BASL felicitates President on completion of 50 years at the Bar

food storage containers, is in danger of going out of business if the company cannot raise new financing, according to a Friday press release from the 77-year-old firm.When the markets reopened on Monday, the effect of that warning was felt in Tupperware’s stock price, which plummeted by nearly 50 per cent.The company earned a reputation in the 1950s and 1960s as an innovator of kitchen solutions, when it introduced its plastic, air-tight food containers and began marketing them through “Tupperware parties” directly in consumers’ homes. Read more: Some of your tax credit payments might be delayed, CRA warns.

Savannah firefighters respond to the Tomochichi Federal Building in historic downtown Savannah after a portion of the roof collapses on April 11, 2023. (Savannah Fire Rescue)SAVANNAH, Ga. - Three people were injured when a portion of the ceiling collapsed at the U.S.

PHILADELPHIA - In Philadelphia, the beginning of Black Maternal Health Week kicked off with a three-day event aimed at reducing health disparities. The Independence Blue Cross Foundation is hosting their National Health Equity Forum aimed at reducing inequalities in our healthcare system. Tuesday, the focus was on making sure medical students know how to treat all patients the same—regardless of their race or wealth."It’s not logical. It doesn’t make sense that just the color of your skin can actually directly impact a health outcome," explained Dr.

FILE - A side-by-side image from body cam footage shows officers responding to the Old National Bank in Louisville, Kentucky, where a gunman opened fire on employees, killing five. (Louisville Metro Police Department )Body cam footage from a mass shooting at a bank in Louisville, Kentucky, was released on Tuesday, just one day after the incident. The footage, which was shown during a news conference, showed different perspectives from several officers and a bystander near the scene.  According to a timeline that was shown before the initial body cam footage, Louisville Metro police officers arrived at the bank at 8:41 a.m.

Amanda Bynes is now out of the mental health facility.

BOULDER CITY, Nev. - The Biden administration released an environmental analysis Tuesday of competing plans for how seven Western states and tribes reliant on the dwindling water supply from the Colorado River should cut their use but declined to publicly take a side on the best option.On one side is California and some tribes along the river that want to protect their high-priority rights to the river’s water, which they use for drinking and farming. On the other side are the other six states — Colorado, Nevada, Arizona, Utah, Wyoming and New Mexico — who say it’s time to come up with an approach that more fairly shares the river.The Interior Department did not say how states should get to deeper water cuts, but defended its authority to make sure basic needs such as drinking water and hydropower generated from the river are met — even if it means setting aside the priority system."Failure is not an option," Interior Deputy Secretary Tommy Beaudreau told The Associated Press.The 1,450-mile (2,334-kilometer) powerhouse of the West serves 40 million people across seven states, which span tribal land, and Mexico, generates hydroelectric power for regional markets, and irrigates nearly 6 million acres (2,428 hectares) of farmland.A multi-decade drought in the West intensified by climate change, rising demand and overuse has sent water levels at key reservoirs along the river to unprecedented lows.

A 22-year-old woman was shot and killed Tuesday in North Philadelphia. PHILADELPHIA - Authorities say a young woman died after being shot several times, including twice in the head, Tuesday afternoon in North Philadelphia. Officers from the Philadelphia Police Department were called to the intersection of 10th Street and Germantown Avenue around 3:30 p.m.

EVERMAN, Texas - Investigators in Everman say they believe human remains were once in a shed near where missing 6-year-old Noel Rodriguez-Alvarez lived with his family.On Monday, investigators dug up a new, unpermitted concrete patio paid for by the boy's mother, Cindy Rodriguez-Singh.Everman police say early in the investigation they learned Noel's stepfather, Arshdeep Singh, disposed of a large indoor/outdoor carpet in a dumpster prior to the family fleeing the country.Multiple Human Remains Detection Canines alerted officers to the carpet, which was used at the base of a makeshift shed that was on the property until about a month ago. It was previously built where the current patio sat.While they were digging multiple Human Remains Detection Canines began alerting officers to the topsoil underneath the concrete.As the digging continued, topsoil was removed and placed in areas nearby.The canines followed the soil, and stopped alerting the investigators to the patio area.

