India offers USD 500 Mn Credit Line to Sri Lanka to purchase petroleum products

WASHINGTON - At President Biden's direction, the Pentagon is putting about 8,500 U.S.-based troops on heightened alert for potential deployment to Europe amid rising fears of a possible Russian military move on Ukraine.Pentagon press secretary John Kirby said Monday no final decisions had been made on deployments, which he said would happen only if the NATO alliance decides to activate a rapid-response force "or if other situations develop" in connection with tensions over Russia's military buildup along Ukraine's borders."What this is about is reassurance to our NATO allies," Kirby said, adding that no troops are intended for deployment to Ukraine itself.Kirby said Defense Secretary Lloyd Austin recommended to Biden that up to 8,500 troops be ordered to prepare for potential deployment to Europe in light of signs that Russian President Vladimir Putin is not de-escalating his military pressure on Ukraine. Kirby said he was not prepared to identify the U.S.-based units because they were still being notified."We’ve always said we would reinforce our allies on the eastern flank, and those conversations and discussions have certainly been part of what our national security officials have been discussing with their counterparts now for several weeks," said White House press secretary Jen Psaki.FILE - Pentagon Press Secretary John Kirby.

James Iannazzo was fired by Merrill Lynch after he was caught on video yelling at employees at a Connecticut smoothie shop. (Photo courtesy of the Fairfield Police Department) WASHINGTON - A Merrill Lynch advisor was fired following a tirade at a Connecticut smoothie shop where he yelled at employees, threw objects and refused to leave, according to the Fairfield Police Department.James Iannazzo purchased a smoothie from Robeks and left the store without incident.

COLOMBO (News 1st); His Eminence Malcolm Cardinal Ranjith, the Archbishop of Colombo says the Easter Attacks is a clear example of political manipulation.He said this form of manipulation used a group of terror-minded youngsters and “having come to know about them possibly allowed that to happen for political gain.”“When I saw these scenes it was very clear that this was a kind of a cock and bull story that has been created by the police,” he said when commenting on the recent discovery of a hand grenade from the All Saint’s Church premises in Colombo.Rev. Fr.

COLOMBO (News 1st): Sri Lanka Navy said it seized two trawler boats transporting over 300 kg of heroin in the South-Eastern seas off Sri Lanka, in international waters.Navy Spokesperson Captain Indika De Silva speaking to News 1st said the drugs were seized in a special joint operation with the State Intelligence Service and the Police Narcotic Bureau.11 suspects were arrested from aboard the two vessels, he added.He went on to note that the two trawlers belong to Sri Lankan fishermen and the haul of seized heroin will be brought ashore on Tuesday (25).

COLOMBO (News 1st); Sri Lanka’s Central Bank Governor Ajith Nivard Cabraal said the island nation has to settle USD 12.5 Billion of debt in International Sovereign Bonds over the next seven years.Speaking to the US-based CNBC, the Governor said the total foreign debt outstanding for 2022 is approximately USD 6.9 Billion.“Out of the 6.9 Billion, most of the loans are Sri Lankan-based loans which we have already negotiated for rollover as well as certain multilateral debts which are also being funded with new receipts that are coming in,” he said.“The only area that we do see as some kind of risk, as well as concern, is the international sovereign bonds. Out of which we need to pay 1.5 Billion Dollars back this year.

COLOMBO (News 1st); Sri Lanka’s Health Minister (Dr) Keheliya Rambukwella noted that if one is to be considered as FULLY VACCINATED, one should have proof of being administered with all three doses of the vaccine against COVID-19.He noted that all those who have obtained both doses of the vaccine should be directed to the vaccination centers to obtain the booster dose.Sri Lanka will mark one year of its vaccination drive against COVID-19 on the 29th of January 2022 and the country’s health ministry has organized a series of events across the island to boost the drive.The Health Minister said all measures are being taken to ensure that it is mandatory to be in possession of the vaccination card to enter public places, and the legal study for this purpose has neared completion.The Minister said the respective gazette is being formulated and all other related matters are also being looked into,

COLOMBO (News 1st); Patients with COVID-19 admitted to the National Hospital in Colombo are rising, warned the hospital’s Deputy Director Dr. Chandana Gajanayake on Monday (24).He said despite a large number of people being vaccinated against the virus, the numbers are increasing, and therefore if the health sector is geared up, any situation can be handled in a proper manner.Dr.

