Indian Railways kickstart Buddhist Circuit Tourist train

Read more: Liberals ignored CSIS warning on 2019 candidate accused in Chinese interference probe, sources say In an emailed statement to Global News sent Tuesday, Dong confirmed that he had a discussion with Consul General Han, but disputed that he initiated it and also denies that he advised Beijing to delay releasing Kovrig and Spavor from prison.“I raised the status of Michael Spavor and Michael Kovrig and called for their immediate release,” he wrote.“At every opportunity before they returned home, I adamantly demanded their release to Canada without delay. Any suggestions otherwise are false and are attempts to mislead you and your readers, and slander me.”The Prime Minister’s Office said it only became aware of the two-year-old conversation following Global News’ inquiries about it.PMO spokesperson Alison Murphy wrote that her office “only became aware that a conversation took place after Mr.

TALLAHASSEE, Fla. - The administration of Florida Gov. Ron DeSantis is moving to forbid classroom instruction on sexual orientation and gender identity in all grades, expanding the controversial law critics call "Don't Say Gay" as the Republican governor continues a focus on cultural issues ahead of his expected presidential run. The proposal, which would not require legislative approval, is scheduled for a vote next month – April 19 at 9 a.m.

COLOMBO (News 1st); Sri Lanka’s High Commissioner to India Milinda Moragoda met with the Minister of Finance and Corporate Affairs of India Smt.

COLOMBO (News 1st); The Ministry of Education said school text books will be provided from Thursday (23).The Ministry said the second phase of the program to provide school uniforms will also commence on Thursday (23). The Education Ministry said uniforms will be provided to 4.1 million school children and student monks.The Ministry has made plans to complete the distribution of school text books and uniforms before the April holidays.Material for school uniforms were provided to 70% of students under the first phase of this program, with material donated by the Chinese government.

Bloomberg:  Sri Lanka’s bailout by the International Monetary Fund will help the bankrupt nation lower its borrowing costs, thanks in part to a change in how the cash can be used, central bank Governor Nandalal Weerasinghe said, reported Bloomber.

PHILADELPHIA - A man is dead after police say he was found shot nearly 10 times on a Philadelphia street Tuesday night. Officers from the Philadelphia Police Department were called to the 100 block of East Indiana Street just after 8 p.m.

A Ugandan transgender woman who was recently attacked and currently being sheltered watches a TV screen showing the live broadcast of the session from the Parliament for the anti-gay bill, at a local charity supporting the LGBTQ Community near Kampal Ugandan lawmakers passed a bill prescribing jail terms of up to 10 years for offenses related to same-sex relations, responding to popular sentiment but piling more pressure on the East African country’s LGBTQ community.The bill was passed late Tuesday inside a packed parliamentary chamber, and after a roll call ordered by the House speaker, who had repeatedly warned it was necessary to identify those who might oppose the bill. It was supported by nearly all of the 389 legislators present."Congratulations," said Speaker Anita Among.

Ed Sheeran is opening up like never before. The Shape of You singer spoke to Rolli

FILE - A sign hangs above the entrance of a Foot Locker store on Aug. 2, 2021, in Chicago, Illinois.

COLOMBO (News 1st); The International Monetary Fund on Tuesday (21) said that the Extended Fund Facility (EFF) arrangement for Sri Lanka sets a minimum spending floor by the government on the social safety net program.The International Monetary Fund (IMF) Executive Board on Monday (20) approved SDR 2.286 billion (about US dollars 3 billion) under the Extended Fund Facility (EFF) to support Sri Lanka’s economic policies and reforms.The IMF report on the EFF noted that Social Safety Net (SSN) programs in Sri Lanka are fragmented, with several implementation agencies, which has led to a lack of ownership and widespread inefficiencies in delivery of SSN programs.Masahiro Nozaki, the IMF Mission Chief for Sri Lanka said the EFF program said that Sri Lankan authorities have committed to SSN spending of Rs. 187 billion (0.6 percent of GDP) in 2023.Sri Lanka’s SSN programs monitored under the EFF-supported program comprise the Samurdhi program (largest poverty-targeted cash transfer program in Sri Lanka), as well as assistance to the elderly (over 70 years), allowance for disabled people, and financial support for kidney patients.Masahiro Nozaki highlighted that Sri Lanka's Social Safety Net program suffer from poor targeting."Right now the social safety nets cover about 40% of poorer households, that should be significantly increased and some social safety net spending is going towards relatively rich families.

