New PUCSL Chairman to be appointed once President returns to SL, says Semasinghe

COLOMBO (News 1st) –  Fuel prices revised with effect from midnight today (31). New prices are as follows:  92 Octane: Rs.

Al Pacino and his girlfriend Noor Alfallah are expecting their first child together.A representative for Pacino, 83, confirmed to Entertainment Tonight that Alfallah, 29, is eight months pregnant.TMZ was first to break the story and claimed Pacino and Alfallah have been linked since April 2022. The outlet reported she’s also previously dated Rolling Stones frontman Mick Jagger — who, in 2016, became an eight-time father at age 73.Pacino already has three adult children.

unidentified anomalous phenomena (UAPs) – or more commonly referred to as UFOs – is holding its first public meeting on Wednesday ahead of an expected report later this year.UAPs are defined as observations of events in the sky that cannot be identified as aircraft or known natural phenomena. The study team, first announced last year, is made up of 16 experts across a diverse field, including those in astrophysics, astrobiology, engineering and even a former astronaut.Over the course of nine months, the team is tasked with "identifying available data, how best to collect future data, and how NASA can use that data to move the scientific understanding of UAPs forward."The panel is due to publish a report on its findings this summer. The purpose of Wednesday’s four-hour public meeting, which is being streamed on the space agency’s website, is to hold final deliberations before the agency’s independent study team publishes that report, NASA said.FILE - The silhouette of a NASA employee is seen past the NASA logo in the Webb Auditorium at NASA headquarters in Washington, DC, on June 7, 2022. (Photo by STEFANI REYNOLDS/AFP via Getty Images) The NASA UAP study is different from the Defense Department's investigation and study of UAPs.

DELAWARE - Rescue dogs are getting the recognition they deserve, earning a title even more impressive than good dog!Dogs in shelters and foster homes, and lucky ones in forever homes, have officially been named the state dog of Delaware,Delaware Gov.

COLOMBO (News 1st); Social media activist Bruno Divakara was arrested on Wednesday (31) by the Computer Crimes Investigations Division of the CID.Police spokesperson SSP Nihal Thalduwa said, Bruno Divakara was arrested for publishing comments made by Natasha Edirisooriya, which sparked controversy.Bruno Divakara was informed to report to the Computer Crimes Investigations Division of the CID by 10 AM on Wednesday (31).Sri Lanka Police said that a statement was recorded from him, and thereafter in the evening he was arrested.

The national economy continued to grow overall in the first quarter of 2023 as consumers spent more in the face of recession fears, according to Statistics Canada.

NEW DELHI : The union health ministry has rushed a team of doctors to support Manipur’s public health efforts, the government said on Wednesday. “Six teams of doctors, with four doctors each specializing in surgery, psychiatry, medicine, obstetrician & gynecology, pediatric, urology and emergency care will support the state to provide health facilities, that have been adversely impacted due to the ongoing strife in the State," said the health ministry in a statement.

COLOMBO (News 1st); Sri Lankan authorities are once again preparing to bring forward legislation that would also pave the way to imprison journalists for their reporting, impose fines, and also revoke the licenses issued to electronic media institutions.The Broadcasting Regulatory Commission is to be introduced via a new piece of legislation.The cabinet appointed subcommittee, led by Justice Minister Dr.

https://t.co/KPiEcw6AXf pic.twitter.com/Nj9yrCVoMd— hfxgov (@hfxgov) May 31, 2023The blaze broke out Sunday afternoon in the Tantallon area, about a 30-minute drive from downtown Halifax.More than 200 structures — 150 of which are homes — have been destroyed.Mandatory evacuation orders are in place in a number of neighbourhoods, impacting more than 16,400 residents. An evacuation order was issued for some areas in Bedford Tuesday night due to another fire and potential ammonia leak, but was later rescinded.That fire is still ongoing but was “quiet” Wednesday morning, fire officials say.Dave Meldrum, deputy chief with Halifax Regional Fire and Emergency, said the devastation left by the wildfire is a “site of tragedy.”“There’s widespread destruction, and at the same time, there’s a level of randomness that comes with wildfires when they hit the urban interface where people live,” he said.“So there are properties that are unharmed in close proximity to properties that are destroyed.“It’s terrible to see.

