Navy apprehends 85 in illegal immigration attempt

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.

COLOMBO (News 1st) – The Russian 'Aeroflot' airline will resume flights to Sri Lanka after five months.Accordingly, the airline will operate flights to Sri Lanka for two days every week in the future.Flights between Sri Lanka and Moscow have remained suspended since last June in protest against the measures taken by Sri Lankan authorities to ground an aircraft belonging to the Russian airline in accordance with a Court order.On June 2nd, the Colombo Commercial High Court issued an injunction order preventing an aircraft belonging to the Russian 'Aeroflot' airline from leaving Sri Lanka.The order was issued after taking up a complaint filed by the company Celestial Aviation Trading Limited located in Ireland.Russian authorities then expressed their displeasure regarding the detention of the flight by the Sri Lankan authorities, after which the order was lifted, and the Minister of Transport, Bandula Gunawardena apologized to Russian authorities.

COLOMBO (News 1st) – A Sub-Inspector of thr Beruwala Police died in a road accident which took place in Moragalla.Police said that the accident occurred when two motorcycles collided head-on.Accordingly, three people who were traveling on the motorcycles were seriously injured in the incident.The injured were admitted to Nagoda Hospital, while an injured police constable was transferred to Colombo National Hospital later on.A 31-year-old sub-inspector died in the accident.

COLOMBO (News 1st) – State Minister Diana Gamage says that she hopes to amend the existing laws regarding loudspeakers at the Court.Speaking at a tourism promotion program in Weligama, the State Minister said that in order to reach Sri Lanka's tourism goals, people should be able to eat, drink, travel and participate in cultural and music festivals as they please. The State Minister said that she hopes to discuss with the Attorney General with regard to amending laws regarding loudspeakers.

COLOMBO (News 1st) – President Ranil Wickremesinghe says that to live with the qualities that Prophet Muhammad preached and to deal with others with a sense of understanding is a tribute to him, in his message commemorating Milad-un-nabi.The full statement is as follows;The birthday of the Prophet Muhammad who is venerated by the Sri Lankan Muslims as well as the Muslim brethren around the world is celebrated today (09).It is my belief that doctrine of Prophet Muhammad as the religious leader of the Islamic devotees around the world will help to alleviate the situation in the society today more than ever before.To live with the qualities that Prophet Muhammad preached and deal with others with a sense of understanding is a tribute to him rather than attempting to overcome them.The coming of the Prophet Muhammad and his vision signified the protection of the entire human community as well as their respect.

Edmundo Sosa celebrates with Matt Vierling and Alec Bohm after catching a foul ball to end the ninth inning and defeat the St. Louis Cardinals in game two to win the National League Wild Card Series at Busch Stadium on October 08, 2022 in St Louis, M ((Photo by Stacy Revere/Getty Images))ST. LOUIS - Aaron Nola pitched four-hit ball into the seventh inning, Bryce Harper's homer gave Philadelphia an early lead, and the Phillies held off the St.

Covid-19: The death toll climbed to 5,28,799 with 21 fatalities which includes 16 deaths reconciled by Kerala, the data updated at 8 am stated. India has reported 2,756 Covid-19 cases in the past twenty four hours, taking the total tally of COVID-19 cases to 4,46,12,013, according to the Union Health Ministry data on Sunday.

Blue Jays outfielder George Springer was carted off the field in the eighth inning of Toronto’s wild-card playoff game against the Seattle Mariners.

With Thanksgiving around the corner, health experts are advising Canadians to exercise caution as new variants of the COVID-19 virus swirl across the country.

EAST OAK LANE - Philadelphia honored a once-prominent lawyer in a big way. Longtime defense attorney Thurgood Matthews died in 2020. Saturday, a special street renaming ceremony was held to remember his investment to the community and service to the people of Philadelphia.One intersection in Philadelphia provides much more than just directions, but offers purpose, as the 1000 block of Chelten Avenue is now known as Thurgood M.

