Special Goods & Services Tax should be passed by 2/3 majority & referendum

PHILADELPHIA - Two Pennsylvania State Troopers were among three people killed in a crash along I-95 in Philadelphia early Monday morning, officials have confirmed to FOX 29.The crash happened around 1 a.m. in the sorthbound lanes near the Broad Street exit.Authorities say two Pennsylvania State Troopers and a civilian were both killed in the crash.

COLOMBO (News 1st); A group of people enraged over the Sri Lankan government’s inability to address the present shortage, took to the streets on Monday (21) morning, demanding they be delivered Kerosene.The locals from Orugodawatte protested by blocking the Baseline Road in Colombo from the Orugodawatte Junction demanding Kerosene. After protesting for around an hour, the group moved away from the road and allowed the flow of traffic.

Hong Kong is set to resume international flights from the United States, Britain and seven other countries, the government said as it announced a loosening of some of the world's toughest Covid-19 restrictions.

COLOMBO (News 1st); Sri Lanka has requested financial assistance of US $ 1.5 Bn from China.This was confirmed by the Chinese Ambassador to Sri Lanka on Monday (21) morning.

Cancer surgery delays brought on by the COVID-19 pandemic could affect long-term survival for many patients, a new Canadian study shows.

Ukraine is warning that there is a high-risk Russia will launch an attack on Kyiv from neighbouring Belarus. Mercedes Stephenson reports.

China has fully militarized at least three of several islands it built in the disputed South China Sea, arming them with anti-ship and anti-aircraft missile systems, laser and jamming equipment and fighter jets in an increasingly aggressive move that threatens all nations operating nearby, a top U.S. military commander said Sunday.U.S. Indo-Pacific commander Adm.

There are high hopes the new provincial site will live up to the promises when it launches on Monday, and not crash along with the dashed hopes of the past. Kamil Karamali reports.

As Russia’s invasion of Ukraine stalls, its attacks grow increasingly indiscriminate. The largest civilian target, so far, has been an art school in Mariupol, where officials say 400 people were taking shelter. Jeff Semple reports from Odesa.

U.S. President Joe Biden spoke for nearly two hours with Chinese President Xi Jinping in a call on Friday in an effort to warn China not to support Russia’s invasion of Ukraine.

Ukraine on early Monday rejected Russian calls to surrender the port city of Mariupol, where residents are besieged with little food, water and power and fierce fighting shows little sign of easing.“There can be no question of any surrender, laying down of arms,” the Ukrainska Pravda news portal cited Ukraine’s Deputy Prime Minister Iryna Vereshchuk as saying early on Monday.“We have already informed the Russian side about this.”Russia earlier called on Ukrainian forces in Mariupol to lay down their arms, saying a “terrible humanitarian catastrophe” was unfolding. Ukrainian civilians prepare to fight as Russian troops close in on Odesa It said defenders who did so were guaranteed safe passage out of the city and humanitarian corridors would be opened from 1000 Moscow time (0700 GMT) on Monday.Mariupol has suffered some of the heaviest bombardments since Russia invaded Ukraine on Feb.

COLOMBO (News 1st); The All Ceylon Mask Manufacturers Association stated that the price of face masks will be increased by 30%.The president of the Association, Vidura Algama said that the price increase will be effective from Monday (21).

Omicron virus, accounts for 30% of infections in the US. Whereas hospitalizations and deaths continue to decline. BA.2 is about 50% more transmissible than the original strain of omicron, but it doesn’t cause more severe illness or evade immunity from vaccinations or an earlier infection, Fauci said.

The majority of covid restrictions have been lifted in Scotland today, nearly two years since some of them were first introduced.

COVID-19 mask mandate has lifted for most settings in the province.As of Monday, individuals are no longer required by the province to wear a mask, except for in certain settings including public transit, long-term care and retirement homes, congregate care and living facilities, homes for individuals with developmental disabilities, other health-care settings, shelters, and jails.Masking requirements have also been lifted in schools, as has cohorting.

