50% of Sri Lankans suffer Vitamin D deficiency

A corridor is pictured inside a school destroyed as a result of shelling by Russian troops in Izium which was liberated from Russian invaders, Kharkiv Region. (Vyacheslav Madiyevskyy/ Ukrinform/Future Publishing via Getty Images) IZIUM, Ukraine - The Russian occupation radio and newspaper ads promoted the camps as a summer break from the war for Ukrainian children under their control, free of charge.

With roughly $6.5 billion poured into such funds this year, they are on track for their first annual inflows since 2019 Investors are flocking to funds that tout their ability to shelter investors from major market swings even though they didn’t perform exactly as advertised during the height of the Covid-19 pandemic.

The SARS-CoV-2 Omicron variant is much more transmissible among household members than Delta, with an estimated secondary attack rate (SAR) from thrice-vaccinated index patients of 46%, compared with 11% for Delta, finds a study published today in Nature Communications.The SAR is the percentage of contacts who become infected by an in

FILE - U.S. Senate Majority Leader Chuck Schumer (D-NY) speaks during a press conference following a Senate Democratic luncheon at the U.S. Capitol on Sept.

Oasis band member Bonehead, real name Paul Arthurs, is cancer free and former bandmate Liam Gallagher took to Twitter to share the positive news.Liam tweeted out about his diagnosis and fans and friends alike were overjoyed.In all caps, Liam wrote: "Yes Bonehead, we knew you'd kick its a***. So f***ing happy Guinness LG x"READ MORE:Liam Gallagher says he doesn’t get sad ‘for too long’ because he's good lookingMany fans were equally as happy to hear that he'd beaten cancer and noted that it may be a sign to get the band back together.One tweeted that it was "brilliant news," a happy follower said that they were "buzzing" while another told Liam that they are "so happy".One dedicated fan was so moved by the announcement that they admitted they were "sobbing," while another fan simply branded Bonehead "a legend of the game".Bonehead himself also tweeted: "Update on my cancer; I had a full scan 10 days ago and it’s all clear, it’s gone.

Hurricane Ian.Video shared by Bobby Pratt from the town on Estero Island in Lee County shows debris littered everywhere and buildings reduced to piles of rubble. Boats are slammed on shore, and a huge chunk of a pier is missing.It’s one of several barrier islands in southwest Florida that were hit hardest by Ian’s wrath.

FILE IMAGE - A person removes head lice and nits from a customer using a lice comb. (Photo by Britta Pedersen/picture alliance via Getty Images) A head lice diagnosis is neither a health hazard nor a sign of poor hygiene, and children should not miss school because of it, new guidance from the American Academy of Pediatrics states.Instead, being sent home from school because of head lice "can result in significant stigma and psychological stress."The new guidance, published online this week and in October 2022 Pediatrics journal, is an update on previous recommendations shared in 2015. In the United States, head lice are most common among preschool and elementary children, and the household members of those children, according to the U.S.

STRAWBERRY MANSION - A man and a woman are recovering after they were both shot in Strawberry Mansion.Officials said the shooting happened early Thursday afternoon, just before 1:30, on the 2600 block of North 30th Street.A 46-year-old man was shot in the leg. Police took him to Temple University Hospital, where he was treated for his injury and placed in stable condition.A 65-year-old woman was also shot in the leg.

Joel Embiid attends Michael Rubin's MLBPA x Fanatics party at City Market Social House on July 18, 2022 in Los Angeles, California. (Photo by Leon Bennett/Getty Images) ((Photo by Leon Bennett/Getty Images))CHARLESTON, S.C. - Joel Embiid is an American citizen.A native of Cameroon, Embiid said he was sworn in as a citizen two weeks ago in Philadelphia.

A study today in Morbidity and Mortality Weekly Report shows that US nursing home residents who received a second mRNA COVID-19 vaccine booster dose 60 days earlier were 26% protected against Omicron infection, 74% against hospitalization or death, and 90% against death alone.

