Massive protests erupt as people converge near President’s House in Sri Lanka

Vladimir Putin bathes in antler blood because he believes it has health benefits including boosting male potency, reports claim.The Russian president has been a fan of the procedure since the mid-2000s and isn’t the only Kremlin official to enjoy the bizarre ritual.Moscow mayor Sergei Sobyanin is also said to soak in the rare liquid, which is extracted by painfully hacking off a deer's horns.Defence minister Sergei Shoigu introduced the alternative treatment to Putin who washed in a “bathtub containing an odorant extract from blood-filled deer antlers”.Although there is no evidence for the health benefits, the blood’s alleged impacts also include age reversal, bone and muscle strengthening, and even improvements to eyesight and hearing. It has been a tradition for hundreds of years in Russia and there is also evidence of it taking place in China and Korea.

Covid virus.

Missiles struck near Ukraine‘s southern port of Odesa on Sunday with Russia saying it had destroyed an oil refinery used by the Ukrainian military, while attempts to evacuate people from the devastated city of Mariupol were due to continue.

COLOMBO (News 1st); A massive protest took place on Sunday (3) evening at the Wijerama Junction close to the Sri Jayawardenapura University.University Students were joined by local residents in this protest, and when they reached the Wijerama Junction they were met with a heavy security forces presence.Sri Lanka Police, The three-armed Force, and the Police Riot Police were seen stationed on the path of the protestors who defied the curfew and stepped out onto the streets to voice their anger over the present situation in the country.As they were not allowed to proceed, they positioned themselves opposite the barricade and carried out a protest, with songs and chants.At the same time, well-known lecturer Upul Shantha Sannasgala, also known as ‘Sannasgala Sir’ visited the Wijerama Junction and condemned the actions of the government.

COLOMBO (News 1st); The Sri Lanka Freedom Party in a letter to the President has called for a caretaker government to be appointed to address the crises that have plagued the country.The Sri Lanka Freedom Party has informed the President that if the necessary steps are not taken to appoint a caretaker government, all 14 SLFP MPs in government will resign from their positions and remain independent in Parliament.SLFPs Chandima Weerakkody told reporters on Sunday (3) that the Sri Lanka Freedom Party does NOT agree with imposing a Public Emergency.The country is not facing a terror threat, therefore imposing a public emergency for the sole protection of public representatives from the people cannot be accepted, he said.

COLOMBO (News 1st); Sri Lanka’s Human Rights Commission has noted that imposing a social media ban is a violation of Human Rights.The Human Rights Commission of Sri Lanka has stressed that imposing Public Emergency without proper assessment of a threat to national security, is a violation of Human Rights.Chairperson of the Human Rights Commission of Sri Lanka retired Supreme Court Judge Rohini Marasinghe told News 1st that this decision was reached at a special meeting held on Sunday (4).The HRCSL Chairperson also said that it is unjust and unfair for the TRC to impose a Blanket Closure of social media upon being requested to do so by the Ministry of Defence.The Human Rights Commission of Sri Lanka views such actions as a violation of Human Rights.The Human Rights Commission noted that it would inform the TRC to immediately lift the ban on social media.It added that if a person is attempting to mislead the public via social media, the law needs to be enforced against the said individual and that banning social media used by the community at large is a violation of human rights.In addition, the Human Rights Commission has condemned the attacks on journalists during a protest in Mirihana, Nugeogda on the 31st of March.Chairperson of the HRCSL said the Inspector General of Police will be summoned to the Commission for an explanation on Tuesday (5).Further, the HRCSL is also looking into an attack on protestors by a Senior Cop at a protest in Anuradhapura.That senior police officer too will be summoned to the HRCSL on Tuesday (5) for an explanation.

