Sri Lanka: From Self-sufficient to seeking immediate food assistance

Covid-19 damaged the DNA in heart tissue, which was not detected in influenza samples. Notably the researchers also found that while Covid-19 and influenza are both severe respiratory viruses, they appeared to affect cardiac tissue very differently. "In comparison to the 2009 flu pandemic, Covid has led to more severe and long-term cardiovascular disease but what was causing that at a molecular level was not known," said Arutha Kulasinghe from the University of Queensland, Australia.

Targeted at consumers who are health aware and active, this new product by ABHICL looks at rewarding them for their good health behaviour. Aditya Birla Health Insurance Co.

COLOMBO (News 1st) – Parliament will convene this week from Monday (03) to Friday (07).The Secretary-General of Parliament Dhammika Dasanayake stated that the Committee on Parliamentary Business decided to set aside the 6th and the 7th of October to debate the 22nd Constitution Amendment Bill.The 3rd of October is set aside for the purpose of taking up 50 Questions for Oral Answers which were postponed due to various reasons.From 4th to 6th except for Friday 7th October, 9.30 am to 10.30 am is reserved for Questions for Oral Answers.Furthermore, it has been decided to extend the time allotted for the debate pertaining to government business by half an hour from the 4th Tuesday to allocate that time for the independent Members of the Parliament to express their opinions. Accordingly, the time for debating the government business, scheduled to end at 4.30 pm, will extend until 5.00 pm. It was agreed upon to allocate the remaining 30 minutes until 5.30 pm, for the Motion at the Adjournment Time on one day and Questions at the Adjournment Time on every other following day. October 4th from 10.30 am to 5.00 pm Order under the Strategic Development Project Act, No. 14 of 2008 published under the Gazette Extraordinary No.

COLOMBO (News 1st) –  The two men who were arrested for looting a tavern in Danowita, and engaging in a shootout with police were remanded to the 14th of October 2022.The two suspects were subject to an inspection by the Magistrate while they were being treated at the Ragama Hospital.The magistrate had ordered the suspects be remanded until the 14th, and be produced to the Attanagalla Magistrate's Court. On Sunday (2) morning a shootout took place between police, and a gang of thieves who were on the process of looting a tavern in DANOWITA, located along the Colombo – Kandy main road.A woman who was inside a bus traveling from Galunbindunuwewa to Colombo, that was passing the area was caught in the crossfire and lost her life.She was identified at 29-year-old Iresha Shamali from Bentara.The two men who were arrested for looting a tavern in Danowita, and engaging in a shootout with police were remanded to the 14th of October 2022.

From scary to funny to cute and even tasty, there’s no shortage of costume choices for your cat or dog this year. FOX TV Stations searched Chewy, Amazon and Walmart online so you don’t have to.

COLOMBO (News 1st) – Former Chairman of COPE Professor Charitha Herath was not included in the list of COPE members announced by the Speaker on Monday (3).Professor Charitha Herath is among the several ruling faction MPs who decided to remain independent and sit with the opposition in Parliament.Professor Charitha Herath tweeted that after a delay of two months COPE member list is out, and as predicted, his name isn't on the list. He said that thieves, deal makers who are in favor of a corrupted system WON for the day, and the people behind the economic crimes wanted him out of their way.Professor Charitha Herath said that the President and the Prime Minister should be ashamed of what had happened.

COLOMBO (News 1st); Sri Lankan Speaker Mahinda Yapa Abeywardena on Monday (3) announced that 27 members each have been appointed to the Committee on Public Enterprises & Committee on Public Accounts. 