Al Roker has been through a tough time with his health issues over the past few months, but he has something exciting to look forward to too - he's going to be a grandfather later this year!And this week, the Today star showed just how close he is to his pregnant daughter Courtney and her husband Wes, by paying a sweet tribute to Wes on his birthday.  Al took to Instagram to share a lovely photo of Wes posing with Courtney - who placed a protective hand on her growing baby bump - and wrote alongside it: "A very #happybirthday to @ouichefroker hubby, Wes Laga.

SAYREVILLE - A 28-year-old man from Virginia has been arrested and charged in the slaying of Sayreville Councilwoman Eunice Dwumfour, Middlesex County prosecutors said.Rashid Ali Bynum, of Portsmouth, was taken into custody Tuesday and charged with first-degree murder, as well as unlawful possession of a handgun.Rashid Ali Bynum, of Portsmouth, Virginia. (Prosecutors office of Middlesex County) Prosecutors compiled a long trail of evidence, including surveillance video linking Bynum and a white Hyundai to the crime scene."Surveillance video was recovered capturing the suspect fleeing from the scene in the direction of Ernston Road," Middlesex County Prosecutor Yolanda Ciccone said.

FILE - Former New Jersey Governor Chris Christie looks on prior to a game between the Indianapolis Colts and the Dallas Cowboys at AT&T Stadium on Dec. 4, 2022 in Arlington, Texas.

COLOMBO (News 1st); The Centre for Policy Alternatives has expressed deep concern over the arrests of individuals under the ICCPR.The Centre for Policy Alternatives urges authorities to desist with efforts to restrict fundamental rights. The CPA noted that is deeply concerned with the recent arrest of Natasha Edirisooriya reportedly under the provisions of the International Covenant on Civil and Political Rights Act (ICCPR Act), the latest move to stifle freedom of speech in the guise of protecting religious harmony. CPA notes that this is not the only arrest under the ICCPR Act in recent times where persons have reportedly been arrested for content that pose a threat to religious and national harmony, and national security. CPA also notes media reports indicating the introduction of new laws meant to safeguard and uphold religious harmonyis in a context where there is a plethora of laws with the actual challenge not due to a lack of laws but to the lack of proper implementation of such laws and holding perpetrators accountable for incitement and violence. This is confirmed with Sri Lanka’s recent experiences where despite the availability of evidence, no action was taken against alleged perpetrators.CPA urges authorities to desist with efforts to restrict fundamental rights and measures that erode the rule of law and weaken Sri Lanka’s fragile peace.  

Elizabeth Holmes, founder of Theranos Inc., left, arrives at Federal Prison Camp Bryan in Bryan, Texas, US, on Tuesday, May 30, 2023. Photographer: Sergio Flores/Bloomberg via Getty Images BRYAN, Texas - The federal Texas prison where Theranos founder Elizabeth Holmes will spend the next 11 years offers business classes, according to the Federal Bureau of Prisons.Federal Prison Camp (FPC) Bryan in Bryan, Texas, about 100 miles outside of Houston, offers various educational programs for inmates, including "Administrative Assistant, Small Business, Medical Transcription and Coding, Accounting Technology" certificate programs, according to an employee handbook.All inmates at FPC Bryan, which houses mostly white-collar criminals, are required to have a job for at least three months and can take a test to determine which job is the best fit for them. Detainees also have daily chores, such as mopping and making their beds, the handbook states.INMATES HOPE TO BEFRIEND THERANOS FOUNDER ELIZABETH HOLMES AHEAD OF HER ARRIVAL AT TEXAS PRISONEmployees cannot, however, conduct a business without "staff authorization" at the prison.‘REAL HOUSEWIVES’ STAR JEN SHAH TO SERVE PRISON TIME: CELEBRITY LAWYER ON WHAT REALITY STARS FACE BEHIND BARSFPC also houses "Housewives of Salt Lake City" star Jen Shah, who was sentenced to 6.5 years in prison after pleading guilty to wire fraud in a telemarketing scheme targeting elderly victims.FILE IMAGES - Former Theranos CEO Elizabeth Holmes (L) and "Real Housewives of Salt Lake City" star Jen Shah are pictured.

