Certified Price for Paddy; Special meeting at Army HQ with President

H3N2. The medical body said that the H3N2 has been in wide circulation for the past two-three months and is more fatal than other viruses. According to Dr Arjun Dang, CEO, Dr Dangs Lab, H3N2 Influenza cases are being reported more in comparison to H1N1.

Canada’s defence chief has concluded his first trip to Ukraine since the Russian invasion started more than a year ago.

KENSINGTON - A youth program in Kensington is working to get young people off the street and on the ice, by making a popular winter sport more accessible to everyone.Scanlon Figure Skating is giving kids a safe and affordable option to hit the rink. Skaters there are more than friends – they’ve become family."Honestly, if I didn’t have this sport, I have no idea where I’d be today," skating coach Channely Valverde said.Valverde learned to skate at the Scanlon Rec Center when she was just 6-years old.

SPRINGFIELD, Ohio - About 20 cars of a Norfolk Southern cargo train derailed near Springfield Saturday evening, the second derailment of the company's trains in Ohio in a month, officials said. But unlike the Feb. 3 derailment in East Palestine, Ohio, a company spokesperson said there were no hazardous materials aboard the train, The Columbus Dispatch reported.The CEO of the railroad company behind the toxic derailment in Ohio will face lawmakers next week in both Pennsylvania and DC.The train, which did not have passengers, derailed around 5 p.m.

TIOGA - Police in Tioga are searching for a suspect after a 19-year-old man was shot and killed in a home.The shooting happened Saturday night just after 9:15, on the 3700 block of North Carlisle Street, officials said.39th District officers responded to the call and found the 19-year-old man suffering with gunshot wounds across his upper body at a home.They rushed him to Temple University Hospital where he died a short time later.Police are searching for a suspect, but have not made any arrests.___Tips can be submitted by calling 215-686-TIPS (8477) or texting PPD TIP (773847). Tips can also be submitted anonymously online, here.

RADNOR TOWNSHIP, Pa. - On Saturday the Radnor’s Boys basketball team accomplished something no team had done since the 60’s - they are now the District 1 Class A Champions.Radnor came into the District 1 Class A championship undefeated.The team’s season ended in the same championship game last year."We kind of left one out there," said Head Coach Jamie Chadwin. "All through this year, we had kind of been angling to get back to this point to have another opportunity. The guys took advantage of it and we’re ready."Senior Captain Cooper Mueller scored eleven points and said the way last year ended fueled the team all season."We came into this year the biggest loss last year was that loss to Chester in Districts," said Mueller. "They hit a bank almost half court three right in my face.

WEST PHILADELPHIA - West Philadelphia was the scene of a fatal double shooting Saturday night.Officials say two men, aged 33 and 24, were on the 6000 block of Sansom Street around 8:30 p.m., when they were hit with a barrage of gunfire.Each man was shot multiple times. They were both rushed to Penn Presbyterian Medical Center where the 33-year-old died.

CENTER CITY - After it was held outdoors the last two years, the 2023 Philadelphia Flower Show is back inside the Convention Center. The 9-day event kicked off Saturday, welcoming guests into an immersive and colorful world of landscape and floral design."How can you not get one of these when you’re at the Philadelphia Flower Show"It’s the electric feeling you get when you receive something or give something in a beautiful way, like flowers," Director of Experience and Engagement for the Pennsylvania Horticultural Society, Rebecca Schuchart, stated.Appropriately named Florastruck, the elaborate design is captivating with eyes wandering from one arrangement to the next."So, that’s the joy that we wanted to create and portray through the show this year, that electric feeling you get when you see all this beauty around you," Schuchart explained.The Philadelphia Flower Show is the largest and oldest one in the country and has been for nearly 200 years.The Philadelphia Flower Show kicked off Saturday, welcoming guests into an immersive and colorful world of landscape and floral design."Every single year, since I was about 10," Amy Jachimski said.Jachimski, from Ocean City, Maryland, is at the show with her daughter, mother and their flower crowns.