COLOMBO (News 1st) – The Ministerial Consultative Committee on Justice is scheduled to meet on the 4th at 2.00 pm in Parliament to consider the twenty-second Constitution Amendment Bill to be debated in Parliament on the 6th and 7th.Members of Parliament will also have the opportunity to present their views and proposals regarding this bill in the committee chaired by the Minister of Justice, Prison Affairs and Constitutional Reforms, (Dr.) Wijeyadasa Rajapakshe.Meanwhile, the Ministerial Consultative Committee on Power and Energy is scheduled to meet at 11.00 am on that day under the chairmanship of Minister Kanchana Wijesekera.The Committee on Public Finance is scheduled to meet on the 3rd at 1.00 pm and the Committee on Ethics and Privileges is scheduled to meet on the 4th at 3.00 pm.Also, a special meeting of the Select Committee of Parliament to look into and report to Parliament its recommendations to ensure gender equity and equality in Sri Lanka will be held on the 5th at 11.00 a.m.

COLOMBO (News 1st) – Ursula von der Leyen, President of the European Commission congratulating President Ranil Wickremesinghe on his election as the President of the Democratic of Socialist Republic of Sri Lanka has assured its support to the government of Sri Lanka for the efforts to overcome the crisis successfully.Issuing a statement, Ursula von der Leyen noted that at a time of unprecedented challenges faced by the people of Sri Lanka, the European Union remains committed to support Sri Lanka’s efforts to overcome the crisis successfully, including the necessary reforms that will bring the country back to a path of inclusive prosperity and lasting national reconciliation.She further stated that in this process, freedom of expression and assembly, dialogue among all stakeholders, as well as respect for the rule of law and fundamental rights will remain essential.She has also made a reference to the assessment by the European Union on the progress made by Sri Lanka on GSP+ commitments.

The race to become Alberta’s next premier may be damaging to the governing United Conservative Party’s brand, a longtime pollster says, casting doubt on how long the winner will be able to hold on to the top job.

A suspicious package was found in a vehicle at the Ambassador Bridge, closing North America’s busiest land border crossing connecting Detroit, Mich. and Windsor, Ont., late Sunday evening.

OPEC+ delegates said a final decision on the size of the cuts won’t be made until ministers gather in Vienna on Wednesday. West Texas Intermediate jumped around 3%, putting prices on track for the first gain in three sessions. “The slide in oil prices is likely over," said Ed Moya, senior market analyst at Oanda Group.

Covid-19 update: Active cases in the country has now declined to 36,126 from the earlier 37,444. A decline of 1,318 cases has been recorded in the active COVID-19 caseload in a span of 24 hours. India sees slight drop in infections with 3,011 Covid cases reported in the last 24 hours, according to the Union Health Ministry data updated on Monday.

COLOMBO (News 1st) – The Public Utilities Commission of Sri Lanka(PUCSL) approved power cuts of 2 hours and 20 minutes for 03rd October as follows;Groups ABCDEFGHIJKLPQRSTUVW: 1-hour during daytime 1-hour and 20-minutes during the night

COLOMBO (News 1st); Today’s exchange rates from the Central Bank of Sri Lanka:USD Buy 359.1618 Sell 369.9103GBP Buy 396.3452 Sell 412.4602EUR Buy 349.9242 Sell 364.6306JPY Buy 2.4669 Sell 2.5686AUD Buy 231.3223 Sell 242.2604

BRADENTON, Fla. - Five days after Hurricane Ian made landfall on Florida’s Gulf Coast, close to 700,000 residents were still without power.Governor Ron DeSantis said an army of 42,000 utility workers responded to the call for help to restore outages.They answered, from Pennsylvania to Kansas and beyond. MORE: Alafia River flooding peaks at 18 feet after Hurricane Ian, surrounding nearby homes with waterThe streets of Paradise Bay Estates, off Cortez Road in Bradenton, were lined with utility trucks Sunday afternoon.Gary Wilt is a snowbird from Illinois. He returned home to Paradise Bay Sunday after evacuating ahead of the storm.Crews from Illinois, Kansas and Pennsylvania helped restore power in Florida Most of his community was still in the dark, but hopefully not for much longer."I’m telling everyone, ‘thanks for being here,’" Wilt said of the linemen in his neighborhood.

Covid cases could rise again. Similarly, every autumn and winter the UK's most vulnerable people are at risk from flu. With vaccines for both available, one pharmacist is urging people to take up the offer.

EGG HARBOR TWP. N.J. - The relentless rain and wind made for a messy day down at the shore.

