Spirit of Deepavali lets us all cast aside all differences – President

Ice Cube confirmed he missed out on a $9 million acting role after he refused to get the vaccination shot for COVID-19.The 53-year-old rapper-actor, appearing on the podcast Million Dollaz Worth of Game Monday, said, 'I turned down a movie because I didn’t want to get the motherf***ing jab.'He continued: 'I didn’t want get the jab - f*** that jab; f*** y'all for trying to make me get it. I don’t know how Hollywood feels about me right now.' The latest: Ice Cube, 53, confirmed he missed out on a $9 million acting role after he refused to get the vaccination shot for COVID-19The comments came more than a year after reports in October of 2021 that he had been passed over for a role in the Sony comedy Oh Hell No as producers wanted all cast vaccinated for the shoot.The entertainer, whose real name is O'Shea Jackson, said he 'turned down $9 million' in not getting vaccinated to appear in the film, which is slated to star Jack Black and be directed by Kitao Sakurai.

COLOMBO (News 1st) – The Department of Meteorology says that mainly fair weather will prevail over most parts of the island.Condition of Rain:A few showers are likely in sea areas off the coast extending from Galle to Matara.Winds:Winds will be north-westerly or south-westerly and speed will be (20-40) kmph. State of Sea:The sea areas off the coast extending from Kankasanturai to Trincomalee via Mullaitivu and from Colombo to Hambantota via Galle and Matara will be fairly rough at times. 

₹40,000. This happened because of the pandemic as rents were lower as people working remotely had still not returned to the city. Post-pandemic, rents have surged and this very apartment now commands a monthly rent of ₹50,000-55,000," she said.

COLOMBO (News 1st) – Sri Lanka's Former Central Bank Governor Ajith Nivard Cabraal said that Former President Gotabaya Rajapaksa simply let things happen during his tenure as the Head of State.Speaking to News 1st's 10 Questions program the Former Head of the Central Bank said he too believed that the Former President should have conducted himself differently, and that could have changed the fate of the country."An unexpected person is now the President.

COLOMBO (News 1st) – The Offshore Patrol Vessel P 627 the most recent addition to the Sri Lanka Navy fleet acquired from the United States (U.S.) Coast Guard was commissioned as Vijayabahu under the patronage of President Ranil Wickremesinghe on Tuesday (22) at the Colombo Port. The Vessel P 627 began her home-bound journey from the Port of Seattle on the 03rd September 2022 and arrived in Colombo on November 02 after about 10656 nautical miles (19734 km) of the sea passage.The President as the Chief Guest was accorded a Guard of Honour by the Sri Lanka Navy. The President boarded the SLNS Vijayabahu Vessel accompanied by Navy Commander Vice Admiral Nishantha Ulugetenna and unveiled the ship's name board.Following a tour onboard the President unveiled the plaque and a memento was presented to the President by the Navy Commander. P 627, the second ‘Hamilton Class High Endurance Cutter’, received by SL Navy, measures 115m in length and is capable of reaching a maximum speed of 29 knots with 14000 nautical miles of endurance at cruising speed. Further, she has been designed for 187 crew members and is equipped with modern weapons and machinery that suit SL Navy’s operational requirements. During her stint with the U.S.

By Tyrone DevottaThe digital chapter of FITIS on its internet day message says although Financial Technology (FinTech) is now a global phenomenon, in providing financial benefits to the elite and right down to the bottom of the pyramid, Sri Lanka has not cashed in on its full advantages.  This is because we lack the policy framework for Fintech companies to operate in their full capacity.

Corrie star Kym Marsh has had to pull out of Strictly Come Dancing this weekend after testing positive for Covid.

The second reading of the 2023 Budget was passed in Parliament on Tuesday (22) by a slim majority of 37 votes.Votes in Favor: 121Votes Against: 84Abstentions: 1The debate on the second reading of the Appropriation Bill began on November 15th, and the voting for the second reading took place on Tuesday (22) evening.The debate on the committee stage of the Appropriation Bill is scheduled to be held from November 23rd to December 8th, and the voting will be held on December 8th at 7.00 pm.Minister Mahinda Amaraweera said that all Sri Lanka Freedom Party MPs who are connected to the government decided to vote in favour of the second reading of the budget today (22).Meanwhile, the Samagi Jana Balawegaya, the Sri Lanka Freedom Party, the People's Freedom Congress, and the National People's Power have decided to vote against it.The Tamil National Alliance decided not to take part in the voting process for the Second Reading of the 2023 Appropriation Bill.

