Maldives Ex-President meets President Wickremesinghe in Colombo

LYMAN, Neb. - Sometimes you have to go at it alone, and that’s exactly what Katrina Kohel did.The 17-year-old Morrill High School senior gained national recognition for competing— by herself— at the Nebraska state cheerleading championship on Feb. 17.Days before the event, her three other teammates quit."The three freshmen quit for personal reasons," Kohel told FOX Television Stations.RELATED: WATCH: North Carolina Women's Lacrosse Team Help Push Bus Unstuck in FairfaxKohel said her coach encouraged her to either go to the championship as a a spectator or a competitor.

PHILADELPHIA - Police in Reading, Pennsylvania, are investigating a swatting call from out of state that prompted a police presence at a fast food restaurant. Authorities say on Sunday, just before 10: 15 a.m., officers responded to a threat against the Wendy's on Lancaster Avenue. Police say information they received indicated an armed suspect was possibly hiding in a dumpster at the restaurant. MORE LOCAL HEADLINESAccording to authorities, crews responded and cleared the dumpster. Police say the swatting call came from outside of the state. No additional information was released by authorities. 

(Adventure Aquarium)CAMDEN, N.J. - Congratulations are in order! The Adventure Aquarium in Camden has added a new - and very adorable - member to its penguin family."BABY ALERT!!! Adventure Aquarium’s little blue penguin parents Sheila (#8) and Spud (#3), are proud to announce the birth of a healthy baby boy, who hatched on February 15, weighing in at 37 grams," the aquarium announced Monday.MORE HEADLINES:The tiny hatchling has yet to be named, but the aquarium says to look out for a name reveal in the coming weeks!At the moment the baby blue chick is on exhibit, but will be taken behind the scenes at three weeks old to learn how to take to fish, grow and get ready for all his soon-to-be admirers.

(L) The recalled Lancaster Table & Seating High Chairs Model 164HIGHCMO – Mahogany (assembled), and (R) Lancaster Table & Seating High Chairs Model 164HIGHCBK – Black (assembled). (Credit: CPSC) Restaurant owners and diners with young children were recently put on notice after multiple high chairs broke with children in them, prompting a recall. The recall involves 22,400 Lancaster Table & Seating brand High Chairs in the U.S., in addition to about 52 sold in Canada, according to a Feb.

#COVID19 hospitalizations have risen 4 weeks in row—now worst in 7 weeks. https://t.co/4vOJbeV1xE Earlier this month, World Health Organisation (WHO) Director-General Tedros Adhanom Ghebreyesus declared COVID continues to be a public health emergency of international concern.

(With inputs from agencies)  

Lorraine Kelly has given fans an update on her health following her recent absence from her morning ITV show.

FILE - Students walk to class at Rice University on Aug. 29, 2022, in Houston, Texas.

PHILADELPHIA - The Philadelphia Police Department is investigating a robbery that left a man injured in the Oxford Circle section of the city. According to police, the incident occurred on the 6200 block of Large Street Sunday evening at 10:36 p.m. Authorities say officers responded to th scene for reports of a person screaming. Investigators say two suspects demanded to be taken inside the home of a 45-year-old, but when he refused, he was hit in the head with a gun and then shot in the left leg. MORE LOCAL HEADLINESThe suspects then fled northbound on Large Street in a blue Honda before police arrived, authorities say. The man was transported to Albert Einstein medical Center, where he was placed in stable condition. Police say the investigation is active and ongoing. 

FILE - Arthur Ravenel Jr. Bridge is pictured over the Cooper River to Charleston, South Carolina.

Eamonn Holmes and his son Declan attended Manchester United's cup-winning triumph over rivals Newcastle United on Sunday.The 63 year old Northern Irishman was pictured leaving the iconic Wembley Stadium once the Red Devils had lifted the Carabao Cup wheelchair-bound following a string of recent health setbacks. The former This Morning host seemed pretty chirpy as fans greeted him, and no wonder after Brazilian superstar Casemiro and in-form striker Marcus Rashford's goals earned Eamonn's team a first piece of silverware since the 2016-2017 season. Declan, who was seen wheeling his dad towards their waiting car, is Eamonn's 34 year old son from his first marriage to ex-wife Gabrielle Holmes.

The study found that the testes of the mice that just drank Pepsi or Coca-Cola were significantly increased on day 15 A new study has revealed that high doses of carbonated beverages like Coca-Cola and Pepsi may increase testicle size and testosterone levels. Consumption of carbonated drinks can also reduce the risk of prostate dysfunction and cancer. Previous studies have linked soda consumption to harm to reproductive functions, reduced sperm quantity, and reduced sperm motility.