FILE - (L-R) U.S. President Joe Biden and Speaker of the House Kevin McCarthy (R-CA) talk as they depart the U.S.

Drivers have been warned that not declaring one of 118 health conditions to could be hit with a fine as high as £1,000.

US First Lady Jill Biden (R) and President Joe Biden (2nd R) leave Saint Joseph on the Brandywine Catholic Church after memorial mass on the anniversary of the death of their son Beau Biden, on May 30, 2023, in Wilmington, Delaware. The Bidens placed WILMINGTON, Del. - President Joe Biden marked Tuesday’s eighth anniversary of one of the saddest days of his life, the death of his son Beau, by attending a memorial Mass and visiting his gravesite.Biden, his wife, Jill, and other family members prayed for Beau Biden during the Mass at St.

PHILADELPHIA - Smoke from a wildfire more than 600 miles away is impacting the Delaware Valley, bringing hazy conditions to the area and prompting air quality alerts. In Halifax, Nova Scotia, more than 16,000 people have been forced to evacuate as a wildfire burns. Authorities say the fire has burned more than 25,000 acres of land and damaged about 200 homes. Canadian Prime Minister Justin Trudeau addressed the wildfires in a tweet, calling the situation "incredibly serious." Despite being hundreds of miles away, smoke from the burning wildfires is impacting the Delaware Valley. A wildfire burning in Nova Scotia has led to code orange air quality alerts in several New Jersey and Pennsylvania counties.In Chester County, the West Chester Fire Department is warning about hazy smoke and a burning odor in the air. Officials say there is no immediate threat to the area, but code orange air quality alerts have been issued for several counties in Pennsylvania and New Jersey. Sensitive groups like children, the elderly and those with respiratory conditions should limit time outside due to the smoke particles in the air. The smoke from the fire will also cause hazy skies and a vibrant-colored sunrise and sunset, according to FOX 29's Sue Serio. FOX 29's Sue Serio has your Wednesday morning weather forecast.

CHESTER, Pa. - Authorities are asking the public to share any footage or information as they investigate a shooting that left eight teenagers wounded at a weekend gathering outside a stadium near Philadelphia.Police in the suburb of Chester said the gunfire erupted shortly before 11:30 p.m. Sunday in a parking lot outside Subaru Park, the sports venue beside the Delaware River where the MLS soccer team Philadelphia Union plays.

  Throughout his career, Air Marshal Sudarshana Pathirana has made significant contributions to the development of military sports in Sri Lanka. His leadership as the President of the Defence Services Sports Board has been instrumental in fostering and promoting sports within the defence community. Under his guidance, the 4th CISM World Military Beach Volleyball Championship was successfully organized in 2022, showcasing his untiring commitment to uplifting military sports on an international platform.Air Marshal Pathirana played a pivotal role as the Vice Chairman of the Organizing Committee for the 11th CISM World Military Golf Championship in 2017, which was hosted in Sri Lanka. His invaluable contributions to the organization and execution of this event demonstrated his dedication to the spirit of CISM and further solidified his standing in the field of military sports.His exemplary leadership and exceptional contributions have not only raised the profile of sports within the Armed Forces but have also positively impacted the broader sporting community.

