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Sri Lanka rejects resolution at the UN Human Rights Council

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07.10.2022 - 04:19

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COLOMBO (News 1st) – Sri Lanka categorically rejected resolution A/HRC/51/L.1 (Rev.1) titled "Promoting reconciliation, accountability and human rights in Sri Lanka" tabled by the United Kingdom, Canada, Germany, Malawi, Montenegro, North Macedonia, and the United States, which was adopted by a vote at the Human Rights Council (HRC) in Geneva, on Thursday (6).Sri Lanka's Minister of Foreign Affairs Ali Sabry delivered the statement on behalf of Sri Lanka as the country concerned and called on the Members of the Council to reject the resolution by voting against it.In support of Sri Lanka’s position opposing the resolution, the delegation of Pakistan called for a vote.

Over half of the members of the Council did not support the resolution with 07 countries (Bolivia, China, Cuba, Eritrea, Pakistan, Uzbekistan and Venezuela) voting against the resolution and 20 countries abstaining on the vote.

20 countries voted in favour of the resolution.Representatives of Pakistan, Brazil, China, Venezuela, Japan and Republic of Korea made statements in support of Sri Lanka prior to the vote.Pakistan said that they share the concerns of Sri Lanka and other Member States that the resolution is intrusive and this level of scrutiny would not be even acceptable to any sovereign state including the Core Group.

They further observed that the resolution fails to recognize the horrendous acts of terrorism committed by the LTTE and its sponsors, lacks balance, proportionality and consistency.

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Oklahoma police find 'multiple' sets of human remains amid search for 4 missing cyclists

Four men have gone missing from Okmulgee, Oklahoma. (Credit: Okmulgee Police Department) Police in Okmulgee, Oklahoma, found "multiple objects in the water that appear to be human remains" in the Deep Fork River Friday amid a days-long search for four missing cyclists, authorities said.Mark Chastain, 32, Billy Chastain, 30, Mike Sparks, 32, and Alex Stevens, 29, of Okmulgee, were reported missing Monday evening.

state Oklahoma reports Citi Waters

Man stabbed to death during domestic dispute inside Northeast Philadelphia home, police say

PHILADELPHIA - A domestic dispute turned deadly Saturday afternoon at home in Philadelphia's Fox Chase section.Police say a 43-year-old man was stabbed in the neck inside a home on the 900 block of Hartel Avenue around 11:43 a.m. He was pronounced dead on the scene just minutes later.MORE HEADLINES:The man's death stemmed from a domestic dispute, according to police.An arrest has been made, and a weapon recovered.

Fox Chase city Philadelphia death BLOCK Man

Hawaii's Mauna Loa, largest active volcano on planet, in 'state of heightened unrest'

A deserted beach at the edge on an old Mauna Loa lava flow is viewed on December 16, 2016, in this aerial photo taken along the Kona Kohala Coast, Hawaii. (Photo by George Rose/Getty Images) A magnitude 5.0 earthquake was the strongest of a series of temblors that struck Friday on Hawaii's Mauna Loa, the largest active volcano on the planet that scientists say is in a "state of heightened unrest."Smaller aftershocks followed, according to the U.S.

George Rose state Hawaii Tonga Hawaiian county Hawaii reports Highways

Sri Lanka will remain a middle-income country despite GDP decline: IMF Asia & Pacific Dep. Director

COLOMBO (News 1st) – The Deputy Director of the Asia and Pacific Department of the International Monetary Fund, Anne-Marie Gulde-Wolf has said that Sri Lanka will remain a middle-income country despite the decline in GDP.Speaking at an IMF press conference on the Asia and Pacific Region’s Economic Outlook, the Deputy Director of the Asia and Pacific Department of the IMF responded to questions raised about Sri Lanka's progress toward debt restructuring negotiation, the IMF's program timeline, and whether Sri Lanka could be downgraded to low-income status.She pointed out that it is difficult to predict a timeline because the process of debt negotiations takes time, and mentioned that timelines differ depending on who the creditors are and what is involved. "We certainly are supporting the process as much as we can. And we hope that everybody can work expeditiously to get a process underway, and discussions have started, including with support of all bilateral creditors that are involved," she said. Anne-Marie Gulde-Wolf further speaking noted that with regard to the other multilateral lenders, the IMF is working very closely with the World Bank, the Asian Development Bank, the Asian Investment Bank, on programs for Sri Lanka, which would assist in closing the financing gap. "But I want to say also very importantly that the policies under the other multilateral lenders in their areas of expertise will be important to resolve Sri Lanka's longer term growth problems," Anne-Marie Gulde-Wolf emphasized.

