‘Divi Saviya’ launched to support Sri Lankan students

NEW DELHI : As travel resumes normalcy after the pandemic, several tour operators and airlines are reporting that demand for business and premium economy tickets has risen compared with the pandemic and pre-pandemic period. With air travel, especially business travel, slumping during the pandemic and economy-class airfares skyrocketing, an unintended consequence was that the gap between economy and premium economy tickets narrowed. Travel agency Thomas Cook India has seen a 50% jump in business class travel versus last year as corporate travel resumes.

PHILADELPHIA, PA - NOVEMBER 16: Governor of the Philadelphia Flyers Dave Scott speaks during a press conference for 2021 Flyers Hall of Fame Inductees Paul Holmgren and Rick Tocchet prior to a pregame Hall of Fame induction ceremony at an NHL game be PHILADELPHIA - Dave Scott will retire as chairman of the Philadelphia Flyers' parent company Comcast Spectacor and be replaced by Dan Hilferty.Hilferty, who was recently named CEO of Comcast Spectacor, will succeed Scott as chairman of the company on April 17 and as the team's governor on July 1.Scott joined Comcast Spectacor in December 2013 and the Flyers have struggled under his reign. They will miss the playoffs for a third straight season and haven’t won a Stanley Cup since 1975."Our number one goal for the Flyers will be to consistently compete for the Stanley Cup," Hilferty said.

The David statue by artist Michelangelo Buonarroti during a presentation of the celebrations for the 140th anniversary of the placement from Piazza della Signoria to the Gallerie dall'Accademia in Florence, Italy. (Roberto Serra - Iguana Press/Getty ROME - The Florence museum housing Michelangelo’s Renaissance masterpiece the David on Sunday invited parents and students from a Florida charter school to visit after complaints about a lesson featuring the statue forced the principal to resign.Florence Mayor Dario Nardella also tweeted an invitation for the principal to visit so he can personally honor her.

COLOMBO (News 1st); Sri Lanka's Cabinet has given the green light to award licenses to Sinopec, United Petroleum, Australia & RM Parks of USA in a collaboration with Shell Plc to enter the Fuel Retail market in Sri Lanka.Energy Minister Kanchana Wijesekera said that the Energy Committee & relevant other procurement committees had given their approval & recommendation to award the 3 companies the licenses to operate.He said that the 3 companies will be allocated 150 Dealer operated fuel stations each which are currently operated by the Ceylon Petroleum Corporation.He added that these companies will be granted a license to operate for 20 years to import, store, distribute and sell petroleum products in Sri Lanka. A further 50 fuel stations at New locations will be established by each selected company, he added. 

WEST READING, Pa. - In the aftermath of the R.M. Palmer factory explosion, local organizations have established the West Reading Disaster Recovery Fund and, already, thousands of dollars have poured in for the families affected.

A call has been issued to the Scottish Government to better support NHS Ayrshire & Arran to meet waiting time targets for physiotherapy appointments.

COLOMBO (News1st); The Ceylon Petroleum Trade Union Collective has commenced a satyagraha opposite the Kolonnawa Terminal.Chairman of Petroleum branch of the Sri Lanka Nidahas Sevaka Sangamaya, Jagath Wijegunaratne says that the satyagraha is being carried out against the attempts to privatize the Ceylon Petroleum Corporation. He says that the Ceylon Petroleum Corporation (CPC) is currently making profits, and terms these times as the "golden era" of the CPC.  Wijegunaratne says that the profit of last month alone is Rs.

COLOMBO (News 1st); Leader of the Sri Lanka Podujana Peramuna Mahinda Rajapaksa said that he believes an election will take place before December 2023. Speaking to reporters following an event at the Abhayarama Temple in Colombo on Monday (27), the Former Sri Lankan President said irrespective of the nature of the election, be it Local Government or Presidential, the SLPP is ready for the election.

