President Chairs All-Party Conference, says it’s not a political charade

FREDERICK, Md. - A Maryland husband’s small gesture has paid off in a big way: The $5 scratch-off ticket he bought to cheer up his wife Robyn Mejia was worth $50,000.The couple told Maryland Lottery they play "maybe once a year," but he brought it home for Mejia when the veteran elementary school teacher was having a rough week.It won the top prize.Robyn Mejia of Frederick celebrates her $50,000 Ca$h to Go! scratch-off win. (Maryland Lottery) They were so shocked, they scanned it at a store "just to be sure it was real," then had a family member come over and scan the ticket again on the lottery app.RELATED: Virginia woman digs $110K winning lottery ticket out of trashNow, the family is $50,000 closer to buying a new house."We have been saving money for a down payment on a house, thinking we would be ready by the end of the year," said the 39-year-old mother of two.

Cheltenham Township Police investigate a drive-by shooting that injured one person. CHELTENHAM TOWNSHIP, Pa. - Cheltenham Township Police are investigating a drive-by shooting that injured one man.Officials say police responded to the shooting on Ogontz Avenue, in Cheltenham Township, Saturday, around 4:45 in the afternoon. A Jeep was in the northbound lane of Ogontz Avenue when male occupants of a dark-colored Ford Taurus began firing at the Jeep, multiple times, hitting a person inside, according to authorities.The wounded person was rushed to Abington Hospital in serious condition, though officials say that person is expected to survive.Cheltenham Township Police found the Taurus a short time later and took three people into custody.

The Easter Vigil in St. Peter's Basilica, the Pope does not preside over the Holy Mass of the night.

report from The Washington Post.In the 52 days since Russia invaded Ukraine, officials there have run more than 8,600 facial recognition searches using software from Clearview AI, a controversial U.S. tech company that's faced scrutiny for filling its database with photos they never got permission to use. To date, Ukraine’s IT Army, a volunteer group of hackers and activists who work with the Ukrainian government, has reportedly used the technology to notify 582 Russian families about soldiers’ deaths.RELATED: Russia steps up scattered strikes on Kyiv, western UkraineUkraine is also using the technology to identify Russian soldiers who are looting civilian homes and storefronts, the Post reports.The country sees it as a "brutal but effective" war tactic, but opponents say the strategy could backfire, fueling more ire in Russia.

ANAHEIM, Calif. - A parkgoer shared a video claiming Kim and Khloe Kardashian rode teacups privately at Disneyland as the crowd waits.According to a report from TMZ, the Kardashians paid VIP access to the rides. The reported celebrity treatment rubbed parkgoers the wrong way as the entire ride was shut down to the public.

With COVID-19 cases remaining ​high, doctors are urging caution as people enjoy Easter holidays in Ontario. Brittany Rosen reports.

Twitter account instead of the latest Covid-19 data.The health agency in Québec, Canada, made the hilarious blunder in front of over 100,000 followers on Thursday (April 14). It took over half an hour to remove the X-rated link which reportedly took Twitter users to a video titled 'Femdom (female domination) foot worship'.Santé Québec later apologised and tweeted: "Due to a situation beyond our control, a link with inappropriate content was posted on our Twitter account. We are looking for the causes.

Warrington Police seek these two women in connection with a retail theft of perfume at Ulta Beauty.

Dewey Beach, DE fire Facebook @MiltonFire85, Bill Henry Buckaloo (Facebook @MiltonFire85, Bill Henry Buckaloo)DEWEY BEACH, Del. - Three beach houses in Delaware are destroyed after an overnight fire.Dewey Beach, DE fire Facebook @MiltonFire85, Bill Henry Buckaloo (Facebook @MiltonFire85, Bill Henry Buckaloo)Firefighters were called to the 1900 block of Bayard Avenue, in Dewey Beach, just after 3 a.m. Saturday.Photos shared by the Milton Fire Department showed the intense fire tear through several homes.Fire officials estimate the damage at more than $1 million.Dewey Beach, DE fire Facebook @MiltonFire85, Bill Henry Buckaloo (Facebook @MiltonFire85, Bill Henry Buckaloo)There were no reported injuries.Deputy state fire marshals are investigating a cause.