Kelly Osbourne is opening up about her health while pregnant.

SAN DIEGO - A rare wild horse that was cloned is learning his "wild horse language" after being paired with another female of the same species and recently made his debut to visitors at the San Diego Zoo.The rare, endangered Przewalski’s horse, named Kurt, was created from cells taken from a stallion that had sat frozen at the San Diego Zoo for 40 years before the cells were fused with an egg from a domestic horse. As part of the cloning process, scientists then removed the nucleus from the egg cell — ensuring Kurt would be basically all Przewalski’s horse. The cells were implanted in a surrogate mother, a domestic quarter horse, who birthed Kurt in August 2020. The result was the world’s first cloned Przewalski’s horse, zoo officials said.Kurt, the world’s first cloned Prezwalski horse in a field habitat at the San Diego Zoo Safari Park.

FILE - A gas leak causes bubbles on the surface of the water at Sea in Sweden on Sept. 29, 2022.

Those who have suffered from food poisoning will be well aware of how unpleasant an experience it can be.

GB News presenter has recently undergone surgery on his back in a bid to relieve pressure on his sciatic nerves.The operation to ease his chronic pain, which carried a 20 percent risk of going wrong, was recommended to Eamonn after the broadcaster was left dependent on a walking stick and dealing with what he has described as “horrendous pain”. Having been dealing with crippling pain for the last 18 months, Eamonn Holmes is no stranger to health conditions, as he also came down with shingles back in 2018.Speaking about his experience with shingles as he partners with GSK in a bid to raise awareness of the condition and its potential complications, Eamonn revealed that numerous "stressful" circumstances in his life at the time had contributed to him developing the painful condition, as he placed a great deal of blame onto the mental health implications of his battle with HMRC.Waking up with the painful rash on the left side of his face, Eamonn explained that he had “no idea what had happened” to him.He told Express.co.uk: “I went to bed one day and woke up the next day looking like Quasimodo.“I had my face covered in blisters and had absolutely no idea what it was.

I am 32 years  old, married and have a 5-year-old son. My monthly income is ₹70,000. I want to get health insurance for my family. Kindly suggest — Name withheld on request   The first thing to do while buying a health insurance plan is opt for a sum assured of at least ₹10 lakh.

Detectives with the Lower Southampton Township Police Department are investigating an assault and robbery at a comic book store in Feasterville. Authorities are searching for the two suspects seen in this picture.  FEASTERVILLE, Pa. - The business owner of a Bucks County comic book store was violently beaten and tied up during a robbery, according to police. Authorities say officers from the Lower Southampton Township Police Department responded to the Comic Collection store in Feasterville for an assault and robbery. According to authorities, two suspects entered the store and asked the owner to get them merchandise from a high shelf.

Actress Lisa Banes attends the world premiere of "Gone Girl" on Sept. 26, 2014, in New York City. (Photo by Mike Pont/FilmMagic via Getty) NEW YORK - A man who slammed into actor Lisa Banes with an electric moped in Manhattan last year, leaving the "Gone Girl" cast member fatally injured, pleaded guilty on Wednesday to manslaughter. Brian Boyd, 27, will be sentenced on Nov.

COVID-19 indicators as the fall season begins, but the province’s top doctor stopped short of declaring a new wave of the pandemic, saying it was too early to do so Thursday.Luc Boileau, director of Quebec public health, said “it’s not a surprise” that cases and hospitalizations are on the upswing since the start of the school year and end of summer vacation for adults. But he said transmission of the novel coronavirus in schools has been “very weak” since students returned to class for the fall semester, adding that no more than 6,000 infections have so far been reported in schools.Wastewater levels, which the province uses as a screening tool to detect trends in the evolution of the health crisis, also indicate that COVID-19 is on the rise, he added.“Will it be a new wave, a big wave?” Boileau said.

