Free entry to Zoos today

COLOMBO (News 1st) – Private vehicles will no longer be allowed to enter the Yala National Park without a guide from the Department of Wildlife.Mahinda Amaraweera, Sri Lanka's Minister of Agriculture, Wildlife & Forest Resources Conservation told News 1st that this decision is temporary and will be in effect until the investigation on the reckless joy-riding incident inside the Yala National Park is complete.He said that the Department of Wildlife will report the matter to the Tissamaharama Court to institute necessary legal action.In addition, the Ministry of Agriculture, Wildlife & Forest Resources Conservation is conducting its own investigation on the six tour guides, and one forest ranger who were present at the time of the reckless joy-riding incident inside the Yala National Park.A total of seven Park Rangers have been interdicted until the investigations are over, and they are charged with dereliction of duty, and for their direct or indirect involvement in the incident.The matter was also raised during Wednesday's (26) cabinet briefing, and Minister Bandula Gunawardena.

The country’s active caseload has declined to 19,798, while the total tally of covid cases has risen to 4.46 crore so far New Delhi: India reported 2,208 new covid cases in the last 24 hours, as per the union health ministry data on Friday. The country’s active caseload has declined to 19,798 while the total tally of covid cases has risen to 4.46 crore so far. The death toll has increased to 5,28,999 so far with 12 fatalities reported in a day.

The manager of a Scots nursery where a baby boy choked to death has been convicted of failing to ensure children were adequately monitored during mealtimes.

COLOMBO (News 1st) – Former Parliamentarian Ranjan Ramanayake was turned away from the Bandaranaike International Airport by Immigration and Emigration Department officials on Friday (28) morning.Airport Immigration and Emigration said the former politician was turned away based on a court order barring overseas travel.Ranjan Ramanayake speaking to News 1st said that an overseas travel ban was imposed on him with regard to case filed over the distribution rice during the COVID-19 pandemic era.Ramanayake said the case was concluded and the overseas travel ban was lifted, however the relevant agencies had not been informed of the matter.He said that action will be taken on Friday (28) to resolve the matter, adding that he was to fly to the United States of America to attend an event.

By paying a nominal add-on premium, employees can upgrade their cover, which can even be continued in a personal capacity post-employment Employee benefits insurtech Healthysure has partnered ManipalCigna Health Insurance to launch India’s first flexi top-up insurance which allows employees to personalize and upgrade their corporate health insurance plans. By paying a nominal add-on premium, employees can upgrade their cover, which can even be continued in a personal capacity post-employment. They are thus able to eliminate the need of buying independent personal health cover and also save up to 90% of premium spending.

Justin Bieber and Shawn Mendes are investing time in their spiritual side…

COLOMBO (News 1st) – Minister of State for Finance Ranjith Siyambalapitiya says in a statement that there is no other option but to raise taxes in a situation where 4 million of the 6.8 million families living in the country are demanding various subsidies. The relevant announcement further states that the people also have a responsibility to keep the poor people of the country alive. The announcement also emphasized that there is a huge deficit between the government's income and expenditure and to cover it, as inflation is close to 100 per cent, money cannot be printed anymore, so taxes should be levied as much as possible. 

COLOMBO (News 1st) – The Inter-University Student Federation and the Inter-University Bhikku Federation staged a protest opposite the Terrorist Investigation Division in Narahenpita. The protest was staged demanding to protect the lives of Venerable Galwewa Siridhamma Thero and the convener of the Inter-University Student Federation, Wasantha Mudalige. A strong police force was deployed opposite the Terrorist Investigations Division in Narahenpita ahead of the protest by student activists.Watch Here:   

COLOMBO (News 1st) – Minister of State for Finance Ranjith Siyambalapiya says in a statement that there is no other option but to raise taxes in a situation where 4 million of the 6.8 million families living in the country are demanding various subsidies. The relevant announcement further states that the people also have a responsibility to keep the poor people of the country alive. The announcement also emphasized that there is a huge deficit between the government's income and expenditure and to cover it, as inflation is close to 100 per cent, money cannot be printed anymore, so taxes should be levied as much as possible. 

