Navy’s latest ship ‘Vijayabahu’ commissioned by President

FOR Rylan Clark, last Christmas was “an odd one”. The telly presenter’s husband of six years, Dan Neal, had walked out on him six months earlier, when the Strictly It Takes Two host confessed he’d been unfaithful “years ago”. Rylan subsequently struggled with his mental health and said he would go to sleep praying he "wouldn’t wake up" - and ultimately tried to end his life.

COLOMBO (News 1st) – Sri Lanka Police said that detectives have not been able to trace the suspects responsible for the murder of respected Colombo-based Businessmen Dinesh Schaffter, or the motive for the crime.Police Spokesperson SSP Nihal Thalduwa told News 1st no one has been termed as a suspect for the murder.The late respected Colombo-based Businessmen Dinesh Schaffter was the Managing Director of a leading financial firm in the country, and the Director of a leading insurance company in Sri Lanka.On the 15th of December 2022, Schaffter was found with his hand tied and strangled inside his own car at the Public Cemetery in Borella, and according to the family, he died that night in hospital.What have detectives uncovered regarding this mysterious murder? "We have not been able to determine who committed this murder, who planned it, and how it was done. Detectives have formed small groups and are following various leads.

Janey Godley has given fans a determined health update after confirming last week that her cancer has returned.

COLOMBO (News 1st) – The new commander of the Sri Lanka Navy Vice Admiral Priyantha Perera called on President Ranil Wickremesinghe on Monday (19).Vice Admiral Perera assumed command as 25th Commander of the Sri Lanka Navy on Sunday (18), after he was elevated to the rank of three-star Admiral.In keeping with the tradition, the new Navy Commander met with the President and presented a memento to mark the  occasion.Vice Admiral Priyantha Perera's illustrious career has been enriched with vast experience in the Sri Lanka Navy, in various capacities and the officer has held command at sea and earned victories in battle as a Squadron Commander in the prestigious 4th Fast Attack Flotilla, the teeth arm of the Sri Lanka Navy fleet, as well as a Group Commander in the Special Boat Squadron at the height of the looming terrorist activities. He is also one of the Commanding Officers who led the Special Boat Squadron of the Navy and has been the Officer in Charge of Naval Diving and Salvage Unit, spearheading some crucial salvage work. At sea he has commanded a series of Fast Attack Craft, Fast Gun Boats, Landing Craft, Fast Passenger Craft, Sa’ar 4 Class Fast Missile Vessel and his last command at sea has been SLNS Sagara, an Offshore Patrol Vessel.Vice Admiral Priyantha Perera is a recipient of Rana Soora Padakkama (RSP) thrice for conspicuous display of gallantry in combat and Uttama Seva Padakkama (USP) for unblemished service and devotion to duty.

COLOMBO (News 1st) – Hanaa Singer, the Resident Coordinator of the United Nations in Sri Lanka, who is leaving upon completion of her service, met President Ranil Wickremesinghe on Monday (19).The President engaged in cordial conversation with Singer and thanked her for the services she had rendered to Sri Lanka and wished her the best of luck in her future endeavours.  Hanaa Singer herved as the Resident Coordinator of the United Nations in Sri Lanka since September 07, 2018.  As the UN Resident Coordinator in Srilanka, Ms Hanaa Singer led a UN Country Team of 22 resident and non-resident UN Agencies.

Pressing ahead with plans for a multi-million pound cancer facility in the region should be a priority according to the health board’s top man.

COLOMBO (News 1st) – The Secretary General of Parliament Dhammika Dasanayake stated that the Committee on High Posts approved the appointments of Four Ambassadors and two Permanent Representatives recently (13). Accordingly, approval was given for the appointment of Ms. Niroshani Manisha Dias Abeywickrama Gunasekara as the Ambassador of Sri Lanka to the French Republic and Permeant Representative of Sri Lanka to the United Nations Educational, Scientific and Cultural Organization (UNESCO) in Paris, France. Furthermore, the Committee on High Posts has approved the appointment of Ms.