COLOMBO (News 1st); The Monetary Board of the Central Bank of Sri Lanka recently issued Rules making it mandatory for hotel service providers to accept payments from persons resident outside Sri Lanka, only in foreign exchange.These Rules are published in the Gazette Extraordinary No.

COLOMBO (News 1st); Sri Lanka’s Minister of Energy Udaya Gammanpila says the government had decided to make a USD payment to two oil tankers anchored at the Colombo Port.“Therefore, there will be no power cuts,” said Minister Gammanpila on Monday (24).He said at a meeting with respective stakeholders it was agreed that if payment is made to one of the oil tankers, the Ceylon Petroleum Corporation will be able to deliver Diesel to the WestCoast Power Plant instead of Furnace Oil, and deliver Furnace Oil to the Sapugaskanda Power Plant.Therefore, we can deliver the Diesel and Furnace Oil for electricity Generation.Further, the President had instructed the Treasury to release necessary funds to the Ceylon Electricity Board to settle its Rs. 93 Billion debt to the Ceylon Petroleum Corporation, he said.The Minister further added that the Sapugaskanda Power Plant will be able to recommence generating electricity by the 30th of January 2022.

COLOMBO (News 1st); The Head of Sri Lanka’s Catholic Church, the Archbishop of Colombo, His Eminence Malcolm Cardinal Ranjith says that he is exploring possibilities to take the Easter Attacks case international.“We have tried our best to try to get justice for our people from our own. But, all these attempts have failed.

COLOMBO (News 1st); Former Parliamentarian Ranjan Ramanayake who is already in incarceration for contempt of court was produced to the Supreme Court once again on Monday (24).This was for the second contempt of court case filed against him.The second case was filed by the Attorney General following an order by the Supreme Court, noting that a comment made by Ramanayake during a program caused contempt of court.

COLOMBO (News 1st): It is impossible to supply Furnace Oil to the Ceylon Electricity Board (CEB) until the 9th of February and the CEB has been informed in this regard, Udaya Gammanpil, the Minister of Energy has said. “Another shipment of Furnace Oil will reach Sri Lanka on the 9th of February and until then, we are unable to supply any more fuel to the CEB,” he emphasized.Whilst pointing out that the CEB requested for Furnace Oil only until the 22nd of January, the Minister noted that the Ceylon Petroleum Corporation (CPC) took the relevant measures to ensure the required stocks are supplied.He further noted that 10,000 Metric Tonnes of Diesel was also supplied to the CEB adding that as per the agreements reached, another 600 tonnes of Diesel is supplied to private power stations daily.The CPC cannot supply any more fuel to the CEB at the moment since the remaining stocks of Furnace Oil must be supplied to factories, Minister Gammanpila added.“As promised we have supplied Furnace Oil to the CEB. If we allocate the remaining Furnace Oil also to the CEB, instead of providing it to the factories and industries, that would mean thousands of people will lose their jobs.

Dozens of big rigs gathered in Delta before rolling out, and will be joined by groups from Vancouver Island and communities in the B.C. Interior as they make their way east.

COLOMBO (News 1st); The Ceylon Electricity Board Engineers Association on Sunday (23) warned that there will be four-phase power cuts with effect from Monday (24). However, it is due time to examine the different views of parties involved in the power crisis.What is the current fuel status of power plants?Sapugaskanda has come to a standstill due to lack of oil, and according to the trade unions, the power plant has less than 24 hours to run on fuel.Meanwhile, the Yugadanavi power plant has fuel for only 10 days.What does the Minister of Energy say about this?The Energy Minister, Udaya Gammanpila stated on Sunday (23) that the stocks of fuel have been depleted due to a weakness in the CEB’s calculations.The Minister said that the CEB had requested the Ceylon Petroleum Corporation to supply only enough fuel for 10 days.Minister Gammanpila also stated that the stock of fuel was handed over to the CEB last week as agreed during the discussion held with the President’s participation.Moreover, Minister Udaya Gammanpila added that a ship carrying 37,500 metric tons of diesel has arrived near the Sri Lankan sea border.He also said that fuel could be supplied to the CEB if the relevant stock of diesel is released after obtaining dollars.What does the Minister of Power say?Power Minister Gamini Lokuge said that the CEB is currently managing the fuel stocks it has received so far.The Minister of Power and Energy also stated that due to this, there will be no need for a power cut from next Tuesday (25) onwards.However, the Unions state something completely different.Ananda Palitha, the  Media Spokesperson of the United Trade Union Force revealed that the Petroleum Corporation is the sole supplier to supply on demand.