COLOMBO (News 1st) – Colombo Chief Magistrate Nandana Abeyasinghe issued notice on the OIC of the Criminal Investigations Department to appear in court on the 10th of December.The OIC of the CID has been summoned to show cause for the failure of the CID to conduct an investigation into the complaint filed regarding the dual citizenship of State Minister Diana Gamage. Appearing for Lakmal Herath Attorney-at-Law Gunarathne Vanninayake said that his client had lodged a complaint at the CID stating that State Minister Diana Gamage had concealed the fact that she has a British Passport and applied for a Sri Lankan passport. The counsel added that the CID had failed to investigate this complaint. The Counsel further pointed out that although a responsible public official had testified that the State Ministers' NIC and Birth Certificates are forgeries no further investigations have been conducted. After considering the facts the Colombo Chief Magistrate Nandana Amarasinghe issued notice on the OIC of the CID to appear in court on the 10th of next month.   

COLOMBO (News 1st) – A special petition was filed with the Supreme Court today challenging the Inland Revenue (Amendment) Bill that was added to the Parliament agenda on the 21st of October 2022.The petition was filed by Athula Saranga Ranaweera, a General Manager of a leading private company in Sri Lanka and seeks a determination from the Supreme Court that the Inland Revenue (Amendment) Bill is inconsistent with the constitution of the country.The petitioner has named the Attorney General as the respondent.The petitioner claims that if the Inland Revenue (Amendment) Bill is passed it would cause grave injustice to the professionals and the general public.Therefore, the petitioner is seeking a Supreme Court determination on the Inland Revenue (Amendment) Bill stating that clauses 15, 16, 22, 29,36, and 39 must be removed from the Bill or a Special Majority is required in Parliament for the passage of the Bill.The petition was filed through Attorneys H.M.

COLOMBO (News 1st) – The Bar Association of Sri Lanka says that the enactment of the 21st Amendment must not be used as an excuse or mechanism to discontinue Chairpersons and members of Commissions whose services helped establish public faith in such Institutions. The Bar Association went on to note that the 21st Amendment to the Constitution regrettably does not completely restore the status quo ante which prevailed prior to the 20th Amendment to the Constitution and does not place adequate checks and balances on the powers of the Executive President. It noted that the 20th Amendment to the Constitution rolled back the checks and balances which were introduced by the 19th Amendment on the exercise of executive power.The Bar Association of Sri Lanka calls upon the President, Prime Minister, Speaker, Leader of the Opposition, and all political parties represented in Parliament, to firstly ensure the integrity of nominations to the Constitutional Council and to ensure that such nominations are devoid of partisanship and in a manner that will inspire public confidence.The BASL noted that for this purpose, it is important to ensure that the non-ex-officio members of the Constitutional Council appointed from among Members of Parliament and from among non-Members of Parliament be done in a transparent and open manner and to also ensure that those appointed will be acceptable to the members of the public and be persons of the highest integrity and reputation.

COLOMBO (News 1st) – The Ceylon Electricity Board on Thursday (27) said that the 2.5% Social Security Contribution Tax will be added to the monthly electricity bill with effect from 1st October 2022.As per the Social Security Tax Act, electricity supply by Ceylon Electricity Board is subject to the Social 2.5% Security Contribution Tax.Accordingly, the Ceylon Electricity Board will charge the said tax from the 1st of October, 2022.The Chairman of the Public Utilities Commission Janaka Ratnayake said that the PUCSL suggested the Ministry of Finance exempt electricity consumption from this tax. The Ministry of Finance has informed the PUCSL that according to the relevant Act, the electricity supply of the Ceylon Electricity Board is subject to this tax.