Sri Lanka county Pacific Department Gap Progressive

36 Navy relief teams stand ready for possible emergency following inclement weather

COLOMBO (News 1st) – Sri Lanka Navy as of now has kept 36 relief teams ready to extend relief measures to people, in the backdrop of inclement weather conditions reported in several areas of the island.Following the directives of Commander of the Navy, Vice Admiral Nishantha Ulugetenne, the Western Naval Command has sent 02 relief and rescue teams to Rathnapura and 04 teams to Kalutara, on standby.In addition, 21 more relief and rescue teams in the Western Naval Command and 09 similar teams in the Southern Naval Command have been kept on their toes for swift deployment, if need be.

Nishantha Ulugetenne Sri Lanka reports Southern

New controversial anti-corruption law: TISL calls for critical amendments

COLOMBO (News 1st) – Transparency International Sri Lanka (TISL) called for critical amendments and public consultation on the proposed Anti-Corruption Law, which enables the creation of an independent commission that is empowered to carry out arrests without a warrant or a magisterial order.The controversial bill was introduced by the Ministry of Justice, and oversees the creation of an independent commission that is empowered to carry out arrests without a warrant or a magesterial order, for officials who are suspected to have carried out an offence under the proposed anti-corruption act. This law seeks to replace the Bribery Act, the Commission to Investigate Allegations of Bribery or Corruption Act and the Declaration of Assets and Liabilities law. According to the bill, any authorized officer of the Commission may without an order from a Magistrate and without a warrant arrest any person suspected of committing an offence under the provisions of this Act. Moreover, the section (58)1 of the proposed bill highlights that "an authorised officer of the Commission may apply in writing to the High Court for a warrant authorizing the covert monitoring of any conduct and recording of any communication if such officer has reasonable grounds to suspect or believe that a person has committed, is committing or is about to commit an offence under this Act."TISL notes that Sri Lanka does not lack laws to deal with bribery and corruption even at present, however the enforcement of the said laws remain inadequate. While the country is struggling to apply even the existing anti-corruption laws, the TISL seriously notes that the independence of any proposed anti-corruption body from the Executive could only be assured, if any

Sri Lanka bill Provident Assurant

Subjects under four State Ministries, gazetted

COLOMBO (News 1st) – The subjects and functions of four State Ministries – State Ministry of Power and Energy, Media, Transport and Highways and Health have been gazetted.A number of institutes including the Ceylon Petroleum Corporation/Ceylon Petroleum Storage Terminals Limited, Trinco Petroleum Terminal (Pvt) Ltd, and Petroleum Development Authority of Sri Lanka will be under the purview of the State Ministry of Power and Energy.Sri Lanka Post, the Department Of Government Printing and the Sri Lanka Institute of Printing will be under the purview of the State Ministry of Media.Four institutes including the Department of Motor Traffic, National Council For Road Safety and National Transport Medical Institute will be under the purview of the State Ministry of Transport and HighwaysUnder this, institutes controlled by the Road Development Authority and 'Sahasya Investments Limited' will be included.The Private Health Services Regulatory Council, 1990 Suwa Seriya Foundation and the National Authority on Tobacco and Alcohol will be under the purview of the State Ministry of Health.In addition, the State Ministry of Indigenous Medicine announced that it will control the subjects and functions of several institutes including the Department of Ayurveda, Sri Lanka Ayurvedic Drugs Corporation and the Ayurvedic Medical Council.

Sri Lanka Department Health Highways

Kimbula-Ele Guna’s associates arrested with ICE

COLOMBO (News 1st) – Sri Lanka Police arrested three people linked to the drug ring of notorious underworld drug trafficker 'Kimbula-Ele Guna'.They were arrested during a raid carried out in Grandpass, Sedawatta and Wellampitiya.Police seized 26.1 grams of a controlled substance called 'ICE' from one of the suspects, a 40 year old resident of Modara.26.15 grams of ICE was also seized from the second suspect, a 38 year old resident of Wellampitiya.The third suspect was a 29 year old resident of Madampitiya. He was arrested for aiding and abetting illegal drug trafficking.The ICE recovered from the suspects is worth around Rs.

Sri Lanka ICE

Heavy showers: several roads inundated

COLOMBO (News 1st) – Several roads have been inundated due to the prevailing showery condition across Sri Lanka.Assistant Director of the Disaster Management Centre (Kalutara district) said water levels, in a section along the Aluthgama – Mathugama road near the Welipenna Interchange of the Southern Expressway, measured up to 1.5 feet.