Good Morning Britain’s Kate Garraway said “the costs go through the roof” when a relative becomes seriously ill, because of ‘the changes you have to make to your home’ and ‘your ability to work’. The TV presenter’s husband Derek Draper, a 55-year-old former political adviser, fell seriously ill with Covid-19 in March 2020 and has suffered long-lasting damage to his organs and requires daily care. Mum-of-two Kate, who shares daughter Darcey and son William with Derek, has since created two documentaries detailing her family’s life as Derek battles the long-term effects, with both programmes winning a National Television Award in the authored documentary category.

Shopping carts are lined up in front of a Costco store on February 25, 2021 in Inglewood, California. (Photo by Mario Tama/Getty Images) Costco is certain to raise its membership fees in the future, but as the sixth anniversary of the last fee hike approaches, the company says there are no immediate plans to do so while membership rates are at all-time highs. "In our view, it's a question of when, not if," Costco CFO Richard Galanti told investors on a Q2 earnings call on Thursday. Galanti acknowledged that June would mark six years since the Washington-based retail giant last raised the price of its Gold Star membership, which currently costs $60.

Prince Harry opened up about mental health and so much more during an interview promoting his memoir Spare.

Also Read: Holi 2023: Holi parties in Delhi-NCR that you cannot miss A day ahead of Holi, the state government will distribute laptop and scholarship cheques among 608 children who lost both their parents during the COVID-19 pandemic in the district. These orphaned children will also be covered under the Chief Minister Bal Sewa scheme and will be provided with an assistance of ₹4,000, reported HT.

CENTER CITY - Were you able to get out and enjoy the beauty of the Philadelphia Flower Show, once again, back inside the Philadelphia Convention Center?The nearly two-centuries old event has been a staple in Philadelphia, hosted by the Pennsylvania Horticultural Society, since 1829, putting its first floral display at the Masonic Hall on Chestnut Street.This year's nine-day event kicked off Saturday at the Convention Center in Center City. It was held in FDR Park, in South Philadelphia, for the last two years, due to COVID-19 concerns.

FAIRMOUNT - A premiere outdoor entertainment venue in Philadelphia is getting a huge makeover.Renovations at the Dell Music Center are now underway.City officials joined local broadcasting legends for a ceremonial groundbreaking on the $6.9 million project Friday.The major overhaul will include a new stage and renovated amphitheater roof, to enhance acoustics.Dell Music Center General Manager Susan Slawson explained, "This is a place where people come to experience a great time.

INDIANAPOLIS, INDIANA - NOVEMBER 20: Zach Pascal #3 of the Philadelphia Eagles walks off the field after a win over the Indianapolis Colts at Lucas Oil Stadium on November 20, 2022 in Indianapolis, Indiana. (Photo by Justin Casterline/Getty Images) UPPER MARLBORO, Md. - Philadelphia Eagles wide receiver, and Prince George's County native, Zach Pascal was robbed at gunpoint in Upper Marlboro, Maryland on Friday morning.According to Prince George's County Police, the robbery happened around 2:25 a.m.

NORTH PHILADELPHIA - A 40-year-old man is in critical condition after he was stabbed three times inside a North Philadelphia store and police say a suspect is in custody.Officials say 22nd District Police responded to the stabbing on the 2200 block of North Broad Street Saturday afternoon, about 3:45, inside a store at the intersection of North Broad and West Susquehanna.When they arrived, police found the 40-year-old victim suffering with stab wounds in the abdomen.MORE HEADLINES:Police then rushed the man to Temple University Hospital where he is listed in critical condition.Police apprehended one man and recovered a weapon at the scene. The investigation is ongoing.___Tips can be submitted by calling 215-686-TIPS (8477) or texting PPD TIP (773847).

ITALY, Texas - A 25-year-old woman has been charged with capital murder for the deaths of three children in Italy on Friday. Family members say she was the mother of the kids who were killed.Shamaiya Deyonshana Hall is behind bars on three counts of capital murder.