COLOMBO (News 1st) – Two chartered flights of essential medicines gifted by China will arrive in  Colombo on Thursday (27).The Chinese Embassy in Colombo said that the value of the essential medicines is 35 million RMB (1.8 billion LKR). The two chartered flights carrying essential medicines donated by China to Sri Lanka both departed Chengdu in North West China for Colombo earlier on Thursday (27th).The Chinese Embassy said that in June, and September 2022 China donated 23 Million RMB (1.2 bln LKR) worth of medicines to Sri Lanka.With a total volume of 151.25 cubic meters and a weight of 28.64 metric tons, the consignment consists of:1) 15,000 vials of Human Albumin Solution; 2) 330,300 doses of Rabies Vaccine for Human Use (Vero Cell) Freeze-dried; 3) 7,500 vials of 23-Valent Pneumococcal Polysaccharide Vaccine (PPSV23); 4) 22,020 vials of Human Immunoglobulin (ph4) for IV use; 5) 170,240 syringes of Recombinant human granulocyte Colony-Stimulating factor injection.The consignments will be officially handed over to Sri Lankan authorities later on Thursday (27).

COLOMBO (News 1st) – The need for peaceful co-existence and unity among the races is felt more strongly than at any time in history, in our country where different races live together and children in all parts of the island are working together without discrimination, Defence Secretary General Kamal Gunaratne said on Wednesday (26).The National Cadet Corps (NCC), including in the North and Eastern Provinces, is doing silent service to build harmony among nationalities supporting the government's program after lasting peace was restored in the country.The Defence Secretary made these remarks while gracing as the Chief Guest of the passing out parade of NCC Hermann Loos & De Soyza Championship – 2022 held at the NCC Training Centre at Rantembe.The Defence Secretary also said there is an opinion in society that children who are engaged in cadet activities during school period acquire leadership qualities, discipline, the persistent performance of their duties, the ability to face challenges and live with self-confidence when socializing as adults and it reflects well through them.He congratulated the cadets who won the national championship as well as all the other cadet platoons who competed very well in the competition. He also paid his gratitude to their parents for directing their children to the training activities of the NCC and for being a great strength to them.General Gunaratne in his address said that our children should be prepared to face the emerging world as future employment sector is undergoing a massive transformation and accordingly, digital technology methods such as artificial intelligence, intelligent automation, robotics etc.

Four-alarm fire breaks out at Camden County apartment building. CAMDEN COUNTY, N.J. - Crews spent about five hours fighting a massive blaze that took over an apartment building in Camden County overnight.The four-alarm fire erupted on the 200 block of Branch Avenue in Pine Hill around 11 p.m.Officials say they arrived to heavy fire on balconies, which affected evacuation.

SAN JOSE, Calif. - The San Jose Fire Department has launched an investigation into a video posted to social media of a bikini-clad woman exiting a fire truck.The video shared on the San Jose Foos Instagram account Thursday night shows a fire truck with its lights flashing stopped outside the Pink Poodle strip club.A few seconds into the video, a woman wearing what appears to be a bikini gets out of the truck and walks toward the strip club.The San Jose Fire Department said it was aware of the "concerning" video and has started an investigation to determine the facts."If findings of an internal investigation reveal inappropriate behavior of any Department members, appropriate steps will be taken to address the matter," San José Fire Chief Robert Sapien, Jr. said in a statement.

MOUNT LAUREL, N.J. - Pigs running wild and wreaking havoc in South Jersey and police say the animals have been causing mayhem and getting a lot of attention for a few weeks."He was driving down Kettlebrook in our development. He was trying to make a left on Halloway.

PHILADELPHIA - Philadelphia police have released video of a shooting that injured a man in Logan as they search for three suspects. On Oct. 4, officers with the 35th District responded to reports of a shooting near Broad and Windrim streets. When officers arrived on scene they found a 23-year-old man suffering from multiple gunshot wounds to his right arm.

A California-based family of four, including an eight-month-old infant, have been found dead two days after they were kidnapped at gunpoint.

