Liquor stores closed for Christmas

Although we may not be facing lockdowns or tough restrictions any more, Covid still continues to affect people every day.

Christina Hall revealed she has scheduled 'a couple of appointments' about getting her breast implants removed after experiencing 'unexplained health' issues for years.After suffering from mercury and lead poisoning and years of 'unexplained health' issues last month, the HGTV star, 39, has been taking every step to heal her body. 'I'm just really focused on doing a cleanse right now, eating super clean,' the mother-of-three told E! News.  Health first: Christina Hall revealed she has scheduled 'a couple of appointments' about getting her breast implants removed after experiencing 'unexplained health' issues for yearsShe continued: 'I'm doing supplement detox and there's a local wellness place nearby where I've been doing hyperbaric chambers and IVs.' Her precautions and treatments have already helped her to feel '75 percent better.'Still, she plans on getting her breast 'implants removed' after fears they made be causing some of her 'unexplained' ailments.  Already feeling better: After suffering from mercury and lead poisoning and years of 'unexplained health' issues last month, the HGTV star, 39, has been taking every step to heal her body Last month, the Flip or Flop alum speculated on Instagram that her work renovating homes is also one of the sources of her issues.'[The problems] most likely from all the gross houses I’ve been in and I have small intestine bacteria overgrowth,' she told her social media followers.Lead poisoning occurs over time and is a result of continuous exposure to the dangerous chemical. While its use in houses and buildings is tightly regulated in the US, many older homes still have lead paint, pipes and other material.

I don’t want to buy health insurance but want a critical illness plan where I can get the full sum insured irrespective of the actual cost for several diseases. I got this information from an insurance agent. Please let me know how does critical illness insurance work. Also, why should one have regular health insurance if there is a critical health policy? —Name withheld on request A critical illness plan is a fixed benefit plan.

₹2,400 per tonne from the previous week to align with global prices, while India rebar prices rose by ₹1,800 a tonne. However domestic HRC prices are at modest discounts to Chinese imports, but at a premium to the imports from South Korea and Japan.

COLOMBO (News 1st) – The Ceylon Electricity Board announced that the electricity tariff will be increased with effect from the 15th of January, as per the decision reached by the Cabinet of Ministers.CEB General Manager Rohan Seneviratne told reporters that the Public Utilities Commission of Sri Lanka will be apprised of the data on the tariff hike within a month.As per the proposal that was approved by the Cabinet of Ministers, the fixed rates for domestic electricity units will also be increased from the 15th of January.For Units 0 to 30: Fixed Rate increased from Rs. 120/- to Rs.

COLOMBO (News 1st) – An exhibition of the Sacred Tooth will be held at the premises of the Temple of the Sacred Tooth Relic in Kandy on 4th March to coincide with the 75th National Independence Day celebrations, said Ashoka Priyantha, the country's State Minister of Home Affairs.

This story has been published from a wire agency feed without modifications to the text.

COLOMBO (News 1st) – 664 personnel of the Police Special Task Force were granted promotions on Thursday (12).The Police STF said three officers were promoted from Inspector of Police to Chief Inspector of Police.41 STF officers were promoted from Sub-Inspector of Police to the rank of Inspector of Police.111 STF personnel were promoted from Police Sergeant to Sub-Inspector of Police.8 STF personnel were promoted from Police Sergeant Driver to Sub-Inspector of Police.6 STF personnel were promoted from Police Constable Driver to Police Sergeant Driver.The Police Special Task Force said that 485 Police Contables were promoted to the rank of Police Sergeant.Notably, this is the highest number of promotions given by the STF on any single occasion.