FREDERICK, Md. - One person is dead after a major crash and tanker explosion in Frederick County Saturday that sent a large plume of smoke in the air and caused back-ups on US Route 15.According to Maryland Department of Transportation officials, the crash happened on US Route 15 Rosemont Avenue near Schley Avenue in Frederick.Frederick County Fire Officials confirmed that a tanker truck involved in the crash exploded at the scene.Maryland State Police later confirmed that the driver of the tanker truck died as a result of the crash.No other injuries or deaths have been reported.Police also said that several vehicles and homes in the area suffered damage as a result of the flames.As a result, all lanes of US 15 between Rt 50 and 7th Street are shut down.(PHOTO: Chris Olson @COlson2848) Officials say the road will be closed for an extended period.The cause of the crash remains under investigation.According to FOX 5's Matthew Cappucci the smoke plume got to about 3,600 feet and was spotted on weather radar traveling east away from Frederick along I-70.This is a developing story.

PHILADELPHIA - A man is in critical condition after a single shot was fired through his own front door early Saturday morning.Police were called to the 2000 block of Champlost Avenue for a reported shooting just before 2 a.m.They found a man suffering from a gunshot wound to the chest. He was transported to a local hospital in critical condition.MORE HEADLINES:The shot was fired through the front door of the home by an unknown suspect, according to authorities.No arrests have been made, and no motive is known at this time.

PHILADELPHIA - An investigation is underway after a cemetery in Philadelphia's East Germantown section became victim to an act of vandalism this week.A manager at Northwood Cemetery on Haines Street reportedly told police that several headstones were found with black, blue or red paint poured over them Friday morning.MORE HEADLINES:Police say most of the headstones were older, except for one placed two weeks ago that had a red marker with explicit wording written on it.It is unclear when the incidents may have taken place, and a motive is unknown at this time.Police have also not released any possible suspects.

SUSSEX COUNTY, Del. - An apartment shooting left one man dead in Sussex County earlier this week, and now police say the men responsible have been charged.The victim, identified as 20-year-old Terrance Frisby, was found suffering from multiple gunshot wounds inside the Dunbarton Apartments in Georgetown around 8:30 p.m. Monday.Police say he was visiting when he answered a knock at the door.

SALT LAKE CITY, Utah - Utah Gov. Spencer Cox said Friday that he plans to sign a measure that would effectively ban abortion clinics from operating in the state, meaning hospitals will soon be the only places where they can be provided in the state.After passing through the state Senate on Thursday with minor amendments, it returned to the Utah House of Representatives Friday morning, where it was approved and then sent to the governor for final approval.

REHOBOTH BEACH, Del. - A beach goer may have helped save the life of a little seal in need earlier this week on a Delaware beach.The young male harp seal was found rolling on its back in the sand of the North Shores in Rehoboth Beach on Tuesday. Officials say this can often be a sign that the seal is infested with lice. "Luckily for the seal, the beach goer called MERR to report this little guy," said Rob Rector, a Protected Species Observer.RELATED COVERAGE: 'Silly seal alert!' Seal pup rescued trying to cross highway in Ocean CountyMembers of the MERR Institute decided to rescue the seal immediately due to its behaviors and that fact that it was underweight."He was very alert and lively during the rescue, which is a good sign," Rector said.The seal was taken back to MERR for treatment and assessment, then transported to the National Aquarium for rehabilitation.  "We hope for the best for this beautiful animal, and we are grateful to everyone who helped this young seal get the care that he needs," Rector said.

Patricia Kopta (Ross Township Police Department) A Pennsylvania woman who went missing more than 30 years ago in a case that stumped authorities who later declared her legally dead has been found living in a nursing home in Puerto Rico.Patricia Kopta left behind a husband and siblings and meandered through northern Puerto Rico for a while before she was taken as a person "in need" to the adult care home in 1999, according to details announced at a news conference this week in Ross Township, where she once lived.Kopta, once known as a street preacher in her hometown, initially kept her past secret while in Puerto Rico. But she began to divulge details as she suffered progressively from dementia, Ross Township Deputy Police Chief Brian Kohlhepp said.By last year, a social worker at the home had enough information to alert authorities back home about the now-83-year-old woman.

an Ohio mother is responsible for the brutal murder-suicide which left four dead just moments before local police arrived at the family's home to serve eviction papers. Clermont County Sheriff's Office shared in a press release that "physical evidence" and the "positioning of the deceased" led investigators to believe that 46-year-old Theresa Cain shot and killed three of her family members on Feb. 27. Shortly before police arrived at the Cain's home in Ohio Township, a suburb of Cincinnati, deputies heard a series of five quick gunshots.

