Second luxury cruise ship to reach SL next week

Jonathan Ross, 62, has given an update on the health of his daughter Betty, 31.The presenter’s daughter suffers from fibromyalgia, chronic fatigue syndrome and POTS syndrome.Jonathan shares three children with his wife Jane Goldman, 52: Betty, Harvey, 29 and Honey, 25.Speaking on Loose Women, the talk show host discussed how his eldest child is showing signs of improvement following her treatment. He spoke about how it had been a “tough couple of years" following Betty's fibromyalgia diagnosis.The NHS describes Fibromyalgia as “a long-term condition that causes pain all over the body”. Jonathan went on to explain how his daughter struggles with depression and how she is now using an electric wheelchair.“She has fibromyalgia and she has chronic fatigue syndrome and POTS syndrome as well, which is where your heart rate shoots up,” he told Loose Women panellists Kaye Adams, Frankie Bridge, Dame Kelly Holmes and Denise Welch.Speaking about the way Betty’s illness had affected the family, he said: “She still can't walk very far. “We got her an electric wheelchair in the summer, so we can at least go out and go for walks with the dogs and that's lifted her spirits a lot. “Because that's the problem, if anyone out there who knows or who's got someone with a long term illness, you know, it's the depression."Being stuck indoors and not being able to join in with things because even stairs are a challenge to her."So if we're going out we have to give her plenty of time to get ready, get downstairs and then have a rest before we go to the next step, you know."“It does have an impact but the good news is she's definitely showing improvement and feeling better in herself.So we're relieved and we're happy with that.”However, Jonathan

TESTS Not all countries are imposing tests. European Union members, in particular, are divided. Over the past days, officials in France, Germany and Portugal have said they saw no need for now for new restrictions, while Austria has stressed the economic benefits of Chinese tourists' return to Europe.

AB-HWCs also encompass wellness sessions on yoga, zumba, cyclathons, walkathons and provide guidelines on diet, physical activity, positive parenting, tobacco, alcohol cessation among other aspects to imbibe a mindset for community well-being New Delhi: In a significant achievement demonstrating strengthening of the country’s health infrastructure, India has surpassed a notable landmark- 150,000 Ayushman Bharat Health and Wellness Centres (AB-HWCs) have been operationalised before 31 December, the Ministry of Health and Family Welfare said in a statement. Prime Minister Narendra Modi applauded the efforts of the nation in accomplishing this feat before the set deadline and said that these centres will help provide citizens easy access to primary healthcare facilities.

STAND-UP comedian Rhod Gilbert's wife remains hopeful he will beat his stage four cancer and return "stronger and better". Sian Harries was inundated with supportive messages after a trip to A&E with Rhod, 54, this week. One fan asked her on Twitter: "How is he doing, the funniest comedy for years.

The show did go on for Perth Theatre’s production of Jack and the Beanstalk after two days of panto performances were cancelled due to a COVID outbreak among the cast.

The civil aviation ministry has asked the airlines to modify check-in systems ahead of new Covid norms for travellers from China, 5 other countries The civil aviation ministry on Friday asked airlines to modify their check-in systems for international passengers coming into India as part of the revised Covid guidelines, which makes a negative Covid test report a must for travellers coming from China and five other countries from Sunday. The ministry's direction comes a day after the health ministry decided to make RT-PCR negative test reports compulsory for passengers coming on all international flights from six high-risk countries --China, Singapore, Hong Kong, the Republic of Korea, Thailand and Japan.

The newly appointed Ambassador of Sri Lanka to the Republic of Türkiye, Saranya Hasanthi Urugodawatte Dissanayake, presented Credentials to President of the Republic of Türkiye Recep Tayyip Erdoğan on 27 December 2022 at the Presidential Complex in Ankara, accrediting her as the Ambassador Extraordinary and Plenipotentiary of the Democratic Socialist Republic of Sri Lanka to the Republic of Türkiye.During the meeting President Erdoğan, extended his greetings to President of the Democratic Socialist Republic of Sri Lanka Ranil Wickremasinghe. He further recalled Sri Lanka’s long standing bilateral relations with Türkiye with connections dating back to around 09th Century during the Ottoman Empire.