CHELTENHAM TOWNSHIP, Pa. - A criminal investigation is underway after police say a woman was found dead outside a Dunkin' in Cheltenham Township Tuesday morning.SkyFOX was live over the scene as a heavy police presence gathered around a taped-off drive-thru.The shooting happened outside the Dunkin' on Cheltenham Avenue in the Melrose Shopping Center.According to authorities with the Montgomery County District Attorney's Office and the Cheltenham Township Police Department, the woman was identified as Rachel King, 35 of Elkins Park. Officials say officers were dispatched to the Melrose Shopping Center for a report of a shooting around 7:39 a.m., and arriving officers discovered King in the driver's seat of a black Ford Edge, dead from multiple gunshot wounds. Police say King's car came to a rest in the drive-thru lane. According to investigators, King was traveling west on Cheltenham Avenue when she turned into the shopping center and pulled into the Dunkin' drive-thru lane. Shortly after, a light-colored sedan, believed to possibly be a Ford or Mercury, was seen driving behind King's car and parked a short distance away from the drive-thru lane. A man got out of the vehicle, walked up to King's car and fired numerous shots through the driver's side window as King's 11-year-old son sat in the backseat, officials say. The child was not injured, per police. Authorities say the shooter fled the scene driving east on Cheltenham Avenue. "This appears to be a targeted murder of a mother," Montgomery County District Attorney Kevin R.

(see chart), it faced serious challenges along the way. And two events have largely shaped the aggressive Dabur of today. Wake-up call Before taking over as the CEO, Malhotra managed Dabur’s international business division—the international business spans over 120 countries and netted revenue of nearly ₹2,806 crore in 2021-22, a quarter of its consolidated topline.

MONTGOMERY COUNTY - A dad made a tragic discovery when he came to find his 11-year-old son dead in his bed Tuesday morning, according to the Montgomery County District Attorney's Office.Police were called to a house on the 500 block of Privet Road in Horsham Township, where they found the boy in the master bedroom.The boy's dad, identified as Matthew Whitehead, told police the 11-year-old had slept in the bed with his mom Ruth Whitehead-Dirienzo the night prior.This morning, he noticed the bedroom door was locked, and his wife's car was missing from their garage.MORE HEADLINES:Her car was found partially submerged in the ocean near Beach Avenue in Cape May while police were still at the family's home.Whitehead-Dirienzo was then found by Wildwood Crest Police a short time later.

SACRAMENTO, Calif. - A California state senator is floating a bill to address the lack of attention of given to Black children and young women who go missing in the state.Black children are disproportionately classified as "runaways" in comparison to their white counterparts who are classified as "missing" and, therefore, many Black children do not receive the Amber Alert, according to the Black and Missing Foundation. And 40% of sex trafficking victims are Black women.To combat these statistics, Sen.

Last month Dr N K Arora, chief of covid-19 working group had recommended to the health ministry to include the jab over CoWIN platform as a heterologous booster dose for adults. New Delhi: Amid covid surge and poor coverage of booster dose, Serum Institute CEO Adar Poonawalla on Tuesday recommended elderly people to take Covovax booster dose. He informed that the vaccine is now available on CoWIN portal and is excellent against all the variants.

WEST READING, Pa. - A Pennsylvania candy-maker ignored warnings of a gas leak at its chocolate factory and bears responsibility for a subsequent explosion that killed seven workers and injured several others, according to a lawsuit filed Tuesday.The family of Judith "Judy" Lopez-Moran, a 55-year-old mother of three, filed what their lawyers called the first wrongful-death suit against R.M. Palmer Co.

