President inspects renovations of 400 year old Ehelepola Walawwa

Prime Minister Justin Trudeau on Wednesday during question period blasted the Conservatives for their support of the trucker protests in Ottawa and at Canada-U.S. border crossings in Coutts, Alta.

A Victoria-based marine data company says it’s recorded what it calls the most extreme rogue wave ever recorded, off the coast of Ucluelet. Kylie Stanton has the details, and whether the wave posed a danger to the coastline.

“Freedom Convoy” protest movement against COVID-19 vaccine mandates that has paralyzed the Canadian capital and spilled over to key Canada-U.S. border crossings has gained global momentum, with similar demonstrations popping up in other parts of the world.Since Jan.

Despite concerns remaining high for Canada’s hospitals, more provinces are set to lift public health restrictions yet again, in a bid for Canadians to start living with COVID-19.

With the occupying protests in Ottawa gaining international support, similar movements hoping to protest COVID-19 mandates are underway in other countries, especially the United States.

rogue wave ever recorded has been measured off the coast of Vancouver Island, near Ucluelet, B.C.The wave, measuring 17.6 metres – which is as high as a four-storey building – was recorded in November 2020 by Victoria, B.C.-based MarineLabs Data Systems.It is the subject of a scientific report by Dr. Johannes Gemmrich and Leah Cicon, from the University of Victoria, and published last week in the journal, Scientific Reports.Rogue waves are waves with more than double the height of the waves currently happening around them. According to MarineLabs, they can also be known as “freak” or “killer waves” as they can occur unexpectedly, and, because they are so huge, can be very dangerous.

Consumer Matters.The fraudster instructed Rice to withdraw $8,900  in cash and to tell bank staff the funds were needed for renovations.Rice said a staff member at the CIBC where she has been banking since the 1970’s suggested a bank draft, but Rice said the con artist had convinced her cash was the only option.She had a $1,000  limit at the ATM but bank staff eventually raised her limit so she could withdraw the funds, Rice explained.“I really didn’t know how to withdraw from the ATM machine and she did it for me,” said Rice. WestJet Vacations customer endures long battle getting refund after COVID cancellation The fraudster eventually arrived at Rice’s door where he took off with thousands of dollars of Rice’s money.“I feel so bad being taken by these people,” she said.Rice’s daughter, Jo, says the bank should have asked her mom more questions.

U.S. Department of the Treasury Internal Revenue Service (IRS) 1040 Individual Income Tax forms.

The Amazing Race finally returned to CBS last month after being off the air for more than two years and this season is unlike any other.

Sean O’Shea updates the protest at the Ambassador Bridge in Windsor, Ontario that has such down one of North America’s largest border crossings.

The Department for Work and Pensions (DWP) has announced significant changes to its guidance for health professionals carrying out Personal Independence Payment (PIP) assessments across the UK.

COLOMBO (News 1st); Sri Lanka has recorded a 35% spike in COVID-19 cases compared to the first week of February 2022.Dr. Anwar Hamdani, attached to the Ministry of Health speaking to News 1st said that COVID-19 fatalities have also spiked by 15 %.He urged the general public to immediately obtain the booster dose against COVID-19 if they are yet to do so.He further noted that a mobile vaccination drive is in effect to vaccinate some 1.1 million Sri Lankans who remain unvaccinated.

Never miss a story! Stay connected and informed with Mint. Download our App Now!!

A bus driver suffered injuries on Wednesday after being shot in Minneapolis. MINNEAPOLIS (FOX 9) - A school bus driver was rushed to the hospital on Wednesday after being shot in the head in Minneapolis.Police responded around 2:15 p.m.

DEVON, Pa. - Some national retailers say don’t expect grocery prices to come down anytime soon and they may even climb in coming weeks."$90 for nothing. Just fruits and vegetables and a box of coffee. Like three or four bags.

Never miss a story! Stay connected and informed with Mint. Download our App Now!!

Never miss a story! Stay connected and informed with Mint. Download our App Now!!

HOUSTON - A woman is on the run after being charged with murder for luring a man to his ambush death at the hands of machete-wielding MS-13 gang members.Authorities are now asking for the public's help in finding Karla Jackelin Morales. Harris County District Attorney Kim Ogg announced on Wednesday that a reward is being offered for information that leads to her capture.CLICK HERE FOR MORE ON CRIME & PUBLIC SAFETY"She helped plan and plot this vicious execution, and somebody out there knows where she is hiding," Ogg said.