COLOMBO (News 1st); The Chairman of the Indian Oil Corporation or IOC Shrikant Madhav Vaidya called on President Ranil Wickremesinghe over the weekend.The Chairman of IOC Shrikant Madhav Vaidya met with President Wickremesinghe along with the Shri Pankaj Jain, the Secretary to the Indian Ministry of Petroleum and Natural Gas.He presented 500 IOC produiced indoor solar cooking systems, to the Government of Sri Lanka, in the presence of Gopal Baglay, the Indian High Commissioner to Sri Lanka.The visiting IOC Chairman also presented a unique jacket, made of sustainable threads obtained by recycling PET bottles under Indian Oil's Unbottled initiative.In addition, he also took part in an event to inaugurate three filling stations of Lanka IOC in Colombo, and the opening of the new premises were done remotely.Manoj Gupta, the Managing Directro of LIOC tweeted that 34 more new LIOC filling stations are set to commence physical operations within March 2023 further strengthening the footprints of LIOC in the country.The Chairman of IOC noted that it underlines the company's unwavering dedication to fortify Sri Lanka's energy security and also demonstrates the IOC commitment to becoming a dominant player in the global energy space.The Chairman of IOC Shrikant Madhav Vaidya also met with Sri Lankan cricket legend & World Cup Winning Captain Arjuna Ranatunga in Colombo.

Linda Nolan has revealed that her cancer has spread to her brain in a devastating health update on Monday's Good Morning Britain. The star, who found fame as one fifth of The Nolans – one of the most successful girl groups of all time, selling over 30 million records worldwide – first learned she had breast cancer in 2006. Her devastating diagnosis came six years after her older sister Anne’s and four years before sister Bernie’s.

COLOMBO (News1st); Sri Lankan authorities arrested a drug trafficker who goes by the name 'Army Sanath' in Ahangama.

COLOMBO (News 1st) – The Department of Meteorology has issued a weather forecast predicting showers or thundershowers in various parts of Sri Lanka. The Western and Sabaragamuwa provinces, as well as the Galle, Matara, Kandy, and Nuwara-Eliya districts, are expected to experience showers or thundershowers during the afternoon or night.Meanwhile, the North Central, Uva, and North-Western provinces, as well as the Mannar district, may witness showers or thundershowers during the afternoon or night as well. The Department advises the public to take necessary precautions to minimize damages caused by temporary localized strong winds and lightning during thundershowers.

COLOMBO (News 1st); A Parliament Select Committee was appointed to inquire into child malnutrition in Sri Lanka.The committee is tasked with inquiring into whether the child malnutrition issue in Sri Lanka is aggravating and to identify short term, medium term and long-term measures to be taken in that regard, as well as to oversee the speedy implementation of the identified measures has been established.MP Vadivel Suresh was appointed as Chair of the Parliament Select Committee.The following members were appointed to the committee:Nalin Fernando Dr. Seetha Arambepola, A.

WEST READING, Pa. - In the aftermath of the R.M. Palmer factory explosion, local organizations have established the West Reading Disaster Recovery Fund and, already, thousands of dollars have poured in for the families affected.

 

COLOMBO (News 1st); State Minister of Finance Ranjith Siyambalapitiya said Sri Lanka is due to receive a loan of 7 billion dollars from two other foreign banks.The State Minister said the loan will be provided by the World Bank and the Asian Development Bank.He said Sri Lanka was unable to receive foreign loans after April 2022 due to the temporary inability to repay loans.He added however trust in this regard was restored following approval of the International Monetary Fund Extended Fund Facility. 

PHILADELPHIA - The Philadelphia Water Department, in an update regarding a chemical spill in Bucks County, assures the public the tap water is safe to drink and use until Monday, March 27 at 11:59 p.m. Water Dept.

Colombo (News 1st) – Those guilty of committing economic crimes in the recent past should be investigated under the Anti Corruption Act which the President is planning on passing, stated the Samagi Youth Lawyers Movement."He said that he will implement the best Anti Corruption Law in South Asia. That is good.