Sri Lanka Waters Southern

Warakapola Tragedy: 24 y/o son’s body recovered

COLOMBO (News 1st) – The body of a 24 year old man was recovered from under the debris on Saturday (15), trapped after a mound of earth collapsed onto a house in Mainnoluwa, Warakapola.The body of his 48 year old mother was also recovered on Saturday (15) morning.The Police Special Task Force and Sri Lanka Army on Friday (14) launched a search operation to locate three people who were trapped under the mound of earth.Security forces and local residents managed to locate the father and admit him to the hospital.The Disaster Management Centre of the Kegalle District said the mound had collapsed onto the house following heavy showers on Friday afternoon.

Sri Lanka Man

Power Cuts: 1 hour & 20 minutes over the weekend

COLOMBO (News 1t) – The Public Utilities Commission of Sri Lanka (PUCSL) announced power cuts of 1 hours and 20 minutes for Saturday (15) and Sunday (16).

Sri Lanka

Coatesville Area High School forced to cancel classes after multiple threats made, officials say

COATESVILLE, Pa. - Officials with Coatesville Area School District announced the school has received numerous threats within the last week.According to authorities, the Chester County District Attorney’s Office, as well as Caln Township police officers are actively investigating at least four different threats to the school.On October 13, the school was put on lockdown after three separate threats regarding weapons were received by the Pennsylvania Attorney General’s Office and then passed on to the school.RELATED COVERAGE:The Chester County Sheriff’s Department searched the school for weapons, but found nothing and school was dismissed.Another threat was received by the school Friday, forcing administrators to cancel school for the day. Officials are investigating the threats.Coatesville was forced to cancel their homecoming football game against Downingtown due to credible threats of violence.

Deb Ryan state Pennsylvania state New Jersey county Chester city Downingtown Department Southern Extreme

Police launch investigations after shooting threats prompt lockdowns at several South Jersey schools

SKYFOX over Vineland High School after a threat prompted a police investigation. VINELAND, N.J. - Police departments in multiple southern New Jersey towns are investigating threats against schools that prompted lockdowns on Friday morning. In Toms River, police said they received a call regarding a "potential shooting" at Toms River North High School. Authorities say the school was locked down, but the call was later deemed to be an unfounded threat. Police are investigating it as a swatting incident, which occurs when a prank call is placed to draw a large police presence at a specified location. In Vineland, police say they are also investigating a threat. RELATED: 'A cry for help': Public safety officials, mental health experts weigh in on school threatsOfficers responded on scene and checked the school, saying no danger is present to the students and staff. Barnegat High School also received a threat Friday, according to police. Officials say officers responded to the building and found "no indications reports of anything occurring." Bengal Boulevard will remain closed as officers investigate. Surrounding schools in Barnegat were placed in a shelter-in-place status when the threat was reported. Schools in Barnegat are now under normal operations, but Stafford Township Schools have issued a shelter-in-place as a precaution. This is a developing story.

Toms River state New Jersey Jersey city Vineland Department reports Southern Investigations

PUCSL approves power cuts for 15th, 16th & 17th October

COLOMBO (News 1st) – The Public Utilities Commission of Sri Lanka approved power cuts of 1 hours and 20 minutes on 15th and 16th and 2 hours and 20 minutes on 17th October.Accordingly, power cuts will take place as follows;15th & 16th – Groups ABCDEFGHIJKLPQRSTUVW – 1 hour and 20 minutes during night17th – Groups ABCDEFGHIJKLPQRSTUVW – 1 hour during daytime and 1 hour and 20 minutes during night.

Sri Lanka

Cabinet was not aware of the economic crisis – Ali Sabry

COLOMBO (News 1st) – Foreign Minister Ali Sabry made a startling revelation on Friday (14) that the previous Cabinet was not fully aware of the dire situation that the economy was falling into.Speaking at the launch of the book ' Poverty to prosperity: A review of the Korean development model ', the Minister spoke about a number of topics including government responsibility for the prevailing economic crisis and Sri Lanka's foreign policy. Speaking at the event, the Minister said that the Government learned the hard way that the economy is the heart of the country, and if it fails, all else fails. Pointing out that unfortunately, the Ministers of theprevious Cabinet were focusing on their specific areas, such as himself holding the portfolio of the Minister of Justice, Minister Sabry said that he was looking forward to new plans with regard to law reform, digitization, improved infrastructure and more recruitments in the sector, however, confessed that he was unaware of the country's deep economic troubles. Pointing out that if the country's Cabinet's economic literacy is a minimum, then the normal people should be worse in their case, the Minister said that without taxation, there is no future for the country."In 1981, 21% of our GDP was taxes. Today it has come down to 8.3%. So we can point fingers.