Police in Philadelphia's Mantua neighborhood investigate after a 19-year-old male was shot multiple times and killed inside a store. MANTUA - Philadelphia Police are investigating a shooting homicide inside a Mantua business that killed a 19-year-old male.The shooting happened on the 3700 block of Wallace Street Wednesday, a little after 9 p.m., inside a corner store.Officials say responding officers found the teen suffering from multiple gunshot wounds when they arrived.MORE HEADLINES:Medics pronounced the teen dead at the scene.Police say no weapon has been found and no arrests have been made.___Tips can be submitted by calling 215-686-TIPS (8477) or texting PPD TIP (773847).

COLOMBO (News 1st); Sri Lanka’s Department of Prisons is considering the option of introducing house arrest for those imprisoned for minor offenses.The option is being considered as a measure to minimize congestion across Sri Lankan prisons, and it will be implemented as a five-year program.The Department of Prisons said the House Arrest program will be introduced in Sri Lanka similar to those used overseas, as an alternative to imprisoning people convicted of minor offenses.It added that this program will not only reduce the number of those convicted for minor offenses serving their sentences in prison and reduce congestion, but it will also cut down state expenditure.In addition, the Department of Prisons also hopes to introduce the House Arrest program for those who fail to pay their fines and allow them to be employed in order to pay the said fine and be released from House Arrest.House Arrest:This is given to some offenders as an alternative to jail time or prison sentencing.When ordered to stay under house arrest, the individual must stay confined to their house and wear an electronic monitoring device (currently used overseas) to ensure they are sticking to the terms of confinement.

COLOMBO (News 1st); Attorney-at-Law Hejaaz Hizbullah on Wednesday (9) walked out of the Puttlam High Court without handcuffs after he was held for nearly two years in detention.Hejaaz Hizbullah was released on a cash bail of Rs. 100,000/- and two surety bails of Rs.

Photo of Olivia Grant during a ride along with the Denver Police Department in 2017. DENVER - A Colorado mother who fatally abused her 7-year-old daughter and lied about her health to get handouts from charities worth at least $100,000 was sentenced to 16 years in prison as part of a plea deal that threw out murder charges.Judge Patricia Herron issued the sentence Wednesday after Kelly Turner pled guilty last month to child abuse resulting in the 2017 death of the girl, Olivia Gant, and to charitable fraud and theft.Previous charges of first-degree murder, attempt to influence a public servant and forgery were dropped as part of an agreement with prosecutors.Turner said nothing during her virtual sentencing hearing but wiped away tears as prosecutors played a video made by Olivia’s grandfather Lonnie Gautreau of Olivia laughing and smiling, baking a cake, dancing in a princess costume, playing doctor with her dolls and singing songs."This truth about Olivia has caused such a deep pain that it continues to ravage me every day," said a statement from Gautreau that was read at the hearing by a prosecutor.

PHILADELPHIA - Authorities gathered outside a home in West Philadelphia on Wednesday night after police said a recently evicted tenant locked himself inside with two young children.Officers from the Philadelphia Police Department were called to a home on the 5500 block of West Girard Avenue just before 8 p.m.According to police, a 36-year-old man who was recently evicted from the property changed all the locks and violated a Protection From Abuse order. The suspect, who has not been named, locked himself inside the home with a 2-year-old and 3-year-old. After more than two hours inside the home, police said the suspect surrendered peacefully and no injuries were reported.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

While some are questioning the timing of Alberta lifting the restrictions exemption program, others like bar and restaurant owners say it will help their bottom line and reduce the pressure on their staff to enforce the vaccine passport. Dan Grummett explains.

Joe Rogan is speaking out about all the controversies he’s recently been making headlines for…

according to the website. "The education benefit package is available to all team members on the first day of their employment. It will allow employees at all levels to pursue their personal and professional dreams," the website said.The resort will also cover any additional fees and textbook costs. "Our goal at Dollywood Parks and Resorts is to provide the best possible experience for both our guests and our hosts," Eugene Naughton, president of The Dollywood Company, said in a news release.