COLUMBIA, S.C. (AP) - A shooting at a shopping mall in South Carolina’s capital has left multiple people injured, police said.Columbia police said the shooting occurred Saturday afternoon at Columbiana Centre."We have confirmed that people have been injured during the incident — they are receiving medical attention," police tweeted.

Connerjack Oswalt (National Center for Missing and Exploited Children) SUMMIT COUNTY, Utah - A 19-year-old man with autism found cold and sleeping in a Utah gas station parking lot has been reunited with his family almost three years after disappearing from California.Connerjack Oswalt was 17 when he left his family’s Clearlake, California home in September 2019. His parents had searched for him for years, handing out fliers, scanning social media and even moving back to Idaho Falls, Idaho, where he was born, in case that’s where he ended up."I never stopped looking for him," Oswalt’s mother Suzanne Flint told the Associated Press.

SALT LAKE CITY (AP) - Matthew Butler spent 27 years in the Army, but it took a day in jail to convince him his post-traumatic stress disorder was out of control.The recently retired Green Beret had already tried antidepressants, therapy and a support dog. But his arrest for punching a hole in his father's wall after his family tried to stage an intervention in Utah made it clear none of it was working."I had a nice house, I had a great job, whatever, but I was unable to sleep, had frequent nightmares, crippling anxiety, avoiding crowds," he said.

COVID-19 pandemic continues to wreak havoc on hospital staffing levels.The health authorities in Montreal and the surrounding Monteregie and Laval areas have all posted messages on their social media accounts asking people to consult a pharmacist or call the province’s 811 health hotline for minor health problems instead of heading to a hospital.Quebec’s health minister has said hospitals are grappling with the dual challenges of COVID-19 and influenza at a time when some 13,000 health workers are off the job for reasons related to the virus.On Friday, the Outaouais health authority in Western Quebec announced it was suspending hospital visits until further notice, while the Abitibi-Temiscamingue and Chaudiere-Appalaches regions have recently announced early closures or service reduction at one or more of their facilities.Meanwhile, health authorities in several regions have posted messages urging people to be careful during Easter gatherings, especially if they will be around vulnerable people.They’re asking people to keep gatherings small, open windows for ventilation and to stay home if they feel they have symptoms of COVID-19 such as fatigue or a scratchy throat.

Mildreth Santamaria Tirado, 40, has been charged with Theft by Deception after attempting to scam an 80-year-old NJ man out of $15,000.  HAMILTON, N.J. - A woman in New York has been charged after attempting to scam a New Jersey man out of $15,000, police say. According to authorities, on April 15, an 80-year-old Hamilton resident said he received a phone call from a man claiming to work for the FBI. Police say the person on the phone told the 80-year-old that his daughter was in FBI custody for possession of 100 pounds of marijuana and that 10% of $200,000 would be needed to secure her release. The 80-year-old called the fake FBI employee back after securing $115,000 and the person stated that someone would come to pick the money up, according to police. Officials with the Hamilton Police Department say the 80-year-old victim was then able to reach his daughter to learn she was not in FBI custody and then he called police. Officers with the Hamilton Police Anti-Crime Unit located 40-year-old Mildreth Santamaria-Tirado of Corona, New York as she was speaking to the 80-year-old victim on the porch of his home attempting to pick up the $15,000, authorities say. Santamaria-Tirado was charged with Theft by Deception and released from police custody pending trial. ___MORE LOCAL HEADLINES___DOWNLOAD: FOX 29 NEWS APP | FOX 29 WEATHER AUTHORITY APPSUBSCRIBE: Good Day Digest Newsletter | FOX 29 Philly on YouTubeAdvertisementFOLLOW: Facebook | Instagram | Twitter

John V. Kreiser of Hamilton, New Jersey, has been charged for allegedly exposing himself to a teenager.  HAMILTON, N.J. - A Hamilton, New Jersey, man is facing charges after allegedly exposing himself to a 17-year-old. According to the Hamilton Police Department, a 17-year-old reported that a man, who was later identified as John V.