LOUISVILLE, Ky. - The shooter who opened fire at a Louisville bank legally bought the weapon from a local dealership a week ago, police said Tuesday.Louisville Metro Police Department Chief Jacquelyn Gwinn-Villaroel said at a news conference that bank employee Connor Sturgeon, 25, bought the gun on April 4 and targeted certain people in the attack.Armed with the rifle, Sturgeon killed five people — including a close friend of Kentucky’s governor — while livestreaming the attack Monday on Instagram, authorities said. Another eight people were wounded.Gwinn-Villaroel also said that officers' body camera video from shooting will be released Tuesday afternoon.FILE - Rose petals lay at the entrance of the Old National Bank on April 11, 2023, in Louisville, Kentucky.

NEW CASTLE COUNTY, Del. - A 20-year-old woman and 13-year-old boy were both hospitalized after a blaze broke out inside a New Castle County home Tuesday morning.The 3-story home was fully engulfed by flames when fires crews arrived to Everett Avenue in Claymont around 9 a.m.The woman and boy were both found in the front yard, and transported to local hospitals.Officials say they are both in serious condition for smoke inhalation.MORE HEADLINES:Damage to the house is estimated at $200,000, according to fire officials, who say three adults and one child were displaced.The cause of the fire is under investigation. 

PHILADELPHIA - Love is all about making grand gestures, right? Or was this latest gesture just a little too grand?If you were driving along I-95 North near Exit 32 Tuesday, you may have come across a not-so-typical billboard.It appears a man named "Felipe" bought one to propose to Andressa, who we can only assume is his girlfriend.The billboard reads," I want you today, tomorrow and forever. Andressa, will you marry me? Voce Quer Se Casar Comigo.

NEW YORK - Saying she is ready to share the "unfathomable" experience of being arrested and incarcerated in Russia, basketball star Brittney Griner is working on a memoir that is scheduled for spring 2024.Griner was arrested last year at the airport in Moscow on drug-related charges and detained for nearly 10 months, much of that time in prison. Her plight unfolded at the same time Russia invaded Ukraine and further heightened tensions between Russia and the U.S., ending only after she was freed in exchange for the notorious Russian arms dealer Viktor Bout.A WNBA All-Star with the Phoenix Mercury, Griner had flown to Moscow in February 2022 to rejoin UMMC Ekaterinburg, a Russian women’s team she has played for in the off-season since 2014."That day (in February) was the beginning of an unfathomable period in my life which only now am I ready to share," Griner said in a statement released Tuesday by Alfred A.

FILE - Free-range hens walking around. (Tim Graham/Getty Images)A man in China was sentenced to prison after he snuck onto his neighbor's property and scared 1,100 chickens to death.The man, identified only by his last name Gu, snuck onto his neighbor Zhong's chicken farm and used a flashlight to frighten the chickens, causing them to kill each other, China Daily reported.The light from the flashlight terrified the chickens, causing them to flee to a corner of the coop where they trampled over one another trying to get away.The incident came during a feud between the two neighbors that began in April 2022, when Gu cut down Zhong's trees without his permission, the outlet reported.

WEST READING, Pa. - A devastating explosion claimed the lives of seven innocent people after it leveled a historic chocolate factory, leaving a West Reading community to pick up the pieces in so many ways.Seven people were killed, and several others wounded in the powerful blast at the R.M Palmer Co. plant last month in West Reading, Pennsylvania, which is about 60 miles northwest of Philadelphia. One survivor was pulled from the rubble hours after the explosion rattled windows and shook houses.Rescue workers searched for days in the hopes of pulling more survivors to safety, but their heroic efforts came to a tragic end for several families.RELATED COVERAGE: West Reading explosion: 7 confirmed dead, all accounted for after blast rocks chocolate factoryNow, as a community tries to rebuild emotionally, the town is doing the same physically. West Reading Mayor Samantha Kaag announced that a demolition project will begin Wednesday at the site of the deadly blast, where debris and parts of the factory still remain.The demolition will remove the north-facing wall from Building 1, which officials say is in danger of collapse. RELATED COVERAGE: West Reading community joins together to support families, first responders following devastating explosionA crane was delivered to the site Tuesday, which temporarily closed Penn Avenue.

