Parliament passes Social Security Levy Bill, while 123 MPs were not present during vote

COLOMBO (News 1st) – A Party Leaders meeting is scheduled to take place on Wednesday (14) under the leadership of Speaker Mahinda Yapa Abeywardana.The meeting is scheduled to be held at 10.30 at the Parliament complex.Matters relating to the upcoming Parliament Week, Bills, and other legislation will be discussed at the meeting.

COLOMBO (News 1st) – President Ranil Wickremesinghe emphasized that a national plan should be implemented to ensure food security and nutrition in Sri Lanka.He made this observation addressing the inaugural program of the establishment of the Multi-sector Combined Mechanism for empowering Rural Economic Revitalization Centers to ensure food security and nutrition.The program was held at the President's Office on Tuesday(13).The president pointed out that agriculture should be made a foreign exchange earning sector by way of enhancing production and competitiveness through the modernization of agriculture.The President who emphasized the need to work in an organized and collective manner to solve the food issue in the face of the global food crisis said that everyone should join hands with the government's new program to ensure food security and nutrition.The President’s statement is as follows;-The government has got to face the challenge of provision of food to all since the country experienced a minus seven economy.

TRENTON - New Jersey leaders are looking to tweak a ban on plastic bags after shoppers in the Garden State have started accumulating reusable bags. Since the legislation went into effect in May, shoppers who have ordered groceries online or forgot to bring bags on trips to their local market have amassed reusable bags. "I have a large collection of bags all shapes all sizes all colors, all stores," said Sherry Morris of Edgewater Park.Less than four months later, lawmakers are considering tweaks to the bill that would allow for some concessions to the strict ban on single-use bags. MORE LOCAL HEADLINESOne proposed option for people who order their groceries online is returning the bags, so the store can sanitize and reuse them again. Senator Bob Smith, a democrat who represent parts of Middlesex and Somerset, called it a "glitch" in the legislation aimed towards reducing a common source of litter. "If you drive around New Jersey youre not seeing these flying plastic bags all over the streets and in the air, beaches or blocking sewers," Smith said.Another idea being proposed is to follow the lead of the big box chains and only use cardboard boxes or nothing at all.

PHILADELPHIA - Authorities believe an altercation between two teens lead to a gunshot being fired inside a busy Philadelphia outlet mall on Tuesday night. Police responded to the Fashion District on 9th and Market street around 6:30 p.m. after an officer reported hearing a gunshot. Inspector D.F.

Sen. Lindsey Graham (R-SC) speaks during news conference to announce a new bill on abortion restrictions, on Capitol Hill September 13, 2022 in Washington, DC.

ARDMORE, Pa. - "Mommy, terrible sandwich!" Those three words are all it took to create one of the most viral back-to-school TikToks this year.It all began when Ricki Weisberg made her son Abe a grape jelly and butter sandwich for his first day of kindergarten. Little did she know - the butter had gone bad!Just moment after stepping off the bus, Abe told his mom, "Mommy, terrible sandwich," without hesitation.His mom responded to the brutal critique saying, "Thanks for letting me know," in a moment that has since gone viral.The video was first posted 5 years ago.

COLOMBO (News 1st); The multi-sector mechanism to empower rural economic revitalization centres to ensure food security and nutrition was initiated under the patronage of President Ranil Wickremesinghe on Tuesday (13).The vision of the Food Security Programme of the Government is to ensure every citizen has access to enough food at a reasonable price to lead an active and healthy life, at any given situation of the country.The government has initiated this program with the view of achieving dual objectives of ensuring that no citizen of the country should starve due to lack of food and no child should be a victim of malnutrition.In order to achieve these dual objectives, it is required to protect all families in the country from being victims of poverty.The relevant mechanism has been implemented through seven committees while the National Food Security and Nutrition Council will function under the chairmanship of the President.The National Combined Mechanism on Food Security and Nutrition will function under the Chairmanship of the President’s Secretary whereas the Technical Advisory Committee on Food Security and Nutrition will be chaired by the Prime Minister’s Secretary.The Provincial Combined Mechanism on Food Security and Nutrition will function under the chairmanship of the Provincial Governors while the District Combined Mechanism on Food Security and Nutrition will be chaired by the District Secretaries.