PHILADELPHIA - With the primary election for Philadelphia's next mayor just months away, the number of candidates throwing their hats in the ring continues to grow.FOX 29 has parented with the Lenfest Institute in their "Every Voice, Every Vote" initiative to create an informed electorate, providing detailed information about each candidate up until Election Day.On this week's "Race for the Philadelphia's Next Mayor," Bill Anderson spoke to community members and activists about how the current candidates are handling one of Philadelphia's most important issues - gun violence.We asked the questions:Discover how the people of Philadelphia feel about the upcoming election, what is driving their vote, and how the current mayoral candidates stand on the election's largest issue in the full FOX 29 Special "You Decide: The Race for Philadelphia's Next Mayor" above.

BUCKEYE, Ariz. - The adoptive mother of a boy who went missing in 2016 and was later found dead in 2018 in Buckeye has been arrested, police said.On Dec. 13, Buckeye Police announced that 54-year-old Crystal Wilson was arrested at her home in Gainesville, Georgia in connection to the death of Jesse Wilson.Crystal Wilson was indicted by a Maricopa County Grand Jury and is accused of abandoning or concealing a body.

Canada’s biggest banks saw the country’s major lenders move in lockstep ahead of a projected economic downturn, with each putting more money away for a possible rise in credit losses.Experts say the more expensive cost of borrowing in Canada and the possibility of job losses could catch up to households and push a growing number into default, though some believe the worst of the debt pain is likely at least a year away.Canada’s big six banks — TD Bank, RBC, BMO, Scotiabank, CIBC and National Bank — all reported earnings for their first fiscal quarters this week, with similar-sounding results. All reported a dip in profits as they put more money aside to handle credit losses.

York Regional Police say 64 Mexican-born nationals have been rescued from an international labour trafficking ring that was operating in Ontario and several people have been charged.Deputy police chief Alvaro Almeida told reporters on Friday that the information learned through Project Norte was “just as disturbing as it is compelling.”“Sixty-four of them were subject to deplorable living conditions with no way out,” Almeida said. “Our members were shocked at the conditions they were living in.”“These workers are coerced with promises of a better life, decent wages, quality housing, and eventually documentation,” Almeida continued.

COLOMBO (News 1st); Sri Lanka's Election Commission will meet on Friday (23) to reach a final decision on the 2023 Local Government Election due to the lack of financing and support from state agencies.Earlier, the Election Commission decided to conduct the Local Government Election on the 9th of March 2023.However, the Government Printer had refused to deliver the ballot papers owing to a payment issues, and this led to the National Election Commission to postpone the postal voting process that was scheduled for this wekk.The Chairman of the National Election Attorney Nimal Punchihewa said the Local Government Election was called for legally as per the country's constitutions and the election law.He told News 1st on Thursday (23) that all members of the National Election Commission consented to the Local Government Election Process.He said that given that funds were not being provided to continue with the election process, the National Election Commission will meet on Friday (24) to reach a final decision on the Local Government Election 2023. The statement came from the Elections Chief after Sri Lankan President Ranil Wickremesinghe told Parliament on Thursday (23) that the country's National Election Commission has not legally called for an election, and there are no funds to conduct an election.Commenting on the debate requested by the opposition on postponing the election, the President said there is no election for one to be postponed.The President said the proposed Parliament Select Committee must be appointed to inquire into the Election Commission and the Local Government Election.In the meantime, the petition filed by Retired Sri Lanka Army Colonel W. M.

COLOMBO (News 1st); The Chairman of the National Election Attorney Nimal Punchihewa said the Local Government Election was called for legally as per the country's constitutions and the election law.He told News 1st on Thursday (23) that all members of the National Election Commission consented to the Local Government Election Process.He said that given that funds were not being provided to continue with the election process, the National Election Commission will meet on Friday (24) to reach a final decision on the Local Government Election 2023. The statement came from the Elections Chief after Sri Lankan President Ranil Wickremesinghe told Parliament on Thursday (23) that the country's National Election Commission has not legally called for an election, and there are no funds to conduct an election.Commenting on the debate requested by the opposition on postponing the election, the President said there is no election for one to be postponed.The President said the proposed Parliament Select Committee must be appointed to inquire into the Election Commission and the Local Government Election.In the meantime, the petition filed by Retired Sri Lanka Army Colonel W. M.