BROOKLYN, NEW YORK, UNITED STATES - 2020/05/19: Construction workers wearing protective face masks on site. National Grid resumed the North Brooklyn "MRI" Pipeline construction by allegedly authorizing themselves to continue, despite the risks of the A recent survey reveals that not all drivers can recognize and understand different road signs despite having their licenses for many years. Myvision.org surveyed more than 1,060 drivers about road signs and other distractions they face when behind the wheel.

NORRISTOWN, Pa. - Pennsylvania American Water lifted the boil water advisory initially issued September 30, due to a water main break in East Norriton. Officials say the issue is resolved.More than 11,000 customers in parts of Montgomery County had been advised to boil their water before consumption due to the increased risk of contamination. According to Pennsylvania American Water, loss of positive water pressure was experienced after the water main break. West Reading, PA - June 15: A photo illustration of tap water in a clear glass drinking glass in West Reading, PA Tuesday afternoon June 15, 2021.

A view during the game between the New York Jets and the Pittsburgh Steelers at Acrisure Stadium on October 02, 2022 in Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania. (Photo by Justin K.

Mark Wahlberg attends the Los Angeles Premiere of Netflix's "Me Time" at Regency Village Theatre on August 23, 2022 in Los Angeles, California. (Photo by Axelle/Bauer-Griffin/FilmMagic) BOSTON (AP) - A home where entertainers Mark and Donnie Wahlberg’s family once lived was damaged by fire Sunday in Boston’s Dorchester neighborhood, the fire department said.The blaze in a nearby home at around 10 a.m., but spread to another three buildings because of strong winds, Fire Commissioner Paul Burke said.

COLOMBO (News 1st) – The Department of Meteorology says that showers will occur at times in Western and Sabaragamuwa provinces and Kandy, Nuwara-Eliya, Galle, and Matara districts. Heavy falls above 100 mm can be expected at some places in Sabaragamuwa Province and Kandy and Nuwara-Eliya districts.Several spells of showers will occur in Northern and North-Western provinces.Showers or thundershowers will occur at a few places in Uva province and Ampara district during the evening or night.Strong winds of about (50-55) kmph can be expected at times over the western slopes of the Central hills, Northern, North-Central, and Southern provinces, and in Trincomalee and Puttalam districts.

Mulayam Singh Yadav who is currently admitted to the ICU of Gurugram's Medanta Hospital after his health deteriorated. The Prime Minister assured all possible help and assistance to him, according to the news agency ANI. Uttar Pradesh Chief Minister Yogi Adityanath also spoke to SP chief Akhilesh Yadav to enquire about his father's health.

PLAINS, Pa. - State police shot and killed a man who struck a trooper with his pickup truck and then crashed into a police sport utility vehicle after an altercation at a northeastern Pennsylvania bar, authorities said.State police and Luzerne County prosecutors said troopers from Wilkes-Barre were called to the Ole Tyme Charley's Pub and Grill in Plains Township at about 1:30 a.m. Friday after a "highly intoxicated" man was reported to have assaulted a patron and an employee.Police allege that as two troopers arrived, Jason Kilduff, 41, of Pittston "intentionally" drove his pickup toward the troopers in an "attempt to strike them with his vehicle." One trooper was struck and the truck also struck the state police SUV, police said."Both troopers discharged their weapons while attempting to dodge the vehicle," police said.

Britain's Prince William, Prince of Wales gestures as he speaks to members of the public outside Norwich Gate on the Sandringham Estate in Sandringham, eastern England, on September 15, 2022, following the death of Queen Elizabeth II. - As preparatio This story discusses suicide.