Hockey Canada‘s interim board of directors chair resigned from her position, effective immediately, on Saturday evening, the national sports body announced.

EAST GERMANTOWN - A 24-year-old man has been shot multiple times and killed in East Germantown.Authorities say the shooting happened Saturday night, just after 8:30, on the 800 block of East Chelten Avenue.14th District officers responded to the address and found the 24-year-old man suffering with multiple gunshot wounds throughout his body.MORE HEADLINES:Police rushed him to Einstein Medical Center where he died.Officials say an investigation into the shooting is underway. They recovered a weapon from the victim, but no arrests have been made.___Tips can be submitted by calling 215-686-TIPS (8477) or texting PPD TIP (773847).

CLIFTON HEIGHTS, Pa. - A warning for Delaware County delivery drivers from Clifton Heights Police, as they see an uptick in stolen vehicles left running while drivers make deliveries.Officials with the Clifton Heights Police Department said they are aware of teens calling in fake orders to restaurants for delivery.When the driver arrives, if the car is unlocked and running, the teens take the vehicle.MORE HEADLINES:Authorities say two car thefts have taken place.

PLYMOUTH TOWNSHIP, Pa. - A man is recovering after he was stabbed during a fight outside a Wawa in Plymouth Township.Plymouth Township Police Department officials say the incident took place in the parking lot of a Wawa on Ridge Pike, in Plymouth Township Saturday morning, just before 9 a.m.The victim and 29-year-old Philadelphia resident Ivan Davonte Stephens, Jr. reportedly fought in the parking lot, when Stephens pulled a knife and stabbed the victim several times and took off.The man was taken to Paoli Hospital and treated for his injuries.

Andy Grammer reflected on his journey to discovering self-worth over recent years.

Liam Gallagher has today (October 8) shared an emotive post about his new, upcoming video for ‘Too Good For Giving Up’ and mental health.Gallagher shared a clip of both the song – which appears on his latest album, ‘C’mon, You Know‘ – and its new video on social media today. It was accompanied by a post that explained how he’d teamed up with ‘Talk Club’ for the release.Talk Club is an organisation that works to help support male mental health.

She had an Oscar, but she didn't have health insurance.Hilary Swank opened up about trying to go to the doctor after winning an Oscar for Boys Don't Cry in 2000.The 48-year-old actress talked about her experience during an appearance on The Drew Barrymore Show.

PHILADELPHIA - Philadelphia police are investigating a shooting that found two young women shot in South Philadelphia.Officials say the shooting happened on the 1600 block of South Taney Street Saturday, around 5:15 in the evening.An 18-year-old girl and a 21-year-old woman were both shot, one taking two bullets in the ankle, while the other was shot in the leg.They are both recovering at an area hospital, authorities say.An investigation into a possible motive is underway. No weapons have been recovered and no arrests have been made.This shooting follows another shooting in North Philadelphia at just before 5 p.m., where a 24-year-old man was shot three times near North Philip and Westmoreland Streets.

now stands at an estimated $445 million ahead of Tuesday’s drawing. The jackpot’s cash option totals $226 million. Tuesday’s drawing will be held at 11 p.m. ET. If the jackpot is won, lottery officials said it would be the 12th largest jackpot in the game’s 20-year history. RELATED: Mega Millions ticket worth $3 million sold in Culver CityThe last drawing was held on October 7 and there were 817,320 winning tickets at all prize levels, but no jackpot. Two tickets sold in California and Texas matched all the white balls, which was the second-tier prize. Mega Millions drawings are held Tuesday and Friday at 11 p.m.

Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania. View Of The City, Duquesne Incline, Monongahela-Allegheny-Ohio Rivers.