Covid-19 cases, India on Monday reported 1,549 Covid-19 cases, according to Union Health Ministry. The country has witnessed a steep decline in Covid-19 death cases, logging 31 deaths in last 24 hours. The active case load on Monday stood at 25,106. And, the cumulative vaccines administered in the country reached 1,81,24,97,303.

war’s greatest suffering. On Sunday Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy accused Russia of war crimes over its siege, describing the attack on the city as "a terror that will be remembered for centuries to come." In his nightly address to the nation, Zelenskyy said Ukraine is interested in peace, and that ongoing talks with Russia are "necessary."Here are some key things to know about the conflict:Mariupol, a strategic port on the Azov Sea, has been encircled by Russian troops — cut off from energy, food and water supplies since the early days of Russian President Vladimir Putin’s invasion of Ukraine launched on Feb.

Today we are reporting 14,463 community cases, 1,000 hospitalisations and 9 deaths.

COVID-19 restrictions at its borders, travel experts are seeing a surge in demand for international trips, but summer bookings for Europe are modest amid concerns about the ongoing Russia-Ukraine war.Starting April 1, fully vaccinated travellers will not be required to show proof of a negative COVID-19 test upon entering Canada. The federal government had already eliminated the pre-arrival PCR test requirement last month, allowing travellers to show a rapid antigen test instead.

Russia in developing hypersonic weapons, the U.S. Navy is rushing to field its first, with installation on a warship starting as soon as late next year.The United States is in a race with Russia and China to develop these weapons, which travel at speeds akin to ballistic missiles but are difficult to shoot down because of their maneuverability.The Russian military says it already deployed hypersonic missiles, claiming on both Saturday and Sunday to have deployed them against targets in Ukraine marking the weapon’s first use in combat.

WASHINGTON, DC - OCTOBER 21: Associate Supreme Court Justice Clarence Thomas speaks at the Heritage Foundation on October 21, 2021 in Washington, DC. Clarence Thomas has now served on the Supreme Court for 30 years.

Downtown Toronto was filled with Irish music Sunday as revellers came to celebrate what Toronto’s Mayor is calling St. Patrick’s Day 2. The parade marking the first large scale event the city has seen since 2019. Frazer Snowdon has more.

After being wrongfully imprisioned for 23 years, Lamonte McIntyre, of Kansas City, Mo., was released from Lansing Prison after having been convicted in a double-homicide. Jim McCloskey, of Centurion Ministries, presented McIntyre with the t-shirt on KANSAS CITY, Kan. (AP) - A Kansas man who served 23 years in prison for a double murder he did not commit is seeking $93 million in damages from the county where he was convicted and a former detective he says framed him.Lamonte McIntyre, 45, and his mother allege in a lawsuit filed in 2018 that the Unified Government of Wyandotte County and Kansas City, Kansas, is responsible for the actions of former Kansas City, Kansas, police detective Roger Golubski and other officers involved in his prosecution.A federal judge on Thursday set a Nov.

NEW YORK, NY - SEPTEMBER 14: Maury Povich visits 'Dirty, Sexy, Funny with Jenny McCarthy' at SiriusXM Studio on September 14, 2016 in New York City. (Photo by Matthew Eisman/Getty Images) After years of men finding out if they were or weren’t "the father," NBCUniversal said it will pull the plug on the longest-running daytime talk show "Maury" after 31 seasons, 24 of which were with the network. The network said it will end its run of original episodes in September but said reruns will continue. "Six years ago when I was ready to retire, my the NBCUniversal family asked me to continue the show," host Maury Povich, 83, said in a statement to FOX Television Stations.

