Public Emergency & Curfew imposed for Public Security – Govt Info Dept

COLOMBO (News 1st); The US Statement Department has requested its citizens to reconsider travel to Sri Lanka due to COVID-19 and fuel and medicine shortages.“Exercise increased caution in Sri Lanka due to terrorism,” it added.The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) has issued a Level 3 Travel Health Notice for Sri Lanka due to COVID-19, indicating a high level of COVID-19 in the country.Sri Lanka is experiencing shortages of fuel and cooking gas as well as some medicines and essential food items, due to the ongoing economic situation in country.There have recently been protests over the economic situation and queues at gas stations, grocery stores, and some pharmacies. Protests have occurred throughout the country and have mostly been peaceful.In some instances, police have used water cannons and tear gas to disperse protesters.There have also been daily planned power outages across the island, as well as some unplanned power outages, as fuel for backup generators is increasingly scarce.Public transportation in some instances has been limited or curtailed.

Bruce Willis feels a "sense of relief" after going public about his aphasia diagnosis. The 67-year-old star recently announced he was stepping away from his acting career after being diagnosed with aphasia - which impedes a person's ability to speak and write - and Bruce feels like he's now "got that monkey off his back". The source told Us Weekly: "The closest members of his inner circle were all aware of his issue and had been for some time.

Narendra Modi took to Twitter on Thursday and shared," greetings on World Health Day. May everyone be blessed with good health and wellness. Today is also a day to express gratitude to all those associated with the health sector. It is their hardwork that has kept our planet protected."

COLOMBO (News 1st); President Gotabaya Rajapaksa has appointed a Presidential Advisory Group on Multilateral Engagement and Debt Sustainability.The Members of the Advisory Group areSince the appointment of the Presidential Advisory Group, the Members have had a round of discussions with the President on key matters in going forward with the IMF programme, and continue to be in regular communication with related requirements.Among the responsibilities that the Presidential Advisory Group will undertake are to engage in discussions with relevant Sri Lankan institutions and officials engaging with the IMF, and to provide guidance that will address the present debt crisis and lead towards sustainable and inclusive recovery for Sri Lanka.

There have been fresh calls for the Government to ease Covid isolation rules to allow staff to return to work sooner.

COVID-19 vaccine clinics to accommodate residents who are now eligible for a fourth dose.This comes after the Ontario government announced that starting on Thursday, it is rolling out a second booster dose for those aged 60 and older, as well as First Nation, Inuit and Métis individuals and their non-Indigenous household members aged 18 and older. Ontario expands 4th COVID dose eligibility to 60+ and First Nations starting April 7 Wellington-Dufferin-Guelph Public Health said these groups are eligible to receive a fourth shot at least three months following their last dose.“I am pleased our provincial vaccination program continues to follow the emerging evidence on vaccines,” said medical officer of health Dr.

COLOMBO (News 1st); Sri Lanka’s State Ministry of Production, Supply, and Regulation of Pharmaceuticals said that government hospitals are running short of 40 different medicines due to the present crisis.Secretary to the State Minister Dr. Saman Ratnayake told News 1st that stocks of 60 different medicines will only last for another week, and less than a month.However, facilities have been arranged for pharmaceutical importers to import medicines under the Indian Credit Line.In addition, The Bank of Ceylon and People’s Bank have decided to open Letters of Credit valued at USD 7 Million each.However, health professionals have warned that the entire health system would collapse within the next week if the crisis is not resolved.Dr.

COLOMBO (News 1st); TNA Parliamentarian M. A.

COLOMBO (News 1st); JVP Leader Anura Kumara Dissanayake told Parliament that person wearing a helmet who got into the rear of his vehicle, was in fact a party member who was assigned to his protection detail.Anura Kumara Dissanayake said upon leaving Parliament on Tuesday (5) his vehicle was obstructed by Sri Lankan youth who were protesting outside parliament against the government.“Lasantha Wickremetunge was murdered in broad daylight, and yet today there is no one held responsible. Poddala Jayantha was abducted and no one was held accountable.

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COLOMBO (News 1st):  Sri Lankan President Gotabaya Rajapaksa has revoked the proclamation on Public Emergency with effect from midnight on 5th April 2022.

NEW DELHI :

WASHINGTON - Videos of a deceased Maryland rapper have been circulating the internet after his family held a home-going celebration for him inside a popular D.C. nightclub. READ MORE: Family of Goonew talks after his home-going celebration sparks controversyThe online videos show the lifeless body of Markelle Morrow, also known as Goonew, propped up on a stage inside Bliss Nightclub.The memorial service took place Sunday, several weeks after the 24-year-old was fatally shot in District Heights, Maryland. Bliss released a statement on the matter after numerous people questioned via social media why the rapper's body – adorned with designer clothes and a crown atop his head – was on public display. "Our deepest condolences to Goonew’s family, friends and fans," the nightclub wrote on its Twitter and Instagram accounts.

