Bangladesh wants to boost trade with Sri Lanka

COLOMBO (News 1st) – Sri Lanka Customs on Friday (23) seized Rs. 165 Mn worth of narcotics sent to the country by from Spain, UK, Germany, Canada, and the Netherlands.A total of seven parcels that were not claimed for weeks were inspected in the presence of representatives from Sri Lanka Customs, Sri Lanka Post, and the Police Narcotic Bureau.These parcels had contained toys and food cans, and concealed inside these items were drugs worth Rs.

COLOMBO (News 1st) – Presidential Advisor on Parliamentary Affairs Proffessor Ashu Marasinghe has resigned from his post with immediate effect .According to the President's Media Division he had taken the decision citing personal reasons.

Don Cheadle has opened up about his pandemic wedding to longtime partner Bridgid Coulter after publicly revealing his marital status in June 2021.'It was just me and her and our kids and our dogs and the pastor in the backyard,' Don, 58, told People in its latest issue as he promoted his latest film White Noise.Don shares children Tai, 28, and Imani, 26, with 54-year-old Bridgid. Pandemic wedding: Don Cheadle, shown in May in Los Angeles, has opened up about his pandemic wedding to longtime partner Bridgid Coulter after publicly revealing his marital status in June 2021When asked what was the best part of being married, Don joked: 'The tax break.''Our accountant proposed to us, really.

The latest statistics from the Department for Work and Pensions (DWP) show that in August 2022 there were 5.6 million people across the UK receiving financial support through Universal Credit, a benefit intended to help those out of work or on a low income with daily living costs.

Covid-19 update: The country's active cases declined to 3,380. India logged 163 new coronavirus infections, taking the cumulative tally to 4.46 crore (4,46,76,678), according to the Union Health Minister data updated on Friday.  The country's active cases declined to 3,380, that comprises of 0.01% of the total infections. A decrease of 22 cases has been recorded in the active Covid-19 caseload in a span of 24 hours.

COLOMBO (News 1st) – The United States Agency for International Development (USAID) announced the official launch of a planned 5-year project in Sri Lanka and Maldives to reduce environmental plastics by decreasing industrial use of plastic and improving integrated solid waste management practices in Sri Lanka and Maldives.The project’s consortium, led by Research Triangle International (RTI) works alongside local partners to target system inefficiencies and areas of reliance on virgin plastics. The project’s overall goal is to increase participation in solid waste management and reduction programs, preventing thousands of tons of plastic from leaking into the environment.“USAID is proud to partner with the governments of Sri Lanka and Maldives, the private sector, civil society, and communities to reduce, reuse and recycle plastic products, which threaten the health and environment of the Sri Lankan and Maldivian people” stated Gabe Grau, the USAID/Sri Lanka and Maldives Mission Director.  “Combatting plastic pollution will reduce threats to marine ecosystems and livelihoods, food security, and ultimately, human health.”Ocean plastic pollution threatens the world’s delicate marine ecosystems, the fishing and tourism sectors, food security, and human health.

COLOMBO (News 1st) – At least 11 people were injured and hospitalized following an accident on the Southern Expressway.The accident involved a private bus and a lorry and took place between Baddegama and Kurundugaha-Hethekma on the Southern Expressway.Sri Lanka Police said that heavy vehicle movement on the Southern Expressway between Baddegama and Kurundugaha-Hethekma was disrupted due to the accident.News 1st correspondent reported that the private bus was on an excursion with a group travelling from Wathugedara, Ambalangoda.The bus had crashed on a lorry that was parked on the side of the Southern Expressway.The injured were admitted to the Karapitya and Elpitiya hospitals.

NEW DELHI : Amid a sudden surge in covid cases globally due to the Omicron BF.7 variant, Prime Minister Narendra Modi has directed state governments to ensure operational readiness of hospital infrastructure, stressed on precaution dose vaccination for the elderly and vulnerable population, and instructed strengthening of surveillance, genome sequencing and testing. Modi, on Thursday, virtually chaired a high-level meeting to assess the covid-19 situation in the country, preparedness of health infrastructure and logistics, status of vaccination campaign and the emergence of new covid-19 variants and their public health implications.

NEW DELHI : To minimize the risk of new covid variants, the union health ministry has requested slew of covid-19 preventive measures to be followed at all the airports. Union Health Secretary Rajesh Bhushan has written a letter to Rajiv Bansal, Secretary, Ministry of Civil Aviation to coordinate with airport operators and ensure random sampling of passengers‘ post arrival at the airport.

Someday Western societies may face a virus a lot deadlier than this one What did we learn from China’s Covid experiment?