In a bid to maximize the use of government funds and ensure that resources are utilized efficiently, President’s Secretary Saman Ekanayake has issued a directive on the instructions of President Ranil Wickremesinghe, requiring officials purchasing airline for official travel abroad to be on Economy Class.This directive will take effect from March 1, 2023, and supersedes all previous circulars and instructions related to this subject.According to the new directive, officials such as the Hon. Chief Justice, Hon.

COLOMBO (News 1st); Sri Lankan President Ranil Wickremesinghe told Parliament on Thursday (23) that the country's National Election Commission has not legally called for an election, and there are no funds to conduct an election.Commenting on the debate requested by the opposition on postponing the election, the President said there is no election for one to be postponed."The Election Commission had gone to court and said that it cannot conduct an election. However, an affidavit was provided. It states that the Commission has been informed by the Secretary of the Treasury that he is unable to provide the necessary funds to conduct the election.

COLOMBO (News 1st); Sri Lanka and Japan singed Exchange Notes for a humanitatrian grant of USD 46 Million.Mahinda Siriwardena, the Secretary to the Ministry of Finance, and Mizukoshi Hideaki, the Ambassador of Japan, signed an Exchange of Notes to secure a humanitarian grant of USD 46 million. The purpose of the grant is to provide diesel fuel to public hospitals throughout Sri Lanka. The signing ceremony took place at the President's Office, with President Ranil Wickremesinghe in attendance.Under this agreement, the Government of Japan has committed to supplying 20 million litres of diesel fuel.

COLOMBO (News 1st); Sri Lankan President President Ranil Wickremesinghe urged all citizens, including politicians, professionals, teachers, those engaged in agriculture, the business community, and members of the security forces, police and civil servants, to work together to overcome the current economic crisis and promote reconciliation efforts.He was speaking at an event at Royal College, Colombo that was held to honour President Wickremesinghe, who is an alumnus of Royal College. The President called upon the present generation of Royalists to dedicate themselves to serving the country and transforming it into a place where they would like to reside. He urged young Royalists to take up the challenge and shape the future of the nation."We have two difficult tasks in this country.

COLOMBO (News 1st); Sri Lankan President Ranil Wickremesinghe has emphasized the importance of having a proper plan to strengthen the country’s economy, during a meeting with businessmen and lawyers in the Kandy district.According to the President's Media Division. the President had noted that the primary issue facing the country is its economic problem, and addressing it should be a top priority.The President has also noted that the upcoming election is not a means to change the government.

COLOMBO (News 1st); Sri Lankan President Ranil Wickremesinghe said that an Economic Commission will be formed as early as possible replacing the Board of Investment and the Board of Exports.President Ranil Wickremesinghe made these remarks at the opening of the country’s first migratory bird park and eco-tourism zone in Hanthane, Kandy (20).He stated that an Economic Commission will be formed as early as possible to approve investment opportunity in order to provide more opportunities to local and foreign investors.The President also stated that it has the potential to significantly boost the country’s economy."More investment opportunities are necessary for Sri Lanka to embark on a new economic path. It takes ten years to approve a firm after an investor arrives in Sri Lanka. This situation should be changed.