Ali Sabry Sri Lanka North Korea economy Government crisis Aware

Trincomalee District Strategic Development Plan not targeting elections, but a project to benefit future generations – President

COLOMBO (News 1st) – President Ranil Wickremesinghe said that the Trincomalee District Strategic Development Plan is not targeting elections, but a project that has been initiated to benefit future generations.The President said that Sri Lanka values India’s assistance in implementing the Trincomalee district development project, as our closest neighbour.He made this statement by joining the special discussion on the Trincomalee District Development Plan, held today (14) at the grounds of Trincomalee Orr’s Hill.He recollected the objections raised when the Trincomalee oil tanks were to be handed over to India, adding that the country would not have faced a fuel crisis if the decision to provide the oil tanks had received the green light to be fully implemented.Prior to the commencement of the discussion, President Wickremesinghe inspected several places proposed to be developed under the Trincomalee District Development Plan.The President was able to view the locations proposed under the Trincomalee District Development Plan from the Orr’s Hill vantage point.Further, following the discussion, the President also inspected the proposed project to develop the beach and recreation facilities near the Trincomalee Gandhi Roundabout, as a tourist attraction.Meanwhile, the President who also met a group of Trincomalee District regional journalists and had a cordial discussion.President Ranil Wickremesinghe, further commenting in the discussion regarding the Trincomalee District Development Plan said,“We are not initiating this project targeting the next election, but for the benefit of the next generation. In 2023 we celebrate the 75th Anniversary of Independence.

Ranil Wickremesinghe India Sri Lanka president BAY Target

Netflix's ad-supported plan gets launch date, price

LOS ANGELES - Video streaming platform Netflix on Thursday announced the launch date and pricing for its upcoming ad-supported subscription option. The ad-supported plan, called Basic with Ads, will become available in the U.S. and 11 other countries starting Nov.

Los Angeles Netflix platform Nov

Sir Ringo Starr cancels tour after second positive Covid test in two weeks

Sir Ringo Starr has axed the rest of his North American tour after testing positive for Covid for a second time in two weeks. The legendary Beatles drummer, 82, had only just announced earlier this week that he would be ‘on the road again’ after testing negative.

Ringo Starr Usa state California state Minnesota city Seattle state Oregon state Michigan city Portland city Mexico City testing The Beatles

T20 World Cup on Sirasa TV from Sunday (16)

COLOMBO (News 1st) – MTV Channel (Pvt) Ltd, the Network that owns and operates Sirasa TV, Shakthi TV, TV-1, News 1st, and Stein Studios has been appointed as the Official Television Rights Holders in Sri Lanka for the long-awaited ICC Men’s T20 World Cup 2022, to be held in Australia from October 16 to November 13.Every one of the 45 exciting matches will be telecast live on Sirasa TV, along with special telecasts on Shakthi TV and TV-1, for the benefit of cricket lovers in Sri Lanka where hopes are high that the island nation’s team will bring home the trophy.The world’s most coveted T20 title has been won twice by West Indies and once each by India, Pakistan, Sri Lanka, England and current defending champions Australia. The eighth edition of the tournament will be played out across seven cities – Adelaide, Brisbane, Geelong, Hobart, Perth, Sydney and Melbourne which will host the final.“We are delighted to be able to offer all Sri Lankans the opportunity to enjoy the World Cup on Sirasa TV. CMG has a deep history of strengthening cricket in Sri Lanka, led by our late Chairman Mr.

Sri Lankans India Sri Lanka Pakistan Australia Netherlands Namibia Uae CEO Citi Nov

Sri Lanka’s creditworthiness discussed with World Bank VP

COLOMBO (News 1st) – State Minister of Finance Shehan Semasinghe met with the World Bank Vice President for the South Asia Region, Martin Raiser, and a World Bank delegation during the World Bank Annual Meetings 2022, to discuss options available to recover Sri Lanka's economy.The discussions were focused on the current creditworthiness of Sri Lanka, which is no longer entitled to source funding through the World Bank’s International Bank for Reconstruction and Development (IBRD), instead to work with the International Development Association (IDA) rating, which will grant Sri Lanka to obtain concessional loans. This process, which will entail a "reverse graduation" to IDA, will move Sri Lanka from an IBRD-only country to an IDA country.However, Sri Lanka will remain listed as a middle-income country.The IMF/WB also emphasized that access to this potential new concessional funding remains linked to deep reforms, an IMF program, and progress with a comprehensive debt treatment the process by the authorities of Sri Lanka. The VP and the WB Delegation said that sustained improvements in economic and social conditions by the Sri Lankan government could pave the way for Sri Lanka to graduate from IDA in the future.