COLOMBO (News 1st) – Sri Lanka Police arrested two men for aiding and abetting in the murder of a man in Bastian Mawatha, Colombo and injuring another.Sri Lanka Police said that it received information about the motorcycle that was used by the gunmen in last year's shooting, and visited Piliyandala to conduct a raid where officers arrested a suspect in possession of the motorcycle.Following the interrogation of the suspect, police officers arrested another suspect from Mattakuliya for handing over the motorcycle to the suspect from Piliyandala.On the 30th of May 2022, One person was killed and another was injured in a shooting near the Private Bus Terminal at Bastian Mawatha, Colombo.Police investigations revealed that the man who was gunned had attended a court hearing at the Hultsdorf Court with three others before he was targeted by two masked gunmen.According to Police, four men had exited the court and one of them had left on a motorcycle. Thereafter, two men on a motorcycle approached the three men at the Bus Terminal and opened fire using a T-56 Assault Rifle.Investigations revealed that the three men were previously employed as security officers attached to a restaurant in Cinnamon Gardens, and a case was filed against them following an incident said to have taken place at the restaurant.Police officers also uncovered that the men were supposed to pay a certain sum to the court over the incident.An eye-witness told News 1st that the shooters fired several rounds in broad daylight when hundreds were moving in and out of the Bastian Mawatha Private Bus Terminal.News 1st inquiries revealed that the three men who were targeted had once served in the Commando Regiment of the Sri Lanka Army, and after leaving service

MICHAEL Flatley shocked fans after revealing last night that he was battling cancer. The 64-year-old dancer broke the news on Facebook and said he had undergone surgery because of the "aggressive" disease. The Riverdance star is currently being cared for by a team of doctors in hospital.

COLOMBO (News 1st) – Sri Lanka's Supreme Court on Thursday (12) found Former President Maithripala Sirisena, his Defence Secretary, the Police Chief during his time, as well as the then Chief of National Intelligence, and Director of State Intelligence guilty of violating fundamental right.11 Fundamental Rights petitions were filed with the Supreme Court, claiming that the Sri Lankan administration failed to prevent the 2019 Easter Sunday Attacks, despite having information about an imminent attack.The applications contain revelations of reckless failure on the part of the Executive Branch of the government and the Petitioners allege that these illegal omissions effectively betray the people and public trust by recklessly failing to take cognizance and accord due priority to intelligence information received regarding the premeditation of the attacks which could have been prevented if proactive and timely response had been taken.The respondents named in the petitions are Former President Maithripala Sirisena, Former Defence Secretary Hemasiri Fernando, Former Police Chief Pujith Jayasundara, Former National Intelligence Service Chief Sisira Mendis, and Former State Intelligence Services Chief Nilantha Jayawardena.Maithripala Sirisena:The Supreme Court observed that multiple gazettes bestowed 23 duties on the President as a Minister of Defence, thus an increase of duties vested in the Minister.The Supreme Court observed that an exponential range of powers over security continued to be bestowed on Minister of Defence as the years rolled by and it cannot be gainsaid that the Minister of Defence was the repository of the national security of the country. The Supreme Court noted that the custody of personal liberty and

A Covid variant has been named as the strain that could become dominant in the UK, experts have warned.

Long Covid subtype impacting cardiac and renal systems was the most common—34% of patients fell into this category Even though infections related to COVID are significantly mild now, what it still worrying is the long-term effects of the disease, i.e long COVID.  Till now, much about the condition has remained unclear, including how long it lasts and researchers have been studying the symptoms to understand more about the disease. Now, a new study has revealed that there are as many as 4 subtypes of long COVID, and many of the symptoms are serious.

died aged 88.The late star’s husband, director John D Hancock, confirmed the sad news that his wife had died in her sleep on January 8.The pair had been married for 48 years, after first tying the knot in 1975.Dorothy died surrounded by her husband and her caretaker, Marcia Brodhacker, her representation has confirmed.The Hollywood actress had tragically been battling Alzheimer's disease for the past 10 years, according to Variety.Dorothy made her film debut in 1970’s X-rated movie End of the Road.From there, she went on to star alongside Jane Fonda and Donald Sutherland in the Oscar-nominated film Klute the following year.Some fans might also recognise the actress from 1973’s road movie Scarecrow.She also became a huge local star in the town of Michiana, Michigan after shooting the 1989 Christmas film Prancer on location there.Dorothy also co-wrote and starred in 2015 drama The Looking Glass, which served as her final role.She returned to acting for the part after spending decades away from showbiz, with her husband John directing the movie.The production saw Dorothy star as a woman with dementia symptoms who looked after her troubled teen granddaughter and the film was set in the couple’s Indiana home.John is an established stage and film director, probably best known for his sports drama film Bang the Drum Slowly.Dorothy was born on May 9, 1934, and raised in the Yorkville area of Manhattan.She attended Washington Irving High School and the School of Industrial Arts in New York.The star first started out as a model, travelling to Europe and appearing on covers of Life magazine and Vogue.Before she met husband John, she was married to director Aram A.