Los Angeles Unified School District, officials confirmed Sunday.The data was released Saturday -- two days before a deadline previously given by the hackers -- in an apparent response to LAUSD Superintendent Alberto Carvalho's stated refusal to pay ransom to an international hacking syndicate, the Los Angeles Times reported.The newspaper said it reviewed screenshots from the hack that appeared to show some Social Security numbers, but the full extent of the release was not clear.District spokeswoman Shannon Haber would not confirm the release when reached by City News Service on Sunday.The group claiming responsibility for the cyberattack had set a Monday deadline for the district to pay a ransom to the organization.In a dark web post detected and reprinted by Brett Callow of the cybersecurity firm Emsisoft, the hacking syndicate Vice Society listed the LAUSD as one of "our partners," and stated, "The papers will be published by London time on October 4, 2022 at 12:00 a.m."The post did not give any indication about what information had been obtained or what would be published.Carvalho previously acknowledged that the district received a ransom demand from the group responsible for the Labor Day weekend hack -- which he declined to name."We can acknowledge ... that there has been communication from this actor (hacker) and we have been responsive without engaging in any type of negotiations," he told reporters.

Tesla CEO Elon Musk smiles as he addresses guests at the Offshore Northern Seas 2022 (ONS) meeting in Stavanger, Norway on August 29, 2022. (Photo by CARINA JOHANSEN/NTB/AFP via Getty Images) An early prototype of Tesla Inc.'s proposed Optimus humanoid robot slowly and awkwardly walked onto a stage, turned, and waved to a cheering crowd at the company's artificial intelligence event Friday.But the basic tasks by the robot with exposed wires and electronics — as well as a later, next generation version that had to be carried onstage by three men — was a long way from CEO Elon Musk's vision of a human-like robot that can change the world.Musk told the crowd, many of whom might be hired by Tesla, that the robot can do much more than the audience saw Friday.

GLENDALE, ARIZONA - SEPTEMBER 25: J.J. Watt #99 of the Arizona Cardinals warms up prior to an NFL football game between the Arizona Cardinals and the Los Angeles Rams at State Farm Stadium on September 25, 2022 in Glendale, Arizona.

The Supreme Court opens its new term Monday, hearing arguments for the first time after a summer break and with new Justice Ketanji Brown Jackson. Already the court has said it will decide cases on a range of major issues including affirmative action, voting rights and the rights of LGBTQ people. The justices will add more cases to their docket in the coming months.Here is a look at some of the cases the court has already agreed to hear.

KENSINGTON - A man in his early 30s was found dead, with a gunshot wound to the head, near train tracks in Philadelphia’s Kensington neighborhood.Officials say the shooting happened Sunday afternoon, about 1:30, near some train tracks on the 2900 block of North Front Street.Police found the man with a gunshot wound to the head.MORE HEADLINES:Medics pronounced him dead at the scene.Police are actively investigating the shooting, though no arrests have been made and no weapon has been recovered.___Tips can be submitted by calling 215-686-TIPS (8477) or texting PPD TIP (773847). Tips can also be submitted anonymously online, here.

ATLANTIC CITY, N.J. - Flooding concerns became all too evident Sunday, as the remnants of Hurricane Ian flooded roads down the shore and some interior sections of Philadelphia suburbs.Route 40 into and out of Atlantic City was closed because of flooding. Some of the streets looked like rivers and water even towered high above storm drains.Route 30 out of Atlantic City was also closed for a period of time because of coastal flooding.Some roads were also reportedly underwater in Sea Isle City and Wildwood.Ocean, Atlantic, and Cape May Counties in New Jersey are still under a coastal flood warning.

Russia faces a series of setbacks on the battlefield against Ukraine, President Vladimir Putin only knows how to do one thing, according to one of his most prominent critics: “escalate.”That’s because Putin views the prospect of losing power as an “existential threat,” according to Bill Browder, a U.S. investment fund manager who has influenced Western governments into clamping down on corrupt Russian officials.“If Putin were ever to lose power in Russia, he would lose all the money that he’s stolen over the last 22 years.

A ‘devastating’ Covid wave is about to break in the UK, say experts, who have slammed the government’s guidelines as ‘wrong’ and revealed the main symptom for the latest version of the virus. The autumn wave will be made worse by a lack of testing and limited surveillance of the new immune-evasive variants, according to the health leaders.