Mississauga on Monday while taking a break from a training exercise.Toronto Police Services named Const. Andrew Hong, a member of the force’s traffic services division, as one of two victims killed by a shooter in Peel and Halton regions on Monday afternoon.“This is devastating news for his family and for all members of the Toronto Police Service and our entire policing community,” Toronto police chief James Ramer said in a statement.

COLOMBO (News 1st); The Secretary of the Ministry of Public Administration announced that the 19th of September has been declared as a special holiday for all Government agencies as a day of mourning has been declared for Her Majesty Queen Elizabeth II

PHILADELPHIA - The heartbroken father of a Philadelphia teen who police say was targeted by a shooter while walking a dog with a friend is demanding justice as investigators hunt for her killer. Paul Johnson called the fatal shooting of his daughter, Teryn, "overwhelming" a day after police say she was found shot multiple times on the 5300 block of Horrock Street. It was around 9 p.m. when investigators say Teryn was killed while walking a dog down the street with a friend.

BAKERSFIELD, Calif. - A 13-year-old California middle school student was arrested after bringing fentanyl to school that caused a school supervisor to suffer an overdose.Still life. Oxycodone.

PHILADELPHIA - A new challenge is taking off on social media and a local hip-hop artist says he created it as a way to save young lives. Vinte "Arsin" Clemons is using his platform as a musician and activist to inspire the youth and spread peace and positivity after he says he lost 52 of his friends to violence. "I wanted to use it as a tool to hold other artists accountable for their voice in the culture," said Arsin. "Everything's on social media.

PHILADELPHIA - Local school districts are turning to dogs as their newest strategy to help students and staff overcome mental and emotional struggles and stress in school.Puppies and full-grown dogs were in training with their owners at the Fallsington Elementary School in Levittown on Monday morning after the Pennsbury School District says their most recent goal is to have a therapy dog in every school in the district after recent statistics show that interacting with dogs can benefit people's mental health."We do mental health and suicide prevention programs and dogs are involved in every one of our programs," said Tricia Baker, Director of Attitudes in Reverse therapy dog training. Baker and her daughter, Katelyn, work with dogs to get them trained to provide a sense of calm and comfort in a counseling session or an emergency. The mother-daughter duo spends dozens of hours each week traveling to various schools to teach a 40-week program with dog owners and their pets."It's nice to take the knowledge we had teaching about dogs and turning it in to something even more," said Katelyn Baker. Nine administrators and teachers of the Pennsbury School District have volunteered for the 11-month intensive training course to reach their goal of having a dog assigned to each school in the district.

PennDOT announces newly-designed driver's license and ID cards. HARRISBURG, Pa. - Hope you don't like your ID photo too much, because it's almost time for a new one!The Pennsylvania Department of Transportation announced Monday that newly-designed driver licenses and identification cards are being rolled out this year.The new cards will feature updated designs and security features to protect against fraud, counterfeiting and alteration:"The update is an important component of PennDOT’s ongoing work to enhance and protect the integrity of the driver license and identification card issuance process," said PennDOT Secretary Yassmin Gramian.Summerdale Driver License Center in Enola is piloting the new cards beginning Monday, with all centers transitioning by mid-November.PennDOT says the new cards will be phased in over a four-year renewal cycle to replace existing cards.

VAN HORN, Texas - Space tourism company Blue Origin had an unexpected test of its rocket’s in-flight abort system during a Monday morning launch, though no people were onboard at the time.The New Shepherd rocket blasted off from west Texas just before 9:30 a.m., carrying a capsule full of experiments on what was supposed to be a 10-minute ride to the edge of space and back. But one minute into the flight, something automatically triggered the emergency in-flight abort system and the capsule fired its escape engine, pulling clear of the booster rocket at about 30,000 feet.Video footage from Blue Origin’s live webcast showed the capsule pull away and drift through the air before safely deploying its parachutes and landing safely in the desert.The moment of failure.

