriculture. 505 school teachers from the three provinces were also trained on the discovery-based learning methodology as part of the programme to improve skills in food security, nutrition, agriculture and entrepreneurship.The Agriculture club in each school will be empowered to operate as a core programme partner that will oversee the coordination and navigation of the programme alongside school officials.

COLOMBO (News 1st) – Sri Lanka's Cabinet Spokesperson announced that the daily power outages will be limited to two-hours.Speaking at the media briefing to elaborate on cabinet decisions Minister Bandula Gunawardena noted that the two-hour power outage will only take place after 4 PM during the period of the G. C. E.

(Reuters) – India has committed to help ease the debt burden of its crisis-stricken neighbor Sri Lanka as part of a possible International Monetary Fund-supported program, the IMF said on Monday.The island nation of 22 million people has grappled with challenges during the past year ranging from a shortage of foreign currency to runaway inflation and a steep recession – the worst such crisis since independence from Britain in 1948.Reuters reported last week that India had told the IMF it strongly supports Sri Lanka's debt restructuring plan as the island seeks a $2.9 billion loan from the global lender, according to a letter."Sri Lanka is engaged with other official bilateral creditors to obtain similar assurances," an IMF spokesperson said in a statement on Monday."As soon as adequate assurances are obtained and remaining requirements are met, including by the Sri Lankan authorities, a Fund-supported program for Sri Lanka can be presented to the IMF's Executive Board for approval that would unlock much needed financing."Sri Lanka requires the backing of China and India – its biggest bilateral lenders – to reach a final agreement with the IMF that is essential to help the country emerge from its worst financial crisis in seven decades.

People in one travel hotspot of Spain are being asked to wear face masks to help reduce the spread of new Covid-19 variants.

COLOMBO (News 1st) –  Although the government assured that there will be no power cuts during the period of the G. C. E.

Holidaymakers who plan to go abroad this year will need to keep up to date about the rules and laws for the destination that they will be visiting.

COLOMBO (News 1st) – Sri Lankan professionals continue to oppose the governments' unjust tax regime and the failure to address the medicine shortage that is crippling the health sector by the day.The Government Medical Officers' Association decided to declare the period from today to the 27th as a black protest week against the conduct of the government, and this effort is supported by multiple other trade unions.At the same time, the GMOA warned that it would file an official complaint with the World Health Organization over the government's lethargic approach to solve the medicine shortage in the country.Minor staff across hospitals in Sri Lanka went on strike on Monday (23) against the governments' arbitrary tax regime, and the failure to address the medicine shortage.The minor staff attached to the Kalubowila Teaching Hospital supported the strike.They stepped away from their duties, and protested opposite the hospital premises demanding a solution to the issues.Similar scenes were witnessed at the Ragama Teaching Hospital, and the Kurunegala General Hospital. 

New Delhi: India reported 94 new covid cases and two deaths in the last 24 hours, the union health ministry data on Monday showed New Delhi: India reported 94 new covid cases and two deaths in the last 24 hours, the union health ministry data on Monday showed. While active cases have declined to 1,934, the country’s total covid cases have reached 4.47 crore so far. The overall death toll stood at 5,30,735 since the onset of covid pandemic.

Abbie Quinnen, 25, has bravely opened up about her “never-ending” health woes in an interview with Express.co.uk and other outlets.The star, who was previously in a relationship with Strictly Come Dancing star AJ Pritchard, 28, described how she might have to undergo another operation for her burns as she spoke to press on the red carpet of Cirque Du Soleil’s newest European Premiere at the Royal Albert Hall.Asked about her recovery following the horror burn incident nearly two years ago, she said: “It’s hard. It’s still an ongoing thing and it’s kind of never-ending at the moment.

Here's all you need to know about India's first of its kind Covid vaccine: The iNCOVACC is a recombinant replication-deficient adenovirus vectored vaccine with a pre-fusion stabilized spike protein. This vaccine candidate was evaluated in phase I, II and III clinical trials with successful results. The vaccine was developed in partnership with Washington University, St.