COLOMBO (News 1st) – Sri Lanka's Finance Ministry said that a circular on slashing 5% of the budgeted funds of the ministries will be issued soon.A Senior Officer at the Finance Ministry said the circular will be directed to the Ministry Secretaries in due course.President Ranil Wickremesinghe had informed the cabinet that the fund allocations made via the budget for all ministries will have to be cut down by 5%.This was announced by Minister Bandula Gunawardena, the Cabinet Spokesperson on Tuesday (10) at the weekly Cabinet media briefing."There is no stable income to even support the essential welfare expenses.

COLOMBO (News 1st) – Chairman of the National Delimitation Committee Mahinda Deshapriya said that the final report of the Committee on the delimitation of the country's local government bodies could be further delayed.However, he said the delay in issuing the report will not impact the upcoming local government election.Chairman of the National Delimitation Committee Mahinda Deshapriya said the delay in issuing the report was due to multiple reports including the promotion of three District Secretaries, the retirement of four District Secretaries, transfers given to seventeen Statistics Officers, transfers given to nine Senior Superintendent of Surveys, as well as the busy schedule of the Assistant & Deputy Election Commissioner.He said the National Delimitation Committee was to produce its final report to the government on the 28th of February, however, given the existing situation it could be delayed to late March.He said that a request will be made next week to the respective officials to extend the tenure of the National Delimitation Committee.Mahinda Deshapriya stressed that the delay in producing the Final Report of the National Delimitation Committee will in no way impact the upcoming Local Government Election.   

Colombo (News 1st) – A News1st exclusive: Breaking Barriers with Resilience & Empowerment. The BBC's Zeinab Badawi interviewed by Faraz Shauketaly on Newsline.

COLOMBO (News 1st) – Sri Lanka's Supreme Court has ordered the government pay Rs. 1 Million as compensation per person to those who were killed in the 2019 Easter Sunday Attacks.The Supreme Court on Thursday (12) ruled that the respondents named in the Fundamental Rights petitions for failing to prevent the 2019 Easter Sunday attacks, despite having credible information of an imment attack, had violated the Fundamental Rights of the petitioners.The respondents named in the petitions are Former President Maithripala Sirisena, Former Defence Secretary Hemasiri Fernando, Former Police Chief Pujith Jayasundara, Former National Intelligence Service Chief Sisira Mendis, and Former State Intelligence Services Chief Nilantha Jayawardena.Court ordered Former President Maithripala Sirisena to pay a compensation of Rs.

Imperial researchers have developed a low-cost, easy-to-manufacture stabiliser for broken bones to help in regions where such devices are expensive or in short supply and people sometimes resort to homemade options.The stabiliser, known as an external fixator, holds broken bones in place with metal pins or screws attached to a surrounding metal frame.When soft tissue is severely damaged together with bone, external fixators are the first step in keeping fractures in legs and arms in place before an operation to definitively fix the bones can be carried out.However, their cost and low availability in many regions mean people resort to homemade or low-quality fixators that may lead to serious complications or improper healing.The Imperial external fixator is currently being tested in Gaza and Sri Lanka, and since the invasion of Ukraine, more than 500 fixators have been manufactured in Poland to help with the crisis.This fixator, details of which are published in Frontiers in Medical Technology, is low-cost and has a lightweight design that can be manufactured locally to international standards. The team developed the design and a toolkit to allow repeated precise manufacture of the fixator anywhere in the world, including in the least developed countries.In Sri Lanka, it is being tested for road traffic accidents, which account for around 70 percent of fractures in low- and middle-income countries (LMICs).