FILE - An individual purchases cannabis at a dispensary on the morning that cannabis sales became legal in New Jersey on April 21, 2022, in Paterson, New Jersey. (Photo by Spencer Platt/Getty Images) There has been increasing support for marijuana legalization in the United States over the past few decades, with a majority of Americans now overwhelmingly in favor, according to polling — and many states enacting laws to allow for its legal use and sale.On the federal level, marijuana remains illegal.

PHILADELPHIA - An attempted robbery quickly turned into a shooting in Philadelphia's Nicetown neighborhood Monday morning.Police responded to the 1300 block of West Roosevelt Boulevard for a person with a gun around 1:20 a.m.A woman was reportedly shot in the ear a couple miles away on the 1300 block of St. Luke Street.

In this photo illustration, British currency in the form of two one pound coins rest atop a Bank of England ten pound note featuring an image of Queen Elizabeth II as a leading think tank predicts that surging rates of inflation and weak economic gro LONDON - Queen Elizabeth II has been depicted on British banknotes and coins for decades. Her portrait also has been featured on currencies in dozens of other places around the world, in a reminder of the British empire's colonial reach.So what happens next after her death this week? It will take time for the United Kingdom, Canada, Australia, New Zealand and other countries to swap out the monarchs on their money.Here's a look at what is next for the paper cash featuring the late queen:The queen’s portrait on British notes and coins is expected to be replaced by a likeness of the new King Charles III, but it won’t be immediate."Current banknotes featuring the image of Her Majesty The Queen will continue to be legal tender," the Bank of England said.

BLUE BELL, Pa. - With less than two months until Election Day, Democratic Senate candidate Lieutenant Governor John Fetterman gave his first public appearance since his stroke, in Montgomery County.Women’s rights and abortion rights were top of mind for voters who turned out Sunday, many waiting in a line wrapped around Montgomery County Community College, in the rain.John Fetterman supporter, Susan Wendt, stated, "We are concerned about our democracy."MORE HEADLINES:Supporters of Fetterman packed the college gymnasium, overflowing into the hallway, to be part of his rally, many focused on abortion rights."We can’t have anybody so far left. We need someone to actually that’s going to come in and fight for us," Aisha Harris remarked."Women should have the right to do with their body what they want," Michael Greenberg stated."Women are the reason we can win," Fetterman said to the packed crowd.

CHICAGO - Crazy video shows water jetting into the air as Chicago was hit by relentless rain and flooding on Sunday, leaving residents unable to leave homes or even drive in some areas.This video was taken in Albany Park at Harding and Lawrence in the morning. Streets all over Chicago were so flooded that cars got stuck. Chicago and surrounding areas are seeing severe weather. There are multiple flood warnings in effect through Sunday.

Queen Elizabeth II passed away on Thursday, Sept. 8, setting into motion a series of changes expected in the days to come. A new monarch has been named, her son, King Charles III, who now sits on the British throne.

PHILADELPHIA - A solemn tradition holds an even deeper meaning today as the Philadelphia Fire Department rings the bell for those whose service ended after the terror attacks on September 11.Nineteen members of Philadelphia's heavy fire rescue were sent to New York City, offering assistance in the aftermath of 9/11.To honor the fallen firefighters, as well as citizens who died in the attacks, the Philadelphia Fire Department sounds a memorial bell.Three bells ring three times in a row to signify that a firefighter has ended their shift, and performed their last alarm.MORE HEADLINES:The ringing of the bell is part of a 9/11 memorial service at Betsy Ross' house that features guest speakers and a memorial to those who have fallen in the line of duty.