PHILADELPHIA - Nearly two weeks after an attempted robbery and shooting of employees, Mayfair Pizza vows to reopen, but says it will take time.Stacy Karasavas says Mayfair Pizza, the family-owned restaurant will remain closed for the unforeseeable future, but vow to reopen as soon as they are able to.The doors shut almost two weeks ago after police say 19-year-old Kaleb Bridges attempted to rob the shop and shot both Stacy and her mother.

Finance Minister Chrystia Freeland pledged on Monday that the Liberals would provide “additional, targeted inflation relief” to vulnerable Canadians in the 2023 federal budget.

19 February 2023, Brandenburg, Jänschwalde: Steam rises from the cooling towers of the Jänschwalde lignite-fired power plant operated by Lausitz Energie Bergbau AG (LEAG). The power plant is the third largest power plant in Germany.

COLOMBO (News 1st); The United States of America has welcomed the approval of Sri Lanka’s IMF package."Great news & an important step on the road toward economic recovery," tweeted US Ambassador to Sri Lanka Julie Chung on Monday (20).She said that the Sri Lankan government will need to continue reforms and conclude debt restructuring agreements to ensure the program – and the economy – stay on track.She noted that structural & lasting reforms that address good governance & transparency are critical to ensure all citizens of Sri Lanka can prosper.IMF Managing Director Kristalina Georgieva also noted that she was very pleased the Executive Board of the IMF had approved about $3 bn of IMF support for Sri Lanka’s economic policies & reforms. She said that it was an important milestone with International Creditors coming together to help to restore debt sustainability. "Crucial to unlock Sri Lanka's growth potential," she added.The International Monetary Fund said that it will enable an immediate disbursement equivalent to about US $ 333 million for Sri Lanka under EFF program, following Executive Board approval on Monday (20).The Executive Board of the International Monetary Fund (IMF) approved today a 48‑month extended arrangement under the Extended Fund Facility (EFF) with an amount of SDR 2.286 billion (395 percent of quota or about US$3 billion).Sri Lanka has been hit hard by a catastrophic economic and humanitarian crisis.

NEW DELHI : India aims to launch a global initiative on digital health as an institutional framework. This framework aims to converge the global efforts for digital health and scale up digital solutions with use of cutting-edge technologies, said Mansukh Mandaviya, union health minister on Monday.

According to the survey, while the health and life insurance categories have seen significant growth in the personal insurance segment, the pandemic has also increased awareness and acceptance of health and term life insurance in the corporate insurance segment In a recent survey by Elephant.in on insurance being brought by corporate employees in India, the organisation shared some interesting facts regarding the growing demand in this category. Notwithstanding the COVID-19 pandemic’s negative effects on the global and national economies and health systems, its single but most powerful positive effect was to raise awareness of the value of insurance.

Nineteen officers from the three services of the Indian armed forces reached Sri Lanka on Sunday (19).The Officers are on a week-long strategic study tour under the 46th Higher Air Command Course.The delegation consists of selected officers under training for Senior Command and Staff Appointments from the three services.During the visit, the Officers are scheduled to visit and interact with Sri Lankan Naval Command, Coast Guard and Air Force. The visit serves as an opportunity to further strengthen India’s defence partnership with Sri Lanka.

MIAMI - Rapper Tekashi 6ix9ine narrowly missed a beer can that was thrown at him at the World Baseball Classic game between Mexico and Puerto Rico in Miami, Florida, Friday. The incident was filmed by Aram Leighton.The video showed the rapper facing and yelling at the crowd while waving a Mexican flag. That was when a beer can is seen flying past him. RELATED: EXCLUSIVE: Tekashi 6ix9ine on prison, snitching, new music and moreSeveral people were also seen giving the rapper the middle finger gesture.MIAMI, FLORIDA - DECEMBER 17: Rapper Tekashi 6ix9ine performs during the MiamiBash 2021 at FTX Arena on December 17, 2021 in Miami, Florida.