Jagmeet Singh is calling on Prime Minister Justin Trudeau to hold a public inquiry into alleged Chinese election interference, joining several high-profile officials making the same ask.Singh, whose party is upholding Trudeau’s Liberal minority government, said in a statement Monday that while his party accepts the outcome of the 2021 election, serious allegations of foreign interference made in recent media reports need a “thorough, transparent and independent investigation.” Read more: Liberals ignored CSIS warning on 2019 candidate accused in Chinese interference probe, sources say Read next: ‘We kind of missed the landing’: Alberta premier on awkward handshake with prime minister “When Canadians learn about possible foreign interference through leaked documents, confidence in our democracy is put at risk,” Singh said.“The way to stop alleged secret Chinese interference is to refuse to keep their secrets for them.

COLOMBO (News 1st); Convener of the Inter-University Students' Federation Wasantha Mudalige and sixty-one others who were arrested and remanded for allegedly trespassing into the Education Ministry were released on bail. They were produced to the Kaduwela Chief Magistrate on Monday (27) and were released on personal bail of Rs.

Jean Smart’s “Hacks” co-stars are sharing an update on her health following a recent heart procedure.

ANAHEIM, Calif. - A California man made the Guinness World Records book for the most consecutive visits to Disneyland. Jeff Reitz has visited the Anaheim theme park for 2,995 consecutive days; that's a total of eight years, three months, and 13 days.According to Guinness World Records, Reitz started his journey in 2012."It started as a joke between friends when Disneyland announced they were giving an ‘Extra Disney Day’ when they announced the Leap Day 24-hour event in 2012," Jeff told Guinness World Records. RELATED: Reopening of Mickey's Toontown delayed, Disneyland announcesAfter visiting for 366 days, Disneyland presented Reitz with a gift basket along with certificate of Honorary Citizenship. Reitz told Guinness World Records that he hoped to reach the 3,000 consecutive visit mark, but the coronavirus pandemic stopped his Disneyland streak on March 14, 2020. "I have not set a return date yet, but now I think it would be really fun to return with my Guinness World Records title certificate to get pictures where I earned it — inside Disneyland," said Jeff.

Red Lobster is launching its first-ever line of frozen seafood products. (Credit: Provided photo / Red Lobster) ORLANDO, Fla. - Red Lobster is coming to a grocery store frozen aisle near you. The Orlando, Florida-based restaurant chain announced the launch of its first-ever line of frozen seafood products at U.S.

CHICAGO, ILLINOIS - MAY 06: A sign hangs outside of a Chick-fil-A restaurant on May 06, 2021 in Chicago, Illinois. Chicken prices have risen sharply this year as suppliers struggle to keep up with demand, fueled in part, by the popularity of new chic MONTGOMERY COUNTY - A Chick-fil-A in Montgomery County is taking action after they say a series of "unacceptable behaviors" by kids and young teens has forced them to "protect" their guests, staff and building."We contemplated long and hard before posting this, but decided it was time," the Chick-fil-A on Buckwalter Road in Royersford said in a Facebook post that has since gathered significant support.As of last week, all children under the age of 16 are now required to be accompanied by an adult when dining inside the Montgomery County fast food restaurant.Chick-fil-A says the ban is in response to the repeated "unacceptable behaviors" of unaccompanied children and teens, including volume and explicit language, mistreatment of property, disrespect of employees and unsafe behaviors."As you can imagine, this is not a pleasant experience.

KINGSESSING - A Philadelphia firefighter was seriously injured while fighting a house fire Saturday morning.Officials with the department said the firefighter Randy Ballinger was working with his colleagues to douse a fire on the 1100 block of South Paxon Street early Saturday morning, around 7 a.m., in Philadelphia’s Kingsessing neighborhood.According to authorities, the firefighter was seriously injured after falling from the roof of the two-story rowhome that was on fire.MORE HEADLINES:The man’s colleagues on the scene began to treat his multiple injuries, and he was then rushed by medics to a local hospital for treatment.According to a fundraiser for Ballinger, he suffered a concussion, torn aorta, collapsed lung, broken ribs, broken pelvis, a compound ankle fracture and multiple bone fractures in both his legs. A GoFundMe has since raised over $45,000 for Ballinger's medical expenses. Approximately seven people were displaced as a result of the fire.

