India reports 2,208 covid cases in a day

COLOMBO (News 1st) – Sri Lankan President Ranil Wickremesinghe has called for a full report on the Kandakadu Rehab Center incident on Sunday (6).The President's Media Division said that the necessary steps needed to be taken to avert a recurrence of such incidents have also been called for, following discussions with Justice Minister Wijeyadasa Rajapakshe.Sri Lankan authorities said on Monday (7) that around 75 – 100 detainees held at the Kandakadu Treatment and Rehabilitation Center had fled the premises following Sunday (6) night's brawl.Military Spokesperson Brigadier Ravi Herath told News 1st that around 25 of the escapees had surrendered themselves to the Sri Lanka Army Checkpoint positions on the Somawathiya – Kandakadu Road.A brawl took place between two groups of detainees at the Kandakadu Treatment and Rehabilitation Center on Sunday (6) night.One injured detainee and one Sri Lanka Army soldier were admitted to the Polonnaruwa General Hospital.Military Spokesperson Brigadier Ravi Herath told News 1st that several detainees had attempted to approach the armoury at the premises, and that escalated the brawl.Sri Lanka Army personnel attached to the 9th Field Regiment Sri Lanka Artillery who were assigned to the security detail of the armoury had foiled the attempt, and the armoury of the Kandakadu Treatment and Rehabilitation Center was secured by the Sri Lanka Army, said Military Spokesperson Brigadier Ravi Herath.

COLOMBO (News 1st) – 31 year old Danushka Gunathilaka was arrested at about 1am on Sunday, according to foreign media, after a 29 year old woman made a complaint to police last week.New South Wales police said the cricketer and the 29-year-old woman first made contact via a dating app last weekend. According to Australian media the app used was 'Tinder'.In Tinder, users "swipe right" to like or "swipe left" to dislike other users' profiles.

Doctors were able to cure the man with a mix of neutralising antibodies known to be effective against early coronavirus variants A Covid patient who testest for 411 days has finally been cured. This is the longest phase a patient has suffered from the infection anywhere in the world.  As per reports, 59-year-old British man patient first tested positive in December 2020 and he continued to test positive for Covid until January 2022.

He said: "I have Poland Syndrome, so I only have one pec that was brought to the attention of a lot of people so I'm glad that the Poland Syndrome [was brought to people's attention].”"I remember sitting down and tears falling out of my eyes watching the Olympics - it was given a name and it hadn't been given a name."A Poland Syndrome charity said they'd never had so much publicity and an 85-year-old man said he didn't know what it was called until he read the piece.“Because people look at you and it's like, 'what's going on', you feel like a weirdo and now I feel like I am who I am."According to the NHS, Poland Syndrome is a very rare condition that is characterised by webbing of the fingers and of underdevelopment of chest muscle.Following his stint on Strictly, Matt spoke exclusively to Express.co.uk about his time on the show as he promotes his upcoming Christmas single, The Beautiful Unknown.Matt explained that the criticism he received for not "smiling enough" was down to "stuff" going on in his life, hinting at personal woes he wanted to keep away from the dancefloor.Express.co.uk asked the Bros singer if he paid attention to any of the critiques on social media or from the judges.Matt said: "Apparently I wasn't smiling enough on Strictly and I'm sure you know there's stuff going on in my life that had to take precedence and I had to resolve that."I didn't want to reveal either because it was painful and I just, you know, had to hold on and I wanted to put my best foot forward, no pun intended.So I didn't feel the need to share that on social media."Matt recently moved back to the UK after living in the US for 25 years, as his return sadly took place without his mother and sister around to support him. In 2019,

COLOMBO (News 1st) – Litro Gas Lanka Ltd.

COLOMBO (News 1st) – Litro Gas Lanka Ltd.

