Sri Lanka & India discuss cooperation on renewable energy

COLOMBO (News 1st); Power cuts will be imposed for Wednesday (23), announced by the Public Utilities Commission of Sri Lanka on Tuesday (22).Power Cuts for Wednesday (23)Groups PQRSTUVW:1 hour from 10:30 AM to 4:30 PM1 hour 40 minutes from 4:30 PM to 9:30 PMGroups ABCDEFGHIJKL:3 hours and 20 minutes from 8 AM to 6 PM 1 hour and 40 minutes from 6 PM to 11 PMFor local areas that will be affected click here.

World Health Organisation (WHO) last week pointed out that Omicron is transmitting at a very intense level around the world. “We have sub-lineages of Omicron BA.1 and BA.2. BA.2 is more transmissible, and this is the most transmissible variant we have seen of the SARS-COV2 virus to date", the WHO official pointed out.

COLOMBO (News 1st); Sri Lanka Army personnel have been deployed to monitor the distribution of fuel at filling stations operated by the Ceylon Petroleum Corporation (CPC).This was confirmed to News 1st by the Military Spokesperson on Tuesday (22).

COLOMBO (News 1st); Sri Lanka’s Court of Appeal on Tuesday (22) ordered the Commissioner General of Lands to NOT abide by the circular that was issued giving control of Other State Forests to Divisional Secretaries.The Commissioner-General of Lands, Director General of Forest Conservation among five others were issued notice to appear in court on the 1st of September to make submissions with respect to the writ application that was filed challenging the said circular.Accordingly, the order on the Commissioner General of Lands will be in effect until the 1st of September.The application challenging the circular was taken up in the presence of Justices Sobitha Rajakaruna and Dhammika Ganepola.The Centre for Environmental Justice (CEJ) and its Executive Director filed a new writ application in the CA against a government decision to move the `Other State Forest’ from the preview of the Forest Department and hand over them to District and Division Secretariats.

COLOMBO (News 1st); Venerable Elle Gunawansa Thero has requested the President to disclose to the public and the parliament the details of three agreements that are to be signed between Sri Lanka and India, with regard to the security of the Indian Ocean region.In a letter to the President, the Venerable Thero noted that the Hindustan Times had reported that both countries are close to finalizing three defense-related agreements and arrangements that are expected to boost cooperation for maritime security.The Venerable Thero also noted that the agreement signed when securing a US $ 1 Billion Loan from India, is also yet to be made public.He also pointed out that an ad-hoc Free Trade Agreement had been signed between Sri Lanka and China.Venerable Elle Gunawansa Thero in his letter firmly states that he will stand against any conspiracy or attempt that will pave the way for the national resources in the North, East, or other parts of the country, to be looted or surrendered for money.

@st3v3turn3r and @MaureenPCassidy, I've asked Acting Mayor @JoshMorganLDN to call a special committee meeting for tomorrow to consider temporarily reintroducing the mask bylaw in #ldnont.Read our letter and let me know what you think here: https://t.co/GdNXRUm2ZA— Jesse Helmer (@jesse_helmer) March 21, 2022London medical officer of health Dr. Alex Summers said Monday while the health unit supports wearing a mask, he will not say whether or not a mandate is needed.“The reality is COVID remains in our community and masks are an effective way to slow transmission as we have learned over the last number of years,” Summers said.“There are considerations around the risks and benefits of a mandate that needs to be considered by organizations and decision makers.

COLOMBO (News 1st); Power cuts will be imposed for Tuesday (22), announced by the Public Utilities Commission of Sri Lanka on Monday (21).Power Cuts for Tuesday (22)Groups PQRSTUVW:2 hours and 40 minutes from 9 AM to 5 PM1 hour from 5 PM to 9 PMGroups ABCDEFGHIJKL:3 hours and 20 minutes from 8 AM to 6 PM 1 hour and 40 minutes from 6 PM to 11 PMFor local areas that will be affected click here.