COLOMBO (News 1st); The Government states that the Public Emergency & the Curfew were declared to ensure that the peace, normal way of life, as well as public & property, is protected.A statement from the Department of Government Information noted that the Sri Lankan Government is bound to protect public peace, as well as public and private property, whilst ensuring the right to speech, expression, and protest peacefully.It added that the government had pledged to protect and promote all democratic rights including the Right to Freedom of Expression, Speech, and Protest Peacefully.It went on to note that after the incumbent President was elected to power, water cannons, tear gas, and baton charges were not enforced on any peaceful protest or demonstration.It added that on some occasions the representatives of protestors were allowed to enter the President’s Office for talks and solutions were provided to the issues.The Department of Government Information said that on the 31st of March 2022, a group acted in an unruly manner during a protest and cause serious damage to public and private property, while some were also injured.It stressed that Public Emergency and Curfew were imposed in accordance with the accepted legal provisions, and to protect the lives of the people, public peace, as well as public and private property.

Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy has accused Russian soldiers of mining areas in northern Ukraine as they withdraw or were pushed out by Ukrainian forces. “They are mining houses, mining equipment, even the bodies of people who were killed,” Zelenskyy said.

COLOMBO (News 1st); Sri Lankan authorities used tear gas and water cannons during a protest on Sunday (3) morning by students attached to the University of Peradeniya.The University students were protesting against the present state of affairs in the country and were demanding solutions to the issues faced by fellow students.The protest march by the university students was scheduled to commence from the University of Peradeniya premises and proceed towards Kandy town.However, Sri Lanka Police had installed barricades at the Galaha Junction not far from the university, and a heavy police presence was also witnessed in the area along with the water cannons.Police Special Task Force personnel were also called in for security.University Students accompanied by their lecturers proceeded towards the Galaha Junction, and tensions boiled over when they attempted to remove the barricades set up by the police.Scuffles were also reported during the attempt made by the students to move forward.The protest was organized by the main student body of the University of Peradeniya, and staff from the Peradeniya Teaching Hospital also supported it.Sri Lanka Police and Riot Police decided to use water cannons to disperse the crowd and thereafter fired tear gas.Following the tense situation, the protesting university students decided to sit down on the road as a mark of protest.Once again a tense situation arose, and police fired tear gas at the students for the second time.Despite not being allowed to move ahead to the Kandy town, the university students and their support groups protested at Galaha Town until 3 PM.

COLOMBO (News 1st); A special meeting of the Human Rights Commission of Sri Lanlka is scheduled to be held on Monday (4).The Chairperson of the Human Right Commission, Supreme Court Judge (Rtd) Rohini Marasinghe, said the special meeting is aimed at discussing several issues, including examining the legitimacy of imposing a public emergency to control public protests.The HRC emphasized that it will alway be present to protect the Human Rights of the citizens as enshrined in the constitution of Sri Lanka.The commission said it is closely monitoring the human rights records of those arrested on suspicion of their involvement the protests that took place on Thursday (31) night in Mirihana, Nugegoda.The Chairperson of the Human Rights Commission of Sri Lanka further stated that necessary action to be taken in this regard will be discussed at the special meeting which is to be held on Monday (4).

COLOMBO (News 1st); The Sri Lanka Freedom Party (SLFP) stated that a letter will be handed over to the President on Saturday (2) requesting immediate solutions to the major problems faced by the people.The Propaganda Secretary to the Sri Lanka Freedom Party, Shantha Bandara said that this action will be taken as per the decision of the party central committee which met on Friday (1) night.

COLOMBO (News 1st); A blanket closure of social media is NOT permissible under any circumstances, because it is not inciting the people, but the people are expressing their legitimate right, said the Chairperson of the Sri Lanka Human Rights Commission of Sri Lanka.Sri Lanka has blocked access to Social Media following a request by the Ministry of Defense. This was confirmed by the Secretary to the Ministry of Technology.The move comes after the government decided to impose an nationwide curfew that came into effect from 6 PM on Saturday (2) to 6 AM on Monday (4).

COLOMBO (News 1st); State Minister of Digital Technology and Enterprise Development, Namal Rajapaksa has said that he NEVER condones the blocking of Social Media.“I will never condone the blocking of social media. The availability of VPN, just like I’m using now, makes such bans completely useless.

COLOMBO (News 1st); The Public Utilities Commission of Sri Lanka announced that the scheduled power cut duration has been reduced from 6 hours to 1 hour & 40 minutes for tomorrow (3rd April ) as CEB started receiving stocks of fuel.Groups ABCDEFGHIJKLPQRSTUVW will experience power cuts for 1 hour and 40 minutes from 5.30pm to 10.30pm.

