Japan to deliver diesel worth $ 46 Mn for Sri Lankan hospitals

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COVID-19 from spreading out of control.“We’ve gone so far, and we just have to go along for the next few weeks and months. And it is distressing to see what is happening in our ICUs and hospitals,” Shahab said, as he suppressed sobs.He apologized for crying before continuing, but still struggled to stay calm.“To see young lives lost through a vaccine-prevented disease – how can we accept this?”Shahab is the province’s top doctor.

Paul Merriman is insisting he followed the advice of the province’s top doctor during COVID-19’s fourth wave, during which the government’s own notes showed Saskatchewan had, at times, the highest rates of new COVID-19 cases and deaths in the country.A Global News investigation showed the province’s chief medical health officer, Dr. Saqib Shahab, warned the health minister, more than a month before the province began transferring COVID-19 ICU patients to Ontario, that Saskatchewan’s acute care system would collapse unless the provincial government implemented more restrictions.That investigation also showed the government’s internal documents stated Saskatchewan’s new case rate was higher than the United States’ rate for weeks and that, at one point, Saskatchewan’s death rate was 33 per cent higher than the province with the next-highest rate.

Fire crews are on scene of a roaring fire that they say is ripping through a church in New Jersey. FLORENCE, N.J. - Fire crews are on scene of a roaring 4-alarm fire that they say is ripping through a church in New Jersey.On Monday, shortly after 6 p.m., officials say they responded to a call about a three alarm fire at the Fountain of Life Center in Florence, N.J. After crews from several fire companies arrived, the blaze was soon declared a four alarm fire. Dispatchers say there were kids in the building for an after school program.

Local media reported some local residents were evacuated the evening before the detonation, while transport facilities were suspended and shops were closed.Video released by the Croatian Ministry of Internal Affairs shows the explosion.Storyful contributed to this report.

Former President Donald Trump arrives for an event at the Adler Theatre on March 13, 2023 in Davenport, Iowa. (Scott Olson/Getty Images) An ongoing investigation into former President Donald Trump’s alleged hush money payment to an ex-porn actress is his latest legal trouble as he prepares his presidential campaign for a White House run in 2024. Trump is currently under investigation to determine if he paid Stormy Daniels, a former porn actress, to keep quiet about a sexual affair she claimed she had with Trump before he ran for president in 2016. Lawyer Robert Costello arrived in court Monday afternoon after being invited to appear before the grand jury in New York, the Associated Press noted. RELATED: Stormy Daniels meets with prosecutors investigating Donald TrumpCostello was asked to appear by the Manhattan district attorney's office after he said he had information raising questions about the credibility of former Trump lawyer Michael Cohen, a key witness in the investigation.Costello’s testimony came after Trump declared in a social media post over the weekend that he expects to be taken into custody on Tuesday and urged supporters to protest his possible arrest.

HOUSTON - Despite the U.S. having a sizable Muslim population, there remains a lot of confusion when it comes to how they worship or practice certain religious rituals like Ramadan, which this year begins Wednesday, March 22 in the evening. RELATED: Faces of Islam exhibit highlights diversity of Texas MuslimsAccording to an article from Pew Research, about 53% of Americans say they don’t personally know anyone who is Muslim, and a similar share (52%) say they know very little or "nothing at all" about Islam.

Also Read: Death due to COVID-19 vaccine: 28-year-old dies after jab; family to get ₹1.4 crore Moderna previously said it was considering pricing its COVID vaccine in a range of $110 to $130 per dose in the United States, similar to the range Pfizer Inc said in October it was considering for its rival COVID shots sold in partnership with BioNTech. Also Read: Covid vaccine: India saved over 3.4 million lives under nationwide vaccine campaign: Report Hoge said the government's Medicare health plan for seniors pays $70 per dose for the seasonal influenza vaccine.

