added newsfirst data

newsfirst/english/1006043.json

@@ -0,0 +1 @@
+{"Header": ["\nParty member banned from entering SL arrives in the country"], "Time": ["\n01 Jan, 2015\t", "| 1:58 pm ", "\n"], "Url": "https://www.newsfirst.lk/2015/01/01/party-member-banned-entering-sl-arrives-country/", "Content": "Kumar Gunaratnam, member of the Frontline Socialists Party central committee who was banned from entering Sri Lanka, arrived in the island Thursday morning. Duminda Nagamuwa, presidential candidate of the left wing Frontline Socialist Party, said that Gunaratnam had arrived from Australia early in the morning. It is learnt that he was banned from entering the country for not paying a penalty imposed for overstaying in Sri Lanka with an expired visa during his earlier visit."}

newsfirst/english/1006804.json

@@ -0,0 +1 @@
+{"Header": ["\nWoman bites off a 18-year-old’s ear in Balangoda"], "Time": ["\n01 Feb, 2019\t", "| 6:59 pm ", "\n"], "Url": "https://www.newsfirst.lk/2019/02/01/woman-bites-off-a-18-year-olds-ear-in-balangoda/", "Content": "Colombo (News1st): A woman has bitten off a 18-year-old boy’s ear in Weligepola, Balangoda. Police said the incident took place when the boy went to meet his girlfriend at her house. The suspect is the mother of the girlfriend. The boy had been admitted to the Balangoda hospital and the woman has arrived at the police station with the piece of the ear. The police media unit note that the piece of the ear had been given to the relevant hospital. The victim is a resident of Pallewela, Balangoda."}

newsfirst/english/1009410.json

@@ -0,0 +1 @@
+{"Header": ["\nSyrian refugee comes to the rescue of Canadian bride’s wedding dress"], "Time": ["\n01 Oct, 2016\t", "| 9:30 am ", "\n"], "Url": "https://www.newsfirst.lk/2016/10/01/syrian-refugee-comes-rescue-canadian-brides-wedding-dress/", "Content": "As Canadian bride Jo Du put on her dress in the morning of her wedding day, something awful happened: unfortunately the zip broke, leaving her unable to do it up. But there was no need to panic, because next door was a tailor, a man who had only arrived in Canada days before after fleeing Syria’s war-torn violence, unable to speak a word of English. Ibrahim Halil Dudu did not hesitate to come to the rescue. He set about fixing the wedding dress with his sewing kit, as Ms Coulter captured the moment on camera. Speaking later to reporters through a translator, Mr Dudu said: “I was so excited and so happy. I like to help Canadian people from my heart.” Writing on Facebook Ms Coulter said: “Every weekend I take photos of people on the happiest days of their lives, and today one man who has seen some of the worst things our world has to offer came to the rescue. “I am so proud to live in Canada, a country who has opened our doors to refugees countless times. I’m in awe of the families who have welcomed these strangers in to their homes and lives, and I’m inspired by the resilience of the Syrian people. We are truly blessed.” Picture Courtesy : Social Media"}

newsfirst/english/1026283.json

@@ -0,0 +1 @@
+{"Header": ["\nCrude oil pipeline ruptures at sea"], "Time": ["\n02 Jun, 2017\t", "| 9:40 am ", "\n"], "Url": "https://www.newsfirst.lk/2017/06/02/crude-oil-pipeline-ruptures-sea/", "Content": "A main pipeline carrying crude oil to Kollonawa has ruptured at a sea buoy. The Marine Environment Protection Authority said that the sea buoy is located 9 kilometers off the coast of Usswatakeiyawa Negombo. The Authority noted that the buoy was damaged due to rough seas caused by the increase in wind speeds. According to the Marine Environment Protection Authority, operations have begun to remove the layers of oil that leaked through the ruptured buoy."}

newsfirst/english/1030495.json

@@ -0,0 +1 @@
+{"Header": ["\nPolice to set up Election Operation Bureaus for upcoming elections"], "Time": ["\n04 Jul, 2015\t", "| 9:31 am ", "\n"], "Url": "https://www.newsfirst.lk/2015/07/04/police-to-set-up-election-operation-bureaus-for-upcoming-elections/", "Content": "Police Headquarters say that steps have been taken to set up a police election operations bureau in each police division in view of the upcoming elections. Police Media Spokesperson ASP Ruwan Gunasekara stated the unit will operate under the supervision of a Superintendent of Police or an Assistant Superintendent of Police. He added that an election operations unit has been set up in each police station."}

newsfirst/english/1030848.json

@@ -0,0 +1 @@
+{"Header": ["\nNew York attack: Suspect charged with terrorism"], "Time": ["\n02 Nov, 2017\t", "| 5:54 am ", "\n"], "Url": "https://www.newsfirst.lk/2017/11/02/new-york-attack-suspect-charged-terrorism/", "Content": "Sayfullo Saipov was taken to the New York federal courthouse in a wheelchair, handcuffed and with his feet shackled on Wednesday, shortly after the charges were announced at a press conference. Saipov told investigators he was inspired by Islamic State videos, in particular one showing ISIS leader Abu Bakr al-Baghdadi, and began planning an attack a year ago, a federal criminal complaint states. Saipov decided to conduct a truck attack “to inflict maximum damage against civilians” and that he specifically chose to strike on Halloween “because he believed there would be more civilians on the street for the holiday,” the complaint says. Six people died at the scene and two more in hospital. Twelve people were injured, nine of whom remain in hospital."}

newsfirst/english/1030995.json

@@ -0,0 +1 @@
+{"Header": ["\nMP Weerawansa appears before PRECIFAC over misuse of funds, vehicles, property"], "Time": ["\n04 Aug, 2016\t", "| 8:54 pm ", "\n"], "Url": "https://www.newsfirst.lk/2016/08/04/mp-weerawansa-appears-precifac-misuse-funds-vehicles-property/", "Content": "Leader of the National Freedom Front MP Wimal Weerawansa,  appeared before the Presidential Commission of Inquiry into Large Scale Corruption and Fraud (PRECIFAC) on Thursday, August 4. The parliamentarian appeared before PRECIFAC to provide a statement over the alleged misuse of funds during his tenure as Minister of Construction, Engineering Services, Housing and Common Amenities. The Leader of the NFF is alleged to have granted vehicles of the State Engineering Corporation along with fuel, to his private staff. He is also accused of providing houses and shop space belonging to the Housing Development Authority to family associates. According to the Presidential Commission of Inquiry, the misuse of these funds have caused a loss of Rs. 100 million to the Government. MP Weerawansa is not the only person to appear before PRECIFAC today, as former chairman of the Sri Lanka Ports Authority Priyath Bandu Wickrema also appeared before the Commission over an alleged financial misappropriation of Rs. 140 million."}

newsfirst/english/1033135.json

@@ -0,0 +1 @@
+{"Header": ["\nRain showers, thundershowers expected in several districts"], "Time": ["\n02 Jun, 2017\t", "| 9:37 am ", "\n"], "Url": "https://www.newsfirst.lk/2017/06/02/rain-showers-expected-several-districts/", "Content": "The Met Department says that rain showers are expected to a certain extent in the South-Western part of the country today. Showers will occur at times in the Western, Sabaragamuwa, Southern, Central and North-western provinces. Heavy rain falls of about 100 mm can be expected at some places, particularly in the Colombo, Kalutara, Gampaha, Ratnapura, Kurunegala & Kegalle districts. Showers or thundershowers will occur in the Eastern, Uva, North-central provinces and in the Vauniya districts, most probably in the afternoon. Fairly strong winds of about 50 kmph can be expected during the  showers."}