Sri Lanka county Ida president Government Progressive

IMF to expand donor coordination for Sri Lanka

COLOMBO (News 1st) – IMF Managing Director Kristalina Georgieva says that the IMF is pressing for a more effective debt resolution mechanism. "We want the Common Framework to become more predictable with guidelines and able to bring equality of treatment for all creditors, public and private," she told a news briefing.She said that the IMF is also looking for ways in which it can expand that kind of donor coordination to middle-income countries, such as Sri Lanka."So, we have a lot to do during this week.

Kristalina Georgieva Sri Lanka guidelines

Daily Exchange Rates from CBSL

COLOMBO (News 1st) – Today’s exchange rates from the Central Bank of Sri Lanka:USD Buy 359.6987 Sell 370.4261GBP Buy 396.6406 Sell 412.3276EUR Buy 346.5025 Sell 361.3682JPY Buy 2.4316 Sell 2.5351AUD Buy 223.7340 Sell 234.5339

Sri Lanka

Sri Lanka to waive penalties on delayed containers

COLOMBO (News 1st) – Sri Lanka has decided to waive demurrage fees of over 900 freight containers detained at the Colombo Port by Sri Lanka Customs for various reasons.During a recent meeting with Sri Lanka Customs State Minister Ranjith Siyambalapitiya noted that over a million kilograms of rice is being held in 79 containers at the Colombo Port, and were not released due to demurrage not being settled.It was decided to release 950 freight containers that are being detained by Sri Lanka Customs, as it has created massive congestion at the Colombo Port. A cabinet paper with regard to waiving the penalties will be produced to the Cabinet soon, said minister Nimal Siripala during the same meeting.

Colombo Port Ranjith Siyambalapitiya Sri Lanka

PM wants ILO to help setup digital database for labor

COLOMBO (News 1st) – Prime Minister Dinesh Gunawardena requested the International Labour Organisation (ILO) to assist the government’s initiative to establish a digital database of the labor workforce in Sri Lanka. He pointed out that the Ministry of Labour has taken steps to establish a comprehensive digitalized database of the workforce and urged the ILO to assist in expediting the process.This was discussed when ILO Country Director Simrin C Singh and Senior Employment Specialist of ILO Headquarters, Sher Verick called on him at the prime Minister’s Office yesterday (13).The Prime Minister briefed them on the impact of the Covid pandemic and economic crisis on the labor workforce and the short-term and long-term steps taken by the government to recover the economy and to help the workers, especially the low-income labor force.Simrin Singh said despite some signs of positive trends, most developing countries including Sri Lanka are faced with difficulties due to the global recession, limited fiscal space, debt sustainability challenges, and rising inflation. She pointed out that these issues have resulted in a labor market crisis.Prime Minister Gunawardena stressed that the government was very keen to make the labor workforce upwardly mobile and explained the multitude of training programs launched for skill development. Increasing the quality and quantity of jobs is the surest way of moving people out of poverty, he said. Employment Specialist Sher Verick said that the founding principles of the ILO are concerned not only with ensuring sources of income, but also as a means for people to live a self-determined life, and for participating fully as citizens in their communities.Minister of Labour and Foreign Employment

Dinesh Gunawardena Sri Lanka pandemic Government Digital

New fee applicable when obtaining NIC

COLOMBO (News 1st) – Sri Lanka's Public Security Minister has issued an extraordinary gazette imposing a fee when obtaining a new National Identity Card, and for issuing duplicates. 1. Issuance of duplicates of amended Identity Cards under Rs.