The president and CEO, as well as the entire volunteer board of directors of the Pierre Elliott Trudeau Foundation, resigned Tuesday in the wake of “pressure” following a media report detailing a $200,000 donation with alleged ties to Beijing.

MOSCOW - A volcano erupted early Tuesday on Russia's far eastern Kamchatka Peninsula, spewing clouds of dust 20 kilometers (65,600 feet) into the sky and covering broad areas with ash.The ash cloud from the eruption of Shiveluch, one of Kamchatka's most active volcanoes, extended over 500 kilometers (more than 300 miles) northwest and engulfed several villages in grey volcanic dust.Officials closed the skies over the area to aircraft. Local authorities advised residents to stay indoors and shut schools in several affected communities.

Whole Foods store in San Franciscos Midmarket neighborhood. (Credit: Whole Foods) SAN FRANCISCO - Whole Foods is closing their flagship San Francisco store on Monday at the end of business hours. Whole Foods told KTVU that the store on Market Street at 8th is shutting down for the time being because of employee safety concerns.

SAN JOSE, CALIFORNIA - NOVEMBER 18: Former Theranos CEO Elizabeth Holmes (L) arrives at federal court with her partner Billy Evans (R) on November 18, 2022 in San Jose, California. Holmes appeared in federal court for sentencing after being convicted SAN JOSE, Calif. - A judge ruled on Monday that Theranos founder Elizabeth Holmes must surrender April 27 to serve her sentence for felony fraud, denying her request to stay home as she appeals her conviction. U.S.

Gordon Lightfoot is cancelling concerts.

MONTGOMERY COUNTY - A criminal investigation is underway after police say a shooting took place at a Dunkin' Donuts in Cheltenham Township Tuesday morning.SkyFOX was live over the scene as a heavy police presence gathered around a taped off drive-thru.Police say the shooting happened outside the Dunkin' Donuts on Cheltenham Avenue in the Melrose Shopping Center.Residents are asked to avoid the area for the time being.This is a developing story.

PHILADELPHIA - Philadelphia's Board of Ethics is suing a super PAC affiliated with mayoral candidate Jeff Brown for campaign finance violations.The lawsuit claims the group "For a Better Philadelphia" coordinated with Brown to go above the city's campaign funding limits.With just about a month to go until the primary election on May 16, the board aims to stop any contributions by taking legal action.RELATED COVERAGE: Philadelphia's Next Mayor: Meet the CandidatesThey are also asking for $162,000 in civil penalties, according to the lawsuit.Brown's campaign has denied any wrongdoing.The Democratic candidate is set to take the stage Tuesday night along with six other candidates for FOX 29's Democratic Primary Debate at Temple University.

LOUISVILLE, KY - APRIL 10: Community members gather at Crescent Hill Presbyterian Church for a vigil following the mass shooting at the Old National Bank on April 10, 2023 in Louisville, Kentucky. A gunman opened fire inside the bank, killing four pe LOUISVILLE, Ky. (AP) - Tributes were growing Monday for the five people slain in a shooting at a Louisville bank, with friends sharing details of their lives and mourners gathering at vigils.Details were also emerging about some of the wounded, including a rookie officer who was just recently sworn in.Louisville’s former Mayor Greg Fischer said he’d known 63-year-old Tommy Elliott, one of those killed, for 40 years.

DUBAI, UNITED ARAB EMIRATES - JANUARY 29: A general view at dawn of the clubhouse with the skyline of the Dubai Marina behind during the delayed third round on Day Four of the Hero Dubai Desert Classic on the Majlis Course at Emirates Golf Club on Ja WASHINGTON (AP) - U.S. spies caught Russian intelligence officers boasting that they had convinced the oil-rich United Arab Emirates "to work together against US and UK intelligence agencies," according to a purported American document posted online as part of a major U.S.

