Ruth Langsford reveals heartbreaking update on husband Eamonn Holmes’ chronic health problem

COLOMBO (News 1st) – New Zealand has advised its citizens to Exercise increased caution in Sri Lanka due to the impacts of the economic crisis, the potential for civil unrest and the risk of terrorism.The Ministry of Foreign Affairs and Trade for New Zealand in its official portal noted that Sri Lanka has stabilised somewhat since the widespread shortages and associated large protests and consequent changes in political leadership in mid-2022. There are still sporadic shortages of basic goods including medicines and some food due to the economic position of the country and living conditions of Sri Lankans, which have significantly deteriorated in the past year. It added that there is a restricted/limited supply of fuel including diesel, petrol and cooking gas, which is being rationed. The rationing system has reduced queues but there may occasionally be difficulties or delays obtaining specific types of fuel, particularly outside of Colombo.It added that Travellers should ensure they have transport plans and contingency plans in place ahead of any journeys to or around Sri Lanka. It also advises New Zealanders in Sri Lanka to avoid protests, demonstrations, political rallies and events, large crowds and queues. On Terrorism, New Zealand says there is an ongoing threat of terrorism in Sri Lanka.It added that in response to the 2019 April Attacks, the country’s security presence has increased, and security has since improved across the country.More details on : https://www.safetravel.govt.nz/sri-lanka

Fast-beating heart: This is an extremely serious symptom. In such cases, you may experience your heart beat rapidly or irregularly. At times, you might also feel lightheaded or dizzy.

(Reuters) – The Paris Club of creditor nations is ready to provide financing assurances to Sri Lanka, a key step needed to unlock a $2.9 billion bailout by the International Monetary Fund (IMF), two sources with direct knowledge of the matter told Reuters.The informal group of bilateral lenders is set to "soon" announce its support to the crisis-hit nation on a debt overhaul, said one of the people, who asked not to be named because talks are private.The Asian island nation, which is grappling with soaring inflation, a recession and currency depreciation, entered into a staff level agreement with the IMF last September.But it needs financing assurances from key bilateral lenders before the fund's executive board approves the programme.Sri Lanka's public debt stood at 122% of GDP, of which 70% is denominated in foreign currency, according to data in a country presentation to investors in November.China and India, both non-Paris Club members, are the top bilateral lenders. "Paris Club assurance is not reliant on China," said the source.Another source said the informal group is currently reaching out to other non-Paris Club besides China on financing assurances, but did not provide any further details.India previously committed to help ease the debt burden of neighbour Sri Lanka as part of the IMF programme, and China's Eximbank offered a two-year moratorium in a letter sent to the island nation in January.While the IMF has not yet provided any guidance on where the lender stands regarding China's assurances to Sri Lanka, a U.S.

COLOMBO (News 1st) – The Ceylon Electricity Board has assured the Supreme Court that it would refrain from imposing power cuts until the Contempt of Court application filed by the Human Rights Commission of Sri Lanka is taken up for consideration, and the matter is concluded.President's Counsel Uditha Egalahewa appearing for the Ceylon Electricity Board made the assurance to the court and pointed out that during the said period no power outages will take place.The matter was called up in the presence of Supreme Court Justices P. Padman Surasena, Yasatha Kodagoda, and Shiran Gunaratne on Thursday (2).The application will be taken up for consideration at 11:30 AM on Friday (3).The Human Rights Commission of Sri Lanka moved to the Supreme Court against the Ceylon Electricity Board for failing to follow the directive to provide an uninterrupted supply of electricity until the end of the G.