Canadian police have threatened to arrest trucker-led protesters who have shut down central Ottawa and disrupted cross-border trade in anger at Covid health rules, as Prime Minister Justin Trudeau lambasted the movement as "unacceptable."

Never miss a story! Stay connected and informed with Mint. Download our App Now!!

Alberta students will not have to wear masks in schools come Monday — and parents are split on their feelings about the changes. Breanna Karstens-Smith reports.

During Tuesday’s session of question period, NDP Leader Jagmeet Singh asked Prime Minister Justin Trudeau what concrete steps the government has taken to help people grapple with the Coutts, Alta. trucker convoy and Ottawa anti-mandate protests.

Alberta’s Restrictions Exemption Program is no more and soon, other COVID-19 health restrictions will also be lifted. Alberta Premier Jason Kenney joined Gord Steinke to talk about the timing and where the province goes from here.

Edmonton city council is weighing its options when it comes to introducing its own COVID-19 health measures. Councillors voted in favour Wednesday of exploring a municipal proof of vaccination program. Kim Smith explains.

The City of Calgary will not be implementing its own COVID-19 vaccine passport program — at least for now — after a city committee voted against exploring the idea on Wednesday. Adam MacVicar reports.

It was designed to curb spiking COVID-19 case rates and to encourage vaccination, but Alberta Premier Jason Kenney says the passport program has done its job. Some businesses are applauding the move while others say it’s far too premature to eliminate the provincial restrictions exemption program.

INGLEWOOD, CALIFORNIA - FEBRUARY 09: NFL Commissioner Roger Goodell addresses the media on February 09, 2022 at the NFL Network's Champions Field at the NFL Media Building on the SoFi Stadium campus in Inglewood, California. (Photo by Rob Carr/Getty INGLEWOOD, Calif. - Under a baking California sun, Roger Goodell knew the heat was coming.At his annual Super Bowl news conference, the NFL commissioner was grilled on two hot topics that have put the league under heavy scrutiny: racism and discrimination in hiring.

Snoop Dogg of hip-hop supergroup Mt. Westmore performs at Rupp Arena on November 20, 2021 in Lexington, Kentucky. (Photo by Stephen J. Cohen/Getty Images)LOS ANGELES (AP) - Snoop Dogg has taken over a popular record label that launched his stellar career.The rapper-mogul acquired Death Row Records’ brand from MNRK Music Group, which is controlled by a private equity fund managed by Blackstone, the i nvestment firm announced Wednesday.

BUCKINGHAM TOWNSHIP, Pa. - A Central Bucks West High School choir director has been charged with hiding cameras inside a bedroom in his home in order to record a former student as the student undressed.Joseph Ohrt, a Buckingham Township resident, faces one count of interception, disclosure or use of a wire, electronic or oral communications and four counts of possession, sale, distribution, manufacture or advertisement of electronic, mechanical or other devices and telecommunication identification interception devises, all felonies in the third degree.An investigation began May of 2021 by Central Bucks Regional Police Department and the Bucks County District Attorney’s Office after receiving a Childine tip of an alleged sexual assault of a former student by Ohrt.MORE HEADLINES:The victim, a 2016 graduate of Central Bucks West, was a member of the choir. He stated that in his junior year, Ohrt mentored him in music composition.

COLOMBO (News 1st); President Gotabaya Rajapaksa says it is the fundamental duty of young officers to develop their skills and move forward in their careers.The President made these remarks addressing the Commissioning Parade of the Sri Lanka Air Force held at the Sri Lanka Air force Base – Katunayake, on Saturday (29).“You must work hard to continuously improve your knowledge, further develop your skills, and learn from the lessons imparted through your experience,” the President said.The President commended the Air Force for over 70 years of service to the motherland and for its service to the nation building as well as national security.

COLOMBO (News 1st); Mevlüt Çavuşoğlu, the Minister of Foreign Affairs of the Republic of Türkiye has told President Gotabaya Rajapaksa that his government is keen on further promoting trade between the two nations.He made this observation when he met with President Rajapaksa on Friday (28), during his official visit to the island nation.The Turking Foreign Minister noted that the Turkish market is wide open for a plethora of Sri Lankan products through market diversification.Mevlüt Çavuşoğlu had once again extended an invitation to President Rajapaksa to visit Turkey, said the President’s Media Division.