COLOMBO (News 1st) – Sri Lanka will stop sending workers overseas to serve as housemaids from March 2023, said the country's Minister of Labour and Foreign Employment Manusha Nanayakkara on Monday (19).He said that a program will be introduced to send Sri Lankans as domestic aides overseas by adopting an international standard.The Minister said that measures will be taken to ensure that Sri Lankans leave for overseas employment via legal channels, and for their earnings to be remitted to the country legally.The Minister of Labour and Foreign Employment said multiple programs will be introduced for the benefit of Sri Lankan expatriates, including the provision of a vehicle import permit, and a pension scheme.Sri Lanka recently opened a special gate named the ‘HOPE GATE’ at the Bandaranaike International Airport in Katunayake, for workers leaving and returning from foreign countries, where all necessary facilities are provided to expatriate workers at the airport.The Minister said that for the first time in the history of the country, the Sri Lanka Foreign Employment Bureau registered and facilitated over 300,000 expatriate workers in 2022.A majority of these workers have travelled to Kuwait, and that figure is 76,579.In addition, a total of 69,992 people left for Qatar, and another 51,421 people left for Saudi Arabia for employment.A further 4,410 Sri Lankans left for Japan for employment as well.

A special operation conducted by the Navy in coordination with the State Intelligence Service and Police Narcotic Bureau in the seas about 229 nautical miles (424km) off Dondra led to the interception of 02 local fishing trawlers and apprehension of a large consignment of narcotic drugs with 08 suspects on 14th December 2022. The haul of illegal drugs included over 128kg and 327g of crystal methamphetamine (Ice) and 106kg and 474g of heroin (with their packages).In the same vein, SLNS Samudura also held another local fishing trawler with 06 suspects arrived to replenish fuel to the drug-carrying trawler. The consignment of drugs and the suspects were brought to the Colombo Harbour by the Navy this morning (18th December). Commander of the Navy Vice Admiral Priyantha Perera also arrived at the Colombo Harbour to inspect the consignment.The apprehension was made by SLNS Samudura, after a long surveillance operation on high seas off the southern coast. The coordinated operation has led to the interception of a suspicious local multi-day fishing trawler which was in the seas about 229 nautical miles (424km) off Dondra. During subsequent search of the trawler, 124kg and 327g (including packages) of crystal  ethamphetamine in 94 packages and 106kg 474g (including packages) of heroin in 98 packages were held in 13 sacks, along with 08 suspects on 14th December.The gross street value of the consignment of drugs seized by the Navy during this operation is believed to be over Rs 4586.755 million.The suspects held in the operation have been identified as residents of Tangalle, Nakulugamuwa, Kosgoda and Balapitiya and they are from 29 to 59 years of age. They will be handed over to the Police Narcotic Bureau for onward legal action.

After removing her eye fillers due to inflammation, HGTV star Christina Hall is starting to suspect that many of her health problems are related to a little known condition called breast implant illness (BII).'Been super exhausted lately so on a kick to get back into my body,' the 39-year-old newlywed - who boasts 1.8M Instagram followers - wrote Saturday.'I've had some unexplained health stuff for years and now I'm considering the thought that this could be breast implant related.' After removing her eye fillers due to inflammation, HGTV star Christina Hall is starting to suspect that many of her health problems are related to a little known condition called breast implant illness (pictured in 2021)Christina shares many of the official listed BII symptoms including joint and muscle pain, adrenal fatigue, brain fog, unexplained skin rashes, dry eyes, and gastrointestinal problems.Other BII symptoms include breathing problems, sleep disturbance, dry mouth, anxiety, depression, headaches, and hair loss - according to breastcancer.org.Hall (born Haack) also claims she suffers from autoimmune issues (Hashimoto's disease, PCOS, Raynaud's syndrome), small intestinal bacterial overgrowth, acid reflux, hormone imbalances, and swollen lymph nodes.In addition, the Anaheim-born blonde - who's 'working on detoxing' - recently tested positive for antinuclear antibodies despite being gluten free and mostly dairy free. The 39-year-old newlywed wrote Saturday: 'Been super exhausted lately so on a kick to get back into my body.

