Political reform agenda and economic agenda go hand in hand – Samantha Power

COLOMBO (News 1st) – The University Grants Commission says that about 93,000 applications have been received for consideration of university admission this year.The UGC Chairman, Senior Prof.

COLOMBO (News 1st) – The restaurant owners' association says that although the price of petrol has decreased, the prices of foodstuff at bakeries and restaurants will not be decreased.Its Chairman, Asela Sampath stated that the price of food and drinks including milk tea can be reduced only if the prices of other services in the market are reduced.The Ceylon Petroleum Corporation on Saturday (1) took steps to reduce the price of petrol.

COLOMBO (News 1st) – The Public Utilities Commission says that there will be no reduction in the duration of power cuts despite the resumption of Norochcholai power generation activities.The PUCSL Chairman Janaka Rathnayake stated that the power cut of two hours and twenty minutes will remain unchanged.The Minister of Power and Energy, Kanchana Wijesekara stated on Saturday (1) that one power unit of the Norochcholai power plant has been reconnected to the National grid after being fixed. In the meantime, the Public Utilities Commission stated that the inspections of pumps at filling stations, which was initiated with the increase in complaints received regarding the quality of fuel, will continue.

COLOMBO (News 1st) – A 29-year old woman was killed during a shootout in Danovita early Sunday (2) morning .Police said that a woman who was traveling in a bus was shot when a group who had come to rob a liquor store were about to be arrested.Later, she died upon admission to the Wathupitiwala hospital.Two others were injured in the incident.

COLOMBO (News 1st) – Veteran actor Darshan Dharmaraj has passed away on Sunday (2).A Spokespeson for the Colombo National Hospital stated that he passed away on Sunday morning due to a heart attack.He was 41 years old at the time of death.Born in Rakwana, Dharmaraj entered the industry with the television drama A-9 directed by Sydney Chandrasekaran.In 2008, Darshan Dharmaraj made his debut in the movie Prabhakaran.Since then, he contributed to many Sinhala and Tamil films including Machang, Iniwan, Mata, Tsunami and Komali Kings.Constantly praised by critics as an actor full of realistic acting skills, Dharmaraj retained his popularity among Sinhalese as well as Tamil fans.

WISSAHICKON - An apparent road rage situation led to the shooting of a 37-year-old man in Philadelphia's Wissahickon section.According to officials, 5th District officers were called to an alleyway near the 3900 block of Manayunk Avenue, just off the 300 block of Hermit Street Saturday night, around 9:30, on a report of gunshots.When police arrived, they found a 37-year-old man suffering with at least three gunshot wounds and the alleged shooter was also on location.Philadelphia Police Inspector D.F. Pace explained an apparent road rage incident took place on Ridge Avenue between the driver of a white Jeep SUV and the driver of a large, dark-colored Chevrolet van.Somewhere on Ridge Avenue, the driver of the Chevy got out, approached the Jeep and pounded on the hood of the vehicle.Inside the Jeep was a male driver, his wife and 7-year-old child.The driver of the Chevy got back into his vehicle and drove off, according to Inspector Pace, but the driver of the Jeep pursued the Chevy, down Ridge, onto Hermit Street and into the alleyway, with the Chevy crashing into two vehicles parked on the Manayunk Ave.

COLOMBO (News 1st) – The Human Rights Commission of Sri Lanka has planned to initiate an investigation into the causes of the economic crisis in the country.The HRCSL said that special attention will be given to the impact of ever-changing political reasons that resulted in policy changes within the economy.Moreover, the Commission  expects to pay attention to the way in which authorities have acted in making policy decisions that caused the economic downturn, such as ignoring national interests while separating ministries from their scope.The commission also stated it expects to record statements from officials at the Central Bank of Sri Lanka, the Ministry of Finance, the ministries related to the implementation of national policies, which are directly related to the economy of the country, and those who are currently working at those institutions in addition to those who had worked at the relevant ministries in the past.Accordingly, the support of several economic experts will also be obtained for the relevant matter.The Human Rights Commission emphasized that the investigation is being conducted due to the violation of people's right to life through the economic crisis.Recently, the United Nations Human Rights Commissioner had also explained facts regarding the economic crimes in Sri Lanka in the report presented to the 51st Human Rights Council session held recently.In that report, she pointed out that in order to obtain a permanent solution to the economic crisis that has affected the human rights of all communities, attention must be paid to the corruption that is rooted in this country.The United Nations Human Rights Commissioner also emphasized the need to take action regarding past and recent human rights