COLOMBO (News 1st) – Sri Lankan President Ranil Wickremesinghe will virtually attend the 'Voice of Global South Summit' in India.Ranil Wickremesinghe will be among 20 world leaders who will participate in the two-day summit, which has the theme “Unity of voice, unity of purpose”, and will bring together developing countries on a common platform.Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi will inaugurate the virtual Voice of Global South Summit on Thursday (12).The summit will provide a platform to developing countries to present their priorities and challenges related to developmental issues.The summit envisages 10 sessions, four on Thursday and six on Friday.Each session is expected to witness the participation of leaders and ministers from 10 to 20 countries.Modi will chair two sessions for heads of state and government, one each at the start and conclusion of the summit.The summit is also part of India’s effort to strengthen its credentials as a representative of the Global South.According to the Hindustan Times, the Indian external affairs ministry said last week that more than 120 countries were being invited to the summit, though there was no clarity on the confirmed participants.

BBC – Sri Lanka's central bank has urged China and India to agree a write-down of their loans as soon as possible, reported the BBC on Thursday (12).The crisis-hit Indian Ocean state defaulted on its debt repayments and negotiated a $2.9bn (£2.4bn) bailout.But the International Monetary Fund will not release the cash until China and India first agree to reduce Sri Lanka's billions of dollars of debt.The governor of Sri Lanka's central bank told BBC Newsnight it was in the interest of all parties to act quickly.Dr. Nandalal Weerasinghe said: "The sooner they give us finance assurances that would be better for both [sides], as a creditor, as a debtor.""That will help us to start repaying their obligations," he added."We don't want to be in this kind of situation, not meeting the obligations, for too long.

COLOMBO (News 1st) – Rear Admiral Eileen Laubacher, Senior Director for South Asia of the US National Security Council called on President Ranil Wickremesinghe on Wednesday (11), and the President's Media Division said the United States values Sri Lanka’s partnership and is keen to further strengthen ties between the two countries through a broad array of partnerships.During the meeting, the Rear Admiral expressed her government’s appreciation for the recovery efforts undertaken by President Wickremesinghe in regard to the economic crisis in the country, said the PMD in a statement.President Wickremesinghe had outlined the government’s economic plans including the economic reforms being undertaken.The President also discussed maritime matters, including the increased efforts by the Government to crack down on the narcotics trade.Laubacher also met Senior Advisor to the President on National Security and President’s Chief of Staff Sagala Ratnayaka following the meeting with the President.U.S.

COLOMBO (News 1st) – Sri Lankan President Ranil Wickremesinghe held talks with the Chairman of the Export-Import Bank of China Wu Fulin on Tuesday (10).During the video conference both sides exchanged views on bilateral cooperation and Sri Lanka's current debt issues, said the Chinese Embassy in Colombo.The two sides agreed to further strengthen exchanges and collaboration on the resolution of Sri Lanka's debt issues, and help the island's economic recovery and sustainable development

The change of presidents of Sri Lanka in 2022 did not lead to any improvement in the country’s human rights record, Human Rights Watch said on Thursday (12) in its World Report 2023.During 2022, thousands of Sri Lankans took to the streets after years of misrule, impunity, and corruption undermined the rule of law and contributed to a severe economic crisis that threatened millions. President Gotabaya Rajapaksa, long implicated in grave rights violations, stepped down in July. However, the new president, Ranil Wickremesinghe, cracked down on largely peaceful protests, imprisoned activists, and disregarded calls for justice for past violations.“President Ranil Wickremesinghe responded to calls for reform and accountability with repression,” said Meenakshi Ganguly, South Asia director at Human Rights Watch.

Colombo (News 1st) – The Sri Lanka Freedom Party, the Nidahas Janatha Sabhawa, Uththara Lanka Sabhagaya, 12 parties and 62 groups came together on Wednesday (11) to form a new alliance to contest the upcoming local government election. The new alliance has been named the Nidahas Janatha Sandhanaya or Freedom Peoples' Alliance. They will contest under symbol of the Helicopter.