COLOMBO (News 1st) – The Department of Meteorology says that mainly fair weather will prevail over most parts of the island.Condition of Rain:A few showers are likely in sea areas off the coast extending from Galle to Matara.Winds:Winds will be north-westerly or south-westerly and speed will be (20-40) kmph. State of Sea:The sea areas off the coast extending from Kankasanturai to Trincomalee via Mullaitivu and from Colombo to Hambantota via Galle and Matara will be fairly rough at times. 

COLOMBO (News 1st) – The Sri Lankan government has decided to release 50 fuel bowsers daily to meet the kerosene needs of the fishing community.Last week, the Petroleum Corporation had approved the release of 357 kerosene bowsers to meet the fishing community's needs. However, the fuel stations had only obtained 206 bowsers (58%).

People are being warned that a "highly contagious" respiratory virus could be on the rise during the winter.

COLOMBO (News 1st) – Two more men arrested for their alleged link to the sex trafficking ring in Oman were remanded to the 1st of December 2023.The suspects were produced to the Colombo Chief Magistrate Nandana Amarasinghe by the Criminal Investigations Department on Tuesday (22).One suspect was arrested by the CID in Kurunegala, while the other was arrested in Colombo.Sri Lanka's Criminal Investigations Department arrested a woman with links to the sex trafficking ring in Oman, after she surrendered to the CID on Monday (21) morning. She was later released on two personal bails of Rs.

COLOMBO (News 1st) – Indictments were served on Former Media Minister Keheliya Rambukwella, Former Operations Director of the Sri Lanka Rupavahini Corporation Chandrapala Liyanage, and Former Chairman Wimal Rupasinghe at the Colombo High Court on Tuesday (22).The case was filed against them for using Rs. 990,000/- in funds owned by the Sri Lanka Rupavahini Corporation during the run-up to the 2015 Presidential Election, and purchasing 600 GI pipes for various other uses.After the indictments were served, the three defendants were released on a cash bail of Rs.

COLOMBO (News 1st) – Cabinet has granted approval to amend the Local Authorities Elections Ordinance to increase youth representation at Local Government Institutions.Acting Cabinet Spokesperson Shantha Bandara told reporters that Colombo District MP Premanath C.

The Scottish Parliament's COVID-19 Recovery Committee will meet with employees and service users of two Lanarkshire employment support organisations next week.

primary obstacles to luring them back in, but fear of being exposed to the coronavirus remains a factor for one in four workers, and that rate is even higher among some demographics.To stay up to date with the latest Gallup News insights and updates, follow us on Twitter.Learn more about how the Gallup Panel works.

COLOMBO (News 1st) – Sri Lanka's Minister of Labour and Foreign Employment  Manusha Nanayakkara in Parliament informed today (22) that the law will be strictly enforced against those involved in trafficking women to Oman, where they are auctioned and sold to the highest bidder.Minister Manusha Nanayakkara revealed to the parliament that as per the data available with the Sri Lanka Foreign Employment Bureau there are 12 Sri Lankan women at the Safe-House in Oman operated by the Sri Lankan Embassy who had registered themselves with the SLFEB, and another 65 who had used visit visa to travel to Oman citing other reasons to Sri Lankan authorities.He added that 70 Sri Lankan women registered with the Sri Lanka Foreign Employment Bureau, and 7 Sri Lankan women have used visit visa and are currently held in Dubai.The Minister went on to note that Sri Lankans who registered with the Sri Lanka Foreign Employment Bureau and face issues overseas can be brought back to the country without any issue, however, there is growing concern over the rise in numbers using visit visa for employment purposes.He added that legal action was instituted on over 100 incidents of abuse, and multiple suspects were arrested based on the investigations.He revealed to the house that only 40 Sri Lanka Foreign Employment Bureau personnel are assigned to meet the needs of all countries, however, Cabinet has approved to recruit of another 50 personnel.Minister Manusha Nanayakkara individual at the Sri Lankan Embassy in Oman who is accused of committing sexual abuse towards Sri Lankan women over there has been interdicted and will be brought back to the country where he will be arrested on arrival, and will be investigated. 