The National Archives and Records Administration informed lawmakers that a number of electronic communications from Trump White House staffers remain missing, nearly two years since the administration was required to turn them over.

LANGHORNE, Pa. - Local animal shelters are doing everything they can to assist furry friends in Florida after Hurricane Ian and they are seeking help."I reached out to shelters in south Florida and somebody called me back instantly. Her voice was cracking. They need help, they’re running out of food!" owner of Town and Country Pet Care Center Liz Carpino said.Each day, a clearer picture of just how much devastation Hurricane Ian left behind in many parts of southwestern Florida and help, in the form of Red Cross workers and other aid is being rushed in to those in need.RELATED COVERAGE:Another crisis less known that is playing out simultaneously is the large number of dogs separated from their owners.Liz Carpino is the owner of Town and Country Pet Care Center in Langhorne.

CRESCENTVILLE - The family of a young girl who was killed outside of her Crescentville school Wednesday afternoon says her death wasn’t an accident.17-year-old Saniah Moore died when police say a fellow student hit her wile backing up their car.The girl’s mother says she saw it with her own eyes."Saniah…she was a beautiful, young mother that really had her head right," the victim’s mother, Jessica Sollenberger, said.RELATED COVERAGE: Officials: Girl, 17, struck, killed by car while trying to run from an assault in CrescentvilleSollenberger cannot believe her daughter, Saniah, is really gone, leaving her 7-month-old daughter, London, without her mother."She went to work. She went to school.

A policeman sets up a cordon next to a torched vehicle outside Kanjuruhan stadium in Malang, East Java on October 2, 2022. - At least 127 people were killed when angry fans invaded a football pitch after a match in Malang, East Java in Indonesia late MALANG, Indonesia (AP) - Panic at an Indonesian soccer match after police fired tear gas to stop brawls left 129 dead, mostly trampled to death, police said Sunday.Several fights between supporters of the two rival soccer teams were reported inside the Kanjuruhan Stadium in East Java province’s Malang city after the Indonesian Premier League game ended with Persebaya Surabaya beating Arema Malang 3-2.The brawls that broke out just after the game ended late night Saturday prompted riot police to fire tear gas, which caused panic among supporters, said East Java Police Chief Nico Afinta.This picture shows a torched car outside Kanjuruhan stadium in Malang, East Java on October 2, 2022.

Rescuers searched for survivors among the ruins of Florida’s flooded homes from Hurricane Ian while authorities in South Carolina began assessing damage from its strike there as the remnants of one of the strongest and costliest hurricanes to ever hit the U.S. continued to push north.

BERKS COUNTY, Pa. - A local boy will never forget a reunion with his military dad for the first time in nearly a year. And, the best part – it was all a surprise.One by one, the students at Owatin Creek Elementary got into place for their outdoor patriotic pep rally. The excitement felt with every wiggle.

(Credit: Food and Drug Administration) BENTON HARBOR, Mich. - Old Europe Cheese, Inc. has issued a voluntary recall for its Brie and Camembert cheeses over concerns of possible listeria contamination, according to the U.S.

BOULDER COUNTY, Colo. - County leaders in Colorado said they mistakenly sent $238,000 to hackers after one of its vendors experienced a cyberattack. Boulder County said on its website that after its vendor was hacked, a spearfishing e-mail was sent to the county. Thinking it was the vendor itself, the county sent the check. However, it turned out the money was sent to a fraudulent account. Retirement accounts have become a popular target for cybercriminals looking to cash out."Although the county has safeguards in place to prevent these types of frauds from occurring, and we successfully thwart attacks by fraudsters several times a year, we did not catch this one in time to prevent the check from being cashed," County Administrator Jana Petersen said on the county’s website.