COLOMBO (News 1st) – Sumedha Aruna Shantha from the Samagi Jana Balawegaya was elected as the new Mayor of Kurunegala by a majority vote.Sumedha Aruna Shantha and the Opposition Leader of the Kurunegala Municipal Council Wijayananda Wedisinghe contested for the post of Mayor.Sumedha Aruna Shantha secured 10 votes, while Wijayananda Wedisinghe only obtained 6 votes.A new mayor was elected after Former Kurunegala Mayor Thushara Sanjeeva Witharana was removed from his post by North Western Province Governor Admiral of the Fleet Wasantha Karannagoda in an Extraordinary Gazette.The Gazette stated that the position of the Mayor of the Kurunegala Municipal Council would be considered as vacant with effect from December 31, 2022.The Governor had cited the defeat of the Kurunegala Municipal Council Budget for 2023 as the reason for the dismissal. The Governor had made the above announcements as per the powers vested on him by the Municipal Council Ordinance and the Provincial Council (Incidental Provisions) Act.

COLOMBO (News 1st): All Island Three-Wheeler Drivers' Association announced that Three-wheeler fares will not be increased despite an increase in petrol prices.The price of a litre of 92 Octane Petrol was increased by Rs. 30/- with effect from midnight on Wednesday (1), and the new price is Rs.

COLOMBO (News 1st) – Nine Police Special Task Force members were injured after three buses collided with each other.The Police Media Division said that the STF personnel were on their way to attend the Independence Day rehearsals in Colombo early on Thursday (2) morning.Police added that the three buses were from the Police Special Task Force camp in Katukurunda, and all three buses crashed into each other at the Nallur Junction in Panadura.The injured STF personnel were admitted to the Panadura Hospital.

Colombo (News 1st) – Tax expert N. R. Gajendran discusses Sri Lanka's tax policy with Faraz Shauketaly.

 – News 1st's Naveksha Gunasekera contributed to this report.

COLOMBO (News1st) – The Catholic Church questions how Sri Lanka can proudly celebrate its independence at a time when the country's economy and the rule of law is in disarray.   At a media briefing in Colombo today, Media Spokesperson of the Catholic Church, Reverend Father Cyril Gamini stated, "We must question how independence day can be celebrated proudly at a cost of Rs.200 million in a country that is unable to meet its foreign debt obligations, a country that is bankrupt". He further explained the situation in the country, that "30% of the population is starving, 33.4% of children under 5 years are suffering from malnutrition, many people are being laid off, small and medium scale businesses are crashing, the rule of law has deteriorated severely,human rights are being violated without any remorse, laws including the PTA are being misused to suppress fundamentals rights of the people, electricity cannot be provided continuously even during the A/L exam period and the lives of patients are at risk due to medicine shortages".Rev.

Ozzy Osbourne has been forced to cancel his UK and Europe tour after updating fans on his health.

COLOMBO (News 1st); US Under Secretary of State for Political Affairs Victoria Nuland said it is important for Sri Lanka to go ahead with the March elections.She spoke to reporters in Colombo and said that the people of Sri Lanka must be allowed to have a voice in their future."It is vital time for Sri Lanka to strengthen its democracy, its governance, and its reconciliation.

COLOMBO (News 1st) – Sri Lanka's Catholic Church rejected Former President Maithripala Sirisena's request for forgiveness on Wednesday (01).Views regarding this were expressed at a media briefing held in Colombo today."One must seek forgiveness after accepting his mistake," Reverend Father Cyril Gamini stated. "However former President Maithripala Sirisena hasn't accepted his mistake," he went on to explain.

COLOMBO (News 1st) –  Victoria Nuland, the Under Secretary of State for Political Affairs of the United States, called on President Ranil Wickremesinghe in Colombo on Wednesday (1).She is on an official visit to the country, and she discussed the economic crisis in Sri Lanka, and the ongoing US assistance to the Sri Lankan people.US Ambassador to Sri Lanka Julie Chung accompanied Nuland for the meeting, where both sides further discussed ways both the United States of America and Sri Lanka are working together toward an inclusive, prosperous and secure future for all Sri Lankans.According to the President's Media Division, the President in his meeting with Victoria Nuland, the Under Secretary of State for Political Affairs of the United States, thanked the US Government for their support during difficult times. Under-Secretary Nuland had pledged the US Government’s support for Sri Lanka's ongoing recovery efforts.The discussion also focussed on the on-going discussions with the International Monetary Fund (IMF), while the U.S. pledged to continue to support the negotiations with the aim of swiftly resolving the issues.The President outlined the measures being taken in regard to the reconciliation talks with the minority parties in Sri Lanka, including the full implementation of the 13th Amendment.Discussions also focussed on the on-going efforts to combat the growing narcotics trade, with the U.S.