newsfirst/english/1038018.json

@@ -0,0 +1 @@
+{"Header": ["\nSuraksha insurance scandal rocks Education Ministry"], "Time": ["\n04 Aug, 2018\t", "| 8:50 pm ", "\n"], "Url": "https://www.newsfirst.lk/2018/08/04/suraksha-insurance-scandal-rocks-education-ministry/", "Content": "Colombo (News1st) – The Ministry of Education under the Minister Akila Viraj Kariyawasam has been through some turbulent times over the past few years because of certain decisions that were made. The most recent of these Education Ministry debacles was regarding the attempt to appoint underqualified individuals into the Education Administration Service, which was stopped through the intervention of President Maithripala Sirisena. There are many that believe this current administration is adept at manipulating numbers and hiding their tracks in a myriad of loopholes and bureaucratic red tapes, as witnessed in the first and second bond scams. Minister Akila Viraj Kariyawasam attempted to emulate his mentor, Prime Minister Rail Wickremesinghe’s action when he brought in the proposal to purchase tabs, however, that too was stopped through the intervention of the President. But it seems as if the Minister was successful in implementing one questionable project right under the noses of the President himself, that project is none other than the Suraksha insurance scheme for students. The total value invested by the Ministry of education for the insurance scheme is Rs 2.7bn. According to the Ministry, each student is allocated a sum of Rs 500 through the scheme. The education ministry usually assumed that the there are around 4.5mn students in the country and if this figure is used to do the calculation each student should receive a cover of Rs 600. So a question arises what happens to this additional Rs 100. So the amount of money that is unaccounted for is Rs 45mn ( 4.5mn students * Rs 100). It should also be noted that the actual number of students in the country stands between 4.2mn and 4.3mn. So, in reality, the amount of money accounted for is over Rs 45mn. During the launch of the Suraksha insurance scheme in October, last year Minister Kariyawasam notes that they did not go through an agent and thus eliminates a commission that is usually granted to an insurance agent. He noted that this money which would have usually become a commission to an agent will be used to create a fund that would cover illnesses not covered through the Suraksha insurance scheme. Nine months later, on the 2nd of July this year, the Minister revealed that if he wanted to he could have earned a Rs. 500mn commission. He noted that this was the money invested into a fund to ensure that students will be able to continue their education if a parent passes away. Confused? me too, because the two statements are contradictory. The story takes another left turn because even though the insurance scheme was set up in October 2017, the fund that the minister spoke about highly, came into being on the 30th of July. News1st has learned that the fund was set up in a hasty manner by the Secretary to the Ministry of Education together with Sri Lankan Insurance. The timing of the agreement seems highly coincidental because only days before the agreement was signed, News1st’s Action TV began making revelations on the insurance scheme. The integrity of the insurance scheme and the so-called fund are thrown into question again when you realise that the Government of Sri Lanka has reinsured the scheme with an Indian company. Why does this smell fishy, because the country pumps out Rs. 1.8bn to reinsure 90% of the insurance scheme. You may wonder what kind of benefits the Sri Lankan students have reaped through this insurance scheme, according to documents from the Ministry of Education students have only received benefits totalling Rs 168mn (with a couple of months remaining before the insurance scheme expires). This means the Indian reinsurer stands to make a thumping profit at the expense of the Sri Lankan tax payer. The Suraksha Insurance scheme is set to expire in October this year and because of this Ministry of Education took steps to post advertisements on national newspapers calling for tenders from Insurance companies for Suraksha project. The first insurance scheme provides health care insurance for students between the ages of 5 years and 19 years, however, according to the advertisements by the Ministry of Education, the new insurance program hopes to provide health care insurance for students between the ages of 5 years and 21 years. How many school students do you know who are aged 21 years? In a country that boasts of a free health care system is such an insurance scheme really necessary for students. Granted if this was a country like the United States of America which has a complicated health care process where health insurance is absolutely essential, such a program would be welcome. Another question that arises is why the Ministry of Education is so interested in the health care of the students when there exists a Ministry of Health in the country which is being internationally recognised for its good practices. There are several other questions that arose when doing research for this piece, Given the track record of this administration over the past 3 years, the whole affairs seems a bit dodgy."}

newsfirst/english/1038930.json

@@ -0,0 +1 @@
+{"Header": ["\nHotel employees launch protest near Colombo Tourism Ministry"], "Time": ["\n01 Dec, 2015\t", "| 1:52 pm ", "\n"], "Url": "https://www.newsfirst.lk/2015/12/01/hotel-employees-launch-protest-near-colombo-tourism-ministry/", "Content": "A protest citing that demands of hotel employees be met, is currently being held opposite the Tourism Ministry in Colombo 3. The protest has been organised by the Hotel Employees Centre of the Inter Company Employees Union. The protesters lament that a solution to their issues related to work have not been met for years, after having directed the issue to the relevant authorities. They further stated that four leading hotels in Colombo had to be shutdown. They lamented that as their is no mention of their rights, their jobs have become unstable."}

newsfirst/english/1039237.json

@@ -0,0 +1 @@
+{"Header": ["\nDog burnt alive in Negombo"], "Time": ["\n02 Jan, 2019\t", "| 4:15 pm ", "\n"], "Url": "https://www.newsfirst.lk/2019/01/02/dog-burnt-alive-in-negombo/", "Content": "Colombo (News1st): The Police has launched investigations into an incident where a dog was burnt alive while in a cage in Koppara Junction, Negombo. The police state that the incident occurred on 31st night when it was burnt using Kerosene oil. The Labrador had succumbed to its injuries yesterday (January 01). The Negombo police has obtained fingerprints from the scene of the crime. There are serious punishments against perpetrators of such heinous and inhumane crimes under Prevention of Cruelty to Animals Ordinance. The Ordinance states that any person who kills any animal in an unnecessarily cruel manner shall be punished with a fine or with imprisonment for a term which may extend to 6 months or with both. It should be noted that such inhumane activities are carried out by people who are mentally ill and if not brought before the law, these activities could be just the beginning of more inhumane acts of violence. Viewer discretion adviced: Graphic content"}

newsfirst/english/1041511.json

@@ -0,0 +1 @@
+{"Header": ["\nUPDATE: Pasyala man jumps to his death during police foot chase"], "Time": ["\n04 Apr, 2015\t", "| 9:24 am ", "\n"], "Url": "https://www.newsfirst.lk/2015/04/04/update-pasyala-man-jumps-to-his-death-during-police-foot-chase/", "Content": "A post-morten examination has revealed that the youth who was found dead in Pasyala, died due to injuries to his spinal cord. The youth is alleged to have been killed, after he was assaulted by an unidentified group who arrived in a truck on Thursday night. Police Media Spokesperson ASP Ruwan Gunasekara said that initial investigations revealed that the relatives of the victim had delayed admitting him to hospital by nearly 1 1/2 hours following the incident. The Police Media Spokesperson also said that the cause of death, was revealed following the post-mortem examination."}

newsfirst/english/1049439.json

@@ -0,0 +1 @@
+{"Header": ["\nReligious ceremony held in Polonnaruwa to invoke blessings on Maithripala Sirisena"], "Time": ["\n01 Jan, 2015\t", "| 2:05 pm ", "\n"], "Url": "https://www.newsfirst.lk/2015/01/01/special-religious-ceremony-revokes-blessings-maithripala/", "Content": "A special religious observance was held to invoke blessings on presidential candidate of the New Democratic Front, Maithripala Sirisena in Polonnaruwa on Wednesday. The religious ceremony, which was organised by the clergy collective of the Polonnaruwa district, was held at the Polonnarua Hospital premises under the directive of Senior Lecturer of the Archaelogical Faculty of the Sri Jayawardenepura University, Professor Ven Dhabhara Amala Thero. A group of clergy in the district also participated in the ceremony. See video for report."}