MARION COUNTY, Ore. - Authorities in Oregon said a kidnapped woman secretly called 911 and called out phrases and street names to discreetly alert officers where to find her and the suspect. Marion County deputies said a 911 call came in Wednesday evening after 5 p.m. local time to the Willamette Valley Communications Center 911.The dispatcher picked up the phone and heard a woman in the background telling someone to "get out of my car" and "don’t touch me."The dispatcher continued to listen to the open line as the woman said street names in the background while driving to alert officers as to where they could find her.RELATED: Video: Man kidnapped off Queens streetDispatchers then alerted officers from the Salem Police Department. Officers found the woman at Shari’s Restaurant on Lancaster Drive SE.

ALBUQUERQUE, N.M. (AP) - Hundreds of hot air balloons lifted off Saturday morning, marking the start of an annual fiesta that has drawn pilots and spectators from across the globe to New Mexico’s high desert for 50 years now.As one of the most photographed events in the world, the Albuquerque International Balloon Fiesta has become an economic driver for the state’s largest city and a rare — and colorful — opportunity for enthusiasts to be within arm’s reach as the giant balloons are unpacked and inflated.Three of the original pilots who participated in the first fiesta in 1972 and the family members of others are among this year’s attendees.

A picture of the victim's walker. (Credit: Wheaton Ridge Police) WHEATON RIDGE, Colo. - Authorities in Colorado said an unidentified 56-year-old man has died after tripping and falling into the street with his walker, and a driver hit him before taking off. The Wheaton Ridge Police Department said the incident happened last Thursday before 9 p.m.

Aleksandr Melnikov (Philadelphia Police Department)SOMERTON - Philadelphia police have made an arrest in connection with a June car accident that resulted in the death of an off-duty Philadelphia police officer.According to officials, 18-year-old Aleksandr Melnikov, from Philadelphia’s Bustleton section, was arrested September 30th, at Philadelphia AID headquarters.The deadly accident occurred June 23rd, just before midnight. Authorities say a car was heading south on Bustleton Avenue, traveling at a high rate of speed, and did not stop at a red light at Bustleton and Rennard Street.RELATED COVERAGE: 'A real tragedy': Off-duty Philadelphia police officer killed in Somerton crash, authorities sayThe car hit a vehicle traveling west on Rennard.

Second Lieutenant Kody Sims instructs students participating in the Army's new Future Soldier Prep Course who are working to improve their Armed Services Vocational Aptitude Battery (ASVAB) test scores at Fort Jackson on September 28, 2022 in Columbi The Army fell about 15,000 soldiers — or 25% — short of its recruitment goal this year, officials confirmed Friday, despite a frantic effort to make up the widely expected gap in a year when all the military services struggled in a tight jobs market to find young people willing and fit to enlist.While the Army was the only service that didn't meet its target, all of the others had to dig deep into their pools of delayed entry applicants, which will put them behind as they begin the next recruiting year on Saturday.The worsening problem stirs debate about whether America’s fighting force should be restructured or reduced in size if the services can't recruit enough, and could also put added pressure on the National Guard and Reserve to help meet mission requirements.According to officials, the Marine Corps, which usually goes into each fiscal year with as much as 50% of its recruiting goal already locked in, has only a bit more than 30%. And the Air Force and the Navy will only have about 10% of their goals as they start the new fiscal year.

Pierre Poilievre, have anything to say about it.The most recent polling Ipsos conducted for Global News shows why.The party most interested in reminding Canadians about ties between the convoy and Pierre Poilievre will be the Liberal Party. Why? The Liberals are in a very difficult spot. They currently trail the Conservatives in the national popular vote by five points.

