Long Covid symptoms in kids, young people may change over time: Lancet study

Pawar informed that the government has implemented the following programmes/schemes for ensuring assured, dignified, respectful and quality healthcare services for every pregnant woman Over 25,000 ‘Delivery Points’ across the country have been strengthened in terms of infrastructure, equipment, and trained manpower for provision of comprehensive Reproductive-Maternal- Neonatal-Child and Adolescent Health (RMNCAH+N) services, said Dr. Bharati Pravin Pawar,Union Minister of State for Health and Family Welfare in a written reply in the Lok Sabha on Friday.

COLOMBO (News 1st) – The Gross Domestic Product for Sri Lanka for the third quarter of year 2022 at current price reported as Rs. 6,417,031 million.The Gross Domestic Product for Sri Lanka for the third quarter of year 2022 at constant price (2015) reported as Rs.

COLOMBO (News 1st) – Sri Lanka's Minister of Power and Energy Kanchana Wijesekera held discussions with Russian Ambassador to Sri Lanka Levan Dzhagaryan on Thursday (15).The Minister said that the country's energy sector requirements were discussed at the meeting.In addition, Sri Lanka's fuel needs, refinery operations, and the challenges faced in the supply of coal were discussed between the Minister and the Russian Ambassador.The Minister tweeted that the Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) signed for nuclear energy cooperation with Rosatom – a Russian state-owned corporation specializing in nuclear energy, nuclear non-energy goods and high-tech products –  were discussed.

COLOMBO (News 1st) – Sri Lankan authorities seized over 200 kg of heroin and Crystal methamphetamine (ICE) on Wednesday (14) from a multi-day fishing vessel in the high seas off the southern coast of Sri Lanka.In addition, another Sri Lankan multi-day fishing vessel that was supplying fuel to the detained vessel was also seized by authorities.Sri Lanka Navy, Sri Lanka Navy Intelligence, State Intelligence Service, and the Police Narcotic Bureau conducted a special operation in the southern seas that led to the detection of the drugs, and the arrest of multiple Sri Lankans.The two fishing vessels and the suspects are currently being brought ashore for further investigations.

COLOMBO (News 1st) – Sri Lanka's Ministry of Power and Energy says that the Sapugaskanda Oil Refinery will re-open on Friday (15).The refinery was closed down on the 7th of October 2022 due to insufficient stocks of crude oil to produce fuel.The Ministry said that two Crude Oil shipments reached Sri Lanka recently, and another is anchored at the Colombo Port.It added that 1,500 MT of Diesel, 550 MP of Petrol, 950 MT of kerosene and Jet Fuel, and 1,500 Naphtha will be produced from the Sapugaskanda Oil Refinery daily from Friday (15).In addition, Lanka Coal Company (Private) Limited said that the entire stock of coal required for electricity generation can be imported to the country by the 30th of April 2023.During this period 32 shipments are expected to reach Sri Lanka, and five of them have already reached the country, while another is expected next week,.The remaining shipments will reach the country from January 2023, and five shipments will reach Sri Lanka weekly.Lanka Coal Company (Private) Limited said there need not be any unncessary panic over the claims made that the Norochcholai Coal Power Plant will not be able to function.

COLOMBO (News 1st) – Sri Lanka's Supreme Court has decided to consider two applications filed seeking an order on the Election Commission to call for Local Government Elections without delay.The applications will be considered on the 18th of January 2023.The applications were filed by Professor G. L.

Colombo (News 1st) – Well-known Colombo businessman Dinesh Schaffter, 52, died shortly before midnight on Thursday (15th) in the ICU of the National Hospital from wounds suffered during an assault last night, police said.Mr. Schaffter was a Director of the Janashakthi Group of Companies and a member of the Schaffter family famed for generations among Sri Lanka's business community, was found injured and tied up in the driving seat of his own car at the Borella Cemetery last night and rushed to hospital.He had been missing for several hours after leaving home to meet a person to whom he had reportedly lent a large sum of money.