BUENA VISTA, N.J. - State authorities say a New Jersey police officer will not face any charges in the shooting death of a driver who stole a police car after a crash last year and was shot and killed after a chase. The New Jersey attorney general’s office said last week a state grand jury had declined to bring charges in the 2021 death of 42-year-old Roy K.

COLOMBO (News 1st); Food Security and malnutrition is serious situation in Sri Lanka, today.In response to this, the College of General Practitioners of Sri Lanka and Gammadda aimed to help those who need it the most.For many years, Gammadda's focus has been helping those who need it the most. And over the past year, that has included supporting families with food security.Gammadda has been able to serve communities across Sri Lanka with the help of General Sri Lankans both here and overseasToday, the College of General Practitioners of Sri Lanka came forward to partner up with Gammadda, to support selected families get through these hard times.Dr.

COLOMBO (News 1st) – A special operation mounted by the Navy and Sri Lanka Coast Guard led to the interception of an Indian dhow carrying about 434kg (wet weight) of Kerala cannabis and the apprehension of 05 Indian suspects aboard, in northwestern waters yesterday (13).The coordinated operation also made way for the apprehension of a local fishing trawler and 05 Sri Lankan nationals, suspected to have a connection to the incident.Both Sri Lanka Navy and Sri Lanka Coast Guard remain ever alert to prevent wide-ranging illegal activities stemming from sea routes around the island. As an extension of these efforts, SLCGS Suraksha engaged in this special operation inspected a suspicious Indian dhow in Sri Lankan waters west of the Kudiramalai Point, Puttalam through the International Maritime Boundary Line (IMBL) on 13th September. The inspection led to the recovery of about 434kg (wet weight) of Kerala cannabis in 09 sacks and it prompted SLCGS Suraksha to seize the stock of narcotics with 05 Indian suspects aboard the dhow.Meanwhile, SLCGS Suraksha also seized a local one-day fishing trawler with 05 Sri Lankans, on suspicion that the trawler had reached the sea area to transfer the consignment from the Indian dhow and bring them ashore.The street value of the stock of Kerala cannabis seized in this operation is believed to be over Rs.

COLOMBO (News 1st) – India has called for full implementation of the 13th Amendment to Sri Lanka's Constitution, the controversial 1987 amendment that has never been completely implemented for 35 years due to vehement opposition from many of the country's Sinhala-dominated political parties.But what is the 13th Amendment that India's representative to the United Nations Human Rights Council highlighted, something that was drafted long before most Sri Lankans and Indians of today were even born? Here's a look.13A: Up to 1987, Sri Lanka was ruled from Colombo by a central government, which resulted in areas far from the capital being virtually ignored in development programs and day to day governance. The 13A, as it became known, required devolution of powers to nine Provincial Councils – Northern, Southern, Eastern, Western, Central, Northcentral, Uva, Sabaragamuwa and Wayamba (Northwestern).

COLOMBO (News 1st); Sri Lankans living in Zambia, via the Zambia Sri Lanka Friendship Association, recently donated 1,150 Rabies Vaccines to the Ministry of Health, Sri Lanka. The donation was coordinated by the Honorary Consul of Sri Lanka to Zambia, while Dr.

COLOMBO (News 1st); Administrator for the US Agency for International Development (USAID) Samantha Power, who was in Sri Lanka on a two-day official visit, left the country on Monday (12).According to the BIA, she left Sri Lanka at about 5:30 this morning onboard a Qatar Airways flight.On Saturday, the Administrator traveled to Ja-Ela, a town outside Colombo, and visited rice paddy fields where she sat down with farmers to hear about their experiences coping with fertilizer shortages, inflation, and decreased wages.The Administrator announced $40 million in new USAID development assistance, subject to Congressional approval, to provide fertilizer to approximately one million Sri Lankan farmers.On Sunday (11), Administrator Samantha Power announced an additional $20 million in humanitarian assistance to support Sri Lankans during the complex emergency that has resulted in a severe economic crisis leaving 5.7 million people in urgent need of food, agriculture, livelihood support, protection, and more. The two announcements made in Sri Lanka this weekend brings the total U.S. government assistance to Sri Lanka to nearly $240 million. On top of the USAID total contribution of $92 million, there is also $120 million from the U.S.