COLOMBO (News 1st): Sri Lanka’s Energy Minister said the demand for fuel was at a high in March 2022, compared to December 2021, and January & February 2022.Energy Secretary K. D.

COLOMBO (News 1st); The Ministry of Education has decided to conduct the final term examinations for the schools in the Western Province, as previously planned.Education Secretary Kapila Perera said all the term examinations will be concluded before the 6th of April 2022.A paper shortage in cash-strapped Sri Lanka has led to final term tests for grades 9, 10, and 11 in Western province schools being postponed until after the April holidays, it was reported earlier, with tests for grades 6, 7, and 8 to be held at the school level.Education Secretary Kapila Perera said the shortage in the Western Province was resolved, and therefore the examinations will go ahead as planned.

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.

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.

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.

COLOMBO (News 1st); Sri Lankan authorities have decided to impose power cuts on Monday (21).Groups PQRSTUVW:2 hours and 40 minutes from 9 AM to 5 PM1 hour 50 minutes from 5 PM to 10:30 PMGroups ABCDEFGHIJKL:3 hours and 20 minutes from 8 AM to 6 PM 1 hour 40 minutes from 6 PM to 11 PM 

COLOMBO (News 1st); Another senior citizen who was in a queue at a filling station in Kadawatha has collapsed and passed away today (20).Police stated that a person who was waiting in line to get petrol had collapsed, and he died upon admission to the Ragama Hospital.The deceased, a 70 year old man was identified as a resident of Makola area.This is the second death reported in Sri Lanka within the past 24 hours,while queuing up for essentials.Yesterday (19), a person who was waiting to obtain kerosene from a fuel queue in Kandy also passed away.The funeral of the 71-year-old is scheduled for today (20).

The war is now in its fourth week. Overnight, Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy accused the Kremlin of deliberately creating "a humanitarian catastrophe," but also appealed for Russian President Vladimir Putin to meet him for direct talks.The U.N.

COLOMBO (News 1st); The Chinese Ambassador of Sri Lanka, Qi Zhenhong met with the Sri Lankan Foreign Minister Prof. G.L.

SEATTLE - Food truck vendors who cover their own gas are desperately trying to stay afloat amid record prices.Zaytoona Food Truck owner Muhammad Al Deri has started setting up in down Seattle a lot more over the past couple of months. Gas prices are making it harder to travel across Washington state like he used to do. "I have to change my prices to cover the gas," Al Deri said.

NEW DELHI :

COLOMBO (News 1st); No conditions have been underlined for the USD 1 billion loan given by India, however, the amount will have to be paid back in installments after three years, said Finance Minister Basil Rajapaksa.The President is acting on a very prudent and a long-term plan, says Finance Minister Basil Rajapaksa on repaying the country’s loans after his entourage returned from India this afternoon. The Finance Minister returned to the country after signing agreements for a US $ 1 billion financial assistance from India. In addition to this $ 1 billion, India has already provided a $ 400 million loan, a $ 500 million loan to purchase petroleum and another $ 500 million via the Asian Clearing Union.Accordingly, the value of loans and relief facilities provided by India to overcome the current economic crisis is about US $ 2.4 billion in total. The Minister of Finance, speaking to media stated that Sri Lanka’s neighbor India has proven that it stands by Sri Lanka with this action, especially with Prime Minister Modi mentioning that all the support that Sri Lanka needs is being provided directly, both economically and socially.The Finance Minister said that Prime Minister Modi has learned of the organic farming and the interest shown by the President with regard to it, and although a shortage of nano fertilizer exists in India, they agreed to provide Sri Lanka with the required quantity.Rajapaksa also stated that India gave Sri Lanka a loan of US $ 1 billion to purchase food and other necessities for the people, especially for the upcoming Sinhala Tanil New Year, and the relevant loan has been in operation since yesterday (17).I urge all business communities to make it very transparent, giving priority to things which

COLOMBO (News 1st); The Socialist Youth Union launched a massive protest march in Colombo on Friday (18) morning with the participation of thousands of its members, against many decisions made by the Sri Lankan Government, which they term as detrimental to the well being of her citizens.The protest march commenced from the Technical Junction in Maradana, and the Socialist Youth Union is attached to the Janatha Vimukthi Peramuna.These protestors are demanding the Sri Lankan Government end the shortage of fuel and gas, terminate the agreements that handed over the Trincomalee Oil Tank Complex to India, and the transfer of shares of the Yugadhanavi Power Plant to US-based new Fortress Energy Inc.The protest is heading towards the Fort Railway Station, in the heart of Colombo, and one of the busiest main roads in the city.