Actor and entrepreneur Gwyneth Paltrow will appear in court next week to testify in a civil case filed by a retired optometrist claiming she caused him serious injury in a 2016 ski accident, as per numerous reports.

Michael Colville PHOENIX - Court documents say a 61-year-old man is accused of kidnapping in connection with an incident that happened at Phoenix Sky Harbor Airport.According to investigators, Michael Andre Colville was arrested on March 18 for his alleged role in the incident, which happened on March 17. The incident involved a woman who flew into Sky Harbor from another city.

PHILADELPHIA - Pennsylvania State Police and dozens of local departments are joining forces to curb aggressive driving, which some say has gotten dangerously out of control. The Pennsylvania Department of Transportation announced that more than 80 departments from Buck, Chester, Montgomery, and Philadelphia counties will join the Pennsylvania State Police in a "coordinated aggressive driving enforcement wave to help reduce the number of crashes, injuries and fatalities on area roadways."The plan will run through Apr. 23 and focus on distracted driving, speeding and work zone awareness, according to PennDOT.

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.

WASHINGTON - President Joe Biden signed a bipartisan bill Monday that directs the federal government to declassify as much intelligence as possible about the origins of COVID-19 more than three years after the start of the pandemic.The legislation, which passed both the House and Senate without dissent, directs the Office of the Director of National Intelligence to declassify intelligence related to China’s Wuhan Institute of Virology. It cites "potential links" between the research that was done there and the outbreak of COVID-19, which the World Health Organization declared a pandemic on March 11, 2020.

'We need to get to the bottom of Covid-19's origins..., including potential links to the Wuhan Institute of Virology,' Biden said in a statement US President Joe Biden on Monday signed into law a bill requiring the release of intelligence materials on potential links between the outbreak of the Covid-19 pandemic and a laboratory in the Chinese city of Wuhan. "We need to get to the bottom of Covid-19's origins..., including potential links to the Wuhan Institute of Virology," Biden said in a statement. "In implementing this legislation, my administration will declassify and share as much of that information as possible," he added.

PHILADELPHIA - Police say a 13-year-old and two 16-year-olds were all injured during a triple shooting in West Philadelphia.Just after 4 p.m. on Monday, police responded to the 1500 block of North Frazier Street where they located three teens suffering from gunshot wounds. The first victim, police say is a 13-year-old boy who had been shot one time in the abdomen.

Philadelphia police are investigating a shooting that left a man injured in West Philadelphia on Monday.

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

cast paid a visit to the White House on Monday afternoon, where they discussed the importance of mental health with President Joe Biden and First Lady Jill Biden.Jason Sudeikis, also a series co-creator/executive producer, was joined by Hannah Waddingham, Brett Goldstein, Brendan Hunt and Toheeb Jimoh for the special trip to Washington, D.C. as they took part in the press briefing with White House Press Secretary Karine Jean-Pierre prior to their meeting with the Bidens.«On behalf of myself, everyone here with me today and the numerous other folks that it takes to make our show, it is sincerely an honor to visit the White House and the opportunity to speak to the president and the first lady about the importance of mental health,» Sudeikis said at the podium.

Umpires discuss a video replay during a game between the Kansas City Royals and Detroit Tigers at Comerica Park on April 2, 2014 in Detroit, Michigan. (Photo by Gregory Shamus/Getty Images) On-field umps this year will have 12.9-inch iPad Pro tablets brought out to them by a technician.

General views of the Idaho State Capitol Building on May 23, 2021 in Boise, Idaho. (Photo by AaronP/Bauer-Griffin/GC Images) BOISE, Idaho (AP) - Idaho is poised to allow firing squads to execute condemned inmates when the state can't get lethal-injection drugs, under a bill the Legislature passed Monday with a veto-proof majority.Firing squads will be used only if the state cannot obtain the drugs needed for lethal injections — and one death row inmate has already had his scheduled execution postponed multiple times because of drug scarcity.Idaho previously had a firing squad option on the books but has never used it.