(This is a breaking story, stay tuned for more updates)

As Carla White looks out the window of her yellow-and-pink, plant-filled apartment in the heart of downtown Montreal, she wonders where she’s going to live next.“I look out there and say, where am I going now?” she says, gesturing at the highrises that tower above the building where she lives.The apartment is small and cluttered, it doesn’t have a working stove and her bed and small desk take up most of the floor space. But it’s home and, at $400 a month, the price is right.White, who declined to give her age, says she was homeless after multiple previous evictions before she found a home she could afford a decade ago.

real estate investors might ratchet up the pain in the rental market in the coming years.The report, released Monday from CIBC and Urbanation, shows that for a majority of real estate investors in the Greater Toronto Area (GTA), the business case for their rental properties is falling apart.

Shopify Inc. reneged on a deal it offered some employees who were laid off in a recent round of cuts.The class action alleges some of the Ottawa software business’ employees laid off at the start of May were presented with departure packages outlining hefty severance sums they would be entitled to should they sign the agreement within a few days.However, once workers signed the agreements and before the deadline passed, Shopify allegedly told departing staff they would instead be given substantially smaller sums than were initially offered.“The individuals did the reasonable thing, which is to accept, only to be told even though we made you reasonable offers, even though you accepted that reasonable offer, we’re just not going to do it and you have to sign a brand new agreement for a much lesser amount,” said Lior Samfiru, a lawyer pursuing the case.“It just doesn’t work like that.

COLOMBO (News 1st); Minister of Public Security Tiran Alles has instructed the Inspector General of Police to conduct a proper security assessment and provide Police protection only to essential persons.It was revealed that there is a shortage of officers in Police stations due to the deployment of Police officers to various places and for the protection of people.These issues have been discussed in the Ministerial Advisory Committee on Public Security Affairs.The MPs said that Police protection has been provided to various places and people for a long time.The MPs highlighted the need to take measures to appreciate the officials involved in drug-related raids during the committee meeting.

COLOMBO (News 1st); National Poson Week commences on Wednesday (31).Several religious programs have been organized centering Mihintale and religious sites in Anuradhapura.The theme of this year's National Poson Week is "නැගෙමු පිබිදෙමු යෙදෙමු සුරකිමු මිහිඳු මා හිමි දෙසූ දහම" which translates to "Lets rise, awaken, use, and protect the Dhamma preached by Mihindu Maha Thero. Chairman of the National Poson Committee Anuradhapura District Secretary Janaka Jayasundara said plans are in place to provide facilities for devotees celebrating Poson.He added that a special traffic plan is also in place surrounding the Anurdhapura town for Poson week.He said a special program is also in place to prevent drownings.

UPPER PROVIDENCE TWP., Pa - A fast-moving brush fire threatened several homes in Delaware County as the region continues to navigate through a dangerous dry spell. Firefighters in Upper Providence Township were dispatched to the southbound side of the Media Bypass just before Route 252 around 11 a.m. Tuesday. Authorities say several brush fires were spotted at different locations between the State Road exit and the Route 252 exit. The quick-moving fires threatened several homes that backed up to the bypass.

Joe Trohman is returning to Fall Out Boy!

COLOMBO (News 1st); Prime Minister Dinesh Gunawardena left the island early on Wednesday (31) morning for an official visit to Thailand.The Prime Minister's Media Unit said the Prime Minister left the island to attend the United Nations (UN) Vesak festival in Thailand.Prime Minister Dinesh Gunawardena is due to meet the King of Thailand, the Thai Prime Minister, and a group of diplomats during the visit.An 11-member delegation left for Thailand with the Prime Minister.

COLOMBO (News 1st); Deputy Managing Director of the International Monetary Fund (IMF) Kenji Okamura is scheduled to arrive in Sri Lanka on Wednesday (31) for a two-day official visit.The State Ministry of Finance said he is due to hold talks with the President, Finance Ministry officials, and officials of the Central Bank of Sri Lanka.Okamura will also take an observational tour of several projects including Colombo Port City.The State Ministry of Finance said he is due to participate in several rounds of discussions regarding recent trends in Sri Lanka's economic program, opportunities to empower the economy in the future, and ways to minimize obstacles and delays.