Sri Lanka, which is under an ongoing economic crisis, is headed for another major turbulence as the country will not be able to secure the much-needed IMF loan in December as its ally and debtor China is yet to initiate a dialogue on debt restructuring with Colombo.A report in the Hindustan Times quoting financial analysts based in Washington said that Sri Lanka will miss the IMF deadline and will have to wait till March next year to secure a loan of $2.9 billion, as Beijing was involved in the 20th National Party Congress.The next meeting of the IMF executive board is in March 2023, Sri Lanka will most likely have to wait until then for IMF Board approval, and access to the funds.Why is China's involvement so important to access IMF funds?Sri Lanka is now considered a country that defaulted on its external debt because the island nation lacked foreign reserves for debt servicing.According to the Central Bank of Sri Lanka and the Finance Ministry, Sri Lanka's total debt was $36 billion at the end of 2021.Of this total debt, Colombo owes some 52% in bilateral credit to China, 19.5% to Japan, and 12% to India.One of the main conditions for Sri Lanka to tap the USD 2.9 Billion funding from the International Monetary Fund is debt reconciliation and restructuring.Bilateral means transactions between two countries, and there is an institution that operates with the support of the International Monetary Fund to talk about bilateral debt, and this is called the Paris Club.Sri Lanka has obtained a large number of loans from Japan, India, and China, and among them, only Japan is a member of the Paris Club.India is openly supporting Sri Lanka's engagement with the IMF, and avenues are open for Sri Lanka to discuss debt

up by double digits since July when optimism was waning amid rising cases.With weekly COVID-19 cases now lower than in July, the 65% of U.S. adults who believe the pandemic is improving is up 24 percentage points and on par with readings in February and April. In addition, 24% of Americans say the situation is staying about the same and 11% think it is getting worse.Gallup began measuring public perceptions of the coronavirus situation once per quarter this year after tracking it monthly in 2021 and weekly for much of 2020.Though markedly improved, the current assessment, from an Oct.

COLOMBO (News 1st) – The International Federation of Red Cross And Red Crescent Societies says At least 5.7 million people require humanitarian assistance in Sri Lanka..The International Federation of Red Cross And Red Crescent Societies in its Needs Assessment Report for October 2022 said that At least 5.7 million people or 26 per cent of the population require humanitarian assistance.IFRC warned that without immediate humanitarian assistance, and ‘upstream’ interventions to address the fragility of systems, services and facilities, this number will multiply, and the consequences will deepen.IFRC said that at the community and family level, the macroeconomic collapse in Sri Lanka has translated into a complex humanitarian emergency, as millions of people are increasingly suffering, with severe shortages of food, fuel, cooking gas, medicine and other essentials.The IFRC assessment found that household purchasing power is constrained by food inflation and that disruptions to livelihoods and food insecurity have increased, raising worries about malnutrition.People are suffering from poorer health because the healthcare system has become compromised, and the household economic stresses have resulted in rising concerns over basic needs and protection for the most vulnerable such as those already living below the poverty line, people with disability, and marginalised people.

(Hindustan Times) – Sri Lanka will miss the December deadline for securing an IMF loan as the main bilateral debtor China was involved in the 20th party congress and had little time for holding debt restructuring talks with Colombo, reported the Hindustan Times.The next meeting of the IMF executive board is in March 2023.According to financial analysts based in Washington, Sri Lanka likely will miss the December IMF deadline and will have to wait for March 2023 to secure a USD 2.9 billion loan from the lending institution in eight equal tranches.In the meantime, the Sri Lankan debt has increased further due to forex depreciation, deep recession, and burgeoning fiscal deficit. Since the end of 2021, inflation has considerably eroded the real value of domestic debt.While debtors India and Japan have already initiated a dialogue with Colombo on debt reconciliation and restructuring, China is still to engage in the dialogue as Beijing was involved in the 20th National Party Congress and had little time for client state Sri Lanka. The total debt of the island nation was USD 36 billion at the end of 2021. Of this, Sri Lanka owes USD 7.1 billion to China or 20% of its debt.

COLOMBO (News 1st) – A crude oil shipment that was ordered by Sri Lanka remains anchored in Sri Lankan waters for almost 53 days, due to non-payment for the cargo by local authorities.A source from the Ministry of Power & Energy said as Sri Lanka is yet to make payments for two previous crude oil shipments, the vessel at the port has rejected the call to unload the shipment.A crude oil shipment that was ordered by Sri Lanka remained anchored in Sri Lankan waters for almost 53 days.A source from the Ministry of Power & Energy said Sri Lanka had made two previously purchased from the company that delivered the Crude Oil, and the payments are yet to be made for those two shipments.Therefore, the vessel has rejected calls to unload crude oil in Sri Lanka until the payment for the two previous shipments is made.The source from the Ministry of Power & Energy said Sri Lanka facing difficulties in sourcing US Dollars to make the payments.The Sapugaskanda Oil Refinery remains closed for weeks, due to the unavailability of crude oil