Colombo (News 1st) – Watch a News 1st exclusive interview with Governor of the Central Bank of Sri Lanka Dr.

Colombo (News 1st) – The Stein Studios in Sri Lanka, one of South Asia's largest studio complex's, dedicated one of its' four international studios to legendary filmmaker and actor Gamini Fonseka on Friday (24). The studio in which the international franchise show 'Who Wants To Be A Millionaire' ('Lakshapathi' in Sinhala) is recorded, is now called The Gamini Fonseka Studio.All of Sri Lanka's most legendary actors, actresses and cinema personalities were present at the event on Friday as a mark of respect for the late Gamini Fonseka.Widely regarded as the King of Sri Lankan cinema, Fonseka dominated the silver screen in 1960s and 1970s. Apart from acting, he was the Deputy Speaker of Sri Lanka Parliament from 1989 to 1994 and Governor of the North-Eastern Province from 1995 to 1998.In addition to being Sri Lanka's premier television production centre, the ultra modern Stein Studios, which is located in Ratmalana (a suburb in the Colombo district), is also one of the most preferred options for conventions in Sri Lanka and internationally.

Minister of Foreign Affairs Ali Sabry is on a working visit to South Africa from 21-25 March 2023 at the invitation of Minister of International Relations and Cooperation of South Africa Dr. Naledi Pandoor.  Minister Sabry is accompanied by Minister of Justice, Prison Affairs and Constitutional Reforms Dr.

AUDUBON, N.J. - A local Audubon pizza shop is hoping to make a difference for one family by organizing a fundraiser for a little boy diagnosed with leukemia, creating unique pizza boxes."It was just him and I at the emergency room that day," Callen’s mom, Tori Sarlo explained. "Ryan was at work. I hugged him as hard as I could and I just broke down."The family got the diagnosis a month ago.

Canada and the United States have agreed to implement the Safe Third Country Agreement across the entire shared land border, in an effort to deter irregular migrant crossings at unofficial entryways like Roxham Road.

LAWRENCE, KS - SEPTEMBER 15: A member of the New Jersey State Police watches over the team during the game between the Rutgers Scarlet Knights and the Kansas Jayhawks on Saturday September 15, 2018 at Memorial Stadium in Lawrence, Kansas. (Photo by N MEDIA, Pa. - New Jersey State Police have canceled the search for one of their own after he was found safe. On March 19, just before 7 p.m., officials say the trooper was seen leaving a health facility in Media, Pa.The Cumberland County man was observed on surveillance video leaving the facility on foot, near Route 352 and Yearsley Road near the Penn State Brandywine Campus.On Friday, N.J.

At a small, unofficial border crossing at Roxham Road separating Quebec and New York state in mid-March, a group of migrants encounters an RCMP officer who delivers a final warning.

COLOMBO (News 1st); The Bar Association of Sri Lanka in a letter to the Inspector General of Police had requested that Sri Lanka Police take necessary action to ensure the safety of the President of the BASL Saliya Pieris.The letter to the IGP relates to the protest that took pace opposite the chamber of Saliya Pieris, President of the Bar Association of Sri Lanka.BASL said that it was made aware the said protest relates to Mr. Pieris conducting his professional duties with regard to a particular client. "We are of the view the said protest seriously hinders his right to represent a client, a professional right which has been safeguarded by law," it added."Therefore, we strongly demand that you take action to ensure that Mr.

A Creetown man is calling for better support for people suffering from long Covid.

