‘Let’s work together’ – President extends invitation to TNA

Toronto Zoo says it has begun administering COVID-19 vaccines to its most susceptible animals.In a press release issued Thursday, the zoo said it has received COVID-19 vaccines for animals developed and donated by Zoetis.According to the zoo, it has received 320 doses of the vaccine. Each animal will need two doses, administered two-to-three weeks apart.

Former Philadelphia Police officer Darren Kardos, arrested in assault of woman during 2020 racial protest. PHILADELPHIA - Philadelphia District Attorney Larry Krasner announced the arrest of former Philadelphia Police officer Darren Kardos due to the role he played, officials say, in the assault of a woman, her toddler and her teenage nephew who were pulled from their vehicle during protests in West Philadelphia after the 2020 fatal shooting of Walter Wallace, Jr.Kardos, in an official statement following the incident, stated things about the victim’s actions that did not match video evidence.

LOS ANGELES - Every year, one of the world’s leading dance competition companies sells the dream of Hollywood fame to hundreds of thousands of ambitious young dancers hoping to launch careers on television, in movies and on stage.But behind the bright lights and pulsing music, some dancers say they were sexually assaulted, harassed and manipulated by the company’s powerful founder and famous teachers and choreographers, according to a joint investigation by The Associated Press and the Toronto Star.The problems date back to the founding of Los Angeles-based Break The Floor Productions; as the company has grown into an industry powerhouse, its leaders perpetuated a culture of sex and silence, according to interviews with dozens of former and current staff and students.Break the Floor’s reach extends across the entertainment industry to some of the biggest names in music, television and social media. Alumni and faculty have danced on stage with Lady Gaga and Taylor Swift, at the Oscars and the Super Bowl.

Stephen Colbert has called in sick to work. On Thursday, it was announced that the upcoming episode of  would be canceled because the late-night host tested positive for COVID-19.«As previously planned, the show will be airing repeats tomorrow through next week.

COVID-19.The latest data comes from the province’s weekly epidemiology update covering April 6-10, a week that saw 206 new COVID-19 patients hospitalized including 22 Manitobans admitted to ICU. Manitoba expands eligibility for 4th dose of COVID-19 vaccine Health officials say 12 Manitobans with COVID-19 died during the week covered in the report, the highest death toll reported since the province moved to weekly reporting March 31.Further details about the latest deaths like age, gender and health region are not included in the weekly updates.While the province reported 12 deaths linked to COVID-19 in Thursday’s update, Manitoba’s total COVID-19 death toll rose to 1,774, 15 more than had been reported last week.For the week ending April 9, health officials reported 177 new hospitalizations and five deaths.

A United Airlines flight takes off at Chicago OÃâHare International Airport on July 6, 2020, in Chicago. (Stacey Wescott/Chicago Tribune/Tribune News Service via Getty Images) Major airlines are allowing most passengers who were banned for violating mask rules back on planes after a federal judge struck down the national mask mandate on airplanes and mass transit this week.The mask mandate was issued by the U.S.

FILE - NOAA's GOES-East satellite captured this stunning view of the Americas on Earth Day, April 22, 2014. (NASA/NOAA/GOES Project)Google Earth has fascinated millions as it can show someone locations across the globe in great detail.

AstraZeneca's monoclonal antibody combination tixagevimab-cilgavimab (Evusheld) reduced the risk of symptomatic COVID-19 infection by 83% over placebo at a median follow-up of 6 months, finds a phase 3 randomized clinical trial published yesterday in the New England Journal of Medicine.

Thames Valley District School Board (TVDSB), even after its Board of Trustees voted to enact a masking requirement, TVDSB officials said on Thursday.Put forward in a motion from Trustee Corrine Rahman, trustees voted to approve the requirement during a special meeting held on Tuesday. It came in response to a growing number of staff absences at TVDSB that have been linked to illness amid the ongoing COVID-19 pandemic.During Tuesday’s meeting, TVDSB general legal counsel Ali Chahbar told trustees that while they had the right to pass the motion, TVDSB would not be able to enforce a masking requirement.“When the government of Ontario decided to lift that mask requirement as of March 21 of this year, the end result of that was that it served to remove the enforcement mechanism that existed,” Chahbar said at the time.