PHILADELPHIA - A man is lucky to be alive after police say a group of four suspects fired more than 30 shots at him in Overbrook last month. According to police, the shooting occurred on September 21 around 8:30 p.m. on the 1400 block of North 75th Street in Philadelphia's Overbrook neighborhood. Authorities say surveillance video released shows four men firing down the street toward the male victim. MORE LOCAL HEADLINESMore than 30 shots were fired, leaving several cars and homes in the area struck, officials say. The intended target was "amazingly" not struck by gunfire, according to police. Police are asking anyone with information on the shooting to contact police by calling 215-686-8477 or submitting an anonymous form online.

COLOMBO (News 1st) – Sri Lanka Police fired tear gas in Mullaithivu on Wednesday (5) to prevent a brawl from taking place  between two groups of fishermen.Fishermen from Mullaithivu have been protesting opposite the Mullaithivu Fisheries Office for three days citing several demands including a ban on illegal fishing methods and the transfer of corrupt officials.While this protest was taking place, another group marched in protest from the Mullaithivu Bus Terminal demanding that a certain type fishing net locally known as the 'Surukku Dela' be permitted to be used for fishing, though it has been banned in Sri Lanka.The group then attempted to march towards the Mullaithivu Fisheries Office.Despite Sri Lanka Police attempting to prevent them marching ahead, the group broke through and Sri Lanla Police were forced to fire tear gas to disperse the crowd.After tear gas was fired, the fishermen who demanded permission to use the banned fishing net protested opposite the Mullaithivu District Secretariat.They handed over a letter to the Mullaithivu District Secretary, and thereafter with Police and Military protection handed over a letter to the Mullaithivu Fisheries Department as well.The group thereafter moved away, however, the fishermen who want to ban the use of the said nets continued with their protest.

PHILADELPHIA - Three suspects are wanted by police after they allegedly opened fire on a 19-year-old, leaving him for dead last month.The teen was sitting on the steps of a home on the 600 block of 13th Street when police say he was ambushed by three male suspects on September 26.Surveillance footage captured the moment about 36 shots were reportedly fired as the teen sat in broad daylight, killing him. MORE HEADLINES:Police say the suspects then fled in a dark-colored Nissan Altima with tinted windows, possible driver-side damage and a missing rear hubcap on the driver's side. A fourth person was reportedly driving the car.The same vehicle is being sought in connection to a shooting that left an 8-year-old girl with a graze wound four days earlier.Another 46 shots were fired in this shooting that struck a 23-year-old in the leg.

PHILADELPHIA - An investigation is underway after a fire in North Philadelphia turned deadly. Officials say fire crews responded to the 2600 block of North 16th Street shortly after 2:30 a.m. on Wednesday morning. MORE LOCAL HEADLINESAccording to authorities, firefighters got the fire under control in about 20 minutes and later discovered a body inside. The structure was believed to have been vacant when the fire broke out. This is a developing story.

Crocs shoes are pictured in a file image. (Photo by Dina Rudick/The Boston Globe via Getty Images) BROOMFIELD, Colo. - Crocs is celebrating its 20th anniversary by giving away thousands of free pairs of shoes each day through Oct.

PHILADELPHIA - Philadelphia police released video in a double shooting that left two injured last week, one in critical condition.An 18-year-old and 25-year-old man were riding their bikes when they were ambushed with gunfire on the 6100 block of Market Street on September 30.Police say two suspects fired several shots after exiting the passenger side of a dark-colored minivan, possibly a Kia Sedona. They fled in the same vehicle.Surveillance video shows the suspects immediately opening fire on the victims as they rode towards them.MORE HEADLINES:The 18-year-old was shot in the leg, and placed in stable condition.

Jamie Graham stands next to his record-setting pumpkin. (Topsfield Fair)He also won a cash prize of $8,522.

Mark Wahlberg attends the Los Angeles Premiere of Netflix's "Me Time" at Regency Village Theatre on August 23, 2022 in Los Angeles, California. (Photo by Axelle/Bauer-Griffin/FilmMagic) BOSTON (AP) - A home where entertainers Mark and Donnie Wahlberg’s family once lived was damaged by fire Sunday in Boston’s Dorchester neighborhood, the fire department said.The blaze in a nearby home at around 10 a.m., but spread to another three buildings because of strong winds, Fire Commissioner Paul Burke said.