The family of a beloved Lanarkshire dad and husband have donated generous funds to staff at the Intensive Care Unit who cared for him during his final days.

Vice Admiral Priyantha Perera, RSP **, USP, ndu, psc, was appointed as the 25th Commander of the Sri Lanka Navy on 18th December 2022, after being elevated to the rank of three-star Admiral.The appointment was made by President Ranil Wickremesinghe.Vice Admiral Priyantha Perera is a product of the Royal College, Colombo. He joined the Sri Lanka Navy in the Executive Branch in 1987 as an Officer Cadet of the 05th Intake of the General Sir John Kotelawala Defence University. He was awarded the ‘Sword of Honour’ for the best in the batch upon successful completion of naval training from the Naval and Maritime Academy, Trincomalee. He was commissioned in the rank of Acting Sub Lieutenant in 1989 and graduated from the General Sir John Kotelawala Defence University with a Bachelor of Arts Degree (Defence Studies) with honours.In pursuing academics, he has completed a Post Graduate Diploma in International Relations at Bandaranaike Centre for International Studies and has also been conferred with a Master’s in Science Degree (Defence Studies) in Management from the General Sir John Kotelawala Defence University. He also holds a Master’s Degree of Maritime Policy with Distinctions from the University of Wollongong, Australia.

SHARON Osbourne was reportedly rushed to a hospital in California, but has since been released, according to her son. While filming a paranormal television series in Santa Paula, Osbourne, 70, allegedly suffered a "medical emergency," according to TMZ. Osbourne's son Jack told TMZ she has been released home and was given the all-clear.

Colombo (New 1st):  The All Ceylon Canteen Owners Association says that the price of several food items including koththu will be reduced by 10 rupees with effect from midnight today.It's chairman Asela Sampath sited the reduction in prices of wheat flour as the reason behind for the decision. 

Colombo (New 1st):  The All Ceylon Restaurant Owners' Association says that the price of several food items including kottu will be reduced by 10 rupees with effect from midnight today.It's chairman Asela Sampath sited the reduction in prices of wheat flour as the reason behind for the decision. 

According to foreign media, reports have emerged saying banks from India's neighbouring island nation have opened special rupee trading accounts, called Vostro accounts, this comes days after the Central Bank of Sri Lanka said that it was awaiting the Reserve Bank of India's approval to designate Indian Rupee (INR) as a foreign currency in Sri Lanka. Sri Lanka had requested the RBI to facilitate and promote trade and tourism in the SAARC region. It means that Sri Lankan citizens can now hold $10,000 (INR 8,26,823) in physical form. This also means that Sri Lankans and Indians can use Indian rupees instead of US dollars for international transactions with each other. The Indian government since July this year, has been looking to bring countries that are short of dollars, into its rupee settlement mechanism.The reason behind this is that designating INR as a legal currency in Sri Lanka will provide the country with much-needed liquidity support to help it tide over its economic crisis amid inadequate availability of the US dollar. 

Colombo (News 1st) – Sri Lanka Police and the Criminal Investigations Department recorded statements from 23 people in connection with the murder of respected Colombo-based businessman Dinesh Schaffter.A homicide investigations is underway involving the CID, Colombo Crimes Division and two other police teams.The incident sent shockwaves across Colombo when Dinesh Schaffter was found tied up and strangled inside his car at the Public Cemetery in Borella on Thursday (15) evening. He was admitted to the Intensive Care Unit of the Colombo National Hospital, where he succumbed to his injuries.Questions are being raised regarding the motive for the murder: Was it premeditated? Was this an attempted intimidation tactic gone wrong? Reasons for suspicion arise when taking into account the fact that Dinesh Schaffter was still alive when he was found at the Public Cemetery in Borella.The Sri Lanka Police are investigating the homicide on multiple leads and angles.