COLOMBO (News 1st) – Sri Lanka's Cabinet of Ministers granted approval to the proposal to introduce a new Police Ordinance based on the new social norms and trends.According to the Cabinet Memorandum produced to the Minister of Public Security, the existing Police Ordinance No.

COLOMBO (News 1st) – Consumers across the country have pointed out that there is a shortage of cooking gas in the local market, adding that most sellers do not have sufficient stocks of LP Gas.Litro Chairman Muditha Peiris speaking to News 1st said that most distributors are not delivering cooking gas cylinders to traders on credit, and they are currently engaged in cash-only business.Therefore, he added that many small-time traders are finding it difficult to procure gas.However, as a solution the distributors have been instructed to deliver gas to small-time traders on loan facilities, said the Litro Chairman.

COLOMBO (News 1st) – An Italian man and a Sri Lankan who were arrested over a foreign employment racket were remanded to the 5th of December.Sri Lanka Bureau of Foreign Employment (SLBFE) arrested four people including an Italian from a hotel in Badulla for conducting interviews for employment opportunities in Romania, violating Sri Lankan laws.The two other Sri Lankans were released on personal bail of Rs. 500,000/- each.The Sri Lanka Bureau of Foreign Employment said that the men had published ads on Facebook for employment opportunities in Romania and conducted interviews, without any approval from the SLBFE.Around 30 people responded to the online ad and were presented for interviews in Baduall when the arrests were made.It was also reported that candidates were being charged around Rs.

COLOMBO (News 1st) – Today’s exchange rates from the Central Bank of Sri Lanka:USD Buy 360.9919 Sell 371.8325GBP Buy 425.4912 Sell 442.0244EUR Buy 369.3487 Sell 384.6493JPY Buy 2.5529 Sell 2.6615AUD Buy 237.8336 Sell 249.1314

COLOMBO (News 1st) – The Colombo North Crimes Division arrested a man from Dehiwala for the possession of 78,700 narcotic pills.The arrest was made following raids in Mutuwal and Kalubowila.Sri Lanka Police said that the suspect had illegally imported the drugs by and air and sea routes.

COLOMBO (News 1st) – The Consumer Affairs Authority (CAA) says that raids will be conducted across the island from Wednesday (23) to identify traders selling food at high prices and unfit for consumption.The raids are to take place targeting the upcoming holiday season.The CAA also said that they will file lawsuits against traders selling food at high prices and unfit for consumption.The raids will continue until January 15th.

COLOMBO (News 1st) – Minister of Health Keheliya Rambukwella says that the Treasury will provide Rs. 2 Billion to purchase essential medicines.The Minister said that the government is to make payments to the tune of Rs.

A Scots teacher has been left unable to read books after a crippling long covid battle. Melanie More, 28, struggles with a variety of cognitive and physical issues - leaving her 90 per cent housebound.

A Scots bride has opened up about how she managed to pull of her dream Disney wedding in just six months - despite Covid nearly ruining everything.

India's active cases have also declined to 6,209. Covid-19 cases in India have been declining for the past few days as the country is reporting single-day rise of less than 500 infections.

COLOMBO (News 1st) – The vote on the second reading of the budget will be held today (22).The Parliament is scheduled to meet today at 9.30 am and the sessions will be presided over by Speaker Mahinda Yapa Abeywardena.Minister Mahinda Amaraweera said that all Sri Lanka Freedom Party MPs who are connected to the government have decided to vote in favour of the second reading of the budget today (22).Meanwhile, the Samagi Jana Balawegaya, the Sri Lanka Freedom Party, the People's Freedom Congress, and the National People's Power have decided to vote against it.

COLOMBO (News 1st) – The Sri Lanka Freedom Party, and the Samagi Jana Balavegaya led alliance have decided to vote against the Second Reading of the 2023 Budget on Tuesday (22) in Parliament.The Central Committee of the SLFP met on Monday (21) and unanimously decided to vote against the Budget at the second reading vote.At the same time, the SJB Working Committee also met separately on Monday (21) and unanimously decided to vote against the Budget at the second reading vote.