Russian forces resumed scattered attacks on Kyiv, western Ukraine and beyond Saturday in an explosive reminder to Ukrainians and their Western supporters that the whole country remains under threat despite Russia’s pivot toward mounting a new offensive in the east.

PHILADELPHIA - At least 10 people have been shot Friday and Saturday during a violent stretch of days across Philadelphia. This comes after five people were killed and more than a dozen were injured in shootings across the city since Thursday. According to police, a 17-year-old was shot once in the left foot on Friday night around 9:50 p.m. near 33rd and Allegheny Avenue.

For moderate Covid-19 pneumonia patients, a low dose pulmonary radiotherapy to the treatment of patients as per institutional protocol may turn helpful in stopping the progression of the disease to severe stage, a Patna’s All India Institute of Medical Sciences (AIIMS) study revealed. 

First Dates barman Merlin Griffiths has gushed over the NHS as he thanked them for saving his life as he shared a concerning selfie from his hospital bed. The 46-year-old connoisseur appeared to be physically drained as he shared the recovery snap on Twitter to update his loyal legion of fans about his ongoing cancer treatment.He confessed to his 44,000 followers on the social media platform that he was suffering from a few “aches and pains” but revealed he had “no tumour” online.

city's infection tally has increased to 18,68,033. The death toll stands at 26,160.

NEW DELHI :

COLOMBO (News 1st); Sri Lanka Podujana Peramuna Parliamentarian was confronted by angry locals when he was visiting Urubokka, a small town in the southern part of Sri Lanka.The MP was jeered off by the locals following a brief exchange of words. 

Smoke is seen rising over Darnytskyi District of Kyiv, Ukraine on April 16, 2022. (Photo by Metin Aktas/Anadolu Agency via Getty Images) KYIV, Ukraine (AP) - Russian forces resumed scattered attacks on Kyiv, western Ukraine and beyond Saturday in an explosive reminder to Ukrainians and their Western supporters that the whole country remains under threat despite Russia’s pivot toward mounting a new offensive in the east.Stung by the loss of its Black Sea flagship and indignant over what it alleged were Ukrainian strikes on Russian territory, Russia's military command had warned a day earlier of renewed attacks on Ukraine's capital and said it was targeting military sites.Associated Press reporters documented civilian deaths in strikes this week on the eastern city of Kharkiv, and each day brings new discoveries of civilian victims in a war that has shattered European security.

Chicago Bulls guard/forward Demar Derozan (11) and Milwaukee Bucks forward Giannis Antetokounmpo (34) embrace after a Bucks win at the United Center in Chicago on Friday, March 4, 2022. (Chris Sweda/Chicago Tribune/Tribune News Service via Getty Imag Zach LaVine has an Olympic gold medal.

Every dog must have its day, and for Brady the pup, that day came on Wednesday. As Nicole Stillger explains, he helped save his owner after she took a big fall.

WHO official asserted, In order to protect our future, we must deal with the present. If we fail now to vaccinate everyone, if we fail to continue diagnosing, if we fail to find the people who can benefit from the treatment, then we will fail in the future.

COLOMBO (News 1st); President Gotabaya Rajapaksa has issued an extraordinary gazette declaring that no person shall be on any public road, railway, public park, public recreation ground or other public ground or the seashore in such areas, during the period of the curfew.

COLOMBO (News 1st); Sri Lankan President Gotabaya Rajapaksa has declared a Public Emergency in Sri Lanka with effect from the 1st of April 2022.