COLOMBO (News 1st) – Nearly 24 hours after the crime, Sri Lanka Police are yet to make any arrests over the brutal stabbing of social media activist Dilan Senanayake inside his own office on Pagoda Road in Nugegoda yesterday (14th), striking fear into the hearts of journalists and others active on social media.The attack comes at a time when the government is controversially mulling legislation to impose controls over all types of social media.Senanayake is currently at the Colombo South Teaching Hospital – Kalubowila for treatment.Police said two masked men had arrived in a three-wheeler at 9 pm and attacked Senanayake before making their getaway in a three-wheeler. Police are yet to trace the vehicle.There is no known motive for the attack except the possibility of it being linked to his activism over social media.

The Driving, Vehicle and Licencing Agency (DVLA) has added two new health conditions that motorists need to declare before they can continue driving.

Colombo (News 1st) – Rotary International's  President, Jennifer Jones, visited the head office of Capital Maharaja Group, the parent company of News 1st, on Thursday (15th), during her 4-day visit to Sri Lanka. She met with Mr. Sashi Rajamahendran, Chairman of Capital Maharaja Group, and Mr.

GEMMA Collins has revealed her secret family heartbreak as she admits be having a low-key Christmas this year. The reality star, 41, said it's a very "upsetting" time as she opened up about her uncle's health battle.Advertisement Gemma explained that the festive period will be a quiet one this year as she "prays" for her dad Alan's twin brother, who is currently in hospital.

COLOMBO (News 1st) –  Egg producers in Sri Lanka informed the Court of Appeal on Thursday (15) that they cannot agree with the price amendments produced by the Consumer Affairs Authority.Counsel for the CAA told court that the Counsumer Affairs Council that convened on Wednesday (14) had decided to impose a Maximum Retail Price of Rs. 42/- for a white egg, and Rs.

Under the covid vaccination drive, more than 219.98 crore vaccine doses have been administered to the people across the country so far. New Delhi India’s active covid cases have come down to 3,767, health ministry data said. More than 4.46 crore covid cases have been reported so far, while India has recorded 530,668 covid deaths in the last nearly three years.

COLOMBO (News 1st) – Sri Lanka has decided to amend the age for the manadatory requirement of doctors.An extraordinary gazette citing the amendments was issued by Prime Minister Dinesh Gunawardena in his capacity as the Minister of Public Administration, Home Affairs, Provincial Councils and Local Government.The provisions of the extraordinary gazette are as follows:(a) Sending the Medical Officers on retirement, who have already completed the age of 63 years, before 31st December 2022.(b) Sending Medical Officers on retirement, who have already completed the age of 62 years, on completion of 63 years of age.(c) Sending Medical Officers on retirement, who have already completed the age of 61 years, on completion of 62 years of age.(d) Sending Medical Officers on retirement, who have already completed the age of 60 years, on completion of 61 years of age.(e) Sending Medical Officers on retirement, who have already completed the age of 59 years, on completion of 60 years of age.However, the Medical Consultants, Government Medical Officers, Dental Surgeons and the registered Medical Officers of the Government whose birthday falls within the period from 1st of January to 30th of June should be given the opportunity to serve up to 30th June of the relevant year and sent on retirement and the Medical Consultants, Government Medical Officers, Dental Surgeons and the registered Medical Officers of the Government whose birthday falls within the period from 1st of July to 31st of December should be given the opportunity to serve up to 31st December of the relevant year and sent on retirement, noted the extraordinary gazette. 

Blue's Clues original host Steve Burns recently revealed that his co-star Donovan Patton stepped up and took care of him while he was sick with COVID.The 49-year-old actor told PEOPLE that he and Patton - who took over as host of the children's show when Burns left in 2002 - 'have been friends for a long time now.'Burns continued: 'I know his family. He took care of me when I had COVID.