COLOMBO (News 1st) – Sri Lanka's health ministry reported the first case of monkey pox in the country.Sources said the patient had returned from abroad, and was directed to medical treatment.What is Monkeypox?Monkeypox is a viral zoonosis (a virus transmitted to humans from animals) with symptoms similar to those seen in the past in smallpox patients, although it is clinically less severe. With the eradication of smallpox in 1980 and subsequent cessation of smallpox vaccination, monkeypox has emerged as the most important orthopoxvirus for public health.

Covid-19 update: The death toll climbed to 5,30,479 with 18 fatalities which includes 15 deaths reconciled by Kerala, the data updated at 8 am stated. With 1,216 people testing positive for coronavirus infection in a day, India's tally of Covid-19 cases rose to 4,46,58,365, while the active cases declined to 15,705, according to the Union Health Ministry data updated on Friday. The death toll climbed to 5,30,479 with 18 fatalities which includes 15 deaths reconciled by Kerala, the data updated at 8 am stated.

Prime minister Shehbaz Sharif has taken notice of and “severely condemned” the firing incident at Imran Khan’s long march container in Wazirabad.He has instructed Interior Minister Rana Sanaullah to seek an immediate report on the incident from the IGP and chief secretary Punjab, according to a tweet from the Government of Pakistan’s official Twitter account.After a man opened fire at PTI chairman Imran Khan to injure him in Gujranwala, party leader Shahbaz Gill said that "Imran Khan is our red line and an attempt has been made to cross that red line."He also said that Khan will fight till his last breath.Following the incident, the PTI chairman has been shifted to a hospital.

COLOMBO (News 1st) – The Locomotive Engineering Operators' Union said that delayed maintenance had resulted in disruptions to the railway services.The Chairman of the Locomotive Engineering Operators' Union  K.A.U Konthasinghe told News 1st that several power-sets are not in a position to operate due to the absence of the braking system.He added that maintenance of railways tracks has also hit a deadlock due to the shortage of tracks, and equipment.The trade union leader revealed that during the past three days three separate trains derailed between Maradana and Fort, solely due to the lack of maintenance of railway tracks.Railways General Manager W. D.

COLOMBO (News 1st) – The Committee on Public Finance says that granting approval to the Gazette Notification to temporarily suspend the importation of bathware is an injustice to the consumer.The Committee on Public Finance was of the view that Regulations published in the Extra Ordinary gazette Notification 2296/30, Under the Import and Export (Control) Act No. 1 of 1969 should be subjected to further consideration and that consideration should also be given as to whether approval for such would stand as justifiable by the consumer. This was discussed at the Committee on Public Finance which met on Tuesday (01) under the chairmanship of Dr.

COLOMBO (News 1st) – The Qatar Fund for Development sent 4.7 tons of urgent medical aid to the Democratic Socialist Republic of Sri Lanka.The Aid was received by Jassim bin Jaber J.B. Al-Sorour, Ambassador of the State of Qatar and Keheliya Rambukwella, Minister of Health in Sri Lanka and in the presence of the Diplomats in the Mission and the senior officials of the Ministry of Health in Sri Lanka including  Janaka Chandraguptha, Secretary – Ministry of Health, Dr.

COLOMBO (News 1st) – A walk by two Aragalaya Activists that was to reach Galle Face Green on Wednesday (2) was blocked by security forces from Baladaksha Mawatha in Colombo."We come here with love. We do not have any stones with us.

COLOMBO (News 1st) – Former Minister Rishad Bathiudeen was ordered by Fort Magistrate Thilina Gamage to be released from a case filed under the Prevention of Terrorist Act allegedly assisting the suicide bombers who carried out the 2019 April 21st Terror Attacks.The Magistrate made the order following the submissions made by the Attorney General who had pointed out that was insufficient evidence to file a case against the Ex-Minister under the PTA.Rishad Bathiudeen was arrested on the 24th of April and detained for 111 days for investigations and was later released on bail by the Fort Magistrate's Court."They fabricated the charges and ruined me and my community. They came to power accusing me and the entire Muslim community for the Easter Attacks.