PHILADELPHIA - A Philadelphia police officer who was fired amid accusations that he beat a woman in front of her toddler during unrest in 2020 is now facing charges in the incident, according to the District Attorney’s office. The incident occurred in Oct. 2020, during demonstrations in the days after Philadelphia police officers fatally shot Walter Wallace Jr. Officer Darren Kardos was suspended and later fired in relation to the encounter that left Rickia Young battered and bruised. On Thursday, Philadelphia District Attorney Larry Krasner announced that Kardos has been arrested and charged with aggravated assault, simple assault, possession of an instrument of crime, reckless endangerment, and criminal mischief. Young has said she was watching the news when she saw that protests over Wallace’s death had broken out in West Philadelphia.

A 31-year-old woman from Spain contracted COVID-19 twice within 3 weeks, despite being fully vaccinated and recently receiving a booster shot, according to a case report that will be presented at the upcoming European Congress of Clinical Microbiology & Infectious Diseases (ECCMID) meeting. The case provides evidence that the Omicron strain is able to evade previous immunity.The woman, a healthcare worker, first tested positive in December o

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William Ushler, 53 (Howard Young Correctional Center )Wilmington, Del - A school administrator has been arrested after he was allegedly found with child sexual abuse material of young girls.William Ushler, an administrator at Tower Hill School in Wilmington, Delaware, has been charged with five counts of dealing in child sexual abuse material.Police say the 53-year-old’s email account was flagged after "images depicting nudity" were detected in August 2019 and March 2022.Two emails included an image of a nude young girl about 14-15 years old in a bedroom, police say.

WASHINGTON - Capitol Hill was evacuated Wednesday evening after a scare was caused by parachutists from the Army Golden Knights jumping into Nationals Park.The Army parachutists flew into restricted airspace, causing the Capitol Police to issue the initial alert, which cited an "aircraft that poses a probable threat," at about 6:30 p.m.The Federal Aviation Administration is reviewing a communications breakdown that led police to think an aircraft carrying military parachutists for a baseball stadium stunt was "a probable threat."Less than 30 minutes later, Capitol Police issued an all-clear and said the evacuation was out of an "abundance of caution.Download the FOX 5 DC News App for Local Breaking News and WeatherThe U.S. Capitol Police ordered an evacuation of the Capitol complex Wednesday afternoon, citing an "aircraft" that posed a probable threat.The Associated Press confirmed that the De Havilland Twin Otter aircraft triggered the alarm after entering the exclusion zone around the U.S.

Loretta Clayton-Treadwell, 30, is charged with threat of mass violence on school property after allegedly calling to say she would blow up an elementary school over her son’s missing backpack (Shelby County Jail)MEMPHIS, Tenn. - A Tennessee mother is accused of threatening to blow up her son’s elementary school over a missing backpack, allegedly telling school staff over the phone that "some kids will be missing." Loretta Clayton, 30, was arrested after placing calls to Getwell Elementary in Memphis Wednesday. Court documents allege that a teaching assistant told law enforcement she took a call from Clayton, who phoned asking about her son’s missing backpack before growing angry and threatening to blow up the school. The teacher claimed that Clayton stated, "some kids will be missing," an affidavit says. THIRD SOUTH CAROLINA MALL SHOOTING SUSPECT ARRESTED FOLLOWING 6-DAY MANHUNT The mother ended the conversation and called the school back, that time reaching the principal.

A new study of 23.1 million Scandinavians suggests that the risk of myocarditis after mRNA COVID-19 vaccination is low but highest in 16- to 24-year-old males after the second dose. The results were published yesterday in JAMA Cardiology.

