NASA's Mars Perseverance rover finds diversity, hints of microbial life in ancient lake bed rocks

COLOMBO (News 1st) – Police officers who act on illegal orders must remember that someday they will have to pay for their illegal activities, warned the President of the Bar Association of Sri Lanka Saliya Pieris, PC in a post on his personal Facebook account."I have seen police officers who engaged in unlawful acts and violated the rights of people in order to satisfy their bosses, having to pay for their misdeeds," he said.Some paid by way of compensation and loss of their promotions. Others had to face jail terms after being found guilty of criminal acts, he added."When these things happened, their masters were nowhere around to protect them.

COLOMBO (News 1st) – Today is Day six of the 6th Edition of the Gammadda Door to Door Program, and the Gammadda teams were deployed across three districts today (10) as well.The Gammadda teams engaged in the Door to Door program are currently based in the Ratnapura, Polonnaruwa, and Kilinochchi Districts.The Gammadda Door to Door program is joined by the University of Peradeniya as well. Gammadda is well known among all Sri Lankans, young and old, as the people's force that brings about a new beginning for the villages and towns of Sri Lanka.Gammadda implements these projects by identifying the real needs of the local population.The needs of the people were identified following an extensive and streamlined study of the findings in the Gammadda Door to Door program that was implemented five times before along with the University of Peradeniya.The COVID-19 Pandemic and the Economic Crisis have forced the people of Sri Lanka to undergo various hardships.

Covid-19: A decline of 514 cases has been recorded in the active COVID-19 caseload in a span of 24 hours. The active cases comprise 0.06 per cent of the total infections. India saw a single day rise of 2,424 new coronavirus infections taking the total tally of COVID-19 cases to 4,46,14,437, while the active cases have declined to 28,079, according to the Union Health Ministry data updated on Monday.

TAMPA, Fla. - The Tampa Police Department has arrested a man they say shot a pregnant woman in the head as she slept in a car with four other members of her family, including three children.Christopher Stamat Jr., 21, was taken into custody on Saturday and charged with six felonies, including attempted first-degree murder. According to TPD, the homeless family of five was sleeping in their car on October 5 around 4:30 a.m. near 2200 North Oregon Avenue when the suspect opened fire, striking the woman in the head. Witnesses said they spotted a dark-colored car leaving the scene and surveillance video captured a black 2-door 300 series 2012 BMW in the area at the time of the shooting. In addition to obtaining the license tag, detectives say the car they were looking for has unique identifiers such as stickers and black rims.

Isaiah Simmons of the Arizona Cardinals pressures Jalen Hurts during the fourth quarter at State Farm Stadium on October 09, 2022 in Glendale, Arizona. (Photo by Christian Petersen/Getty Images) ((Photo by Christian Petersen/Getty Images))GLENDALE, Ariz. - Jalen Hurts ran for two touchdowns and the Philadelphia Eagles remained the NFL's only unbeaten team, beating Arizona 20-17 on Sunday after Matt Ammendola's late field-goal attempt for the Cardinals sailed wide right.The Eagles improved to 5-0 for the first time since 2004, when they won their first seven games and finished 13-3.The Cardinals never led, but looked as if they would push the game into overtime until Ammendola missed the 43-yarder.

COLOMBO (News 1st) – The 16-year-old boy who was arrested yesterday (10) during an event held at the Galle Face Green to mark the aragalaya protests, has been released.Sri Lanka Police on Monday (9) arrested five people during a protest at Galle Face Green.A group of members of the Aragalaya organized the demonstration to commemorate the activists who lost their lives contributing to the Aragalaya since the 9th of April. However even before the demonstration began, the police intervened and a heated situation arose.Watch:  

COLOMBO (News 1st) – Dairy producers in Sri Lanka have confirmed that dairy production has dropped by 30%.The Chairman of the Dairy Producers Association A.

FLORENCE TWP., N.J. - An early morning two-alarm fire forces nearly a dozen people from their homes, as investigators work to figure out what sparked the flames. And, it’s the quick action of a nearby firefighter that spotted smoke coming from the building that very well could have saved lives."A tremendous response by our resources," Florence Township Fire Department administrator Robert Tharp said.As crews from the Florence Township, New Jersey, Fire Department checked for any hot spots and searched for a cause into the fire at Tollgate Plaza that left 11 people displaced.