PITTSBURGH, Pa. - Max Baer, the chief justice of the Pennsylvania Supreme Court, has died at the age of 74, the court confirmed on Saturday. His death comes just months before he was set to retire.Baer's "sudden passing" came overnight at his home near Pittsburgh, the court said in a news release.

Spirit Airlines logo (Photo Illustration by Rafael Henrique/SOPA Images/LightRocket via Getty Images) A Spirit Airlines flight from Baltimore to Orlando returned to Baltimore shortly after takeoff Friday night because of a problem with the engine. According to FlightAware, a flight tracking website, the plane took off at 8:35 p.m. and was back on the ground at 8:51 p.m.

PHILADELPHIA - Four men were struck by gunfire as shots rang out less than a block from a hospital in Northeast Philadelphia early Saturday morning.Police say the quadruple shooting erupted out he 5000 block of Frankford Avenue, which is just feet away from Jefferson Frankford Hospital.Four men were reportedly brought to the hospital by private vehicle after being shot.A 20-year-old man is in critical condition after suffering a gunshot in the face. He was transferred to Jefferson University Hospital.MORE HEADLINES:Three other victims are in stable condition: a 50-year-old man shot in the chest; a 38-year-old man shot in the ankle; and a 36-year-old man shot in the hand.No arrests have been made, and no weapon recovered.

PHILADELPHIA - A 17-year-old girl is recovering after police say she was shot inside a car on a street in South Philadelphia.The teen was reportedly found in the driver seat of car on the 700 block of Carpenter Street around 2:14 a.m. Saturday.Police saw she was suffering gunshot wounds to the neck and torso.

Tesla Inc.’s proposed Optimus humanoid robot slowly and awkwardly walked onto a stage, turned, and waved to a cheering crowd at the company’s artificial intelligence event Friday.But the basic tasks by the robot with exposed wires and electronics — as well as a later, next generation version that had to be carried onstage by three men — was a long way from CEO Elon Musk’s vision of a human-like robot that can change the world.Musk told the crowd, many of whom might be hired by Tesla, that the robot can do much more than the audience saw Friday. He said it is also delicate and “we just didn’t want it to fall on its face.” Over 750 Tesla owners in the U.S.

In a remote pocket of the Laurentian mountains of Quebec, a Greek Orthodox nun answers the door in the rain.

Dave Navarro has some bad news to share with fans looking forward to seeing him on tour with Jane’s Addiction this fall.

PLAINS, Ga. - It's a special day for the oldest-living former U.S. president and Georgia native Jimmy Carter.Carter is celebrating yet another milestone Saturday - his 98th birthday.The former president will celebrate his birthday with family and friends in Plains, the tiny Georgia town where he and his wife, 95-year-old Rosalynn, were born in the years between World War I and the Great Depression.HERE'S HOW YOU CAN WISH JIMMY CARTER A HAPPY 98TH BIRTHDAYJason Carter, the former president’s grandson now leading the Carter Center board, described his grandfather, an outspoken Christian, as content with his life and legacy."He is looking at his 98th birthday with faith in God’s plan for him," the younger Carter, 47, said, "and that’s just a beautiful blessing for all of us to know, personally, that he is at peace and happy with where he has been and where he’s going."Jason Carter said his grandfather is mostly looking forward to a simple day that includes watching his favorite Major League Baseball team, the Atlanta Braves, on television.CEO OF CARTER CENTER REFLECTS ON JIMMY CARTER'S LEGACY ON 98TH BIRTHDAYIf you'd like to wish the Georgia native a happy birthday, the Carter Center has set up a digital board for people to post heartfelt birthday messages on its website.Former President Jimmy Carter interviewed for "The Presidents' Gatekeepers" project at the Carter Center, Atlanta, Georgia, September 14, 2011.

Russia said Saturday it has withdrawn its troops from the once-occupied city of Lyman, as Ukraine’s eastern counteroffensive recaptures more territory.

COLOMBO (News 1st) – The President and the Minister of Defence, Ranil Wickremesinghe has issued an extraordinary gazette revoking the order issued declaring the High Security Zones. On Friday (23), Sri Lankan President Ranil Wickremesinghe declared multiple areas in Colombo as High Security Zones.