COLOMBO (News 1st); Sri Lanka’s Tourism Minister Prasanna Ranatunga said that President Gotabaya Rajapaksa used minimum force to disperse the protest that took place at Pengiriwatte Road, Mirihana on Thursday (31) night.He said the protestors caused serious damage to public and private property, until the early hours of Friday (1).The Minister said that after the President ordered the use of minimum force the crowds dispersed within half an hour., adding that the President was very patient on the matter.Sri Lanka Police fired tear gas and water cannons to control the protests that took place on the road leading to the President’s Mirihana residence on Thursday (31) night, where people voiced their anger over a mismanaged economy.The people of Sri Lanka have a right to protest, said Tourism Minister Prasanna Ranatunga on Friday (1) adding that the right is to protest for the betterment of the country not to lead the country into a state of anarchy.There are some things that are beyond the government’s control, and incidents that were witnessed on Thursday (31) would lead to a state of anarchy, he said.

COLOMBO (News 1st); Sri Lankan Government Ministers have referred to those who incited violence during the Mirihana Protests as political extremists and not religious extremists.Ministers Prasanna Ranatunga, Dilum Amunugama, and Keheliya Rambukwella spoke to the media on Friday (1) to respond to concerns over the public protest that was held opposite the Mirihana residence of President Gotabaya Rajapaksa on Thursday (31).The President’s Media Division announced on Friday (1) that an organized group of extremists were among those who were protesting at Jubilee Post, Nugegoda.The statement noted that the group acted in an unruly manner, and noted that this group armed with iron clubs, machetes, and sticks, had provoked the protesters and marched towards the President’s residence in Pengiriwatte, Mirihana.The President’s Media Division in a statement noted that most of those who acted in a violent manner were arrested, and it was identified that a majority of them were an organized group of extremists.They have spearheaded the campaign calling for an Arab Spring in Sri Lanka, it added.The President’s Media Division also said that those who were arrested revealed that this unruly situation was created with the intention of enraging the public via planned anonymous social media gatherings.Referring to the word ‘Extremist’, Minister Prasanna Ranatunga said that the Government had not referred to religious extremists.Sri Lankan Health Minister of Health Keheliya Rambukwella also echoed the same clarification noting that the Government referred to political extremists and not religious extremists.However, Minister of Transport Dilum Amunugama also said that the word “Extremist’ may have been wrongly used and said, instead, that

COLOMBO (News 1st); Sri Lanka lifted a police curfew imposed on multiple police sectors in the Capital City of Colombo at 5 AM on Friday (1)Authorities were compelled to impose a curfew after tensions were witnessed on Thursday (31) night during protests against a mismanaged economy and rising cost of living.Scuffles broke out between protestors and security forces on Thursday (31) night when a peaceful protest proceeded towards Sri Lankan President Gotabaya Rajapaksa’s residence on the outskirts of the city, in Mirihana.Heavy police presence was witnessed in the area at first, and thereafter the Riot Police, Police Special Task Force, Sri Lanka Army, and Sri Lanka Navy personnel were called in to control the situation and prevent the protestors from proceeding towards the President’s house.It is still unclear if the President was at home at the time of the protest.The people involved in the protest were from all corners of Colombo, and expressed anger over the government’s handling of the economy.The country has been plagued by a shortage of reserves that led to a shortage of essentials such as Kerosene, Diesel, Petrol, Gas, and even medicines.While the protest was taking place the supply of electricity for the entire Mirihana area was shut down, the first time since the power cuts came into effect, as Sri Lanka also struggles to import fuel to keep its power plant running.Further, internet connectivity in some areas also was disrupted, for reasons unknown.Another protest took place in Kelaniya as the road between Kelaniya and Dalugama was obstructed by protestors who burn tires and chanted slogans for the government to resign over their mishandling of the country’s economy.