newsfirst/english/1052777.json

@@ -0,0 +1 @@
+{"Header": ["\nTrain operations along main railway line restored"], "Time": ["\n01 Jun, 2018\t", "| 3:46 pm ", "\n"], "Url": "https://www.newsfirst.lk/2018/06/01/train-operations-along-main-railway-line-restored/", "Content": "COLOMBO (News 1st) – Train operations along the main railway line have been restored. The train operation from Rambukkana to Moratuwa was forced to stop between the Ambepussa and Bothale train stations at around 05:45 a.m. today (June 1) as a body was discovered on the tracks. Personnel at Ambepussa train station has informed Police of the matter. Seven trains including one that was proceeding to Moratuwa was forced to stop until Police arrived at the location. A tense situation arose when passengers voiced their protest at the delay. Following the arrival of Police, the remains were removed from the tracks and taken to the morgue at Wathupitiwala Hospital. Police suspect the individual could have been knocked down by another train and died thereafter The trains which were forced to stop for almost two hours were finally allowed to proceed at 07:35 a.m."}

newsfirst/english/1054902.json

@@ -0,0 +1 @@
+{"Header": ["\nLanka Sathosa to sell dhal and rice at reduced prices"], "Time": ["\n01 Nov, 2017\t", "| 2:26 pm ", "\n"], "Url": "https://www.newsfirst.lk/2017/11/01/lanka-sathosa-takes-measures-reduce-prices-rice-dhal/", "Content": "The Ministry of Industry and Commerce said a kilogramme of Samba rice will be sold at Rs. 78 and a kilogramme of Nadu rice will be sold at Rs. 74. A kilogramme of dhal will be sold at Rs. 148, with effect from today."}

newsfirst/english/1055034.json

@@ -0,0 +1 @@
+{"Header": ["\nVIP assassination plot : DIG Nalaka de Silva remanded once again"], "Time": ["\n02 Jan, 2019\t", "| 9:10 pm ", "\n"], "Url": "https://www.newsfirst.lk/2019/01/02/vip-assassination-plot-dig-nalaka-de-silva-remanded-once-again/", "Content": "Colombo (News 1st) – The CID informed Fort Magistrate Ranga Dissanayake today that former DIG Nalkaa de Silva was arrested after clear evidence was uncovered linking him to a plot to assassinate a number of VIPs. Assistant Police Superintendent Indika Lokuhettige stated that the DIG Nalaka De Silva was arrested following the consideration of evidence of a voice recording which surfaced on how a sealed envelope was allegedly handed to Namal Kumara. The Superintendent further added that the recording was erased from the phone of Namal Kumara and was retrieved after the phone in question was sent to Hong Kong for information retrieval. A total of 427 phone calls, 26 video recordings, and 4321 images have been recovered through this referral. He further added that a total of 31 phone calls, 656 video recordings and 802 images are irretrievable. Three 60 minute phone call recordings have been submitted to the court already. ASP Indika Lokuhettige requests the Government Analyst to carry out tests to verify that the voices in the recordings belong to Namal Kumara and Nalaka De Silva. It was also revealed today (Jan 2) that the Operations Director of the organisation known as the “Anti-Corruption Front”, Namal Kumara, had joined the Air Force and received training in the year 2009, and then joined the army in the year 2011 and fled while in service. In addition, his education certificates state that he has sat for his Ordinary Level exams in 2001, and passed with two distinctions and 3 credit passes. But the CID state that he has only passed three subjects. The court was further informed that investigations are underway on him allegedly fleeing the army and presenting false documentation to the army. Nalaka De Silva and Indian National Mersali Thomas were remanded once again till the 16th of next month."}

newsfirst/english/1057345.json

@@ -0,0 +1 @@
+{"Header": ["\nElections Commission bans ITN from conducting political programs"], "Time": ["\n02 Nov, 2019\t", "| 9:27 pm ", "\n"], "Url": "https://www.newsfirst.lk/2019/11/02/elections-commission-bans-itn-from-conducting-political-programs/", "Content": "COLOMBO (News 1st):- The National Election Commission has banned the Independent Television Network, better known as ITN, from conducting live political programs, interviews or discussions, from November 4th until the results of the presidential election are released.  Chairman of the NEC Mahinda Deshapriya, issuing a letter to the chairman of ITN said, politically based programs can only be aired if they are pre-recorded and have obtained the approval of the NEC. The letter further notes, ITN was informed on several occasions, to refrain from violating media ethics but yet the National Election Commission had received a complaint regarding a program that was aired on the 30th of last month, which had caused duress to Gotabaya Rajapaksa."}

newsfirst/english/1073801.json

@@ -0,0 +1 @@
+{"Header": ["\nOlympic champ Bolt makes modest Mariners debut in friendly"], "Time": ["\n01 Sep, 2018\t", "| 4:08 pm ", "\n"], "Url": "https://www.newsfirst.lk/2018/09/01/olympic-champ-bolt-makes-modest-mariners-debut-in-friendly/", "Content": "Reuters –  Olympic sprint champion Usain Bolt came off the bench to kick-start his football career with Australia’s Central Coast Mariners in a pre-season friendly at Gosford on Friday (August 31), but later conceded that he will need more time to get up to speed. The 32-year-old Jamaican, who is hoping to win a professional contract ahead of the Mariners’ 2018-19 A-League campaign, was greeted by a crowd of nearly 10,000 as he stepped onto the pitch at the team’s base north of Sydney in the 72nd minute against an amateur select side. With the Mariners already leading 6-0, a relaxed Bolt pulled off a few stepovers on the left wing and was inches away from connecting with a close-range tap-in. After Central Coast sealed a 6-1 victory, Bolt acknowledged that he will need at least four months to build up his fitness levels and perform at his peak on the football pitch. Bolt’s attempt to transform himself from global athletics superstar to professional soccer player has generated huge publicity for the struggling Mariners, who finished bottom of the 10-team A-league last season."}

newsfirst/english/1079012.json

@@ -0,0 +1 @@
+{"Header": ["\nThe frogs have come out to play"], "Time": ["\n01 Nov, 2018\t", "| 2:08 am ", "\n"], "Url": "https://www.newsfirst.lk/2018/11/01/the-frogs-have-come-out-to-play/", "Content": "Colombo (News 1st) – Chairman of the All Ceylon Farmers Federation Namal Karunaratne says the issues faced by the farmers in Sri Lanka have now been hidden by the current political situation of the country. Namal Karunaratne states that the problems of the people are swept under the carpet and under the current situation in the country the distribution of fertilizer is being delayed. He stated that three forms are issued and one will be sent for the farmers to fill. He explains that these forms are all in English and it would be surprising if the grassroots level citizens of this country whose mother tongue is Sinhala be able to sign these forms or even better even understand where to sign in the form! He stated that these forms were sent on the 15th of October and yet nothing has been done about while it is time to inject urea for the second time to the cultivation. Namal Karunaratne stated that the farmers have been inconvenienced from all aspects but the leaders of this country simply do not care about these issues. He stated that their problems are centred around the Prime Ministerial position of the country and how to switch sides to the more beneficial party. Karunaratne explained that with the onset of the monsoon the frogs who jump from one side to the other have come out to play."}