Flamingos stay safe from Hurricane Ian inside a bathroom at Sunken Gardens in St. Petersburg, Florida (photo courtesy Sunken Gardens). ST. PETERSBURG, Fla. - As Hurricane Ian came ashore Wednesday, millions of Floridians either evacuated or hunkered down at home.

PHILADELPHIA - A man has died after he was run over in a hit-and-run in Holmesburg, police say. Authorities say the incident occurred on Wednesday afternoon at 2:37 p.m. According to officials, a 20-year-old driving a 2003 Honda Pilot was traveling eastbound on Chippendale Street when the driver stopped at the stop sign at the intersection of Frankford Avenue. Police say the driver made a left turn going north onto Frankford Avenue when they hit Joseph Lawson, 73, as he was crossing Frankford Avenue. MORE LOCAL HEADLINESThe driver continued operating the vehicle and ran over the man, authorities say. Lawson was transported to Jefferson-Torresdale Hospital, where he was pronounced dead, according to officials. The driver was last seen going north on Frankford Avenue, authorities say. Police say Lawson lived on the 3400 block of Chippendale Street. According to officials, the hit-and-run is under investigation by the Accident Investigation Division. 

PHILADELPHIA - A 14-year-old boy has been arrested and charged in connection with a shooting at the SEPTA station in Tioga, according to SEPTA Transit Police. SEPTA Transit Police say the shooting happened on Sunday night around 10:35 p.m.According to officials, after a short fight on a Market-Frankford Line train, the teen got off, pulled a gun out of his bag and fired two rounds at the train as it was leaving the station. Police say one of the rounds became lodged in the train window and was recovered. MORE LOCAL HEADLINESAccording to police, there were several passengers on board the train, but no one was hurt. After reviewing surveillance video and conducting an investigation, SEPTA Transit Police say they identified the suspect and arrested him after a warrant was approved. Officials say the obey is facing aggravated assault and related charges. SEPTA police are urging customers to contact them with safety concerns and say they should immediately call 911 in case of emergencies. 

Body odour has held four in 10 people back socially, a survey claimed. The 2019 poll asked 2,000 British adults their feelings of their own body odour, with 30% saying they avoided talking to someone amid fear of smelling bad.

COLOMBO (News 1st) – Civil & Political activists point out that the recently introduced bill to establish a Bureau of Rehabilitation paves the way to crack down on the Aragalaya protesters.They allege that the bill will also allow Aragalaya Activists to be detained for a long period at Rehabilitation Camps.Justice Minister Dr.

PHILADELPHIA - Police say a lockdown at Boys Latin Charter Middle School has been lifted after a student who was seen with a loaded magazine on a bus was detained by officers at the school. According to authorities, the incident happened just before 8:30 a.m. on Thursday morning. The school was placed on lockdown after a student was seen with a magazine in his backpack on the bus, police say. Boys Latin Charter Middle School has been placed on lockdown after a student was observed with a loaded magazine on the bus, according to police.MORE LOCAL HEADLINESOfficials say the student was detained by police when he arrived at school and they recovered the loaded magazine. According to authorities, police were on location and the lockdown was lifted at 10:08 a.m.Boys Latin Charter High School, located about two miles away, was also placed on lockdown just before 9 a.m., per police officials. Police say K-9 units are en route to the high school. No additional information was released by authorities. This is a developing story.

NAPLES, Fla. - Firefighters in Naples waded through deep floodwater Wednesday to rescue a woman trapped in her car as Hurricane Ian pounded Florida’s west coast.Footage by Naples Fire-Rescue shows a firefighter breaking the rear passenger window and helping the woman to safety. Her condition was not immediately clear but she appeared unharmed in the footage.Collier County officials said on Wednesday night that half of the streets in Naples were "not passable" due to high water, and tides might further raise the water level.

