GL in Delhi but Indian Fishing vessels continue to break into ‘Sea of Sri Lanka’.

COLOMBO (News 1st); Sri Lanka’s Finance Minister Basil Rajapaksa on Monday (14) assured the Cabinet of Ministers that the Employees’ Provident Fund (EPF) and the Employees’ Trust Fund (ETF) as well as 9 other funds will be exempted from the 25% Surcharge Tax proposed in the 2022 Budget.It had been proposed in the 2022 Budget to impose a 25% Surcharge Tax on individuals or companies earning an annual taxable income of Rs. 2,000 million or more.Concerns were voiced by experts, opposition politicians as well as members of the government itself that the Employees’ Provident Fund (EPF) and the Employees’ Trust Fund (ETF) would also be subjected to the surcharge tax.They cited that any fund that exceeds Rs.

Two studies to be presented at upcoming professional society meetings suggest that some long COVID-19 symptoms may be related to the effect of SARS-CoV-2 on the vagus nerve and that the use of enhanced external counterpulsation (EECP)—which increases blood flow—can improve some of those symptoms, respectively.

COVID-19 update, both new hospitalizations and intensive care unit cases had a decrease of roughly 10 per cent.

Justin Trudeau consulted premiers about using the Emergencies Act Monday, while an Ontario judge granted an injunction to enforce noise and idling bylaws related to the ongoing anti-vaccine mandate protests in Ottawa.City solicitor David White requested the injunction Friday, saying the protesters were flagrantly violating bylaws against relentless noise, idling of trucks, setting off fireworks, and open air fires.The injunction, which does not have an end date, was designed to give the police and bylaw officers an extra tool to enforce city bylaws, lawyers acting for the city of Ottawa said Monday. Trudeau expected to invoke Emergencies Act to aid convoy blockade response: sources The Attorney General’s office intervened in the court hearing to make it clear that the injunction would also apply to federal property in Canada’s capital city.The protest by antigovernment demonstrators blockading city streets around Parliament Hill is now in its third week and has spread to several Canada-U.S.

Gogglebox star Stephen Webb has pulled out of this Friday's episode after testing positive with coronavirus. The 50-year-old hairdresser from Brighton who appears on the show alongside his partner Daniel Lustig said he is "gutted" that he won't be taking part in the new series just yet.Sharing the news with his fans on Instagram, Stephen posted a video and wrote a message which read: "Gogglebox Back this Friday C4 9pm , gutted we won’t be back for episode 1 looking forward to seeing everyone #gogglebox #goggleboxfriday #goggleboxfamily."Holding his dog in his short video clip while his partner could also be seen sitting behind him through a window, Stephen said: "This is a message for the Gogglebox crew."Good luck filming this week, can't wait to see you Friday, I need a laugh.He added: "I'm off, we can't film this week because I've got covid."Looking through the window, Daniel chimed: "We locked him up in this room for everyone's benefit."Stephen then panned the camera around the space to show fans where he was currently isolating.He continued: "Look at my little room.

NEW DELHI :

People enjoy the beach on the Atlantic Ocean at Cape Henlopen State Park, in Lewes, Delaware, November 25, 2020.

COLOMBO (News 1st); Netizens have expressed serious concerns over the sighting of two unregistered Cadillac Escalade Full-Sized SUVs being transported along the Southern Expressway.Each vehicle costs over 50 Million Sri Lankan Rupees, and duty of over 30 Million Sri Lankan Rupees is due per vehicle.When News 1st raised questions about these vehicles from Sri Lanka Customs, we did not get a clear response.Customs Spokesperson Sudaththa Silva told News 1st that information can be provided after looking into the matter further.Questions are being raised across many platforms as to who owns these vehicles, and how were they imported to the country at a time when a forex shortage has held up over 2,000 freight containers with essential goods at the port?Shouldn’t there be a proper explanation from the authorities over such events?

COLOMBO (News 1st); Rev. Fr. Cyril Gamini Fernando, the Spokesperson for the Archdiocese of Colombo on Monday (14) expressed concern over the return of the white van culture in Sri Lanka.Commenting on the arrest of Activist Shehan Malaka Gamage, he noted that the activist was arrested by force by a group who arrived in a white van and claimed to be personnel from the Criminal Investigations Department.“We cannot approve this conduct, as such a culture is not something that is good for democracy,” he warned.“Everyone has the freedom to speak and express.

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Read on to understand the critical symptoms of long COVID and how it can affect your body. 