8FILE - Former kickboxer Andrew Tate and his brother Tristan (not seen) leave court with police cars after their trial in Bucharest, Romania on Feb. 1, 2023.

FILE - An iPhone prompting to enter the passcode is seen on Oct. 25, 2017.

A former member of the National Public Health Emergency Team has said that Ireland imposed measures during the Covid-19 pandemic that excessively limited basic freedoms.

HATBORO, Pa. - A viral video of a racist rant by a customer, yelling offensive things directed at the business owner, is posted on TikTok and has been viewed over and over, shared on multiple platforms and it’s sparking outrage."You feel frustrated. It’s something that I was not expecting," said Omar Quinones. He’s the owner of Amy’s Pizzeria in Hatboro.Captured on video, the woman is seen yelling, "You give me my money back! I'm not giving my money to some illegal immigrant."It happened at Amy’s Pizzeria, Thursday night.

GOODYEAR, Ariz. - Two bicyclists are dead and 11 others have been hospitalized after a pickup truck struck a group of bicyclists in Goodyear, police said Saturday.The collision happened near MC-85 and Cotton Lane just before 8 a.m. on Feb.

A Pilatus PC-12/45 in Los Angeles, California. (AaronP/Bauer-Griffin/GC Images) STAGECOACH, Nev. (AP - A medical transport flight that crashed in a mountainous area in northern Nevada, killing five all five people aboard the plane including a patient, apparently broke apart before hitting the ground, authorities said Sunday.The National Transportation Safety Board has sent in a seven-member team of investigators to the site of Friday night’s crash near Stagecoach."How do we know if the airplane broke up in flight? We found parts of the airplane one-half to three-quarters of a mile away" from the crash scene, NTSB Vice Chair Bruce Landsberg said at a news briefing in Carson City.Landsberg said in the afternoon briefing that a team spent all day looking for pieces of the downed plane.

SOCIETY HILL - On the final weekend of Black History Month, Philadelphia leaders welcomed Dr. Bernice King for a forum at the historic Mother Bethel A.M.E Church.Morgan Lloyd, with the African American Museum in Philadelphia, said the hope is people will take away a feeling of community and empowerment."Black History Month is a continual thing," said Lloyd. "We’re here at this historical institution that was one of the foundations for our Black abolitionists and a huge community here in the city.

COLOMBO (News 1st); An individual who was admitted to the Colombo National Hospital following the protest staged by the Jathika Jana Balavegaya in Colombo on Sunday (27) has died.General Secretary of the JVP Tilvin Silva speaking to reporters in Colombo on Monday (27) said a peaceful protest by the JJB was attacked, and as a result of an attack around 28 people were hospitalized due to injuries. "Two people were in critical condition.

(Reuters) – The International Finance Corporation (IFC), the World Bank's investment arm, said it will provide Sri Lanka a $400 million cross-currency swap facility to help fund essential imports.Three private banks, which together deal with over 30% of Sri Lanka's remittances and exports, will receive the facility to fund essential imports, including medicine, food and fertiliser, the IFC said in a statement on Monday (27).The funds will provide a much needed foreign exchange cushion for Sri Lanka, which is grappling with its worst financial crisis in over seven decades partly triggered by a severe shortage of dollars.The island nation's economy is estimated to have contracted by 9.2% in 2022 and is expected to shrink a further 4.2% in 2023, according to World Bank data."We expect this financing to boost confidence in the investor community, attract fresh capital inflows to support the Sri Lankan economy," said Joon Young Park, IFC's Portfolio Manager, Financial Institutions Group for South Asia.IFC is also working on further plans to support client banks with other long-term funding and advisory services in the future, the statement added.Sri Lanka signed a preliminary agreement with the International Monetary Fund (IMF) for a $2.9 billion bailout last September but has to put its debt on a sustainable repayment track before the funds can be disbursed.

  Concluding her official visit, ‘INS Sukanya’ will depart the island on 01st March and she is expected to engage in a Passage Exercise (PASSEX) with a ship of the Sri Lanka Navy off Colombo.About INS Sukanya:The Sukanya Class offshore patrol vessels are in service with the Indian Navy. The first three ships were built by Korea Tacoma, while four were constructed at the Hindustan Shipyard in India.The lead ship in class, INS Sukanya (P50), was commissioned in August 1989.

COLOMBO (News 1st); SJB Parliamentarian Mayantha Dissanayake said that he will step down from the post of Chairman of the Committee on Public Finance.