Protesters hold signs in front of the South Carolina Statehouse as lawmakers debate an abortion ban. (Sean Rayford/SOPA Images/LightRocket via Getty Images) COLUMBIA, S.C. - Abortion laws in South Carolina almost certainly won't get more restrictive, after Republicans in the General Assembly could not agree on a total ban on the procedure during a special legislative session Tuesday.South Carolina was for decades at the forefront of more restrictive abortion laws that challenged Roe v.

TALLAHASSEE, Fla. - Florida's property insurance market was already in peril. Then came Hurricane Ian.The massive storm that barreled into southwest Florida delivering catastrophic winds, rain, and flooding is likely to further damage the insurance market in the state, which has strained under billion-dollar losses, insolvencies, and skyrocketing premiums.The scale of the storm's destruction will become more clear in the coming days, but there is concern it could exacerbate existing problems and burden a state insurance program that has already seen a sharp increase in policies as homeowners struggle to find coverage in the private market."Florida’s property insurance market was the most volatile in the U.S.

The language appearing to have been used by nursing staff to - and about - mental health patients is jarring. "She's a c***t."

NEW DELHI : Newly introduced Gandhinagar Capital- Mumbai Central Vande Bharat Express will be flagged off by Prime Minister Narendra Modi at Gandhinagar station on 30 September at around 10:30 am. The indigenous developed train shall also come with a befitting Health Conscious Low Calorie Millet Rich Regional menu, the Ministry of Railways said in a statement.

COLOMBO (News 1st) – Attorney Amila Egodamahawatte filed a special application with the Supreme Court on Thursday (29) seeking a ruling that the Bill titled the Bureau of Rehabilitation is one that leads the country to militarization and is one that violates the constitution of Sri Lanka.The attorney General was named as the respondent in this petition. The petition was filed through Attorney Manjula Balasuriya. The petitioner pointed out that, this act provides legislature to vest the judiciary power of the people to this Bureau without following the judicial process. They also pointed out that by introducing the Burea of Rehabilitation the government is attempting to usurp the powers of the court and vest it with the bureau, and enable it to act without any orders from the court. The petitioners pointed out that although the preamble of the bill states that it is an act to rehabilitate rebels, the lack of a proper interpretation of this term could lead to the people of the aragalaya being taken away to be rehabilitated using the military. The petitioner requests the court to issue a determination requesting the legislature to pass this bill through a majority in the parliament as the bill violates the people's freedom of expression and the right to hold peaceful demonstrations. At the same time, Civil & Political acitivists point out that the the recently introduced bill to establish a Bureau of Rehabilitation paves the way to crackdown on the Aragalaya protesters.They allege that the bill will also allow Aragalaya Activists to be detained for a long period at Rehabilitation Camps.Justice Minister Dr.

Senior federal bureaucrats examined whether cryptocurrencies protect against inflation not long after Opposition Leader Pierre Poilievre made the claim as a candidate in the Conservative leadership race, according to an internal government document.

BEESLEY'S POINT, N.J. - A cooling tower at a former power plant in Cape May County is set to be imploded Thursday morning. The implosion of the cooling tower at the B.L. England Generating Station in Beesly's Point, New Jersey, is set for 9:30 a.m. According to a press release from Upper Township, Beesley's Point Development Group hired Controlled Demolition Inc.

An espresso stands with a saucer on a wooden table. (Photo by Silas Stein/picture alliance via Getty Images) Thursday, Sept.

Pierre Poilievre has overtaken Prime Minister Justin Trudeau as the candidate seen as the best choice to lead the country, a new poll suggests.The Ipsos poll conducted exclusively for Global News found 35 per cent of Canadians surveyed believe Poilievre is the best candidate for prime minister, while 31 per cent said the same of Trudeau, who trails the new Opposition leader in a majority of provinces — including Ontario. 1 in 3 Canadians believe Trudeau should stay in power as Tories edge ahead: poll Those numbers mark the latest sign of trouble for Trudeau’s Liberals, who are facing an increasingly dissatisfied public that polling suggests is concerned with affordability and inflation.“Now that Mr.