RIVERSIDE COUNTY, Calif. - Four teenagers were arrested nearly a month after they allegedly pushed another teen into traffic, causing him to be struck by a car and critically injured, according to Hemet Police. 15-year-old Angel Botello Hernandez was riding his skateboard on February 28 near the intersection of Stetson Avenue and Seven Hills Drive in Hemet. According to police, a group of teens met him at the corner and an altercation occurred, resulting in Hernandez being pushed into traffic and hit by a moving Tesla. The driver of the Tesla stopped immediately and faces no charges.RELATED: Dad of seriously hurt teen wonders why anyone would push his son into traffic after fight over skateboardTeen in critical condition after being pushed into traffic while riding skateboardA Riverside County teen is recovering at a hospital with serious injuries after he was pushed into traffic by a group of suspects while riding his skateboard Monday, police said.Hernandez sustained major head and brain injuries and remains hospitalized.

Two of Hong Kong's largest retail chains have started rationing some food and drug items to curb panic buying that has plagued the city over the past week amid fears of a citywide lockdown as Covid-19 cases soar.

Deputy Prime Minister Chrystia Freeland announced on Thursday that Canada will become the first country to revoke Russia and Belarus’ status as a most-favoured-nation trade partner under law. This includes the imposition of 35 per cent tariffs on goods from both countries as Moscow’s war in Ukraine rages on.

TRENTON, N.J. - The number of New Jersey residents getting property tax relief would nearly quadruple to almost 2 million people under a plan Democratic Gov.

FILE - A 2022 Ford Mustang Mach-E electric sports utility vehicle (SUV) on a demonstration course at AutoMobility LA ahead of the Los Angeles Auto Show in Los Angeles, California, on Nov. 18, 2021.

Canada is imposing a 35-per-cent tariff on goods from Russia and Belarus as Moscow’s war in Ukraine rages on.

Seventy-three percent of the United Nations General Assembly has voted to condemn Russia over its invasion of Ukraine. Jackson Proskow reports on which Russian allies withheld support for Moscow, and the sanctions aimed at the richest oligarchs.

JetBlue pilot was removed from the cockpit of a Florida-bound plane before departure from New York on Wednesday after Transportation Security Administration agents said they noticed that he appeared impaired.The JetBlue plane was about to depart from Buffalo Niagara International Airport on Wednesday when Niagara Frontier Transportation Authority police removed James Clifton, 52, from the flight after TSA agents alerted them of the possibly impaired pilot, according to The Buffalo News.TSA agents said they noticed that Clifton could have been impaired while he was passing a security checkpoint at the airport.NFTA police gave Clifton a breathalyzer test, and he was recorded with a blood-alcohol level of 0.17%, which is over four times Federal Aviation Administration standards for pilots, according to the report.The flight's scheduled destination was Fort Lauderdale, Fla., according to the report.Following the breathalyzer test, Clifton was taken into police custody before being released to JetBlue security.MORE NEWS: 'It's a nightmare!': Bride's flight to destination wedding canceledClifton could face federal charges after the incident, the NFTA told The Buffalo News.A JetBlue spokesperson told FOX Business that the crew member involved in the incident "has been removed from his duties.""The safety of JetBlue’s customers and crewmembers is our first priority.  We adhere to all DOT rules and requirements concerning alcohol at all times and have a very strict zero tolerance internal alcohol policy. We are aware of the incident that occurred this morning in Buffalo and are cooperating fully with law enforcement.

In overwhelming response, the United Nations General Assembly passed a vote on Wednesday to diplomatically isolate Russia by “deploring its aggression against Ukraine” and demanding Moscow withdraw its troops and stop fighting.

NEW DELHI :

TRENTON, N.J. - The old debate about whether drivers in New Jersey should be able to pump their own gas has returned. On Monday, a group of bipartisan legislators introduced a new bill that would allow drivers in the state to have the option for self-service stations. RELATED: Rising gas prices: Ways to maximize your fuel economyThis comes as gas station owners say they are struggling with staff shortages and lack of business fueled by the COVID-19 pandemic and rising gas prices. The Motorist Fueling Choice and Convenience Act, sponsored by Democratic Assemblywoman Carol A. Murphy and Republican Assemblymen Edward H.