Madonna‘s eldest sibling, Anthony Ciccone, has died, a family member said Saturday. He was 66.The announcement was made on Instagram by musician Joe Henry, who is married to Madonna’s sister Melanie Ciccone.“My brother-in-law, Anthony Gerard Ciccone, exited this earthly plane last evening.

Justin Trudeau is under increasing cross-partisan pressure to call an independent inquiry into foreign meddling in Canadian politics.The push for some form of public inquiry isn’t limited to the Liberals’ political opponents, but former senior national security officials and a former close confidant of the prime minister. Read more: Canada needs an inquiry into Chinese election interference: ex-spymaster Read next: Part of the Sun breaks free and forms a strange vortex, baffling scientists “Some form of non-partisan deep look has to happen here,” Gerald Butts, Trudeau’s former principal secretary, told Global News in an interview Sunday.Butts, now the vice chairman of the Eurasia Group, said there are a number of ways the government could commission a non-partisan investigation, including a public inquiry, Royal commission or a commission of inquiry.“We have many tools at our disposal,” Butts said, adding that while recent reports have focused on Chinese political interference, the issue is broader.“It’s not going to get at the heart of the problem if we just pick one election cycle and one country.”Global News reported Saturday that Dick Fadden, the former head of the Canadian Security Intelligence Service (CSIS) and a longtime senior national security official, said he could see no “compelling reason” not to hold a public inquiry into foreign interference.

COLOMBO (News 1st); The quality report with regard to the consignment of eggs that will be imported to Sri Lanka from India is expected to be received on Tuesday (28).The report is expected from the Ministry of Fisheries, Animal Husbandry and Dairying of India and once the report is approved, the shipment of 2 million Indian eggs will reach Sri Lanka.The Ministry of Trade, Commerce and Food Security said that the respective indian companies via laboratory tests have confirmed that there is no presence or risk of Bird Flu at their farms.The Ministry said that once the eggs reach Sri Lanka the country's Health Ministry will also conduct tests on the quality and standards.Thereafter, the eggs will be delivered to bakeries, and hotels in the country.The Ministry of Trade, Commerce and Food Security said that an eggs is expected to be sold for a price of Rs.

WEST PHILADELPHIA - Dozens of families received support, resources and life-saving training during the Community Health Partnership Clinic in the Cobbs Creek.The partnership is between the Children’s Hospital of Philadelphia’s Center for Health Equity and Community of Compassion CDC."We’re dealing with both kinds of trauma, both physical trauma and mental trauma. We were really intentional on finding partners who provide consistent and ongoing support for these families," said Dr.

SOCIETY HILL - On the final weekend of Black History Month, Philadelphia leaders welcomed Dr. Bernice King for a forum at the historic Mother Bethel A.M.E Church.Morgan Lloyd, with the African American Museum in Philadelphia, said the hope is people will take away a feeling of community and empowerment."Black History Month is a continual thing," said Lloyd. "We’re here at this historical institution that was one of the foundations for our Black abolitionists and a huge community here in the city.

This took place in the presence of President Ranil Wickremesinghe at the Presidential Office. Meanwhile, High Court Judge M. A. R. Marikkar was also sworn in as an appellate court judge before the President.

Sri Lanka's President and Prime Minister issued statements to mark the 75th Independence Day.In his message, President Ranil Wickremesinghe says there is a new economic and social reform agenda before the country with the objectives focusing first on recovery and then on renewed development. The Head of State stated it is imperative for us to unite in its implementation so that we can emerge with a high level of economic prosperity. He pledged to make the extremely difficult though vital decisions to achieve this goal with courage and determination. Prime Minister Dinesh Gunawardena in his message to mark the 75th Independence Day said "today, we not only celebrate our freedom, but also pay tribute to the ones who fought for it, to the ones who held a vision for our country, and to the ones who sacrificed themselves for the same." The Premier says the bravery, heroic acts as well as untold miseries suffered by our forefathers during their struggle for freedom of the Motherland must not be allowed to fade away from our memories.The Prime Minister adds the government has taken a series of measures to ensure recovery of the economy, and increase agricultural production to attain self-sufficiency and food security. Opposition Leader Sajith Premadasa also issued a statement to mark the 75th Independence Day. He stated "despite the fact that Sri Lanka has been independent for 75 years, we have failed to make that independence meaningful on national, social, educational, and religious levels."The Opposition Leader stated being trapped in "narrow chauvinism and communalism" is not the way to experience true freedom.