Newsfirst.lk on Saturday, September 10, 2022 COLOMBO (News 1st); USAID Administrator Samantha Power, who is currently on a two-day visit, said that USD 40 million will be granted to the farmers of Sri Lanka from the people of USA, in order to assist 1 million farmers in Sri Lanka.She said this new funding is expected to help farmers to obtain the agricultural necessities and fertilizer they need in time for the next harvesting season, and will also help to provide for their families and communities.The USAID Administrator is due to meet with government officials, private sector representatives, as well as farmers and other Sri Lankans most impacted by the complex emergency to discuss how their lives have been affected by the current crisis.She also met with farmers in Ja-Ela and discussed the hardships which they faced.Pointing out that the USA has a history of working with the Sri Lankan people to spur economic development to support the resilience of Sri Lankans, Administrator Power said that it had become a difficult time for farmers to continue their livelihood. Citing a World Food Program report about food insecurity in Sri Lanka, Administrator Power said that it is a consequence of the economic crisis in the country.She also emphasized that the USA stands by Sri Lankans at this time of vulnerability, and looks foward to meeting more representatives within the two day visit.Administrator Power is also due to meet with parliamentary leaders representing various parties to learn their views on how to address the economic and political crises in Sri Lanka.During her visit, the Administrator will highlight the United States’ enduring support for the people of Sri Lanka and discuss issues related to food security, fuel

COLOMBO (News 1st); Former US Ambassador to the UN Samantha Power, who is also the Administrator for the US Agency for International Development or USAID will visit Sri Lanka on Saturday.USAID Administrator Samantha Power will make an official visit to Sri Lanka on Saturday and will remain in the country until Sunday.The purpose of the two-day visit is to discuss problems related to the prevailing economic crisis and strengthen the development partnership between the United States and Sri Lanka. She is expected to hold bilateral meetings as well.When she visited visited New Delhi in July, Ambassador Power said the Joe Biden administration and the Indian Government are “deeply concerned” by the economic collapse and crisis that has befallen the Sri Lankan people.The Administrator will meet with government officials, private sector representatives, as well as farmers and other Sri Lankans most impacted by the complex emergency to discuss how their lives have been affected and how the United States can best support them as they rebuild and recover. She will also meet with parliamentary leaders representing various parties to learn their views on how to address the economic and political crises in Sri Lanka. During her trip, the Administrator will highlight the United States’ enduring support for the people of Sri Lanka and discuss issues related to food security, fuel and essential item shortages, economic stability, and the impact of Russia’s war against Ukraine on the region.Administrator Power’s visit will underscore the United States’ commitment to addressing the urgent and intermediate needs facing Sri Lankans and to supporting a return to stability.  The Administrator will also reinforce USAID’s support for inclusive

COLOMBO (News 1st); The Ministry of Health says that 50% of the country's population suffers from vitamin D deficiency.Health experts point out that this affects many health factors including the skeletal system of the human body.The Health Experts further said that the easiest way for the body to get vitamin D is to expose the skin to sunlight during the morning.– What is vitamin D deficiency?Vitamin D deficiency means that you are not getting enough vitamin D to stay healthy.– Why do I need vitamin D and how do I get it?Vitamin D helps your body absorb calcium. Calcium is one of the main building blocks of bone. Vitamin D also has a role in your nervous, muscle, and immune systems.You can get vitamin D in three ways: through your skin, from your diet, and from supplements.

COLOMBO (News 1st); The Sri Lankan delegation that will represent the country at the United Nations Human Rights Council (UNHRC) reached Geneva in Switzerland on Tuesday (6) night.Foreign Minister Ali Sabry and Justice Minister President's Counsel Dr. Wijeyadasa Rajapakshe will lead Sri Lanka's delegation at the UNHRC.An additional Solicitor General of the Attorney General's Department is also included in the Sri Lankan delegation.The 51st session of the UNHRC is scheduled to be held from September 12th to October 07th in Geneva.The progress made by Sri Lanka concerning its Human Rights record will be up for review.Minister Dr.