NORTH PHILADELPHIA - Temple University students say they are keeping their guard up, after two students were victims of a robbery near campus, the second Saturday night in a row."I saw it on Citizens App. Omg…that’s horrifying," Temple freshman Amya Jones said."Just kinda used to it, at this point," junior Bill Van Veen added.Philadelphia police say Saturday night, just before 11 o’clock, two males and a female were robbed at 17th and Norris Streets. Investigators say both male victims were physically assaulted.Temple University confirms that two of the victims are Temple students.

COLOMBO (News 1st) – The 2022 Annual Meetings of the International Monetary Fund (IMF) and the World Bank Group (WBG) will take place today (10) and will go on to October 16 at the IMF and World Bank Group headquarters, in Washington DC.Sri Lanka decided to send eight representatives for the annual summit of the IMF and the World Bank.Sri Lanka's delegation will be led by State Finance Minister Shehan Semasinghe.Also, the Governor of the Central Bank of Sri Lanka, the Finance Secretary, and several others will accompany to the State Minister.

COLOMBO (News 1st) – The Ministry of Justice has introduced a new controversial anti-corruption bill that would see the creation of an independent commission that is empowered to carry out arrests without a warrant or a magesterial order, for officials who are suspected to have carried out an offence under the proposed anti-corruption act. The Minister of Justice, Wijeyadasa Rajapaksa, speaking to News 1st said that the bill was drafted based upon the UN convention against corruption, which has been ratified by Sri Lanka in 2004. The Minister said that the existing bribery and corruption commission does not have the power that is proposed in the current bill, while it is important to make the commission independent without any political party or any affiliations. In addition, the Minister said that it has been proposed to dissolve the existing laws with regard to assets and liabilities, which will be included within the proposed bill. Moreover, whistleblower rights will also be protected, the Minister said. According to the bill, any authorized officer of the Commission may without an order from a Magistrate and without a warrant arrest any person suspected of committing an offence under the provisions of this Act. The Minister emphasized that this is NOT a quasi-judicial power, as the Police too is able to arrest people without a warrant. Section (58)1 of the proposed bill highlights that "an authorised officer of the Commission may apply in writing to the High Court for a warrant authorizing the covert monitoring of any conduct and recording of any communication if such officer has reasonable grounds to suspect or believe that a person has committed, is committing or is about to commit an offence under this Act,".The

COLOMBO (News 1st) – The Department of Meteorology says that several spells of showers will occur in Western and Sabaragamuwa provinces and Galle and Matara districts.Showers or thundershowers will occur at several places elsewhere during the evening or night.Heavy showers of about 100mm can be expected at some places in Uva, Eastern, and North-central provinces.The general public is kindly requested to take adequate precautions to minimize damages caused by temporary localized strong winds and lightning during thundershowers.Condition of Rain:Showers or thundershowers will occur at several places in the sea area off the coast extending from Kankasanturai to Batticaloa via Trincomalee. Showers will occur at a few places in the other sea areas.Winds:Winds will be south-westerly and wind speed will be (20-30) kmph.Wind speed may increase up to (40-45) kmph at times in the sea areas off the coast extending from Matara to Pottuvil via Hambantota.

SOUTHWEST PHILADELPHIA - Philadelphia Police say two officers were involved in an accident while on-duty in Southwest Philadelphia.Officials say two officers from the 12th District were on patrol and driving west on the 6300 block of Woodland Avenue late Sunday, just before 5 p.m.The two officers, in their vehicle, collided with a black Chrysler near the intersection, damaging both vehicles.MORE HEADLINES:The officers and the driver of the Chrysler, a 49-year-old woman, were all taken to Penn Presbyterian Medical Center, where they were all treated for non-life threatening injuries.There were no additional details regarding the accident.

Mailboxes sit outside of a Morris Plains, New Jersey post office on August 17, 2020 in Morris Plains, New Jersey. (Photo by Theo Wargo/Getty Images) Columbus Day commemorates Christopher Columbus’ historic exploration voyage to the Americas, though the holiday has seen a recent shift in observance to becoming Indigenous Peoples’ Day. Indigenous Peoples’ Day is intentionally celebrated on Columbus Day in a call-out to the violence and harm Columbus and other explorers of the age brought about to the Americas.

When Lightspeed Commerce Inc. staff headed back to their Montreal office this year after a pandemic hiatus, they found a space double the size of their last with a restaurant serving free meals, a smoothie bar and a barista to craft custom drinks.