Sri Lanka NIC

Fraud & Corruption push people to the brink of despair

COLOMBO (News 1st) – The common people are the left to pay for the damage done to the environment by fraud and corruption.Despite the inclement weather The Gammadda Door-to-Door team in the Galle District visited multiple villages in Akmeemana and Bope Poddala area to inquire into the primary issues faced by the area residents.Our teams visited the villages of Akmeemana, Talgasaya, Kekirihena, Godadenigama, Galvalagodakanda, Bopepoddala, Holuvagoda Mulana to inquire into the problems faced by the people.The crops in the Holuvagoda village were inundated at the time our teams visited the area, and many families in this area earn their living through farming. Another Gammadda Door-to-Door team visited multiple villages in the Anuradhapura District to inquire into the primary issues faced by the villagers.Our teams visited many villages including the Meegaswewa Samagipura village in the Central Nuwaragama divisional secretariat of the Anuradhapura district. Heen Amma is a grandmother who is facing a battle to survive and make ends meet.Her husband who is battling with a cronic kidney disease has been paralysed for the past 9 years. And Heen Amma is a daily wage worker. The Gammadda Team visiting the Mannar district entered several villages in the Nanattan Divisional Secretariat.The villagers in Wangalai depend on the fishing industry.Coastal erosion, substandard salt for dry fish production, and the rising fuel costs have made it difficult for them to survive.,The people in Eruvittan have no proper housing and when it floods their current homes are submerged.The Gammadda Door to Door teams with the researchers from the University of Peradeniya will head out to rural Sri Lankan villages tomorrow as well

Sri Lanka

Sri Lankan professor gets $179 mn for COVID app

COLOMBO (News 1st) – In late September it was reported that a Brisbane-based company that invented a smartphone app it says can diagnose COVID-19 and other respiratory illnesses by listening to someone cough was purchased by Pfizer for nearly $180 million.ResApp Health Limited uses diagnostic technology developed by Associate Professor Udantha Abeyratne and his research team at the University of Queensland (UQ) to record and analyse a patient's coughs on a smartphone.The app also considers the self-reporting of simple symptoms like a runny nose or fever to diagnose and measure the severity of a range of pulmonary diseases, including asthma and pneumonia.Dr Abeyratne, from the School of Information Technology and Electrical Engineering, said the research that led to the breakthrough began more than a decade ago with grant funding from the Bill and Melinda Gates Foundation.“When I open up my lungs, open up the airway, that is what I call an ‘information super highway’, so I wondered whether it’s possible to use cough sounds, advanced signal processing and AI technology to pick out features,” he said.“From the very beginning, I had a big vision to develop scalable, cheap technologies to diagnose pulmonary diseases all over the world – not only in remote sub-Saharan Africa, but even in developed urban cities like New York and Brisbane.”Dr Abeyratne said the smartphone technology, which was developed in consultation with medical practitioners, operates similarly to a doctor using a stethoscope to listen for sounds produced by a patient’s body.“The diagnosis comes immediately, within a minute or so, telling the patient whether they have a particular disease, using only their smartphone – nothing else – and there’s no need for

New York Sri Lanka doctor patient Health

CBSL NO for MIR Payment for the moment

COLOMBO (News 1st) – The Central Bank of Sri Lanka (CBSL) says that due to the US sanctions on the MIR payment system, as confirmed by the Ministry of Foreign Affairs, it is NOT in a position to consider favorably, at the current juncture, the request to operate MIR card scheme within the banking system.What is the MIR payment system? MIR is a local payment card in Russia sponsored by the Russian government.The National Payment Card System (NSPK) was established in July 2014 following sanctions against Russia earlier that year, which left Russian cardholders and merchants temporarily unable to transact on international card networks. By December 2015, NSPK had developed the technical infrastructure and commercial agreements to begin card issuance and ATM and POS acceptance for MIR.All Russian banks that are members of the international card networks process and clear via NSPK.

Usa Sri Lanka Russia Government Mobile Progressive

Leave No Man Behind – SL marks Disaster Risk Reduction

COLOMBO (News 1st) – Early Warning and Early Action for All: Leave No One Behind was the theme for this year's national event to commemorate International Day for Disaster Risk Reduction.Sri Lanka marked International Day for Disaster Risk Reduction in Colombo on Thursday (13) stressing the fact that none should be left behind during any disaster situation.The event was graced by Hon Premitha Bandara Tennakoon, State minister of Defence as the Chief Guest, and General GDH Kamal Gunaratne (Retd) Sec to the Ministry of Defence respectively. Video:

Kamal Gunaratne Sri Lanka Man Action SEC

Power Cuts: 2 hours & 20 Minutes today (14)

COLOMBO (News 1t) – The Public Utilities Commission of Sri Lanka (PUCSL) warns of power cuts of 2 hours and 20 minutes for today (14) as follows;Groups ABCDEFGHIJKLPQRSTUVW:1-hour during daytime 1-hour and 20-minutes during the night