COLOMBO (News 1st) – The Public Utilities Commission of Sri Lanka (PUCSL) approved power cuts of 2 hours from 22nd – 25th November as follows;Groups ABCDEFGHIJKLPQRSTUVW: 1hour power cut during daytime 1hour power cut during the night

James Martin sparked concerns about his health after sharing a cryptic post on Instagram today.The 50-year-old chef uploaded a picture of his dog Ralph followed by an MRI suite as he told fans he may need an operation as well. Alongside the two snaps, the chef wrote: "Seems as if we are both getting old fella!"Dropped hi off for an op this morning, now it seems I need one."(sic)Following fans' concerns, he has since issued an update in view of his 701,000 followers.He wrote: "Thank you for all your messages, very kind. Ralph is ok and out and on the mend cheers.Vanessa Feltz issues urgent plea as daughter rushed to hospital"Me on the other hand, well we will see."Express.co.uk has contacted a representative for James for comment. Ahead of the update, many of his fans rushed to the comments section to send their well wishes.Callsopp52 wrote: "Hope it’s nothing serious for either of you James."Sharon Vale commented: "Wishing Ralph a speedy recovery.

COLOMBO (News 1st) – The Sri Lanka Freedom Party has decided to make several major changes.The party's Central Committee met on Monday (21) and unanimously decided to take away the party membership of all those who left the party, including Former President Chandrika Bandaranaike Kumaratunga.In addition, the SLFP Central Committee has decided to appoint Thilanga Sumathipala as the General Secretary of the United People's Freedom Alliance, replacing Mahinda Amaraweera.

COLOMBO (News 1st) – The Third Secretary of the Sri Lankan Embassy in Oman E. Kushan is alleged to have committed sexual abuse, and engaged in the trafficking of Sri Lankan women for sex. However, he denies these claims and told EXCLUSIVELY to News 1st that these allegations are fabricated and have no ground. On Sunday (21) several former expats visited News 1st and expose startling details, and the said Third Secretary of the Sri Lankan Embassy rejected all the allegations as baseless. "While talking he put his arms around me, and I tried to push him away. I told him that that was not what I came for and I came to speak.

COLOMBO (News 1st) – SJB Parliamentarian Dr. Harsha De Silva has questioned President Ranil Wickremesinghe saying as to whether the IMF Staff Level Agreement has been given out to various individuals in committees appointed by him.In a tweet, the MP said that if the IMF staff level agreement that has thus far been hidden even from the Sri Lanka Parliament Committee on Public Finance on purported Radio Silence has been given out, it is a serious breachPreviously, the Governor of the Central Bank of Sri Lanka Dr.

COLOMBO (News 1st) – The Ministry of Agriculture has received the first stock of 13,000 tons of Urea fertilizer today (28) under the World Bank concessional emergency loan of 110 million US dollars and accordingly, the government has decided to provide a 50 kg bag of urea fertilizer to paddy farmers at Rs.10,000.This step was taken to protect household food security, farming and rural incomes based on the demands made during several discussions with the intervention of President Ranil Wickremesinghe, Agriculture Minister Mahinda Amaraweera said.This World Bank support complements the support of other development partners such as the Asian Development Bank and the United States Agency for International Development.Sri Lanka requires approximately 150,000 tonnes of urea fertilizer for paddy cultivation during the Maha season. Mr.

COLOMBO (News 1st) – Another crucial discussion between the International Monetary Fund and Sri Lanka's creditors is due be held on November 3rd.The Presidential Media Division stated that the discussion will focus on debt restructuring in Sri Lanka. This has been previously discussed during a meeting between the resident representative of the International Monetary Fund and a group of other officials who are leaving the country after completing their tenure.The President's Media Division stated that special attention was paid to the previous measures of debt restructuring as well as the creditor's conference.Meanwhile, the call for applications for the program to identify those who are eligible to receive welfare benefit payments ends on 28th October.The program, which is being implemented on the advice of President Ranil Wickremesinghe is being implemented under the theme "Do not leave anyone behind".Accordingly, the deadline was closed after the number of applicants who have registered with the Welfare Benefit Board for state welfare benefits reached 2.4 million.