(With inputs from PTI)

Indonesia has decided to scrap the mask mandate, ending the coronavirus pandemic restrictions Indonesia will do away with indoor mask mandates and remove the requirement to show proof of vaccination when entering buildings, becoming one of the last few countries to completely end Covid-19 restrictions.  The changes will take effect from Friday and decision was taken as almost all of Indonesia’s population had immunity against the virus, said President Joko Widodo, who is popularly known as Jokowi.   “We once failed in containing Covid, but now we are among the few countries that did not experience a pandemic wave in past 10 to 11 consecutive months," he told a media briefing in Jakarta.

Colombo (News 1st) – Watch '2022 IN RETROSPECT' a People's Platform Special on Dec 30 at 7:30pm on TV1. Live streaming on YouTube and Facebook

BBC – A Myanmar military court has sentenced Aung San Suu Kyi to a further seven years in prison, taking her overall jail time to 33 years.The country's former democratically-elected leader has been under house arrest since a military ousted her government in a coup in February 2021.Since then she's faced 18 months of trials on 19 charges – which rights groups say are a sham.The UN Security Council called for her release last week.On Friday she was sentenced on the final five charges she faced. A court found her guilty of corruption because she had not followed regulations in renting a helicopter for a government minister.She had already been convicted of 14 different crimes including breaching Covid public safety rules, importing walkie-talkies and violating the official secrets act.Her trials this year have been set behind closed-doors where the public and media are barred access and her lawyers are also banned from speaking to journalists.

COLOMBO (News 1st) – The Provincial letters will be eliminated from the Vehicle Number Plate when a new vehicle is registered, and when ownership is transferred with effect from the 1st of January 2023.The amendment to the vehicle number places was announced by the Commissioner General of Motor Traffic on Friday (30). 

Covid-19 update: The death toll stands at 5,30,699 with one fatality reported from Maharashtra in the last 24 hours. India has been witnessing an increase in daily Covid-19 cases, with the country recording 243 new coronavirus infections in the past 24 hours, according to Union Health Ministry data updated on Friday.  With this, the country's cumulative tally has gone up to 4.46 crore (4,46,78, 158) and active cases have increased to 3,609, the ministry said.  The death toll stands at 5,30,699 with one fatality reported from Maharashtra in the last 24 hours, the data updated at 8 am stated. The daily positivity rate was recorded at 0.11 per cent while the weekly positivity was pegged at 0.16 per cent.

HONG KONG : Beijing called on foreign governments to abide by scientific principles in setting travel protocols, after the U.S.

“Our products support all those who have served America — past and present — on active duty, as Veterans, and their families.“By choosing our coffee, you help support those who chose to commit their time and efforts in defense of our liberties for the good cause that is the American Way.”The company concluded: “Every penny of profit says ‘thank you’ to them. We owe them our gratitude, eh?"The project comes after Tom admitted his "lazy" lifestyle led to type 2 diabetes.In a candid interview, Tom branded himself "a total idiot" for ignoring health warnings in his younger years."I'm part of the lazy American generation that has blindly kept dancing through the party and now finds ourselves with a malady," he told Radio Times."I was heavy.

EAMONN Holmes has shared a heartbreaking personal health update - as his fans urge him to 'keep going'. The television presenter, 63, shared the update following his recent back operation in a bid to ease his 'chronic pain'.

Eamonn Holmes has provided a "soul destroying" health update as fans rushed to send him sympathy.

COLOMBO (News 1st) – The Criminal Investigations Department on Thursday (29) arrested the Former Chairman of the Student Union of the University of Peradeniya Anuradha Vidanage.Sri Lanka Police said that he was arrested over the incident where the Former Vice Chancellor of the University of Peradeniya, and his son were assaulted by a group.The arrest was made opposite the Kandy Court Complex on Thursday (29) evening.The current Chairman of the Student Union of the University of Peradeniya Chamid Sathsara said that the Former Chairman was arrested while returning from a legal matter in court.