The continuing mayhem at Manchester Airport is an example of the damage the re-emergence of Covid is doing to our working age population, Wigan’s director of public health has said.

COLOMBO (News 1st); Sri Lanka’s Defence Secretary, General (Retired) Kamal Gunaratne has urged the general public to refrain from causing damage to public property when engaged in peaceful demonstrations.In a televised statement he appealed to the public to refrain from engaging in acts of violence.“Although some protests and demonstrations are organized stating that they would be peaceful, and would demonstrate the democratic rights of the people, it is observed that two groups are operating these protests,” said the Defence Secretary.He said that one group is engaged in peaceful protests, whereas the other group is deliberately causing damage to public and private property while inconveniencing the general public at public roads and public places.“The second group is engaged in organized acts of violence,” said the Defence Secretary.“In some areas, the protestors on motorbikes move from place to place and launched attacks on residences and businesses using petrol bombs and stones,” he noted, while adding that another group is engaged in the looting of property.Further, the defense secretary noted that robbers have broken into the residence of protestors and committed theft as well.The Ministry of Defence, the Ministry of Public Security, and the three-armed forces with Sri Lanka Police are monitoring these protests and have no objection to the peaceful protests.He, however, noted that necessary measures will be taken to prevent acts of violence, while legal action will be instituted against those responsible for these actions.He also requested the general public NOT to be deceived by those who incite violence.

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COLOMBO (News 1st); TNA Member of Parliament M. A Sumanthiran commenting on the Proclamation of Emergency, noted that such notification must be placed in Parliament and approved/disapproved at the earliest possible opportunity.Speaking in Parliament on Tuesday (5) he informed the government to place the said notification in Parliament on Wednesday (6) for Parliament to decide whether Parliament will approve it or not.“Otherwise they are misusing the powers by allowing it to remain for 14 days, and then lapse,” he told the house, adding that anything done within those 14 days would be deemed legal, and that is an abuse of the process, the public security ordinance, and the provisions of the constitution.“As the constitution has mandated, even now, we can suspend the standing orders and place the proclamation of emergency for a vote in this Parliament now,” said the MP.

COVID-19 cases and hospitalizations through the spring of 2022 due to increased transmission of BA.2 variant and relaxed public health measures.During a board of health meeting on Monday, the latest Scarsin forecasting is suggesting COVID-19 will continue to circulate in the city well into June and that residents will be more susceptible to infection with immunity waning.Current epidemiological data suggests the city is now on course with a so-called “resurgence scenario” — the worst of two forecasts presented to city councillors in March — that could produce 400 new COVID hospitalizations between now and the end of June. Ontario COVID update: 857 people in hospital, 168 in intensive care “New hospital admissions are likely to continue into the summer and may reach almost six per day,” Hamilton public heath epidemiologist Ruth Sanderson told councillors.The updated numbers suggest the impact of Omicron subvariant BA.2 represents around 45 per cent of all cases now sprouting up in Hamilton as of the end of March.It’s expected that overall COVID case numbers in the next few months will be half of the peak seen during the Omicron wave in mid-January with the latest wave expected to hit a high in early May of about 650 cases per week.Peak hospitalizations are also expected to be half of the 14 admitted per week in mid-January.Those aged between 60 and 79 are the demographic most likely to be impacted by potential hospitalization during the next wave.It’s estimated 16 COVID-related deaths are possible between now and the end of June.Hamilton’s medical officer of health Dr.

Ontario works to deal with sixth wave of the COVID-19 pandemic.Dr. Eileen de Villa made the comments during an announcement in Toronto on Monday, regarding third doses of COVID-19 vaccines.The province-wide mask mandate was lifted earlier this month in most public spaces except in “high-risk” areas including medical facilities, long-term care homes and other congregate living situations and on public transit.The mandate for the remaining public spaces is set to be lifted later this month.

Waterloo Region District School Board says they have now opened high school gymnasiums to the public for rental as part of their plan to safely reopen from the COVID-19 pandemic.The board says it is taking a phased approach and although the gymnasiums at the schools opened over weekends, they will not allow for spectators. Waterloo schools will again open when weather forces bus cancellations Gyms in elementary schools will open on weekends as Phase 2 of the board’s four-phased approach, but again, the stands will remain empty.Phase 3 of the plan will see gyms at all schools be available for community use on weekdays beginning on May 2.

COLOMBO (News 1st); A massive protest took place on Sunday (3) evening at the Wijerama Junction close to the Sri Jayawardenapura University.University Students were joined by local residents in this protest, and when they reached the Wijerama Junction they were met with a heavy security forces presence.Sri Lanka Police, The three-armed Force, and the Police Riot Police were seen stationed on the path of the protestors who defied the curfew and stepped out onto the streets to voice their anger over the present situation in the country.As they were not allowed to proceed, they positioned themselves opposite the barricade and carried out a protest, with songs and chants.At the same time, well-known lecturer Upul Shantha Sannasgala, also known as ‘Sannasgala Sir’ visited the Wijerama Junction and condemned the actions of the government.