COLOMBO (News 1st) – An extraordinary gazette was issued increasing the Companies' Regulations and Societies regulations fees.The extraordinary gazette was issued by President Ranil Wickremesinghe, as the Minister of Finance, Economic Stabilization and National Policies.The extraordinary gazette on increasing the Companies' Regulations and Societies' regulations fees was issued on Wednesday (26).The fee for the registration of a Private Limited Company has been increased to Rs. 4,600.00/- from Rs. 4,000/-.The new fee for the registration of a Public Limited Company is Rs.

COLOMBO (News 1st) – President Ranil Wickremesinghe issued an extraordinary gazette moving the Telecommunications Regulatory Commission of Sri Lanka and related institutions from the purview of the Defence Ministry to the Ministry of Technology. 

COLOMBO (News 1st) – While the SLPP General Secretary says that dual citizens should be allowed to make decisions on behalf of the people of Sri Lanka, the United National Party took a different stance.The Vice President of the UNP, Akila Viraj Kariyawasam said that he opposed dual citizens taking seats in the Parliament, and Sri Lanka should only be ruled by Sri Lankans who care and think about the country.Otherwise, he pointed out, any dual citizen has the right to go to a different country in the future and act in the way that they desire without facing repercussions of their actions. Meanwhile, SJB MP S.M.

COLOMBO (News 1st)- Sri Lankan President Ranil Wickremesinghe has instructed the security forces to conduct an investigation in an impartial manner in to the recent incident inside the Yala National Park where a fleet of Off-Road vehicles were seen performing doughnut inside the park premises.Cabinent Spokesperson & Minister Bandula Gunawardena said that the President also instructed to penalize those accountable.Nine people and seven jeeps that were involved in the Yala Fiasco over the weekend, that received widespread condemnation, were produced to the Tissamaharama District Court on Wednesday (26) after they surrendered to the Yala National Park Rangers Office earlier in the day.The Magistrate ordered for the suspects to be released on a personal bail of Rs. 500,000/- each.In the meantime, a three-member Committee was appointed to conduct further investigations on the Wildlife officials who have been temporarily suspended for failing to prevent incident from taking place.This committee will be chaired by an Additional Secretary to the Ministry of Wildlife and Forest Resource Conservation.A total of seven Park Rangers have been interdicted until the investigations are over, and they are charged with dereliction of duty and for their direct or indirect involvement in the incident.The matter was also raised during Wednesday's (26) cabinet briefing, and Minister Bandula Gunawardena.

COLOMBO (News 1st) – President Ranil Wickremesinghe has extended his felicitations on the appointment of Rishi Sunak as the UK's 57th Prime Minister.In a release, the President has stated that the vast experience which Sunak brings into the high office would be invaluable in discharging his responsibilities. Pointing out that Sri Lanka and the United Kingdom enjoy a shared traditional history, the President said that he is confident that under Sunak's leadership, the ties between the two nations will be further strengthened. "I look forward to enhancing this partnership particularly through the 'Global Britain' policy and the UK's new 'Platinum Partnership' scheme with Commonwealth countries," he added.

COLOMBO (News 1st) – Sri Lanka has decided to increase the fuel quota allocated for Three-Wheelers.The President's Media Division said that President Ranil Wickremesinghe has approved to double the fuel qouta for three-wheelers.The first stage will be from the Western Province and the registration of three-wheelers will commence from the 1st of November 2022.The PMD said that QR refueling on the increased fuel quota will commence from the 6th of November 2022, and the other provinces will follow in stages.

COLOMBO (News 1st) – A discussion on the challenges faced by the construction sector and proposed plans to address these issues were held at the Presidential Secretariat under the patronage of President Ranil Wickremesinghe on Thursday (20) afternoon.The problems faced by the construction sector under the current economic situation were discussed at length and special attention was paid to the delays in the construction of middle-income housing projects as well as road construction projects.During the discussions, attention was also paid to the issues that have arisen about the contractors, banks and other financial institutions.The President drew the attention of the officials to the program to be followed for the maintenance of the construction sector and job security in the sector while proposing the appointment of a committee to discuss the matter further and make recommendations.Those engaged in the construction sector also requested the President to establish a special task force for the upliftment of the construction sector.Minister Bandula Gunawardena, State Minister Lasantha Alagiyawanna, Senior Presidential Adviser on National Security and Chief of Presidential Staff Sagala Ratnayake, President’s Secretary Saman Ekanayake, Senior Economic Advisor to the President R. H.