Colombo (News 1st) – The 26-year-old driver of the car that crashed in Colpetty on Saturday morning killing one person, who fled overseas within hours of the accident, and arrested on arrival at Bandaranaike International Airport from Dubai this morning (12th) has been remanded until 16 December.Police on Monday said that they would seek Interpol assistance to have him extradited to Sri Lanka. Police said he had been driving the Mercedes-Benz that crashed into a parked three-wheeler on Galle Road around dawn on Saturday killing the 58-year-old driver of the 3-wheeler.

(Reuters) – The executive board of the International Monetary Fund is not expected to formally approve Sri Lanka's $2.9 billion bailout before year-end, a key step required for the embattled country to receive funding, two sources familiar with the matter said.Seeking a way out of its worst economic crisis in decades, Sri Lanka reached an IMF staff-level agreement in June with the deal subject to approval and contingent on Sri Lanka authorities following through with previously agreed measures.Sri Lanka said in September it expected the board to approve the deal by year-end. Progress has been slow in recent months, and Sri Lanka's finance minister acknowledged last month the request might extend into January.Sri Lanka has to secure prior financing assurances from creditors, put its heavy debt burden on a sustainable path and increase public revenue before the global lender will disburse the funds.

NEW DELHI : New Delhi Easing covid-19 restrictions in China may lead to an increase in demand and prices of metals, but the uptick maybe limited, said industry experts. As the largest consumer of commodities, a pick-up in demand in China can help lift global metals demand and prices amid recessionary concerns in developed economies such as the US and Europe. Rising demand and prices in China will also be key to prevent cheap imports to India and help improve domestic steel prices.

Colombo (News 1st) – Veteran vocalist, lyricist and composer Nihal Nelson passed away on Tuesday (13). He was 76 years old at the time of his demise.Nihal Nelson was one of the most influential singers in Sri Lanka and considered ‘undefeated on the concert stage’.Nelson holds the record for the most albums recorded by a Sri Lankan artist with 113 albums. Nihal Nelson was born on 1946 in Moratuwa, and received his primary education from Innocent Maria Mixed School which is currently known as Rawathawaththa Methodist College.After passing grade 8, he entered Moratu Maha Vidyalaya where he completed A/L in 1960.Nelson married Malini Sriyalatha in 1974. He was among the first Sri Lankan vocalists to release a cassette in 1978 with Gune Ayyage Kamare.

Colombo (News 1st) – The ten students who were arrested on Tuesday (13) over the assault carried out on former Vice Chancellor of Peradeniya University Senior Professor Athula Senaratne and his son have been remanded until 22 December 2022.The suspects were produced before the Kandy Magistrate's Court on Tuesday (13).The arrests were carried out after they surrendered themselves to the Peradeniya Police Station.The suspects, aged between 23 and 25, are residents of Nittambuwa, Sandalangala, Giritale, Matale, Henegamuwa and Galagamwatta.Police said another two suspects have been identified, adding that investigations are underway to apprehend them.A group of students attacked the former Vice Chancellor of Peradeniya University, Senior Professor Athula Senaratne and his son, and caused damage to his house on Saturday (10) night.Chairman of the University Grants Commission Professor Sampath Amaratunga stated that 300 students were involved in the attack, and stern legal action will be taken against them.The 12 students involved in the attack have been expelled from the university.

Colombo (News 1st) – Ten students have been arrested on Tuesday (13) over the assault carried out on former Vice Chancellor of Peradeniya University Senior Professor Athula Senaratne and his son.The arrests were carried out after they surrendered themselves to the Peradeniya Police Station.The suspects, aged between 23 and 25, are residents of Nittambuwa, Sandalangala, Giritale, Matale, Henegamuwa and Galagamwatta.Police said another two suspects have been identified, adding that investigations are underway to apprehend them.A group of students attacked the former Vice Chancellor of Peradeniya University, Senior Professor Athula Senaratne and his son, and caused damage to his house on Saturday (10) night.Chairman of the University Grants Commission Professor Sampath Amaratunga stated that 300 students were involved in the attack, and stern legal action will be taken against them.The 12 students involved in the attack have been expelled from the university.