COVID-19.Luc Boileau, the province’s interim public health director, announced the decision Thursday to prolong the requirement by another two weeks.He said that COVID-19 transmission and pandemic-related hospitalizations appear to be slowing in Quebec, but overall the number of patients isn’t dropping yet. Quebec adds 38 new COVID-19 deaths as hospitalizations top 2,400 Despite that, Boileau said transmission of the virus is still high among seniors, especially in greater Montreal area.The Quebec government has largely lifted most health measures in recent months, with officials saying it was time to find a way to live with the novel coronavirus.

Russian Foreign Ministry announced Thursday.These banned individuals include senior government officials, active and retired military personnel, academics and leading media figures.Among the Canadians banned are foreign and defence policy adviser to the prime minister of Canada Dan Costello, Toronto Mayor John Tory, Ontario Premier Doug Ford, Premier of Alberta Jason Kenney, chairman of the Bank of Canada Tiff Maclem, and president and CEO of CBC/Radio Canada Catherine Tait. Wimbledon bans Russian, Belarusian tennis players over Ukraine war In a release, the Russian ministry said this move has been made in response to the sanctions imposed on Russia by the federal government.The ministry also went on to say that in the near future, the Russia “stop list” will continue to expand.“The Russian side will continue the principled line, which implies a resolute rebuff to the Russophobic actions of the official Ottawa, including the supply of weapons and connivance in sending mercenaries to Ukraine,” the ministry said in a statement.“In this regard, we warn the Canadian curators of the Armed Forces of Ukraine and the national battalions of responsibility for the war crimes committed by their wards.

Delhi on Thursday reported a slight decline in fresh coronavirus cases and the positivity rate dipped, according to data updated by the state health department.

Faye Flam is a Bloomberg Opinion columnist and host of the podcast “Follow the Science."

Queen Elizabeth celebrated her 96th birthday at her Sandringham estate on Thursday as gun salutes rang out across London and Windsor and military bands played Happy Birthday.Britain’s longest-serving monarch, who celebrates a historic Platinum Jubilee this year, was pictured with two white ponies in a photo released for the occasion.A post shared by The Royal Family (@theroyalfamily)U.K. government ministers joined members of the royal family in sending their best wishes to the Queen, who has stepped back from most public duties this year over concerns about her health.

Central Scotland MSP Monica Lennon has slammed Health Minister Maree Todd for failing to introduce buffer zones around abortion clinics after protestors ramped up efforts to intimidate women.

The Queen Elizabeth II Barbie Doll is pictured in a provided image. (Credit: Mattel) Queen Elizabeth II now has her own Barbie doll in honor of the monarch’s historic Platinum Jubilee, celebrating 70 years on the throne, and it was unveiled this week on her 96th birthday. Mattel shared the tribute collection Barbie doll made in her likeness, recognizing the longest-reigning monarch in British history, on Thursday — which quickly appeared to be sold out online after it was unveiled. The doll was inspired by her most iconic looks, wearing an ivory gown and blue ribbon adorned with little medallions representing the royal family orders.

PHILADELPHIA - A woman is in critical condition after she was shot while riding in a food delivery vehicle Wednesday night.Police arrived at the 5900 block of Trinity Street at 10 p.m. for a report of a shooting.

The NYPD released this image of David Bonola in connection with the Orsolya Gaal murder investigation (FOX 5 NY) NEW YORK - Police have arrested a suspect in the case of a Queens mother of two who was stabbed to death and then stuffed inside a duffel bag and dumped a few blocks from her Forest Hills home.51-year-old Orsolya Gaal was reportedly stabbed nearly 60 times inside her home and then put into the bag and dragged several blocks. A trail of blood marked the path her body was taken.The NYPD announced the arrest of David Bonola, 44, of Queens on Thursday morning.