Russian President Vladimir Putin on Sunday called the attack that damaged the huge bridge connecting Russia to its annexed territory of Crimea "a terrorist act" masterminded by Ukrainian special services.The Kerch Bridge, which holds important strategic and symbolic value to Russia in its faltering war in Ukraine, was hit a day earlier by what Moscow has said was a truck bomb. Road and rail traffic on the bridge were temporarily halted, damaging a vital supply route for the Kremlin’s forces."There’s no doubt it was a terrorist act directed at the destruction of critically important civilian infrastructure of the Russian Federation," Putin said during a meeting with the chairman of Russia’s Investigative Committee, Alexander Bastrykin.

FORT MEYERS BEACH, Fla. - Nearly two weeks after Hurricane Ian made landfall in Southwest Florida, the town of Fort Myers Beach is now allowing residents and business owners to return to the area to begin the next steps of the recovery process.Most residents of Fort Myers Beach have been off the island since being evacuated when Hurricane Ian approached the area at the end of September."Since the storm, the efforts to save lives and recover the remains of lost loved ones have been the top priority," Fort Myers Beach Mayor Ray Murphy said. "We are now ready to move to the next step in the recovery process."Urban Search and Rescue Florida Task Force 2 team member R.

LOGAN - Philadelphia police are investigating a shooting that claimed the life of a 45-year-old man in Philadelphia’s Logan section.Officials say the shooting happened on the 5200 block of Sydenham Street Sunday afternoon, just after 4 o’clock.Responding officers found the man had been shot twice in the chest, when they arrived at the scene.MORE HEADLINES:He was rushed by police to Einstein Medical Center, where he died.Police are actively investigating the shooting, though, they say, no arrests have been made.___Tips can be submitted by calling 215-686-TIPS (8477) or texting PPD TIP (773847). Tips can also be submitted anonymously online, here.

Alan William Byerly, photo courtesy United States Justice Department (United States Justice Department)Federal prosecutors on Sunday recommended a prison sentence of approximately four years for a Pennsylvania man who pleaded guilty to assaulting an Associated Press photographer and using a stun gun against police officers during a mob's attack on the U.S. Capitol.U.S.

Kanye West attends the Givenchy Womenswear Spring/Summer 2023 show as part of Paris Fashion Week on October 02, 2022 in Paris, France. (Photo by Stephane Cardinale - Corbis/Corbis via Getty Images) Rapper Kanye West, who now goes by "Ye," has been blocked from posting on his Twitter account two days after Instagram blocked him over an anti-Semitic post.A Twitter spokesperson confirmed that West’s account has been locked for violating Twitter policies.

TRENTON, N.J. - Trenton police are investigating an early morning shooting that injured two people.According to officials, the shooting happened early Sunday morning, around 4 a.m., on the 1000 block of Genesee Street.Police were called to the location on the report of multiple shots fired.MORE HEADLINES:Responding officers found two gunshot victims, when they arrived.They were taken to an area hospital to be treated for their injuries.

Tanya Hinsley said she snapped this photo right after the Starbucks barista prayed with a customer. (Credit: Tanya Hinsley) JONESBORO, Ark. - Waiting in the drive-thru line can be a bit tedious, but Tanya Hinsley said she captured a moment that made it all worth it. The Jonesboro, Arkansas, resident said she was recently at a local Starbucks with her son who had just received his driving permit. "He wanted more practice with going through a drive-thru," Hinsley told FOX Television Stations. RELATED: Hurricane Ian shakes Florida's faith, but can't destroy itHinsley said she was waiting in line when Carrie, the Starbucks employee, started praying with the customer at the front of the line. "My son and I were having a discussion about how we loved that she stopped what she is doing and was bold in her faith and cared enough to pray with someone," Hinsley continued.

PHILADELPHIA - Philadelphia police are investigating a daytime shooting that unfolded in Kensington Sunday afternoon.A 29-year-old man was reportedly shot multiple times inside a store on the 3100 block of Kensington Avenue around 12:30 p.m.He is said to be in critical condition after being transported to a local hospital.MORE HEADLINES:No arrests have been made, and no weapons recovered at this time.

AUSTIN, Texas - Drivers along South Congress may notice a new pro-abortion billboard up, courtesy of California Gov. Gavin Newsom.The billboard, which is up just south of Stassney Lane in South Austin, features a woman sitting with her arms crossed over her knees, looking at the words "Need an abortion? California is ready to help." The billboard also features California's abortion resources website as well as a Bible quote saying "Love your neighbor as yourself. There is no greater commitment than these."The billboard states it is paid for by Gov.