Sri Lanka

Heavy rains for multiple provinces

COLOMBO (News 1st) – The Department of Meteorology warns cloudy sky is expected in most parts of the island due to the low-level atmospheric disturbance in the vicinity of Sri Lanka.Showers or thundershowers will occur at times in Western, Sabaragamuwa, Central, Southern, and North-Western provinces. Heavy showers above 100 mm can be expected at some places in Western, Sabaragamuwa, and Central provinces and Galle and Matara districts.Showers or thundershowers will occur elsewhere over the Island during the afternoon or night. Fairly heavy showers above 75 mm can be expected in some places.The general public is kindly requested to take adequate precautions to minimize damages caused by temporary localized strong winds and lightning during thundershowers.Condition of Rain:Showers or thundershowers will occur at several places in the sea areas around the island. Heavy showers may occur at several places in the deep and shallow sea areas extending from Puttalam to Pottuvil via Colombo, Galle, and Hambantota.Winds:Winds will be south-westerly and wind speed will be (25-35) kmph. A sudden increase of wind speed (up to 60-70 kmph) is expected in the sea areas extending from Puttalam to Pottuvil via Colombo, Galle, and Hambantota due to active cloudiness in the sea area to the south-west and south-east of Sri Lanka.State of Sea:The sea areas off the coast extending from Puttalam to Pottuvil via Colombo, Galle, and Hambantota will be fairly rough at times.The possibility for sudden roughness, associated with a sudden increase in wind speed due to active cloudiness in the sea area from Puttalam to Pottuvil via Colombo, Galle, and Hambantota is high.Naval and fishing communities are requested to be vigilant in this regard in the

Sri Lanka province North-Western Department Southern

Sir Ringo Starr, 82, CANCELS tour after testing positive for COVID-19 AGAIN

Sir Ringo Starr has cancelled his tour after testing positive for COVID-19 again - just three days after revealing he had tested negative and was getting back on the road.The Beatles icon, 82, took to Twitter on Thursday to share a selfie, captioned: 'I’m sure you’ll be as surprised as I was I tested positive again for Covid the rest of the tour is off I send you peace and love Ringo.'The announcement comes just three days after the singer revealed he had restarted his tour after testing negative for COVID-19 - after being forced to cancel gigs when he contracted the virus.The positive test means the hitmaker will pull out of shows in San Jose, California on October 14, Paso Robles on October 15, Los Angeles on October 16, and two dates in Mexico City on October 19 and 20. Shock: Sir Ringo Starr has cancelled his tour after testing positive for COVID-19 again - just three days after revealing he had tested negative and was getting back on the roadThis comes days after the musician took to Instagram wearing his negative test as a badge of honour, while thanking fans for their patience. He threw one hand up in a peace sign while using the other to open his jacket and expose the home testing kit he was wearing round his neck. Sir Ringo captioned the snap: 'On the road again I will see you in Seattle on Tuesday the 11th Portland Wednesday I am negative peace and love everybody thanks for waiting.

Ringo Starr Los Angeles state California Canada city Seattle city Portland city San Jose, state California city Mexico City covid-19 testing Twitter

Phillies set for 1st home playoff game since 2011 in tied NLDS vs. Braves

PHILADELPHIA, PA - SEPTEMBER 26: A general view of Citizens Bank Park during the Major League Baseball game between the Philadelphia Phillies and the Pittsburgh Pirates on September 26,2021 at Citizens Bank Park in Philadelphia,PA. (Photo by Rich Gra PHILADELPHIA - Ryan Howard swung and stumbled, belly flopped onto the dirt, then hobbled a step or two before he crumpled to the ground in pain.

Philadelphia Phillies Bryce Harper state Pennsylvania city Atlanta county Park county St. Louis Philadelphia, state Pennsylvania Hawaiian city Philadelphia, county Park Parke Citizens

Study: Long-COVID symptoms burdened 29% of survivors

A German study published today in BMJ finds a considerable burden of long-COVID symptoms, especially fatigue and neurocognitive impairment ("brain fog"), at 6 to 12 months—even among young and middle-aged adults who had mild infections.

Germany symptoms infection reports

Supreme Court rejects Trump's plea to step into Mar-a-Lago case

WASHINGTON - The Supreme Court on Thursday rejected former President Donald Trump’s plea to step into the legal fight over the FBI search of his Florida estate.The justices did not otherwise comment in turning away Trump’s emergency appeal.Trump had pressed the court on an issue relating to classified documents seized in the search authorized by a federal judge of Mar-a-Lago.The Trump team was asking the justices to overturn a lower court ruling and permit an independent arbiter, or special master, to review the roughly 100 documents with classified markings that were taken in the Aug. 8 search of Mar-a-Lago.A three-judge panel from the Atlanta-based U.S.