ALLENTOWN, Pa. - An eastern Pennsylvania man accused of having used a homemade high-pressure air gun to kill a neighbor with whom he had had an affair has been convicted of first-degree murder.Jurors in Lehigh County deliberated for less than three hours last week before convicting 41-year-old Josef Raszler in the September 2016 murder of 46-year-old Stephanie Roof in Lower Macungie Township. He faces a mandatory term of life in prison with possibility of parole when he is sentenced May 11.Defense attorney Phil Lauer said he respected the jury’s verdict but vowed an appeal.

PHILADELPHIA - Joel Embiid and Tyrese Maxey each scored 31 points and Tobias Harris added 24 as the Philadelphia 76ers routed the Indiana Pacers 141-121 on Saturday night to match their season high with an eighth consecutive victory.In a matchup of teams missing All-Stars — Philadelphia’s James Harden and Indiana’s Tyrese Haliburton — the 76ers shot 61% from the field, led by as many as 24 points and never looked back after overcoming an early eight-point deficit.Embiid, who set a franchise record with his ninth straight outing of at least 30 points, chipped in seven assists and seven rebounds. Philadelphia legends Allen Iverson and Wilt Chamberlain each had eight-game runs of 30 points or more."Embiid is right now probably the (NBA) MVP with what their team is doing and how he’s just elevated his game," Pacers coach Rick Carlisle said. "He’s as a difficult a guy to plan for as there is in the game.

struggling for a long time in Emmerdale with symptoms that seemed to be linked to her periods – she’s suffered from irritability, mood swings and anxiety and despite being put on the pill which has helped with her heavy periods, her emotional and psychological problems haven’t been any better. Last week we saw her worrying her friends with her reckless behaviour as she put her life in danger, and Bob (Tony Audenshaw) finally realised his daughter wasn’t dealing with the normal problems of adolescence and needed proper help.

Chick-fil-A loyalty customers will have to spend more to get rewards. The fast-food restaurant emailed Chick-fil-A One members this week that the company is updating its rewards program. The chicken chain is offering additional benefits starting April 4 — but it comes with a catch. Chick-fil-A touted that there will be additional menu items and meal rewards for all members.

KYIV, Ukraine (AP) - Russian President Vladimir Putin traveled to Crimea to mark the ninth anniversary of the Black Sea peninsula’s annexation from Ukraine on Saturday, the day after the International Criminal Court’ issued an arrest warrant for the Russian leader accusing him of war crimes.Putin visited an art school and a children’s center, locations that appeared to have been chosen in response to the court's action on Friday.The court specifically accused him Friday of bearing personal responsibility for the abductions of children from Ukraine during Russia's full-scale invasion of the neighboring country that started almost 13 months ago.Russia annexed Crimea from Ukraine in 2014, a move that most of the world denounced as illegal. Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy has demanded that Russia withdraw from the peninsula as well as the areas it has occupied since last year.Putin has shown no intention of relinquishing the Kremlin’s gains.

Colombo (News 1st) – Royal College Colombo have won the 144th edition of the Battle of the Blues with a comprehensive 181 run win against S. Thomas' College Mount Lavinia.This is the 36th time that Royal College have won the Battle of the Blues.Royal, who were put into to bat first in the match held at the Colombo SSC ground, declared their 1st innings on 326 runs for the loss of 8 wickets.In reply, S.

NEW YORK - An armed thief, dressed in a green sweat suit and wielding a knife, stole tens of thousands of dollars' worth of merchandise from a jewelry store in Brooklyn in a terrifying incident caught on camera.Security camera footage captured the crime inside the Melissa Joy Manning jewelry store in Cobble Hill. The thief's female accomplice watched the door as the thief calmly shoved jewelry into his knapsack and pockets before walking out of the store."It's horrifying, it's catastrophic.

Clawing back unspent COVID-19 relief funds may not improve the US fiscal picture and could negatively impact specific programs, vulnerable populations, and the long-term economic recovery. Republicans at the US House of representatives are eyeing unspent COVID-19 relief funds as a target to rein in federal spending. However, a review of federal spending figures by Reuters suggests that clawing back the remaining $80 billion of unspent aid may not significantly improve the US fiscal picture, but could instead have real-world repercussions.