COLOMBO (News 1st) – Sri Lanka's Health Minister Keheliya Rambukwella had rejected the allegations made by Education Secretary of the Frontline Socialist Party (FSP), Pubudu Jagoda over the proposed procurement of medicine from Kaushik Pharmaceuticals.The FSP activist alleged that the procurement was to take place in violation of procedures in place, and that Kaushik Pharmaceuticals was blacklisted by the State Pharmaceuticals Corporation (SPC).Jagoda also claimed that the Minister visited India on the account of Kaushik Pharmaceuticals that paid for his suite at a five-star hotel in Chennai.On Wednesday (28), Health Minister Keheliya Rambukwella speaking to reporters in Colombo said that no misappropriation or misdeed occurred in the process, and that he reimbursed the air fare paid by a 'friend'. The Government reserved US$ 60 million to import medicines required for the next three-month period, Health Minister Keheliya Rambukwella said while adding that a personal request saw that the Indian Credit Line that was to exprire on the 22nd of November, be extended to the 31st of December 2022.The Minister also denied claims that he, as the Health Minister was attempting to purchase drugs by passing the President and his instructions. The Medical and Civil Rights Professional Association had addressed a letter to the President to intervene into this matter.They call on the President to conduct an investigation on the failure by authorities to inspect the quality of locally produced medicines before they are released to the market, and the attempt being made to procure Indian medicines without the approval of the NMRA.It claims that the President and the Ministry were misled by the Minister.The Medical and Civil Rights

COLOMBO (News 1st) – Sri Lanka's Health Minister Keheliya Rambukwella had rejected the allegations made by Education Secretary of the Frontline Socialist Party (FSP), Pubudu Jagoda over the proposed procurement of medicine from Kaushik Pharmaceuticals.The FSP activist alleged that the procurement was to take place in violation of procedures in place, and that Kaushik Pharmaceuticals was blacklisted by the State Pharmaceuticals Corporation (SPC).Jagoda also claimed that the Minister visited India on the account of Kaushik Pharmaceuticals that paid for his suite at a five-star hotel in Chennai.On Wednesday (28), Health Minister Keheliya Rambukwella speaking to reporters in Colombo said that no misappropriation or misdeed occurred in the process, and that he reimbursed the air fare paid by a 'friend'. The Government reserved US$ 60 million to import medicines required for the next three-month period, Health Minister Keheliya Rambukwella said while adding that a personal request saw that the Indian Credit Line that was to exprire on the 22nd of November, be extended to the 31st of December 2022.The Minister also denied claims that he, as the Health Minister was attempting to purchase drugs by passing the President and his instructions. The Medical and Civil Rights Professional Association had addressed a letter to the President to intervene into this matter.They call on the President to conduct an investigation on the failure by authorities to inspect the quality of locally produced medicines before they are released to the market, and the attempt being made to procure Indian medicines without the approval of the NMRA.It claims that the President and the Ministry were misled by the Minister.The Medical and Civil Rights

Moves by several countries to mandate COVID-19 tests for passengers arriving from China reflect global concern that new variants could emerge in its ongoing explosive outbreak — and that the government may not inform the rest of the world quickly enough. There have been no reports of new variants to date, but China has been accused of not being forthcoming about the virus since it first surfaced in the country in late 2019. The worry is that it may not be sharing data now on any signs of evolving strains that could spark fresh outbreaks elsewhere.

COLOMBO (News 1st) – The Chairman of the Beliatte Pradeshiya Sabha Cyril Munasinghe and his elder brother were arrested for fraud and were remanded to the 3rd of January 2023.The local politico and his brother were produced to the Acting Magistrate of Tangalle Ranjith Gunasekera on Thursday (29).They were arrested for stealing 11 GI pipes that were moved for a community water project in Mahapeella. 