COLOMBO (News 1st); The Human Rights Commission of Sri Lanka says that those arrested for protesting in Nugegoda CANNOT be charged under the PTA.54 persons who were engaged in the protest on Thursday (31) night at Mirihana, Nugegoda have been arrested by Sri Lanka Police. Police stated that a woman was among them.Two Police & army buses, a jeep, a three-wheeler, and two motorcycles were damaged, during the protest. Police said that five officers were injured in the protest.

COLOMBO (News 1st); The Human Rights Commission of Sri Lanka says that those arrested for protesting in Nugegoda CANNOT be charged under the PTA.54 persons who were engaged in the protest on Thursday (31) night at Mirihana, Nugegoda have been arrested by Sri Lanka Police. Police stated that a woman was among them.Two Police & army buses, a jeep, a three-wheeler, and two motorcycles were damaged, during the protest. Police said that five officers were injured in the protest.

COLOMBO (News 1st); Sri Lanka has imposed a police curfew on multiple police sectors in the Capital City of Colombo until further notice.These areas are:COLOMBO CENTRAL DIVISIONPettah / Keselwatta / Dam Street / Wolfendhal Street / Fort / Slave Island / Maradana / MaligawattaCOLOMBO NORTH DIVISIONColombo Harbour / Fore shore / Modara / Kotahena / Mattakkuliya / Bloemendhal / Grandpass / Dematagoda / Mihijaya sewanaCOLOMBO SOUTH DIVISIONColpetty / Bambalapitiya / Kirulapone / Wellawatta / Narahenpita / BMICH / Borella / Cinnamon GardenNUGEGODA DIVISIONMirihana / Maharagama / Boralesgamuwa / Wellampitiya / Thalangama / Welikada / Nawagamuwa / Mulleriyawa / Homagama / Kottawa / Athurugiriya / Padukka / Hanwella / Gothatuwa / Meepe / Kaduwela / MalabeMOUNT LAVINIA DIVISIONMount Lavinia / Piliyandala / Angulana / Dehiwala / Kohuwala / Moratuwa / Kahathuduwa / Moratumulla / Egoda Uyana / KesbewaKELANIYA DIVISIONKelaniya / Kandana / Wattala/ Mahabage / Sapugaskanda / Biyagama / Meegahawatta / Ja – Ela / Ragama / Kiribathgoda / Kadawatha / EnderamullaAuthorities were compelled to impose a curfew after ugly scenes were witnessed on Thursday (31) night during protests against a mismanaged economy and rising cost of living.Scuffles broke out between protestors and security forces on Thursday (31) night when a peaceful protest proceeded towards the Sri Lankan President Gotabaya Rajapaksa’s residence on the outskirts of the city, in Mirihana.Heavy police presence was witnessed in the area at first, and thereafter the Riot Police, Police Special Task Force, Sri Lanka Army, and Sri Lanka Navy personnel were called in to control the situation and prevent the protestors from proceeding towards the President’s house.It is still unclear if

COLOMBO (News 1st); Sri Lankan President Gotabaya Rajapaksa said the loss of tourism and remittances from expatriate workers, alongside the cost of healthcare programs, and provisions of welfare for those whose lives were affected by the pandemic have combined with rising global inflation, and our historic debt servicing obligation created a challenging situation for Sri Lanka today.President Rajapaksa speaking at the fifth Bay of Bengal Initiative for Multi-Sectoral Technical and Economic Cooperation (BIMSTEC) Summit in Colombo noted “However, I am confident, together with the remarkable strength and resilience of the people, tried and tested over time, and the cooperation of regional and international partners, Sri Lanka will prevail over these difficulties and engineer rapid economic recovery.”He appreciated the support of several BIMSTEC states in the aforementioned endeavor.“Enhanced cooperation between member states will be necessary not only for economic recovery but also for greater economic prosperity, better public health, and improved regional resilience in the long-term,” said the President noting he is confident of achieving these aspirations.“The signing of the BIMCTEC charter will be a significant step towards increasing the organization’s role, not just within the region, but also as a driving force in global affairs,” he noted.He said that the Bay of Bengal Region is increasingly important for global connectivity and trade, adding that the international shipping lines that navigate through these waters help keep the engines of the global economy running.President Rajapaksa said it is essential for nations to work together to ensure that the threats to these waters and regional states are curtailed.“Such