Ozzy Osbourne, 74, has shared one of the "hardest things" he has ever had to do as he announced that he will no longer be touring with Black Sabbath.The legendary singer took to Twitter to share a lengthy statement with his upset fans.Ozzy shared a statement in view of his 5.5 million Twitter followers with the caption: "This is probably one of the hardest things I've ever had to share with my loyal fans..."The statement read: "As you all know, four years ago, this month, I had a major accident, where I damaged my spine."My one and only purpose during this time has been to get back on stage. My singing voice is fine."However, after three operations, stem cell treatments, endless physical therapy sessions, and most recently groundbreaking Cynbernics (HAL) Treatment, my body is still physically weak."I am honestly humbled by the way you've all patiently held onto your tickets for all this time, but in all good conscience, I have now come to the realisation that I'm not physically capable of doing my upcoming European/UK tour dates, as I know I couldn't deal with the travel required."Believe me when I say that the thought of disappointing my fans really F**KS ME UP, more than you'll ever know."Never would I have imagined that my touring days would have ended this way?"My team is currently coming up with ideas for where I will be able to perform without having to travel from city to city and country to country."The statement continued: "I want to thank my family...

COLOMBO (News 1st) ; The Fort Magistrate's Court on Wednesday (1) granted bail to Wasantha Mudalige, the convener of the Inter-University Student's Federation, in three separate cases. Attorney Nuwan Bopage speaking to News 1st said that three cases against Wasantha Mudalige were called up in court on Wednesday (1).He said that based on the fact that he was remanded for a prolonged period, and that the PTA charges were dropped in court on Tuesday (31), the Fort Magistrate granted bail for all three cases.The Attorney said that Wasantha Mudalige will be brought to court later in the day, to secure his release on bail.

Talk of the Town | 01 Feb 2023 | Corruption challenges growth & governance | Attorney Nadishani Perera in conversation with Faraz Shauketaly

COLOMBO (News 1st) – Victoria Nuland, the Under Secretary of State for Political Affairs of the United States, has arrived in Sri Lanka on an official visit.Her visit is said to mark the 75th anniversary of U.S.-Sri Lanka relations, according to the U.S. Department of State.The Department added that the visit will also symbolise the offering of continued U.S.

COLOMBO (News 1st) – The latest Corruption Perceptions Index (CPI) compiled by Transparency International (TI) was released yesterday. The CPI scores 180 countries and territories around the world based on perceptions of public sector corruption.

Colombo (News1st) – Watch Nadishani Perera, Executive Director of Transparency International Sri Lanka, in conversation with Faraz Shauketaly.

COLOMBO (News 1st) – The International Federation for Human Rights in a new report detailing the relentless repression of a peaceful protest movement noted that the Sri Lankan authorities systematically violated international human rights law and standards with complete impunity in their crackdown on the Aragalaya.The protest movement, called aragalaya [“struggle” in Sinhala], was triggered by the government’s protracted economic mismanagement and the growing public discontent over corruption and nepotism. The protests, which initially started in the country’s capital, Colombo, quickly spread across all nine provinces of Sri Lanka.

COLOMBO (News 1st); In a note to the Cabinet, President Ranil Wickremesinghe, in his capacity as the Minister of Finance, had stated that the Government revenue at present is far below the monthly expenditure for the month of January 2023.The President's Media Division, and Cabinet Spokesperson Minister Bandula Gunawardena confirmed that the President had instructed on further curtailing government expenses.The President had noted that the Treasury finds it challenging to meet all expenditures at this moment, except for payments for salaries, pensions, welfare, pharmaceuticals and debt servicing.Therefore, President Wickremesinghe had pointed out that the Government expenditure will have to be curtailed further / postponed until planned revenue to be raised on the recent tax revisions is realized, reported the President's Media Division.He had noted that the Treasury will formulate a priority criterion for this purpose.Furthermore, the President had pointed out that public officers should refrain from obtaining goods/services on credit basis, and any officer who violates this will be held personally responsible for such expenditure, said the PMD."The President informed the Cabinet of Ministers that the revenue for January collected from the Inland Revenue Department, Sri Lanka Customs and the Excise Department was Rs. 158.7 Billion.