Haywire immune response in the nose that lingers after infection could cause smell loss, study finds The nose knows why some people still can’t smell long after recovering from Covid-19. A haywire immune response in the olfactory system was found to explain why some people still can’t smell long after symptoms of the disease have abated, according to a small, peer-reviewed study published Wednesday in the journal Science Translational Medicine. In some cases, the immune or inflammatory response was detected in patients with smell loss up to 16 months after recovery from Covid-19.

It’s difficult to tell the difference but there are clues to look for, doctors say You’re sneezing, coughing and feeling a scratch in your throat. Do you have the flu? RSV? Covid-19? Strep throat? The stew of illnesses swirling through the population right now has many of us sick, sometimes for weeks, but unsure what, exactly, we have. If you’re having symptoms, how can you tell which virus or infection you have? Because flu, Covid, and respiratory syncytial virus, or RSV, have virtually indistinguishable symptoms, doctors say, it’s almost impossible to know without a test.

SHANGHAI/BEIJING : A Shanghai hospital has told its staff to prepare for a "tragic battle" with COVID-19 as it expects half of the city's 25 million people will get infected by the end of next week, while the virus sweeps through China largely unchecked. After widespread protests against strict mitigation measures, China this month began dismantling its "zero-COVID" regime, which had taken a great financial and psychological toll on its 1.4 billion people.

(With inputs from agencies)  

In view of upcoming festivals and new year celebrations, states also need to focus on ensuring effective awareness on adherence to covid appropriate behaviour, Mandaviya said New Delhi: With covid-19 cases surging in China, health minister Mansukh Mandaviya on Thursday urged all members of Parliament to help spread community awareness about the pandemic and the need to remain alert. Delivering a suo-motu statement in Parliament on the present covid situation and steps taken by the government to check the pandemic, Mandaviya said, “In the last few days, we have seen an increasing trajectory of covid-19 cases across the world.

 Colombo (News 1st) – Monday (26) has been declared a special government holiday, said the Ministry of Home Affairs.

Colombo (News 1st) – The water supply will be suspended for several areas in the Gampaha district for 12 hours on Thursday (22), said the National Water Supply and Drainage Board (NWSDB).The water supply will be suspended for the areas of Uswetakeiyawa, Pamunugama and Taldiyawatta.The water supply will be suspended for 12 hours starting from 06 pm Thursday (22) and will be restored at 06 am on Friday (23).

Colombo (News 1st) – Agriculture Minister Mahinda Amaraweera believes Sri Lanka will not need to import rice again, given that the country is not affected by a natural disaster."Farmers will be cultivating 800,000 hectares of paddy lands this Maha season, and 748,000 hectares have already been cultivated," he said."This will be a successful season for the farming community," the Minister added.

HONOLULU – The Hawai‘i Department of Health encourages people to celebrate the holidays safely by taking simple steps to reduce the spread of COVID-19 and other respiratory illnesses.“The past few years COVID-19 illness increased during the holidays after people got together to celebrate,” said State Health Director Dr. Elizabeth Char, FACEP.

Good Morning Britain presenter Kate Garraway is making sure this Christmas is one to remember as her husband Derek Draper continues his health battle.

MUMBAI : Spooked by concerns of a possible resurgence in covid cases and ahead of the release of the latest Monetary Policy Committee meeting minutes, Indian stock indices tumbled by over a percent each, wiping off ₹4.4 trillion of investor wealth in the bargain. The Nifty fell 186.20 points to close at 18,199.10 while the Sensex tanked 635 points to end at 61,067.24 points after markets gauged the whole import of the Centre’s advisory to step up genome sequencing for identifying fresh covid strains spreading from China. The MPC minutes of its meeting on 5-7 December released after market closing showed the Reserve Bank of India governor voting against a pause in rate hikes on the ground of it being premature.

Colombo (News 1st) – Dinesh Weerakkody has been appointed Chairman of the Board of Investment. The appointment was made by President Ranil Wickremesinghe in Wednesday (21).Dinesh Weerakkody is a former Chairman of Hatton National Bank PLC and Commercial Bank of Ceylon PLC. He is also a former Chairman of the International Chamber of Commerce Sri Lanka and Vice Chairman of the Sri Lanka Institute of Directors.According to the President's Media Division, the other board members are Dr.

The number of Scottish clubs on red alert for financial problems has soared over the past six months, a shock new study has revealed.

A third of long Covid patients suffer persistent smell loss, with almost a fifth experiencing loss of taste Even though the loss of taste and smell is no longer the classic symptoms of Covid, it is still the most prevalent sign of long Covid. A new study has revealed that a third of long Covid patients suffer persistent smell loss, with almost a fifth experiencing loss of taste. The study also showed that long COVID can also affect your sex life.  A team of researchers from University of East Anglia (UEA), UK, has been studying the relationship between Covid and parosmia, where people experience strange and often unpleasant smell distortions.