COLOMBO (News 1st) – Assistant Secretary of State for South and Central Asian Affairs Donald Lu has assured to support Sri Lanka during this difficult period. He is currently on an official visit to Sri Lanka, and met with President Ranil Wickremesinghe on Wednesday (19). While appreciating the President’s efforts in rebuilding Sri Lanka’s economy he said that President Ranil Wickremesinghe is the right person to get the country out of the present crisis and assured him that he has a force backing him.He also stated that the U.S.

COLOMBO (News 1st) – Sri Lankan President Ranil Wickremesinghe revealed that in 2020/2021 a total of Rs. 2.3 Trillion was printed paving the way for inflation to rise to 70% – 75%, while further increasing food inflation.In a special televised statement on Tax Policy, the President elaborated on the progress made with regard to debt restructuring. "An important step in Sri Lanka's debt restructuring program took place last week. A team under our Minister of state for Finance participated in the annual meeting of the International Monetary Fund.

President Ranil Wickremesinghe stated that he had recently discussed Sri Lanka’s debt restructuring with the Chinese Finance Minister and he is optimistic that the discussions in this regard would be concluded successfully.The President further mentioned that the delegation headed by the State Minister of Finance, who is currently in Washington, held initial discussions yesterday (15) with the International Monetary Fund and the three main countries, China, India and Japan that have given loans to the country. He said that the government is giving priority to immediately solve the problem of the country’s bankruptcy and to ensure food security.President Ranil Wickremesinghe made these remarks following an observation tour of the cultivated lands in Rathumada-Weerakandawala area in Siambalanduwa Divisional Secretariat this morning (16).The President also discussed the progress of the implementation of the food security program in Monaragala district with government officials.He said that there is no problem with having debates and also recalled the statements made by some people that they would come forward and shed blood and said that one should live before shedding blood.The President mentioned that if a proper program is not implemented to provide food to the people, they will not have to shed blood but will starve to death.

COLOMBO (News 1st) – President Ranil Wickremesinghe instructed all the District Secretaries to coordinate the relief work with the help of the Disaster Management centre for those affected by the prevailing bad weather conditions.The President has also mentioned that all necessary provisions have been allocated through the Ministry of Finance and has directed the officials to provide all necessary facilities including food and medicine to the affected people. He has advised the officials to pay special attention to the sanitary facilities of the affected people.The President further instructed the District Secretaries to work in coordination with all the Divisional Secretaries and officials of the line ministries to get the support of government officials and the armed forces in this relief program.According to the Disaster Management Centre report as of October 16 2022, 15,404 families in 52 Divisional Secretariats have been affected by the strong winds, landslides and floods that affected 11 districts namely Trincomalee, Galle, Kilinochchi, Kalutara, Gampaha, Colombo, Puttalam, Ratnapura, Kandy Hambantota and Kegalle.Due to the prevailing bad weather conditions, 03 people are reported dead and two people are reported injured across the island.

COLOMBO (News 1st) – President Ranil Wickremesinghe emphasized that all should join together to solve the people’s food issues, casting traditional party politics aside.The President made this observation addressing the public officers at an awareness program on the multi-sector mechanism to empower rural economic revitalization centers to ensure food security and nutrition at Hardy Advanced Technological Institute Auditorium in Ampara this morning (15).The President further noted that no one would be allowed to starve despite the fact that the country is going through a very difficult time and pointed out the importance of successfully implementing the national food production program to prepare for a possible global food crisis in 2023.The president also said that the agriculture modernization program would be implemented from next year concurrent to the food security program.The implementation of the multi-sector mechanism to empower rural economic revitalization centers to ensure food security and nutrition in transforming the Ampara District also into a prosperous one with a blooming community was also discussed at length.The Ampara district contributes 22 percent to the national paddy harvest and discussions were also focused on making the paddy cultivation in the Yala and Maha seasons a success.It was also special feature that the President paid special attention to the issues faced by the government officials during the field work. The president was made aware of issues related to the agriculture and fisheries industry in the Ampara district and he directed the officials to address those issues.