COLOMBO (News 1st); The body of a seven-year-old girl who was reported missing after attempting to cross a water-way in the Bogoda Village in Hali-Ela was recovered.A search operation is underway to locate a ten-year-old boy who also remains missing. The unfortunate incident of two young children being washed away by strong currents while attempting to cross a water-way was reported on Thursday (23).According to reports, the two children were looking for their mother, who had gone to work.The mother was serving as a domestic aide for a daily wage, and she was employed at a neighboring house at the time.However, as she was late to come back home, the two children had gone out in search of her during a heavy downpour.Unfortunately, they were washed away by the currents when attempting to cross a water-way named the Pihilla Kandura not far from their home.Locals said that the currents reached dangerous levels due to the heavy downpour.The mother of the two children had returned home at around 5 in the evening, and as her children were missing, she had gone out in search of them.Locals banded together and started to search for the missing kids with their mother,The umbrella used by the children was located close to the water-way, and it was suspected that they may have been washed away by the gushing waters.Sri Lanka Police and the Sri Lanka Army launched an extensive search and recovered the body of the seven-year-old girl at around 10 PM on Thursday (23), around one kilometer away from the house in another waterway, locally referred to as the Dodangolla Oya.

COLOMBO (News 1st); Sri Lanka's Central Bank Governor Dr. Nandalal Weerasinghe had noted that if Sri Lanka's debt is not restructured, Sri Lanka would have had a foreign debt burden of 06 billion dollars per year for many years to come. "Because it is difficult to pay, the debt payment is temporarily suspended and this process is used to restructure the debt," he told a meeting at the President's Office on Thursday (22)."We are unable to pay under the current terms, so we are asking the commercial institutions and private sectors and the respective governments that have granted us loans, to give us a relief period," he had noted, said the President's Media Division.The PMD also quoted the Central Bank Governor as saying that the first step in that process is the assurance given by the bilateral countries, and the International Monetary Fund has set targets for debt sustainability.

President Ranil Wickremesinghe said that the necessary steps will be taken to pass the best anti-Corruption Act in South Asia in Parliament soon.The President revealed that the cabinet approval for the Bill has already been granted and said that he will discuss it with the Opposition representatives in the future and present it to the Parliament.President Ranil Wickremesinghe said this during a discussion held at the Presidential Secretariat on Thursday (23) with the heads of media organizations.The President's Media Division released the comments made by the President:"Firstly, let me thank everyone of the media for your presence here today. As you know I have requested all of you to be present here to tell you about the IMF agreement.We became a bankrupt country a year ago. This is the first time we have had to restructure our debt with the support of the IMF and our creditors.And this is the first occasion we’ve had to restructure our debt with the support of IMF and our creditors.

PHILADELPHIA - Hundreds of students and teachers from Philadelphia magnet schools gathered Thursday at the district headquarters to protest possible budget and staffing cuts. The protesters specifically refuted the enrollment policy for special admission schools that relies strictly on PSSA test scores to increase equity. They say the new testing cut-off has unintended consequences that has lead to lower enrollment, empty seats in classrooms and staffing cuts for highly coveted schools. "Taking away this opportunity for teachers  to do their jobs over an algorithm, over a number is unjust and frankly sickening," Connor McFarland, a senior at Franklin Learning Center said.Students at Saul High School in Philadelphia's Upper Roxborough neighborhood organized a walk-out on Thursday to participate in the protests. MORE LOCAL HEADLINES"I love my school, I feel like the programs at my school are going to help people get jobs when they're finished," Kenya Woods, a Saul High School sophomore said. Heeyoung Yim, a teacher at Franklin Learning Center said in the past, the school was able to cut candidates some slack by speaking with qualified students who may have just missed the cut.

FILE - The Twitter Inc. logo is seen on a phone screen.

Crystal and Brian Clark hope they can save a life by sharing their own heartbreaking story of losing their children from a falling tree accident. (Crystal Clark) An Indiana mother and father are alerting people about an overlooked danger after the tragic loss of their two young children last year.On April 23, 2022, Crystal and Brian Clark, along with their son Xander, 9 and daughter, Ziva, 8, went out to Indian Oaks, a nearby campground that the family frequently visited.It had been fairly windy that day but the sun was shining, Crystal Clark told Fox News Digital."I decided after [lunch] we should go for a golf cart ride because it was a beautiful day," Crystal Clark added.After seeing some friends go for a ride, the Clarks decided to do the same and meet up at their favorite fishing spot."Ziva was taking their fish off [the line] 'cause that was one of her favorites things to do, and then she'd kiss it and then she'd toss it back in the water," said Crystal Clark."She loved everything," she added. "She loved every animal, fish or not."Xander was very excited to go fishing that day, but the family decided to instead go for one more ride on the golf cart, with the parents in the front and the kids in the back, before settling down to fish."The trails are always open.