Colombo (News 1st) – The 26-year-old driver of the car that crashed in Colpetty on Saturday morning killing one person, who fled overseas within hours of the accident, was arrested on arrival at Bandaranaike International Airport from Dubai this morning (12th), police said.Police on Monday said that they would seek Interpol assistance to have him extradited to Sri Lanka. Police said he had been driving the Mercedes-Benz that crashed into a parked three-wheeler on Galle Road around dawn on Saturday killing the 58-year-old driver of the 3-wheeler.

George Lopez was forced to drop out of a gig announcing the nominations for the 80th annual Golden Globes on Monday morning after testing positive for COVID-19.The 61-year-old television personality was set to appear on NBC Monday morning live from Beverly Hills in order to present the nods for the highly-anticipated award show.Instead his daughter Mayan Lopez and actress Selenis Leyva - who both star with him on sitcom Lopez Vs. Lopez - took over the announcements.

Thank goodness!

Las Vegas is reacting to Céline Dion‘s recent diagnosis.

A doctor who shook a ‘difficult' patient, shouted at them and slapped them across the face before saying to colleagues “that felt good,” has been cleared of any wrongdoing.

Flights between the Jaffna International Airport and Chennai, India resumed on Monday (12).A flight arrived reached Palaly from Chennai at 10.50am while a flight departed from Palaly heading to Chennai at 11.50am. The Civil Aviation Authority says, weekly, four flights will operate from Chennai to Palaly.Flights between Palaly and Chennai were temporarily suspended due to the Covid-19 pandemic.

An £18million office complex run by Michelle Mone is linked to the same network of companies at the centre of a Covid PPE scandal. The bra baroness is now being urged to explain if the Neospace site in Aberdeen was funded by public money from UK Government Covid contracts.

Colombo (News 1st) – Rotary International's  President, Jennifer Jones, arrived in Sri Lanka on Sunday (11th) on a 4-day visit. She is the first woman President in the 115-year history of Rotary.Ms.

COLOMBO (News 1st): The Real-time Air Quality Index (AQI) of Colombo as of 11:00 AM on Sunday (Dec. 11) is at 117, which is considered as an unhealthy level for sensitive groups. According to the NBRO, AQI in the range of 101-150, indicates that members of sensitive groups may experience health effects"Poor Air Quality may lead to mild symptoms such as difficulties in breathing, itchy nose, throat irritations, and slights fever, which would subside without any medication," Consultant Respiratory Specialist Dr.

Nathan Patterson has already lived some intoxicating highs. Making his Rangers debut at 18. Scoring for his boyhood club in Europe. Winning 55. A record-breaking £16million move to Everton. Thriving in the Premier League. And becoming Scotland’s new right-back.

Jackass star Bam Margera is on 'the road to recovery' after battling a severe case of pneumonia and testing positive for Covid-19. The former professional skateboarder, 43, was admitted to a San Diego hospital early this week and was allegedly put on a ventilator in the ICU. He reportedly then tested positive for Covid while at the facility. Margera's family posted a statement to his Instagram Friday night, confirming his hospitalization and assuring fans that he will soon be discharged.  On the mend: Bam Margera, 43, is reportedly on 'the road to recovery' after battling a severe case of pneumonia and testing positive for Covid-19. The Jackass star was admitted to a San Diego hospital early this week and was allegedly put on a ventilator in the ICU'Bam was recently hospitalized,' wrote the Margera family.