Instagram to share a heartwarming video of herself on a ski holiday with her husband Bruce Willis, 67, from the beginning of their relationship.The model said the holiday was the moment she "fell head over heels in love" with Bruce as she remembers the early days amid Bruce's battle with aphasia.Emma shared the video reel in view of her 456,000 followers, showing the pair 15 years ago.The video shows the action star enjoying the slopes with the former model in the early days of their relationship.The couple seemed to be having fun in the cold, as they used various equipment and posed together during the romantic holiday.The Sixth Sense star was an avid skier and used to own the Soldier Mountain resort in Fairfield, Idaho, with his ex-wife, Demi Moore.They did however decide to, later on, donate it to a local nonprofit created to manage the property.Emma captioned the touching video: "It was that winter, 15 years ago I fell head over heels in love with him #loveofmylife."Many social media users rushed to the comments to share their thanks to Emma for sharing the video of Bruce.Disneydessi said: "That sweet laugh.Thank you for sharing these precious videos with us, Emma."I'm sure there are millions of fans all over the world waiting for a sign from Bruce. Happy holidays to your beautiful family."CharlotteJones_78 added: "This is so beautiful, thank you for sharing.

COLOMBO (News 1st) – The National Election Commission met on Thursday (29) morning to reach several decisions including the date the call for nominations for the local government election.In addition, the Inspector General of Police, Senior Officials at the Defence Ministry, Postmaster General, Government Printer among others were summoned to the Election Commission on Thursday (29).The Chairman of the Election Commission Attorney Nimal Punchihewa said the meeting was called for to discuss the necessary measures related to the local government election.The Election Commision said that the local government election is expected to take place before the 10th of March 2023.The Chairman of the Election Commission Attorney Nimal Punchihewa said that the gazette notification calling for nominations for the local government election is expected to be issued before the 5th of January 2023.The names of the elected candidates will be published via gazette by the 20th of March 2023.

Why COVID projections have become harder During the early days of the pandemic, simple models could be used to project the number of COVID cases and the likely effect on the population, including demands for health care. Relatively few variables were needed to produce the first projections. That was because there was one main variant of COVID, the original strain, to which everyone in the world was susceptible.

Government officials have warned that the next 40 days will be crucial in determining the possibility of a resurgence of covid-19 cases in India, urging people to follow safety protocol and complete their vaccination. NEW DELHI: India reported 268 fresh coronavirus infections and two deaths in the last 24 hours, as per the Union health ministry’s covid bulletin on Thursday. Active cases stood at 3,552, taking the total number of cases reported in the country so far since the pandemic hit in 2020 to 4.46 crore.

COLOMBO (News 1st) – Heart to Heart International has obtained all necessary government approvals for the third in-kind donation of urgent medical aid, worth an approximate of $7,270,756.31 USD ( LKR 2.7 billion), to the people of Sri Lanka, said the Sri Lankan Embassy in Washington DC. The latest donation includes an extensive volume of urgent medicines such as: Propranolol Hydrochloride and Labetalol HCL to treat high blood pressure and other heart problems; Potassium Chloride to treat low levels of potassium in the body; Quetiapine Fumarate to treat certain mental/mood conditions such as depression, schizophrenia, bipolar disorders etc.; and Allopurinol to decrease high blood uric acid levels and prevent gout (a form of arthritis). In coordination with the Ministry of Health in Sri Lanka and the Embassy, the third donation is due to reach Colombo, Sri Lanka, via air on 29 December 2022.Similar to former donations, all expenses will be borne by Heart to Heart International, and the Ministry of Health will receive the donation for immediate distribution at no cost to the people of Sri Lanka. Thus far, the total in-kind donation provided by Heart to Heart International to the people of Sri Lanka is worth an approx. total of $19,915,909.38 USD (i.e., LKR 7.4 billion). Headquartered in Lenexa, Kansas, Heart to Heart International (HHI) is a global humanitarian organization focused on improving access to health. Since its inception in 1992, HHI has delivered medical aid and supplies worth $2.5 billion to more than 130 countries, including within the United States.

With inputs from agencies

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.