Hong Kong’s attempts to welcome back global investors with a flagship summit were overshadowed by the controversial handling of a top local official’s Covid-19 test result, a typhoon and a lack of debate over how coronavirus restrictions have weakened investors’ confidence in both Hong Kong and mainland China.

Dame Judi Dench, 87, has discussed how she had to get her partner David Mills to “cut up her food” for her due to her declining health.The star also revealed that she cannot read or write anymore due to suffering from advanced macular degeneration. The James Bond actress revealed that, while out for dinner recently with her partner David, he had to cut up her food as she couldn't see it on her plate.“He cut it up and handed something to me on a fork and that's the way I ate it,” she recalled.However, the legendary star has insisted that she will not be retiring from acting anytime soon despite her condition. Nonetheless, Judi admitted that her health was in a “bad” state as she opened up about the way her life has changed as a result. “I don't want to retire,” she said. “I'm not doing much at the moment because I can't see.

The best way to deal with the new COVID variant is to keep the immunity quotient high throughout the year Even after nearly 3 years, COVID remains a threat to us mostly because the virus is still mutating. The latest variant of Omicron continues to be a threat to us as it is said to spreading faster than its predecessors and has immune escape properties. So even if you are vaccinated and also boosted, you still need to be careful.

ABU DHABI (Reuters) – Sri Lanka's energy and power minister Kanchana Wijesekera said on Tuesday his country was expecting a diesel shipment from China that will possibly arrive by the end of November, as his country faces a deep financial crisis.Wijesekera was answering reporters' questions on the sidelines of an industry conference in Abu Dhabi on whether Sri Lanka had received any support.

COLOMBO (News 1st) – Instagram appears to be down right now, but the glitch many users are reporting is an odd one. It’s not just that users are having trouble accessing the popular photo- and video-sharing app, but they’re also having trouble accessing their accounts and have reported being hit with account suspension notices.On Monday morning, the apparent Instagram outage was reported by users on Twitter and Downdetector. Both sites included numerous reports saying that users suddenly lost access to their IG accounts and were given account suspension notices.Many of these user reports followed a similar pattern.

COLOMBO (News 1st) – Sri Lanka on Monday (31) introduced a cycle to work program to promote cycling among public sector employees as a solution to the transporation crisis.The Cycle to Work progrma to promote cycling among public sector employees was organized by the Ministry of Urban Development and Housing.The aim of this program is to encourage government employees to commute using bicycles as a solution to the transportation crisis. Kick starting the initiative, a group of public sector employees cycled from Battaramulla to Sethsiripaya on Monday (31) morning.Meanwhile, a tree planting program was organized at te Setshiripaya Premises in line with World Cities Day.

COLOMBO (News 1st) – Sri Lanka's Department of Census and Statistics reported that the Overall Rate of Inflation as measured by the Colombo Consumer Price Index on a Year-on-Year basis is 66.0% in October 2022.It added that the Year-on-Year inflation calculated for the month of September 2022 was 69.8%.According to the Department of Census and Statistics Food Inflation dropped to 85.6% in October 2022 from 94.9% in September 2022 on a year-on-year basis. 

HONG KONG : Foxconn Technology Group is scrambling to contain a weekslong Covid-19 outbreak at an iPhone factory in central China, trying to appease frightened and frustrated workers during a crucial period for smartphone orders. In Foxconn’s main Zhengzhou facility, the world’s biggest assembly site for Apple Inc.’s iPhones, hundreds of thousands of workers have been placed under a closed-loop system for almost two weeks. They are largely shut off from the outside world, allowed only to move between their dorms or homes and the production lines.