Eamonn Holmes has taken to Instagram to share a photo of his face covered in shingles as he continues to struggle with his health.The 62-year-old, who is currently recovering from a back operation, posted a photo from 2018 where his face looked red, swollen and covered in blisters.Giving further information to his fans on the common infection, Eamonn wrote: "Ageing puts you at higher risk of shingles (esp. 50+) so it’s good to know what to look for.READ MORE: Eamonn Holmes breaks silence on Holly and Phillip 'queue-jumping' with brutal dig"I’m pleased to partner with @gsk on their Understanding Shingles report, as I’ve suffered from this previously."For info on shingles visit understandingshingles.co.uk.

Recalled Toddleroo rotating cabinet latch -closed (CPSC) Over 100,000 cabinet latches used for childproofing are being recalled for choking hazards, officials warned Thursday. According to the U.S. Consumer Product Safety Commission (CPSC), the latching button on North States Industries’ Toddleroo rotating cabinet latches "can dislodge and detach from the cabinet latches, posing a choking hazard to young children." The recall was initiated after North States Industries received 19 reports that the latching button had dislodged or detached. UPPABABY RECALLS OVER 14,000 STROLLERS AFTER CHILD LOSES A FINGERThis includes one instance where a child reportedly gagged on a dislodged button, according to the CPSC. The affected products were available for purchase nationwide at major stores including Walmart and Bed, Bath & Beyond's BuyBuyBaby from November 2019 through August 2022. The rotating cabinet latches were also available online at northstatesind.com during that same time. The products were sold in a package of four latches, each measuring 3 13/16 inches wide by 1 3/8 inches high by 1/2 inch deep and comes with application adhesive, the CPSC said. The affected UPC numbers, 0-26107-06178-2 or 0-26107-06177-5, can be found on the bottom left-hand corner of the product packaging, according to the release. North States Industries is based in Minnesota and makes safety gates, play yards, and mats for babies and pets, according to its website. Customers can complete a refund submission form.

TRENTON, N.J. - Gas prices dropped again in New Jersey but rose substantially across the nation as a whole with increasing demand and tight supply amid fluctuating oil prices. AAA Mid-Atlantic says the average price of a gallon of regular gas in New Jersey on Friday was $3.44, down nine cents from last week. Drivers were paying $3.22 a gallon on average a year ago at this time.The national average price for a gallon of regular gasoline was $3.79, an increase of 11 cents from last week.

COLOMBO (News 1st) – The Ministry of Health has issued a special circular to mark the beginning of National Nutrition Month.The special circular has been issued to all Provincial Secretaries, Health Secretaries, Health Service Directors, Regional Health Service Directors, Medical Health Officers and the heads of all institutions.A four step action plan has been introduced to ensure that all Sri Lankans remain protected from malnutrition and other related complications. The four steps are: let's be aware, let's find substitutes, let's plant and let's share.

Gemma Atkinson said she would like to “keep it real” with her fans as they have become like an “extended family” before going on to explain how her health has taken some worrying turns over the past month.The 37-year-old fitness guru, who is engaged to Strictly Come Dancing professional Gorka Márquez, 32, shared an honest post on her Instagram stories for her 1.8 million followers to read.Within the statement, she said: “Wanted to keep it real with you lot on here as its always like having an extended family.“It’s been a “bl**** horrible month.“Early Sept I had to have a colonoscopy from smear results that they weren’t happy with.Thankfully everything was fine, no issues at all, but the build up to waiting wasn’t great…“I think we automatically assume the worst as humans don’t we!”Sick with worry over her own health, Gemma went on to say things sadly went from bad to worse as the day after getting her colonoscopy results she had to have a tooth out.“I had my tooth out and then the dry socket [when a blood clot fails to develop in the tooth socket, causing an ache or throbbing pain] started which was agony for 10 days,” the former Emmerdale star explained.Slowly getting over her dental work, Gemma was hit with “another infection” which knocked her sideways, forcing her to take time off of her drivetime radio show at Hits Radio UK.“Thankfully getting over” her infection, the star, who has a young daughter Mia with fiancé Gorka said that the next problem she had to overcome was the worry her pooch Norman caused her.Writing in the post she said: “Yesterday Norman’s breathing went funny. Very shallow and fast.“They did some bloods and he too has an infection and the enzymes in his liver are high.