COLOMBO (News 1st); The Public Utilities Commission of Sri Lanka has requested the Telecommunications Regulatory Commission of Sri Lanka and all Mobile Service Providers to activate/restore all social media platforms immediately.The PUCSL said it is unable to inform the consumers of electricity, which is an essential service, about impending power cuts.

COLOMBO (News 1st); Sri Lanka has blocked access to Social Media following a request by the Ministry of Defense. This was confirmed by the Secretary to the Ministry of Technology.The move comes after the government decided to impose an nation-wide curfew that came into effect from 6 PM on Saturday (2) to 6 AM on Monday (4).Nation-wide Protests :Nation-wide ‘Peoples Protests’, were planned for Sunday (3), most publicly affirming zero political affiliation.

Canada’s chief public health officer Dr. Theresa Tam said Friday that Canadians should continue to wear a mask or face covering despite provinces across the country relaxing mask mandates, adding that a resurgence in COVID-19 cases is inevitable as provinces lift restrictions.

COVID-19 free – or at least, have not tested positive for it.In Canada, nearly 3.5 million coronavirus cases have been reported, which is nine per cent of the total population — but what about the rest?Experts say due diligence with public health measures, the power of vaccination and a little luck have kept many COVID-19 free. COVID-19 will be with us for ‘foreseeable future’ PHAC says, warning of future waves “To not get COVID, you have to be careful, meticulously careful and also fortunate,” said Colin Furness, infection control epidemiologist and assistant professor at the University of Toronto.Your location and living arrangement can increase the likelihood of catching COVID-19, with studies showing that marginalized communities are at greater risk of infection.Genetic factors, that have not yet been identified, could also be playing a role with some people being simply impervious to COVID-19, said Furness.That can also explain why people have different reactions to the virus and experience varying symptoms.

WILMINGTON, Del. (AP) - In a public ceremony delayed two years by the pandemic, President Joe Biden on Saturday commissioned the USS Delaware, a nuclear attack submarine, saying it would enhance national security, though he made no reference to the global turmoil from Russia's invasion of Ukraine."As the commander in chief.

Strictly fans are going for cancer check-ups thanks to Shirley Ballas. The judge, 61, had a scare last autumn when she discovered a lump in her armpit and she bravely opened up about her ordeal in a series of videos on social media.It has caused a spike in the number of women going to get checked.Shirley said: “I try to be as transparent as possible with people.“After my posts on social media, a lot of people send me messages on Instagram privately and tell me about their situations.“People tell me all the time that they have now gone and been tested.”Shirley also gets plenty of fans opening up to her about their experiences with cancer.She added: “It’s very emotional.

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.

COVID-19 receiving care, according to provincial data released Saturday.A total of 165people are in Ontario intensive care units (ICU).The figures represent a single-day increase in the number of people in hospital and a slight decrease in the number of ICU patients.On Friday, Ontario reported 804 people in hospital with 167 in intensive care.The week-over-week figures have increased, with 148 more people in hospital on April 2 compared to March 26. The number of people in ICU increased by eight compared to last week.The province also reported 3,233 new lab-confirmed COVID-19 cases on Saturday.

COLOMBO (News 1st); Sri Lanka Police said that personnel attached to essential services, and staff attached to Foreign Missions can report to work during the curfew period by producing their official ID or an e-mail certification.

COLOMBO (News 1st); The Bar Association of Sri Lanka states that it is of the view that a declaration of a state of emergency is not the answer to the present situation in the country, and had called upon the President to revoke the Emergency proclamation.In a statement, the BASL states that unfortunately, those in authority have until very recently failed to understand the gravity of the situation and the grave impact the crisis has on the life of the people and the community.

One in 13 people across the UK are currently infected with Covid, according to data from the Office for National Statistics (ONS).

MUMBAI :

A leading medic has explained why some people don't catch Covid-19. She said there were four main reasons why some people are immune - and said a new study has been launched to dig deeper.