The spike in covid cases in India can be attributed to the emergence of the new XBB The spike in covid cases in India can be attributed to the emergence of the new XBB.1.16 variant, said Rajesh Gokhale, secretary of the department of biotechnology and chief of India’s SARS-CoV-2 Genomics Consortium. The variant has been found in Maharashtra and among Indian travellers, according to the World Health Organization. In an interview, Gokhale noted that the widespread exposure to covid-19 has made the population susceptible to various viruses, including the seasonal flu.

Read more: 4 deaths among rash of violent crimes over New Year’s weekend in Edmonton Neighbours told Global News police arrived at around 1 a.m.Police have not provided details about the call.EPS Chief Dale McFee and other officials are scheduled to make an address at 10 a.m. Their statements will be livestreamed in this post.In messages shared on Twitter, other police departments and police unions offered condolences after two officers were killed.With immense sadness and heavy hearts we mourn the tragic loss of two @edmontonpolice officers killed in the line of duty.We share in the profound grief and loss of the fallen officers.

COLOMBO (News 1st); Two people died following a tragic collision between a speeding train and a car at the Magaltota Level Crossing in Koggala, Galle.The tragic accident involving a car and a speeding train took place on Thursday (16) afternoon at the Railway Crossing located close to the Fertilizer Storage Facility in the Habaraduwa Police Jurisdiction in Galle.It was evident via CCTV footage that when the car moved on to the tracks, the warning signals were already on.A 35-year-old man from Ahangama, and an 80-year-old woman died on the spot.Police Spokesperson SSP Nihal Thalduwa told News 1st that the train operating from Colombo to Beliatte collided with the car at around 12:30 in the afternoon.Locals who gathered at the crash site were seen making great efforts to retrieve the bodies from the ill-fated vehicle.The car was dragged 300 meters away from the crash site.

COLOMBO (News 1st); The Professionals Trade Union Collective says that the on-going strike will be called off at 8 AM on Thursday (16), as the President had noted that their demands will be taken into consideration. Spokesperson for the Government Medical Officers' Association Dr. Chamil Wijesinghe told reporters on Wednesday (15) that the strike will be temporarily called off at 8 AM on Thursday (16), and it does not mean the GMOA has withdrawn from the trade union action. The Professionals Trade Union Collective had declared a nation-wide day of strikes and protests with effect from midnight on Tuesday (14).Government, Semi-Government and Private Trade Unions supportrf the strikes.Government Medical Officers, Specialist Doctors, University Teachers, Faculty of Medicine Teachers, CEB Engineers, Bankers, Petroleum Workers, Water Supply Workers, Road Development Officers, Education Administrative Officers, Surveyors, Inland Revenue Officers are among the 40 Trade Unions that support this move.Their main demand is to amend the unjust tax policy implemented by the government.The PAYE tax between 6% to 36% imposed on monthly earnings over Rs.

COLOMBO (News 1st); The Election Commission will meet on Thursday (16) for talks on the upcoming Local Government Election.Chairman of the Election Commission Attorney Nimal Punchihewa said the meeting is scheduled for 10:30 AM at the Election Secretariat. It is reported that the meeting will focus on the delay in releasing funds for the Local Government Election on the part of the Ministry of Finance, and the relevant measures that need to be taken on the matter.The Government Printer said that a second letter was sent to the Treasury seeking funds for the printing process related to the Local Government Election.In the meantime, the Collective of Election Monitoring Organizations has decided to inform international agencies including the International Monetary Fund over the delay in securing funds for the Local Government Election, and the obstacles put forth by the government in delaying the election.Executive Director of PAFFREL Rohana Hettiarachchi said that all international missions in the country would also be informed of the same in the coming days. 

Asbestos forced Simon Gratz High School and Prep Middle School to close on Wednesday. PHILADELPHIA - Simon Gratz High School in Strawberry Mansion will reopen to students on Thursday, after it abruptly closed due to asbestos. In a letter to families, Mastery Charter Schools CEO Scott Gordon said "all findings that needed to be remediated in order for the school to reopen are now complete" and added that air quality samples came back negative for asbestos. Officials closed the school closed over a week ago when inspectors from the School District of Philadelphia found damaged asbestos on the campus of Simon Gratz High School, which also houses Simon Gratz Preparatory Middle School. Officials say the three-year reinspection of the district-owned building was in accordance with the Asbestos Hazard Emergency Response Act.