President Ranil Wickremesinghe instructed the officials to speed up the Minipe Left Bank Canal Rehabilitation Project (MLBCRP), which has been delayed for over three years owing to various reasons, and to provide its benefits to the farmers before the next Maha Season.The President provided these instructions on Sunday (19) while joining an observation tour of the Minipe Anicut construction site.President Wickremesinghe, after inspecting the plan of the project, also inquired from the engineers about the operation of the project.The President also pointed out the possibility of obtaining the support of the students of engineering faculties in Sri Lanka for the future work of the project.The existing anicut is not sufficient to release water to the left and right bank canals when water is released twice a day from the Rantambe Hydro Power Plant during peak demand for electricity. Due to this, in order to provide more reliable and continuous water supply to Minipe agricultural lands, the Minipe Dam was raised by 3.5 meters and the renovation of the 74 kilometers-long main canal on the left bank of Minipe, was commenced.After the reconstruction of the Minipe Anicut, constant water supply to farmers will be ensured and the cultivation land on both sides of the left bank of Minipe could be cultivated without obstruction in the Yala-Maha Seasons while providing benefits to 15,000 farmer families.The cost of the project is Rs. 3,000 million and the construction work is carried out by China Gexhouba Group Company Limited (CGGC).Minipe Anicut, which was built in 1948, was last renovated in 1980.

During a discussion held at the Presidential Secretariat on February 16th, President Ranil Wickremesinghe announced that an International Monetary Fund (IMF) EFF loan is expected to be received in March. The President also mentioned that the possibility of reducing bank interest rates is being considered in line with the gradual drop of inflation rate.The discussion was aimed at identifying the issues faced by small and large-scale rice mill owners and finding solutions to resolve them. The rice mill owners brought up the fact that the production cost of a kilogram of rice has increased due to various factors, including the rise in fuel prices, electricity charges, machinery maintenance costs, transportation costs, and all other production and administrative expenses.They noted that they would incur losses by selling their product at the current market price as it is lower than the production cost.The rice mill owners also pointed out the difficulty of paying a high interest rate of 28% on bank loans taken to purchase paddy. It was mentioned that the production cost of a kilogram of paddy has increased due to the rapid increase in prices of the agricultural inputs for paddy cultivation.

The historic Temple of the Tooth Relic in the city of Kandy will host a Janaraja Perahara on February 19th, after 34 years.The procession has been organized to coincide with the 75th Independence Celebration, and it will be inaugurated under the patronage of President Ranil Wickremesinghe.According to the Coordinating Officer and the Cultural Officer of the Temple of the Tooth Relic, the procession will begin from the Magul Maduwa premises at 6.30 pm on February 19th. It will parade along the Dalada Street, Yatinuvara Street, Kanda Street, Raja Street, and return to the temple, marking the end of the event.

COLOMBO (News 1st); Sri Lankan President Ranil Wickremesinghe has directed Power & Energy Minister & relevant officials to ensure uninterrupted power supply is made available for electricity customers once the PUCSL tariff revision is implemented.The President's Media Division also said that the President gave directives to provide concessions for low-income families and provide solar rooftop systems for religious places & government educational institutions when the new tariff revision comes into effect.The Ministry of Power and Energy said that power outages will not be imposed from Thursday (16), as the Public Utilities Commission of Sri Lanka granted approval to the 66% electricity tariff hike.A source from the Ministry of Power and Energy speaking to News 1st said that a decision will be reached in the future with regard to those who are unable to settle their electricity bills.The Public Utilities Commission has approved a 66 percent hike in electricity tariffs with effect from Wednesday (15).It was with the agreement of the three members of the PUCSL except the Chairman of the Commission Janaka RatnayakeIn order to generate an additional income of Rs.

COLOMBO (News 1st) – Sri Lankan President Ranil Wickremesinghe said that the government will not give into the demands of protestors.He noted that just, because certain groups strike demanding the removal of certain officials, the government will not remove anyone arbitrarily as there is a procedure that has to be followed and the government will follow the rules and act accordingly.He was addressing the launch of the Centre for Governance and Public Policy (C-GaPP) at the Sri Lanka Technological Campus (SLTC) Research University at the Trace City in Colombo on Wednesday (15).He said that the responsibility to address such issues rests to a large extent with the Universities. The President noted that even at the point of the new Centre for Governance and Public Policy (C-GaPP) being inaugurated at the Sri Lanka Technological Campus (SLTC) Research University, two strikes were in progress. One was staged at the Ruhuna University demanding the removal of the Vice Chancellor and another one demanded the removal of the General Manager of a state Corporation.President Wickremesinghe further stated that the removal of the General Manager is a matter of the government. “Just, because there is a strike we will not remove him.