COLOMBO (News 1st); As ordinary Sri Lankans queued once again up last evening for fuel and LP gas, a social media furor erupted as videos began to emerge of a fleet of SUV’s and high-powered motorcycles speeding along a road backed by a police convoy.The Police Media Division in a Press Release issued this morning (18) noted that while “conditional permission” had been granted for a “vehicle-parade”, the police had banned the parade due to public outcry and the flouting of conditions agreed to.Police have assured that legal action would be taken if road rules were broken. The video circulating on social media shows many SUV’s had passengers dangerously hanging out of open windows.The convoy, which was flanked by a considerable police escort, was met with stiff resistance at the Kalpitiya town, where residents and religious leaders blocked the road preventing the convoy from moving ahead.“The People in this area, have no fuel.

COLOMBO (News 1st); A Senior Sri Lankan Government Official said Sri Lanka will make a documented request from the International Monetary Fund (IMF) soon, for assistance.He said the necessary plans will be drafted following the return of Finance Minister Basil Rajapaksa and Finance Secretary S. R.

COLOMBO (News 1st); Sri Lanka’s Energy Ministry said that a fuel tanker with 40,000 MT of Diesel will reach Sri Lankan shores on Sunday (20), following the singing of a US $ 1 Bn Credit Line with India.Secretary to the Energy Minister K. D.

FILE - Vials containing Moderna COVID-19 vaccine. WASHINGTON - Drugmaker Moderna asked the Food and Drug Administration on Thursday to authorize a fourth shot of its COVID-19 vaccine as a booster dose for all adults.The request is broader than rival pharmaceutical company Pfizer's request earlier this week for the regulator to approve a booster shot for all seniors.In a press release, the company said its request for approval for all adults was made "to provide flexibility" to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention and medical providers to determine the "appropriate use" of a second booster dose of the mRNA vaccine, "including for those at higher risk of COVID-19 due to age or comorbidities."U.S.

COLOMBO (News 1st); Sri Lankan authorities have decided to impose power cuts on Friday (18).Groups PQRSTUVW:2 hours from 9 AM to 5 PM1 and 1/2 hours from 5 PM to 10 PMGroups ABCDEFGHIJKL:3 hours from 8 AM to 6 PM 1 hour 40 minutes from 6 PM to 11 PMPower Cut Schedule: Click Here

Lucy Dacus has postponed a number of her upcoming UK and Ireland tour dates after testing positive for COVID-19.The Virginia artist had been due to kick off her UK and European tour in support of her 2021 album ‘Home Video’ tomorrow (March 18) with the first of two shows in Leeds.However, those gigs, as well as her upcoming dates in Glasgow, Dublin and Manchester, have now been postponed after Dacus tested positive for COVID just before leaving the US for her tour.“She is doing well,” a statement that was issued on Dacus’ social media channels last night (March 16) reads.

COLOMBO (News 1st); The agreement with India for a credit line of USD 1 billion has been signed a shot while ago today (17), the Indian High Commission states. The USD $01 Billion loan agreement was signed to facilitate the importation of essential commodities and pharmaceuticals to Sri Lanka. The agreement was signed in the presence of the Foreign Minister of India, Dr. S.