COLOMBO (News 1st) – The Local Government Election will be held on the 9th of March 2023.This was confirmed by a senior official and two members of the National Election Commission.The accepting of nominations for the Local Government Election ended at 12 noon today (21).The time for allocated for complaints regarding the nominations for the Local Government Election, ended at 1.30pm today (21). The Commisioner General of Elections Saman Sri Ratnayake stated that it would be conveyed via the District Returning Officers that any applications received after the deadline would be considered invalid.

China said on Saturday that the Covid outbreak has infected 80 per cent of its population The possibility of a big COVID-19 rebound in China over the next two or three months is remote as 80% of people have been infected, a prominent government scientist said on Saturday. The mass movement of people during the ongoing Lunar New Year holiday period may spread the pandemic, boosting infections in some areas, but a second COVID wave is unlikely in the near term, Wu Zunyou, chief epidemiologist at the China Center for Disease Control and Prevention, said on the Weibo social media platform.

Colombo (News 1st) – Acceptance of nominations for the Local Government Election ended at 12 noon today(21).Commissioner General of Election Saman Sri Ratnayake said one and a half hours will be given to raise objections regarding the nominations.Thereafter, the District Election Officers will announce the accepted and rejected nomination papers.The election date of the 2023 Local Government Election will be announced thereafter.Several recognized political parties and independent groups submitted nominations to contest the upcoming election.

COLOMBO (News 1st) – Sri Lanka Police on Friday (20) prevented a protest march organized by the University Teachers.The Federation of University Teachers' Associations organized this protest march against the government's new income tax regime that imposes a tax between 6% to 36% for anyone with a monthly income of over Rs. 100,000/-.  The protest march commenced from opposite the University of Colombo.However, when they reached the Nelum Pokuna Theatre Sri Lanka Police prevented them from marching forward by blocking the road.As Sri Lanka Police continued to obstruct the protest march, the FUTA members boarded several buses and reached the Finance Ministry.The Federation of University Teachers Associations then joined with the protest that was organized by the Professionals Trade Union Collective opposite the Finance Ministry.The Federation of University Teachers Associations, Government Medical Officers' Association, Ceylon Bank Employees Union, CEB Engineers Union and several other professional bodies joined the protest.Vehicular movement along Lotus Road in Colombo came to a standstill due to the protest.

COLOMBO (News 1st) – Treasury Secretary Mahinda Siriwardena had informed the Supreme Court via an affidavit on Thursday (19) that sourcing funds for the election has become a challenge.He had directed an affidavit to the Supreme Court in relation to the writ application filed by Retired Sri Lanka Army Colonel W. M.

COLOMBO (News 1st) – India’s Minister of External Affairs Dr S. Jaishankar met with Sri Lankan President Ranil Wickremesinghe on Friday (20) morning where both sides had agreed to implement a joint program between Sri Lanka and India.President Ranil Wickremesinghe welcomed the Indian External Affairs Minister at the President's Office where the duo engaged in cordial discussions.Prior to the official meeting, President Wickremesinghe hosted the visiting Indian External Affairs Minister Dr Jaishankar for breakfast and tea at his official residence at Paget Road, Colombo.During the official meeting held between the President and Indian Foreign Minister Dr S.

COLOMBO (News 1st) – The bilateral agreement related to raising the limit of the High Impact Community Development Project (HICDP) implemented in Sri Lanka with the support of the Government of India was signed during the meeting between Indian External Affairs Minister Dr. Jaishankar and Sri Lankan President Ranil Wickremesinghe in Colombo on Friday (20).The Secretary to the Ministry of Finance, Mahinda Siriwardena, signed the agreement on behalf of Sri Lanka and the Indian High Commissioner to Sri Lanka Gopal Baglay signed on behalf of India.This agreement guides many community development projects in Sri Lanka with the support of the Government of India.This agreement related to community development projects in Sri Lanka was signed in May 2005.