newsfirst/english/1081135.json

@@ -0,0 +1 @@
+{"Header": ["\nPrime Minister to attend ‘Invest Sri Lanka’ conference in Singapore"], "Time": ["\n01 Mar, 2018\t", "| 7:57 am ", "\n"], "Url": "https://www.newsfirst.lk/2018/03/01/prime-minister-attend-invest-sri-lanka-conference-singapore/", "Content": "COLOMBO (News 1st)- Prime Minister Ranil Wickramasinghe will leave the country today (March 01) to attend ‘Invest Sri Lanka’ conference held in Singapore. ‘Invest Sri Lanka’ conference is organized by the Colombo Stock Exchange with the objective to promote foreign direct investments in Sri Lanka. The Prime Minister is scheduled to speak at the conference tomorrow. Some of the major investors in the region are scheduled to attend the conference which will be held at the at the Hotel Four Seasons in Singapore."}

newsfirst/english/1082755.json

@@ -0,0 +1 @@
+{"Header": ["\nPremier Wickremesinghe, President of Tajikistan engage in foreign policy talks"], "Time": ["\n03 Aug, 2016\t", "| 12:57 pm ", "\n"], "Url": "https://www.newsfirst.lk/2016/08/03/premier-wickremesinghe-talks-foreign-policy/", "Content": "The Governments of Sri Lanka and Tajikistan have drawn attention on formulating a framework to strengthen ties between the two countries. This decision was reached following discussions held between Prime Minister Ranil Wickremesinghe and President of Tajikistan Emomali Rahmon, in Jakarta, Indonesia. Prime minister Ranil Wickremesinghe highlighted the importance of employing a foreign policy centering on the slogan Friends of all, Enemies of none to the President of Tajikistan."}

newsfirst/english/1087039.json

@@ -0,0 +1 @@
+{"Header": ["\nJUST IN: Proposal to increase number of Cabinet Ministers handed over to Speaker"], "Time": ["\n01 Feb, 2019\t", "| 1:32 pm ", "\n"], "Url": "https://www.newsfirst.lk/2019/02/01/just-in-proposal-to-increase-number-of-cabinet-ministers-haded-over-to-speaker/", "Content": "COLOMBO (News 1st): Speaker of Parliament Karu Jayasuriya was handed a proposal today (February 1), seeking permission of Parliament to form a national government. The proposal also seeks to increase the number of Cabinet Ministers. The Leader of the House Minister Lakshman Kiriella told News 1st that the proposal was handed over to the Speaker this morning. Upon inquiry, the Speakers Office confirmed receiving the said proposal."}

newsfirst/english/1092013.json

@@ -0,0 +1 @@
+{"Header": ["\n2nd ODI: Pakistan beat Sri Lanka by 67 runs"], "Time": ["\n01 Oct, 2019\t", "| 7:12 am ", "\n"], "Url": "https://www.newsfirst.lk/2019/10/01/2nd-odi-pakistan-beat-sri-lanka-by-67-runs/", "Content": "Colombo (News 1st): The second ODI between Sri Lanka and Pakistan took place in Karachi yesterday (September 30), where Pakistan beat Sri Lanka by 67 runs to take the lead in the series. Batting first Pakistan scored 305 runs for the loss of 7 wickets at the end of 50 overs. The second ODI match was the first being held at the Karachi stadium after a lapse of 10 years and was the first international match being held following the Lahore terror attack in 2009. Fakhar Zaman and Imam Ul-Haq opened the innings for Pakistan. The opening partnership was limited to 73 runs as Imam Ul-Haq was dismissed for 31 runs. Fakhar Zaman who registered his 12th ODI half-century scored 54 runs. Babar Azam top-scored for Pakistan, scoring 115 runs and recording his 11th ODI century. For Sri Lanka, Wanidu Hasaranga bagged 2 wickets for 63 runs. For the Sri Lankan inning, Shehan Jayasuriya and Dasun Shanaka made a remarkable partnership of 177 runs for the 6th wicket which made it a Sri Lankan record as the highest partnership for the 6th wicket and the first pair to score the highest partnership for the 6th wicket in Pakistan. However, the Sri Lankan inning ended in the 46th over limiting them to 238 runs giving Pakistan the victory of the second ODI. For Pakistan, Usman Shinwari bagged 5 wickets for 51 runs."}

newsfirst/english/1096314.json

@@ -0,0 +1 @@
+{"Header": ["\nEastern province leader of Jamathei Millathu Ibrahim arrested"], "Time": ["\n03 Aug, 2019\t", "| 8:42 pm ", "\n"], "Url": "https://www.newsfirst.lk/2019/08/03/eastern-province-leader-of-jamathei-millathu-ibrahim-arrested/", "Content": "COLOMBO (News 1st): An Eastern province leader of the JMI (Jamathei Millathu Ibrahim), the now-banned organization and a student of the Oluvil University has been arrested. Police media spokesperson SP Ruwan Gunasekara said that he was arrested for propagating racist ideologies. The arrest was made by the Ampara police."}

newsfirst/english/1102981.json

@@ -0,0 +1 @@
+{"Header": ["\nRajapaksa took more than what they gave : Min Rajitha"], "Time": ["\n02 Jul, 2018\t", "| 5:26 pm ", "\n"], "Url": "https://www.newsfirst.lk/2018/07/02/rajapaksa-took-more-than-what-they-gave-min-rajitha/", "Content": "COLOMBO (News 1st) – 29 new houses were handed over to estate workers in Arappala Kanda Dodangoda. The event was attended by Minister Rajitha Senarathne. Addressing the gathering Minister of Health, Rajitha Senarathne stated that those people who enjoy the nutrition subsidies granted to them do not know where it comes from. The Minister also continued to say that the country people had been led to believe that everything was done by the Rajapakse’s because that is what the media reports. “But the Rajapakshe’s took more than what they gave. So they didn’t have money to give” urged Senarathne."}

newsfirst/english/110417.json

@@ -0,0 +1 @@
+{"Header": ["\nKondagalawatta residents make an appeal to authorities over dangerous conditions"], "Time": ["\n02 Feb, 2018\t", "| 3:18 pm ", "\n"], "Url": "https://www.newsfirst.lk/2018/02/02/kondagalawatta-residents-make-appeal-authorities-dangerous-conditions/", "Content": "Residents of the Kondagalawatta village in Galle are making an appeal for the reconstruction of a bridge which has fallen into a dangerous state of disrepair. This bridge is being used by around 350 villagers travelling between the villages of Udugama and Nagoda in Kondagalawatta. Villagers claim the bridge that was constructed to cross the Kambipalama lake has not been maintained for a long time and and has now become dangerous to the villagers. The foundation to construct a new bridge has been laid two and half years ago. However construction stopped shortly after it was began. School children in the area are also at risk. A request is made by the villagers to the authority to take measures to reconstruct the bridge."}

newsfirst/english/1106305.json

@@ -0,0 +1 @@
+{"Header": ["\nRanjith de Zoysa passed away at age 57"], "Time": ["\n04 Dec, 2019\t", "| 9:50 am ", "\n"], "Url": "https://www.newsfirst.lk/2019/12/04/ranjith-de-zoysa-passed-away-at-age-57/", "Content": "Colombo (News 1st): UPFA Ratnapura District MP, Ranjith De Zoysa passed away today (December 4) while receiving treatment at a hospital in Singapore. De Zoysa was 57 years old at the time of his demise. Ranjith De Zoysa entered politics by being elected to the Rakwana Pradeshiya Sabha. He also served as a Minister in the Sabaragamuwa Provincial Council, before being elected to Parliament in 2015."}