COLOMBO (News 1st); A petition was filed with the Supreme Court on Monday (14) challenging the Prevention of Terrorism (Temporary Provisions) Amendment Bill that was produced in Parliament to amend the Prevention of Terrorisms (Temporary Provisions) Act, No. 48 of 1979.The special petition seeks a Supreme Court ruling that the bill violates the constitution of Sri Lanka.It was filed by Dr.

Charli XCX has been under fire from her generally worshipful fanbase for the past 24 hours, since Afterparty — a March music and art festival in Las Vegas that requires all its attendees own one of 1,500 "Utopian" NFTs — announced her as a scheduled performer alongside The Chainsmokers, The Kid LAROI, and others. This morning, Charli responded to the criticisms by tweeting a statement in two screenshots.

The mayor of Ottawa says he’s reached a back channel deal with protest organizers to limit their demonstration to the area immediately surrounding Parliament Hill. The agreement calls for vehicles to roll out of residential neighbourhoods over the next 24 hours.

Surrey RCMP Sgt. Elenore Sturko provides an update on enforcement at a protest blockading the Pacific Highway border crossing on Sunday. Four people have been arrested for mischief.

Ottawa’s mayor says he’s reached a “backchannel” deal with convoy organizers to limit the three-week occupation’s to the area immediately surrounding Parliament Hill.

COLOMBO (News 1st): The issuance of medicines, laboratory and radiology services at Government Hospitals will not be carried out on Monday (Feb. 14) as well, due to the ongoing strike action of the Health Trade Unions.The health workers are continuing their island-wide trade union action for the 8th consecutive day; the strike was launched citing several issues including salary anomalies.As a result of the strike action, various health services including the vaccinations and services offered by the Public Health Inspectors (PHIs) are no longer available.The trade union action is being carried out against the backdrop of the Colombo District Court issuing an interim order to suspend the strike immediately.According to News 1st correspondents, patients have been severely inconvenienced due to the strike action.

Josh Hazlewood conceded just five runs in the Super Over as T20 World Cup champion Australia edged Sri Lanka on Sunday after the second game of their series finished in a tie.Australia Innings:Australia was sent in to bat in Sydney and posted 164 for 6, with Josh Inglis scoring 48 from 32 balls to lead the scoring.Dushmantha Chameera took 2 for 30, including wickets with consecutive balls in the 19th over to remove Steve Smith (14) and Marcus Stoinis (19), and Wanindu Hasaranga returned 2 for 33.Sri Lanka Innings:Sri Lanka was always behind in the run chase after losing wickets in the first, third and fifth overs to slip to 25 for 3, but opener Pathum Nissanka’s 73 from 53 deliveries kept the visiting team in contention.Sri Lanka needed 46 from the last 18 balls for victory and, when Hasaranga was run out for 34 on the last ball of the 19th over, still needed 19 off the last over from Stoinis to win the match and level the series.They scored 18 , with Maheesh Teekshana hitting the second ball he faced for six and Chameera hitting a four down the ground on the last ball to level the scores.Super Over :With the Super Over in play Hazlewood, who returned 3 for 22 in his four overs in regulation, bowled two dot balls and a bye, which resulted in Dinesh Chandimal being run out by a direct hit from Glenn Maxwell as Sri Lanka slipped to 1- 1. The Sri Lankans managed to get to 5 for 1 after six balls.Maxwell took a single off Hasaranga from the first ball of Australia’s Super Over and Stoinis did the rest, driving down the ground for consecutive boundaries to secure the victory with three balls to spare.

Kate Garraway has said she is discovering a 'new way to be in love' with her husband.

Active cases: 3,926Today's positivity rate: 1.50% pic.twitter.com/kqjBfJPSBgNever miss a story! Stay connected and informed with Mint. Download our App Now!!

NEW DELHI :

Seoul (News 1st); Former Sri Lankan President Maithripala Sirisena has called on the world to pledge to not be warmongers and war criminals but peacemakers and sacrifice in whatever way required to benefit humanity forever with bestowed peace.Sirisena was speaking at the World Summit 2022 (Summit for Peace on the Korean Peninsula) in Seoul, South Korea.World Summit 2022 (Summit for Peace on the Korean Peninsula) gathered world leaders and a worldwide virtual audience around topics related to peaceful reconciliation on the Korean Peninsula.It featured keynote speakers from around the world on a range of topics related to the peaceful reconciliation of the Korean Peninsula. Many speakers are from the 157 countries that have diplomatic ties with both North and South Korea.“The experiences in the unification of Germany and Vietnam show how two contrasting political ideologies could positively merge.