Gemma Collins has asked her fans for advice after revealing her dad Alan has permanent scarring in his lungs following his Covid-19 battle.The 41 year old, who recently said she dances naked in her garden as it's "so liberating", took to her Instagram stories to issue the plea with her 2.2 million followers. Sharing a snap of her dad smiling as he sat in the sun, Gemma asked her followers to get in touch if they know any tips and tricks on how to handle difficulties breathing as a result of long Covid. "If anyone knows anything about permanent scaring from long Covid please get in touch as dad bless him has permanent scaring and was wondering if there is anthing we can do to help his breathing," she wrote.

COLOMBO (News 1st); The Sri Lanka Police Special Task Forces’ SWAT teams have been praised by Dubai SWAT’s Major General Abdullah Ali Al Ghaithi, Director of Organisations Protective Security and Emergency. at the UAE SWAT Challenge 2022, organized by Dubai Police.Sri Lanka took part in the UAE SWAT Challenge for the first time.Sri Lanka Police said that two SWAT teams led by ASP Keshara Ratnaweera represented Sri Lanka at the UAE SWAT Challenge 2022, where forty-one highly-trained teams from 24 countries testes their tactical and weapon skills at Al Rowaiyah Training City in Dubai.The 3rd edition of SWAT Challenge witnessed fierce competition among 41 teams.Lt.

COLOMBO (News 1st); The Sri Lanka Petroleum Private Tanker Owners’ Association (SLPPTOA) has decided to call off their strike following talks with the Minister of Energy on Wednesday (16) afternoon.Owners of fuel bowsers commenced a strike on Tuesday (15) night against the failure to increase their transport allowances in comparison to the increase in fuel prices,Due to this reason, Sri Lanka Petroleum Private Tanker Owners’ Association (SLPPTOA) said about 800 Bowser vehicles will NOT operate on Wednesday (16).However, the strike was called off, following talks with the authorities.

COLOMBO (News 1st); Sri Lankan Finance Minister Basil Rajapaksa called on Indian External Affairs Minister Dr. S.

COLOMBO (News 1st); Sri Lanka’s Public Utilities Commission has granted approval for power cuts on Wednesday (16).The power cut schedule is as follows:Groups ABCDEFGHIJKL:2 1/2 hours from 8 AM to 6 PM2 hours from 6 PM to 11 PMGroups PQRSTUVW3 hours from 8.30 AM to 5.30 PM2 1/2 hours from 5.30 PM to 11 PM Power Cut Schedule: Click Here

COLOMBO (News 1st); Sri Lankan authorities have decided to impose power cuts on Thursday (17).Groups PQRSTUVW:2 hours from 3 PM to 11 PMGroups ABCDEFGHIJKL: 2 hours from 9 AM to 5 PM1 hour and 15 minutes from 5 PM to 10 PMPower Cut Schedule: Click Here

Children under the age of five still can’t be vaccinated against COVID-19, leaving them vulnerable to the coronavirus. Now a new study suggests one in four symptomatic kids ends up developing “long COVID.” Jamie Mauracher reports on what some of them are enduring.

OCTOBER 23: In this photo illustration, user profile logos of the Netflix media service provider's is displayed on the screen of a television on October 23, 2018 in Paris, France. The US video-on-demand company Netflix announced Monday it wants to ra LOS ANGELES - Netflix will soon launch a test that would prompt subscribers to pay an additional fee to allow users outside their households to use the account. According to the subscription streaming service's current "Terms of Use" agreement, any content accessed through its service for personal use "may not be shared with individuals beyond your household" — a condition that Netflix has looked over or dismissed for years.Now the company says it will launch and test a new feature for its members in Chile, Costa Rica and Peru, which will require members to add "sub accounts" for up to two people they don’t live with at a cost of 2,380 CLP in Chile, 2.99 USD in Costa Rica and 7.9 PEN in Peru. No announcement has been made whether the features will eventually be tested in the United States.RELATED: 'Squid Game' tops 'Bridgerton' as Netflix's biggest series launch ever"We’ve always made it easy for people who live together to share their Netflix account, with features like separate profiles and multiple streams in our Standard and Premium plans," the company wrote in a blog post on Wednesday.