NEW DELHI : The Union health ministry has directed states and union territories to focus on the universal immunization programme (UIP), which was severely affected during the worst years of the covid pandemic in 2020 and 2021. The universal immunization programme is one of the largest public health programmes targeting close of 26 million newborns and 29 million pregnant women annually. A child is said to be fully immunized if it receives all due vaccines as per the national immunization schedule within the 1st year of life.

Eugene Lamont Sneed, 23, was out on bond in relation to a 2020 domestic violence charge when he allegedly poured the boiling hot water down the throat of his daughter on Sunday, who is only 1, according to FOX 17. A man in Alabama allegedly poured boiling water down his 1-year-old baby's throat while he was out on bond in relation to a domestic violence charge.Eugene Lamont Sneed, 23, was out on bond in relation to a 2020 domestic violence charge when he allegedly poured the boiling hot water down the throat of his daughter on Sunday, who is only 1, according to FOX 17.Niktoria Lett, the mother of the 1-year-old, Royalty, said that the baby was left alone with Sneed, who is the baby's father, on Sunday. When Lett got back to the apartment, she saw Royalty's face "all messed up," according to FOX 10."I get in the apartment and my whole my, my baby face is just messed up," Lett explained.

Man, woman critical after Philadelphia shootings. PHILADELPHIA - Overnight shootings in Philadelphia left a man and woman in critical condition Saturday morning.Police say the first shooting rang out on the 400 block of East Allegheny Avenue in Kensington just before 2 a.m. A 37-year-old woman was found shot once in the stomach and once in the lower back.

ALLEGHENY COUNTY, Pa. - A 15-year-old has been arrested in last month's shooting at a western Pennsylvania amusement park that wounded three people, including two teenagers.Allegheny County and West Mifflin police said last week that the teenager is being charged as an adult with aggravated assault, reckless endangering and firearms crimes in the Sept. 24 gunfire at Kennywood Park on the opening night of the park's Phantom Fall Fest.Park officials said the late Saturday night shooting followed an altercation between two groups of teenagers near the Musik Express ride at the park in West Mifflin, southeast of Pittsburgh.

COLOMBO (News 1st) – Transport Minister Dr. Bandula Gunawardena has requested for anyone who knows the method for freeing the country from its current crisis to come forward. The Minister said that as the Government has announced that it has defaulted on its debt, if anyone can indeed teach the Government on how to get out of its situation, that would bring them glory in this world and a blessing in the hereafter.He also stated that the Government of USA has filed a lawsuit alleging that Sri Lanka has not paid part of the debt it has taken by issuing sovereign bonds, and said that Sri Lanka does not have the expertise to face such a case. Therefore, the Government has assigned the responsibility of providing legal advice to a company called Clifford and Sons, and had chosen a company called Lazard to prepare a system to get us out of the crisis. "There is no political solution for this.

Ever since Russian President Vladimir Putin raised the possibility of using nuclear weapons to escalate the war in Ukraine, a major question has been how Western allies would respond if that threat was carried out.

COLOMBO (News 1st) – A suspect has been arrested for breaking and entering the house of Minister Keheliya Rambukwella and for setting fire to his property the 9th of May.The suspect has been arrested by officers of the Homicide and Organized Crime Investigation Division.The 21-year-old suspect was identified as a resident of Kandy.Meanwhile, another suspect has been arrested for damaging the house of Minister Shantha Bandara.The 24-year-old suspect is identified as a resident of Maharachchimulla area.The suspect was arrested by officers of Kurunagala Criminal Investigation Department.

than 20 children were massacred, saying they had filmed inside believing they had obtained permission.Deputy national police chief Surachate Hakparn said the journalists had been waved into the building by a volunteer or a health officer, but did not know the person was not authorized to allow them inside.They each agreed to pay fines of 5,000 baht ($133) and leave the country after admitting to working despite entering Thailand on tourist visas, he said.Authorities began looking into the incident after a Thai reporter posted an image on social media of two members of the crew leaving the scene in northeastern Thailand where a fired policeman on Thursday massacred 36 people, 24 of them children. One CNN crew member was seen climbing over the low wall and fence around the compound, over police tape, and the other already outside.CNN tweeted that the crew had entered the premises when the police cordon had been removed from the center, and were told by three public health officials exiting the building that they could film inside.The relatives of a victim gathers at Wat Rat Samakee to pray for and watch after the body of their loved ones on October 09, 2022 in Uthai Sawan subdistrict, Nong Bua Lamphu, Thailand.