(With inputs from PTI)

Fall Out Boy guitarist Joe Trohman is returning to the band following a mental health break.Trohman took to Instagram Monday to give fans an update on his well-being and share that he's re-joining the group, just in time for their summer tour.«Hey everyone, I'm officially back! I want to thank everyone for the love and support while I took some time away to focus on my brain and get healthy for my family, my friends and myself,» Trohman began. «I also want to thank Ben Young for stepping up and filling in on the shows I missed — He is a true gentleman and a scholar.

WASHINGTON (AP) - A Pennsylvania restaurant owner who screamed death threats directed at then-House Speaker Nancy Pelosi while storming the U.S. Capitol was sentenced on Tuesday to more than two years in prison.Pauline Bauer was near Pelosi's office suite on Jan. 6, 2021, when she yelled at police officers to bring out the California Democrat so the mob of Donald Trump supporters could hang her.In January, U.S.

WEST SACRAMENTO, Calif. (AP) - Hundreds of goats munch on long blades of yellow grass on a hillside next to a sprawling townhouse complex.

A mandatory evacuation was ordered for parts of Bedford, N.S., just outside Halifax, due to a wildfire and potential ammonia leak.

Savannah Chrisley is getting candid about her struggle with mental health issues, and how being the star of a reality TV show impacted her health journey.Savannah recently sat down with mental health advocate Patrick Custer for a new episode of her podcast, and she reflected on the toll her role on took on her and her family due to their sudden fame.«It really was, in a way, an acting gig. We knew we had to show up, we had to be funny, that's what we did,» Savannah, 25, explained.

COLOMBO (News 1st); The Western Provincial Department of Animal Production and Health said the viral disease spreading among pigs has been detected in four farms in the Western Province.Provincial Director KK Sarath said taking pigs out of farms where the disease is present is prohibited.He said this viral disease has been reported in Sri Lanka before, and there is no risk of it spreading rapidly.He added that there is no risk of the virus spreading to humans.He requested farm owners to refer pigs suspected of being infected with the virus to a veterinarian promptly.Although vaccination is required for this viral disease, there are no vaccines available in the country at present.Sarath said the importation of the vaccines will be done by the Director General of the Animal Production and Health Department.

BRISTOL, Pa. - A Bucks County woman is facing charges after authorities say she shot and killed her husband at a local park Tuesday morning. Sammar Khan, 40, is accused of shooting 38-year-old Faisal Iqbal during what witnesses described to police as an argument at Bristol Borough Wharf. It's alleged that Khan, a Levittown resident, and Iqbal were talking near the coastline when Khan started speaking loudly in another language. Witnesses reported hearing a ‘pop sound’ followed by Khan and Iqbal wrestling. More gunshots were heard by witnesses before Khan and Iqbal started walking towards the parking lot, police said.MORE LOCAL HEADLINESIqbal asked a witness to call 911, at which time police say Khan shot Iqbal twice which caused him to collapse in the grassy area between the water and parking lot. It's alleged that as Iqbal laid on the ground defenseless, Khan walked over and shot him twice in the torso and once in the head. Responding officers from the Bristol Borough Police Department found Khan with blood on her clothing.