EWING, N.J. - Firefighters were on scene at the Ewing Senior and Community Center battling a three-alarm fire that broke out early Friday morning. Authorities say the fire broke out around 5 a.m., while the facility was closed. According to fire officials, the roof of the building collapsed as crews worked to put out the flames. MORE LOCAL HEADLINESSKYFOX flew over the scene of the fire as several crews continued to respond. Officials have not reported any injuries at this time. Parkway Avenue is closed from Scotch Road to Farrell Avenue as crews remain on scene fighting the flames. Drivers are advised to avoid the area. The cause of the fire is under investigation. SKYFOX flew over the scene of the Ewing Senior and Community Center as crews work to put out a 3-alarm fire.

EWING, N.J. - Firefighters are on scene at the Ewing Senior and Community Center battling a three-alarm fire that broke out early Friday morning. Authorities say the fire broke out overnight on Friday when the facility was closed. According to fire officials, the roof of the building has collapsed. The roof of the Ewing Senior and Community Center has collapsed as crews battled a three-alarm fire that broke out Friday morning.MORE LOCAL HEADLINESSKYFOX flew over the scene of the fire as several crews continued to battle the flames. Officials have not reported any injuries at this time. Parkway Avenue is closed from Scotch Road to Farrell Avenue as crews remain on scene fighting the flames. Drivers are advised to avoid the area. SKYFOX flew over the scene of the Ewing Senior and Community Center as crews work to put out a 3-alarm fire.

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

COLOMBO (News 1st) – Colombo District Secretary Pradeep Yasaratne told News 1st on Thursday (29) that the people who were displaced following the blaze that ripped through over 80 houses in Kajimawatte are being provided with relief.At the same time, LOLC Holdings also provided these families with essential relief packages via its Divi Saviya social welfare program.Eighty houses were completely destroyed following a fire that broke out in a series of houses in Kajimawatte, Grandpass on Tuesday (27) night.Sri Lanka Police said the fire was contained by over fifty firefighters who battled the blaze for several hours.Sri Lanka Police added that 300 plus people were displaced by the fire, and they were moved to a community hall and a temple temporarily until the area is cleared.The area that was burnt to the ground is a place where people were housed temporarily until they can be moved to a housing complex owned by the Urban Development Authority.President Ranil Wickremesinghe, who was on an official visit to Japan, had instructed the President’s Secretary Saman Ekanayake to take steps to provide immediate relief to all the residents affected by the fire that broke out at the Kajimawatta, Colombo.The President had instructed Secretary Saman Ekanayake to intervene immediately and direct the Colombo GA, Tri Forces Commanders, the Fire Brigade, the Health Department, the Urban Development Authority and all other relevant government agencies to look into the needs of the people who were residing in the apartment complex and provide them the required facilities immediately.

A new strain of Covid thought to be even more contagious has been spotted all over Europe, and experts fear it will continue to spread.

COLOMBO (News 1st) – The latest report from the World Food Program reveals that four in ten housholds in Sri Lanka are consuming inadequate diets.The World Food Program said that the intensifying economic crisis continues to threaten food security, and the persistence of high food and fuel prices has pushed food further out of each. The WFP warned that in the face of inaction, the situation could deteriorate even further.Highlighting the fact that diets are in a precarious state among Sri Lankans, the World Food Program said that four in ten  households are facing insufficient food  consumption, with many consuming far less diverse diets as food prices remain high across the country.To date, WFP has received a total of US$29.35 million from the  governments of Australia, Italy,  Japan, New Zealand, Norway, United States and  Switzerland, as well as from the UN Central  Emergency Response Fund, private sector partners, and multilateral donors. This represents nearly half of its emergency appeal for US$63 million. 