COLOMBO (News 1st); The National Election Commission has informed the Political Party Secretaries that it will not be able to direct the ballot papers for Postal Voting tomorrow (15), as previously planned. This was revealed by the Secretaries of the Political Parties who met with the National Election Commission on Tuesday (14) morning.Earlier, Chairman of the National Election Commission Attorney Nimal Punchihewa speaking to News 1st said that the current state of affairs surrounding the election will be discussed at the meeting. Election Monitors were also summoned for this meeting.The Secretaries of the Political Parties  revealed that the National Election Commission is yet to decide on whether or not the Local Government Election will be held on the 9th of March 2023. They also noted that the National Election Commission is likely to face an issue concerning the Ballot Papers required for postal voting.Palitha Range Bandara, the General Secretary for the United National Party told reporters that the UNP has never called for a delay in elections."How can one even ask for funds from President Ranil Wickremesinghe, after he took over a country that was literally bankrupt," he told the media while leaving the National Election Commission premises.He said that based on the meeting with the NEC it is likely the election would be delayed."If the government says it does not have the funds, if the Government Printer says it cannot print the ballot papers without payment, it is the National Election Commission that needs to decide on the matter," he added.Ranjith Madduma Bandara, the General Secretary of the Samagi Jana Balavegaya told reporters that the National Election Commission had given an undertaking to go ahead with

COLOMBO (News 1st); Sri Lanka's Cabinet of Ministers on Monday (13) approved a proposal submitted by President Ranil Wickremesinghe aimed at reducing the difficulties faced by the people and providing immediate relief in the face of the current economic situation.Accordingly, the Cabinet has approved a measure to provide 10 kg of rice to 02 million low-income families each in March and April. This will provide immediate relief to families in need and help improve their overall well-being.It has also been decided that the gratuity arrears owed to 18,000 retired government servants will be paid out in instalments using liquid cash.

COLOMBO (News 1st); General Sahir Shamshad Mirza, NI (M), the Chairman of the Joint Chiefs of Staff Committee of Pakistan called on President Ranil Wickremesinghe in Colombo on Friday (10).General Sahir Shamshad Mirza  arrived in Sri Lanka for a three day visit.Recalling the long-standing close relationship between Sri Lanka and Pakistan as friendly countries, the President joined General Zaheer Shamshad Mirza and others in a cordial conversation.General Sahir Shamshad Mirza also presented a momento to President Wickremesinghe.

President Ranil Wickremesinghe as the Minister of Finance, Economic Stabilization and National Policy has instructed the Treasury Secretary to only provide provisions for essential government expenses in order to maintain public services until the state revenue situation improves.The list of expenditure to be funded include salaries, debt servicing, pensions, medical supplies for hospitals, subsidies for low-income groups, scholarships, farmers’ pensions, school nutrition programs, payments for war heroes and disabled soldiers, utility payments, food supplies for hospitals and prisons, among others.This move is expected to have a significant impact on the economy, as it will prioritize the most important needs of the people and prevent funds from being misused. The Treasury has stressed the importance of sticking to the list of essential expenditure, as releasing funds for any other purpose could negatively impact the people and slow down the country’s economic recovery.

COLOMBO (News 1st); Sri Lankan President Ranil Wickremesinghe delivering his Government’s Policy Statement following the ceremonial opening of the parliament session said that the country needs media reforms, and for this purpose a national policy on mass media is being prepared."In order to succeed in economic, social and political reforms, it is essential to make the community aware, based on accurate facts. The main role of making the society aware belongs to the media," said the President in Parliament.He also said that journalists should be given national and international level training in that regard. "In 1993, as the Prime Minister, I appointed a Committee with Dr.

COLOMBO (News 1st); Sri Lankan President Ranil Wickremesinghe said that if the country continues according to the existing plan, Sri Lanka can rise out of bankruptcy by 2026.While delivering his Government’s Policy Statement following the ceremonial opening of the parliament session, President Wickremesinghe said that people will realize the importance of the present unpopular decisions in two to three years."Due to the measures taken, we have been successful in reducing the burden gradually. Now there is stability in the economy. People are comfortable.