Russian President Vladimir Putin claimed victory in the strategic city of Mariupol on Thursday, even as he ordered his troops not to risk more losses by storming the last pocket of Ukrainian resistance in the war’s iconic battleground.Russian troops have besieged the southeastern port city since the early days of the conflict and largely reduced it to ruins. Top officials have repeatedly claimed it was about to fall, but Ukrainian forces have stubbornly held on in the face of overwhelming odds.

COVID-19 on Thursday as the province reported 38 new deaths linked to the disease.Pandemic-related hospitalizations stood at 2,405, a rise of 24 compared with the previous day. This comes after 243 admissions and 219 discharges.Health authorities say 88 people were in intensive care units, a decrease of 13.The province recorded 2,909 new novel coronavirus cases — but the daily tally only accounts for infections detected by PCR testing, which is limited to certain groups.

Mike Tyson attends the Ladylike Foundation Bowling Classic at Lucky Strike LA Live on February 11, 2022 in Los Angeles, California.

LOS ANGELES - It was a controversial and shocking evening on Wednesday night’s new episode of "The Masked Singer" when Jack in the Box was revealed as politician and lawyer Rudy Giuliani. During the Season 7 episode reveal, Giuliani’s reveal caused the panelists’ jaws to drop. "No, that’s not Robert Duvall," Ken Jeong said to Nicole Scherzinger somberly after the former attorney to former President Donald Trump took off his mask. "This is definitely something I never would have guessed," Robin Thicke continued. Jack in the Box was revealed as Rudy Giuliani on The Masked Singer. (Credit: FOX) Giuliani said his granddaughter Grace inspired him to be a part of the season. "I just had a granddaughter Grace, and I want her to know that you should try everything — even things that are completely unlike you and unlikely," he told the audience, adding, "And, I couldn’t think of anything more unlike me and unlikely than this."As soon as Giuliani started singing his exit song, panelist Ken Jeong left the stage in protest. "I’m done," he said while walking off the stage. But, this isn’t the first time a controversial political figure was revealed on the show.

COVID on Thursday, with 207 in intensive care.This is down by 36 for hospitalizations but an increase of four for ICUs since the previous day.Last Thursday, there were 1,392 hospitalizations with 177 in ICU. This is about a 17 per cent, for both, to the figures this week.According to latest breakdown for hospitalizations, 55 per cent were admitted for other reasons but tested positive for COVID-19. For those in ICUs, 39 per cent were admitted for other reasons.

COLOMBO (News 1st); The Head of Sri Lanka’s Catholic Church His Eminence Malcolm Cardinal Ranjith on Thursday (21) said there is serious doubt as to whether the super-powerful person who obtained all powers in the country, is the reason why a proper investigation is not taking place with regard to the 2019 Easter Sunday Attacks.The Archbishop of Colombo speaking at an Easter Attacks memorial at the St. Anthony’s Shrine, Kochchikade in the capital Colombo, reiterated that one cannot be pleased with the ongoing investigations.“It is now being revealed that Islamist Extremism alone was not behind the Easter Attacks, and that is a Grand Conspiracy.

PHILADELPHIA - Two men suffered gunshot wounds after police say  shots rang out at Westside Tavern Sports Bar in West Philadelphia early Thursday morning.Police say they found a man lying in the highway when the arrived at the 6000 block of Market Street at 1:38 a.m. The 41-year-old man was shot twice in the high.The second victim, a 36-year-old man, was shot in the ankle, police say.

COLOMBO (News 1st); President Gotabaya Rajapaksa has issued an extraordinary gazette declaring that no person shall be on any public road, railway, public park, public recreation ground or other public ground or the seashore in such areas, during the period of the curfew.

COLOMBO (News 1st); Sri Lankan President Gotabaya Rajapaksa has declared a Public Emergency in Sri Lanka with effect from the 1st of April 2022.