COLOMBO (News 1st); US President Joe Biden has conveyed his best wishes to President Ranil Wickremesinghe and the people of Sri Lanka on the occasion of the 75th Anniversary of Sri Lankan Independence.The communication from President Biden was handed over to President Wickremesinghe by the US Under-Secretary for Political Affairs Victoria Nuland when she called on President Wickremesinghe on Wednesday (01), at the President's Office.US President Joe Biden had stated that he looks forward to strengthening and deepening the bilateral friendship even further and, together, continuing to advance the shared values and vision for a peaceful, prosperous and secure future for the people of the two countries.He pointed out that this milestone independence anniversary, coincides with the 75 years of diplomatic relations between the US and Sri Lanka.President Biden acknowledged that the longstanding partnership has helped to advance peace and prosperity across the region and globally. The US President recalled that both nations – throughout their shared history – “have tackled formidable global challenges, including the combatting of climate change, addressing the scourge of human trafficking and maintaining a secure, free and open Indo-Pacific”.President Biden pointed out that bilateral trade and economic ties have been strengthened and deepened, and that Sri Lanka and the U.S., as democracies, have always been stronger when standing together, while being united in a shared commitment to freedom, opportunity and equality, said the President's Media Division.Source: PMD

COLOMBO (News 1st); The Sri Lankabhimanya Award –  the country's highest civil honour was conferred upon Former Parliament Speaker Deshabandu Karu Jayasuriya on Friday (3) morning.The award was presented by President Ranil Wickremesinghe at the President's House.Deshabandu Karu Jayasuriya represented the Parliament from the Gampaha District and became the 20th Speaker of Parliament in 2020.He served as the Mayor of Colombo from 1997 – 1999.In addition, he also held several government ministerial portfolios including Public Administration and Home Affairs, Buddhasasana and Religious Affairs.Deshabandu Karu Jayasuriya also served as the Deputy Chairman and Chairman of the United National Party and is considered an exemplary figure in Sri Lankan politics.

COLOMBO (News 1st); The Indian Minister of State for External Affairs and Parliamentary Affairs, Shri V. Muraleedharan will be visiting Colombo to participate in the celebrations connected with the 75th Independence Day of Sri Lanka on 4 February 2023.The Indian Ministry of External Affairs said that his visit will take place at the invitation of the Government of Sri Lanka.During the visit, the Minister of State will also have separate bilateral interactions with President Ranil Wickremesinghe and the Sri Lankan Foreign Minister, Mr.

COLOMBO (News 1st) – The ‘75th Independence Anniversary Commemoration Medal’ was introduced to the Sri Lankan Tri-Forces recently. Symbolising the bestowal of the new medal, the Chief of Defence Staff General Shavendra Silva WWV RWP RSP VSV USP ndc psc MPhil, Commanders of the Sri Lanka Army, Navy and Air Force, and a cross section of the tri services that is comprised of both officers and other ranks were ceremonially awarded the medal by the the president Ranil Wickremesinghe.Addressing the event in Kandy on Wednesday (1), President Ranil Wickremesinghe emphasized that although lives lost during the war cannot be regained, the income lost during the economic war could be regained.The President also pointed out that the stability of political and territorial integrity of a country is the best factor to win over the economic war.

COLOMBO (News 1st) –  Victoria Nuland, the Under Secretary of State for Political Affairs of the United States, called on President Ranil Wickremesinghe in Colombo on Wednesday (1).She is on an official visit to the country, and she discussed the economic crisis in Sri Lanka, and the ongoing US assistance to the Sri Lankan people.US Ambassador to Sri Lanka Julie Chung accompanied Nuland for the meeting, where both sides further discussed ways both the United States of America and Sri Lanka are working together toward an inclusive, prosperous and secure future for all Sri Lankans.According to the President's Media Division, the President in his meeting with Victoria Nuland, the Under Secretary of State for Political Affairs of the United States, thanked the US Government for their support during difficult times. Under-Secretary Nuland had pledged the US Government’s support for Sri Lanka's ongoing recovery efforts.The discussion also focussed on the on-going discussions with the International Monetary Fund (IMF), while the U.S. pledged to continue to support the negotiations with the aim of swiftly resolving the issues.The President outlined the measures being taken in regard to the reconciliation talks with the minority parties in Sri Lanka, including the full implementation of the 13th Amendment.Discussions also focussed on the on-going efforts to combat the growing narcotics trade, with the U.S.

COLOMBO (News 1st) – The International Federation for Human Rights in a new report detailing the relentless repression of a peaceful protest movement noted that the Sri Lankan authorities systematically violated international human rights law and standards with complete impunity in their crackdown on the Aragalaya.The protest movement, called aragalaya [“struggle” in Sinhala], was triggered by the government’s protracted economic mismanagement and the growing public discontent over corruption and nepotism. The protests, which initially started in the country’s capital, Colombo, quickly spread across all nine provinces of Sri Lanka.