COLOMBO (News 1st) – The family of a Surinamese woman arrested with cocaine in Sri Lanka have appointed a Surinamese lawyer to appear for her case.The government of Suriname has refuted media reports that a Surinamese woman arrested in Sri Lanka has been sentenced to death on suspicion of drug smuggling. The woman was arrested by the Customs Narcotics Control Bureau on October 18 for possession of over two kilograms of cocaine at the Katunayake Airport.The 25-year-old woman, who had arrived at the Katunayake Bandaranaike Airport through Doha, Qatar from Brazil, was questioned by the Sri Lanka Customs Narcotics Control Bureau officers, due to her suspicious behavior.During the investigation, the officers discovered 2,553 grams of cocaine, in tins, labeled as containing food.The suspect was subsequently detained and charged with the offense of drug smuggling.The Suriname Ministry of Foreign Affairs, International Business and International Cooperation has become involved in the matter on the basis of the Vienna Convention on Consular Traffic’ (Arts 5 and 36 paragraph 1c) and ‘the Vienna Convention on Diplomatic Traffic’, adding that information is requested from Sri Lanka.The Surinamese government has taken steps in accordance with these preconditions and the embassy in New Delhi, India, immediately contacted the authorities in Sri Lanka.After confirming the suspect’s arrest, the Surinamese embassy in New Delhi immediately requested permission from the Sri Lankan authorities for consular access to the person concerned, either virtually or physically.In the meantime, a Surinamese lawyer has been appointed by the suspect’s family as a contact person, and information is exchanged with the family via this communication

COLOMBO (News 1st) – Motorcycle gunmen struck once again on Monday (31) morning killing two men in Thiranagama, Hikkaduwa.Sri Lanka Police said that two men aged 26 & 47 were gunned down by the killers.According to report, the victims were shot dead when they traveling towards Hikkaduwa on the Colombo – Galle Main Road.Sri Lanka Police said the victims were heading to court for a legal matter when they were gunned down, adding that the men were suspects in a murder.They were identified at Kapuwa Handi Prasanna Mendis, and Henda Hewage Isuru Prasanna,

Humza Yousaf has admitted it could take five years for the NHS in Scotland to recover from the impact of the coronavirus pandemic. The SNP health secretary spoke candidly today about the huge pressures facing the country's hospitals ahead of a challenging winter period.

Over 4.12 crore adolescents have been administered with the first dose of the vaccine so far, ever since the covid vaccination for the age group 1ṁ2-14 years started on 16 March 2022 New Delhi: India’s Covid-19 vaccination coverage has exceeded 219 crore as per the provisional data till Sunday morning, the Union Ministry of Health and Family Welfare said in a statement. Covid vaccination for the age group 12-14 years started on 16 March 2022 and so far, over 4.12 crore adolescents have been administered with the first dose of the vaccine. The precaution dose administration for age group 18-59 years started from 10 April 2022.

COLOMBO (News 1st) – Speaker Mahinda Yapa Abeywardena has instructed officials to immediately investigate the misuse of MP quarters.The speaker mentioned that there have been constant complaints from various parties that some of the official residences in the Malabe MP housing complex have been misused.Accordingly, seveal complaints have been received that former members of Parliament who are not currently representing the Parliament have been staying in some MP quarters for a long time.In some complaints, it has been stated that staff members and security guards are also staying at some quarters reserved for MPs.The Speaker says that he has instructed the responsible officers to take into consideration such complaints and immediately investigate and report the matter.An MP quarters consists of 900 square feet equipped with 03 bedrooms, a kitchen, a living room, a dining room, a staff toilet and parking space.The Madiwela MP Housing Complex consists of 120 housing units which are given to them on a rental basis.

The country’s active caseload has declined to 18,317 taking the total tally of covid cases to 44.6 million and 529,016 deaths so far New Delhi : India reported 1,604 new covid cases in the last 24 hours, as per the Union health ministry. The country’s active caseload has declined to 18,317 taking the total tally of covid cases to 44.6 million and 529,016 deaths so far. While Assam has reported 2,613 active caseload, Gujarat has contributed 414 active cases.

COLOMBO (News 1st) – The National Child Protection Authority says that the investigation into the shooting of a 15-year old student in Matara, Thihagoda will be fully overseen by the NCPA.Its Chairman, Senior Lecturer Udaya Kumara Amarasinghe stated that police officers attached to the NCPA have been directed for that purpose.Meanwhile, officials of the Sri Lanka Human Rights Commission have prepared a preliminary investigation report on the related incident.This is after an on-site inspection was conducted by the Human Rights Commission officials on Saturday (29).The concerned student is currently receiving treatment in the intensive care unit of Karapitiya Hospital.Meanwhile, the sub-inspector who accidentally discharged the shot has been remanded until November 2nd, after being presented before Matara Magistrate Isuru Netticumara yesterday.