newsfirst/english/1107117.json

@@ -0,0 +1 @@
+{"Header": ["\nPremier League Transfer Window closes with massive figures on the board"], "Time": ["\n01 Sep, 2016\t", "| 9:30 am ", "\n"], "Url": "https://www.newsfirst.lk/2016/09/01/premier-league-transfer-window-closes-massive-figures-board/", "Content": "£155m on transfer deadline day as the summer window outlay reaches a record £1.165bn in the Premier league Many of the top-tier clubs broke their own transfer records while Manchester United managed to etch their name next to the biggest deal in history. Manchester United: Paul Pogba (£89m) Liverpool: Sadio Mane (£36m) Crystal Palace: Christian Benteke (£32m) Bournemouth: Jordon Ibe (£15m) West Ham: Andre Ayew (£20.5m) Leicester: Islam Slimani (£29m) Southampton: Sofiane Boufal (£16m) Swansea: Borja Baston (£15.5m) Sunderland: Didier N’Dong (£13.6m) West Brom: Nacer Chadli (£13m) Hull: Ryan Mason (£13m) Watford: Roberto Pereyra (£13m) Burnley: Jeff Hendrick (£10.5m) Manchester United under new boss Jose Mourinho, made a record breaking deal of £89m for Paul Pogba. The Reds alos added Armenia midfielder Henrikh Mkhitaryan and Ivory Coast defender Eric Bailly, both at a cost of about £30m. United also managed to get Sweden’s Zlatan Ibrahimovic Arsenal managed to get Granit Xhaka from Borussia Monchengladbach for £34m alongside Lucas Perez from Deportivo la Coruna for £17.1m and Shkodran Mustafi from Valencia, £35m Chelsea, made surprise last minute deal on deadline day when they re-signed David Luiz over from PSG for £30m. They also spent £23m for Marcos Alonso (from Fiorentina) as well as £33.2m on Michy Batshuayi (from Marseille). Chelsea also managed to sign on N’Golo Kante for £32m from Leicester Crystal Palace also had busy transfer window, coughing up for £32m Christian Benteke from Liverpool and £13m for Andros Townsend from Newcastle United. The Eagles also put up £10m for James Tomkins from West Ham. Everton managed to draw up successful deals for Yannick Bolasie (Crystal Palace, £28m) and Ashley Williams (Swansea, £12m) The surprise champs of last season, Leicester City signed on Islam Slimani from Sporting Lisbon for £29.7m and Nampalys Mendy from Nice for £13m Liverpool managed to sign on Sadio Mane from Southampton for £36m,Loris Karius from Mainz for £4.7m and coughed up £25m for Georginio Wijnaldum from Newcastle. Manchester City were also engaged in some major deals. They spent £21m on Ilkay Gundogan from Borussia Dortmund. City under new boss Pep Guardiola also took on Nolito from Celta Vigo for £13.8m alongside Leroy Sane from Schalke for £37m,Gabriel Jesus from Palmeiras for £27m. They also put up £47.5m for John Stones from Everton and £17.1m for Claudio Bravo from Barcelona. Tottenham Hotspur’s spent £30m for Moussa Sissoko from Newcastle, £18.6m for Vincent Janssen from AZ Alkmaar. They also put up £11m for Victor Wanyama from Southampton as well as for Georges-Kevin Nkoudou from Marseille. Watford spent £13m on Roberto Pereyra (Juventus) and £12.5m on Isaac Success from Granada. West-Ham United managed to sign on Andre Ayew from Swansea for £20.5m"}

newsfirst/english/1111522.json

@@ -0,0 +1 @@
+{"Header": ["\nPower cuts: Vasudeva demands compensation"], "Time": ["\n01 Apr, 2019\t", "| 8:57 pm ", "\n"], "Url": "https://www.newsfirst.lk/2019/04/01/power-cuts-vasudeva-demands-compensation/", "Content": "COLOMBO (News 1st) – MP Vasudeva Nanayakkara states that the public must be compensated for the losses they incur due to power disruptions. MP Vasudeva Nanayakkara arrived at the Public Utilities Commission this evening (April 01) and submitted his demands. He expressed his views regarding the whole matter in the presence of the media. UPFA MP, Vasudeva Nanayakkara noted that consumers incur a loss of Rs. 120 per unit due to power cuts across the country and the government should compensate the consumers for their loss. He went on to say that the monthly fixed fee should be deducted from the bills of the consumers. He noted that the existing power crisis is mainly due to the government’s failure to construct power plants in the past four years despite the commission’s necessary recommendations. He added that close inspections into the matter have revealed that a group of powerful individuals are pulling strings. He noted that they have forced the CEB  to a state where they have to purchase power from the private sector at a high rate of Rs. 50 per unit. The Public Utilities Commission noted that steps will be taken regarding the MP’s requests following the consideration of laws and acts and obtaining legal advice in this regard."}

newsfirst/english/1113470.json

@@ -0,0 +1 @@
+{"Header": ["\nSL-Pakistan Trade and Investment Forum held in Colombo"], "Time": ["\n01 Sep, 2015\t", "| 8:23 pm ", "\n"], "Url": "https://www.newsfirst.lk/2015/09/01/sl-pakistan-trade-and-investment-forum-held-in-colombo/", "Content": "The Sri Lanka Pakistan Trade and Investment Forum was held in Colombo on the evening Monday August 31. Speaking at the event Upul Jayasuriya, Chairman of the BOI,  elaborated on the government’s decision on unsolicited offers. The event was graced by the Pakistan;s High Commissioner to Sri Lanka , retired Major General Syed Shajeek Hussain. Chairman of the BOI Upul Jayasuriya said that the “honeymoon period” which was there for the unsolicited offers with regard to road development is now over and “all good things have to come to an end.” He added that we have to learn from the past and put the future right. Mementos were exchanged between the Sri Lankan and Pakistani delegations. (function(d, s, id) {  var js, fjs = d.getElementsByTagName(s)[0];  if (d.getElementById(id)) return;  js = d.createElement(s); js.id = id;  js.src = \"//connect.facebook.net/en_US/sdk.js#xfbml=1&version=v2.3\";  fjs.parentNode.insertBefore(js, fjs);}(document, 'script', 'facebook-jssdk')); SL-Pakistan Trade and Investment Forum held in ColomboFull story: http://goo.gl/HxCQ7X Posted by Newsfirst.lk on Tuesday, September 1, 2015"}

newsfirst/english/1129171.json

@@ -0,0 +1 @@
+{"Header": ["\nSL Human Rights Commission calls for abolition of death penalty"], "Time": ["\n04 Jan, 2016\t", "| 9:48 pm ", "\n"], "Url": "https://www.newsfirst.lk/2016/01/04/sl-human-rights-commission-calls-for-abolition-of-death-penalty/", "Content": "The Human Rights Commission of Sri Lanka has sent a written letter to the government recommending the abolition of the death penalty in Sri Lanka. In its letter, the Human rights Commission has noted that the recommendations put forth was to ensure that national laws and administrative practices are in accordance with international human rights norms and standards. The HRC has also noted that as Article 3 of the Universal Declaration of Human Rights enshrines the sanctity of human life by affirming that everyone has the right to life, liberty and security of person. This, according to the Human Rights Commission of Sri Lanka, indicates that international obligations of Sri Lanka clearly discourages the death penalty. The letter further recommends the death penalty be substituted with periods of imprisonment that befit the seriousness of each crime, and the commutation periods of imprisonment for such crimes also be done according to national policy that takes into consideration the serious impact of such crime on society."}

newsfirst/english/1133599.json

@@ -0,0 +1 @@
+{"Header": ["\nProf. G. L. Peiris condemns Speaker’s actions"], "Time": ["\n01 Dec, 2018\t", "| 6:37 pm ", "\n"], "Url": "https://www.newsfirst.lk/2018/12/01/prof-g-l-peiris-condemns-speakers-actions/", "Content": "Colombo (News 1st) – Leader of the Sri Lanka Podu Jana Peramuna (SLPP), G. L. Peiris stated that Speaker Karu Jayasuriya is working according to his own agenda. He further commented stating that the streets of Colombo are full of posters hailing Karu Jayasuriya as the greatest hero since King Dutugemunu and that it is an absolute nonsense. He went on to state that the speaker has been acting in a totally illegal manner and that now it seems that he has falsified official government documents. He noted that the Hansard approved by the Speaker contains a sentence which is not there in the video footage which is a live record of parliamentary proceedings prepared by non-other than the officials of the parliament. He then stated that it is the best possible evidence of what transpired in parliament and there is a discrepancy between that and the version of Hansard approved by the speaker."}