Colombo (News 1st) – Sri Lanka’s human rights campaigner Sandya Ekneligoda is among just 25 women activists worldwide who have been named to the prestigious ‘BBC 100 Women 2022’.Mrs. Ekneligoda has relentlessly campaigned for human rights in Sri Lanka since her husband, journalist Pradeep Ekneligoda who was himself an activist, disappeared in 2010.

HONOLULU – The Hawai‘i Department of Health has placed orders to supply participating healthcare providers with updated COVID-19 bivalent vaccines for children as young as six months of age.The U.S. Food and Drug Administration issued emergency use authorization for keiki-sized vaccines Thursday, December 8.

Gary Friedkin who starred in Happy Days and Star Wars has died at 70 after a lengthy battle with COVID-19.The veteran actor passed away with family at his side at Hospice House in Youngstown, Ohio due to complications from the novel coronavirus.He had previously endured a challenging three-and-a-half weeks battling COVID-19 in the medical intensive care unit (ICU) at St. Elizabeth Youngstown Hospital, according to his obituary in the Tribute Chronicle published earlier this week.

Danniella Westbrook has given fans a health update after she was rushed to hospital - and says she was just 'hours away from a cardiac arrest'.

Oh, no! Bam Margera has been hospitalized due to a very serious case of pneumonia and COVID-19!

A Lanarkshire primary school has earned passing grades from education chiefs after a recent inspection.

COLOMBO (News 1st) – Thuru Kepakaru, is a project initiated by S-Lon Lanka (Pvt) Ltd., and News 1st solely to preserve and protect the flora and fauna which make up the environment of Sri Lanka.Another leg of this program took place on Thursday (8) at the Dudley Senanayake College in Colombo.The main aim of Thuru Kepakaru is to ensure that all the planted saplings are assigned to a foster who would protect, nurture, and continuously interact with them.Thursday's (8) event took place with the participation of Juan Fernandez-Jardon, the Senior Human Rights Advisor (OHCHR) in the Office of the Resident Coordinator in Sri Lanka.In addition, the Executive Group Director of the Capital Maharaja Group S. C.

Sri Lanka Navy which is held in high esteem as the First Line of Defence of the Nation is marking the organization’s 72nd Anniversary today (09th December 2022). At the directives of Commander of the Navy, Vice Admiral Nishantha Ulugetenne, a wide range of programmes are being conducted in each Naval Command, giving prominence to time-honoured naval customs and religious practices. In addition, capital ships of the Sri Lanka Navy will rest at anchor off the Galle Face Green today (09th December), giving the public an opportunity to have a glance at some of the major ships of the Sri Lanka Navy.Coinciding with its anniversary, 222 officers as well as 3548 senior and junior sailors were promoted and advanced to their next higher ranks and rates on 09th December, at the recommendation of Commander of the Navy, Vice Admiral Nishantha Ulugetenne.

COLOMBO (News 1st) – The United Nations (UN) team in Sri Lanka and non-governmental organisations revised and extended their joint Humanitarian Needs and Priorities (HNP) Plan, which aims to provide life-saving assistance to 3.4 million people amid Sri Lanka’s worst economic crisis since independence.Since June, the HNP has been responding to the Government's request for UN-backed multi-sector support for Sri Lanka's debt and food and medicine shortages."Governments and donor agencies have helped the humanitarian community reach over 1 million of the country's most vulnerable people with cash, food, school meals, medicine, protection, and livelihood support," said the UN in a statement.The HNP—aligned with appeals from other UN agencies—has raised US $79 million for Sri Lanka thanks to landmark support from the U.S and USAID, Australia, Japan including JICA, the UN Central Emergency Relief Fund (CERF), as well as Canada, Denmark, Norway, New Zealand, Italy, EU, Switzerland, France, and with additional support from the UK, Germany, Thailand, Sweden, Georgia, Latter Day Saint Charities and private individuals and organizations."We are immensely appreciative of the solidarity the international community has shown with the people of Sri Lanka, including through their generous contributions to the HNP.