COLOMBO (News 1st) – Non profit humanitarian organisation Direct Relief warns, Sri Lanka's citizens have lost access to most medicine and medical supplies, setting them on course for a humanitarian disaster.Following a meeting with Prime Minister Dinesh Gunawardena, Direct Relief's Manager of Emergency Response Chris Alleway said the situation was grim, and he said that for the "next six months, we are expecting a catastrophic number of deaths."The Direct Relief staff participated in an extensive series of meetings with Prime Minister Dinesh Gunawardena and much of the country’s healthcare leadership.According to Direct Relief website, the 3,500-bed National Hospital of Sri Lanka in Columbo, which usually has 1,300 medicines in stock, is now down to requesting only the 60 most essential medicines.Direct Relief goes on to state that anesthesia in the country is in short supply, and most general surgeries in the country have ceased, including kidney transplants. Cancer patients have lost access to medications needed to fight the deadly disease.

COLOMBO (News 1st) – President Ranil Wickramasinghe says that he intends to reduce the number of members of local Government bodies prior to the next election.The Presidential Media Division said that accordingly, the number of members of local councils, municipal councils and urban councils should be reduced from 8,000 to 4,000.The President's Media Division added that the President also intends to implement the Jana Sabha program.The President has also said that executive power of the Pradeshiya Sabhas should be given to a chairman-based committees instead of a single chairman, and draft laws will be prepared to incorporate these amendments prior to the next local government elections.Pointing out that the main cause for political corruption is the preferential system, President Wickremesinghe said that a non-preferential list system or a mixed electoral system should be adopted and restrictions should be imposed by the election law on the amount spent on elections.Furthermore, during a meeting with professionals held at the Presidential Secretariat this morning (09), President Ranil Wickremesinghe said that a proposal would be made to appoint a Parliament Select Committee to decide on the parliamentary voting system, and if this select committee fails to come up with a decision by July next year, a referendum would be held. 

Singapore is transparent about the adverse reactions due to the vaccination and its Health Science Authority publishes all reported adverse reactions every three months. He also warned about the evolving nature of the Covid-19 virus which may turn up into any other variant and increase the level of threat. "Come December, we don't know what kind of variant will come up or what kind of variant will arrive in Singapore.

Since 2019, coronavirus has muted significantly and with that changed the symptoms associated with it. For example, in the initial days, the most common COVID symptoms included loss of taste or smell and fatigue and as of today, the signs that are associated with the infection.

COLOMBO (News 1st) – The Meteorological Department has issued an amber advisory for severe lightning until 11:00 pm on Sunday (9).According to the advisory, thundershowers accompanied by severe lightning are likely to occur at several places in Uva, Eastern, Northern and North-Central provinces and in Kurunegala district. Moreover, heavy showers about 100 mm may occur at some places in these areas.There may be temporary localized strong winds during thundershowers, and the general public is kindly requested to take adequate precautions to minimize damages caused by lightning activity.

COLOMBO (News 1st) – The Minister of Agriculture Mahinda Amaraweera says that the tender to import 25,000 MT of urea required for the maha season will be submitted to the cabinet on Monday (10) for approval.The fertilizer stock is set to be imported under World Bank assistance.Under the same assistance, the Ministry of Agriculture stated that it has planned to import 45,000 MT of potassium as well.

COLOMBO (News 1st) – The Ministry of Sports and Youth Affairs says that steps will be taken to increase the powers of the Sri Lankan Youth Parliament and to make it more proactive.Minister Roshan Ranasinghe stated that a new bill has been compiled in this regard according to the instructions of the President.Under this, the Minister stated that the young women representing the Youth Parliament will have the opportunity to participate in Sectoral Oversight Committees currently established in the Parliament.The Minister said that he advised the Youth Parliament representatives to discuss with all  political parties currently representing the parliament and present their ideas and proposals.20 Parliamentary Sectoral Supervisory Committees have been re-established under the Standing Orders which were amended in the Parliament recently.Five youth representatives are able to participate in the committees.