North Lanarkshire Council is urging locals to walk away the winter blues with a number of health walks.

 

Furious Edinburgh residents have held a protest outside the city's council buildings after being left in 'squalor' for the last five years. Natasha and Rory Blake held the demonstration outside the West Pilton base on Friday to demand that bosses start treating the extensive damp and mould in their Muirhouse property.

This enables citizens to create a comprehensive medical history across various healthcare providers thereby improving clinical decision-making New Delhi: The National Health Authority (NHA) on Saturday said that over 4 crore digital health records of individuals have been linked to the Ayushman Bharat Health Account (ABHA) accounts under Ayushman Bharat Digital Mission (ABDM), the backbone of India’s digital health system. With their health records linked to their Ayushman Bharat Digital accounts digitally, citizens will be able to access and manage these records as per convenience. This enables citizens to create a comprehensive medical history across various healthcare providers thereby improving clinical decision-making.

Colombo (New 1st): The Criminal Investigation Department says statements were recorded from around 20 people regarding the murder of respected Colombo-based businessman Dinesh Schaffter.Police said statements were also recorded from former cricket commentator Brian Thomas, while his mobile phone was seized.Colombo Additional Magistrate Harshana Kekunawela on Friday (16) imposed an overseas travel ban on Thomas over the murder of Dinesh Schaffter.Dinesh Schaffter was a Managing Director of a leading financial institution in the country, and a Director of a leading Insurance Company in Sri Lanka.Dinesh Schaffter had left his residence on Thursday (15) afternoon and had told his family that he was heading to Borella to meet Brian Thomas.Schaffter was found strangled in his car at the Borella Public Cemetery on Thursday (15) afternoon.He died on Thursday (15) night after being admitted to the Intensive Care Unit of the National Hospital in critical condition.The Criminal Investigations Department, the Colombo Crimes Division, and two other Police teams are investigating the murder.

Colombo (News 1st) – Commander of the Navy, Vice Admiral Nishantha Ulugetenne was promoted to the rank of Admiral effective from today (17th December 2022) by President Ranil Wickremesinghe. He was appointed as the 24th Commander of the Sri Lanka Navy on 15th July 2020. Upon being promoted to the 4-star rank, Admiral Nishantha Ulugetenne arrived at the Navy Headquarters, where he was received according a Guard of Honour in accordance with naval traditions, on Saturday (17 December). Admiral Nishantha Ulugetenne joined the Sri Lanka Navy as an Officer Cadet of the 13th Intake of the Sri Lanka Navy in 1985.

Colombo (News 1st): 75 people have been arrested in a special operation in schools in the Western Province, over the sale of drugs and narcotic pills targeting school children.They were arrested during operations carried out between noon and 3pm on Friday (16), in 122 schools in the Western Province.Police seized 2 kilograms and 148 grams of the narcotic known as 'Mawa', 9 grams and 375 milligrams of heroin, 1 gram and 522 milligrams of the narcotic known as 'ICE' and 10 narcotic pills.The operation is ongoing on the advice of Senior DIG in charge of the Western Province Deshabandu Tennakoon.

Covid-19 update: The death toll due to the viral disease has gone up to 5,30,667 with four more fatalities, including three reconciled by Kerala and one reported by Maharashtra in the last 24 hours. India has recorded 167 fresh Covid-19 cases, taking the cumulative tally to 4,46,75,776, according to the Union Health Minister data updated on Saturday.  With this, the country's active caseload has declined to 3,608, that accounts for 0.01% of the total infections.