COLOMBO (News 1st) – Sri Lanka President Ranil Wickremesinghe said that the country has had to face adverse repercussions due to the short sighted popular decisions taken in the past and unpopular decisions have had to be taken for the prospects of the country.The President made this observation on Thursday (08) taking part in the third reading debate of the budget proposal for the financial year 2023.He said further that a Parliamentary Select Committee will be established on a resolution by the Parliament to look into those who led the economy to bankruptcy with their incorrect fiscal policies.The statement made by President Ranil Wickremesinghe is as follows:Some members discussed the Mahaweli lands. The lands of the state were under the Land Commissioner until 1977. Due to the rapid development, some of the urban and rural lands were brought under the Urban Development Authority, Mahaweli Authority, and several other corporations.

A pair of health unions representing NHS staff say the recent report into the state of the hospital have backed up long-held concerns raised by members for some time.

Indonesia's Coordinating Minister for Maritime Affairs and Investment, Luhut Binsar Pandjaitan, held bilateral talks with Sri Lankan Foreign State Minister Tharaka Balasuriya on Monday (5) to discuss cooperation in maritime security and safety and blue economy investment."Indonesia and Sri Lanka need to better increase economic cooperation," Pandjaitan said at the meeting, which was held on the sidelines of the Archipelagic and Island State Forum (AID) in the Indonesian resort island of Bali.The two countries need to make optimal use of bilateral cooperation to open up opportunities to promote the development of their economy, including maritime resource-based economy, he added."We warmly welcome and are ready to participate in boosting the two countries' economic growth.

COLOMBO (News 1st) – The shortage of fertilizer has severely affected tea-small holders in Sri Lanka.The tea-small holders in Akuressa, Matara said that the authorities have not shown any interest to address the issue, as the lives of many workers depend on this industry.They further say that they have to buy fertilizers at high prices and sell the leaves at low prices, leaving them at a loss.

COLOMBO (News 1st) – Great Britain has expressed its willingness to provide the necessary technical and practical support to Sri Lanka to implement the “Climate Prosperity Plan”.The Deputy High Commissioner of Great Britain to Sri Lanka, Lisa Whanstall said that Great Britain appreciates the efforts taken by Sri Lanka to address climate change and will work to provide the necessary technical and theoretical support in the future, said the President's Media Division.These remarks were made during a discussion held on Wednesday (7) between the President’s Senior Adviser on Climate Change Ruwan Wijewardene, and the British Deputy High Commissioner, at the Presidential Secretariat.Whanstall also said that she will provide the necessary support for the International University on Climate Change, which is planned to be built on the instructions of President Ranil Wickremesinghe.Furthermore, the Deputy British High Commissioner praised Sri Lanka’s program for renewable energy and pointed out that it is a well-planned step for the future of the country.Ruwan Wijewardene presented the information about President Ranil Wickremesinghe’s upcoming programs regarding climate change and stated that the Act on Climate Change will be submitted to Parliament shortly.In addition, Wijewardene said that a climate change office will be established in Sri Lanka to investigate climate change in the region and that the necessary solutions to address climate change that may occur will be developed.He further said that the government has already focused on green hydrogen energy on the advice of President Ranil Wickremesinghe and the government has planned to further develop the potential for renewable energy in Sri Lanka.They also discussed the

COLOMBO (News 1st) – The Colombo air quality index (AQI) has increased further towards an unhealthy level.The National Building Research Organization said that the AQI across many cities in Sri Lanka range between 150 – 200, which is an unhealthy level.-What is the AQI?The AQI reports on how clean or polluted the air in your area is, and what effects breathing the outdoor air may have on your health.The AQI takes into account five of the major air pollutants. These pollutants are ground-level ozone, particle pollution, carbon monoxide, sulfur dioxide and nitrogen dioxide. How to protect yourself from unhealthy or hazardous air pollution: If the air quality in your area is compromised, there are several things you can do to protect yourself.