COLOMBO (News 1st); Responding to a statement made by Dr. Omalpe Sobitha Thera during a protest by a group of monks, the Minister of Power and Energy Kanchana Wijesekera took to twitter to respond to the Thero.Ven.

COLOMBO (News 1st); Sri Lankan President Ranil Wickremesinghe has given an ultimatium to the political parties to decide on electoral reforms."I'm going to call the parliament to say once and for all that they must agree on electoral reform. This has been going on. The parties are arguing among themselves.

COLOMBO (News 1st); SJB MPs Mujibur Rahman, Dr.

COLOMBO (News 1st); The Public Utilities Commission says that electricity demand has decreased during the last two months.Accordingly, in comparison with last year, the weekly consumption equal to 48-49 million units has reduced to 38-39 million units for weekdays, while the weekend consumption has reduced to 33-34 million units. The PUCSL Chairman, Janaka Ratnayake stated that other than the usually imposed power cuts, the reason for the reduction in consumption is the people choosing alternative power generating methods.   

COLOMBO (News 1st); The Maligakanda Additional Magistrate on Saturday (10) ordered for the release of activist Lahiru Weerasekera, the convener of the Youth of Change organization, on 2 surety bails of  Rs.

COLOMBO (News 1st) The Chairman of the Public Utilities Commission of Sri Lanka (PUCSL) announced that there will be NO power outage this weekend (10th & 11th Sep).PUCSL approved a power cut of 1 hour on 12th September as follows;Groups ABCDEFGHIJKLPQRSTUVW:1 hour from 6.00 PM – 9.00 PM

PHILADELPHIA - Police are searching for two suspects accused of breaking into a West Philadelphia restaurant and stealing thousands of dollars worth of items. According to police, the burglary happened on July 29 at Booker's Restaurant and Bar on Baltimore Avenue. Authorities say surveillance video shows two men smashing the restaurant's front door before entering around 5:30 a.m. MORE LOCAL HEADLINESPolice say the suspects went through the entire business and took cash, checks, alcohol and a safe, a total value of several thousand dollars. Anyone with information is urged to contact Philadelphia police or submit an anonymous tip. 

PHILADELPHIA - The Philadelphia Police Department is attempting to identify two suspects caught on video robbing a business at gunpoint. According to police, the robbery occurred on Tuesday at 11:17 a.m.

COLOMBO (News 1st); The Colombo Fort Magistrate's Court on Friday (9) ordered for the release of five suspects on bail who were remanded for trespassing into the President's House and theft.Three suspects who appeared in court today who were named as suspects in this incident have also been released on bail.   Colombo Fort Magistrate Thilina Gamage ordered that the suspects be released on bail of Rs.

LEHIGH COUNTY, Pa. - Schools in Parkland will undergo remote learning on Friday due to a security threat that prompted school closures on Thursday. District officials say an investigation is underway after a threat was made against Orefield Middle School. "This is a frustrating time for everyone. We will continue to work with law enforcement to make the best decision for the safety of our school community," a district spokesperson said.

Sharon Osbourne gazed adoringly at her husband with tears in her eyes as he took to the stage at a recent football match. The emotional look comes after Ozzy underwent “life-altering surgery” in June and it is also the 73-year-old’s first performance in the US in four years. Ozzy played two songs during the halftime show of the game between the Los Angeles Rams and New York’s Buffalo Bills, rock classic Crazy Train and his new song Patient Number 9.

COLOMBO (News 1st); The amended Appropriation Bill will come into effect from today (9) after the Speaker of the Parliament, Mahinda Yapa Abeywardena signed his endorsment.The Speaker of the Parliament endorsed the certificate on the Appropriation (Amendment) Bill to amend the Appropriation Act No.

COLOMBO (News 1st); President Ranil Wickremesinghe advised officials to revise the circulars immediately if it impedes on the implementation of development projects.The President chaired a discussion at the President's Office on Friday (09) to examine the progress of several development projects in the country based on Indian investment cooperation, said the President's Media Division.Deputy Indian High Commissioner Vinod K.