While the Central government has started random sampling and testing of 2% of foreign travellers at Delhi airport, in the last two days, more than 6,000 international travellers have been scanned, out of which 39 passengers have tested covid-19 positive. New Delhi: Government officials warned that the next 40 days would be crucial in determining the possibility of a resurgence of covid-19 cases in India as they urged people to follow safety protocols and complete their vaccination doses.

Italy is now sequencing those tests to see if there are new variants coming from China Italian health authorities will begin testing all arrivals from China for Covid after almost half of the passengers on two flights to Milan were found to have the virus.  The country is now sequencing those tests to see if there are new variants coming from China, the Health Ministry said in a statement. If a new strain is found, officials may impose stricter curbs on travel from China.

COLOMBO (News 1st) – A large number of people visited the Sri Lanka Bureau of Foreign Employment on Wednesday (28) morning based on a SLBFE advertisement for FREE job opportunities in Japan.However, later it was revealed that the advertisement was posed for 20 vacancies.A long queue was seen leading to the Sri Lanka Bureau of Foreign Employment in Battaramulla.Job applicants from all across the country had made their way to the Sri Lanka Bureau of Foreign Employment based on a Facebook post published by the SLBFE.The advertisement was for an awareness program for seat product sewing job opportunities in Japan.Notably, the advertisement did not mention that it was necessary to be fluent in Japanese to apply for the positions.Sri Lanka Bureau of Foreign Employment said that only 20 women will be awarded the job opportunities in Japan.The Spokesperson for the SLBFE said that following selection 20 women will be given language training at a four month residential program. "They will be sent for employment only after completing this entire process. There are 20 vacancies at present, and when they are completed we will be looking for more," he added.

COLOMBO (News 1st) – The Monetary Board of the Central Bank of Sri Lanka has decided to cancel the Finance Business Licence issued to Swarnamahal Financial Services PLC (SFSP).This is in terms of Section 37 (3) of the Finance Business Act, No. 42 of 2011 (FBA) with effect from 28th December 2022. Accordingly, warnamahal Financial Services PLC (SFSP) is not permitted to engage in Finance Business under the FBA with effect from 28th December 2022. Further, the Director of the Department of Supervision of Non- Bank Financial Institutions of the Central Bank of Sri Lanka has decided to cancel the Certificate of Registration of SFSP as a Registered Finance Leasing Establishment under the provisions of the Finance Leasing Act, No.

Colombo (News 1st) – Newsline: Sri Lanka's minerals are key to attracting dollars and boosting exports – Ryan Rockwood in conversation with Faraz Shauketaly. 28th December at 8:30 pm live on TV1.

COLOMBO (News 1st) – Police teams investigating the death of businessman Dinesh Schaffter were summoned by the Police Chief for a meeting on Wednesday (28).IGP C.D.

Colombo (News 1st) – THE YEAR THAT WAS AND THE YEAR TO COME – Watch FACE THE NATION on Wednesday 28th December at 9:30 pm on TV1 – Dialog TV-10 – PEO TV-12

Next 40 days going to be crucial as India may see surge in Covid cases in January: Official sources citing previous trends, news agency ANI reported 

Matt Hancock has announced he will stand down as an MP at the next general election.

Colombo (News 1st) – There is a rapid increase in the rate of Colorectal Cancer among both men and women across the country, the Sri Lanka College of Oncologists raised the alarm on Saturday (Dec. 03). "In Sri Lanka, the number of Cancer cases detected per year is increasing.

Health experts are investigating cases of Strep A infection after the deaths of six young children and a rise in cases.

COLOMBO (News 1st) – A Sri Lankan and a Russian died after a three-wheeler collided with a train in Galle on Thursday (1) morning.Sri Lanka Police said the Russian was a female, and the train was travelling from Beliatte to Vavuniya. The three-wheeler had caught fire following the accident at the Maharamba Railway Crossing in Galle.Sri Lanka Railways said that there may be minor delays in operations.