COLOMBO (News 1st); Eighty houses were completely destroyed following a fire that broke out in a series of houses in Kajimawatte, Grandpass on Tuesday (27) night.Sri Lanka Police said the fire was contained by over fifty firefighters who battled the blaze for several hours.Sri Lanka Police added that 220 people were displaced by the fire, and they were moved to a community hall and a temple temporarily until the area is cleared.The Government Analyst will be summoned on Wednesday (28) to determine the cause of the fire.Colombo District Secretary Pradeep Yasaratne told News 1st that steps will be taken to provide relief to the people who were displaced by the fire.He said a proposal was put forward to award the displaced families houses from housing complexes owned by the Urban Development Authority.President Ranil Wickremesinghe, who is on an official visit to Japan, has instructed the President’s Secretary Saman Ekanayake to take steps to provide immediate relief to all the residents affected by the fire that broke out at the Kajimawatta complex in Thotalanga, Colombo.The President had instructed Secretary Saman Ekanayake to intervene immediately and direct the Colombo GA, Tri Forces Commanders, the Fire Brigade, the Health Department, the Urban Development Authority and all other relevant government agencies to look into the needs of the people who were residing in the apartment complex and provide them the required facilities immediately.Accordingly, all relevant departments have already taken steps to provide the maximum intervention required to douse the fire and provide all other necessary facilities promptly.The President has further stated that special attention should be provided to attend to the needs of

Over 100 firefighters are on scene battling a fire at a car junkyard in North Philadelphia.  PHILADELPHIA - Officials say 120 firefighters are on scene of a three-alarm fire at West Sedgley Avenue and West Venago Street, along with medics, chiefs, and support personnel. There are no known victims at this time and no specific hazardous substances have been identified, officials say.The Health Department says they dispatched inspectors to the area to collect air samples to assess air quality in the area.

COLOMBO (News 1st) – The fire brigade rushed a dozen fire engines to battle a massive fire that engulfed the Kajimawatte area of Grandpass, Colombo 14 on Tuesday (27) evening.Over fifty firefighters from the fire stations of Grandpass, Kotahena, and Darley Road battled to save hundreds of houses while hundreds of people were evacuated from their homes.

 tOKYO (News 1st) – President Ranil Wickremesinghe met with the Prime Minister of Singapore Lee Hsien Loong in Tokyo on Tuesday (27), and said that his priority was to bring into effect the Free Trade Agreement with Singapore.During the discussions President Wickremesinghe informed the Singaporean Prime Minister that an international trade office was being established in the President’s office.Prime Minister Lee Hsien Loong welcomed the news, and stated that Singapore was looking forward to investing in Sri Lanka once again.President Wickremesinghe invited the Singaporean Prime Minister to visit Sri Lanka next year when the country celebrates its 75th Independence Anniversary.

Megan Thee Stallion is helping others tend to their mental health with the launch of her new website.

PARIS (AP) - A billowing column of dark smoke towered over Paris on Sunday from a warehouse blaze at a massive produce market that supplies the French capital and surrounding region with much of its fresh food and bills itself as the largest of its kind in the world.Firefighters urged people to stay away from the area in Paris' southern suburbs, as 100 officers and 30 fire engines battled the blaze at the Rungis International Market.Capt. Marc Le Moine, a spokesman for the Paris fire service, said no one was injured.

COLOMBO (News 1st) – Four out of the seven Sri Lankans who were held captive by Russian forces in Ukraine have been identified as medical students in the city of Kupiansk, while the other three were identified as workers.This information is being revealed in contrast to the rumors circulating with regard to the captured Sri Lankans being illegal immigrants, and the Ukrainian President Zelenskyy's brief about the seven Sri Lankans being medical students.A report by the Associated Press citing a press conference held at Kharkiv Police states that the Sri Lankans were tortured at a factory in the area which was captured by Russian forces, and were beaten, mainly because they could not understad the language.The former captives include Nilojan Vasanthakumar, 20, Uthayakamar Mary Edid Prema, 50, Sharujan Gianeswaran, 25, Thinees Jokenthhiran, 34, Dilukshan Robertclive, 25, Dilujan Paththinajakan, 20 and Ainkaranathan Ganesamoorthi, 38.According to the captured Sri Lankans, six among the group were held in a large upstairs room, while the seventh, the only woman, was kept in a dark cell by herself. On 17th September, the Ukrainian President Voldomyr Zelenskyy in his briefing noted that seven Sri Lankan students were found in 'torture chambers' where civilians were abused by Russian soldiers in areas of the Kharkiv region in Ukraine. One man said he was shot in the foot by the Russian captors. Another had a toenail ripped off after the soldiers repeatedly bashed it with the butt of a rifle.“Every day we were cleaning toilets and bathrooms,” Dilukshan Robertclive, one of the former captives, said in English.