COLOMBO (News 1st); Sri Lankan President Ranil Wickremesinghe told Parliament on Wednesday (22) that he can only speak with the creditors, both multilateral and bilateral, and the private bondholders only if the Parliament is prepared to accept the IMF report.He urged the house to accept the report, and if there are any issues, it can be discussed with the IMF when the delegation returns to Sri Lanka.However, Opposition Leader Sajith Premadasa noted that the report and the presentation by the President is not means to agree to the program proposed by the IMF."We cannot agree without proper examination and scrutiny, and a proper parliamentary debate," he added while requesting to sit in parliament and listen to the proposals that the opposition puts forward during the debate on the IMF report.He said the opposition is not ready to approve anything without proper examination and scrutiny.However, the President said the house should respond to him by the third week of April whether the parliament would approve the report, so that he could engage in the second round of talks with the IMF.  

COLOMBO (News 1st); Sri Lanka's President Ranil Wickremesinghe told Parliament that the government will be introducing a serious of reforms after the IMF Executive Board granted approval for a bailout package of the country.Increasing Public Revenue:– Reduce the primary deficit to 2.3% of the GDP by 2025.– Increase the government’s revenue up to 15% of the GDP by 2026 through our measures.– Raised the standard corporate income tax rate to 30% without sectoral tax holidays.– PAYE tax rate was increased from 8% to 15%.– The measures required to reduce the existing tax exemptions on Value Added Tax (VAT) will come into effect by 2025. Further, necessary measures will be taken to remove the simplified VAT system and expedite its reimbursement.–  Steps have also been taken to introduce tax on awards / substitutes and to introduce Estate Duty as a property tax by 2025, while providing an appropriate tax exemption allowance at a minimum.–  Revamping the property tax system and introducing a wealth transfer tax – Introduce a gift and inheritance taxManaging Expenditure:– Increase the allocations provided to cover the expenses through proper management of expenditure.– Adjustments in certain salary scales and pension schemes as part of the impact of inflation within the primary deficit targets.State Enterprises and Energy Cost: – Fuel prices will be determined based on the 2018 Price Formula.

COLOMBO (News 1st); Sri Lankan President Ranil Wickremesinghe said the IMF bailout package has opened a new avenue to create a better future for the youth of the country."We have received an opportunity to uplift our motherland," he told the Parliament on Wednesday (22) adding that the bailout of US $3 Billion will be provided across four years. The President said that an immediate disbursement of US $330 Million was received by Sri Lanka from the IMF, noting immediate facilities to the tune of US $7 Billion will be available from the World Bank and other creditor agencies.

COLOMBO (News 1st); Sri Lankan President Ranil Wickremesinghe tabled the agreement reached with the IMF for a bailout package, in Parliament on Wednesday (22). The President also made a special statement to the house. 

COLOMBO (News 1st); Sri Lankan President Ranil Wickremesinghe is scheduled to make a special statement in Parliament on Wednesday (22).In addition, the President is expected to table the agreement reached with the International Monetary Fund.In a special statement following the approval of the extended credit facility by the Executive Board of the International Monetary Fund (IMF) on Tuesday (21), President Ranil Wickremesinghe emphasized that Sri Lanka is no longer deemed bankrupt by the world.The President further stated that the loan facility serves as an assurance from the international community that Sri Lanka has the capacity to restructure its debt and resume normal transactions.Additionally, the President noted that the government is working to gradually lift import restrictions on essential goods, medicines, and tourism-related goods, as the foreign exchange situation improves.

COLOMBO (News 1st); Sri Lankan President Ranil Wickremesinghe on Tuesday (21) said that Sri Lanka will lift import restrictions gradually after the Executive Board of the IMF approved the country's bailout package."Yesterday, the Executive Board of the International Monetary Fund approved the Extended Fund Facility for Sri Lanka. That approval sends a signal that Sri Lanka has the strength to restructure its debt.