newsfirst/english/1135750.json

@@ -0,0 +1 @@
+{"Header": ["\nWildlife monitoring officers to commence work-to-rule action"], "Time": ["\n01 Nov, 2019\t", "| 11:22 am ", "\n"], "Url": "https://www.newsfirst.lk/2019/11/01/wildlife-monitoring-officers-to-commence-work-to-rule-action/", "Content": "COLOMBO (News 1st):- The wildlife monitoring officers are due to begin a work-to-rule trade union action in protest of an issue with incentives and benefits. President of the wildlife monitoring officers association, R. S. S. Ranawaka issued a warning that the trade union action could result in the hampering of eradication of wild elephants from villages and various rackets controlled by operations. When News 1st inquired about the matter from the Director-General of the Wildlife Conservation Department, Chandana Suriyabandara he said that they are currently working on providing solutions for their issues."}

newsfirst/english/1138704.json

@@ -0,0 +1 @@
+{"Header": ["\nCRICKET WORLD CUP: Sri Lanka outclassed by dominant New Zealand"], "Time": ["\n01 Jun, 2019\t", "| 7:47 pm ", "\n"], "Url": "https://www.newsfirst.lk/2019/06/01/cricket-world-cup-sri-lanka-outclassed-by-dominant-new-zealand/", "Content": "COLOMBO (News 1st): New Zealand beat Sri Lanka by 10 wickets in Game 3 of the ICC Cricket World Cup today (June 01) at Cardiff, England. New Zealand chasing a score of 137 runs, secured an easy victory for the loss of no wickets at the end of 16.1 overs New Zealand winning the toss chose to field first while SriLanka taking to the pitch to bat first scored 136 runs for the loss of all wickets at the end of 29.2 overs. Sri Lankan skipper Dimuth Karunaratnne scored 52 runs for the team."}

newsfirst/english/1146341.json

@@ -0,0 +1 @@
+{"Header": ["\nCourt orders investigations into Mullaitivu navy camp called “Gotabaya” (Watch Video)"], "Time": ["\n02 Mar, 2015\t", "| 10:10 pm ", "\n"], "Url": "https://www.newsfirst.lk/2015/03/02/court-orders-investigations-into-mullaitivu-navy-camp-called-gotabaya-watch-video/", "Content": "The Colombo Chief Magistrate ordered the Criminal Investigations Department to carry out investigations on a navy camp dubbed Gotabaya located in Mullaitivu and furnish a report on their findings to court. The order was made following the magisterial inquest into the kidnapping of a group of school children in Dehiwala in the year 2008. A petition was filed at the Court of Appeal in 2011 with regard to an alleged kidnapping of a group of school children in Dehiwala on August 17, 2008. The magisterial inquiry pertaining to the kidnapping was directed to the Magistrate’s Court and the matter was taken up before the Chief Magistrate on Monday, March 2. The lawyer for the defence requested courts to carry out an investigation and a report be submitted to ascertain whether the missing children are being housed at the Gotabaya Navy Camp. Western Provincial Councilor Susil Kindeplitiya said that information has come to light that the group of missing children are in the Gotabaya navy camp. And he went onto note that the parents of these children have requested their lawyer to urge court to carry out an investigation into this. He added that the court will reconvene on the 23rd of next month and a report will be presented. A mother of a missing child said that they will wait – If the navy claims that they had taken their children away, and added that they expect them to return their children as well."}

newsfirst/english/114736.json

@@ -0,0 +1 @@
+{"Header": ["\n4053 graduates to be recruited for government training"], "Time": ["\n01 Aug, 2018\t", "| 5:07 pm ", "\n"], "Url": "https://www.newsfirst.lk/2018/08/01/4053-graduates-to-be-recruited-for-government-training/", "Content": "COLOMBO (News 1st) – A spokesperson for the Ministry of National Policy and Economic Affairs said on the 20th of August, 4053 graduates will be recruited for training in the public sector as per the cabinet approval. Additional Secretary of the Ministry Asanka Dayaratne noted that these individuals have graduated from internal universities in Sri Lanka. Under this initiative, another 15,000 will be recruited for training in the public sector before the year-end. The Additional Secretariat added that these recruits will be made permanent employees in government agencies at the end of the one year training period. However, the Unemployed Graduates’ Union has shown their disagreement with regard to the decision as it prioritizes the internal graduates."}

newsfirst/english/1151526.json

@@ -0,0 +1 @@
+{"Header": ["\n20 people suspected to have contracted Corona virus tested"], "Time": ["\n01 Feb, 2020\t", "| 10:18 am ", "\n"], "Url": "https://www.newsfirst.lk/2020/02/01/20-people-suspected-to-have-contracted-corona-virus-tested/", "Content": "Colombo (News 1st): The Medical Research Institute said that saliva and blood samples of 20 people suspected of contracting the Coronavirus have been tested. It’s Director Dr Jayaruwan Bandara said that accordingly a Chinese woman who had been infected with the Coronavirus had been identified. The rest were confirmed to be non-infected. Director of the National Institute of Infectious Diseases Dr Hasitha Attanayake said the condition of the Chinese woman infected with the Coronavirus was not severe. Meanwhile, the Director-General of Health Services Dr Anil Jasinghe said that 23 patients suspected of contracting the Coronavirus are currently receiving treatment at several hospitals."}

newsfirst/english/1151577.json

@@ -0,0 +1 @@
+{"Header": ["\nHesha Withanage criticizes State Minister’s response on garbage disposal in Embilitpitiya"], "Time": ["\n04 Apr, 2019\t", "| 8:48 pm ", "\n"], "Url": "https://www.newsfirst.lk/2019/04/04/hesha-withanage-critizes-state-ministers-response-on-garbage-disposal-in-embilitpitiya/", "Content": "Colombo (News 1st): Government backbench MP Hesha Vithanage raised a question in parliament today on garbage being disposed into the Chandrika Wewa in Embilipitiya. He went on to criticize the response given by State Minister Ajith Maanapperuma. Minister Gayan Karunathilake noted that as it has been reported that the waste from the weekly fare in Embilipitiya is not disposed into the Chandrika Wewa. MP Hesha Withanage, however, notes that there is a paper factory close to the Chandrika Wewa that has reserved a 5-acre land to dispose garbage. He added that on rainy days the garbage is washed into the Wewa and the ignorant state minister has written that such an issue will not arise. He questioned: “So will there be no justice done to address this problem? Did he inspect the location and provide the answer?” He noted that as the chairman of the provincial council he knows that this is happening. However, State Minister Ajith Mannaperuma questioned; “Were you the chairman of the provincial council or the pradeshiya sabha? So wasn’t it you who dumped the garbage? It was your pradeshiya sabha that dumped the garbage wasn’t it?” Responding to this MP Withanage lashed the state minister by stating that if it was he who dumped the garbage, he wouldn’t be questioning it. State Minister Mannaperuma noted that the garbage was being dumped 400 – 700m from the Chandrika Wewa since MP Withanage’s time. However, Withanage noted that when he was the chairman the garbage was dumped on private land. He went onto note that this is the work of the current chairman. He noted that he is not wrong to do so as the plot of land is insufficient. He pointed out that the garbage is being dumped 50 meters away from the wewa, not 700m. MP Chaminda Wijesiri speaking on this regard noted that the question raised by the MP was a humanitarian one, but the response should not be to evade it and accuse someone else. He noted that this is the duty of the Environmental Ministry. State Minister Mannaperuma noted that the reports from the Water Board showed that there is nothing wrong with the water. MP Withanage immediately noted that it is a blatant lie as the Water Board does not have a water project. He pointed out that the residents in these areas drink water from the streams."}