COLOMBO (News 1st); Sri Lanka has started discussions with international monetary agencies and other friendly nations on its debt servicing obligations, said President Gotabaya Rajapaksa on Wednesday (16), in a televised address to the nation.“We need to clear the deficit and increase our foreign reserves,” said the President, adding that the government is in talks with various factions to implement necessary processes that would not be detrimental to Sri Lanka.‘We held talks with the International Monetary Fund yesterday (15). We hope to secure a process that would see us service our annual debt installments and sovereign bonds,” said the President adding that it was decided to further work with the IMF after studying the pros and cons of the proposed process.President Gotabaya Rajapaksa said that certain decisions made by him in the past attributed to the control of import expenses, and that is why vehicle imports were suspended two years ago, and local industries were encouraged to boost production.The President said the main issue faced when controlling import expenses is the rapidly rising petroleum prices in the world market.“Over 20% of our import expenses are spent on petroleum products.

COLOMBO (News 1st); Liro Gas was unable to source the US $ 8 Million on Wednesday (16) to settle payment for a gas shipment that reached Sri Lanka.According to Litro Gas, a shipment is valued at approximately US $ 3 Million, however, due to arrears and demurrages, the supplier is seeking the US $ 8 Million from Sri Lanka.According to reports, the demurrages per day for this particular shipment is US $ 4,500/-, and Litro Gas revealed that it has payments to the tune of US $ 18 Million as demurrages to the supplier.Where did it all go wrong?If Litro Gas has opted for a long-term tender process, the payment for shipments could have been better managed.Notably, the long-term tender of Litro Gas lapsed on the 28th of February 2022, and even at that time, Litro Gas has not taken any measures to finalize the renewal of the long-term tender.Litro Gas has noted several reasons for the cause.– The failed attempt to introduce a full functioning Siyolit (Pvt) Ltd, the special purpose vehicle (SPV) incorporated for Sri Lanka’s gas sector– Crises that followed after reducing the weight of the domestic LP gas cylinders and distributing them to the local market– Gas related accidents that were reported from across Sri LankaWhat is the situation at the moment?Although the long-term tender awarded to a foreign supplier has expired, Litro Gas Lanka continues to purchase gas from the same company.When a supply agreement is signed, the supplier usually agrees to supply at least 10 percent more or less of the total consignment.Is gas being imported under this agreement?Higher costs can’t be prevented when spot purchases are made for gas.Last year, the chairman of Litro Gas criticized the supplier and blamed a mafia behind the transaction.Is a

A new observational follow-up study in six European countries published in The Lancet Public Health links severe COVID-19 to long-term depression and anxiety.

Unity, a popular engine for creating games, has shared that the pandemic has brought “long-lived and sustainable” changes to the games industry, with a record number of people creating and playing games.The Unity Gaming Report 2022 uses data from over 230,000 developers who create games using Unity, and is a comprehensive look at the world’s gaming habits over the last year.In the latest report, Unity claimed that “far from a “pandemic spike” the changes in the games industry appear to be long-lived and sustainable,” and added that “in 2021, the number of people playing games is at far higher levels than they were pre-COVID and the industry has continued to step up to feed the demand”.Unity stated that the number of games made via its engine rose by 93 per cent in 2021, with a 31 per cent bump in new creators.

Camilla, the Duchess of Cornwall, is struggling with some of the long term effects of COVID-19. The 74-year-old wife of Prince Charles canceled an official appearance at the Cheltenham Festival on Wednesday, and royal reporters note that the royal is «trying to pace herself as she recovers from the bout of COVID-19 she had last month.» Camilla and Prince Charles both tested positive for the virus in February, as did his 95-year-old mother, Queen Elizabeth II, but had since returned to their busy schedules. Multiple royal reporters claim that it looked as if Camilla was «struggling» at an event on Tuesday and had been coughing at recent engagements. On Tuesday, Camilla and Charles visited The Irish Cultural Centre in London, leading up to St.