COLOMBO (News 1st); The IMF Executive Board approved Sri Lanka’s program under the Extended Fund Facility (EFF) that will enable Sri Lanka to access up to $7 billion in funding, reported the President's Media Division.President Ranil Wickremesinghe has expressed his gratitude for the support of the IMF and other international partners, said the PMD.It added that the President committed to full transparency in all discussions with financial institutions & creditors, & to achieve sustainable levels of debt through prudent fiscal management & an ambitious reform agenda.The IMF program is critical to achieving this vision & will help to improve Sri Lanka's standing in international capital markets, making it an attractive country for investors, talent, & tourists, said the President's Media Division.Earlier this month, Sri Lanka received IMF-compatible financing assurances from its official creditors, including Paris Club members, India and China, allowing the IMF to convene an Executive Board and consider Sri Lanka’s request for a loan.The program is expected to provide much-needed policy space to drive the economy out of the unprecedented challenges and instill confidence amongst all the stakeholders.President Ranil Wickremesinghe welcomed the announcement:“In the 75 years of Sri Lanka’s independence, there has never been a more critical period for ou economic future. Our official creditors have declared their support following continuous and positive engagements over the last few months, and we are pleased that the IMF Executive Board approved our program, enabling Sri Lanka to access up to US$ 7 billion in funding from the IMF and IFIs.

PMD: President Ranil Wickremesinghe emphasized that the Royal College cricket team’s effective captaincy ultimately led to the team’s victory at a time when all of the matches were being lost and that his effort is to lift the defeated country to the path of victory similar to what the captain of the Royal College cricket team did.The President recalled that when he assumed office last July, the country was experiencing numerous crises such as shortage of fuel, food, and fertilizer. He compared this to the Royal team, which had suffered a string of defeats, and claimed that many people believed the country would not be able to recover.However, President Ranil Wickremesinghe stressed that his team was able to change that situation and create economic stability in the country in the last seven months and emphasized that Sri Lanka is no longer a bankrupt state.President Ranil Wickremesinghe made this statement while addressing the 32nd Interact District Conference held at Temple Trees on Sunday morning (19).He said that everyone would be able to witness a developing country in the next two years, and to make Sri Lanka the most prosperous country in the region, it is necessary to build the economy in addition to stabilizing it today.The President added that the 25-year plan to make Sri Lanka a successful nation by 2048 has already been implemented and it can only be achieved with the commitment of the current youth.This conference was organized by St.

Colombo (News 1st) – It is of "utmost importance" that the next Inspector General of Police of Sri Lanka "should be an officer whose service in the police force is exemplary and free of any blemish and able to restore public confidence in the Sri Lanka Police," stated the Bar Association of Sri Lanka in a letter addressed to President Ranil Wickremesinghe.The BASL letter has been issued in response to news that the office of the IGP is due to fall vacant on the 23rd of March, 2023."It is of utmost importance that the best possible appointment be made to that office" the BASL urged the President."During the last few decades there has been a serious erosion of public confidence in the Sri Lanka Police. The lack of independence, politicisation, police brutality, custodial deaths, lack of professionalism have all contributed to the erosion of public confidence in the Police.

The “Satarawa Deepani” Felicitation Ceremony was held on Thursday (16) and it was held under the auspices of President Ranil Wickremesinghe.The “Satarawa Deepani” Felicitation Ceremony, was organized as per a concept of Minister Bandula Gunawardena.During the event, tributes were paid to a group of artists who had contributed to the artwork created by Bandula Gunawardena. Veteran artists such as Dharmasiri Bandaranaike, Parakrama Niriella, and Cyril Wickramage were presented with awards by the President in recognition of their contributions.Veteran artists such as Professor Ariyaratne Athugala, Kumara Thirimadura and Sarath Kothalawala were also appreciated during this event.The book “Subandhu Cinema Watha,” which chronicles the cinematic career of Bandula Gunawardena, was launched at the event. During the event,  “Pragna Bandhu” scholarships were awarded to students who are currently pursuing the G.C.E.