Colombo (News 1st): Police say statements were recorded from over 10 people regarding the murder of respected Colombo-based businessman Dinesh Schaffter.Police said continuous investigations will be carried out over the incident, with four Police teams deployed.Schaffter was found strangled in his car at the Borella Public Cemetery on Thursday (15) afternoon.He died on Thursday (15) night after being admitted to the Intensive Care Unit of the National Hospital.Dinesh Schaffter was 51-years-old at the time of his passing.Dinesh Schaffter had left his residence on Thursday (15) afternoon and had told his family that he was heading to Borella to meet Former Cricket commentator Brian Thomas.Police Spokesperson & Attorney SSP Nihal Thalduwa told News 1st that a complaint was filed with the Police earlier stating that the former cricket commentator had taken Rs.1.4 billion from the businessman, and had not returned the money.Sri Lanka Police recorded a statement from Thomas, as Dinesh Schaffter had told his wife that he was going to meet Thomas.Accordingly, Colombo Additional Magistrate Harshana Kekunawela on Friday (16) imposed an overseas travel ban on Thomas over the murder of Dinesh Schaffter.It was reported that Thomas is in possession of two passports, and the overseas travel ban was imposed for both these passports by the court.Court also granted permission for the Borella Police to obtain a telecommunication analysis report on the mobile device used by the late Dinesh Schaffter, from telecommunication service providers.

Singer-songwriter Jewel got candid in a new interview with People magazine in which she discussed mental health.The 48-year-old Intuition hitmaker said she almost didn't sign her record deal at age 15 because she wanted to avoid 'a breakdown.'The mom-of-one told the publication, 'In this job, we lose more people to addiction, overdose, suicide, mental breakdowns, and I didn't want to be a statistic.' Opening up: Singer–songwriter Jewel got candid in a new interview with People magazine, in which she discussed mental health; seen in March Elaborating on her mindset, she dished: 'My goal when I moved out [of my house] at 15 was to learn a new emotional language.'As a precocious teen she added that she 'knew that as much as I had a genetic inheritance that might predispose me to diabetes or heart disease, I could tell that I had an emotional inheritance and that might predispose me to cycles of addiction and abuse.' The music artist left home as a teenager and was homeless, living in her car when she was discovered.'When I got discovered — it's funny — I almost didn't sign my record contract because I was so aware that if you take somebody with my emotional background, and God forbid, I get famous…' she explained.

Colombo (News 1st) – It's been almost 2 days since the brutal stabbing of social media activist Dilan Senanayake, who continues to receive treatment after being brutally stabbed inside his own office on Pagoda Road in Nugegoda on Wednesday (14). However, Sri Lanka Police are yet to make any arrests over the incident.Senanayake was admitted to the Kalubowila hospital following the attack.

North Lanarkshire residents are being urged to make their views known on the shape of local health and social care services over the next three years.

COLOMBO (News 1st) – Colombo Additional Magistrate Harshana Kekunawela on Friday (16) imposed an overseas travel ban on Former Cricket commentator Brian Thomas over the murder of Colombo-based businessman Dinesh Schaffter.It was reported that Former Cricket commentator Brian Thomas is in possession of two passports, and the overseas travel ban was imposed for both these passports by the court.The Borella Police making submissions to the court requested for an order to be made on telecommunication service providers to provide a telecommunication analysis report on the mobile device used by the late Dinesh Schaffter.Court granted permission to obtain the record from the service providers.Police Investigation: Four police teams are investigating the murder of Dinesh Schaffter, a Colombo-based businessman who was a Managing Director of a leading financial institution in the country, and a Director of a leading Insurance Company in Sri Lanka.Schaffter was found bound and choked inside his car on Thursday (15) afternoon at the Public Cemetery in Borella.He was admitted to the Colombo National Hospital but succumbed to his injuries while being treated in the ICU.What Happened To Dinesh Schaffter?Businessman Dinesh Schaffter had left his residence on Thursday (15) afternoon and had told his wife that he was heading to Borella.Sri Lanka Police said that Dinesh Schaffter had told his family that he was going to meet Former Cricket commentator Brian Thomas.Police said that Dinesh Schaffter had left home at around 2 PM, and that multiple calls made by his wife had gone unanswered.After using an App and tracing the phone to the Public Cemetery in Borella, the wife of the late Dinesh Schaffter had called his work place and informed of

Pawar informed that the government has implemented the following programmes/schemes for ensuring assured, dignified, respectful and quality healthcare services for every pregnant woman Over 25,000 ‘Delivery Points’ across the country have been strengthened in terms of infrastructure, equipment, and trained manpower for provision of comprehensive Reproductive-Maternal- Neonatal-Child and Adolescent Health (RMNCAH+N) services, said Dr. Bharati Pravin Pawar,Union Minister of State for Health and Family Welfare in a written reply in the Lok Sabha on Friday.