COLOMBO (News 1st); Former US Ambassador to the UN Samantha Power, who is also the Administrator for the US Agency for International Development or USAID will visit Sri Lanka on Saturday.USAID Administrator Samantha Power will make an official visit to Sri Lanka on Saturday and will remain in the country until Sunday.The purpose of the two-day visit is to discuss problems related to the prevailing economic crisis and strengthen the development partnership between the United States and Sri Lanka. She is expected to hold bilateral meetings as well.When she visited visited New Delhi in July, Ambassador Power said the Joe Biden administration and the Indian Government are “deeply concerned” by the economic collapse and crisis that has befallen the Sri Lankan people.The Administrator will meet with government officials, private sector representatives, as well as farmers and other Sri Lankans most impacted by the complex emergency to discuss how their lives have been affected and how the United States can best support them as they rebuild and recover. She will also meet with parliamentary leaders representing various parties to learn their views on how to address the economic and political crises in Sri Lanka. During her trip, the Administrator will highlight the United States’ enduring support for the people of Sri Lanka and discuss issues related to food security, fuel and essential item shortages, economic stability, and the impact of Russia’s war against Ukraine on the region.Administrator Power’s visit will underscore the United States’ commitment to addressing the urgent and intermediate needs facing Sri Lankans and to supporting a return to stability.  The Administrator will also reinforce USAID’s support for inclusive

PENNSYLVANIA, UNITED STATES - 2014/10/18: E-Z Pass toll both. (Photo by John Greim/LightRocket via Getty Images) HARRISBURG, Pa. - The amount of uncollected tolls on the Pennsylvania Turnpike grew by nearly 50% last year, and a new government audit is urging the Turnpike Commission to address the problem and make changes to improve its finances.Following up on an internal study that said more than $104 million in tolls went uncollected last year, an update in May found the amount had grown to $155 million.

COLOMBO (News 1st); A massive fire was reported from a plastics factory in Sapugaskanda, Colombo on Friday (9).The Colombo Fire Brigade said that six fire trucks were dispatched to the scene to douse the first, and added that the spread has been contained.Massive fire at a plastic factory in Sapugaskanda, & Six fire trucks battling the blaze – Fire Brigade #lka #SriLanka #SLnews #News1st #Fire #Blaze #Sapugaskanda #engMassive fire at a plastic factory in Sapugaskanda, & Six fire trucks battling the blaze – Fire Brigade #lka #SriLanka #SLnews #News1st #Fire #Blaze #Sapugaskanda #engPosted by Newsfirst.lk on Friday, September 9, 2022 

COLOMBO (News 1);  Sri Lankan President Ranil Wickremesinghe has instructed that all public buildings must lower the National Flag to Half-Mast in memory of Her Majesty Queen Elizabeth II, who died on Thursday (8).The President had given the instructions to the Ministry of Public Administration and Home Affairs.The President's Media Division said a period of mourning will be announced in due course.President Ranil Wickremesighe said he was saddened to learn of the passing of Her Majesty Queen Elizabeth II. "She was a symbol of stability and endurance, and she will be greatly missed. My heartfelt condolences to the Royal Family and the people of the UK and the Commonwealth," tweeted the President.

Lotto 6/49 is launching next week and will include two multi-million-dollar jackpots in every draw, the Ontario Lottery and Gaming Corporation (OLG) says.The OLG announced Thursday that the changes will take effect across the country starting with the Sept. 14 draw.An OLG statement said the price to play will remain the same at $3, but now the main “Classic Draw” where players select their numbers or choose a quick pick will be fixed at a $5-million jackpot.The $1-million guaranteed prize, meanwhile, will become the “Gold Ball Draw.” Group of 18 Toronto-area friends who have played lottery for 15 years hit jackpot The Gold Ball jackpot guarantees that a winner will take home either $1 million or a growing jackpot that starts at $10 million and can exceed $60 million, the OLG said.The OLG website says each Lotto 6/49 ticket will include a 10-digit Gold Ball Draw number.“A winning number will be drawn from all selections for each draw.