COLOMBO (News 1st); Sri Lanka is hosting the fifth Bay of Bengal Initiative for Multi-Sectoral Technical and Economic Cooperation (BIMSTEC) Summit in Colombo.The BIMSTEC Summit is underway in Colombo, with the participation of seven-member nations.The Sri Lankan Foreign Ministry said on Sunday (27) that the event will be held in hybrid mode and that Foreign Ministers and senior officials of Bangladesh, Bhutan, India, Nepal, and Thailand arrived in Sri Lanka over the weekend.On March 30, President Gotabaya Rajapaksa will chair the BIMSTEC Summit. Leaders of Bangladesh, Bhutan, India, Nepal, and Thailand will participate virtually, the Foreign Ministry said.

COLOMBO (News 1st); US Ambassador to Sri Lanka Julie J.

COLOMBO (News 1st); Indian External Affairs Minister Dr. Subrahmanyam Jaishankar called on President Gotabaya Rajapaksa on Monday (28) morning.During the meeting, President Rajapaksa had thanked India for the US $ 1 Bn Credit Line to Sri Lanka for the procurement of food, medicine, and other essentials.Dr.

COLOMBO (News 1st): The Sri Lanka Podujana Peramuna stressed that it has no intention to appoint UNP Leader Ranil Wickremesinghe as the country’s next Prime Minister.Ports and Shipping Minister Rohitha Abeygunawardena told reporters on Monday (28) that no one in the SLPP is insane to appoint such a person as the Prime Minister of Sri Lanka.“He comes from Sri Lanka’s oldest political party and that party eventually came to be known as the political party that could not even win a single seat in Parliament,” said Abeygunawardena.SLPP General-Secretary Attorney-at-Law Sagara Kariyawasam told reporters that there is no requirement to seek a person for the post of Prime Minister when the most suitable person is holding that position.

COLOMBO (News 1st); The Bay of Bengal Multi-Sectoral Technical and Economic Cooperation or BIMSTEC — the regional organisation exclusive to the Bay, will open in Colombo on Monday (28).The Ministry of External Affairs noted that the conference will be held until the 30th of March 2022.President Gotabaya Rajapaksa will preside over the BIMSTEC Summit on 30th of March 2022.Senior officials and Foreign Ministers from Bangladesh, Bhutan, India, Nepal, and Thailand are expected to attend the BIMSTEC Senior Officials Meeting and Cabinet Meeting to be held on Monday (28) and Tuesday (29).Meanwhile, Indian External Affairs Minister Dr. S.

COLOMBO (News 1st); The Government has decided to hold a debate on the International Monetary Fund report on recovering Sri Lanka’s debt sustainaibility.Chief Government Whip Johnston Fernando stated that the Parliament had decided to hold the debate within the first week of April.Representatives of several parties, including UNP leader Ranil Wickremesinghe, called on the Government to hold a Parliamentary debate on the report.

COLOMBO (News 1st); President Gotabaya Rajapaksa has invited the Tamil National Alliance to work with him and the government.“Politically you can take any stand, but for the people, we must work together. I am ready for that.

COLOMBO (News 1st); Sri Lanka’s Finance Minister Basil Rajapaksa and Former Prime Minister Ranil Wickremesinghe exchanged words at the All-Party Conference chaired by the President on Wednesday (23).The argument broke out when the Former Prime Minister demanded the draft report of the International Monetary Fund to be furnished to Parliament.“I cannot give you the draft,” said the Finance Minister.Wickremesinghe said repeated requests for the IMF report on Sri Lanka were turned down by the Government, adding that this was the reason for many political parties to boycott the All-Party Conference.Finance Minister Basil Rajapaksa said that Sri Lanka has not received the full report from the IMF, to which the Former Prime Minister responded that he was informed that the report in its entirety was submitted to the government of Sri Lanka.Rajapaksa said that what Sri Lanka received was a draft, and the government would add its comments to it and the final report will only be released following IMF board approval.