COLOMBO (News 1st): The renovated ‘Sirimathipaya,’ the Prime Minister’s Office at Flower Road, Colombo, was declared open by President Gotabaya Rajapaksa and Prime Minister Mahinda Rajapaksa on Thursday (20).President Rajapaksa inspected the photographs displayed in the renovated office and inspected the office premises as well.A first day cover and a commemorative postage stamp was also released marking the inauguration of the duties of the new office under the aegis of the President.The Sri Lanka Navy renovated the building under the supervision of former Secretary to the Prime Minister Gamini Senarath as per the vision of Prime Minister Mahinda Rajapaksa.This two-storeyed mansion was built by Albert Emmanuel de Silva in 1916 for his son Sir Albert Ernest de Silva.The mansion was handed over to the State by family members in 1960 following the demise of Sir Ernest de Silva.The Ministry of Education and Broadcasting, and the Ministry of Local Government, Housing and Construction were then established in Sirimathipaya.In 1978, the then Prime Minister Ranasinghe Premadasa established the Prime Minister’s Office in Sirimathipaya.Sirimathipaya, which is more than a hundred years old, has undergone a complete overhaul after 44 years.A book consisting of the history and photographs of Sirimathipaya was presented to the President by the President’s Secretary Gamini Senarath.

COLOMBO (News 1st); The United Nations commended Sri Lanka’s green agriculture programme at a meeting held between UN Assistant Secretary-General Kanni Wignaraja and President Gotabaya Rajapaksa at the Presidential Secretariat on Tuesday (04).Wignaraja serves as the United Nations Development Programme’s (UNDP) Assistant Administrator and Director of the Regional Bureau for Asia and the Pacific.Wignaraja said Sri Lanka was ranked 87th out of 165 countries in the 2021 Sustainable Development Report, moving seven points ahead from the previous year’s ranking. The possibility of attracting foreign investors to the green agriculture programme by further developing these conditions was also discussed.The President pointed out the steps being taken by Sri Lanka to achieve the Sustainable Development Goals while seeking solutions to the socio-economic impacts caused by the Covid-19 pandemic.The President said that a comprehensive mechanism has been set up for this purpose, including the Presidential Task Force on Economic Revival and Poverty Alleviation and the Presidential Task Force on Creating a Green Sri Lanka and Sustainable Solutions to climate change.UNDP Resident Representative Robert Juhkam, Deputy Resident Representative Malin Herwig, Secretary to the President P.B.

COLOMBO (News 1st); The adjournment debate on the Government’s Policy Statement presented by President Gotabaya Rajapaksa is due to commence on Wednesday (19).The Head of State presented the Policy Statement on Tuesday (18) with the beginning of the 2nd session of the 9th Parliament.Earlier, it was decided that the Adjournment debate on the Statement of Government Policy presented by President Gotabaya Rajapaksa, will be held on January 19th and 20th.During Tuesday’s (18) meeting, Chief Government Whip Johnston Fernando had requested for the debate to run until Friday (21) as most government MP’s had wanted to express their views.Accordingly, the Prime Minister had instructed to allocate Friday (21) for the debate after informing the Speaker.

COLOMBO (News 1st): President Gotabaya Rajapaksa ceremonially declared open the 2nd Session of the 9th Parliament on Tuesday (18).The President will present the Government Policy Statement in accordance with the powers vested in him by Article 33 (2) of the Constitution.On the instructions of the President, arrangements were made to hold the ceremony in a very simple manner thus that there were no gun salutes or car parades.Instead, the President was received in front of Parliament with a cultural salute with the participation of the Police Cultural Division.Following the presentation of the Government Policy Statement by the President, the House will be adjourned. Afterward, a tea party is organized for the members of Parliament and invited guests.Foreign diplomats, former Presidents, Prime Ministers, Chief Justice, Supreme Court Justices, and the Attorney General were invited to the ceremonial opening of the second session of the Ninth Parliament, Secretary-General of Parliament Dhammika Dasanayake said.The Adjournment debate on the Statement of Government Policy scheduled presented by President Gotabaya Rajapaksa, will be held on January 19th and 20th.Accordingly, the Adjournment debate by the Government will be held on January 19th from 1.00 p.m.