Covid-19 update: The death toll due to the disease has climbed to 5,29,016 with eight fatalities being recorded, including three reconciled by Kerala, the data updated at 8 am showed. With 1,604 more people testing positive for the coronavirus infection in a day, India's tally of Co-19 cases has gone up to 4,46,52,266 while that of active cases has declined to 18,317, according to Union Health Ministry data on Sunday. The death toll due to the disease has climbed to 5,29,016 with eight fatalities being recorded, including three reconciled by Kerala, the data updated at 8 am showed.

COLOMBO (News 1st) – TNA Parliamentarian M. A.

COLOMBO (News 1st) – Reports have surfaced with regard to an attempt to cut down trees that have been standing tall for over a century, under the guise of development.Sri Lankan authorities have allocated Rs. 20 Million under the Suhuru Project series for the renovation of the Ulpath Wewa at the Devata village in Horowpathana.The project is directly supervised by the Kekirawa Irrigation Engineer, and local farmers allege that permission has been given to cut down 17 tall Kumbuk trees and 1 Oak tree located on the banks of the tank.The Chairman of the National Govijana Collective, Anuradha Tennakoon pointed out that cutting down 18 trees would pose serious risks to the ecosystem, as the Ulpath Wewa was formed when the water from a number of nearby springs.

Val Chmerkovskiy will miss Monday's (31. 10. 22) 'Dancing with the Stars' after testing positive for COVID-19.

The consumer-goods giant subjected its product range to broader scrutiny after ShareAction, a responsible investment charity, championed a resolution urging the company to do the reporting. Unilever’s rivals have yet to do the same.

In the last 24 hours, more than 2,161 patients recovered from the infection. Since the onset of the pandemic, more than 4,41,02,852 people have recovered from the disease. New Delhi: India reported 1,574 new Covid cases in the last 24 hours, as per the Union Health Ministry.

Val Chmerkovskiy revealed this Friday that he has tested positive for COVID-19 and will have to miss the Halloween episode of Dancing With The Stars.The 36-year-old heartthrob made the announcement in a shirtless Instagram video, saying that while 'I feel fine' he regrets having 'let some people down.'He shared that in his absence, his celebrity dance partner Gabby Windey of Bachelor Nation fame will be temporarily teamed up with pro Alan Bersten. Whoops: Val Chmerkovskiy revealed this Friday that he has tested positive for COVID-19 and will have to miss the Halloween episode of Dancing With The StarsVal said his diagnosis 'sucks majorly, for lack of a better, more profound word, but the good thing is that Gabby tested negative so we’re still in it.'On an optimistic note he pointed out that 'we have some awesome pros on the show, one of them being Alan, who’s gonna step in, learn the routine and partner Gabby this Monday.

A special award was gifted to all NHS Tayside staff at this year’s STAR Awards for their incredible work saving numerous lives during the Covid-19 pandemic.

Health officials have warned about two mutant strains of coronavirus that have emerged in the UK.

COLOMBO (News 1st) – Another crucial discussion between the International Monetary Fund and Sri Lanka's creditors is due be held on November 3rd.The Presidential Media Division stated that the discussion will focus on debt restructuring in Sri Lanka. This has been previously discussed during a meeting between the resident representative of the International Monetary Fund and a group of other officials who are leaving the country after completing their tenure.The President's Media Division stated that special attention was paid to the previous measures of debt restructuring as well as the creditor's conference.Meanwhile, the call for applications for the program to identify those who are eligible to receive welfare benefit payments ends on 28th October.The program, which is being implemented on the advice of President Ranil Wickremesinghe is being implemented under the theme "Do not leave anyone behind".Accordingly, the deadline was closed after the number of applicants who have registered with the Welfare Benefit Board for state welfare benefits reached 2.4 million.

Health experts have issued an urgent warning about food poisoning as a "worrying" number of Scots are eating food that has gone off.

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.

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.

COLOMBO (News 1st) – Sri Lanka's Health Ministry said that the number of Dengue cases reported in Sri Lanka has increased threefold compared to 2021.So far in 2022, more than 62,000 Dengue cases have been reported.Director of the National Dengue Control Unit, Dr Sudath Samaraweera says 60 people have died from Dengue this year, adding that a majority of the victims were children and those below the age of 50 years.