Colombo (News 1st) – Chairman of the National Election Commission Attorney Nimal Punchihewa stated that there are no divisions amongst the commission members. "In any institution, be it a commission, agency, or even the Supreme Court, various opinions are put forth when a decision is being made – that is the order of things" he stated. "That has happened within this commission as well.

Over 15 lakh passengers have been traced & out of them over 200 passengers have been detected as Covid positive. Owing to the sudden COVID surge globally, Centre is tracing all the airports to ensure that no new variant enters the country.

Sore throat: Currently, it is the most common symptom of COVID and also, the earliest sign to identify that you have contracted the virus.  How does it feel? Usually, the symptom starts affecting the first week itself.  The patients complain of feeling discomfort, pain, or scratchiness in their throats. It can also lead to difficulty in swallowing your food.

The senior Congress leader was admitted to Sir Ganga Ram Hospital with a viral infection. Former Congress president Sonia Gandhi, who was admitted to Sir Ganga Ram Hospital, was discharged from the hospital on Tuesday around 3 pm, Dr Ajay Swaroop, Chairman Board of Management at the hospital, said.  The senior leader was admitted to Sir Ganga Ram Hospital with a viral infection.

Colombo (News 1st) – NEWSLINE: Nadima, an Afghan humanitarian, talks to Faraz Shauketaly about 'Reconciliation and Resilience'. Watch on YouTube. 

Colombo (News 1st) – India won game one of the three match ODI series against Sri Lanka depsite some late heroics by Sri Lankan skipper Dasun Shanaka in Guwahati, India.After the visitors won the toss and chose to field, the home side got off to a blistering start with openers Rohit Sharma and Shubman Gill putting on 143 for the first wicket. The partnership was broken when Gill was dismissed for 70 in the 20th over.

COLOMBO (News 1st) – The Media Division of the United National Party in a statement on Tuesday (10) evening said that the UNP is engaged in discussions with political parties, factions, and groups that support the government with regard to the upcoming Local Government Election.It added that several rounds of discussions took place recently among the UNP members and the representatives from the other parties, and among them is the Sri Lanka Podujana Peramuna.The statement said that the UNP is expected to engage in talks with other parties and groups shortly. It added that the UNP Chairman Vajira Abeywardena, UNP Deputy Leader Ruwan Wijewardena, UNP General Secretary Palitha Range Bandara, and UNP Executive Director represented the party at these discussions.It added that the talks are yet to reach the final stages, and when the discussions are over the manner in which the UNP will contest the Local Government Election will be announced officially.

COLOMBO (News 1st) – A letter claiming to contain an order made to all District Secretaries notifying them to refrain from accepting bonds for the Local Government Elections is currently making its rounds on social media.The circular contains the signature of the Secretary to the Ministry of Public Administration and Home Affairs.Ministry Secretary Neil Bandara Hapuhinna noted that the Cabinet that met on Monday (9) had instructed him to order all the District Secretaries to refrain from accepting the bonds from candidates until further notice.However, the Commissioner General of Elections had ordered all District Returning Officers to continue to accept the bonds by the candidates, noting that as per the powers vested with the Election Commission via the Local Authorities Elections (Amendment) Act Returning Officers have been appointed for the respective districts.Opposition Leader Sajith Premadasa, and NPP Leader Anura Kumara Dissanayake slammed the government's efforts to delay the elections.

COLOMBO (News 1st) – Sri Lanka's Cabinet of Ministers decided to intruct the Minister of Power and Energy to introduce a price formula for electricity tariff, similar to the fuel price formula.The Government Information Department in a statement said that the Cabinet of Ministers considered the proposal submitted by the President in his capacity as the Minister of Finance, Economic Stability and National Policies and the Minister of Power and Energy regarding the revision of electricity tariffs. It was further observed by the Cabinet that the Treasury is not able to provide the necessary funds for the Sri Lanka Electricity Board within the existing financial space and therefore there is no other option but to revise the existing electricity tariffs to ensure a continuous electricity supply in the country while minimizing the impact on electricity consumers as much as possible. Accordingly, approval was given to proceed as follows:– The Public Utilities Commission of Sri Lanka will further study the proposed revision of electricity charges submitted by the Electricity Board and if any revision is required, to submit the same on or before 15.02.2023.– Until then, the Ceylon Electricity Board and the Public Utilities Commission of Sri Lanka will jointly take necessary measures to implement the electricity tariff revision proposed by the Ceylon Electricity Board with effect from 01.01.2023 as an interim measure in accordance with the amendments to the Public Policy Guidelines currently in force regarding the Power Industry– If the Sri Lanka Public Utilities Commission submits any amendments, the Ceylon Electricity Board will take steps to implement those amendments and make the necessary adjustments to future monthly