SHAZHOU (CHINA) : For years, thousands of tourists flocked almost daily to this village in China’s southern Hunan province—an early stronghold of the Communist forces during the country’s civil war—to steep themselves in revolutionary history. Pandemic-related travel restrictions and lockdowns over the past 12 months slowed that flow to a trickle.

KATE Garraway was close to tears as she grilled former Health Secretary Matt Hancock over flouting lockdown guidelines during the coronavirus pandemic. The emotional Good Morning Britain host, 55, called out the I'm A Celebrity star for his actions and flagged how her husband Derek Draper was left fighting for his life after contracting Covid in 2020.

VICKY Pattison has opened up on a new fertility journey setback and confessed she has spent the majority of the day in tears. The ever-candid Geordie Shore star, 35, has previously told how she has undergone a procedure to freeze her eggs as she plans for a family with fiance Ercan Ramadan. Yet the much-loved reality TV queen told her Instagram fans there had sadly been a hitch, as she posted a teary shot showing her in the hospital ward.

ACTRESS Cindy Williams, who played Shirley on Laverne & Shirley, has passed away after a health battle. The iconic TV star who worked alongside Penny Marshall’s Laverne on the Happy Days spin-off died aged 75, her family revealed on Monday. Cindy, who is survived by her two children Zak and Emily Hudson, passed away on Wednesday, January 25, 2022, after suffering from a brief illness.

Earlier today, on Good Morning Britain, Kate Garraway grilled MP Matt Hancock on his decision to enter the I'm A Celebrity jungle as she opened up about how the families impacted by the coronavirus pandemic felt about his choice.

COLOMBO (News 1st) : Former Sri Lankan President Maithripala Sirisena asked for forgiveness from the victims of the 2019 Easter Sunday Attacks.Speaking to reporters in Colombo the Former President asked for forgiveness for such a tragedy taking place during his tenure, adding that he was unaware beforehand of the attacks."The ruling does not say that I have committed an offense, but that the President is also accountable for the offenses committed by the officers appointed by the President.

COLOMBO (News 1st) : A Sri Lankan Bus Driver has been called a hero after he managed to steer the bus downhill with malfunctioning brakes to avoid falling into a precipice.The incident had taken place on Monday (30) morning, and the bus belong to the SLTB operating from Badulla to Colombo via Diyathalawa.The hero bus driver told News 1st that he realized the brakes were not working when the bus was proceeding pass the Viharagala area in Bergala, Haputhale at around noon.Around 60 passengers were aboard the bus at the time, and he managed to steer the bus along the tricky road to safety without causing any injury. The driver managed to steer the bus along side the mountain until it came to a stop.

₹4,470 per capita). Current health expenditure is Rs.5,40,246 crore (90.6% of total health expenditure) and capital expenditure is Rs.56,194 crore (9.4 per cent of the total).

COLOMBO (News 1st) – Convener of Inter University Students' Federation Wasantha Mudalige was released on Tuesday (31) by the Colombo Chief Magistrate's Court in connection with the case that was filed against him for allegedly committing offences under Prevention of Terrorism Act (PTA).Mudalige was arrested in August 2022 under the emergency regulations and was held for 89 days under the provisions of the PTA, and later on 21st November 2022 was moved to remand custody.He has been in remand since then, and will return to remand custody for other pending cases filed against him.