PHILADELPHIA - Remnants of Hurricane Ian aren't gone quite yet!Friday night showers are carrying over into Saturday bringing rain for most of the morning. However, things will dry off for a little Saturday afternoon.Temperatures are staying pretty chilly all day, with temperatures in the 50s and wind gusts reach 15 mph at some points in the day.Sunday looks a lot like Saturday with scattered storms, mostly in the afternoon in evening.

COLOMBO (News 1st) – Unit 3 of the Norochcholai power plant, which broke down recently, has been fixed and reconnected back to the National grid, says the Minister of Power and Energy Kanchana Wijesekara.The Minister said that both units are now operating at full capacity.Moreover, he stated that the ongoing long routine overhaul maintenance work on Unit 2 is expected to be completed by mid-October.The Norochcholai power plant recently had its generator 3 break down, leading for only 300MW of 900MW being generated. 

ORANGE COUNTY, Fla. - Orange County Government shared several photos of the many pets and animals that were rescued after Hurricane Ian drenched Central Florida with flooding rains. "Pets are family. Period," the government wrote on Facebook.

COLOMBO (News 1st) – Three people, including a Sri Lankan woman who attempted to sell an infant via social media for 12,000 Dirhams, have been arrested in Dubai.Dubai media revealed that a 35-year-old Indonesian woman attempted to sell her newborn baby boy in need of money.Two associates, including a Sri Lankan woman, have helped her in her efforts to find a buyer.The 45-year-old Sri Lankan woman had posted an advertisement online last February to sell the 2-month-old baby.After receiving information about this incident, the Dubai Police has initiated an investigation to find the suspects.Accordingly, a policewoman contacted the Sri Lankan woman and went under the pretense of attempting to buy the child, and in the process, arrested the three suspects.In the trial held last week, all three were found guilty at the Dubai Courts for human trafficking.Accordingly, one suspect has been sentenced to three years in prison and a fine of four thousand dirhams.Due to their illegal stay at the United Arab Emirates, they have been sentenced to an additional month's imprisonment and a fine of 1,000 dirhams.

COLOMBO (News 1st) – Rating agency Fitch states that the demand for beer may increase in the near future as the affordability for Sri Lankans may decline. The US based credit ratings firm states that consumers may trade down from spirits to strong beer, given beer's lower price point. Moreover, Fitch forecasts that the drop in sales volumes will be moderated in the next 12-18 months, assuming an ease in inflation spikes. Fitch also forecasts mild beer sales to rise on a gradual recovery in tourism.Excise duties from alcoholic-beverage makers made up 11% of government tax revenue in the past year, however with the  imposition of a social security tax of 2.5% on revenue in addition to the increase in Value Added Tax to 15% from 12% may increase the price of alcoholic beverages.

COLOMBO (News 1st) – China is a most sincere and reliable friend of Sri Lanka, notes the Ambassador Qi Zhenhong in a statement released by the Embassy in commemoration of the 73rd anniversary of the founding of the People’s Republic of China.The Ambassador also visited several key Chinese enterprises and projects in Sri Lanka to meet with the local and the Chinese staff to pass wishes for the National Day holiday in China.The full statement of the Chinese Embassy is as follows:On the 73rd anniversary of the founding of the People’s Republic of China, and with the approaching of the 20th National Congress of the Communist Party of China, I would like to wish the country prosperity and progress, our people health and happiness, and best regards to all the Chinese fellow citizens working, studying and living in Sri Lanka! I would also like to extend my heartfelt thanks to our Sri Lankan friends from all walks of life, who have always been following and supporting the development of China and China-Sri Lanka relations!In the past year, the world has gone through tremendous changes. Under the strong leadership of CPC Central Committee with Comrade Xi Jinping as the core, we have overcome adverse effects brought by complexed international challenges，sporadic outbreaks of COVID-19 pandemic and unpredictable earthquakes, floods and droughts, and China’s economy has maintained a stabilized and increasing momentum with much potential to be released.