COLOMBO (News 1st); The All-Party Conference convened by President Gotabaya Rajapaksa will be held in Colombo at 10 a.m on Wednesday (23).This All-Party Conference was convened on a proposal made by the Sri Lanka Freedom Party.However, several parties currently represented in Parliament have decided NOT to attend the All Party Conference.The parties that will boycott the APC are;

COLOMBO (News 1st); The Advisory Committee appointed to assist the National Economic Council had submitted 5 proposals to the NEC.The Advisory Committee met President Gotabaya Rajapaksa for the first time on Monday (21), and made the submissions.The five proposals are as follows:1. Immediately appoint a Technical Committee with Central Bank, and Treasury representation to propose on International Financial facilities.2.

COLOMBO (News 1st); The President’s Office said on Thursday (17) that there was no truth to the reports that claim that President Gotabaya Rajapaksa had asked CBSL Governor Ajith Nivard Cabraal to resign.It stated that a local newspaper report claiming that the IMF delegation had laid down such a condition is a total canard.The IMF did not discuss officials and the talks covered only the monetary issues, said the President’s Media Division.It went on to note that the President and the Government have the fullest confidence in the CBSL Governor and there is no reason whatsoever to seek his resignation.

COLOMBO (News 1st); Sri Lanka has started discussions with international monetary agencies and other friendly nations on its debt servicing obligations, said President Gotabaya Rajapaksa on Wednesday (16), in a televised address to the nation.“We need to clear the deficit and increase our foreign reserves,” said the President, adding that the government is in talks with various factions to implement necessary processes that would not be detrimental to Sri Lanka.‘We held talks with the International Monetary Fund yesterday (15). We hope to secure a process that would see us service our annual debt installments and sovereign bonds,” said the President adding that it was decided to further work with the IMF after studying the pros and cons of the proposed process.President Gotabaya Rajapaksa said that certain decisions made by him in the past attributed to the control of import expenses, and that is why vehicle imports were suspended two years ago, and local industries were encouraged to boost production.The President said the main issue faced when controlling import expenses is the rapidly rising petroleum prices in the world market.“Over 20% of our import expenses are spent on petroleum products.

COLOMBO (News 1st); Sri Lankan Opposition Leader Sajith Premadasa leading a protest opposite the President’s Office in Colombo on Tuesday (15) said that the government that promised relief, has only brought about the burden to the people.Sajith Premadasa was clear in his message to the government “Go home or allow the people to decide at a Presidential Election.”“The government led by President Gotabaya Rajapaksa, and Prime Minister Mahinda Rajapaksa must leave if they cannot do what they were elected to do, and let us carry on with governance,” he told the protestors.“We cannot bear this suffering anymore,” Premadasa told a gathering of thousands of protestors in Colombo, adding that the Rajapaksa Government, the Rajapaksa Family are responsible for the suffering and the time is now to send them home.“We are here to tell the government that ruined this country, to go home,” he said.Heavy security was experienced around the President’s Office when the protest was taking place, with protestors also making attempts to break through the police cordon to make their way into the premises.He said the Samagi Jana Balavegaya led government will bring back the Sri Lankan identity that was lost as a result of the actions of the present government.Opposition Leader Sajith Premadasa told the protestors that it is time to be prepared to save the country from the brink of destruction.“Thousands have come here with no fear of bullets, tear gas, bombs, water cannons, and even baton charges,” he said in a message aimed at the government.Commenting on the fuel crisis, Premadasa said that three middle-eastern governments have promised to supply fuel for two years with no up-front payment to a Samagi Jana Balavegaya led government.He said