COLOMMBO (News 1st) – The Committee on Public Finance chaired by Dr. Harsha De Silva unanimously expressed its displeasure over the operations of the Colombo Port City Economic Commission as its senior officials did not appear before the Committee and had not provided with a proper notice of absence under the due process.Whilst emphasizing on the importance of the Port City project for the purpose of generating investments and the work done thus far, the Committee unanimously expressed their dissatisfaction and advised the officials present that a better sense of responsibility needs to be exercised as professionals handling such project of importance.Therefore, the Secretary to the Commission was instructed by the Committee on Public Finance to submit by way of writing a reasonable explanation as to why high officials to the Commission are not present before the committee when they were summoned before the Committee on Public Finance on the 21st of December.

A Lanarkshire group have supported the hungry and people with mental health issues as parts of its aim to “try and build better and stronger communities”.

COLOMBO (News 1st) – The Magistrate's Inquiry into the mysterious death of businessman Dinesh Schaffter took place at the official chamber of Colombo Additional Magistrate Rajindra Jayasuriya on Tuesday (10).A brother of the deceased provided evidence for 45 minutes behind closed doors.As the recording of evidence took place inside the official chamber of the Colombo Additional Magistrate, journalists did not receive the opportunity to report on the proceedings of the case.Further examination of evidence will take place on the 13th of January 2022.Sri Lanka Police said that it has not informed the court or any other institution that they believe the death to be a suicide."We have not ruled out suicide.

COLOMBO (News 1st) – President Ranil Wickremesinghe has informed the cabinet that the fund allocations made via the budget for all ministries will have to be cut down by 5%.This was announced by Minister Bandula Gunawardena, the Cabinet Spokesperson on Tuesday (10) at the weekly Cabinet media briefing."There is no stable income to even support the essential welfare expenses.

COLOMBO (News 1st) – The United National Party will contest the upcoming  Local Government Election together with the Sri Lanka Podujana Peramuna, said the UNP General Secretary on Tuesday (10).The Sri Lanka Podujana Peramuna and the United National Party met for talks again on Tuesday (10) at the President's Office.UNP General Secretary Palitha Range Bandara told reporters that the SLPP and the UNP decided to contest the Local Government Election together.He said the matter was discussed with the district leaders.He also said that discussions took place on which Local Government Institutions will be contested under the symbol of the Elephant, and which will be contested under the symbol of the Flower Bud.He also added that an agreement was also reached with regard to using a common symbol for certain Local Government Institutions.

COLOMBO (News 1st) – The Sri Lanka Podujana Peramuna and the United National Party are to meet for talks again on Tuesday (10).A senior spokesperson for the SLPP speaking to News 1st said that the meeting will take place at the President's Office.It is reported that the formation of an alliance to contest the Local Government Election, as well as to contest under one symbol among other matters will be discussed at this meeting.General Secretary of the United National Party Palitha Range Bandara said that he will attend the meeting along with Deputy Leader of the UNP Ruwan Wijewardena.The SLPP is to be represented by General Secretary Attorney Sagara Kariyawasam, Rohitha Abeygunawardena, Mahindananda Aluthgamage, and Sanjeewa Edirimanne.The UNP and the SLPP met for talks on Sunday (8) as well.