COLOMBO (News 1st) – Two newly appointed Ambassadors to Sri Lanka handed over their credentials to President Ranil Wickremesinghe at the Presidential Secretariat today (16).Her Excellency Mrs. Bonnie Horbach, the Dutch Ambassador to Sri Lanka and His Excellency Mr.

COLOMBO (News 1st); Administrator for the US Agency for International Development (USAID) Samantha Power, who was in Sri Lanka on a two-day official visit, left the country on Monday (12).According to the BIA, she left Sri Lanka at about 5:30 this morning onboard a Qatar Airways flight.On Saturday, the Administrator traveled to Ja-Ela, a town outside Colombo, and visited rice paddy fields where she sat down with farmers to hear about their experiences coping with fertilizer shortages, inflation, and decreased wages.The Administrator announced $40 million in new USAID development assistance, subject to Congressional approval, to provide fertilizer to approximately one million Sri Lankan farmers.On Sunday (11), Administrator Samantha Power announced an additional $20 million in humanitarian assistance to support Sri Lankans during the complex emergency that has resulted in a severe economic crisis leaving 5.7 million people in urgent need of food, agriculture, livelihood support, protection, and more. The two announcements made in Sri Lanka this weekend brings the total U.S. government assistance to Sri Lanka to nearly $240 million. On top of the USAID total contribution of $92 million, there is also $120 million from the U.S.

COLOMBO (News 1st); The Administrator of the United States Agency for International Development (USAID) Samantha Power says that it is imperative that all of Sri Lanka's creditors, most notably the People's Republic of China, cooperate in the debt restructuring process openly and on comparable terms with each other.She noted that as Sri Lanka seeks to emerge from this economic crisis, the United States – as a creditor and as a member of the Paris Club – stands ready to participate in the restructuring of Sri Lanka's debt."When debt becomes unsustainable, as it so clearly has in Sri Lanka, the stakes of that cooperation can mean the difference between life or death, prosperity or poverty," the Former US Ambassador to the UN said speaking to reporters in Colombo on Sunday (11).She also said that it is important in changing the habits that gave rise to the accumulation of such debt in the first place, not only of restructuring debt."As Sri Lanka's largest export market, I think we uniquely can appreciate the value of all that Sri Lanka has to offer, the value of Sri Lankan industry, the value of apparel, the value of its burgeoning technology sector, its burgeoning renewable efforts in energy.

Newsfirst.lk on Saturday, September 10, 2022 COLOMBO (News 1st); USAID Administrator Samantha Power, who is currently on a two-day visit, said that USD 40 million will be granted to the farmers of Sri Lanka from the people of USA, in order to assist 1 million farmers in Sri Lanka.She said this new funding is expected to help farmers to obtain the agricultural necessities and fertilizer they need in time for the next harvesting season, and will also help to provide for their families and communities.The USAID Administrator is due to 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 by the current crisis.She also met with farmers in Ja-Ela and discussed the hardships which they faced.Pointing out that the USA has a history of working with the Sri Lankan people to spur economic development to support the resilience of Sri Lankans, Administrator Power said that it had become a difficult time for farmers to continue their livelihood. Citing a World Food Program report about food insecurity in Sri Lanka, Administrator Power said that it is a consequence of the economic crisis in the country.She also emphasized that the USA stands by Sri Lankans at this time of vulnerability, and looks foward to meeting more representatives within the two day visit.Administrator Power is also due to 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 visit, the Administrator will highlight the United States’ enduring support for the people of Sri Lanka and discuss issues related to food security, fuel

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