COLOMBO (News 1st); Sri Lanka’s Tourism Minister Prasanna Ranatunga said that President Gotabaya Rajapaksa used minimum force to disperse the protest that took place at Pengiriwatte Road, Mirihana on Thursday (31) night.He said the protestors caused serious damage to public and private property, until the early hours of Friday (1).The Minister said that after the President ordered the use of minimum force the crowds dispersed within half an hour., adding that the President was very patient on the matter.Sri Lanka Police fired tear gas and water cannons to control the protests that took place on the road leading to the President’s Mirihana residence on Thursday (31) night, where people voiced their anger over a mismanaged economy.The people of Sri Lanka have a right to protest, said Tourism Minister Prasanna Ranatunga on Friday (1) adding that the right is to protest for the betterment of the country not to lead the country into a state of anarchy.There are some things that are beyond the government’s control, and incidents that were witnessed on Thursday (31) would lead to a state of anarchy, he said.

COLOMBO (News 1st); Sri Lankan Government Ministers have referred to those who incited violence during the Mirihana Protests as political extremists and not religious extremists.Ministers Prasanna Ranatunga, Dilum Amunugama, and Keheliya Rambukwella spoke to the media on Friday (1) to respond to concerns over the public protest that was held opposite the Mirihana residence of President Gotabaya Rajapaksa on Thursday (31).The President’s Media Division announced on Friday (1) that an organized group of extremists were among those who were protesting at Jubilee Post, Nugegoda.The statement noted that the group acted in an unruly manner, and noted that this group armed with iron clubs, machetes, and sticks, had provoked the protesters and marched towards the President’s residence in Pengiriwatte, Mirihana.The President’s Media Division in a statement noted that most of those who acted in a violent manner were arrested, and it was identified that a majority of them were an organized group of extremists.They have spearheaded the campaign calling for an Arab Spring in Sri Lanka, it added.The President’s Media Division also said that those who were arrested revealed that this unruly situation was created with the intention of enraging the public via planned anonymous social media gatherings.Referring to the word ‘Extremist’, Minister Prasanna Ranatunga said that the Government had not referred to religious extremists.Sri Lankan Health Minister of Health Keheliya Rambukwella also echoed the same clarification noting that the Government referred to political extremists and not religious extremists.However, Minister of Transport Dilum Amunugama also said that the word “Extremist’ may have been wrongly used and said, instead, that

COLOMBO (News 1st); Sri Lanka lifted a police curfew imposed on multiple police sectors in the Capital City of Colombo at 5 AM on Friday (1)Authorities were compelled to impose a curfew after tensions were witnessed on Thursday (31) night during protests against a mismanaged economy and rising cost of living.Scuffles broke out between protestors and security forces on Thursday (31) night when a peaceful protest proceeded towards Sri Lankan President Gotabaya Rajapaksa’s residence on the outskirts of the city, in Mirihana.Heavy police presence was witnessed in the area at first, and thereafter the Riot Police, Police Special Task Force, Sri Lanka Army, and Sri Lanka Navy personnel were called in to control the situation and prevent the protestors from proceeding towards the President’s house.It is still unclear if the President was at home at the time of the protest.The people involved in the protest were from all corners of Colombo, and expressed anger over the government’s handling of the economy.The country has been plagued by a shortage of reserves that led to a shortage of essentials such as Kerosene, Diesel, Petrol, Gas, and even medicines.While the protest was taking place the supply of electricity for the entire Mirihana area was shut down, the first time since the power cuts came into effect, as Sri Lanka also struggles to import fuel to keep its power plant running.Further, internet connectivity in some areas also was disrupted, for reasons unknown.Another protest took place in Kelaniya as the road between Kelaniya and Dalugama was obstructed by protestors who burn tires and chanted slogans for the government to resign over their mishandling of the country’s economy.