COLOMBO (News 1st); The proposed Surcharge Tax Bill that was presented to Parliament, will be amended in a manner that will not include 13 funds, including the Employees’ Provident Fund (EPF) and the Employees’ Trust Fund (ETF), Sri Lanka’s Attorney General told the Supreme Court on Wednesday (2).Additional Solicitor General Viveka Siriwardena told the Supreme Court that the Finance Secretary had informed the Attorney General in this regard in writing.The Samagi Jana Balavegaya, one of the main opposition factions in Sri Lanka has filed a special petition with the Supreme Court challenging the proposed Surcharge Tax Bill that was presented to Parliament, on the 23rd of February.The Government on 22nd February presented the proposed Surcharge Tax Bill to Parliament.The special application challenging the Bill seeks a Supreme Court ruling to term the Bill as inconsistent with the constitution.The Bill, which imposes a retrospective one-time surcharge tax of 25% on persons and companies with a taxable income over Rs. 2 billion for the year 2020/2021, was presented by Leader of the House Minister Dinesh Gunawardena on 22nd February.The Bill was drafted in keeping with the proposal in the 2022 Budget to impose a one-off 25% surcharge tax on individuals or companies earning taxable income more than Rs.

the railways have decided to resume general class passenger services. 

Russian President Vladimir Putin, in an early Thursday (24) morning address in Moscow, announced that Russia would launch a military action in Ukraine. NBC News reported that explosions were heard in Kyiv, the Ukrainian capital.The United Nations Security Council had just convened an emergency meeting Wednesday night.Earlier, European and U.S.

COLOMBO (News 1st); Finance Minister Basil Rajapaksa has said that necessary measures have been taken to ensure there is no shortage in the supply of essential goods to the country.Speaking at the meeting with state officials at the Presidential Secretariat chaired by President Gotabaya Rajapaksa on Wednesday (23), the Finance Minister said a mechanism is also in place to inquire into the shortcomings at the regional level and obtain information via the Divisional Secretariats.The meet was held to raise awareness on the government’s forward plans, and speaking at the meeting President Gotabaya Rajapaksa noted that it is his aspiration that all state institutions commit to serving the general public.“A majority of the public servants wish to work. What is required is supervision, guidance, and encouragement and that will lead to a productive service,” the President told the meeting.He stressed the need for Governors, and the Secretaries of Ministries, Provinces, and Districts, as well as all high-ranking state officials, to personally intervene to provide leadership in this effort.The President recalled the fact that he personally visits state offices and supervises them, called on the Governors and state officials to also visit all institutions under their purview and conduct inspections, whilst encouraging the staff.“We are here to ensure the people survive and the proper environment for that needs to be created.

food prices, a new national survey has found.According to the Angus Reid Institute, 46 per cent of Canadian consumers are switching to cheaper brands at the grocery store, one-third are cutting back on meat, and one in five are buying less fresh fruit and fewer vegetables.Sixty-two per cent of survey respondents also reported eating out less and a quarter said they’re drinking less alcohol. Milk prices soar across Canada as record price increases for farmers kick in The Angus Reid Institute polled a randomized sample of 5,002 Canadian adults across the country between Jan.

It was a special day on Abemama Island when community leaders gathered in the ‘maneaba’, the meeting house at the heart of every community in Kiribati. Tekinano Karereiti, a primary health care worker, was facilitating a discussion about mental health. Community dialogue, the practice of listening and talking to each other on important issues, is deeply grounded in the history and culture of the Pacific Islands and this was a good opportunity to raise awareness of an increasingly important issue for islanders.

COLOMBO (News 1st); The Samagi Jana Balavegaya, one of the main opposition factions in Sri Lanka has filed a special petition with the Supreme Court challenging the proposed Surcharge Tax Bill that was presented to Parliament.The Government on Tuesday (22) presented the proposed Surcharge Tax Bill to Parliament.The special application challenging the Bill was submitted by the General Secretary of the Samagi Jana Balavegaya and it seeks a Supreme Court ruling to term the Bill as inconsistent with the constitution.The Bill, which imposes a retrospective one-time surcharge tax of 25% on persons and companies with a taxable income over Rs. 2 billion for the year 2020/2021, was presented by Leader of the House Minister Dinesh Gunawardena on Tuesday (22).The Bill was drafted in keeping with the proposal in the 2022 Budget to impose a one-off 25% surcharge tax on individuals or companies earning taxable income more than Rs.

