Everything you need to know today

COLOMBO (News 1st) - 1. Minister of Transport, Nimal Siripala De Silva stated that laws have been drafted to fine Rs 25,000 from drivers that violate railway level crossing signal. 2. A decision to initiate a regulatory commission for three-wheelers was proposed by Finance Minister, Mangala Samaraweera. 3. The Sri Lankan Rupee hit an all-time low of Rs 161.81 to USD 1 yesterday (August 20). The lowest recorded in the history of Sri Lanka. 4. 28 people have been arrested at a beach party held in Mount Lavinia for the possession of narcotics. 5. The trial at bar, special high courts established to eliminate the delay in court orders will be inaugurated today (August 21) by Minister of Justice and Prison Reforms, Thalatha Athukorala. 6. A Group of female inmates once again launched a strike atop the Welikada prison roof. The group protested the transfer of female inmates convicted of drug offenses to a separate prison. 7. Japanese Defense Minister, Itsunori Onodera arrived in Sri Lanka yesterday (August 20) for an official two-day visit. It marks the first-ever visit of a Japanese Defense Minister to Sri Lanka. 8. Statement recorded from former President Mahinda Rajapaksa on the 2008 abduction and assault of journalist Keith Noyahr was presented to the Additional Magistrate of Mount Lavinia yesterday (August 20). 9.  A committee has been appointed to resolve salary anomalies of the public sector employees. 10. The Meteorological Department has issued a weather advisory on strong winds and rough seas especially in the sea areas extending from Mannar to Pottuvil via Colombo as well as Galle and Hambantota. Wind speeds of the sea areas extending from Trincomalee to Batticaloa would be 40 - 50 kmph. INTERNATIONAL 1. Venezuela on Monday (August 20) slashed five zeros from prices as part of a broad economic plan that President Nicolas Maduro stated will be a solution to tame hyperinflation. However, the IMF has estimated a 1 million% inflation by year-end for the country. 2. Australians on Tuesday (August 21) were frustrated and fed up with the politics of the ruling party after Prime Minister Malcolm Turnbull survived a leadership challenge by Home Affairs Minister Peter Dutton, which came after weeks of speculation and falling opinion poll ratings. SPORTS 1. Australian fast bowler, Mitchell Johnson (36) has decided to resign from the International cricket field. During his term as a player, he has engaged in 73 test matches, 153 ODI's and 30 T20 matches.