COLOMBO (News 1st); A group of Politicians representing the ruling party visited the President’s residence at Mirihana on Friday (1st April) morning.Speaker Mahinda Yapa Abeywardena, Ministers Bandula Gunawardena, Namal Rajapaksa, Prasanna Ranatunga and Keheliya Rambukwella were among those present. 

COLOMBO (News 1st); 21 people who were arrested for protesting in Mirihana, Nugegoda on Thursday (31) night were released by the Gangogdawila Magistrate on personal bail of Rs. 100,000/- each.Six others were remanded until the 4th of April 2022, and will be produced in an identification parade.Gangodawila Magistrate had noted that the protestors were released as individual offenses were not included in the B report by Sri Lanka Police.The Magistrate also ordered for the remaining 26 arrested protestors (three at the Colombo National Hospital & twenty three at the Kalubowila Hospital) to be directed to the Maligakanda and Mount Lavinia Magistrates.

WASHINGTON — An investigation led by the Immigration and Customs Enforcement’s (ICE) Homeland Security Investigations (HSI), Washington, D.C. field office led to a guilty plea by a former Sri Lankan ambassador to the U.S. today for diverting and attempting to embezzle funds from the government of Sri Lanka.

Miley Cyrus’ South American tour has resulted in the singer testing positive for COVID-19.

The sunrise casts a golden glow on the Artemis I Space Launch System (SLS) and Orion spacecraft at Launch Pad 39B at NASA’s Kennedy Space Center in Florida on March 23, 2022. (NASA/Ben Smegelsky) CAPE CANAVERAL, Fla. - NASA kicked off a critical countdown test Friday for its new moon rocket, a 30-story behemoth that could make its first lunar test flight by summer.The two-day demonstration — the final major milestone before liftoff to the moon — will culminate Sunday as teams load nearly 1 million gallons of super-cold fuel into the rocket on the pad.

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

FILE - White House Press Secretary Jen Psaki holds a press briefing in the Brady Briefing Room of the White House in Washington, DC. on March 16, 2022.

HELLERTOWN, Pa. - Two young girls have died following a house fire in Northampton County, Pennsylvania. Authorities say the fire broke out just before 1 a.m. Friday on the 600 block of Linden Street in Hellertown. The coroner’s office announced Friday afternoon that Brianna Baer, 15, and Abigail Kaufman, 10, both died as a result of the fire. No further injuries have been reported at this time and the cause of the fire remains under investigation. This is a developing story.

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 Lanka Police said that those arrested during Mirihana Protest will be prosecuted under the Penal Code and Public Property Act, and NOT under the PTA.Senior DIG & Senior Police Spokesperson Ajith Rohana speaking to reporters at the Department of Government Information on the Mirihana Protests said that Sri Lanka Police did not use any force on the peaceful protest that commenced at 6 PM until around 10:30 PM when certain groups started acting in a violent manner.“Sri Lanka Police ensured the right to freedom of speech and freedom of expression,” he said adding that by around 10:30 a group resorted to violent conduct and obstructed traffic, and thereafter caused damage to the tune of Rs. 39 Million.The Senior Police Officer said the Sri Lanka Police used force as per the provisions of the law, where at first a warning was given, and when the protestors did not comply water cannons were used, and thereafter tear gas was used, and eventually Sri Lanka Police had to use force to control the situation.Commenting on the damages caused to Sri Lanka Police he said three buses were damaged, 1 Police Bus was set on fire, 1 Sri Lanka Army Bus was badly damaged, 1 Police bike was destroyed, 1 Police jeep was also destroyed.He went on to note that 2 Police Special Task Force buses and a water cannot truck were also damaged.The Senior Cop also went on to note that 53 people were arrested for their involvement in the Mirihana Protest.The Senior Police Spokesperson added that 24 Police Officers including an ASP were injured during the Mirihana Protest, and 18 among them were members of the Police Special Task Force.

long-term care homes as COVID-19 cases rise and 10 per cent of homes report outbreaks.Paul Calandra says the province expected cases to increase when Ontario lifted most public health measures, but noted that rules like mandatory masks still remain in long-term care. Ontario ‘staying the course’ on lifting COVID-19 mask mandate, health minister says He says people in Ontario had to move on and live with COVID-19, including residents in long-term care who last month saw restrictions on visits and other social activities loosen.The province also recently removed virtually all general public health measures like mandatory masks in most public spaces, crowd capacity limits and proof-of-vaccination rules.