BOSTON, MA - APRIL 07: The NCAA logo on the blue line during a Frozen Four semifinal between the Michigan Wolverines and the Denver Pioneers on April 7, 2022 at TD Garden in Boston, Massachusetts. (Photo by Fred Kfoury III/Icon Sportswire via Getty I PHILADELPHIA - Prosecutors in Pennsylvania have charged Carson Briere, the son of former Flyers' star and current interim general manager Danny Briere, after a video posted on social media showed him pushing an unoccupied wheelchair down a staircase.Erie County court records show Briere, a standout hockey player at Mercyhurst University, was charged with misdemeanor counts of Criminal Mischief, Conspiracy, and Disorderly Conduct.Mercyhurst University's athletic department had previously placed Briere and two other players who were allegedly involved in the incident on interim suspension. Danny Briere, who was promoted to run the Flyers last week when Chuck Fletcher was fired, said he was shocked to see his son's actions in the video."They are inexcusable and run completely counter to our family’s values on treating people with respect," he said.

ITV1's Saturday night entertainment programme Starstruck Jason Manford has issued a 'heartbreaking' health update about his nan. In February 2023, Jason's grandmother, who he calls Nana Manford, was rushed to the hospital at the age of 99 years old. Sadly Jason's nan has remained in the hospital and is no longer eating.

New Delhi: The Indian Council of Medical Council (ICMR)’s covid-19 national task force has revised the clinical management guidelines for treatment of adult patients amid rising cases. In the new treatment protocol, the apex medical research body cautioned about the irrational use of antibiotics and steroids, while recommending that the possibility of co-infection of covid with other endemic infections be determined. “...Systemic corticosteroids are not indicated in mild disease," read ICMR’s clinical guideline document seen by Mint.

CORONADO, Calif. - An off-duty San Diego County deputy has been arrested on suspicion of driving past security at the main gate of a California Navy base while under the influence, prompting guards to open fire and the base to be put on lockdown briefly.The San Diego Sheriff’s Department said Sgt. Michael Cruz was taken into custody late Friday after driving without stopping through the entrance of Naval Air Station North Island, part of Naval Base Coronado, near San Diego.No one was hurt during the incident, which is being investigated by the Coronado police department and the Naval Criminal Investigative Service.Cruz could not be reached for comment and it was unclear if he had an attorney. He was booked at San Diego Central Jail on a charge of driving under the influence and later released, the department said.He has worked at the department since 2006 and was put on paid administrative leave while the sheriff’s department conducts an internal affairs investigation.Naval Air Station North Island is one of eight U.S.

FILE-Bezalel Smotrich, Israels finance minister, greets Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu, left, during a news conference to present a cost of living plan on Jan. 11.

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.

James Toliver Craig, 45, is accused of poisoning his wife. (Aurora Police Department) AURORA, Colo. - A Colorado dentist was arrested Sunday following accusations he poisoned and killed his wife, according to police.James Toliver Craig, 45, had driven his wife, 43, to a hospital on Wednesday because she was complaining of severe headaches and dizziness, the Aurora Police Department wrote in a press release.Shortly after arriving at the hospital, his wife's condition rapidly deteriorated, and she was placed on a ventilator in an intensive care unit.

Humanity still has a chance, close to the last one, to prevent the worst of climate change ‘s future harms, a top United Nations panel of scientists said Monday.

The liquidation sales at Nordstrom stores across Canada will begin Tuesday.

OCEAN COUNTY, N.J. - A house fire became deadly after two women were trapped inside, and firefighters were only able to reach one of them.Fire crews were met with a house fully engulfed by flames when they arrived to Heron Street in Manchester Township Sunday night.As one woman was rescued, a family member said that another family member was still inside.Police say crews tried to get into the home, but heavy smoke and heat stifled their attempts.The body of a deceased woman, whose identify has not been released, was later found during a search of the torched home.MORE HEADLINES:Three police officers were treated for smoke inhalation after trying to save the woman's life.The rescued woman was transported to a local hospital in critical condition.Residents from the adjoining quadplex and nearby buildings were also evacuated.