LAWRENCE, N.J. - A man convicted of first-degree murder in the death of a woman whose remains were found dismembered and set on fire at a South Jersey farm four years ago has been sentenced to life in prison.The Cumberland County prosecutor’s office said 57-year-old Dennis Parrish will be ineligible for parole for more than 63 years following Friday’s first-degree murder sentence in the July 2018 death of 32-year-old Tonya Cook.Authorities said Parrish killed Cook at his home before dismembering her body and setting her remains on fire in a field in Lawrence Township.RELATED COVERAGE:At trial, the defense argued that someone else murdered the victim.

Former UGA head coach, Vince Dooley walks the sidelines prior to the Chick-fil-A Kick-Off Game between the Oregon Ducks and Georgia Bulldogs at Mercedes-Benz Stadium on September 3, 2022 in Atlanta, Georgia. (Photo by Todd Kirkland/Getty Images) ATHENS, Ga. - Georgia Bulldogs legend Vince Dooley has been hospitalized with COVID-19.Athletic department spokesman Claude Felton says it is a "mild case."The former University of Georgia head football coach and director of athletics apparently had been battling a case of pneumonia and had canceled his appearance at the UGA bookstore before the Auburn game.The news was announced during Saturday's game.Dooley turned 90 last month.Dooley has been inducted into both the Georgia and Alabama Sports Hall of Fames as well as the National College Football Hall of Fame and Sugar Bowl Hall of Fame.

Tony Adams, 55, has given up his football boots for dance shoes as he continues to fight for the glitterball trophy on Strictly Come Dancing.

Former US President Donald Trump makes a speech at the 2022 Hispanic Leadership Conference in Miami, Florida, United States on October 5, 2022. (Photo by Kyle Mazza/Anadolu Agency via Getty Images) ((Photo by Kyle Mazza/Anadolu Agency via Getty Images))NEW YORK - Former President Donald Trump is finally opening his checkbook, reserving millions of dollars in airtime for ads to bolster his endorsed candidates in key midterm races just one month before Election Day.Trump's newly-formed MAGA Inc. super PAC will begin airing ads Saturday in Nevada, Georgia and Arizona, according to Medium Buying, an ad tracking firm.

View of Moais -- stone statues of the Rapa Nui culture -- in Easter Island, 3700 km off the Chilean coast in the Pacific Ocean, on August 5, 2022. (Photo by PABLO COZZAGLIO/AFP via Getty Images) A fire that ripped through part of Chile's Easter Island this week has caused permanent damage to some of its iconic carved stone figures known as moai, authorities said.The high temperature of the forest fire accelerated the process through which the stone carvings will eventually turn into sand, the mayor of the island locally known as Rapa Nui said.The damage is "irreparable and immeasurable as well," Mayor Pedro Edmunds Paoa said.The Chilean island that lies in the middle of the Pacific Ocean has some 800 moais, half of which are inside the Rano Raraku volcano.The fire this week blazed through 104 acres and particularly affected an area inside the volcano where there are around 100 moais, around 20 percent of which have been damaged, Edmunds Paoa said.

Amazon Scout delivery robot (Amazon) Amazon has decided to park its Scout automated delivery robot.A company spokesperson said in an emailed statement on Thursday, that after live tests, the program did not completely meet its customers' needs.Scout is the size of a small cooler and can navigate around anything in its path, from pets and pedestrians to large objects like surfboards, luggage, refrigerators and Christmas trees. While Scout can autonomously follow its delivery route, it was accompanied by an Amazon Scout ambassador.AMAZON AUTONOMOUS DELIVERY BOT EXPANDS TO ATLANTA AND TENNESSEEAmazon started testing the fully-electric Scout in Washington state in 2019 before expanding to Southern California, Georgia and Tennessee.Amazon says it was not abandoning the project altogether.The company is now scaling back or "reorienting" the program, and it will work with the involved employees to match them to other open roles within the organization, according to Amazon spokesperson Alisa Carroll.LINK: Get updates and more on this story at foxbusiness.com.

Sechelt, B.C. residents strained by Sunshine Coast drought restrictions The area reservoir is on its last legs. The levels are so low at Chapman Lake, it can’t supply enough water through a nearby irrigation channel.