COLOMBO (News 1st); Sri Lanka’s Finance Minister Basil Rajapaksa has met with Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi on Wednesday (16) afternoon at the Indian Parliamentary Complex.The Finance Minister had thanked the Indian Prime Minister for the financial assistance India is providing to Sri Lanka.Further, PM Modi was invited by the Sri Lankan Minister to attend the much-awaited BIMSTEC or Bay of Bengal Initiative for Multi-Sectoral Technical and Economic Cooperation be hosted by Sri Lanka on 30th March.

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Second Gentleman Doug Emhoff has COVID-19.

FILE - Second Gentleman Douglas Emhoff speaks to employees after touring the Denver Mint in Denver, Colorado on March 11, 2022. (JASON CONNOLLY/POOL/AFP via Getty Images)WASHINGTON - Second gentleman Doug Emhoff has tested positive for COVID-19, the White House announced Tuesday.

A healthcare worker prepares the Pfizer-BioNTech (Comirnaty) COVID-19 vaccine. (Pongmanat Tasiri/SOPA Images/LightRocket via Getty Images) WASHINGTON - Drugmaker Pfizer is expected to request authorization this week for an additional COVID-19 booster dose for seniors, according to a person familiar with the matter.It would add a fourth dose to the regimen, which currently consists of a primary series of two shots, followed months later by a booster dose, in an effort to provide maximum protection to the over-65 population that has been hit hardest by the pandemic.RELATED: Pfizer CEO: 4th shot of vaccine 'necessary'The Food and Drug Administration and the Centers for Disease Control must approve the request.

Ontario government plans to provide $673 million to long-term care homes this year to help “hire and retain staff” across the province.The government issued a press release on Tuesday, saying the money would help to hire and retain up to 10,000 staff members across the province and will lead to “more direct care for residents.”“This is part of the province’s $4.9 billion commitment to hire more than 27,000 long-term care staff over four years and ensure that residents receive on average four hours of direct care per day by 2024-25.” Many Ontario long-term care homes keeping COVID vaccine mandates as province lifts policy According to the release, before the provincial investments, residents were receiving “an average of only two hours and 45 minutes of direct care from nurses and personal support workers.”The government says the next funding increase will push the daily average in the province to three hours and 15 minutes per resident, every day by the end of the 2022-23 fiscal year.Included in the funding is also $106.76 million for homes to increase the direct care provided by allied health care professionals who the government says are “key to ensuring quality care for residents (such as physiotherapists and social workers) by 10 per cent by the end of the fiscal year.”The provincial government said the $4.9 billion will be delivered over four years:According to the release, the province’s plan to provide residents with four hours of direct care will be enshrined into law via the Fixing Long Term Care Act 2021, which received royal assent in Dec. 2021.

COLOMBO (News 1st); Sri Lankan Opposition Leader Sajith Premadasa leading a protest opposite the President’s Office in Colombo on Tuesday (15) said that the government that promised relief, has only brought about the burden to the people.Sajith Premadasa was clear in his message to the government “Go home or allow the people to decide at a Presidential Election.”“The government led by President Gotabaya Rajapaksa, and Prime Minister Mahinda Rajapaksa must leave if they cannot do what they were elected to do, and let us carry on with governance,” he told the protestors.“We cannot bear this suffering anymore,” Premadasa told a gathering of thousands of protestors in Colombo, adding that the Rajapaksa Government, the Rajapaksa Family are responsible for the suffering and the time is now to send them home.“We are here to tell the government that ruined this country, to go home,” he said.Heavy security was experienced around the President’s Office when the protest was taking place, with protestors also making attempts to break through the police cordon to make their way into the premises.He said the Samagi Jana Balavegaya led government will bring back the Sri Lankan identity that was lost as a result of the actions of the present government.Opposition Leader Sajith Premadasa told the protestors that it is time to be prepared to save the country from the brink of destruction.“Thousands have come here with no fear of bullets, tear gas, bombs, water cannons, and even baton charges,” he said in a message aimed at the government.Commenting on the fuel crisis, Premadasa said that three middle-eastern governments have promised to supply fuel for two years with no up-front payment to a Samagi Jana Balavegaya led government.He said