James Martin has thanked his fans for their well wishes after undergoing surgery this week.The 50-year-old chef recently told fans he had been suffering with a knee issue for a number of years and was finally getting it sorted. In a new update, the television star tweeted: "Just a message to say many thanks for all you kind messages, operation done now."Can’t sleep but guess that’s a small price to pay for now. Back and fighting fit soon!"Also thanks to all who booked tickets already for the tour."Amazing response and there are already a few venues that are nearly sold out."Jane Fonda shares cancer update as she stops treatmentJames went on to apologise to fans for not being able to sign anymore books while he recovers.He added: "I will try to do more when I’m more mobile.

COLOMBO (News 1st) – Sri Lankan President Ranil Wickremesinghe said that a bill on gender equality and women's empowerment will be submitted to Parliament soon and he also instructed the Women Parliamentarians’ Caucus to prepare the bill. The President emphasized that women's representation should be increased not only in the Parliament but also in other sectors and the public sector as well as the private sector should focus their attention in this regard. The President pointed out that the representation of women in the First Council of Sri Lanka was 2% and 91 years after universal suffrage, the representation of women in the current parliament is only 5.3%. President Ranil Wickremesinghe made these observations by joining the Committee Stage Debate on the budget proposal for the financial year 2023 in parliament on Thursday (01). Statement issued by the President's Media Division:“I expect to speak especially on the Ministry under me. We thank the Women Parliamentarians’ Caucus for commencing a 16-day campaign against Gender-Based Violence (GBV). It was in 1931 that Sri Lankans got the universal franchise.

COLOMBO (News 1st) – President Wickremesinghe says that the world is still no closer to the implementation of a universal action plan to combat climate change. issued a statement President Wickremesinghe yesterday (29) issued a statement after participating in the COP 27  United Nations Climate Change Conference in Sharm el-Sheikh, Egypt earlier this month.The President was critical of the countries that were historically accountable for the greatest damage and who are capable of meaningful contributions but who have stymied the furtherance of climate action.Following is the statement issued by President Ranil Wickremesinghe“For 27 years, world leaders have been meeting under the COP framework to confront the greatest threat to the future of humanity – climate change. Yet, we are no closer to the implementation of a universal and collaborative plan of climate action as mandated by the COP process.

COLOMBO (News 1st) – A special commemoration speech to mark the 55th death anniversary of the late D.A. Rajapaksa was held yesterday (24) under the leadership of President Ranil Wickremesinghe at the Nawarangahala in Colombo.This ceremony was organised by the Rajapakse Memorial Educational, Cultural and Social Services Foundation, and was presided over by the Venerable Anunayake of the Sri Lanka Ramanya Maha Nikaya, Head of the Minuwangoda Patthaduvana Bhikshu Training Institute Venerable Nadagamuwe Vijaya Maitri Thero.Professor Samitha Hettige of the University of Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia delivered the keynote address on “The Belt – Road: Lessons for Sustainable Development”.The book containing the Commemoration speech was also presented to the President.Speaker Mahinda Yapa Abeywardena laid a floral tribute at the statue of the Late D.