FAYETTEVILLE, Ga. - Rapper Rick Ross's unusual pets are upsetting some of his Georgia neighbors.The family, who lives near the "Hustlin'" rapper's estate in Fayetteville, say his pet buffalo are roaming onto their property.The neighbor shared footage of the animals, which can weigh up to a ton, with TMZ, saying that the two buffalo have wandered onto her property twice last week.In the footage, the buffalo walk through her front yard and graze on the grass near her driveway.She said she's concerned the animals could hurt her two small children.The woman reportedly tried calling police, but they told her it's a civil dispute and did not file a report.Rick Ross attends the 2022 BET Awards at Microsoft Theater on June 26, 2022 in Los Angeles, California. (Photo by Paras Griffin/Getty Images for BET) Ross had been gifted the two buffalo from his partners at a clothing company last year.He also has four horses and a bull living on the property.In an Instagram story, the rapper responded by saying, "when you see my buffalo, give them a carrot.

FILE - US Secretary of State Antony Blinken speaks during a joint press conference with Nigerien Foreign Minister Hassoumi Massoudou (not seen) at the presidential palace in Niamey, Niger, on March 16, 2023. (BOUREIMA HAMA/POOL/AFP via Getty Images)NIAMEY, Niger - An American aid worker held by Islamic extremists in West Africa for more than six years and a French journalist abducted almost two years ago were both freed Monday, authorities said.They were brought together to Niger’s capital.

Kerry Katona has shared she's been diagnosed with a condition that has left her "covered in fatty lumps".The television personality, 42, has recently been diagnosed with lipoedema, a chronic condition. She revealed her diagnosis in a video of her doing a yoga session at home. She captioned the video: "Today is the first day of the rest of your life people!! I absolutely love Monday mornings! New day, new week, clean slate, fresh beginning." "I was diagnosed lipoedema last week which means swelling of the body and random fatty lumps.

Waiting duration: You must know that top-up plans are separate health plans and have a waiting period for several pre-existing diseases or illnesses during which you cannot make any claims. The waiting period differs for such health policies. Rakesh Goyal, director of Probus Insurance Broker, said, “Most top-up plans have a waiting period, preventing you from making any claims for medical costs for the first time.

Channel 4 Gogglebox star Izzi shared a snap with her brood on Instagram. Her appearance left fans and co-stars gushing. Lisa Baggs replied: "Izzi you look amazing ! Happy Mother’s Day.

COLOMBO (News 1st); Sri Lanka's Election Commission will meet on Friday (23) to reach a final decision on the 2023 Local Government Election due to the lack of financing and support from state agencies.Earlier, the Election Commission decided to conduct the Local Government Election on the 9th of March 2023.However, the Government Printer had refused to deliver the ballot papers owing to a payment issues, and this led to the National Election Commission to postpone the postal voting process that was scheduled for this wekk.The Chairman of the National Election Attorney Nimal Punchihewa said the Local Government Election was called for legally as per the country's constitutions and the election law.He told News 1st on Thursday (23) that all members of the National Election Commission consented to the Local Government Election Process.He said that given that funds were not being provided to continue with the election process, the National Election Commission will meet on Friday (24) to reach a final decision on the Local Government Election 2023. The statement came from the Elections Chief after Sri Lankan President Ranil Wickremesinghe told Parliament on Thursday (23) that the country's National Election Commission has not legally called for an election, and there are no funds to conduct an election.Commenting on the debate requested by the opposition on postponing the election, the President said there is no election for one to be postponed.The President said the proposed Parliament Select Committee must be appointed to inquire into the Election Commission and the Local Government Election.In the meantime, the petition filed by Retired Sri Lanka Army Colonel W. M.