COLOMBO (News 1st); In a note to the Cabinet, President Ranil Wickremesinghe, in his capacity as the Minister of Finance, had stated that the Government revenue at present is far below the monthly expenditure for the month of January 2023.The President's Media Division, and Cabinet Spokesperson Minister Bandula Gunawardena confirmed that the President had instructed on further curtailing government expenses.The President had noted that the Treasury finds it challenging to meet all expenditures at this moment, except for payments for salaries, pensions, welfare, pharmaceuticals and debt servicing.Therefore, President Wickremesinghe had pointed out that the Government expenditure will have to be curtailed further / postponed until planned revenue to be raised on the recent tax revisions is realized, reported the President's Media Division.He had noted that the Treasury will formulate a priority criterion for this purpose.Furthermore, the President had pointed out that public officers should refrain from obtaining goods/services on credit basis, and any officer who violates this will be held personally responsible for such expenditure, said the PMD."The President informed the Cabinet of Ministers that the revenue for January collected from the Inland Revenue Department, Sri Lanka Customs and the Excise Department was Rs. 158.7 Billion.

Colombo (News 1st) – The Presidential Secretariat says President Ranil Wickremesinghe has not yet accepted the resignation letter sent by P.S.M. Charles, as a member of the Election Commission.When inquired by News 1st, a senior official at the Presidential Secretariat confirmed the matter.Recent media reports stated that P.S.M.

COLOMBO (News 1st) – Sri Lankan President Ranil Wickremesinghe has informed the All Party Leaders' Conference on Reconciliation that the Cabinet was agreeable to fully implementing 13th Amendment, until the Party Leaders decide whether or not to abolish the Amendment.This was reported by the President's Media Division on Friday (27).President Ranil Wickremesinghe had said that he is bound to implement the existing law in accordance with the executive powers of the President.He had said further that the 13th Amendment to the Constitution is being implemented accordingly or the Parliament should abolish the 13th amendment.The President Wickremesinghe also pointed out that any parliamentarian could move a private member’s bill to abolish the 13th Amendment to the constitution and the same amendment would have to be implemented provided that the bill was voted against by the majority of the House.The President stressed that he was not ready to divide the country.President Wickremesinghe made these remarks at the All-Party Conference, which was held at the President's Office on Thursday (26) evening.The statement made by the President is as follows:It is my responsibility as the Executive to carry out the current law. For approximately 37 years, the 13th Amendment has been a part of the constitution.

COLOMBO (News 1st) – Sri Lankan President Ranil Wickremesinghe has given out instruction to celebrate the 75th Independence Day with pride, at minimal cost.A pre-discussion was held on Thursday (26) at the President's Office chaired by President Ranil Wickremesinghe regarding the Independence Day celebration being held in a grand and proud manner, but maintaining minimum cost.Accordingly, in conjunction with the 75th Independence Day celebration, many special programs are scheduled to be implemented from February 2nd to the 19th. According to the President's Media Division the following events have been planned:Special Dalada Pooja and Pirith chanting Religious ceremonies of all faiths Cultural show held at Independence Square Traditional Independence Day celebration main event held at Galle Face Green National parks and Zoo's will be open to the public free of charge Opening of the Jaffna Cultural Centre Kandy republic parade Cycle race from Dondra Head to Point PedroThe President advised the officials that it is their responsibility as well as that of the political authority, to pay attention to the current financial situation of the country while estimating the expenses required for these activities.The President had advised that spending must be practical, and minimal.While pointing out that there is huge opposition among the people regarding the allocation of funds for the 75th Independence Day celebration, the President emphasized that efforts should be made to minimize the related expenses.Expressing his views further, President Ranil Wickremesinghe said, “We must celebrate the 75th Independence Anniversary, otherwise, the world will say that we are not capable of celebrating even our independence.

COLOMBO (News 1st) – An all-party conference will be held at 04:00 PM on Thursday (26) at the President's office under the chairmanship of President Ranil Wickremesinghe.According to a PMD statement, the purpose of this conference is to come to a consensus and strengthen national harmony. Speaker of Parliament Mahinda Yapa Abeywardena, Opposition Leader Sajith Premadasa, former presidents Mahinda Rajapaksa and Maithripala Sirisena, Tamil National Alliance Leader R.