COLOMBO (News 1st) – Sri Lankan Opposition Leader Sajith Premadasa told Parliament on Friday (24) that he did not apply for the post of Prime Minister, during the tenure of Gotabaya Rajapaksa.Sajith Premadasa said that the Former President repeatedly requested him to accept the post of Prime Minister, and four conditions were put forward to Rajapaksa for the establishment of an interim short-term government.• President must resign from his position during a stipulated minimum period of time;• Implement and enact the 19th constitutional amendment within a period of two weeks, with the support of all political parties;• Implement the provisions in the Constitution within a minimum time period to abolish the executive presidency; and• Call for a parliamentary election to allow the public to form a permanent government after implementing the constitutional amendments and rebuilding the community life and ensuring the rule of law.Sajith Premadasa said he wrote to then-President Rajapaksa citing these four conditions to accept the post of Prime Minister, and did not request or apply for the post of Prime Minister.Sajith Premadasa was responding to a comment made by President Ranil Wickremesinghe in Parliament on Thursday (24).'Our Opposition Leader also said today that I asked for this presidency. I didn't ask for this.

COLOMBO (News 1st) – President Ranil Wickremesinghe emphasized that he will never allow violence and anarchy to prevail under the guise of human rights, adding that if any party engages in such an attempt, the security forces will be used to suppress it completely.Under such circumstances, the President emphasized that everyone from the lower officer of the army to the rank of field marshal is obligated to fulfil their responsibility.   President Ranil Wickremesinghe said this, delivering a special statement in Parliament. (24). 'Our Opposition Leader also said today that I asked for this presidency.

COLOMBO (News 1st) –  Sri Lankan president Ranil Wickremesinghe said that as a policy it is accepted that a government should not be running businesses, except that the government will stay in the financial sector.He said on Thursday (23) that the government will build the state-owned banks and make them stronger, however, they will be operated as commercial banks."We won't mind giving a part of the minority shares to the deposit holders,' said the President adding that it will bring some discipline.He said the future digital economy will be export oriented with social protection, which is also environmentally friendly for a Blue-Green economy."We need to go ahead. We can't be begging anymore and we can't be asking for countries for loans any more.

COLOMBO (News 1st) – The Kalaikathir News Paper From Jaffna had revealed that Samant Kumar Goel, the Chief of the Research and Analysis Wing of India, also known as RAW recently visited Colombo on a highly classified visit.The Research and Analysis Wing is the foreign intelligence agency of India, and the Kalaikathir News Paper From Jaffna has reported the visit citing highly credible sources.The Kalaikathir News Paper From Jaffna reported that Samant Kumar Goel met with Sri Lankan President Ranil Wickremesinghe in Colombo.It also reported that the meeting with the President was also highly confidential.The President's Media Division is yet to make an announcement on the visit, and the meet.

COLOMBO (News 1st) – Sri Lankan President Ranil Wickremesinghe told Parliament on Wednesday (23) that he would not dissolve the house until stability returns to the country and vowed not to allow another Aragalaya to change the country's government. He said he would deploy the military and use emergency powers if necessary.The President accused the Frontline Socialist Party (FSP) and its leader Kumar Gunaratnam of being responsible for the attempt to capture parliament on the 13th of July 2022.

COLOMBO (News 1st) – The government is collaborating with the Californian university system to obtain assistance to modernize agriculture in Sri Lanka and to set up a new agro-technology university, said Sri Lankan President Ranil Wickremesinghe.He was addressing the 70th anniversary of the United States-Sri Lanka Fulbright Commission Program in Colombo on Wednesday (16).He said that the government discussed with a group of Singaporean investors on Tuesday (15) the supply of food for island nations and Middle East countries which lack their food resources. He said that this was only the start and he issued instructions to find the land for it and modernize agriculture. He said that Fulbright alumni such as Prof Pradeepa Bandaranaike are vital assets in modernizing agriculture. He added that the new agro-technology university will be combined with the Tea Research Institute (TRI), among others, to work with some of the American institutions on how to upgrade research in Sri Lanka.President Ranil Wickremesinghe also said that the government is focusing on improving English language education within the next ten years.