COLOMBO (News 1st); The Ceylon Electricity Board Engineers Association on Sunday (23) warned that there will be four-phase power cuts with effect from Monday (24). However, it is due time to examine the different views of parties involved in the power crisis.What is the current fuel status of power plants?Sapugaskanda has come to a standstill due to lack of oil, and according to the trade unions, the power plant has less than 24 hours to run on fuel.Meanwhile, the Yugadanavi power plant has fuel for only 10 days.What does the Minister of Energy say about this?The Energy Minister, Udaya Gammanpila stated on Sunday (23) that the stocks of fuel have been depleted due to a weakness in the CEB’s calculations.The Minister said that the CEB had requested the Ceylon Petroleum Corporation to supply only enough fuel for 10 days.Minister Gammanpila also stated that the stock of fuel was handed over to the CEB last week as agreed during the discussion held with the President’s participation.Moreover, Minister Udaya Gammanpila added that a ship carrying 37,500 metric tons of diesel has arrived near the Sri Lankan sea border.He also said that fuel could be supplied to the CEB if the relevant stock of diesel is released after obtaining dollars.What does the Minister of Power say?Power Minister Gamini Lokuge said that the CEB is currently managing the fuel stocks it has received so far.The Minister of Power and Energy also stated that due to this, there will be no need for a power cut from next Tuesday (25) onwards.However, the Unions state something completely different.Ananda Palitha, the  Media Spokesperson of the United Trade Union Force revealed that the Petroleum Corporation is the sole supplier to supply on demand.

COLOMBO (News 1st); Sri Lanka’s Elections Commission says that it will accept applications for the registration of political parties from Monday (24).Chairman of the Elections Commission Attorney-at-Law Nimal Punchihewa speaking to News 1st said the respective gazette will be made public on Monday (24).There are 79 registered political parties in Sri Lanka and 6 of them are considered as inactive political parties due to legal issues.

TRENTON, N.J. - Gas prices increased in New Jersey and around the nation at large amid a continued increase in crude oil prices and despite a drop in consumer demand. AAA Mid-Atlantic says the average price of a gallon of regular gas in New Jersey on Friday was $3.38, up a penny from last week. Drivers were paying an average of $2.54 a gallon a year ago at this time. The national average price for a gallon of regular gasoline was $3.32, up two cents from last week. ___DOWNLOAD: FOX 29 NEWS APP | FOX 29 WEATHER AUTHORITY APPSUBSCRIBE: Good Day Digest Newsletter | FOX 29 Philly on YouTubeFOLLOW: Facebook | Instagram | TwitterAdvertisement 

Weakest Link appearance, we look back at her life - including a very famous relative. READ MORE: Coleen Nolan 'mortified' and 'sick' at new man's 'first TV interview' Soap fans will recognise Rita as the feisty Roxy Mitchell. The star brought a number of iconic story-lines to life during her years on the show, with her character ultimately drowning in a swimming pool alongside her on-screen sister Ronnie, My London reports.

COLOMBO (News 1st); According to the latest SARS-CoV-2 variant report issued by the Allergy Immunology and Cell Biology Unit of the Department of Immunology and Molecular Medicine of the University of Sri Jayewardenepura, 75 new cases of Omicron and 3 new cases of Delta were detected from 78 samples.“These 78 samples were sequenced from the 1st 2nd and 3rd weeks of January from the community.” said Dr. Chandima Jeewandara, Director of the Allergy, Immunology and Cell Biology Unit of the Faculty of Medicine.The 78 Omicron cases include a mix of the two main Omicron lineages BA.1 and BA.2.Omicron sublineages were detected in the following locations.