A Lanarkshire man is fronting a new campaign from a national mental health programme to help more veterans open up about their mental health.

Central health authorities have asked states and union territories to gear up for genome sequencing of positive samples and track variants of the virus through the government’s covid network. NEW DELHI: India reported 131 fresh covid infections in the past 24 hours, pulling down the country’s active caseload to 3,408, according to data from the Union health ministry on Wednesday.

A significant surge in Covid-19 cases in China has sent shockwaves across the world. Even Indian authorities have sprung into action with the centre issuing advisory to states and Health Minister writing to Rahul Gandhi to stop his Bharat Jodo Yatra. Even though precautions are better than cure, should India press the panic button? Should we be prepared for a 2021 redux? Serum Institute of India Founder and CEO, Adar Poonawala who manufactured the widely used Covid vaccine Covishield assures, there is no need to panic.

This story has been published from a wire agency feed without modifications to the text. Only the headline has been changed.

Amid global concern over covid situation in China and dire predictions by research groups that death toll in China could rise to millions, Adar Poonawalla, the CEO and founder of Serum Institute of India, said in a tweet that though news coming out of China is concerning, “we need not panic given our excellent vaccination coverage and track record. We must continue to trust and follow the guidelines set by the Government of India." Serum Institute of India, the maker of Covaxin covid vaccine, has helped India achieve a high degree of vaccination rate against Covid. India is recording about 1,200 new infections a week.

Jennifer Connelly was seen walking the red carpet of her husband's new Broadway musical The Collaboration in New York City Tuesday, before the show was called off due to a positive COVID amid cast and crew.The 52-year-old actress, who starred as a futuristic warrior in a Louis Vuitton campaign last month, walked during entrances at the Samuel J. Friedman Theatre in advance of Paul Bettany's Broadway debut, but the performance was canceled ahead of curtain time.The Oscar-winning A Beautiful Mind actress donned a black Louis Vuitton monogram sparkle long-sleeved dress with black heels as she prepared to attend the performance.

(With Agency Inputs)  Get the best recommendations on Stocks, Mutual Funds and more based on your Risk profile!

(With inputs from agencies)

A young Paisley man spat on a police officer during Covid-19 restrictions.

KATE Garraway has been spotted posing with her family in front of their Christmas tree in a series of snaps. Her kids Billy, 13, and Darcey, 16, were seen smiling in the living room amid their dad Derek's ongoing health battle. Kate, 55, took to her Instagram on Tuesday afternoon to share the snap of her teenage children relaxing at home.

Union health secretary Rajesh Bhushan directed all states/UTs to ensure that as far as possible samples of all positive cases are sent to the designated INSACOG laboratories on a daily basis. New Delhi: A spurt in covid cases in China and a clutch of other countries has prompted central health authorities to direct states and union territories to gear up for whole genome sequencing of positive samples and track variants of the virus through the government’s covid network.

COLOMBO (News 1st) – The General Secretary of the Samagi Jana Balavegaya says the party is ready for any election.However, he said the SJB will not agree for a Presidential Election to be held based on the personal needs of an individual with no mandate.These comments came after the General of the United National Party Palitha Range Bandara said that the ideal election to be held is the Presidential Election."Though we call for Local Government Elections, Provincial Council Elections, or even Parliamentary Elections, the ideal election for now is the Presidential Election," he said on Tuesday (20) in Colombo.He said that President Ranil Wickremesinghe will be put forward as the only candidate who can save the nation at the Presidential Election.

A Covid symptom has been added to the list of the most prevalent signs of the virus as coronavirus cases rise across many parts of the UK.

COLOMBO (News 1st) – It's been five days since businessman Dinesh Schaffter was murdered in the populated city of Colombo, and the murder remains a mystery.Detectives from the Criminal Investigations Department recorded statements from eight people on Monday (19), and among them is the wife of the late Dinesh Schaffter, Tani Schaffter.The CID also said that detectives recorded a statement from Executive Office Krish Perera, who had visited the Public Cemetery in Borella based on the information provided by Mrs Schaffter."Around-the-clock investigations are taking place on several leads. We have not identified a definite suspect.

COLOMBO (News 1st) – A Presidential Task Force was appointed to prevent the use of toxic and dangerous drugs.This was announced by the President's Media Division on Tuesday (20).

Sundaram Finance Ltd and Care Health Insurance, entered into a Corporate Agency Agreement. The event was attended by Rajiv Lochan, Managing Director, Sundaram Finance Ltd and Anuj Gulati, Managing Director & CEO, Care Health Insurance.