As per the health ministry data, active Covid cases have further declined to 49,636 from 50,342. The active cases comprises 0.11 per cent of the total infections. India recorded 6,093 new Covid-19 cases in the past 24 hours, according to the Union Health Ministry data on Friday.

COLOMBO (News 1st); The Sri Lankan Parliament observes two-minutes silence in memory of Her Majesty the-late Queen Elizabeth II on Friday (9) morning.The motion was moved by Prime Minister Dinesh Gunawardena.Queen Elizabeth II, the UK's longest-serving monarch, died at Balmoral aged 96, after reigning for 70 years.She died peacefully on Thursday (8) afternoon at her Scottish estate, where she had spent much of the summer.The Queen came to the throne in 1952 and witnessed enormous social change.Her son King Charles III said the death of his beloved mother was a "moment of great sadness" for him and his family and that her loss would be "deeply felt" around the world.He said: "We mourn profoundly the passing of a cherished sovereign and a much-loved mother."I know her loss will be deeply felt throughout the country, the realms and the Commonwealth, and by countless people around the world."During the coming period of mourning, he said he and his family would be "comforted and sustained by our knowledge of the respect and deep affection in which the Queen was so widely held".The King and his wife, Camilla, now Queen Consort, will return to London on Friday, Buckingham Palace said.

CHESTNUT HILL - People across the Delaware Valley are sharing stories of encounters with Queen Elizabeth and for one local couple, Her Majesty was a familiar face."She was always tinier than one expected, but she did have those magical blue eyes and beautiful skin. She was something to behold," Jean Wedgewood, Lord Piers Wedgewood’s widow said.Wedgewood, of Chestnut Hill, recalls meeting Queen Elizabeth II over the years.

OLD CITY - The Queen visited Independence Hall 46 years ago, when she was just 50-years-old. Throughout her seven-decade reign, she's left her mark on the world.Queen Elizabeth II, stood with then-Philadelphia Mayor Frank Rizzo during her arrival to commemorate America’s 200th birthday, back in 1976 and the last time the Queen visited Philadelphia, Prince Phillip accompanying her.Hobart Gaywood, center, of the National Parks Service, shows a plaque describing the Bicentennial Bell, a gift of the Government of Great Britain to the United States, to Queen Elizabeth II and Prince Philip in Philadelphia on Tuesday, July 6, 1976.

UVALDE, Texas - The Uvalde Police Department is investigating an evening shooting that occurred less than two miles away from the site of the deadly May mass school shooting at Robb Elementary School. The shooting happened around 5:30 p.m.

UVALDE, Texas - The Uvalde Police Department is investigating an evening shooting that occurred less than two miles away from the site of the deadly May mass school shooting at Robb Elementary School. Details are very limited, but we've learned from authorities that at least two people were shot at Uvalde Memorial Park around 5:30 p.m.Texas DPS said on Twitter that they were working with the Uvalde Police Department and Sheriff's Office following a suspected gang-related shooting at Memorial Park. No other details have been released at this time. This shooting is not connected to the shooting that occurred back in May. LATEST UVALDE, TEXAS SCHOOL SHOOTING COVERAGEThis latest shooting comes as students just returned to the classroom on Tuesday following the deadly mass shooting. This is a breaking news story. We'll keep you up-to-date with the very latest.

It's alleged that Anthony Linder-Creo, 24, engaged in a sexual relationship with a teenage student.

UPPER PROVIDENCE TWP. Pa. - Another victim has come forward weeks after learning a Delaware County former referee is accused of sexually abusing a child, as the Drexel Hill man appeared in court Thursday.William "Bill" Brown turned his face away from the camera as he arrived shackled at District Court.