Canadian demonstrators led by truckers angry over Covid-19 restrictions defied police and kept occupying a key bridge yesterday, while thousands more rallied in the capital as a two-week-old protest showed no signs of abating.

trucker convoy protesters who break the law will be “increasingly severe” as an occupation in Ottawa extends past two weeks and blockades spring up across the country.Prime Minister Justin Trudeau convened a meeting Saturday with ministers and senior officials to see how protests, occupations and blockades can be brought “under control.”“I convened the Incident Response Group again today – we went over the efforts underway to address the illegal blockades and occupations,” Trudeau said on Twitter.

COLOMBO (News 1st); In an operation conducted in seas north of Talaimannar in the dark hours of 12th February 2022, Sri Lanka Navy managed to seize 02 Indian trawlers with 12 Indian fishermen, whilst poaching in Sri Lankan waters.Sri Lanka Navy is conducting regular patrols and operations to curb illegal fishing activities in Sri Lankan waters, considering the impact of foreign fishermen poaching in Sri Lankan waters on the local fishing community and the sustainability of fishery resources of Sri Lanka.Meanwhile, Commander of the Navy, Vice Admiral Nishantha Ulugetenne visiting the North Central Naval Command to review its operational readiness on 12th February 2022, gave necessary directives to beef up the operational efficiency of fleet units and naval establishments of the Command.Further, he emphasized the importance of curbing all forms of illegal activities including illegal fishing practices and ensuring the security of Sri Lankan waters.

#FreedomConvoy #vancouver#military pic.twitter.com/XhnXUyDUaY— WaiverHunter (@WaiverHunter) February 12, 2022RCMP spokesperson Sgt. Elenore Sturko said late Saturday afternoon a group of vehicles, including a large truck with a military-style paint job, broke through a police blockade and over a median heading the wrong way on the northbound side of the road.It appears to be some type of, maybe military surplus … it’s not anything with the government of Canada, it’s a vehicle that is painted and lifted and looks to be a military type style, and that was one of the first vehicles to break over the median and past police barriers,” Sturko said.UPDATE #BCHwy15 – CLOSED in both directions between 8th Ave and 1st Ave due to a public demonstration.

COLOMBO (News 1st); Sri Lanka Police announced that the movement of traffic will be restrict along the Colombo – Horana Road as a result of the development of the Bokundara Bridge in Piliyandala.From the 13th of February 2022 until further notice, two lanes will be open for vehicles to travel to Colombo from 6 AM to 3 PM daily, and one lane to travel to Horana during that time.Further, from 3 PM to 6 PM, two lanes will be open to travel to Horana while one lane will be open to travel to Colombo.In addition, from 6 AM to 9 AM and 4 PM to 8 PM, all heavy vehicles, excluding passenger transport buses, will not be allowed to enter these roads.Sri Lanka Police requested the general public to use the following alternatives to avoid inconveniences.* Horana to Colombo : Proceed to Galle Road from Piliyandala and then move to Colombo.* Horana to Werahera : Proceed to Ratmalana via Galle Road and then use Borupana Road to access Werahera* Colombo to Horana : Proceed to Maharagama from Boralesgamuwa and use the Maharagama Piliyandala Road.

TRENTON, N.J. - Gas prices continue to rise sharply in New Jersey as crude oil prices increase amid ongoing global tensions related to uncertainty over Russia’s intentions toward Ukraine. AAA Mid-Atlantic says the average price of a gallon of regular gas in New Jersey on Friday was $3.56, up 12 cents from last week. Drivers were paying an average of $2.64 a gallon a year ago at this time. The national average price for a gallon of regular gasoline was $3.48, up six cents from last week. ___DOWNLOAD: FOX 29 NEWS APP | FOX 29 WEATHER AUTHORITY APPSUBSCRIBE: Good Day Digest Newsletter | FOX 29 Philly on YouTubeAdvertisementFOLLOW: Facebook | Instagram | Twitter

The number of coronavirus infections is continuing to plummet in all 10 boroughs in Greater Manchester, latest figures show.

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COLOMBO (News 1st); Sri Lanka all-rounder Wanindu Hasaranga was sold to Royal Challengers Bangalore on Saturday (12) for Indian Rs. 10.75 crores after a closely fought bidding war.The Sri Lankan pair of Hasaranga and Dushmantha Chameera, joined RCB for the second part of IPL 2021.Hasaranga took a hat-trick at last year’s T20 World Cup.