COLOMBO (News 1st) – Sri Lanka's Cabinet of Ministers have once again granted approval to import eggs.Trade Minister Nalin Fernando speaking to News 1st said the Cabinet granted approval to his proposal on Monday (9).He said eggs will be imported before the end of the week from India, and the distribution will be handed over to the private sector, while Lanka Sathosa will be involved in the sale of eggs.The government decided to import eggs as a solution to address the high prices of eggs, as the local price of an egg is between Rs. 60/- to Rs.

NEW DELHI : The union health ministry on Monday said that covid-19 positive samples collected from sentinel sites reveals presence of all Omicron variants in the community. The government’s Integrated Disease Surveillance Program (IDSP) sentinel sites referred 324 COVID19 positive samples for sequencing to 22 INSACOG labs.

Health chiefs have tonight confirmed that both Ayr and Crosshouse hospitals have reached their full capacity.

COLOMBO (News 1st) – Sri Lanka's Cabinet of Ministers on Monday (9) granted approval to increase the electricity tariff.The tariff hike will be reviewed by a committee until the 15th of February, and measures will be taken to reduce the tariff, if there is a possibility, a Senior Government Minister told News 1st.The Chairman of the Public Utilities Commission of Sri Lanka said that a proposal to amend the electricity tariff was received on Monday (9) evening.

COLOMBO (News 1st) – Sri Lankan President Ranil Wickremesinghe said that he was deeply concerned about the recent violence that erupted in Brasilia. In a statement he said that Sri Lanka not so long ago also experienced similar attempts by groups to overthrow democratic structures through unconstitutional means. While noting that such hostilities are condemned, the President said the Sri Lankan stands in solidarity with the President, Government and people of Brazil in this hour of confrontation.President Wickremesinghe said that it is imperative that democracy and its institutions are universally respected by all citizens.For several days, supporters of former Brazilian President Jair Bolsonaro have been protesting as they refuse to accept that the populist autocrat lost his bid for reelection, claiming the election was stolen.Hundreds called for military intervention to overthrow President Luiz Inacio Lula da Silva, who was inaugurated one week ago.    Hundreds of supporters of Brazil's former president stormed the Planalto presidential palace, National Congress and the Supreme Court headquarters.After hours of chaos, Brazilian police have retaken control of the premises occupied by the protesters.Lula has declared federal security intervention in Brasilia and vowed to punish ‘neo-fascists’ with ‘full force of law’Bolsonaro denied any involvement in the attack, calling any suggestion otherwise a “baseless” accusation.While Lula has served two presidential terms, he has also served a prison term and some Brazilian say it is "shameful" he should have returned to the presidential palace after his time in jail.Lula spent 580 days in jail after being convicted of corruption in 2017 and was banned from running in the 2018

COLOMBO (News 1st) – Notice was issued once again on Central Bank Monetary Board members Attorney Sanjeewa Jayawardena, and Rani Jayamaha, as they failed to appear in court.On Monday (9) the Fundamental Rights applications filed against 39 people for leading the country to an economic crisis were taken up, and the notice was re-issued to the CBSL Monetary Board members.The Former President, Former Prime Minister, and Former Finance Minister are among the 39 people named as the respondents in the petitions.The FR applications by Transparency International Sri Lanka, Former Ceylon Chamber of Commerce Chairman Chandra Jayaratne, Dr Mahim Mendis from the Open University of Sri Lanka, and Former National Swimming Champion Julian Bolling claim that the respondents named in the petition are directly responsible for the unsustainability of Sri Lanka’s foreign debt, its hard default on foreign loan repayments, and the current state of the economy of Sri Lanka.The applications were considered in the presence of Chief Justice Jayantha Jayasuriya, and Justices Buwaneka Aluvihare, Vijith Malalgoda, L. T.

SAFFRON Barker’s older brother was rushed to hospital on Thursday after suffering a near fatal heart attack. Casey, 27, who is also a social media star, revealed he made it “just in time”, as a devastated Saffron begged her followers to wish him well.

KATE Garraway has been spotted posing with her family in front of their Christmas tree in a series of snaps. Her kids Billy, 13, and Darcey, 16, were seen smiling in the living room amid their dad Derek's ongoing health battle. Kate, 55, took to her Instagram on Tuesday afternoon to share the snap of her teenage children relaxing at home.