newsfirst/english/1156398.json

@@ -0,0 +1 @@
+{"Header": ["\nSLFP trade unions warn of attempts to sell off SriLankan Airlines to Lycamobile"], "Time": ["\n04 Apr, 2019\t", "| 10:07 pm ", "\n"], "Url": "https://www.newsfirst.lk/2019/04/04/slfp-trade-unions-warn-of-attempts-to-sell-off-srilankan-airlines-to-lycamobile/", "Content": "Colombo (News 1st): Representatives of the Sri Lanka Nidahas Sewaka Sangamaya of SriLankan Airlines convened a media briefing today (April 4). Speaking at the briefing Chairman of the Sri Lanka Nidahas Sewaka Sangamaya (SLNSS) at SriLankan Airlines Janaka Wijeyapathirana noted that the thieving group who worked towards selling off this national airline to Emirates and obtaining commissions in 1998 are planning to sell this airline to a company that runs on LTTE funds. He noted that they have received information that a cabinet paper to privatize this airline will be presented next week and they know for sure that the Lycamobile company are eyeing this airline. He added that they state responsibly that Lycamobile is recruiting a number of senior officers who have worked at the national carrier. The union would also like to inform the President that they are headed towards a massive issue that could even jepordize national security while trying to find ways to make the airline profitable. Wijeypathirana noted that the President appointed a special commission and the report submitted by the commission has made a proposal for the catering division and the airport services division. He noted that the airport services division earns a profit of US$ 100 million anually. He added that it would be very unfortunate if such profitable divisions are removed. When journalists questioned if the government cannot fix the airline and shouldn’t it be given to someone else for these issues to be addressed, he noted that it is not that the government cannot fix it, they won’t fix it. He questioned as to how they are capable to do it when the ministers are changed every 6 months. He added that the catering division earns millions in profits every year and again SriLankan ground handling earns profits in the millions. He questioned, therefore, what is the need to privatize profitable institutions? Speaking at the media briefing General Secretary of the SLNSS at SriLankan Airlines noted that they are trying to remove these profitable institutions in the guise of selling it to a local investor. They say investments are coming in from companies from America or Dubai. He noted that they show this on the outside and are selling this to Lycamobile. He questioned; “If the most profitable institutions of SriLankan Airlines are sold off what will remain of SriLankan Airlines?” He added that they are trying to do this to close down the airline without directly shutting it down. He warned the government that if they resort to trade union action that day they will close down the international doors and the government will never be able to sell of SriLankan Airlines like it sold off the Hambantota harbour."}

newsfirst/english/1157380.json

@@ -0,0 +1 @@
+{"Header": ["\nFmr. Indian foreign secretaries calls on leader of Opposition"], "Time": ["\n01 Nov, 2018\t", "| 9:38 pm ", "\n"], "Url": "https://www.newsfirst.lk/2018/11/01/fmr-indian-foreign-secretaries-calls-on-leader-of-opposition/", "Content": "Colombo (News1st): Two former Indian Foreign Secretaries met with the Leader of the Opposition R. Sampanthan to discuss the current political situation in the country. The Tamil National Alliance said that Former foreign secretaries Lalit Mansingh and Prof. Sukh Deo Muni participated in this discussion."}

newsfirst/english/1158016.json

@@ -0,0 +1 @@
+{"Header": ["\nUS and Japan freeze development aid"], "Time": ["\n04 Nov, 2018\t", "| 9:53 pm ", "\n"], "Url": "https://www.newsfirst.lk/2018/11/04/us-and-japan-freeze-development-aid/", "Content": "COLOMBO (News 1st) – NDTV reports that US and Japan has frozen aid to our country due to the ongoing Constitutional Crisis. According to NDTV Sri Lanka’s deposed Prime Minister Ranil Wickremesinghe said the United States and Japan had frozen more than a billion dollars of development aid after his abrupt dismissal raised doubts about the future of democracy in the island. The article, quoting a Sri Lankan foreign ministry officials statement to Reuters,  says the Sri Lankan embassy in Washington has been informally told by the MCC that around $480 million will be on hold because of the latest situation in the country. An official at the Sri Lankan ministry of Megapolis and Western Development also confirmed the freeze to Reuters on the Japanese loan. An official at the Japan International Cooperation Agency (JICA) said the agency was closely monitoring political developments and the loan for the light railway project had been withheld. Economy next reported that the IMF is monitoring the political crisis in Sri Lanka. Economy next quoting an official of the IMF says that it is in touch at a technical level regarding the situation in the country. Sri Lanka has missed targets in an IMF program, especially in forex reserves, after the central bank stopped mopping up foreign inflows in February and de-stabilized a de-facto peg with the US dollar by cutting rates and injecting new money in April. IMF spokesman Gerry Rice is quoted as saying “..The IMF is not in the political realm but clearly, we take note of recent developments…we are monitoring the situation closely and we remain in contact with our counterparts at the technical level. I don’t have any assessment as yet on potential program implications there in Sri Lanka.” Meanwhile the Ceylon today reported that the Central Bank’s lending to the Government of Sri Lanka, commonly known as money printing increased by 36.61% to Rs 119,463.60 million since Mahinda Rajapaksa assumed duties as the country’s new Prime Minister and Finance Minister."}

newsfirst/english/1158725.json

@@ -0,0 +1 @@
+{"Header": ["\nFidel Castro’s eldest son ‘takes own life’"], "Time": ["\n02 Feb, 2018\t", "| 3:25 pm ", "\n"], "Url": "https://www.newsfirst.lk/2018/02/02/181095/", "Content": "Fidel Ángel Castro Díaz-Balart was found on Thursday morning and is said to have suffered from depression. The first-born son of the late president was nicknamed “Fidelito”, or Little Fidel, because of the family resemblance. He was a nuclear physicist, trained by the former Soviet Union. “Fidel Castro Díaz-Balart, who had been treated by a group of doctors for several months due to deep depression, took his life this morning,” Cuba’s official newspaper Granma reported. State television said he had been receiving medical treatment as an outpatient in recent months, following a hospital stay. At the time of his death, he was a scientific adviser for the Cuban Council of State and he served as vice president of Cuba’s Academy of Sciences. He headed the island’s nuclear programme from 1980 to 1992, before it was suspended after the Soviet Union’s collapse. His maternal family went on to become prominent figures in the anti-Castro community in Florida. His cousin Mario Díaz-Balart is a US congressman. His father, Fidel Castro, a revolutionary figure and one of the world’s longest serving political leaders, died aged 90 in 2016. Courtesy: BBC"}

newsfirst/english/1159534.json

@@ -0,0 +1 @@
+{"Header": ["\nJVP comments on murder of Premakeerti de Alwis"], "Time": ["\n01 Aug, 2014\t", "| 10:09 pm ", "\n"], "Url": "https://www.newsfirst.lk/2014/08/01/tilvin-silva-commented-murder-premakeerti-de-alwis/", "Content": "Addressing a media briefing on August 1, the JVP commented on the murder of Premakeerti de Alwis. General Secretary of JVP, Tilvin Silva expressed the following views: [quote]The wife and children of Premakeerti de Alwis met with us. We explained to them that the people who are leveling allegations at the JVP are completely wrong. The government is involved in this; an individual in the government is involved in this. That individual occupies a high-ranking position in the Sri Lanka broadcasting corporation. Why has the government failed to conduct an investigation into this if they are that concerned about Premakeerti de Alwis? His family members will testify and they have spoken about this openly. They could base their investigations on this. They are putting all this aside and attempting to sling mud at the JVP.[/quote]"}