COLOMBO (News 1st); The Human Rights Commission of Sri Lanka says that those arrested for protesting in Nugegoda CANNOT be charged under the PTA.54 persons who were engaged in the protest on Thursday (31) night at Mirihana, Nugegoda have been arrested by Sri Lanka Police. Police stated that a woman was among them.Two Police & army buses, a jeep, a three-wheeler, and two motorcycles were damaged, during the protest. Police said that five officers were injured in the protest.

COLOMBO (News 1st); The Human Rights Commission of Sri Lanka says that those arrested for protesting in Nugegoda CANNOT be charged under the PTA.54 persons who were engaged in the protest on Thursday (31) night at Mirihana, Nugegoda have been arrested by Sri Lanka Police. Police stated that a woman was among them.Two Police & army buses, a jeep, a three-wheeler, and two motorcycles were damaged, during the protest. Police said that five officers were injured in the protest.

COLOMBO (News 1st); Sri Lanka has imposed a police curfew on multiple police sectors in the Capital City of Colombo until further notice.These areas are:COLOMBO CENTRAL DIVISIONPettah / Keselwatta / Dam Street / Wolfendhal Street / Fort / Slave Island / Maradana / MaligawattaCOLOMBO NORTH DIVISIONColombo Harbour / Fore shore / Modara / Kotahena / Mattakkuliya / Bloemendhal / Grandpass / Dematagoda / Mihijaya sewanaCOLOMBO SOUTH DIVISIONColpetty / Bambalapitiya / Kirulapone / Wellawatta / Narahenpita / BMICH / Borella / Cinnamon GardenNUGEGODA DIVISIONMirihana / Maharagama / Boralesgamuwa / Wellampitiya / Thalangama / Welikada / Nawagamuwa / Mulleriyawa / Homagama / Kottawa / Athurugiriya / Padukka / Hanwella / Gothatuwa / Meepe / Kaduwela / MalabeMOUNT LAVINIA DIVISIONMount Lavinia / Piliyandala / Angulana / Dehiwala / Kohuwala / Moratuwa / Kahathuduwa / Moratumulla / Egoda Uyana / KesbewaKELANIYA DIVISIONKelaniya / Kandana / Wattala/ Mahabage / Sapugaskanda / Biyagama / Meegahawatta / Ja – Ela / Ragama / Kiribathgoda / Kadawatha / EnderamullaAuthorities were compelled to impose a curfew after ugly scenes were witnessed on Thursday (31) night during protests against a mismanaged economy and rising cost of living.Scuffles broke out between protestors and security forces on Thursday (31) night when a peaceful protest proceeded towards the Sri Lankan President Gotabaya Rajapaksa’s residence on the outskirts of the city, in Mirihana.Heavy police presence was witnessed in the area at first, and thereafter the Riot Police, Police Special Task Force, Sri Lanka Army, and Sri Lanka Navy personnel were called in to control the situation and prevent the protestors from proceeding towards the President’s house.It is still unclear if

COLOMBO (News 1st); Sri Lankan President Gotabaya Rajapaksa said the loss of tourism and remittances from expatriate workers, alongside the cost of healthcare programs, and provisions of welfare for those whose lives were affected by the pandemic have combined with rising global inflation, and our historic debt servicing obligation created a challenging situation for Sri Lanka today.President Rajapaksa speaking at the fifth Bay of Bengal Initiative for Multi-Sectoral Technical and Economic Cooperation (BIMSTEC) Summit in Colombo noted “However, I am confident, together with the remarkable strength and resilience of the people, tried and tested over time, and the cooperation of regional and international partners, Sri Lanka will prevail over these difficulties and engineer rapid economic recovery.”He appreciated the support of several BIMSTEC states in the aforementioned endeavor.“Enhanced cooperation between member states will be necessary not only for economic recovery but also for greater economic prosperity, better public health, and improved regional resilience in the long-term,” said the President noting he is confident of achieving these aspirations.“The signing of the BIMCTEC charter will be a significant step towards increasing the organization’s role, not just within the region, but also as a driving force in global affairs,” he noted.He said that the Bay of Bengal Region is increasingly important for global connectivity and trade, adding that the international shipping lines that navigate through these waters help keep the engines of the global economy running.President Rajapaksa said it is essential for nations to work together to ensure that the threats to these waters and regional states are curtailed.“Such