(With PTI inputs)

COLOMBO (News 1st) – The Colombo Chief Magistrate's Court is expected to deliver its ruling on bail for Wasantha Mudalige, the convener of the Inter-University Student's Federation. Wasantha Mudalige, the convener of the Inter-University Student's Federation, was escorted to the Colombo Chief Magistrate' Court on Tuesday (31) morning.Mudalige was arrested under the provisions of the Prevention of Terorrism Act, and remains in remand custody pending advice from the Attorney General. Activists from the Inter-University Student's Federation engaged in a silent protest opposite the Colombo Chief Magistrate' Court when IUSF Convener Wasantha Mudalige was escorted to the court. The Keselwatte Police had sought an order from court to prevent the silent protest from continuing, citing that it inconvenienced the public. However, Colombo Chief Magistrate Prasanna Alwis rejected the request and advised the police to act as per the powers vested with Sri Lanka Police if the protest was in fact an inconvenience to the public.

COLOMBO (News 1st) : Former Sri Lankan President Maithripala Sirisena asked for forgiveness from the victims of the 2019 Easter Sunday Attacks.Speaking to reporters in Colombo the Former President asked for forgiveness for such a tragedy taking place during his tenure, adding that he was unaware beforehand of the attacks."The ruling does not say that I have committed an offense, but that the President is also accountable for the offenses committed by the officers appointed by the President.

COLOMBO (News 1st) : Former Sri Lankan President Maithripala Sirisena apologized to the victims of the 2019 Easter Sunday Attacks.Speaking to reporters in Colombo the Former President apologized for such a tragedy taking place during his tenure, adding that he was unaware of the attacks."The ruling does not say that I have committed an offense, but that the President is also accountable for the offenses committed by the officers appointed by the President.

COLOMBO (News 1st) : Sri Lanka's Parliament Speaker Mahinda Yapa Abeywardena said that applications for the appointment of Members of the Independent Commissions will be called for from 1st February. The deadline to submit applications is 15th February 2023.The Constitutional Council on Monday (30) decided to publish the advertisement on newspapers on 1st February 2023, calling for applications for the appointment as Members of the Commissions. The draft format of the application would be published on the Official Parliament website.Accordingly, applications will be called for positions in the National Elections Commission, Human Rights Commission of Sri Lanka, Judicial Services Commission, National Police Commission, Commission to Investigate Allegations of Bribery or Corruption, Procurement Commission, National Audit Commission, and the Public Services Commission.The Constitutional Council considered the recommendation of the President to appoint K.P.

This story has been published from a wire agency feed without modifications to the text.

The latest and final series of Happy Valley has left viewers on the edge of their seats as it returns after years off the air.

Colombo (News 1st) – Watch Dr. Paikiasothy Saravanamuttu, founder Executive Director of the Centre for Policy Alternatives (CPA), in conversation with Faraz Shuaketaly.

COLOMBO (News 1st) – 12,000 affidavits signed seeking the release of Wasantha Mudalige, the convener of the Inter-University Student's Federation who remains in remand custody under the Prevention of Terrorism Act, were handed over to the Attorney General on Monday (30).Student activists from the Inter-University Student's Federation along with activists from Mass Organizations visited the Attorney General's Department on Monday (30) morning to hand over 12,000 affidavits that were signed seeking the release of Wasantha MudaligeThese 12,000 affidavits claim that the signees were also engaged in the public protests that took place since March 2022 to bring about change by ending a corrupt and inefficient governance that burdened the people with a failed economy.The signees also claim they were involved in the protests that took place on the 9th of July 2022.They also note that the Inter-University Student's Federation was just one organization among many that took part in those protests, and that Wasantha Mudalige is just one student leader who took part in the demonstrations.These 12,000 affidavits claim that they too should be treated in the same manner as Wasantha Mudalige.The group attempted to hand over these affidavits from the back entrance to the Attorney General's Department, however, those attempts were futile.Thereafter, two representatives were allowed to enter the Attorney General's Department and the affidavits were taken inside the using a Police Jeep."If Wasantha Mudalige is a terrorist for his involvement in the Aragalaya, then the millions who joined the protests are also terrorists.

Regular listeners of Zoe Ball’s Radio 2 Breakfast show were left confused this morning when the star was absent from her slot due to illness.