NEW DELHI :

DETROIT - The truck blockade by Canadians protesting the country’s COVID-19 restrictions is tightening the screws on the auto industry, forcing Ford, Toyota and General Motors to shut down plants or otherwise curtail production on both sides of the U.S.-Canada border.The bumper-to-bumper demonstration entered its fourth day Thursday at the Ambassador Bridge connecting Windsor, Ontario, to Detroit, disrupting the flow of auto parts and other products back and forth across the border.The bridge is the busiest U.S.-Canadian border crossing, carrying 25% of all trade between the two countries.RELATED: 'I understand why, but it makes it harder on us': Canadian trucker talks lost time, moneyFord said its Windsor, Ontario, engine plant reopened Thursday after being shut down on Wednesday because of a lack of parts. But the factory and the company’s assembly plant in Oakville, Ontario, near Toronto, are operating at reduced capacity, the automaker said."This interruption on the Detroit-Windsor bridge hurts customers, auto workers, suppliers, communities and companies on both sides of the border," Ford said in a statement.

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Dustin Lynch’s album "Blue in the Sky" has finally dropped. The country star announced the surprise follow-up to "Tullahoma" in a tweet on Jan. 19 – about a year after releasing the project that included a duo of No.

Check here all that WHO said on long COVID. Live Q&A on #COVID19 and Omicron sub-variant BA.2 with Dr @mvankerkhove and @DrAbdiMahamud. #AskWHO https://t.co/NVQMa8HHk7

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COLOMBO (News 1st): The foreign exchange shortage experienced in Sri Lanka will be short-lived, said the country’s Finance Minister Basil Rajapaksa.Speaking to officials at the Finance Ministry of Friday (11), Rajapaksa said the government expects to minimize the effects the forex shortage might have on the people.On Monday (7) President Gotabaya Rajapaksa instructed the officials to take steps to immediately release the containers containing essential items at the custody of Customs.The President also appointed a committee headed by Finance Minister Basil Rajapaksa to ensure that there is no shortage of essential commodities including food, and this committee met for the first time on Friday (11).A statement from the Finance Ministry noted that though there is a shortage of Milk Powder, Gas, Wheat Flour, and Cement in the local market, there are sufficient stocks of all other essential items and there will be no shortage.In addition, the tax reliefs granted by the government for essential food items not being enjoyed by the people were discussed and it was revealed at the meeting that errant traders abuse the concessions granted by the government and sell goods at exorbitant prices.The implementation of a new mechanism to expedite the release of essential commodities including food to the market, and to regulate and oversee this matter, was also discussed.

From symptoms to subvariants, UN health agency explains all that you need to know about Omicron

COLOMBO (News 1st); Thousands of Sri Lankan health workers continued their strike action for the fifth consecutive day on Friday (11), despite a court issuing an order against a nurses trade union that is also taking part in the strike.Health workers in Sri Lanka have been staging demonstrations and strikes since November 2021 to draw attention to the issue of salary anomalies.Their major demands include the rectification of salary anomalies, higher allowances, and an increase in overtime rates.Supplementary and paramedical services, nursing services, and professionals from 16 health services including medical laboratory technologists, pharmacists, radiologists, public health inspectors, and family health officers are participating in the indefinite strike.Thousands of poor patients who visited government hospitals were turned away, as a result.A Sri Lankan court on Thursday (10) issued two enjoining orders preventing the strike action by the Government Nursing Officer’s Association from continuing.The Attorney General filed an action against the Government Nursing Officer’s Association and its president Saman Rathnapriya, seeking an enjoining order from the court to immediately suspend the trade union action of the said union.The Attorney General appraised the court of the present deplorable conditions in hospitals due to patient care being severely affected.District Court Judge of Colombo Aruna Aluthge issued two enjoining orders preventing the union from continuing the said trade union strike endangering the lives of the patients.As a result of the strike, over this week the activities at the Colombo General Hospital, Kandy General Hospital, 24 Teaching Hospitals, 26 General Hospitals, 46 Base Hospitals, 410 District

COLOMBO (News 1st); The new University of Vavuniya was declared open by President Gotabaya Rajapaksa on Friday (11).The University of Vavuniya is the 17th State University in Sri Lanka and was established with effect from the 1st of August 2021 via an Extraordinary Gazette on the 8th of June 2021 that elevated the Vavuniya Campus of the University of Jaffna, to a separate state university in Sri Lanka.The new state university was established for the purpose of providing, promoting, and developing higher education in the branches of learning of Business Studies, Applied Science, and Technology Studies.