COLOMBO (News 1st) – President Ranil Wickremesinghe said amidst major economic stress, Sri Lanka is undertaking an unprecedented fiscal effort as part of the government’s commitment to restoring the country’s debt sustainability. Therefore, he expressed hope and expectation that Sri Lanka’s creditors, and all stakeholders, will support Sri Lanka in these efforts to restore the country’s debt sustainability and help put the country back on the path of inclusive and sustainable economic growth.President Wickremesinghe presided over the annual meeting of the ADB Board of Governors on Thursday (29) which was held at the ADB headquarters in Manila, Philippines and attended by Governors and official government delegations.President Wickremesinghe noted that the government has already undertaken major macroeconomic policy reform measures and this program is aligned with the commitment of the government to implement an ambitious and comprehensive package of reforms that will help restore the sustainability of the country’s public finances, addressing external imbalances, and restarting the growth engine through structural reforms and improvements in governance.“Amidst major economic stress, Sri Lanka is undertaking an unprecedented fiscal effort as part of our commitment to restoring the country’s debt sustainability.

COLOMBO (News 1st); Food Security and malnutrition is serious situation in Sri Lanka, today.In response to this, the College of General Practitioners of Sri Lanka and Gammadda aimed to help those who need it the most.For many years, Gammadda's focus has been helping those who need it the most. And over the past year, that has included supporting families with food security.Gammadda has been able to serve communities across Sri Lanka with the help of General Sri Lankans both here and overseasToday, the College of General Practitioners of Sri Lanka came forward to partner up with Gammadda, to support selected families get through these hard times.Dr.

COLOMBO (News 1st) – A special operation mounted by the Navy and Sri Lanka Coast Guard led to the interception of an Indian dhow carrying about 434kg (wet weight) of Kerala cannabis and the apprehension of 05 Indian suspects aboard, in northwestern waters yesterday (13).The coordinated operation also made way for the apprehension of a local fishing trawler and 05 Sri Lankan nationals, suspected to have a connection to the incident.Both Sri Lanka Navy and Sri Lanka Coast Guard remain ever alert to prevent wide-ranging illegal activities stemming from sea routes around the island. As an extension of these efforts, SLCGS Suraksha engaged in this special operation inspected a suspicious Indian dhow in Sri Lankan waters west of the Kudiramalai Point, Puttalam through the International Maritime Boundary Line (IMBL) on 13th September. The inspection led to the recovery of about 434kg (wet weight) of Kerala cannabis in 09 sacks and it prompted SLCGS Suraksha to seize the stock of narcotics with 05 Indian suspects aboard the dhow.Meanwhile, SLCGS Suraksha also seized a local one-day fishing trawler with 05 Sri Lankans, on suspicion that the trawler had reached the sea area to transfer the consignment from the Indian dhow and bring them ashore.The street value of the stock of Kerala cannabis seized in this operation is believed to be over Rs.

COLOMBO (News 1st) – India has called for full implementation of the 13th Amendment to Sri Lanka's Constitution, the controversial 1987 amendment that has never been completely implemented for 35 years due to vehement opposition from many of the country's Sinhala-dominated political parties.But what is the 13th Amendment that India's representative to the United Nations Human Rights Council highlighted, something that was drafted long before most Sri Lankans and Indians of today were even born? Here's a look.13A: Up to 1987, Sri Lanka was ruled from Colombo by a central government, which resulted in areas far from the capital being virtually ignored in development programs and day to day governance. The 13A, as it became known, required devolution of powers to nine Provincial Councils – Northern, Southern, Eastern, Western, Central, Northcentral, Uva, Sabaragamuwa and Wayamba (Northwestern).