COLOMBO (News 1st) : The Ceylon Electricity Board said that there will be power outages on Monday (30) and Tuesday (31).Nalinda Illangakoon, the Chairman of the Ceylon Electricity Board, confirmed that there will be no power cuts on Monday (30) and Tuesday (31).Over the past four days, the Ceylon Electricity Board imposed daily power cuts of two-hours and 20 minutes without the approval of the Public Utilities Commission of Sri Lanka.The PUCSL last gave approval for power cuts on the 25th and 26th of January 2023.The public were not made aware of the power cut schedule for the past four days, and the only source to ascertain the power cut period was the CEBs official website.

COLOMBO (News 1st) – The Public Utilities Commission of Sri Lanka has directed the Ceylon Electricity Board to provide an uninterrupted power supply during the period of the G. C.

COLOMBO (News 1st) : Sri Lanka's Port Workers have warned of a continued struggle if the government does not withdraw if unjust tax regime.Hundreds of port workers protested on Monday (27) in Colombo during the lunch break.The Sri Lankan government has imposed an income tax regime from 6% to 36% on all monthly earnings of over Rs.

COLOMBO (News 1st) : The Human Rights Commission of Sri Lanka has filed a Contempt of Court case with the Supreme Court against the Secretary to the Ministry of Power and Energy, Chairman of the Ceylon Electricity Board, and the Chairman of the Ceylon Petroleum Corporation.The Human Rights Commission (HRC) has determined that the Secretary to the Ministry of Power and Energy, Chairman of the Ceylon Electricity Board, and the Chairman of the Ceylon Petroleum Corporation have failed to abide by the settlement arrived at before the commission with regard to the continuous supply of power during the period pertaining to the Advanced Level Examination commencing from 23rd January to 17th February 2023.The HRC notes that the Chairman of the Ceylon Electricity Board is guilty of the offence of contempt under the provisions of the Human Rights Commission of Sri Lanka Act No.

RADIO 2 listeners were left shocked this morning after Zoe Ball was replaced on her Breakfast Show. The broadcaster revealed she had to miss her early morning slot after a health emergency on Monday. Zoe, 52, was replaced by former Radio 1 host Vernon Kay for her weekday morning show.

COLOMBO (News 1st) – The National Election Commission says that more than four election monitoring bodies will be permitted to monitor the upcoming Local Government elections.The Chairman of the commission Nimal Punchihewa said that People's Action for Free & Fair Elections or PAFFREL, Campaign for Free and Fair Elections or CAFFE , Centre for Monitoring Election Violence (CMEV) and other organizations would be given permission to monitor the Local Government Election.The Chairman of the National Election Commission further added that only two election monitoring bodies are permitted to enter the polling station to monitor the election process.Executive Director of People's Action for Free & Fair Elections (PAFFREL) Rohana Hettiarachchi says that around 7,000 independent observers would be deployed for the upcoming local government election. He added that the number of election monitors deployed at district level would be increased from next week. 

Eamonn Holmes, 63, has been enduring hell in the health department in recent months, fracturing his shoulder in a fall very soon after he began recovering from a major operation on his back.The GB News Breakfast star had dislocated his pelvis last year that sparked his chronic back pain - and he has now opened up about the frustration he feels.Taking to Twitter today, the former This Morning presenter shared his plight with over a million followers, as he confessed he had "worked hard at my physio this morning"."Very tiring but I've now sat on my backside for 5 hours and feel bad about doing nothing," he explained."Lack of mobility & depending on others stops me doing really simple things."For peace of mind I feel another round of foot exercises coming on," he added.The broadcaster was inundated with messages of support but was forced to hit back at a Twitter troll, who joked that his current struggle "doesn't sound like a great advert for revitive".He was referring to Eamonn's role, along with wife Ruth Langsford, as an ambassador for a £250 circulation boosting foot stimulator product by the brand.Eamonn hit back at the comment, saying: "Don't be so stupid."He elaborated that he had also been trying hydrotherapy in a bid to relieve the pain too.@wogsalg responded more sympathetically, confiding to Eamonn: "I feel your pain.