COLOMBO (News 1st); Sri Lanka will have to call Chinese President Xi Jinping the ‘father of rice’, says the Secretary of JVP and Janatha Jana Balawegaya MP Vijitha Herath.Expressing his views regarding the current crisis in the country in Parliament on Friday (21), the MP alleged that the Government uses the pandemic as an excuse although the gas cylinder explosions and the fertilizer issues did not take place due to COVID-19. Pointing out that the market is flooded with imported rice from India, Myanmar and China, the MP questioned as to how the imported rice can be certified as organic rice. Although the Government expected the price of rice to reduce after importing it, all that has happened is the price of rice increasing, he stated.The MP, speaking further, questioned as to why the Nano Nitrogen scam has not bee solved yet and if the President ordered for an investigation to commence on the following day, as to how the results of the investigation have not been released yet.

COLOMBO (News 1st); The suspect who was charged with placing a hand grenade at the All Saint’s Church premises in Borella and was detained by Sri Lanka Police, provided a statement to the Colombo Additional Magistrate for over an hour and a half, behind closed doors.The suspect was identified as Liyanage Dayasena and was produced to court by the Colombo Crimes Division.He provided a statement behind closed doors in the presence of Colombo Additional Magistrate Rajindra Jayasuriya, after his request to do so was accepted by the court.The Colombo Crimes Division told the court that the suspect will be detained for a period of 90 days with permission from the Defence Secretary for further investigations.The CCD also told the court that the other six suspects who were arrested over the incident during the course of the investigations will continue to remain in detention for further inquiry.The Colombo Crimes Division arrested an individual identified as ‘Ranale Ruwan’ from Ranna, in Hambantota on Thursday (20).‘Ranale Ruwan’ was wanted by authorities as it was believed that it was he who provide the hand grenade that was discovered at the All Saint’s Church in Borella on the 11th of January 2022.Sri Lanka Police said that the hand grenade was placed at the Church in Borella on the instructions of a retired doctor from Piliyandala, who was arrested on Monday (17).Investigations carried out by the Colombo Crimes Division revealed that a suspect detained by the Colombo Harbour Police is believed to have placed the hand grenade at the Church in Borella, and he was identified as a 65-year-old from Panamure.Police said that the suspect had visited the All Saint’s Church in Borella on the day of the incident, and his presence was

NEW CASTLE, Del. - Video released by police in New Castle County shows officers joining together to lift a car off a woman's arm after she somehow became trapped underneath the vehicle Wednesday morning.The New Castle County Division of Police said officers were called to Fieldstone Lane in the community of Country Creek and found a 70-year-old woman with her left arm pinned underneath the front driver's side tire of a Hyundai Santa Fe.Police explained that a neighbor tried to use a carjack to free the woman before officers arrived, but it did not raise high enough. Bodycam footage shows officers in New Castle County lifting a car off a 70-year-old woman's arm after she somehow became trapped underneath the vehicle. Bodycam footage shows three officers surround the front tire and lift the car, while another officer slides the woman out from underneath the car.Police said the woman was taken to a local hospital for treatment and was admitted in "serious, but stable condition."Investigators have not said what caused the woman to become pinned underneath the tire, but alcohol is not believed to have played a role."The quick thinking and physical actions of the bystander and the officers from the Division of Police played a major role in this patient being protected from further injury, and possibly death," Chief of the New Castle County Emergency Medical Services Division Mark R.

ATLANTA - Vaccinated people who had previously been infected with COVID-19 and contracted the virus during the delta variant surge last year were better protected against the disease than those who were vaccinated and did not become infected, the CDC reported on Jan. 19.The findings give new insight into natural immunity against current and potentially upcoming variants.Researchers also noted that protection specifically against the delta variant was highest among those who were both previously infected with the virus and vaccinated. RELATED: Doctors discuss natural immunity, post-COVID activities"During May–November 2021, case and hospitalization rates were highest among persons who were unvaccinated without a previous diagnosis.

Prime Minister Justin Trudeau announced on Friday that the Canadian government is authorizing a loan of up to $120 million (CDN) to the Ukrainian government amid the ongoing crisis with neighbouring Russia.

COVID-19 vaccination clinic at the University of Guelph is closing on Friday just weeks after it opened.In a post on its website, the school said the clinic is able to close due to “high vaccination rates and greater vaccine availability within the Guelph community.” University of Guelph strengthens COVID-19 mask requirement on campus Since the facility opened on Jan. 4, about 9,000 people have received vaccine doses at the campus clinic.“I am delighted and inspired by the enthusiasm and spirit of collaboration that was displayed, once again, by our University and greater Guelph community,” said U of G president Charlotte Yates.“People came together under tight time constraints and challenging circumstances to organize and operate our second successful campus vaccination clinic, with many of our faculty, staff and students volunteering their time and expertise.