COLOMBO (News 1st) – Former President Maithripala Sirisena says that he is ready to support the 22nd amendment if the people's sovereignty is strengthened through it.In a visit to the Temple of the Tooth, the former President and the SLFP Chairman said that the 22nd amendment to the Constitution has not been discussed yet, however more changes may be made to the presented amendment in the future.When inquired whether he would support any future changes to the amendment, the SLFP Chairman emphasized that any changes to be made to the amendment must be democratic in nature, and should ensure the people's sovereignity."I did not vote for the 20th amendment. The 19th amendment presented during my time had its drawbacks, but it should be implemented properly and adopted after correcting those flaws.

APPRENTICE winner Dr Leah Totton has revealed her health scare at eight months pregnant. The successful entrepreneur, 34, is expecting her first baby with partner Justin Harding, and admitted they’re “so excited” to become parents. And while the former model says her pregnancy has been “really good” so far, she got Covid at eight months and became “quite unwell.” In an exclusive chat with The Sun, Dr Leah shared: “I have loved being pregnant, I didn’t get any morning sickness or any symptoms at all other than some heartburn.

GLADIATOR star Russell Crowe has donated £5,000 to help save an independent book shop. The Oscar-winning actor contributed to a crowdfunding campaign launched this week.

COLOMBO (News 1st) – The Ministry of Trade says that steps have been taken to speedily re-implement around 35 trade agreements signed with various countries, which currently remain inactive.Ministry Secretary S.T. Kodikara stated that the International Trade Office, Ministry of Finance, Central Bank of Sri Lanka, Commerce Department of the Ministry of Trade and Ministry of Foreign Affairs will implement this program in collaboration.The Secretary stated that many discussions regarding some trade agreements have collapsed due to various reasons.The Secretary of the Ministry of Trade stated that these agreements are being implemented with the aim of promoting trade among the countries which have exempted existing tax bases.Under this initiative, it is expected to improve the free trade agreement with Singapore.Apart from the FTA, the trade agreements signed with India, Thailand and China, which are currently inactive, are also due to be implemented again soon.

PARIS, FRANCE - JANUARY 23: Ye is seen, outside Kenzo, during Paris Fashion Week - Menswear F/W 2022-2023, on January 23, 2022 in Paris, France. (Photo by Edward Berthelot/Getty Images) Rapper Kanye West, or "Ye," has found his Instagram account temporarily restricted, according to a spokesperson from Meta, the social media app’s parent company. The spokesperson said because of the restriction West is unable to post, comment or send direct messages from @kanyewest.Meta didn’t comment on why West’s account was restricted.

COLOMBO (News 1st) – Supreme Court Justice Buwaneka Pandukabaya Aluwihare PC took oath as the Acting Chief Justice in the presence President Ranil Wickremesinghe.He took oaths at the President's Office on Sunday (09).Secretary to the President Saman Ekanayake also participated the event.

PASADENA, Calif. - A search is underway for a man believed to be kidnapped by two suspects in the Pasadena area.According to the Los Angeles County Sheriff's Department, two male suspects got out of a 2008 silver Infiniti G-35 on Michillinda Avenue near Colorado Boulevard on Thursday.The suspects approached a Hispanic-looking man, possibly in his 30s, walking on the side sidewalk. The suspects started attacking the man, knocking him out and then dragging him into the back seat of the Infiniti, LASD said.Photo: LASD The suspects drove off from the scene, traveling south on Michillinda Avenue, LASD said.LASD said the suspect car was seen with a California license plate number 6FMY326.Anyone with information is asked to call 562-946-7150. The Pasadena kidnapping case comes just days after a family in Merced was at the center of a statewide search.

COLOMBO (News 1st) – A Sri Lankan delegation has left the island with the aim of participating in the annual summit of the International Monetary Fund and the World Bank in Washington, USA.The delegation is headed by the State Minister of Finance, Shehan Semasinghe, and includes eight representatives. The delegation also includes several high-ranking officials including the Secretary of the Ministry of Finance and the Governor of the Central Bank.The conference, which starts on 10th October, is scheduled to be held until 16th October.

COLOMBO (News 1st) – The Emigration and Immigration Department says that more than 700,000 passports have been issued within the first 9 months of 2022.The Deputy Controller and Media Spokesperson of the Department, Piyumi Bandara stated that 700,733 passports have been issued during the relevant period.This number is significant in comparison with the previous year, as only 300,000 passports have been issued within the full 12 months of 2021.Immigration and Emigration Department data shows that the number of foreign passports issued in the year 2021 is 392,032.According to the data, passports were issued for 409,919 men and 290,814 women within the first nine months of 2022.The highest number of foreign passports were issued in the month of August, which is 115,286.