COLOMBO (News 1st); Several leaders of opposition political parties in Sri Lanka led by Opposition Leader Sajith Premadasa met with Ambassadors and Delegates representing 12 countries in Colombo on Wednesday (22) evening.According to reports, the objective of the meeting was to discuss the current state of affairs in Sri Lanka.The discussion was mainly focused on Sri Lanka's Democracy, Constitution, and the Local Government Election.The Opposition Leader had requested the foreign missions to extend support to Sri Lanka Internationally.The foreign diplomats who attended the meeting, according to the office of the opposition leader, were:– Sarah Hulton, High Commissioner, High Commission of the United Kingdom in Sri Lanka– Denis Chaibi, Ambassador, Delegation of the European Union in Sri Lanka– Michael Appleton, High Commissioner, New Zealand High Commission in Sri Lanka– Julie J Chung, Ambassador, Embassy of the United States of America in Sri Lanka– Anouk Baron, Deputy Ambassador, Embassy of the Kingdom of the Netherlands in Sri Lanka– Dr Francesco Perale, Deputy Head of Mission, Embassy of Italy in Sri Lanka  – Vinod Jacob, Deputy High Commissioner, High Commission of the Republic of India in Sri Lanka– Katsuki Kotaro, Minister/Deputy Head of Mission, Embassy of Japan in Sri Lanka– Lalita Kapur, Deputy High Commissioner, Australian High Commission in Sri Lanka– Aurélien MAILLET, Deputy Head of Mission, Embassy of France in Sri Lanka– Daniel Blood, Counsellor (Political), High Commission of Canada in Sri Lanka– Ozaki Takeshi, First Secretary, Embassy of Japan in Sri Lanka.However, in Parliament on Thursday (23), Government Minister Prasanna Ranatunga alleged that the opposition had met with the foreign diplomats to

The first batch of women de-miners of the Army who have completed the internationally-acclaimed Humanitarian De-mining Course of high standards had the privilege of getting their insignia pinned from the Commander of the Army, Lieutenant General Vikum Liyanage after they were invited to the Army HQ on Wednesday (22).Extending his best wishes to those women soldiers, now fully-fledged to undertake overseas UN Peacekeeping Missions, the Army Chief highlighted the significance of their achievement to the Army and the motherland.A group of 3 Lady Officers and 51 female Other Ranks, having undergone the De-mining Course for women soldiers which began in December 2021 under two batches at both Engineers' Brigade Headquarters in Boo Oya and 10 Field Engineers HQ in Mailaddy, Jaffna thus received their insignia from the Commander of the Army during the brief occasion.The De-mining Course, inclusive of field operations drew to a close early this year after they sat for the final examination phase under the close supervision of Major General MK Jayawardena RSP USP ndu, Chief Field Engineer and Colonel Commandant, Sri Lanka Engineers.The Commander of the Army in his brief talk commended their sustained courage for completion of the Humanitarian De-mining Course in keeping with scheduled time frame, and congratulated them for undertaking such a challenge with determination and fearlessness. He also reminded the gathering that their contribution in the future for world peace as women de-miners of Sri Lanka would go into the Army history and keep the national flag flying bringing international admiration.Three Lady Officers and 51 Other Ranks who had graduated in the De-mining Course for women de-miners are currently performing de-