COLOMBO (News 1st); Sri Lanka is hosting the fifth Bay of Bengal Initiative for Multi-Sectoral Technical and Economic Cooperation (BIMSTEC) Summit in Colombo.The BIMSTEC Summit is underway in Colombo, with the participation of seven-member nations.The Sri Lankan Foreign Ministry said on Sunday (27) that the event will be held in hybrid mode and that Foreign Ministers and senior officials of Bangladesh, Bhutan, India, Nepal, and Thailand arrived in Sri Lanka over the weekend.On March 30, President Gotabaya Rajapaksa will chair the BIMSTEC Summit. Leaders of Bangladesh, Bhutan, India, Nepal, and Thailand will participate virtually, the Foreign Ministry said.

COLOMBO (News 1st); US Ambassador to Sri Lanka Julie J.

COLOMBO (News 1st); Indian External Affairs Minister Dr. Subrahmanyam Jaishankar called on President Gotabaya Rajapaksa on Monday (28) morning.During the meeting, President Rajapaksa had thanked India for the US $ 1 Bn Credit Line to Sri Lanka for the procurement of food, medicine, and other essentials.Dr.

COLOMBO (News 1st); The Bay of Bengal Multi-Sectoral Technical and Economic Cooperation or BIMSTEC — the regional organisation exclusive to the Bay, will open in Colombo on Monday (28).The Ministry of External Affairs noted that the conference will be held until the 30th of March 2022.President Gotabaya Rajapaksa will preside over the BIMSTEC Summit on 30th of March 2022.Senior officials and Foreign Ministers from Bangladesh, Bhutan, India, Nepal, and Thailand are expected to attend the BIMSTEC Senior Officials Meeting and Cabinet Meeting to be held on Monday (28) and Tuesday (29).Meanwhile, Indian External Affairs Minister Dr. S.

COLOMBO (News 1st); The All-Party Conference convened by President Gotabaya Rajapaksa will be held in Colombo at 10 a.m on Wednesday (23).This All-Party Conference was convened on a proposal made by the Sri Lanka Freedom Party.However, several parties currently represented in Parliament have decided NOT to attend the All Party Conference.The parties that will boycott the APC are;

COLOMBO (News 1st); The All-Party Conference is not a mere political charade, stressed Sri Lankan President Gotabaya Rajapaksa on Wednesday (23) while chairing the much-awaited APC at Temple Trees in Colombo.“This All-Party Conference, with representations from the ruling faction and the opposition, was organized to reach solutions in unison for the issues that we face today,” said the President.President Rajapaksa said all politicians are duty-bound to find solutions to the issues that the country is facing today.He urged the political party representatives to be determined to work together to solve the issues that are plaguing the country.Central Bank Governor Ajith Nivard Cabraal who was also present for the meeting said Sri Lanka is facing a serious economic crisis, like most other countries in the world, and when the pandemic struck some countries had a strong foundation and others were not that fortunate.He once again confirmed the Sri Lankan government’s intentions of working with the International Monetary Fund for financial assistance.Former Sri Lankan Prime Minister Ranil Wickremesinghe, however, snapped back at the Central Governor for opening his remarks by saying the former government was responsible for the crisis, at a time when parties have come forward for the APC casting aside differences.“What would happen if I respond? Then another person will have to respond.

COLOMBO (News 1st); The Advisory Committee appointed to assist the National Economic Council had submitted 5 proposals to the NEC.The Advisory Committee met President Gotabaya Rajapaksa for the first time on Monday (21), and made the submissions.The five proposals are as follows:1. Immediately appoint a Technical Committee with Central Bank, and Treasury representation to propose on International Financial facilities.2.