NEW CASTLE, Del. - An early morning crash claimed the life of a 74-year-old pedestrian in New Castle, according to authorities.Police say the elderly man was crossing South Dupont Highway when he was struck by two vehicles just before 6 a.m. Saturday.He was pronounced dead on the scene.

TOLEDO, Ohio (AP) - Police in Ohio said three people were wounded in a shooting outside a high school football game that sent people on the field and spectators in the stands running for cover.Police said the shots were fired behind the Whitmer High School stadium in Toledo at about 9:30 p.m. Friday during the game with Central Catholic High School.

TRENTON, N.J. - Gas prices rose in New Jersey and across the nation as a whole following the announcement by major oil-producing countries of plans to cut production. AAA Mid-Atlantic says the average price of a gallon of regular gas in New Jersey on Friday was $3.53, up nine cents from last week. The national average price for a gallon of regular gasoline was $3.89, an increase of 10 cents from last week. Analysts also cited increased demand and U.S.

Hilary Swank is opening up about the shocking reason she didn’t have health insurance back when she won her first Oscar.

PHILADELPHIA - A homicide investigation is underway after police say a woman was killed inside a home in the Rhawnhurt section of Philadelphia.The 25-year-old woman was found shot in a basement on the 2000 block of Napfle Avenue around 11:30 a.m.MORE HEADLINES:She reportedly suffered three fatal gunshot wounds, and was pronounced dead on the scene.No weapons have been recovered, and no arrests made.

ST. CLOUD, Fla. - A St.

FOX 2 - A verdict was reached in the gruesome rape and murder of a professional poker player who was burned alive in Waterford.On Friday the jury found convicted sex offender Jeffrey Morris guilty of killing Susie Zhao in 2020 and then dumping her in a secluded park. Morris, 60, faces life in prison when he's sentenced.She had been bound with zip-ties, sexually assaulted and set on fire -- before she died.Zhao, who was from Waterford Township, was a professional poker player and had been living in California.Her body was found in a parking lot in White Lake in July by two men passing by the area in a car.

COLOMBO (News 1st) – The Spokesperson of the Ministry of External Affairs of India, Arindam Bagchi says that India is supportive of the IMF debt restructuring program, and pointed out that financing assurances from creditors to make Sri Lanka's debt sustainable would be required.Speaking on Sri Lanka's debt restructuring during the weekly briefing, the Spokesperson said that the High Commissioner attended an 'Ambassador's Forum' which was held under the Chairmanship of the President of Sri Lanka, and relevant authorities attended the subsequent virtual meeting. He emphasized that India is in touch with all the major stakeholders, and Bagchi said that he believes that all creditors may need to work together on the issue. 

COLOMBO (News 1st) – Former President Mahinda Rajapaksa says that President Ranil Wickremesinghe will continue to have the support of Sri Lanka Podujana Peramuna to move the country forward.The former President and former Prime Minister, attending a public meeting held in Kalutara, said that he believed that President Wickremesinghe has returned to a 'better path'.SLPP MP Rohitha Abeygunawardena organized the public rally under the theme, "Let's rise together from Kalutara", at his coordination office which was burned down previously.Prime Minister Dinesh Gunawardena, former Prime Minister Mahinda Rajapaksa and many MPs of the Sri Lanka Podujana Peramuna attended the event.The former Prime Minister Mahinda Rajapaksa speaking at the event said that despite Sri Lanka facing many challenges today, the party has the strength to overcome those challenges, and should go forward with programs that the people of the country needs. "I believe that the duty of a government is to understand the needs of the people and fulfill their needs. Therefore, we say that today we have taken steps to fulfill that role.

medical assistance in dying, commonly known as MAiD.It’s an unmistakable message from the government: if you want to end your life, we’ll help you.“If you call the number on the government website, they will provide doctors that will sign off for you,” says the 52-year-old resident of Windsor, Ont.“They can have me dead in 90 days. That’s what I was told.”Cowie certainly meets the medical criteria.“I have severe, severe asthma.