The Sri Lanka Navy conducted a special operation to chase away Indian poaching trawlers from Sri Lankan waters this morning (23rd March 2023).The operation led to the seizure of 2 Indian trawlers with 12 Indian nationals poaching in the Sea of Sri Lanka off Analaitivu and Kovilan, Jaffna.The Navy continues to conduct regular patrols and operations in Sri Lankan waters to curb illegal fishing practices of foreign fishing trawlers.As an extension of these operations, the Northern Naval Command deployed Fast Attack Craft of the 04th Fast Attack Flotilla to chase away a cluster of Indian poaching trawlers, having spotted they were engaging in illegal fishing in Sri Lankan waters off Analaitivu and Kovilan. In this operation, the Navy held 02 Indian poaching trawlers with 12 Indian fishers continuing to remain in Sri Lankan waters.The seized trawlers together with 12 Indian fishermen were brought to the Kankesanthurai harbour and they will be handed over to the Mailadi Fisheries Inspector for onward legal proceedings.In this backdrop, the Sri Lanka Navy is conducting operations to stop illegal fishing by foreign fishermen in the island waters.

The High Commission of the Islamic Republic of Pakistan and the Pakistani community based in Sri Lanka celebrated the 84th National Day of Pakistan to make Pakistan a strong, vibrant and progressive state.On the occasion, the High Commissioner, Maj. General (Retd) Umar Farooq Burki HI (M), added that Pakistan greatly values its relations with Sri Lanka which are based on mutual trust and understanding.

A delegation of 19 Indian Armed Forces officers led by Group Captain Yunus Syed Muzaffar from the 46th Indian Higher Air Command Course conducted at College of Air Warfare, Secunderabad arrived in Sri Lanka as part of Strategic Study Tour from 20-24 March 2023.The visit is focused on interactions with senior defence hierarchy as well as visits to military establishments and industrial organizations to broaden the vision of the trainees.The delegation started their visit by paying homage to the martyrs of Indian Peace Keeping Force at the memorial in Battaramulla followed by interactions with High Commissioner of India,Gopal Baglay, Chief of Defence Staff, General Shavendra Silva, and Air Marshal S.K Pathirana, Commander of Sri Lanka Air Force. The delegation is also scheduled to visit Galle, Hambantota, Diyatalawa, Kandy and Katunayake and interact with various agencies to get deeper insights about Sri Lanka. India’s ‘Neighbourhood First’ Policy seeks to promote institutional linkages between the Armed Forces of India and Sri Lanka.  Such Study Tours help strengthen the existing bonds of camaraderie and enhance people to people connect to achieve regional peace, security and stability. A few members of the delegation, including the head of the delegation, called on the Commander of the Sri Lanka Air Force, Air Marshal Sudarshana Pathirana and symbolic mementos were exchanged to mark the event.

Sri Lankan President Ranil Wickremesinghe said that due to the public sector engaging in business activities, the money that was available for the construction of 100 projects similar to the Mahaweli during the past decades, was destroyed.He noted that in the future, the public sector will stop engaging in business and open it to the private sector to create a free and productive economy.President Wickremesinghe mentioned this at the 71st commemoration ceremony of the late Prime Minister D.S. Senanayake at Independence Square on Wednesday (22).Recalling that D.S.

COLOMBO (News 1st); United State is partnering with Sri Lanka to improve water management to support communities that are facing challenges in accessing clean drinking water.US Ambassador to Sri Lanka Julie Chung, joined Prime Minister Dinesh Gunawardena and Minister Jeewan Thondaman in celebrating World Water Day on Wednesday (22), where she made these remarks."It seems a little ironic to talk about water conservation in a country that annually averages benefits from about 2,000 millimeters of rain. But the reality is this generous gift from nature doesn’t benefit all Sri Lankans as much as it could, with less than half of rural Sri Lankans having access to piped water," said the Ambassdor."That is why I’m so proud that the United States is partnering with Sri Lanka to improve water management.