COLOMBO (News 1st); The Chairman of the National Election Attorney Nimal Punchihewa said the Local Government Election was called for legally as per the country's constitutions and the election law.He told News 1st on Thursday (23) that all members of the National Election Commission consented to the Local Government Election Process.He said that given that funds were not being provided to continue with the election process, the National Election Commission will meet on Friday (24) to reach a final decision on the Local Government Election 2023. The statement came from the Elections Chief after Sri Lankan President Ranil Wickremesinghe told Parliament on Thursday (23) that the country's National Election Commission has not legally called for an election, and there are no funds to conduct an election.Commenting on the debate requested by the opposition on postponing the election, the President said there is no election for one to be postponed.The President said the proposed Parliament Select Committee must be appointed to inquire into the Election Commission and the Local Government Election.In the meantime, the petition filed by Retired Sri Lanka Army Colonel W. M.

COLOMBO (News 1st); Sri Lankan President Ranil Wickremesinghe told Parliament on Thursday (23) that the country's National Election Commission has not legally called for an election, and there are no funds to conduct an election.Commenting on the debate requested by the opposition on postponing the election, the President said there is no election for one to be postponed."The Election Commission had gone to court and said that it cannot conduct an election. However, an affidavit was provided. It states that the Commission has been informed by the Secretary of the Treasury that he is unable to provide the necessary funds to conduct the election.

COLOMBO (News 1st); Sri Lankan President President Ranil Wickremesinghe urged all citizens, including politicians, professionals, teachers, those engaged in agriculture, the business community, and members of the security forces, police and civil servants, to work together to overcome the current economic crisis and promote reconciliation efforts.He was speaking at an event at Royal College, Colombo that was held to honour President Wickremesinghe, who is an alumnus of Royal College. The President called upon the present generation of Royalists to dedicate themselves to serving the country and transforming it into a place where they would like to reside. He urged young Royalists to take up the challenge and shape the future of the nation."We have two difficult tasks in this country.

COLOMBO (News 1st); Sri Lankan President Ranil Wickremesinghe has emphasized the importance of having a proper plan to strengthen the country’s economy, during a meeting with businessmen and lawyers in the Kandy district.According to the President's Media Division. the President had noted that the primary issue facing the country is its economic problem, and addressing it should be a top priority.The President has also noted that the upcoming election is not a means to change the government.

COLOMBO (News 1st); Sri Lankan President Ranil Wickremesinghe said that an Economic Commission will be formed as early as possible replacing the Board of Investment and the Board of Exports.President Ranil Wickremesinghe made these remarks at the opening of the country’s first migratory bird park and eco-tourism zone in Hanthane, Kandy (20).He stated that an Economic Commission will be formed as early as possible to approve investment opportunity in order to provide more opportunities to local and foreign investors.The President also stated that it has the potential to significantly boost the country’s economy."More investment opportunities are necessary for Sri Lanka to embark on a new economic path. It takes ten years to approve a firm after an investor arrives in Sri Lanka. This situation should be changed.

President Ranil Wickremesinghe instructed the officials to speed up the Minipe Left Bank Canal Rehabilitation Project (MLBCRP), which has been delayed for over three years owing to various reasons, and to provide its benefits to the farmers before the next Maha Season.The President provided these instructions on Sunday (19) while joining an observation tour of the Minipe Anicut construction site.President Wickremesinghe, after inspecting the plan of the project, also inquired from the engineers about the operation of the project.The President also pointed out the possibility of obtaining the support of the students of engineering faculties in Sri Lanka for the future work of the project.The existing anicut is not sufficient to release water to the left and right bank canals when water is released twice a day from the Rantambe Hydro Power Plant during peak demand for electricity. Due to this, in order to provide more reliable and continuous water supply to Minipe agricultural lands, the Minipe Dam was raised by 3.5 meters and the renovation of the 74 kilometers-long main canal on the left bank of Minipe, was commenced.After the reconstruction of the Minipe Anicut, constant water supply to farmers will be ensured and the cultivation land on both sides of the left bank of Minipe could be cultivated without obstruction in the Yala-Maha Seasons while providing benefits to 15,000 farmer families.The cost of the project is Rs. 3,000 million and the construction work is carried out by China Gexhouba Group Company Limited (CGGC).Minipe Anicut, which was built in 1948, was last renovated in 1980.