PHOENIX - Irene Luevano, a 37-year-old woman who was reported missing on Jan. 16, has been found dead, and her boyfriend faces charges for her murder."Earlier today, January 20, Phoenix Police investigators located the remains of Ms.

COLOMBO (News 1st); The Evidence Examination in the case filed against MP Patali Champika Ranawaka and two others for causing grievous injury to a person by rash & negligent driving on the 28th of February 2016, was postponed to the 18th of February 2022.They are charged with fabricating false evidence over the accident that took place in Rajagiriya.Samagi Jana Balawegaya MP Patali Champika Ranawaka, ASP Sudath Asmadala & Dilum Thusitha Kumara were present in Court on Friday (21).The Attorney General submitted to the court, the Judicial Medical Officer’s Report which was called for on the previous day of the trial, with regard to the first accused in the case, Patali Champika Ranawaka, failing to attend the court proceedings as he was hospitalized.Deputy Solicitor General Dileepa Peiris informed the court that according to the JMO’s report, the first accused Patali Champaka Ranawaka’s health condition was deemed normal based on 10 medical tests conducted.Accordingly, Deputy Solicitor General Dileepa Peiris said it appears that the first accused had deliberately attempted to delay the court proceedings and thereby, requested that a date be fixed for trial.However, President’s Counsel Anuja Premaratna appearing for the Former Minister said his client was admitted to the nearest hospital based on a sudden illness and was instructed to undergo multiple tests and never conducted himself to delay court proceedings.Further examination will of the case was fixed for the 18th and 23rd of February 2022.

COLOMBO (News 1st); Former Director of the Criminal Investigations Department Shani Abeysekera on Friday (21) filed a writ application with the Court of Appeal to seek an order to invalidate the recommendations and the findings against him by the Presidential Commission of Inquiry into Political Victimization.The application was filed by Attorney-at-Law Manjula Balasuriya.Chairman of the Presidential Commission of Inquiry into Political Victimization, retired Supreme Court Judge Upali Abeyratne, members of the PCoI, Avant-Garde Maritime Services, and its Chairman Nissanka Senadhipathi were among the eight respondents named in the application.Abeysekera in his application noted that when he filed a writ application with the Court of Appeal against a complaint by the PCoI over a complaint made by the Avant-Garde Chairman, counsel appearing for the commissioners assured that NO action will be taken against him until that writ application was taken up for examination and concluded.The petitioner noted that however, the PCoI report with recommendations and findings was handed over on the 24th of November 2020 and it contained several recommendations with regard to the complaint made against him by Nissanka Senadhipathi.

COLOMBO (News 1st); Daily power cuts that last about 04 hours are likely if Sri Lanka fails to secure a large USD loan at least by March 2022, says Minister of Energy, Udaya Gammanpila. The Minister stated that the country must be prepared to make the necessary sacrifices in this regard, now itself, and politicians should lead by making sacrifices by example. Minister Gammanpila also stated that Sri Lanka will have to import fuel with the existing limited foreign reserves, at least until the monsoon season begins in April.Speaking further, he said that the country will have to generate electricity by using fuel until the monsoon season. Given this effort to ensure an uninterrupted supply of electricity 24-hours a day, about 04-hour daily power cuts will have to be implemented by March if a large loan is not secured.“Is it not better that we implement one and a half an hour cuts from now itself rather than moving onto four-hour power cuts later on? Should we starve for 28-days after stuffing ourselves from star-class hotels for two days? Or should we rather cook the meals at home by purchasing the vegetables and fruits, which would allow us to have all three meals every day?” the Minister stated.

long COVID. Some experts suggest such symptoms can even be seen in patients who have even suffered mild to moderate infections.

COLOMBO (News 1st); The Colombo Chief Magistrate on Friday (21) ordered the release of suspects in 11 cases filed without the proper approvals of the three commissioners of the Commission to Investigate Allegations of Bribery or Corruption.Accordingly, Chief Magistrate Buddhika Sri Ragala ordered to release of Former State Printing Corporation (SPC) Chairman Jayampathi Bandara Heenkenda from 10 cases filed against him on charges of misappropriation of funds.In addition, the Colombo Chief Magistrate also ordered to release of three suspects including the Assistant Director (Tangalle) of the Ministry of Fisheries from the case filed over the misappropriation of Rs. 5.3 Million to provide housing for low-income earning fisher families.The suspects were released after the Commission to Investigate Allegations of Bribery or Corruption informed the court that all these cases will be withdrawn.