LOWNDES COUNTY, Ga. - A viral video shows a wild crash in south Georgia.The video appears to be something more out of the video game "Grand Theft Auto" or one of the "Final Destination" movies.The body camera video is from a Lowndes County Sheriff’s deputy, who was responding to a crash along Highway 84. While at the scene, a car cruising along and ramps off the back of tow truck along the side of the road, flipping, and landing upright.Deputies then are seen rushing to the aid of the driver.The woman driving the car survived, according to multiple reports, but her condition was not currently known.Details about the initial crash or the car flipping have not officially been released by deputies.The Lowndes County Sheriff’s Office released this body camera video showing a driver launching their car off the back of a tow truck at a crash scene along Highway 84 on May 30, 2023.

sister Bindi was diagnosed with endometriosis, she was “going downhill fast.”After watching her deal with her “hellish” decade-long health condition, Robert, 19, was inspired to raise awareness.“When it comes to women’s health, so often it’s thought of as a women’s discussion, a women’s issue, but this is something that we all need to talk about,” he said during an interview on Australia’s “Sunrise” television program.“Endometriosis, like so many women’s health complications, affects more people than we realize. So many women go undiagnosed with endometriosis and live through really hellish conditions.”The conservationist continued to explain how several doctors initially disregarded Bindi’s health condition.“Bindi was going downhill fast, and since getting treatment for endometriosis — after being turned down and completely written off as, ‘Oh, it’s all in your head’ or, ‘Oh, it’s normal’ — she finally got the help that she needed and the help she deserved,” he continued.Robert encouraged others to spread awareness of endometriosis in honor of his sister’s diagnosis.“She’s a new woman, so I’m very vocal now about saying, put it on your radar.

It was a terrifying scene aboard a cruise ship late last week, when a huge storm rocked a Carnival Cruise Line vessel, delaying the ship’s return to port and leaving passengers frightened for their lives.

PRINCE GEORGE'S COUNTY, Md. - The search is over. On Tuesday afternoon, U.S. Marshals located and arrested attempted murder suspect Baby K. Prince George's County police said the 15-year-old was found around 2:40 p.m.

OCEAN CITY, N.J. - A New Jersey shore town is aiming to crackdown on groups of "drunken teens" following a Memorial Day weekend during which local police responded to nearly 1,000 incidents.All beaches in Ocean City will now close at 8 p.m. and backpacks will not be permitted on the beaches or boardwalks starting at 8 p.m.

Urias Gbarjolo, 21. (Credit: University of Dubuque) DES MOINES, Iowa - A 21-year-old college student and athlete drowned after he swam in an Iowa lake with friends, according to authorities. The Marion County Sheriff's office said they received a call Saturday evening from the Whitebreast boat ramp at Lake Red Rock in Des Moines. The caller said a group a young men were swimming outside the designated area when one of them went underwater and did not resurface. A search ensued and on Sunday, authorities used sonar equipment and retrieved the body of Urias Gbarjolo of Johnston, Iowa. RELATED: Iowa apartment building partially collapses, prompting massive rescue effortAn autopsy will be conducted. Gbarjolo attended University of Dubuque and was a member of the school's track and cross-country teams.

Robert Irwin revealed after his sister Bindi was diagnosed with endometriosis, she was "going downhill fast." After watching her deal with her "hellish" decade-long health condition, Robert, 19, was inspired to raise awareness. "When it comes to women’s health, so often it’s thought of as a women’s discussion, a women’s issue, but this is something that we all need to talk about," he said during an interview on Australia’s "Sunrise" television program.

Tim Bliefnick, left, was a college football star and contestant on the "Family Feud" game show. Now, he's accused of fatally shooting his estranged wife, an award-winning nurse named Becky Bliefnick.

Tom Sandoval and Raquel Leviss are still in contact with scheduled phone calls, ET has learned.

A passenger stands on a scale at Auckland Airport in New Zealand as part of a regular survey to better assess the weight and balance of a loaded aircraft. (Credit: Provided / Air New Zealand) AUCKLAND, New Zealand - In addition to weighing luggage before a flight, passengers flying to international destinations aboard Air New Zealand will also be asked to step on the scale themselves. Air New Zealand said the passenger-weighing program is actually part of a survey that’s required by the Civil Aviation Authority to ensure safety and the "efficient operation" of aircraft. Passengers on certain Air New Zealand flights departing from Auckland International Airport between May 29 and July 2 will be asked to hop on the scale.