COLOMBO (News 1st) – Samagi Jana Balavegaya Parliamentarian Mujibur Rahuman has decided to resign from Parliament.Making a shock announcement in Parliament, the Parliamentarian said he will be contesting for the post of Mayor at the Colombo Muncipal Council at the upcoming Local Government Election.In his comments to the house he urged the government to refrain from making any attempt to delay the Local Government Election.

COLOMBO (News 1st) – India's External Affairs Minister Dr. S. Jaishankar said that the full implementation of the 13th Amendment and early conduct of provincial elections are critical for political devolution.He was speaking in Colombo on Friday (20) alongside Foreign Minister Ali Sabry, and with President Ranil Wickremesinghe present at the President's Office."He President briefed me on the political devolution and his thinking.

COLOMBO (News 1st) – The National Election Commission said that the passage of the Regulation of Election Expenditure Bill will not be an obstacle to hold the Local Government Election.Commissioner General of Election Saman Sri Ratnayake speaking to News 1st said that following the passage of the bill, the necessary measures for election campaign financing need to be prepared.The Regulation of Election Expenditure Bill was passed in Parliament on Thursday (19) with amendments with a majority of 61 votes.The bill received 97 votes favour and 36 against.

COLOMBO (News 1st) – The Regulation of Election Expenditure Bill passed in parliament by majority vote.Votes in favor: 97 Votes against: 36During the debate on the bill on Thursday (19) the government refused to accept an amendment put forward by the opposition seeking for the bill not to be applied for an election that has already been announced.Sri Lanka's opposition parties termed the tabling of the bill as another attempt to delay the Local Government Election.

COLOMBO (News 1st) – Armed police officers deployed to provide security to the members of the election commission who received threats, said Police Spokesperson SSP Nihal Thalduwa on Thursday (26).Nominations for the Local Government Election are being accepted and a Police investigation is also underway over an incident where two of the five members of the National Election Commission had received death threats.Former Senior DIG K. P. P.

COLOMBO (News 1st) – Sri Lankan President Ranil Wickremesinghe said that the time is now for reconciliation and solve the issues of all communities one by one.He was speaking at the 100th anniversary of the All Ceylon Jamiyyathul Ulama in Colombo on Thursday (19).The President said the government already started discussions with the Tamil community, and will also be talking with the Tamil communities in the Hill Country in order to integrate them into society."We must have a discussion with the Muslim community on the problems you face. What are the issues you face now? I think one example is the 2018 Dhigana riots.

 

COLOMBO (News 1st) – US Ambassador to Sri Lanka Julie J.

'Gloomy emotions'  China's leader has expressed similar concern about the impact of the outbreak on rural areas during the holidays. "Xi said he was primarily concerned about rural areas and rural residents after the country adjusted its Covid-19 response measures," state news agency Xinhua reported Wednesday -- a reference to the relaxing of China's strict virus curbs last month. He "stressed efforts to improve medical care for those most vulnerable to the virus in rural areas", Xinhua said.

COLOMBO (News 1st) – Veteran Sri Lankan filmmaker Sumitra Peiris passed away on Thursday (19).Sumitra Peries (born 24 March 1934) was the first qualified Sri Lankan woman filmmaker and was known by all as the "Poetess of Sinhala Cinema". Sumitra was married to the late, great Lester James Peries who was Considered as the father of Sri Lankan cinema.With over 10 films to her name, and having worked as screenwriter, director, producer and even editor of documentaries, Sumitra has emerged as one of the country’s foremost cultural icons.Sumitra also served as Sri Lanka's ambassador to France and Spain in 1996–1999 and was also appointed as the ambassador of Sri Lanka to the United Nations by then- President Chandrika Bandaranayake Kumaratunge.