Researchers at Trinity College Dublin are searching for people who may have innate resistance to Covid-19 to take part in an international study.

COVID on Friday, with 167 in intensive care.This is down by three for hospitalizations and up by one in ICUs since the previous day. Some experts have said Ontario is entering a 6th wave of COVID as figures trend upwards.Last Friday, there were 667 hospitalizations with 161 in ICU.Of the 804 people in hospital with COVID-19, 49 per cent of them were admitted because of the virus, while 51 per cent were admitted for other reasons but tested positive for COVID-19.Of the 167 people in ICUs with the virus, 71 per cent were admitted because of COVID, while 29 per cent were admitted for other reasons.

ROCHESTER, N.Y. - A New York mobster who killed three people and attempted to kill two others has escaped from federal custody in Florida after recently being moved to a halfway house, according to the Bureau of Prisons.Dominic Taddeo, a hit man from a Rochester-area crime family, escaped on March 28, according to the Bureau of Prisons website.Taddeo, 64, had been imprisoned at a medium-security lockup in Florida before being transferred to a residential halfway house, also in Florida, in February.RELATED: Group of prisoners attack, kill inmate convicted of murdering 2-year-old girl, authorities sayTaddeo pleaded guilty in 1992 to racketeering charges that included the killings of three men during mob wars in the 1980s.A federal judge in western New York denied Taddeo's request for compassionate release last year, rejecting his claim that health problems including hypertension and obesity put him at risk for serious complications from COVID-19.

COLOMBO (News 1st); The Ministry of Public Security said that investigations are underway to identify the members of the organized extremist group that was involved in the Mirihana protest on Thursday (31) night.Public Security Minister Rear Admiral (Retd) Dr. Sarath Weerasekara told News 1st that protesting is a democratic right of the people, however, that does not mean that one can set vehicles on fire and cause damage to property.He said that those responsible for such incidents will be identified and will be brought before the law.“We are aware that the people are facing a crisis with regard to gas, fuel, electricity etc.

COLOMBO (News 1st); 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.Meanwhile, the Nugegoda-Maharagama 119 road has been closed.The Police further stated only the residents can travel on the relevant road until further notice.

COLOMBO (News 1st); 37 people were injured during the protest that took place in Pengiriwatte Road, Mirihana on Thursday (31) night.They are currently being treated at the Colombo National Hospital.Among the injured are 24 members of the Sri Lanka Police Special Task Force, 3 members from Sri Lanka Police, 3 Journalists, and 7 civilians.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.

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.

FILE IMAGE - A detailed view of cannabis flowers displayed on a rolling tray in the green room at Jardin Premium Cannabis Dispensary on April 22, 2021, in Las Vegas, Nevada. (Photo by Gabe Ginsberg/Getty Images) WASHINGTON - The U.S.

Vladimir Putin is “constantly” accompanied by a doctor specialising in thyroid cancer as rumours of his ill health refuse to disappear, a new investigation shows.Surgeon Yevgeny Selivanov, of Moscow's Central Clinical Hospital, has flown to the Russian leader no less than 35 times in Black Sea resort Sochi, his favourite place of residence.The respected doctor’s thesis - showing his area of medical expertise - was entitled: ”Peculiarities of diagnostics and surgical treatment of elderly and senile patients with thyroid cancer".This follows reports that Putin is dying in agony from terminal bowel cancer, according to intelligence from the Pentagon and in Ukraine. His “puffy face” is a sign he is taking chemotherapy drugs or steroids and his unsmiling expression shows he is in constant pain, US sources say.The recent discovery by investigative media Project (or Proekt) media - blocked in Russia and now functioning from abroad - backs recent theories that Putin declared war when he was suffering medical problems hidden from the Russian people.