Two killed in triple shooting in Bucks County. BUCKS COUNTY, Pa. - A night out ended in tragedy for one Bucks County community after shots rang out just feet outside a neighborhood bar Friday night.Police responded to several calls for a shooting in the parking lot of Steam Pub on Second Street Pike in Upper Southampton around 11:30 p.m. The shooter was one of the callers, and remained on scene until police arrived, according to the DA's office.Two men were found dead on the scene.

ST. PETERSBURG, Fla. - Three teens found an easy vehicle to steal when they discovered an unlocked Maserati with the keys inside in a driveway in northeast Pinellas County early Sunday morning, according to the Pinellas County Sheriff's Office.One of the teens ended up dying after crashing the car, and another may not survive, Pinellas County Sheriff Bob Gualtieri said during a press conference near the scene of the crash.Three boys, 15-year-old Keondrick Lang, Mario Bonilla, 15, and Malachi Daniels, 16, were checking door handles for unlocked cars in the neighborhood of 29th Street N and 58th Avenue N.

Emergency services attend the scene following an explosion in Creeslough, in the north west of Ireland on October 8, 2022. - At least nine people have been killed in an explosion at a petrol station in County Donegal in Ireland's northwest, police sa The death toll from a gas station explosion that shattered a small village in northwest Ireland rose to nine on Saturday, as emergency workers combed through piles of rubble for people who are still missing.Irish police said they did not expect to find any more survivors from Friday's explosion in Creeslough, County Donegal.

PHILADELPHIA - A months-long search for a 17-year-old girl wanted for the murder of a man, and the attempted murder of another teen has come to an end, according to the Montgomery County District Attorney's Office.Jahme Barnes, 17, of Philadelphia, has been charged in connection to a deadly shooting that broke out near Grant Street and Union Alley in Pottstown on August 28, killing Dakari Rome and injuring a 17-year-old boy.Officials say they found blood stains and several shell casings inside an SUV where Barnes, both victims, co-defendant Kahseem Williams, who was arrested on September 1; and an unknown female were "hanging out" as the shooting unfolded.Messages on Williams' phone revealed a conversation between him and Rome, according to the DA's office:"Yo ask him to hold his gat (slang for gun) once he give it to you tell em he burnt (slang for cheated or deceived) we gon to go in a ride," Rome messaged Williams.Minutes later, Williams messaged Rome, "Tell em let you hold it while I drop him off up there once he do don’t give it back we go slide to citt."The injured 17-year-old reportedly told police he possessed a 9 mm Glock on the night of the murder. Officials say the teen handed the gun to Rome, who gave it Williams, who passed it onto Barnes, who then started playing with the gun and recording herself.Barnes then reportedly fired at the teen after pointing the gun at him, and asking "what else you got?"The bullet went through the teen's hand, and fatally into Rome's chest. The 17-year-old then fled the vehicle as Williams reportedly continued shooting at him. Barnes was arrested by U.S.

COLOMBO (News 1st) – Two players from the Sri Lanka Navy, namely Woman Leading Seaman, Deepika Abeykoon (WVS 66974) and Woman Able Seaman Hasitha Mendis (WV 76519) represented the victorious Sri Lanka team that went on to win the Asian Netball Championship title. In recognition of their stellar performances, which ultimately brought much glory to the Navy and the Nation, Commander of the Navy, Vice Admiral Nishantha Ulugetenne felicitated the players and advanced them to the next respective rates during a brief ceremony held in this regard at the Navy Headquarters yesterday (15). In addition, the 02 players were also presented with cash rewards worth Rs. 250,000.00 each, motivating them to bring out the best from the sportspersons in the Navy.Sri Lanka won the Championship undefeated on 11th September 2022 by edging out the host Singapore 63-53 in the finals of the 12th Asian Netball Championship held in Singapore, with the participation of 11 Asian countries.After the arrival of the champion team on the island, the 02 Navy players called on Commander of the Navy, Vice Admiral Nishantha Ulugetenne at the Navy Headquarters yesterday (15). During the brief interaction, the Commander of the Navy congratulated the 02 athletes on this significant feat, which brought much credit to the Navy and pride to the Nation. Fittingly, Vice Admiral Nishantha Ulugetenne advanced the two athletes to their subsequent rates in service and presented them with cash incentives worth Rs.