PHILADELPHIA - One of America's largest and most popular retailers is officially shutting down one of its Philadelphia locations.The Washington Square Target at 1128 Chestnut Street will close for good on May 13 "after multiple years of working to improve performance," according to a Target spokesperson.Currently, 45 part-time and full-time employees work at the Center City location, which opened in 2016. MORE HEADLINES:Official say those employees will be offered the chance to work at a nearby Target. After the Washington Square store closes, nine other Targets will remain open in Philadelphia.The Target closure comes months after Wawa closed two Center City locations due to the rise of crime and violence across the city. 

COLOMBO (News 1st); Sri Lankan President Ranil Wickremesinghe has expressed gratitude to the Paris Club, Japan, India, and China for enabling cooperation required to reach an IMF facility for the country.In an open letter to Sri Lanka's Official Bilateral Creditors, President Wickremesinghe noted that the government deployed all efforts to demonstrate our commitment to the EFF program and relentlessly engage on the path to reforms. He said the administration has already implemented major reforms by way of prior actions agreed with the IMF.The President said his government introduced a robust  reform agenda aimed at achieving debt sustainability, strengthening governance, widening the social safety nets supporting the most vulnerable and ensuring we can grow an inclusive  economy attractive to international business. He said this is how Sri Lanka will improve the lives of its people and ensure they are first in line to benefit from improvements in our economic conditions.The President has requested creditors to maintain and even enlarge and strengthen official bilateral creditor coordination in the context of Sri Lanka's forthcoming engagement. He called on the Paris Club  bilateral partners, in particular Japan, together with all our other official bilateral partners,  including India and China, to garner and foster coordination as you best see fit.The Presidnet noted that Sri Lanka is committed to communicate transparently with all on any debt treatment terms that are agreed with any creditor or group of creditors, before being formalized. The President in his letter has also committed not to resume debt service to any creditor unless that creditor agrees on a comprehensive debt treatment in line with IMF-supported

CHESTER COUNTY, Pa. - Imagine getting up to the register after a day of shopping only to find your wallet missing - a terrifying revelation police say is becoming more and more common in one Pennsylvania county."Distraction pick pocket" crimes are on the rise in Tredyffrin Township, a township in Chester County, according to the local police department.As one suspect distracts an unsuspecting victim, other suspects steal wallets and possibly other items from their purses.Police say innocent women have been the target of such crimes at the Paoli Acme and TJ Maxx in the Gateway Shopping Center.MORE HEADLINES:In each case, the suspects used the victims' credit cards to make large purchases at nearby retail stores.Four suspects have been caught on surveillance in connection to the TJ Maxx incident.Police don't believe the cases are linked at this point in time, but are asking for help to identify the suspects.

Scottish comedian Janey Godley has given her fans an update on her health as she posted a video on her social media beaming with joy to alert everyone her cancer markers were back down to normal.

COLOMBO (News 1st); Leave of all employees of Sri Lanka Railways cancelled with immediate effect, said the Superintendent of Sri Lanka Railway on Tuesday (14) afternoon.The announcement came after the Locomotive Operating Engineers' Association of Sri Lanka Railways declared a 24-hour strike.The strike will come into effect at midnight on Tuesday (14).The Locomotive Operating Engineers' Association decided to go on strike in support of the mass strike that will launched by multiple trade unions on Wednesday (15), against the governments unjust tax policy, and several other social issues.

BUCKS COUNTY, Pa. - A single-car crash in Bucks County claimed the life of a 19-year-old woman Monday morning.Officials say the driver was speeding when she crashed into a train crossing post at the intersection of Broad and Front streets in Quakertown just before 6:30 a.m.The woman, identified as 19-year-old Ashley Kulick, was pronounced dead at the scene.MORE HEADLINES:Her death was ruled an accident from blunt force injuries, according to the coroner's office.

PHILADELPHIA - From the beaches of Jamaica to the back of a cop car, officials say a wanted criminal's vacation took quite the turn in Philadelphia last week.Reginald Junior Galette, 24, was arrested by U.S. Customs and Border Protection officers when he arrived at Philadelphia International Airport on Friday.The Massachusetts man was on a flight from Montego Bay, Jamaica, when the National Targeting Center identified him as a suspect in a Boston arrest warrant, and placed him on alert.MORE HEADLINES:He was taken into custody after being referred to a secondary examination by a self-help passport kiosk.Galette was wanted by the Boston Police Department for felony attempted murder, assault and firearms charges.