Isabelle Jacques, the Assistant Deputy Minister, Financial Sector Policy Branch at the Department of Finance, said Tuesday during a finance committee meeting on the trucker protests that the invocation of the Emergencies Act allowed the federal government to capture funds from crowdfunding platforms and payment service providers which previously didn’t fall under current proceeds of crime or terrorism laws.

COLOMBO (News 1st); 200 buses that were taken out of service were repaired and re-added to the passenger transportation under the patronage of President Gotabaya Rajapaksa at the Presidential Secretariat premises on Tuesday (22).The project was implemented based on a concept of State Minister of Vehicle Regulation, Bus Transport Services and Train Compartments and Motor Car Industry Dilum Amunugama and under the guidance of Transport Minister Pavithra Wanniarachchi.The importation of buses was also suspended along with the restriction on the importation of vehicles.Accordingly, steps were taken to repair the dilapidated buses as a solution to the shortage of buses and in order to save foreign exchange.Under the first phase of the project, 273 buses were repaired and added to the bus fleet in December 2020.Under the second phase, 200 buses that were completely out of service at 107 depots across the country were repaired at a cost of Rs. 136 million.The project is being carried out by Sri Lanka Transport Board (SLTB) depots and Lakdiva Engineering Company with the full support of the Sri Lanka Public Transport Employees Union.The President inspected the standard of the buses, engaged in conversation with the SLTB employees.

In Rwanda, the ‘land of a thousand hills’, reaching the nearest health facility usually means a long walk that, until recently, took an average of 95 minutes. Although the walking time was halved to 47 minutes in 2020, it is still a challenge for many people to access health care in a timely manner. Through an innovative approach that brings greater numbers of health posts close to communities, the Government aims to further reduce walking time to under 25 minutes by 2024. The health posts serve as an interface between community health workers and health centres. Here, health workers provide essential primary care services and make referrals to hospitals for specialized services, ultimately strengthening the foundation of the health system and improving the way people receive the care they need. The health posts have also contributed to an effective national response to COVID-19, with communities still able to access basic care despite the crisis.

Ottawa‘s interim police chief says officers will clear the streets of people who oppose the government and COVID-19 restrictions in the next few days, warning they are ready to use methods people are not used to seeing in the capital.

TALLAHASSEE, Fla. - Republicans in the Florida House of Representatives early Thursday approved a ban on abortions after 15 weeks, moving to tighten access to the procedure ahead of a U.S. Supreme Court decision that could limit abortion rights in America.The GOP-controlled House passed the 15-week abortion ban after several hours of debate between Democrats who said the measure would impose an unnecessary burden on women and Republicans who said they were protecting the unborn."This is the right to life and to give up life is unconscionable to me," said Republican Rep.

COLOMBO (News 1st); A man who abducted his own son from Horana, was shot dead in a shootout with police on Thursday (17) afternoon.Sri Lanka Police said the suspect had abducted his 8-year-old son from his mothers’ residence in Horana., after firing several rounds into the air.Police Spokesperson Attorney-at-Law Nihal Thalduwa speaking to News 1st said police officers received a tip-off that the man was in hiding in Walpita, Anguruwatota.When police officers reached the house, the suspect had opened fire at the police using a T-56 assault rifle and police officers had returned fire, eventually killing the suspect.A T-56 Assault Rifle and several bullets that were in the possession of the suspect were seized from the crime scene.However, the suspect’s son was not at the house where the shooting took place, said the Police Spokesperson, adding a special operation is underway to locate him.The suspect had recently attacked his wife using a sharp weapon and separated both her hands in the attack.She is currently being treated at the Intensive Care Unit of the Colombo National Hospital.