COLOMBO (News 1st) – History will be made when Costa Rica face Germany on 1 December 2022 at the Al Bayt Stadium when Stephanie Frappart becomes the first woman in the history of the World Cup to referee a finals match in the men's tournament.However, it will not be the first time the 38-year-old French referee has written her name into football history. Frappart was also the first woman to referee a Ligue 1 and UEFA Champions League game.Frappart will be joined by assistant referees Neuza Back of Brazil and Mexico’s Karen Díaz Medina for the crucial Group E game.Before the World Cup, Pierluigi Collina, chairman of the FIFA Referees Committee, said of the three female referees at the World Cup: "They were not selected because they are women, but as FIFA referees.

COLOMBO (News 1st) – History will be made when Costa Rica face Germany on 1 December 2022 at the Al Bayt Stadium when Stephanie Frappart becomes the first woman in the history of the World Cup to referee a finals match in the men's tournament.However, it will not be the first time the 38-year-old French referee has written her name into football history. Frappart was also the first woman to referee a Ligue 1 and UEFA Champions League game.Frappart will be joined by assistant referees Neuza Back of Brazil and Mexico’s Karen Díaz Medina for the crucial Group E game.Before the World Cup, Pierluigi Collina, chairman of the FIFA Referees Committee, said of the three female referees at the World Cup: "They were not selected because they are women, but as FIFA referees.

COLOMBO (News 1st) – Super luxury cruise ‘Mein Schiff 5’ reached the Port of Colombo on Tuesday (29) morning, and will head to Hambantota on Wednesday (30).Sri Lanka'a Harbour Master Nirmal Silva told News 1st that the cruise ship is carrying 2014 passengers and 922 crew.Hapag Lloyd Lanka, a subsidiary of the Aitken Spence Group, are the agents for TUI cruises. Mein Schiff 5 is owned by the German operator TUI cruises.Mein Schiff 5 has a capacity of 2,500 guests and was built in 2016.

Colombo (News 1st) – The 2022 FIFA World Cup surprises keep coming as Morocco beat the world's second best side, Belgium 2-0. Thanks to late goals by Abdelhamid Sabiri and Zakaria Aboukhlal, Morocco pulled off just its third-ever win at a World Cup. Belgium had 10 shots, but they only had three on target.

Colombo (News 1st) – In yet another shock win at the 2022 FIFA World Cup, Costa Rica scored their first goal of the tournament to beat Japan 1-0. Japan beat the mighty Germans 2-1 just a few nights ago.Keysher Fuller made Costa Rica's first shot on target count! Despite his side carrying no goal threat all game, Fuller beat the keeper from the edge of the box to keep their dream of reaching the last 16 alive.Costa Rica suffered a 7-0 humbling to Spain on Wednesday (Nov.

COLOMBO (News 1st) – The National Dangerous Drugs Control Board says that the use of a drug called ICE (methamphetamine) among school children is on the rise.The Chairman of the National Dangerous Drugs Control Board, Sakya Nanayakkara said that parents should pay special attention to their children and their activities.He further said that parents should pay special attention to the people their children associate with, their travels, and their children's behaviour.

COLOMBO (News 1st) – Sri Lanka is among the seven countries with a high risk of a currency crisis, warned Nomura Holdings, Japan’s top brokerage and investment bank.The other countries are  Egypt, Romania, Turkey, the Czech Republic, Pakistan, and Hungary.According to Reuters, the Japanese bank said that 22 of the 32 countries covered by its in-house "Damocles" warning system have seen their risk rise since its last update since May, with the largest increases in the Czech Republic and Brazil.It meant the sum of the scores generated on all 32 by the model had increased sharply to 2,234 from 1,744 since May."This is the highest total score since July 1999 and not too far from the peak of 2,692 during the height of the Asian crisis," Nomura economists said, calling it "an ominous warning sign of the growing broad-based risk in EM currencies".The model crunches 8 key indicators on a country's FX reserves, exchange rate, financial health and interest rates to give an overall score.Based on data from 61 different EM currency crises since 1996, Nomura estimates that a score above 100 indicates a 64% chance of a currency crisis in the following 12 months.Egypt, which has already devalued its currency heavily twice this year and sought an International Monetary Fund (IMF) programme, now generates the worst score at 165.Romania is next on 145 having been propping up its currency with interventions.