COLOMBO (News 1st); Sri Lanka’s President Gotabaya Rajapaksa has been bestowed with the ‘Sri Lankadheeshwara Padma Vibhushana’ award on Sunday (2), tweeted the President’s SpokespersonIt was awarded by the Sri Kalyani Samagridharma Maha Sangha Sabha of the Sri Jayawardenapura Kotte Maha Viharaya. අතිගරු ජනාධිපති ගෝඨාභය රාජපක්ෂ මැතිතුමන් වෙත, මහාවිහාරවංශික ශ්‍රී ජයවර්ධනපුර කෝට්ටේ ශ්‍රී කල්‍යාණී සාමග්‍රිධර්ම මහාසංඝසභාව මගින් “ශ්‍රී ලංකාධීශ්වර පද්ම විභූෂණ” ගෞරවාභිධානය පිරිනමනු ලැබුණා.#LKA— Kingsly Rathnayaka (@KingslyRathnyka) January 2, 2022

COLOMBO (News 1st); President Gotabaya Rajapaksa visited the Malwathu Vihara on Thursday (06) and received blessings from the Most Venerable Dimbulkumbure Wimaladhamma Anunayake Thera.The Anunayake Thera chanted Seth Pirith and invoked blessings on the President. The Thera said that the Maha Sangha have faith that the aspirations of the people would be fulfilled by overcoming all obstacles.The President called on the Most Venerable Niyangoda Vijithasiri Thera, the Anunayake of Malwathu Chapter, and engaged in a brief conversation.Ven.

COLOMBO (News 1st); Sri Lankan President Gotabaya Rajapaksa delivered the Government’s Policy Statement, after declaring open the 2nd session of the 9th Parliament on Tuesday (18).The President said that while successfully encountering short-term problems, the primary responsibility is to continue to implement the long-term development program presented by the government to the people and endorsed by a majority.“The sustainable future of the country is built on it,” said the President.Here’s are some of the key takeaways from the President’s speech:National Security:“Our Government has secured national security and the people have no fear of terrorism today,” said the President in his statement.He said the government has been able to change the situation concerning the underworld that terrorized people, during the past two years.The President further stated that Sri Lanka was becoming a hub for international drug traffickers and the situation today is largely under control due to the action taken by the security & intelligence services in the country.Human Rights:The President in his statement said Sri Lanka needs to correct the misconceptions that have been taken to the international community in the past with regard to Human Rights in the country.“During my tenure, the government did not support any form of human rights violations. We do not condone such actions in any manner,” he said.Electricity:“We will not approve the construction of coal power plants in the future for any reason,” said the President adding that “Our goal is to achieve the carbon-neutral target by 2050.

COLOMBO (News 1st): President Gotabaya Rajapaksa will ceremonially declare open the 2nd Session of the 9th Parliament on the 18th January 2022.The President will present the Government Policy Statement on Tuesday (18) at 10:00 AM in accordance with the powers vested in him by Article 33 (2) of the Constitution.Prior to this, the second session of the Ninth Parliament will be ceremonially opened under the patronage of the President, Parliamentary Secretary General Dhammika Dasanayake said.On the instructions of the President, arrangements have been made to hold the ceremony in a very simple manner thus that there will be no gun salutes or car parades.Instead, the President will be received in front of Parliament with a cultural salute with the participation of the Police Cultural Division.Following the presentation of the Government Policy Statement by the President, the House will be adjourned. Afterward, a tea party is organized for the members of Parliament and invited guests.Foreign diplomats, former Presidents, Prime Ministers, Chief Justice, Supreme Court Justices, and the Attorney General have been invited to the ceremonial opening of the second session of the Ninth Parliament, Secretary-General of Parliament Dhammika Dasanayake said.He also stressed that the second session of the Ninth Parliament will be ceremonially opened following all health guidelines.

Construction work on the East Container Terminal (ECT) of the Colombo Port commenced on Wednesday (12) under the patronage of President Gotabaya Rajapaksa and Prime Minister Mahinda Rajapaksa.With the planned construction beginning today, the length of the Eastern Terminal will increase to 1,320 meters and has been scheduled to be completed in July 2024.Secretary to the Ministry of Ports, U. D.