The Embassy of Sri Lanka to the United States, working in collaboration with renowned American humanitarian donor organizations, has achieved a significant milestone in provision of free medicine and medical supplies to Sri Lanka from July to present date. Eight consignments have already been sent to the Ministry of Health. The total value of the 8 consignments is approximately US Dollars 27 million. At current exchange rate, this is worth nearly Sri Lankan Rupees 10 billion. Sri Lanka’s Ambassador to the United States, Mahinda Samarasinghe, who reached out to US donor organizations last year, has conveyed his heartfelt gratitude to the three donors, Heart to Heart International, Hope Worldwide and Americares for their generosity which has proved timely and potentially lifesaving for hundreds of thousands of Sri Lankans in dire need.The Ambassador intends to continue working with humanitarian organizations and agencies to provide assistance to vulnerable segments of the population.

COLOMBO (News 1st); State Minister Indika Anuruddha commended the efforts made by President Ranil Wickremesinghe during a media briefing convened by the Sri Lanka Podujana Peramuna.He told reporters that it was Basil Rajapaksa who recommended that Wickremesinghe be handed over the task of taking the IMF program forward. "The initial step was taken during the Gotabaya Rajapaksa administration. We had a few people in the Viyath Maga who were dragging the president's feet.

Edinburgh dockyard, which saw a large ship become dislodged from its mooring and tip over at a sharp angle.Emergency crews were sent to the Imperial Dock in Leith after the Petrel, a 76-metre research vessel owned by late Microsoft co-founder Paul Allen, tipped over at about 8:30 a.m. local time Wednesday.The Scottish Ambulance Service said 25 people were injured when the ship dislodged and 15 people were hospitalized. The remaining 10 injured were treated and discharged at the scene, according to PA Media.

A petroleum tanker stands while being built at the Aker Philadelphia Shipyard in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania, U.S., on Tuesday, June 19, 2012. The shipyard, the largest manufacturing business in Philadelphia, employs up to 1,200 workers and generates PHILADELPHIA - A horrifying fall at the shipyard in Philadelphia has left a young man fighting for his life.Police say the 26-year-old fell from a scissor lift at the Philly Shipyard on Kitty Have Avenue around 10 p.m.

COLOMBO (News 1st); Sri Lanka Police launched an investigation into an incident where a man had attacked an electrician with a sharp weapon in Koralawella, Moratuwa.Sri Lanka Police said that the attacker had taken away the hands of the victim after chopping them off. Sri Lanka Police said the incident took place following a heated exchange of words between two neighboring families at around 7 PM on Tuesday (21) night.The 40-year-old man whose hands were amputated was rushed to the Panadura General Hospital for treatment.CCTV cameras had captured the moment of the attacks, and also the manner in which the attacker walked away with another man's amputated hands.An investigation is underway to locate and arrest the suspect.

COLOMBO (News 1st); The bodies of three young men, who were reported missing after going for a swim in the Ellewala Falls in Wellawaya, were recovered on Wednesday (22) morning by Sri Lanka Navy divers. A group of ten young men from Kalmunai on an excursion has decided to go for a swim at the Ella-Wala Falls in Wellawaya on Tuesday (21).Sri Lanka Police said that one of the men drowned, and three others attempted to rescue him, however, they were swept away by strong currents.The body of one of the missing men was recovered on Tuesday (21) evening.Despite the inclement weather conditions, the local police and villagers launched a search and rescue operation to locate the three other missing, however, their efforts were future.On Wednesday (22), Sri Lanka Navy divers launched a search and recovered the bodies of the three men inside a 13 feet deep hole.The deceased were identified as 20 and 21 years old men from Kalmunakudy, Samanthurai, and Saithamaruthu.Drowning incidents were reported from the Ellewala Falls in Wellawaya in the recent past, and the most recent was reported in February 2022, where three lives were lost.

TikTok CEO Shou Zi Chew is interviewed at offices the company uses on Feb. 14, 2023, in Washington, D.C. (Photo by Matt McClain/The Washington Post via Getty Images) WASHINGTON - TikTok's CEO plans to tell Congress that the video-sharing app is committed to user safety, data protection and security, and keeping the platform free from Chinese government influence.Shou Zi Chew is due to answer questions Thursday from 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.