COLOMBO (News 1st); Sri Lankans living in Zambia, via the Zambia Sri Lanka Friendship Association, recently donated 1,150 Rabies Vaccines to the Ministry of Health, Sri Lanka. The donation was coordinated by the Honorary Consul of Sri Lanka to Zambia, while Dr.

COLOMBO (News 1st); Administrator for the US Agency for International Development (USAID) Samantha Power, who was in Sri Lanka on a two-day official visit, left the country on Monday (12).According to the BIA, she left Sri Lanka at about 5:30 this morning onboard a Qatar Airways flight.On Saturday, the Administrator traveled to Ja-Ela, a town outside Colombo, and visited rice paddy fields where she sat down with farmers to hear about their experiences coping with fertilizer shortages, inflation, and decreased wages.The Administrator announced $40 million in new USAID development assistance, subject to Congressional approval, to provide fertilizer to approximately one million Sri Lankan farmers.On Sunday (11), Administrator Samantha Power announced an additional $20 million in humanitarian assistance to support Sri Lankans during the complex emergency that has resulted in a severe economic crisis leaving 5.7 million people in urgent need of food, agriculture, livelihood support, protection, and more. The two announcements made in Sri Lanka this weekend brings the total U.S. government assistance to Sri Lanka to nearly $240 million. On top of the USAID total contribution of $92 million, there is also $120 million from the U.S.

Newsfirst.lk on Saturday, September 10, 2022 COLOMBO (News 1st); USAID Administrator Samantha Power, who is currently on a two-day visit, said that USD 40 million will be granted to the farmers of Sri Lanka from the people of USA, in order to assist 1 million farmers in Sri Lanka.She said this new funding is expected to help farmers to obtain the agricultural necessities and fertilizer they need in time for the next harvesting season, and will also help to provide for their families and communities.The USAID Administrator is due to meet with government officials, private sector representatives, as well as farmers and other Sri Lankans most impacted by the complex emergency to discuss how their lives have been affected by the current crisis.She also met with farmers in Ja-Ela and discussed the hardships which they faced.Pointing out that the USA has a history of working with the Sri Lankan people to spur economic development to support the resilience of Sri Lankans, Administrator Power said that it had become a difficult time for farmers to continue their livelihood. Citing a World Food Program report about food insecurity in Sri Lanka, Administrator Power said that it is a consequence of the economic crisis in the country.She also emphasized that the USA stands by Sri Lankans at this time of vulnerability, and looks foward to meeting more representatives within the two day visit.Administrator Power is also due to meet with parliamentary leaders representing various parties to learn their views on how to address the economic and political crises in Sri Lanka.During her visit, the Administrator will highlight the United States’ enduring support for the people of Sri Lanka and discuss issues related to food security, fuel

COLOMBO (News 1st); Former US Ambassador to the UN Samantha Power, who is also the Administrator for the US Agency for International Development or USAID will visit Sri Lanka on Saturday.USAID Administrator Samantha Power will make an official visit to Sri Lanka on Saturday and will remain in the country until Sunday.The purpose of the two-day visit is to discuss problems related to the prevailing economic crisis and strengthen the development partnership between the United States and Sri Lanka. She is expected to hold bilateral meetings as well.When she visited visited New Delhi in July, Ambassador Power said the Joe Biden administration and the Indian Government are “deeply concerned” by the economic collapse and crisis that has befallen the Sri Lankan people.The Administrator will meet with government officials, private sector representatives, as well as farmers and other Sri Lankans most impacted by the complex emergency to discuss how their lives have been affected and how the United States can best support them as they rebuild and recover. She will also meet with parliamentary leaders representing various parties to learn their views on how to address the economic and political crises in Sri Lanka. During her trip, the Administrator will highlight the United States’ enduring support for the people of Sri Lanka and discuss issues related to food security, fuel and essential item shortages, economic stability, and the impact of Russia’s war against Ukraine on the region.Administrator Power’s visit will underscore the United States’ commitment to addressing the urgent and intermediate needs facing Sri Lankans and to supporting a return to stability.  The Administrator will also reinforce USAID’s support for inclusive