COLOMBO (News 1st) – A document presented to the Sri Lankan parliament for the very first time has revealed that there are 1,283 institutions that come under the government.This includes 29 ministries and 99 departments.State Finance Minister Ranjith Siyambalapitiya produced a document listing all the government institutions to the Sri Lanka Parliament on Thursday (17).This is the first time in Sri Lankan history that such a document was disclosed to the house.According to the Ministry of Finance, Economic Stabilization, and National Policies, this document was presented as per a promise made by President Ranil Wickremesinghe during his recent budget speech.The government also operates 25 District Secretariats, 9 provincial councils, 341 Divisional Secretariats and 341 local government bodies.According to the document a total of 420 institutions are owned by the government.

COLOMBO (News 1st) – South African President CyrilRamaphosa visited Sri Lanka on Wednesday (16) night for a short stay.He arrived in Sri Lanka during his return to South Africa after attending the G20 Summit in Indonesia.The South African President met his Sri Lankan counterpart Ranil Wickremesinghe at the Katunayake Air Force base for discussions on bilateral issues.Reports said that Sri Lanka hosted a birthday celebration for the South African President.Cyril Matamela Ramaphosa:Cyril Ramaphosa was born in Soweto on 17 November 1952.

COLOMBO (News 1st) – Sri Lankan President Ranil Wickremesinghe on Monday (14) told Parliament that the economic reforms introduced are not limited to those agreed upon with the International Monetary Fund. "These proposed reforms by the International Monetary Fund are limited only to economic stabilization," he said.The President also said that "Our envisaged reforms and reorganizations are what the country has needed for a long time to build a new economy. This is a role that many governments have opted to ignore with popularity in mind.

COLOMBO (News 1st) – Sri Lanka is proposing to explore the possibility of exporting marijuana.President Ranil Wickremesinghe delivering the 2023 Budget speech said that a committee of experts will be appointed to explore the possibility of cultivating marijuana in Sri Lanka ONLY for export purposes.In addition, to regularize the Beedi industry and deter people from Beedi consumption, the President  proposed to impose a tax of Rs.

COLOMBO (News 1st) – President Ranil Wickremesinghe as the Minister of Finance will present the 2023 budget to Parliament today (14) to create long-term, stable economic growth.The 2023 budget has given special attention to the sectors of the capital market, export market, labour market and digital economy and it is expected to achieve the budget targets through the social market economy.This year’s budget will focus more on providing social welfare benefits to the people who need them most and creating a policy environment to build the private sector as the driving force of the country’s economy.Through the 2023 budget, the process of building a new economy tailored for the new world has been initiated aimed at creating a program to ensure a decent country for the youth

PMD – President Ranil Wickremesinghe in his capacity as the Minister of Finance will present the 2023 budget to Parliament tomorrow (14) aimed at creating long-term, stable economic growth.The 2023 budget has given special attention to the sectors of capital market, export market, labour market and digital economy and it is expected to achieve the budget targets through the social market economy.

COLOMBO (News 1st) – A special meeting of the ruling party is scheduled to be held on Monday (14) in connection with the upcoming appropriation bill.The meeting, which is scheduled to be held at 05:00 PM at the Temple Trees, will be presided over by the President and the Prime Minister.The General Secretary of the SLPP, Attorney-at-law Sagara Kariyawasam said that the ruling party MPs will be specially briefed about the upcoming budget proposals.Officials of the Ministry of Finance and the Central Bank as well as several economic experts are also scheduled to be involved.Kariyawasam also said that the Sri Lanka Podujana Peramuna will extend its full support to President Ranil Wickremesinghe's decision to restore the country's economy.However, Karivayasam stated that his party will take a decision on extending support for this year's budget after further consideration of the budget proposals presented tomorrow.Meanwhile, the Samagi Jana Balawegaya says that it has called a meeting of its parliamentary group on Monday (14) afternoon to discuss the budget proposals.Its General Secretary, MP Ranjith Madduma  Bandara said that the meeting will be held at the Parliament Complex under the Chairmanship of the Opposition Leader.Moreover, MP Dallas Alahapperuma stated that a meeting of the reformist group of the Sri Lanka Podujana Peramuna representing the Nidahas Janatha Sabhawa will be held at 5:00 PM on Monday (14) to discuss the budget proposals.