COLOMBO (News 1st); Sri Lanka’s Human Rights Commission has noted that imposing a social media ban is a violation of Human Rights.The Human Rights Commission of Sri Lanka has stressed that imposing Public Emergency without proper assessment of a threat to national security, is a violation of Human Rights.Chairperson of the Human Rights Commission of Sri Lanka retired Supreme Court Judge Rohini Marasinghe told News 1st that this decision was reached at a special meeting held on Sunday (4).The HRCSL Chairperson also said that it is unjust and unfair for the TRC to impose a Blanket Closure of social media upon being requested to do so by the Ministry of Defence.The Human Rights Commission of Sri Lanka views such actions as a violation of Human Rights.The Human Rights Commission noted that it would inform the TRC to immediately lift the ban on social media.It added that if a person is attempting to mislead the public via social media, the law needs to be enforced against the said individual and that banning social media used by the community at large is a violation of human rights.In addition, the Human Rights Commission has condemned the attacks on journalists during a protest in Mirihana, Nugeogda on the 31st of March.Chairperson of the HRCSL said the Inspector General of Police will be summoned to the Commission for an explanation on Tuesday (5).Further, the HRCSL is also looking into an attack on protestors by a Senior Cop at a protest in Anuradhapura.That senior police officer too will be summoned to the HRCSL on Tuesday (5) for an explanation.

₹900 per dose plus GST and was waiting for directions to supply it to the Centre. However, the price of the vaccine for the government was not mentioned.

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 Lanka Police said that personnel attached to essential services, and staff attached to Foreign Missions can report to work during the curfew period by producing their official ID or an e-mail certification.

COLOMBO (News 1st); The Bar Association of Sri Lanka states that it is of the view that a declaration of a state of emergency is not the answer to the present situation in the country, and had called upon the President to revoke the Emergency proclamation.In a statement, the BASL states that unfortunately, those in authority have until very recently failed to understand the gravity of the situation and the grave impact the crisis has on the life of the people and the community.

COLOMBO (News 1st); The Government Information Department states that islandwide curfew will be imposed from 6:00 p.m. today (02) until 6:00 a.m. Monday (04).

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

WHO's Bruce Aylward pointed out, "If more groups move away from the 70% target, we have more #COVID19 transmission in the world, more people that get sick, more people that die & eventually more variants that emerge & possibly frustrate all the progress that's has been made so far"

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.

Trooper Branden Sisca was a recent graduate of the Pennsylvania State Police Academy.  (Pennsylvania State Polcie)PHILADELPHIA - Public viewings will be held Friday for Trooper Branden T. Sisca, one of two troopers killed by a suspected drunk driver on I-95 last week. Two viewings will be held at the Boyd-Horrrox-Givnish Funeral Home in Norristown from 12-3 p.m.

PHILADELPHIA - After decades headquartered in Chinatown, the Philadelphia Police Department has a brand-new home in an historic Spring Garden building. FOX 29’s Jennifer Joyce was taken on a tour of the new Philadelphia Public Services Building on Thursday.History has been reborn at 400 North Broad Street, the former home of the Philadelphia Inquirer, built in the 1920s. Several historic features remain intact, like the nod to the Inquirer in what’s referred to as the Historic Lobby. "The building was registered as a historic building back I 1996 and as we completed this renovation we had to maintain that historic integrity of the building," explained Andrew Brown of Talson Solutions. Brown, the project manager, says the three-year project cost $252 million to complete. When you enter the building you’re greeted by a sculpture made up of more than 1,400 real police badges, and an updated seal of the City of Philadelphia shining a light on inclusivity. The entire building is 470,000 square feet and a majority of that space is occupied.

COVID-19 containment measures from March 31.

It’s been weeks since Ontario’s top doctor has delivered a pandemic update. Despite growing calls for more transparency, the province says it’s not necessary to bring them back. Matthew Bingley reports.

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

'Serving the community since 1903' reads a proud proclamation on its website. Now Salford Lads Club, a jewel in Greater Manchester's cultural crown and a vital asset for the city's youth, has secured much-needed funding to continue doing just that.

WASHINGTON - New standards for screening transgender, nonbinary, and gender-nonconforming airline passengers at Transportation Security Administration (TSA) checkpoints were announced Thursday.TSA officials said the new measures will help improve the screening experience for passengers. The announcement was made on International Transgender Day of Visibility."Over the coming months, TSA will move swiftly to implement more secure and efficient screening processes that are gender-neutral, as well as technological updates that will enhance security and make TSA PreCheck® enrollment more inclusive.