COLOMBO (News 1st); Speaker of the National Assembly of the Republic of Korea, Park Byeong-Seug visited the Parliament on Friday (21).The Speaker of the National Assembly of the Republic of Korea is in Sri Lanka on the invitation of Speaker Mahinda Yapa Abeywardena.Speaker Mahinda Yapa Abeywardena, Secretary-General of Parliament Dhammika Dasanayake, and Sergeant-at-Arms Narendra Fernando welcomed the Speaker of the Republic of Korea and his delegation.Thereafter, the Speaker of the Republic of Korea will pay a courtesy call on Speaker Mahinda Yapa Abeywardena and then observe Proceedings of the House from the VIP Gallery.

COLOMBO (News 1st); The Colombo Crimes Division arrested an individual identified as ‘Ranale Ruwan’ from Ranna, in Hambantota on Thursday (20).‘Ranale Ruwan’ was wanted by authorities as it was believed that it was he who provide the hand grenade that was discovered at the All Saint’s Church in Borella on the 11th of January 2022.Sri Lanka Police said that the hand grenade was placed at the Church in Borella on the instructions of a retired doctor from Piliyandala, who was arrested on Monday (17).Investigations carried out by the Colombo Crimes Division revealed that a suspect detained by the Colombo Harbour Police is believed to have placed the hand grenade at the Church in Borella, and he was identified as a 65-year-old from Panamure.Police said that the suspect had visited the All Saint’s Church in Borella on the day of the incident, and his presence was captured on CCTV.According to Sri Lanka Police, investigations revealed that the hand grenades discovered at the Bellanvila Temple and Lanka Hospital in 2021, were placed on the instructions of the 75-year-old retired doctor who is already in police custody.Sri Lanka Police suspect that the doctor may have resorted to such action due to the trauma he suffered following the demise of his wife.However, Oshala Herath, the son of the arrested doctor, who is also a social and political activist, has denied the allegations made against his father.Earlier, Sri Lanka Police arrested three workers from the church over the incident.On the 13th of January 2022, two days after the discovery of a grenade at the church premises, the Head of Sri Lanka’s Catholic Church, His Eminence Malcolm Cardinal Ranjith, Archbishop of Colombo said the discovery of a hand grenade at a Colombo

COLOMBO (News 1st): The Attorney General on Thursday (20) told the Court of Appeal that there was no objection concerning the bail application made with the High Court on behalf of Attorney-at-Law Hejaaz Hizbullah, who was arrested and remanded under the Prevention of Terrorism Act.Deputy Solicitor General Sudarshana De Silva appearing for the Attorney General said there was no objection towards granting bail when the revision application filed by Counsel Hizbullah was taken up at the Court of Appeal in the presence of Justices Menaka Wijesundara and Neil Iddawela.The DSG told the Court of Appeal that the case filed by the Attorney General under the Prevention of Terrorism Act against Hejaaz Hizbullah at the Puttlam High Court will be taken up on the 28th of January and if a request for bail is made the Attorney General will not object to it.Attorney-at-Law Hejaaz Hizbullah was arrested on the 14th of April 2020 for his links to a Madrasa School in Puttlam where sermons on extremism were presented to students.After 18 months in detention, an application was made with the Puttlam High Court seeking bail for Attorney-at-Law Hejaaz Hizbullah in the case filed by the Attorney General under the PTA.However, on the 19th of November 2021 the Puttlam High Court rejected the application noting that under Article 15 (2) of the Prevention of Terrorism Act, a High Court does not have the power to grant bail for Attorney-at-Law Hejaaz Hizbullah.The application with the Court of Appeal requests for the order by the High Court be made void and Attorney-at-Law Hejaaz Hizbullah is granted suitable/conditional bail.

A restaurant is looking to identify a man caught on security cameras attempted to visit their store during Monday’s massive snowstorm, only to find that it was closed. The video of his reaction has gone viral, and the restaurant wants to thank the loyal customer by giving him the meal he had braved the blizzard for.