COLOMBO (News 1st); The most challenging issued face by Sri Lanka today amid an economic, and political crisis is food security and hunger, and this was highlighted in a recent paper produced to the Cabinet of Ministers.It also states that the situation would grow even worse in the future.Quoting the United Nations, the Cabinet Paper also noted that 1.7 mn Sri Lankans seek immediate food assistance.Sri Lanka used to be known as a country that was self-sufficient in rice. So, how did it fall to its present state?After Sri Lanka invoked a complete ban on Chemical fertilizers, it simply gave away Rs.

COLOMBO (News 1st); The Sri Lankan delegation that will represent the country at the United Nations Human Rights Council (UNHRC) reached Geneva in Switzerland on Tuesday (6) night.Foreign Minister Ali Sabry and Justice Minister President's Counsel Dr. Wijeyadasa Rajapakshe will lead Sri Lanka's delegation at the UNHRC.An additional Solicitor General of the Attorney General's Department is also included in the Sri Lankan delegation.The 51st session of the UNHRC is scheduled to be held from September 12th to October 07th in Geneva.The progress made by Sri Lanka concerning its Human Rights record will be up for review.Minister Dr.

Sri Lanka’s new Government should embark on a national dialogue to advance human rights and reconciliation, a UN report urges today, calling for accountability and deeper institutional reforms to prevent a recurrence of past violations. The report acknowledges that Sri Lanka is at critical juncture in its political life, and is in the midst of a serious economic crisis which has severely impacted the human rights of all communities and people of all walks of life. This has spurred broad-based demands by Sri Lankans from all communities for deeper reforms and accountability, and gives the Government a fresh opportunity to steer the country on a new path.For sustainable improvements to take place, however, it is vital to recognise and address the underlying factors which have contributed to the economic crisis, including embedded impunity for past and present human rights violations, economic crimes and endemic corruption.“Fundamental changes will be required to address the current challenges and to avoid repetition of the human rights violations of the past,” says the report of the High Commissioner for Human Rights.The report calls on the Government to immediately end the reliance on draconian security laws and crackdowns on peaceful protest, reverse the drift towards militarisation and show renewed commitment to, and deliver on, security sector reform and ending impunity.While the security forces recently showed considerable restraint in response to mass protests, the Government has since taken a harder line approach, arresting some student leaders under the Prevention of Terrorism Act and violently suppressing peaceful protests.

COLOMBO (News 1st); A committee was appointed by President's Secretary Saman Ekanayake to facilitate and efficiently carry out the process of repatriation of Sri Lankans who have gone to India as refugees due to the war, said the President's Media Division.The committee is headed by Ms. Chandima Wickramasinghe, Additional Secretary to the President, and the other members are the Controller General of Immigration and Emigration, senior official of the Ministry of Foreign Affairs, senior official of the Registrar General's Department and a senior official of the Ministry of Justice.This decision was reached during the discussion held on Monday (05) at the President's Office under the chairmanship of the President's Secretary Saman Ekanayake at the request of the Organization for Eelam Refugees Rehabilitation (OFERR), to bring back the Sri Lankans who have gone to India as refugees due to the war.It was stated that about 58,000 Sri Lankans are currently residing in Tamil Nadu, India as refugees and only 3,800 of them are ready to return to Sri Lanka at present.

COLOMBO (News 1st); Litro Gas has introduced an app for ordering gas cylinders, in order to enable overseas Sri Lankans to order gas cylinders for their relatives in Sri Lanka. The Chairman of Litro Gas, Muditha Peiris stated that overseas Lankans will be able to order gas cylinders for their relatives from the nearest dealer.Moreover, he said that purchases can be made via the app with the use of dollars, and the application will be introduced as a measure to mitigate the foreign exchange crisis in the country.