COLOMBO (News 1st) – State Finance Minister Ranjith Siyambalapitiya says that import restrictions on 10 different products related to tourism, security, and sports were lifted.In a statement on Tuesday (20), the State Minister said these items include energy drinks, equipment required for CCTV systems, MGF wood required for the production of furniture, and sports equipment.The State Minister said that this was the third occassion that import restructions were lifted this year.On the 23rd of August 2022, the government restricted the import of 1,465 products.The State Minister said that since then to the 23rd of November, the government managed to save USD 1.211 Billion.On the 9th of September, the import restrictions on 708 items were lifted.On the 23rd of November, the import restrictions on 77 items were lifted.On the 19th of December, the import restrictions on 10 items were lifted. Join the News 1st Update group by simp

COLOMBO (News 1st) – Sri Lanka's Cabinet of Ministers has granted approval to introduce three new-types of VISA for the Colombo Port City investors.The recommendation to introduce the new VISA types was made by the Colombo Port City Economic Commission.Sri Lanka will introduce an investor visa, service visa and a CPC visa.According to Cabinet Spokesperson & Minister Bandula Gunawardena the new types of visa will allow investors to make preparations for their investments.

The Indian National Investigation Agency (NIA) has arrested nine Sri Lankans from the special camp for Sri Lankan Tamil refugees at Tamil Nadu’s Tiruchirappalli over their alleged involvement in drugs and arms smuggling to revive the LTTE.The agency said that two of the arrested men were in regular touch with a Pakistan-based drug runner, Haji Salim, who often travelled between Dubai, Pakistan and Iran. These men and Salim were working to revive the LTTE in Sri Lanka and India, the NIA said.“The arrested men have been identified as C Gunashekharan alias Guna, Pushparajah, Mohammad Asmin, Alahapperumaga Sunil Ghamini Fonseaa, Stanly Kennady, Ladiya Chandrasena, Dhanukka Roshan, Vella Suranka and Thilipan,” a spokesperson for the agency said.“The case pertains to activities of a Sri Lankan drug mafia controlled by C Gunashekharan and Pushparajah in association with Haji Salim, drug and arms supplier based in Pakistan, which has been operating in India and Sri Lanka in illegal drugs and arms for the revival of LTTE in India and Sri Lanka.

NEW DELHI : The ransomware attack on the All India Institute of Medical Sciences (AIIMS), Delhi has brought the government’s Ayushman Bharat Digital Mission (ABDM) under the scanner, with the country’s premier teaching hospital promoting the use of Ayushman Bharat Health Account (ABHA) ID for out-patients registration of new and follow-up cases. The Indian Computer Emergency Response Team (CERT-In) is conducting assessment and testing of ABDM services and other networks at the medical institute.

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

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

COLOMBO (News 1st) – Sri Lanka Minister of Foreign Affairs Ali Sabry called on Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina at her Official Residence in Dhaka, Bangladesh recently.Minister Sabry and Prime Minister Hasina highlighted the long-standing friendship and cooperation between the two countries, focusing on enhancing people-to-people contact using air and sea connectivity. The Prime Minister encouraged acquiring more traction for Bangladesh vessels through the Port of Colombo and invited further investments from Sri Lanka. Minister Sabry emphasized the importance of tourism promotion and invited Bangladesh tourists and investors to explore Sri Lanka.Minister Ali Sabry is in Dhaka to attend meetings as the Vice-Chair of IORA, at the 22nd Meeting of the Council of Ministers.

COLOMBO (News 1st) – Sri Lankan Foreign Affairs Minister Ali Sabry told the Indian Ocean Rim Association session in Bangladesh on Thursday (24) that Sri Lanka is poised and is well positioned to be one of the major trading hubs of the Indian Ocean, addign that the country has demonstrated manifestly significant openness to trade and commerce.He emphasised the significance and necessity of actively engaging with the countries of the Indian Ocean Rim to mutually advance the economic and commercial interests of Sri Lanka as well as to maintain peace and stability in the region of Indian Ocean. He further stressed that Sri Lanka’s commitment to the matters that concern the Indian Ocean region remains one of the key cornerstones of the current economic and foreign policy of Sri Lanka. Minister highlighted that Sri Lanka is strategically positioned at the centre of one of the busiest sea lanes of the world, adding that Sri Lanka’s traditional and ancient links with the countries of the IORM go back many centuries and empirical evidence reveals that Sri Lanka’s geographical centrality markedly facilitated and aided maritime commerce and trade over the centuries.Given its progression as an Indian Ocean Hub, Sri Lanka has emerged as one of the most pivotal shipping lanes since two-thirds of the petroleum products and half of the container shipments of the world criss-cross close to the Southern coast of the Island.The Minister apprised the member states at the Council of Ministers of the IORA concerning Sri Lanka’s efforts in sustainable and efficacious usage of maritime resources and immense ocean pollution challenges as well as projects and programs implemented to safeguard the coastal belt and the Indian Ocean. This is to