COVID-19 pandemic.In a letter, Dr. Kieran Moore suggested Dr.

A devoted NHS nurse fears she may never be able to return to work due to the life-shattering impact of Long Covid.

The number of people claiming Universal Credit has begun to fall in some Greater Manchester boroughs for the first time since the Covid-19 pandemic began.

COLOMBO (News 1st); The Colombo Crimes Division has launched an investigation to arrest an individual known as ‘Ranale Ruwan’ with regard to the discovery of a hand grenade at the All Saint’s Church in Borella, Colombo.Detectives said that ‘Ranale Ruwan’ is said to have provided the hand grenade in question.Sri Lanka Police said that the hand grenade was placed at the Church in Borella on the instructions of a retired doctor from Piliyandala, who was arrested on Monday (17).Investigations carried out by the Colombo Crimes Division revealed that a suspect detained by the Colombo Harbour Police is believed to have placed the hand grenade at the Church in Borella, and he was identified as a 65-year-old from Panamure.Police said that the suspect had visited the All Saint’s Church in Borella on the day of the incident, and his presence was captured on CCTV.According to Sri Lanka Police, investigations revealed that the hand grenades discovered at the Bellanvila Temple and Lanka Hospital in 2021, were placed on the instructions of the 75-year-old retired doctor who is already in police custody.Sri Lanka Police suspect that the doctor may have resorted to such action due to the trauma he suffered following the demise of his wife.However, Oshala Herath, the son of the arrested doctor, who is also a social and political activist, has denied the allegations made against his father.Earlier, Sri Lanka Police arrested three workers from the church over the incident.On the 13th of January 2022, two days after the discovery of a grenade at the church premises, the Head of Sri Lanka’s Catholic Church, His Eminence Malcolm Cardinal Ranjith, Archbishop of Colombo said the discovery of a hand grenade at a Colombo Church is a conspiracy.He

COLOMBO (News 1st); Sri Lanka’s Central Bank Governor Ajith Nivard Cabraal said that the Monetary Board decided to increase policy rates after five months to deliver a message that inflation was being dealt with and that the external sector needs to be stabilized further.Cabraal was speaking at a press conference at the Central Bank on Thursday (20) after the Monetary Board decided to increase the Standing Deposit Facility Rate (SDFR) and the Standing Lending Facility Rate (SLFR) of the Central Bank by 50 basis points each, to 5.50 percent and 6.50 percent, respectively.Responding to a question by News 1st, the governor said the USD 500 Million settlement of sovereign bonds was made from the reserves and from the inflows that Sri Lanka receives.As a measure to address the USD crisis in Sri Lanka, the Central Bank has reached an agreement with the Licensed Commercial banks in the country allowing them to bear the financing and arrangement of the financing of essential goods, to bring greater stability.The monetary board had decided to distribute the financing of essential import bills for fuel purchases among the licensed banks in proportion to their foreign exchange inflows.He said that the Chinese SWAP is within Sri Lanka’s range of products and currencies, noting that it was moved into the reserves.

COLOMBO (News 1st): The renovated ‘Sirimathipaya,’ the Prime Minister’s Office at Flower Road, Colombo, was declared open by President Gotabaya Rajapaksa and Prime Minister Mahinda Rajapaksa on Thursday (20).President Rajapaksa inspected the photographs displayed in the renovated office and inspected the office premises as well.A first day cover and a commemorative postage stamp was also released marking the inauguration of the duties of the new office under the aegis of the President.The Sri Lanka Navy renovated the building under the supervision of former Secretary to the Prime Minister Gamini Senarath as per the vision of Prime Minister Mahinda Rajapaksa.This two-storeyed mansion was built by Albert Emmanuel de Silva in 1916 for his son Sir Albert Ernest de Silva.The mansion was handed over to the State by family members in 1960 following the demise of Sir Ernest de Silva.The Ministry of Education and Broadcasting, and the Ministry of Local Government, Housing and Construction were then established in Sirimathipaya.In 1978, the then Prime Minister Ranasinghe Premadasa established the Prime Minister’s Office in Sirimathipaya.Sirimathipaya, which is more than a hundred years old, has undergone a complete overhaul after 44 years.A book consisting of the history and photographs of Sirimathipaya was presented to the President by the President’s Secretary Gamini Senarath.