COLOMBO (News 1st); Sri Lanka’s Health Ministry has warned against the use of fake vaccination cards to avoid being vaccinated against COVID-19.Dr. Anwar Hamdani, attached to the Health Ministry said information on all those who have been vaccinated are with the Health Ministry, and it is a futile attempt to evade being vaccinated.“Getting vaccinated is a social responsibility and therefore everyone must get vaccinated against COVID-19,” he said.At the same time, the Deputy Director-General of Public Health Services Dr.

COLOMBO (News 1st); A wanted drug traffickers knowns as ‘Abba’ was killed in a shootout with the Police Special Task Force on Thursday (10) night in Egoda Uyana, Moratuwa.The Police Special Task Force told News 1st that a raid was carried out at around 10 PM on Thursday (10) night after receiving a tip-off that a house in Egoda Uyana contained drugs.During the raid, a man had opened fire from inside the house and the Police Special Task Force had returned fire.The Police in a statement said, “One suspect opened fire at an STF Officer with a pistol, and the STF officer returned fire.”In the exchange of fire, a 27-year-old male identified as ‘Abba’ (Thelge Dilan Sameera Peiris) was killed and he is a known associate of a notorious drug trafficker operating from Dubai.One STF member was injured in the incident.Sri Lanka Police said two bullets fired by the suspect had hit the protective vest worn by the STF Officer, and he was rushed to the Panadura Hospital for treatment.Six other people who were inside the house were arrested by the Police Special Task Force.The Office of the Police Spokesperson said that ‘Abba’ had a murder case filed against him, as we as a case over stabbing a woman and causing serious injury.Further, another 31-year-old man was arrested from Moratuwa upon inspecting the residence of another suspect.Police said that this man has a case filed against him for transporting drugs along the expressway.

CAPE CANAVERAL, Fla. - Astra Space, Inc. launched its first rocket from Florida on Thursday marking a historic milestone for the Alameda, California-based company.

trucker convoy in Ottawa are spilling over onto new fronts Thursday, with police reporting “a concerted effort to flood” 911 lines, protesters mobilizing at the local airport and hackers taking aim at city council.Earlier in the day, city officials had warned of traffic disruptions at the city’s international airport as the trucker convoy encamped across the city enters its 14th day, and some members appeared to be encircling the airport.That now appears to have ended, but it remains unclear whether the group will move to a different site or return to the airport.Ottawa police had told Global News they are “aware” of the convoy’s presence at the airport and shortly after, issued a tweet warning of attempts to target emergency lines.“We are aware of a concerted effort to flood our 911 and non-emergency policing reporting line. This endangers lives and is completely unacceptable,” the police service said.“It is a crime to unnecessarily call 911 or our non-emergency number (613-236-1222).

At least 2M Quebecers infected during fifth wave of COVID-19 pandemic Quebec provided 27,360 tests in screening facilities on Tuesday, the most recent day for which that information is available.Meanwhile, the results of 74,459 rapid tests have been declared by Quebecers on the government’s new website to date. Of those, 57,743 were positive results.The immunization campaign doled out another 31,779 doses of a COVID-19 vaccine in the last 24 hours.

LAGUNA BEACH, Calif. - Officials ordered mandatory evacuation orders in Laguna Beach after a brush fire fueled by strong winds sparked above the Emerald Bay community Thursday morning. Strong winds are fueling the fire in the Emerald Bay community.The wind-driven fire was reported just after 4:30 a.m. in the 1400 block of Emerald Bay, located near the Pacific Coast Highway. The embers were pushing down the hillside as firefighters were up against fierce Santa Ana winds with the potential to gust between 40 and 60 mph.

COVID-19 measures is preventing Canada-bound traffic from crossing the Ambassador Bridge for yet another day.Police say those using the border bridge to cross into the U.S. can expect significant delays and are telling all motorists to avoid both access points to the span due to the ongoing demonstration.The protest on the Canadian side of the bridge has prevented Canada-bound traffic from crossing since the demonstration began Monday.Police say the potential for congestion along Wyandotte Street West near the Ambassador Bridge could result in travel delays for students attending schools in the nearby areas.