Kate Garraway has reportedly shut down her husband Derek Draper’s psychotherapy firm following his difficult battle with Covid-19.Derek, Kate’s husband of 17 years, suffered organ damage after he contracted the virus and now requires round-the-clock care.The company, Astra Aspera Ltd, reportedly owes £184,000 — including £125,000 in taxes and a liquidator was said to be appointed on Tuesday to break up the firm’s assets.A source told the Daily Mail: ‘It’s terribly sad, but Derek can’t work and has no prospect of being able to do so in the near future, so Kate thought it best to close it down.’Kate, 54, was also appointed director of the company last year following Derek’s Covid battle.Derek, 54, set up the company in 2011 after becoming a psychotherapist following his career as a political advisor.The dad-of-two spent a year in hospital with Covid, with Kate being open about how their lives have changed since.She recently released her second documentary, Caring For Derek, which gave a candid insight into the family.Kate admitted she ‘thought long and hard’ about letting cameras inside her household again, as she ‘wanted it to offer more’ than just sharing what her family has been through.The presenter ‘wanted to also shine a light on issues’ that affect others, and prayed it would ‘give hope to everyone who is battling on with whatever life has thrown at you.’She has since been celebrated by charities for raising awareness for carers, as Derek suffers long-lasting damage after contracting Covid in March 2020.The presenter is part of the gruelling care schedule for Derek, which includes her waking up every two hours each night to help the carer move him in bed.Good Morning Britain’s Laura Tobin oversleeps and misses

Organisations representing doctors and nurses have called on the Government to reintroduce some measures to tackle the spread of Covid-19.

CAMDEN, N.J. - Emergency teams responded to the Early Childhood Development Center in Camden on Wednesday after sanitizer was discovered in milk cartons, according to the school district. The facility, which is for preschool and kindergarten students, is located at 1602 Pine Street. According to tweets released by Camden Schools, it was determined that some of the cartons contained a "non-toxic consumable sanitizer that runs through the vendor machines prior to milk." "Unfortunately, many cartons were filled with the sanitizer, sealed and then shipped out with the milk," officials announced on Twitter.

A trip from Edmonton to Calgary in just 45 minutes on a high-tech line that’s three times faster than a bullet train has been a concept for years. Now, the reality of the hyperloop project is beginning to take shape.

Ukraine proposed accepting neutral status and floated Canada as a potential security guarantor at peace talks with Russia in Turkey on Tuesday.Talks have been ongoing throughout the conflict, which began on Feb. 24 when Russian President Vladimir Putin ordered his troops into the country, but have yet to produce any breakthroughs.

This 2016 mugshot photo provided by the Sierra Vista, Ariz., Police Department shows David Frodsham. Frodsham pleaded guilty to sex abuse charges in 2016 and is serving a 17-year sentence.

Ontario didn’t replenish PPE stockpiles before COVID-19, long-term care commission says The plan includes new legislation that would, among other measures, make permanent a $3-an-hour wage enhancement for PSWs that the government has been extending for a few months at a time since 2020.The legislation would also require annual reporting on supplies of personal protective equipment, and require the province to have a provincial emergency plan that is updated every five years.The government is also announcing $81 million over two years to expand a program in which nursing graduates can receive full tuition reimbursement in exchange for committing to practice in an underserved community for two years.

Queen Elizabeth, 95, was photographed out and about in public for the first time since she had COVID-19 in February. On March 29, the Queen attended a service in honor of her late husband, Prince Philip, in London. Various members of the royal family attended the service, and Queen Elizabeth was seated in the front row. She wore a green coat and matching hat for the event.

NEW DELHI :

COLOMBO (News 1st); Sri Lanka’s Defence Ministry has issued a clarification with regard to the security pacts signed with India over a Floating Dock, Dornier Reconnaissance Aircraft, and Maritime Rescue Coordination Centre in Colombo (MRCC).The recently signed maritime security pacts with the Government of India will neither result in hindrance nor threat to the national security of Sri Lanka, as misinterpreted by several print and electronic media, said the Ministry of Defence.The receipt of the Floating Dock Facility from the government of India at no cost has been projected to reduce the annual outlay of Rs. 600 million for outsourced docking repairs and this proposal has been in the pipeline since the year 2015.The Dornier Reconnaissance Aircraft is basically deployed for maritime surveillance, search and rescue operations and to deliver information to various required platforms.The unavailability of this capability was the motive for bilateral dialogues between the Governments of India and Sri Lanka during the last couple of years and it was agreed upon to provide one Dornier Reconnaissance Aircraft to Sri Lanka free of charge, it added.Accordingly, during the period earmarked for the manufacturing process of said aircraft’ the Government of India will lend a similar aircraft which will be piloted by Sri Lanka Air Force (SLAF) pilots.