The ICC Team of the Year recognizes 11 outstanding individuals who have impressed one and all – be it with the bat, the ball, or their all-around exploits in a calendar year.Here, we take a look at 11 players who make the cut in the longest format of the game for men’s cricket.The Sri Lanka skipper is a deserved addition to the team, as he consistently got his team off to solid starts during the calendar year. He scored 902 runs in 7 matches at an average of 69.38 with four centuries. Some of his memorable innings included a double-century against Bangladesh in Pallekele and a gutsy ton against South Africa at Johannesburg.

PHILADELPHIA - A man was rushed to the hospital after law enforcement sources say an argument on SEPTA's Broad Street line ended in a shooting in North Philadelphia.The incident occurred around noon on the platform of the North Philadelphia Station near Broad Street and Lehigh Avenue.Police sources told FOX 29's Steve Keeley that the shooting "appears to be a case of self-defense by a man with a permit to carry." Keeley reports that the incident started when a man was harassing a woman aboard the SEPTA train when an armed rider intervened. Both men got off the train at North Philadelphia Station and the alleged harasser attacked the armed man with a knife and was shot twice in the leg, according to sources.The 34-year-old victim was taken to the hospital in critical condition.The alleged gunman was taken into custody and a weapon was recovered. This is a developing story.

COLOMBO (News 1st); Sri Lanka’s Opposition Leader Sajith Premadasa has called on the Parliament to immediately reappoint former Chairmen and members to COPE and COPA, which ceased to function after the President prorogued Parliament in December 2021.He requested that these parliamentary watchdogs recommence the investigations that were being looked into before the prorogation of the house.“This government made a pledge to expose the 2019 Easter Attacks and reveal the masterminds to the people. The government promised to take every possible action against them.

COLOMBO (News 1st); Sri Lanka Customs arrested five people on Thursday (20) for operating a foreign currency smuggling ring from Sri Lanka.The arrest for three women and two men were made following a lengthy investigation carried out by the Narcotics Control Unit of Sri Lanka Customs.“The group was involved in smuggling bulk cash in foreign currency to other countries,” said Sri Lanka Customs adding they were arrested when they attempted to fly to Dubai aboard Emirates Flight EK 649 on Wednesday (19) night.Customs personnel detected a bulk of foreign currency concealed in their luggage.USD 22,300, 63,500 Euros, 8,725 Sterling Pounds, 292,00 Saudi Riyals, and 75,000 Dirhams were discovered upon inspection.The total value of the seized cash is north of Rs. 40 Million said Sri Lanka Customs.

Britney Spears is now threatening to sue Jamie Lynn if she continues to make “derogatory” statements about her while promoting her new book.In a cease and desist letter, Britney’s lawyer Matthew Rosengart claims that the “ill-timed” memoir contains several “misleading or outrageous claims.”“Publicly airing false or fantastical grievances is wrong, especially when designed to sell books. It is also potentially unlawful and defamatory,” Rosengart warns in the letter.

COLOMBO (News 1st); The Central Bank of Sri Lanka (CBSL) says that its Monetary Board decided to adopt several policy measures with the view to strengthening macroeconomic stability.Accordingly, the Monetary Board has decided to:a) Increase the Standing Deposit Facility Rate (SDFR) and the Standing Lending Facility Rate (SLFR) of the Central Bank by 50 basis points each, to 5.50 per cent and 6.50 per cent, respectively;b) Distribute the financing of essential import bills for fuel purchases among the licensed banks in proportion to their foreign exchange inflows;c) Mandate all registered tourist establishments to accept foreign exchange only in respect of services rendered to persons resident outside Sri Lanka;d) Extend the payment of an additional Rs. 8.00 per US dollar for workers’ remittances paid in addition to the incentive of Rs.

PHILADELPHIA - An hours-long standoff in Overbrook ended with an arrest after authorities said a man called police on himself and claimed to have possibly shot someone.The barricade started just after 7 p.m. on the 6100 block of West Columbia Avenue, according to investigators. Police said the suspect called police and said he was armed and possibly shot someone. MORE LOCAL HEADLINESWhen police arrived at the home, the man refused to come out and a nearly three hours long barricade started.A preliminary report from police said that it's possible that a woman and a teenage girl were also inside the property. The barricade ended just after 10:30, according to police.