COLOMBO (News 1st) – Sri Lanka's Immigration and Emigration Department said it will be open on 19th September ONLY to cater to those who have made appointments to obtain passports under the One-Day and Normal services.The announcement came as the Sri Lankan Government announced a special public holiday for the 19th of September, over the passing of Queen Elizabeth II. The press notice from the department said that services will NOT be provided to anyone with NO prior appointment on that day, under any circumstances.

COLOMBO (News 1st); A workshop on “Coral Species Identification and Reef Restoration” intending to broaden the scope of Navy divers, was successfully held at the Command Diving & Salvage Unit (East) in Naval Dockyard Trincomalee and Sandy Bay on 13th and 14th September 2022.The workshop which covered practical and theoretical aspects was conducted by prominent marine biologists and coral restoration experts.The coral ecosystem makes a huge contribution to preserving the biodiversity of the marine environment. Sri Lanka Navy has commenced a Coral Conservation Project and various other initiatives to reduce the damage to this precious coral ecosystem due to natural causes and human activities. Under that, the Navy is expected to restore and conserve the coral ecosystem by creating artificial concrete reefs and growing corals on them, providing breeding sites for fish.The corals that were placed on the artificial concrete reefs previously, under the Navy Coral Conservation Project are currently growing successfully. In the future, opportunities will be open for local and foreign divers to engage in recreational diving at those sites and that will also be a major boost for the promotion of the tourism sector in due course.Ten officers and forty sailors attached to the Sri Lanka Navy’s Diving Unit participated in the workshop, picking the brain of experts on identification and restoration procedures of coral species.

COLOMBO (News 1st); The Police Special Task Force has arrested one suspect who facilitated transportation for illegal immigrants to go to Australia by boat in Kattankudi.The suspect was identified as a 38-year-old resident of Batticaloa.Police said that on 10th of September, five suspects were arrested near the Kalladi bridge for providing transportation facilities to a group of suspects who were attempting to migrate to Australia illegally.The Kanthankudi police are conducting further investigations into the incident.

COLOMBO (News 1st); The Minister of Power and Energy Kanchana Wijesekara says that they have reviewed the National Fuel Pass QR system with the development partners & stakeholders.A Special Category for quota increases will be tested on selected private & public sector entities this week. Tourist Fuel Pass & Non-vehicle category to be introduced next week, Minister Wijesekara said.Further, he said that the fuel Station Code will be added to the SMS generated when obtaining Fuel to prevent the illegal use of NFP QR from next week. "Automated reports for Fuel Station Dealers will be made available from today (8), and a dashboard for the public to be made available", Minister Tweeted.Sri Lanka will be exploring the possibility in increasing fuel quotas for full time threewheeler (tuktuk) drivers who register themselves at their local police stations, Power & Energy Minister Kanchana Wijesekara said on Tuesday (6).Wijesekara said that initial steps have been taken to increase the five-litres-per-week fuel quota issued to threewheeler drivers who have installed a meter on their vehicle and are registered with their local police station.

COLOMBO (News 1st); The Offshore Patrol Vessel P 627, which was formally handed over to the Sri Lanka Navy by the U.S. Coast Guard in October 2021, departed for Sri Lanka from the Port of Seattle, United States on 03rd September 2022.

CENTER CITY - Panic and chaos among people visiting Philadelphia's Fashion District Sunday evening as gunfire was heard at 9th and Market Streets, causing visitors to run.Officials said shots were heard just before 6 p.m.