Sri Lanka’s new Government should embark on a national dialogue to advance human rights and reconciliation, a UN report urges today, calling for accountability and deeper institutional reforms to prevent a recurrence of past violations. The report acknowledges that Sri Lanka is at critical juncture in its political life, and is in the midst of a serious economic crisis which has severely impacted the human rights of all communities and people of all walks of life. This has spurred broad-based demands by Sri Lankans from all communities for deeper reforms and accountability, and gives the Government a fresh opportunity to steer the country on a new path.For sustainable improvements to take place, however, it is vital to recognise and address the underlying factors which have contributed to the economic crisis, including embedded impunity for past and present human rights violations, economic crimes and endemic corruption.“Fundamental changes will be required to address the current challenges and to avoid repetition of the human rights violations of the past,” says the report of the High Commissioner for Human Rights.The report calls on the Government to immediately end the reliance on draconian security laws and crackdowns on peaceful protest, reverse the drift towards militarisation and show renewed commitment to, and deliver on, security sector reform and ending impunity.While the security forces recently showed considerable restraint in response to mass protests, the Government has since taken a harder line approach, arresting some student leaders under the Prevention of Terrorism Act and violently suppressing peaceful protests.

COLOMBO (News 1st); A committee was appointed by President's Secretary Saman Ekanayake to facilitate and efficiently carry out the process of repatriation of Sri Lankans who have gone to India as refugees due to the war, said the President's Media Division.The committee is headed by Ms. Chandima Wickramasinghe, Additional Secretary to the President, and the other members are the Controller General of Immigration and Emigration, senior official of the Ministry of Foreign Affairs, senior official of the Registrar General's Department and a senior official of the Ministry of Justice.This decision was reached during the discussion held on Monday (05) at the President's Office under the chairmanship of the President's Secretary Saman Ekanayake at the request of the Organization for Eelam Refugees Rehabilitation (OFERR), to bring back the Sri Lankans who have gone to India as refugees due to the war.It was stated that about 58,000 Sri Lankans are currently residing in Tamil Nadu, India as refugees and only 3,800 of them are ready to return to Sri Lanka at present.

COLOMBO (News 1st); Litro Gas has introduced an app for ordering gas cylinders, in order to enable overseas Sri Lankans to order gas cylinders for their relatives in Sri Lanka. The Chairman of Litro Gas, Muditha Peiris stated that overseas Lankans will be able to order gas cylinders for their relatives from the nearest dealer.Moreover, he said that purchases can be made via the app with the use of dollars, and the application will be introduced as a measure to mitigate the foreign exchange crisis in the country.

COLOMBO (News 1st);  The World Food Program warned the ongoing economic crisis and political turmoil have pushed food price inflation to above 90 percent, with a shortage of fuel disrupting access, livelihoods, and food safety programs, leaving millions vulnerable to food insecurity.The World Food Program said that three in 10 Sri Lankans are food insecure amid the country’s worst economic crisis since independence in 1948. Pregnant and breastfeeding women, children under five, and people with disabilities are among the worst affected.It added that the flagship Thriposha nutritional support program for pregnant and breastfeeding mothers and young children are stalled. Coupled with income losses and inflation, this could lead to higher rates of malnutrition for women and their children.Even before the ongoing crisis and the COVID-19 pandemic, Sri Lankan women and children suffered from far higher rates of malnutrition than most other middle-income countries: 17 percent of children under 5 were too short for their age and 15 percent were too thin for their height, a figure which is considered 'very high’ in WHO classification.Indu Abeyratne, Activity Manager with WFP Sri Lanka, who is closely engaged with the roll-out of the emergency response said “Focusing on vulnerable populations and communities is a priority to avert a humanitarian crisis.” WFP will reach out to almost 1.5 million people needing emergency food assistance through food, cash, or vouchers.Nearly 6.3 million people are food insecure and in need of assistance.