newsfirst/english/1162982.json

@@ -0,0 +1 @@
+{"Header": ["\nUS says Iran nuclear deal was “built on lies”"], "Time": ["\n01 May, 2018\t", "| 7:24 pm ", "\n"], "Url": "https://www.newsfirst.lk/2018/05/01/us-says-iran-nuclear-deal-was-built-on-lies/", "Content": "US Secretary of State Mike Pompeo says a landmark nuclear deal with Iran was “built on lies”, after Israel claimed to have proof of a secret Iranian nuclear weapons programme. Pompeo said documents revealed by Israel’s prime minister were authentic. Analysts say they show nothing new, highlighting that concerns over Iran’s nuclear ambitions led to the 2015 deal. US President Donald Trump, who opposes the accord, has until May 12th to decide whether to abandon it or not. Other Western powers, including signatories Britain and France, say Iran has been abiding by the deal and it should be kept."}

newsfirst/english/1163786.json

@@ -0,0 +1 @@
+{"Header": ["\nPresident signs gazette notification declaring patriots in Uva-Wellassa uprising"], "Time": ["\n01 Mar, 2017\t", "| 6:23 pm ", "\n"], "Url": "https://www.newsfirst.lk/2017/03/01/thirty-two-patriots-sl-declared-uva-wellassa-uprising-president-sign-gazette-notification/", "Content": "Thirty-two heroes who had been sentenced to capital punishment and branded as traitors by the British following the 1818 Uva-Wellassa Rebellion was named as patriots. The historic ceremony was held today, March 01, at the Magul Maduwa in Kandy under the patronage of President Maithripala Sirisena. The president signed a gazette notification which names these individuals as ‘Patriots of Sri Lanka’. At the occasion, the president noted that it is an important day to all Sinhala Buddhists in the country as well as all Sri Lankans, and that it is a moment of pride for Maha Sangha. In response to a request made by the Maha Sangha, the President said that as per the advice of the Reverend Maha Sangha, the issues in the land deeds have been rectified and that those lands will be vested for the activities of the Temple of the Sacred Tooth Relic. “I must also mention that the Prime Minister and the Cabinet of Ministers have been given instructions to engage in the development activities surrounding the Bogambara Prison premises taking in to account the cultural importance of the premises”, he added."}

newsfirst/english/1169284.json

@@ -0,0 +1 @@
+{"Header": ["\nIndividual murdered in Weerakatiya"], "Time": ["\n01 Feb, 2019\t", "| 10:20 am ", "\n"], "Url": "https://www.newsfirst.lk/2019/02/01/individual-murdered-in-weerakatiya/", "Content": "Colombo (News1st)  – An individual who was travelling on a motorbike in the Weheregodawatte area in Weerakatiya has been murdered with the use of a sharp weapon. The deceased has been identified as a 47 year old resident of Kongahawatte. Investigations have been launched to uncover the motive behind the murder as well as the suspect who committed the murder."}

newsfirst/english/117197.json

@@ -0,0 +1 @@
+{"Header": ["\nMillions in India engage in day-long strike"], "Time": ["\n02 Sep, 2016\t", "| 4:43 pm ", "\n"], "Url": "https://www.newsfirst.lk/2016/09/02/millions-india-engage-day-long-strike/", "Content": "Millions of workers in India are on a day-long strike. They call for higher wages and protest against the government’s economic reforms.Banks, government offices and factories are shut, while public transport is also disrupted in parts of the country. The government states that the reforms are essential to bolster the economy. However trade unions claim that the government has not addressed the demands of the workers in banking, telecommunication and manufacturing industries. They also protest a government directive to state-run pension funds to put more money into stock markets"}

newsfirst/english/1173745.json

@@ -0,0 +1 @@
+{"Header": ["\nNo death penalty for Rajiv Gandhi assassins: Supreme Court of India reiterates"], "Time": ["\n01 Apr, 2014\t", "| 4:13 pm ", "\n"], "Url": "https://www.newsfirst.lk/2014/04/01/death-penalty-rajiv-gandhi-assassins-supreme-court-india-reiterates/", "Content": "Indian  Supreme Court on Tuesday dismissed Centre’s petition seeking review of judgment commuting death penalty to life imprisonment of Rajiv Gandhi assassination case convicts Murugan, Santhan and Perarivalan. In a short order dismissing Centre’s review petition, a three-judge bench headed by CJI said, “we find no merit in the review petition.” The apex court order comes as a relief to the three convicts, whose death sentence had been commuted to life in prison. Santhan, Murugan and Perarivalan had petitioned the apex court against their death sentence, arguing that there had been an exceptional delay in a decision on their mercy pleas. Rajiv Gandhi was killed by a suicide bomber at an election rally in Sriperumbedur, India on May 21, 1991. -Times of India"}

newsfirst/english/1176462.json

@@ -0,0 +1 @@
+{"Header": ["\n‘Harry Potter,’ ‘Angels in America’ among top nominees for Broadway’s Tonys"], "Time": ["\n02 May, 2018\t", "| 6:34 pm ", "\n"], "Url": "https://www.newsfirst.lk/2018/05/02/harry-potter-angels-in-america-among-top-nominees-for-broadways-tonys/", "Content": "REUTERS – A hit play from the “Harry Potter” franchise joined an acclaimed revival of AIDS drama “Angels in America” to dominate Broadway’s Tony award nominations yesterday (May 1). Glenda Jackson and Denzel Washington were nominated for acting Tonys, while “Mean Girls” and “SpongeBob SquarePants: The Musical” scored the most nominations with 12 each, including for best musical. “Harry Potter and the Cursed Child,” a new play about the grown wizard and his troubled relationship with his teen-aged son, won 10 nominations, including best play and best actor for star Jamie Parker. The more than five-hour, two-part saga earned raves on Broadway after winning record Olivier awards in London last year (2017). Another monumental two-part drama, a revival of “Angels in America,” took 11 nominations, including best play revival, best actor Andrew Garfield and best-featured actor for Nathan Lane as closeted conservative firebrand Roy Cohn."}

newsfirst/english/1179575.json

@@ -0,0 +1 @@
+{"Header": ["\nFinal rites of Chithra Wakishta to be performed on June 2nd"], "Time": ["\n01 Jun, 2019\t", "| 10:17 am ", "\n"], "Url": "https://www.newsfirst.lk/2019/06/01/final-rites-of-chithra-wakishta-to-be-performed-on-june-2nd/", "Content": "Colombo (News 1st): Remains of veteran actress the late Chithra Wakishta will be laid at a Borella private parlour from today afternoon (June 1) for the public to pay their final respects. Relatives of the veteran actress said her final rites will be carried out at 4 pm tomorrow (June 2) at the Borella General Cemetery. Veteran actress Chithra Wakishta passed away at the age of 83 while receiving treatment at the National Hospital yesterday (May 31). Born on December 23rd 1936, her acting career kick-started with the teledrama “Dimuthumuthu.” Having graced the silver screen with the “Podiputha” she also acted in several other films such as Kaliyugaya, Yuganthaya and Gahenu Lamai. She was awarded the Presidents Award for the Best Supporting Actress for her role in “Gahenu Lamai”. She marked her spot in the acting trade of Sri Lanka through her role as “Somi nona” in the longest drama in Asia “Kopi Kade.” අ"}