COLOMBO (News 1st) – The police fired tear gas and aimed water cannons at Socialist Youth Union protestors who were engaged in a protest in the Maradana area against the Government's repressive measures.The protestors initiated the march under the theme of re-energizing the people's protests and returning the power of the youth to Colombo.The police previously announced that although the protest march was due to start from near the Lipton Roundabout in Colombo, they cannot allow it.The Police said that 84 people have been detained by Sri Lanka Police for taking part in the protest organized by the Socialist Youth Union.Several protestors who were injured during the protest were brought to Colombo National Hospital for treatment as well.

HARRISBURG, Pa. - Doug Mastriano, the Republican nominee for governor in Pennsylvania, is perhaps best known as an election denier who was at the U.S. Capitol on Jan.

COLOMBO (News 1st) – Four more fuel ships have reached the port of Colombo by Saturday (24).The Ministry of Power and Energy stated that two diesel ships, a petrol ship and a crude oil ship are anchored at the Port of Colombo.The Ministry also stated they will pay the relevant fees for the anchored ships promptly.Meanwhile, bulk unloading of fuel has begun from three ships which remained anchored at the Port of Colombo for several weeks after the recent payment.

OAK FOREST, Ill. - The Cook County Medical Examiner confirmed four people are dead in connection to a barricade situation and house fire in Oak Forest Friday morning. Oak Forest police responded to domestic disturbance call at a home in the 5500 block of Ann Marie Lane around 6:35 a.m.When police arrived they found two victims with gunshot wounds in the driveway and a third victim in the roadway south of the home. Police pulled the victims into their squad cars and transferred them to a safer location to render aid. The victims were then taken to a local hospital where they were treated and later died. Police and other law enforcement officials established a perimeter around the home where the suspect was barricaded.

PLANT CITY, Fla. - Most kids can instantly recognize a firefighter by their uniform, but it's different for a child who is blind.That all changed for 6-year-old Junie during a recent trip to Plant City Fire Rescue's Station #3 with fellow homeschool students.The group got the chance to tour the station and explore the fire trucks. But for Junie, the most meaningful part of the visit was the opportunity to get some hands-on experience.(Courtesy: Destiny Fiaschetti) "His favorite part was spending time with this patient firefighter who allowed Junie to feel all over his uniform and gear, touch whatever he wanted, hear the sounds his equipment made, and answered all of his questions," Junie's mother, Destiny Fiaschetti, wrote on her Facebook page, Adventures of a June Bug.RELATED: Family travels the world after learning children will go blindShe took video as Junie used his hands to see, running them over each part of the firefighter's uniform from his mask to his oxygen tank to get an image in his mind.

COLOMBO (News 1st) – President Wickremesinghe joined the 23rd Colombo National Book Fair at the BMICH this morning (22).He noted that a special book exhibition including books and documents of rare and historical value that have been taken from Sri Lanka to foreign countries is expected to be organized in conjunction with the 75th Independence Commemoration.The President also said that he expected to obtain the support of the Sri Lanka Book Publishers Association for the Independence Commemorative Book Exhibition.The President, who arrived at the book exhibition this morning, was received by the Chairman of the Sri Lanka Book Publishers Association, Samantha Indivara, and the group.Sri Lanka Foundation Chairman Saman Athaudahetti, members of the Book Publishers Association,  Vijitha Yapa, H.D.