The historic Temple of the Tooth Relic in the city of Kandy will host a Janaraja Perahara on February 19th, after 34 years.The procession has been organized to coincide with the 75th Independence Celebration, and it will be inaugurated under the patronage of President Ranil Wickremesinghe.According to the Coordinating Officer and the Cultural Officer of the Temple of the Tooth Relic, the procession will begin from the Magul Maduwa premises at 6.30 pm on February 19th. It will parade along the Dalada Street, Yatinuvara Street, Kanda Street, Raja Street, and return to the temple, marking the end of the event.

COLOMBO (News 1st); Sri Lankan President Ranil Wickremesinghe has directed Power & Energy Minister & relevant officials to ensure uninterrupted power supply is made available for electricity customers once the PUCSL tariff revision is implemented.The President's Media Division also said that the President gave directives to provide concessions for low-income families and provide solar rooftop systems for religious places & government educational institutions when the new tariff revision comes into effect.The Ministry of Power and Energy said that power outages will not be imposed from Thursday (16), as the Public Utilities Commission of Sri Lanka granted approval to the 66% electricity tariff hike.A source from the Ministry of Power and Energy speaking to News 1st said that a decision will be reached in the future with regard to those who are unable to settle their electricity bills.The Public Utilities Commission has approved a 66 percent hike in electricity tariffs with effect from Wednesday (15).It was with the agreement of the three members of the PUCSL except the Chairman of the Commission Janaka RatnayakeIn order to generate an additional income of Rs.

COLOMBO (News 1st) – Sri Lankan President Ranil Wickremesinghe said that the government will not give into the demands of protestors.He noted that just, because certain groups strike demanding the removal of certain officials, the government will not remove anyone arbitrarily as there is a procedure that has to be followed and the government will follow the rules and act accordingly.He was addressing the launch of the Centre for Governance and Public Policy (C-GaPP) at the Sri Lanka Technological Campus (SLTC) Research University at the Trace City in Colombo on Wednesday (15).He said that the responsibility to address such issues rests to a large extent with the Universities. The President noted that even at the point of the new Centre for Governance and Public Policy (C-GaPP) being inaugurated at the Sri Lanka Technological Campus (SLTC) Research University, two strikes were in progress. One was staged at the Ruhuna University demanding the removal of the Vice Chancellor and another one demanded the removal of the General Manager of a state Corporation.President Wickremesinghe further stated that the removal of the General Manager is a matter of the government. “Just, because there is a strike we will not remove him.

COLOMBO (News 1st); Sri Lanka's Cabinet of Ministers on Monday (13) approved a proposal submitted by President Ranil Wickremesinghe aimed at reducing the difficulties faced by the people and providing immediate relief in the face of the current economic situation.Accordingly, the Cabinet has approved a measure to provide 10 kg of rice to 02 million low-income families each in March and April. This will provide immediate relief to families in need and help improve their overall well-being.It has also been decided that the gratuity arrears owed to 18,000 retired government servants will be paid out in instalments using liquid cash.

COLOMBO (News 1st); Sri Lanka has announced a certified price for paddy purchasing during the Maha Cultivation Season.Agriculture Secretary Gunadasa Amarasekera speaking to News 1st said that the Finance Ministry has issued the relevant circular for this purpose.Accordingly, a kilogram of paddy with moisture will be purchased for Rs. 88/- and a kilogram of dry paddy will be purchased for Rs.