COLOMBO (News 1st); The Chinese Embassy handed over a donation of material to the Government of Sri Lanka for the production of police uniforms.The donation was made by the Ambassador of China to Sri Lanka, Qi Zhenhong, to the Minister of Public Security, Tiran Alles.This donation was made at the President's Office in the presence of President Ranil Wickremesinghe.

COLOMBO (News 1st); Railway operations were crippled on Wednesday (15) morning due to a strike launched by the Locomotive Operating Engineers' Association.The Locomotive Operating Engineers' Association of Sri Lanka Railways declared a 24-hour strike that come into effect at midnight on Tuesday (14).According to Sri Lanka Railways, around 20 trains operated on Wednesday (15) morning, compared to the over 60 trains that operate daily in the morning.Railways General Manager A. D.

COLOMBO (News 1st); Sri Lankan President Ranil Wickremesinghe has expressed gratitude to the Paris Club, Japan, India, and China for enabling cooperation required to reach an IMF facility for the country.In an open letter to Sri Lanka's Official Bilateral Creditors, President Wickremesinghe noted that the government deployed all efforts to demonstrate our commitment to the EFF program and relentlessly engage on the path to reforms. He said the administration has already implemented major reforms by way of prior actions agreed with the IMF.The President said his government introduced a robust  reform agenda aimed at achieving debt sustainability, strengthening governance, widening the social safety nets supporting the most vulnerable and ensuring we can grow an inclusive  economy attractive to international business. He said this is how Sri Lanka will improve the lives of its people and ensure they are first in line to benefit from improvements in our economic conditions.The President has requested creditors to maintain and even enlarge and strengthen official bilateral creditor coordination in the context of Sri Lanka's forthcoming engagement. He called on the Paris Club  bilateral partners, in particular Japan, together with all our other official bilateral partners,  including India and China, to garner and foster coordination as you best see fit.The Presidnet noted that Sri Lanka is committed to communicate transparently with all on any debt treatment terms that are agreed with any creditor or group of creditors, before being formalized. The President in his letter has also committed not to resume debt service to any creditor unless that creditor agrees on a comprehensive debt treatment in line with IMF-supported

COLOMBO (News 1st); Sri Lankan President Ranil Wickremesinghe congratulated Chinese President Xi Jinping on his confirmation for a third term and praised China's progress under his leadership. The President's Media Division said that Wickremesinghe expressed appreciation for China's support in Sri Lanka's economic challenges, especially in the IMF process & expressed confidence that the two countries' robust cooperation will continue to flourish during Prez. Xi Jinping's new term.Chinese leader Xi Jinping was awarded a third five-year term as president on 10th March, putting him on track to stay in power for life at a time of severe economic challenges and rising tensions with the U.S.

COLOMBO (News 1st); Sri Lankan President Ranil Wickremesinghe said that the government has taken a principled decision to expand the distribution of fuel.He also noted that Hambantota has been identified as a primary energy hub. According to the President's Media Division, he made these comments during a discussion with the representatives of the Sinopec Group held at the President's Office in Colombo on Monday (13).Sinopec has also pledged to invest in a refinery in Hambantota, said the PMD.The representatives informed the Sri Lankan Government that their organization has adhered to the existing system and has applied accordingly. They further conveyed their readiness to fully finance the construction of a refinery in Hambantota, which has been identified as a central energy hub by the government.Moreover, the representatives stated that their company is prepared to respond to future solicitations that align with the aspirations of the country.

COLOMBO (News 1st); The Buddha Sasana Task Force addressed a letter to President Ranil Wickremesinghe stressing on the need to hold the local government election without delay for national and diplomatic stability.It calls to limit the number of ministers to 15, and remove State Ministers.

President Ranil Wickremesinghe in his capacity as the Minister of Finance, Economic Stabilization, and National Policies on Wednesday (8) issued an Order to waive the remaining balance of the Special Commodity Levy on imported Dates in view of the Ramadan festival.The levy, set at Rs. 200 per Kg, will be collected at a reduced rate of Rs.