LEVITTOWN, Pa. - An arrest has been made in a deadly Bucks County hit-and-run that left a man dead more than one month ago, according to authorities. On Monday, Bucks County District Attorney Matt Weintraub announced the arrest of 45-year-old Daniel Stephen Dietrich of Palmyra, New Jersey, in connection with the death of Jason Smith, 47. According to police, the search for the driver of a pickup truck began after the incident occurred on February 5 around 4:15 p.m. in the parking lot of the McDonald's on the 7700 block of Bristol Pike in Levittown. Authorities say 47-year-old Jason Smith was struck and killed by the driver of a Chevy Silvarado in the parking lot of a Bucks County McDonalds.

COLOMBO (News 1st); Sri Lankan President Ranil Wickremesinghe congratulated Chinese President Xi Jinping on his confirmation for a third term and praised China's progress under his leadership. The President's Media Division said that Wickremesinghe expressed appreciation for China's support in Sri Lanka's economic challenges, especially in the IMF process & expressed confidence that the two countries' robust cooperation will continue to flourish during Prez. Xi Jinping's new term.Chinese leader Xi Jinping was awarded a third five-year term as president on 10th March, putting him on track to stay in power for life at a time of severe economic challenges and rising tensions with the U.S.

South Korean and US military vehicles are seen at a military training field in the border city of Yeoncheon on March 13, 2023. (JUNG YEON-JE/AFP via Getty Images) SEOUL, South Korea - The South Korean and U.S.

COLOMBO (News 1stA); The Sri Lanka Navy conducted a special operation to chase away Indian poaching trawlers from Sri Lankan waters on Sunday (12) morning. The operation led to the seizure of 2 Indian trawlers with 16 Indian nationals poaching in Sri Lankan waters northeast of Veththalakeni and off the Analativu Island.The Navy continues to conduct regular patrols and operations in Sri Lankan waters to curb illegal fishing practices of foreign fishing trawlers.As an extension of these operations, the Northern Naval Command deployed Fast Attack Craft of the 04th Fast Attack Flotilla to chase away a cluster of Indian poaching trawlers, having spotted they were engaging in illegal fishing in Sri Lankan waters northeast of Veththalakeni and off the Analativu Island.

Colombo (News 1st) – Oscar-winning Ke Huy Quan first shot to fame as a child actor when he played a pickpocket named Short Round opposite star Harrison Ford in the 1984 blockbuster Indiana Jones and the Temple of Doom, which was shot in Sri Lanka. It was directed by the multiple award-winning Steven Spielberg.Born in Vietnam, Quan and his family were among the thousands of boat people who fled when a communist regime came to power.

COLOMBO (News 1st); Train operations along the main railway line were delayed on Monday (13) morning due to a derailment in Orugodawatte.Sri Lanka Railways said that several fasteners, a Railway Track Component, had been removed and stolen, resulting in the derailment.Sri Lanka Railways considers the act of removing the fasteners as theft, and noted that steps were taken to restore operations.

Glenn Close will no longer attend the 95th annual Academy Awards. On Sunday, the 75-year-old's rep confirmed that she contracted COVID-19, and will miss the ceremony.«She was very much looking forward to taking part in the show,» Close's publicist told CBS News in a statement.

Colombo (News 1st) – Local Government Elections are 'critical' for Sri Lanka, stated US Ambassador to Sri Lanka Julie Chung.She made the statement while speaking as the Guest of Honour at the 2023 edition of the National Law Conference, the most prestigious event of the Bar Association of Sri Lanka, in Colombo on Sunday (12)."Democracies are understrained across the globe and no democracy stands without the rule of law. You, all of you are the guardians of that precious rule" the US Ambassador to Sri Lanka stated."The United States support for the rights of everyday Sri Lankans to voice their concerns peacefully and participate in their government is unwavering," Ms.

Exterior view of facade of the Doubletree Newark Airport hotel by Hilton Hotels in Newark, New Jersey on a sunny day, March 16, 2018. (Photo by Smith Collection/Gado/Getty Images) A terrifying crime wave of rapists allegedly targeting women in hotel rooms is unfolding at well-known hotel chains in the U.S., a new report has found. "I think this has been a longstanding modus operandi.