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NTAs drama explained as Ant and Dec cancel, top guests ‘nervous’ and Covid hits guestlist

Drama has already unfolded before the festivities have even begun at the National Television Awards, which are set to take place tonight, Thursday 13 October.The annual affair – typically dominated by This Morning’s Holly Willoughby and Phillip Schofield, as well as I’m A Celebrity’s Ant and Dec – will take place in London at Wembley’s OVO Arena, with TV fans able to tune into the event at 8pm on ITV. While the event hasn’t even started, there have already been a string of dramas, including the date of the highly-anticipated affair being moved and some stars having to pull out of attending due to contracting Covid. Date gets pushed back The decision was made to postpone the event following the passing of the late Her Majesty the Queen on 8 September.

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Sri Lanka must transform – Supreme Court Judge

COLOMBO (News 1st) – Supreme Court Justice Yasantha Kodagoda PC said that Sri Lanka must transform into a state where the people can enjoy the fruits of sovereignty, democracy, and fundamental freedoms. "At a time when Sri Lanka is facing the devastating consequences of an unprecedented economic disaster, in the immediate aftermath of having succumbed to and thereafter risen from a global pandemic indeed we as concerned professionals and as leaders of our respective organizations, are concerned about how we should transform," he told a gathering on Wednesday (12)."We need to reflect introspectively as well as in an outward direction as to how we too can contribute towards the development of a united, peaceful, economically viable and proud nation," he added.Through transformation we must ensure that our people can live in peace and harmony, enjoy the fruits of sovereignty, representative democracy, the rule of law, fundamental freedoms, and of free media, said the Supreme Court Justice."Our people must be able to lead a free, healthy, comfortable, and safe life. They must also be able to realize their reasonable aspiration.

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Rehabilitation Bill does not target Aragalaya activists – Wijeyadasa

COLOMBO (News 1st) – Sri Lanka's Justice Minister Dr. Wijeyadasa Rajapakshe said that the Bureau of Rehabilitation Bill was not drafted aiming at those who took part in the Aragalaya or the People's Struggle."Some people are of the view that the government is trying to fix the people who were engaged in the Aragalaya and to punish them by introducing this law.

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Ahungalle shooter gunned down by STF

COLOMBO (News 1st) – The suspect connected to the attempted assassination in Ahungalle on Wednesday (12) was killed in a Police STF fire on Thursday (13) evening.Sri Lanka Police said a shooting took place close to a sports ground in Ahungalle.Ahungalle Attempted Assassination:It was just after 12 noon on Wednesday (12) when a man in a car opened fire at a three-wheeler driver at the Ahungalle Three-Wheeler Park using a T-56 Assault Rifle.The target of the shooting had scuffled with the shooter before the shooter made a getaway.The man who was injured in the shooting was admitted to the Balapitiya Base Hospital, and he was identified as a 45-year-old male from Gal Vehera in Ahungalle.Sri Lanka Police said officers recovered seven T-56 Assault Rifle bullet casings from the crime scene.According to Police Records since the 31st of May 2022, a total of 32 people were gunned down and 15 people were injured in shooting incidents among criminal gangsters in the Western and Southern provinces of Sri Lanka.This figure excludes the gangster killed on Thursday (13)

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Heavy rains tonight for many areas

COLOMBO (News 1st) – The low-level atmospheric disturbance persists in the vicinity of the island, warned the Met Department.Therefore, the prevailing showery condition is expected to continue during the next 24 hours.Showers or thundershowers will occur at times in Western, Sabaragamuwa, Central, Southern, and North-Western provinces.Heavy showers above 100 mm can be expected in some places in these provinces.

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Diagnosing long COVID: Canadian researchers discover unique new clue

Patients and physicians struggling to officially diagnose long COVID may be one step closer to an answer, thanks to new research from a team of Canadian scientists.

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15 people arrested for illegal fishing

COLOMBO (News 1st) – The Navy apprehended 15 persons who engaged in illegal night diving and illegal fishing practices on the 11th and 13th of October 2022. These separate search operations were conducted off Point Pedro, Ampan, and Chundikulam, where the Navy also took hold of fishing and diving gear used for these illegal acts.Sri Lanka Navy conducts regular operations to prevent illegal fishing practices performed by a handful of people in coastal areas around the island. As an extension of these efforts, Naval Detachment Point Pedro of SLNS Uththara in the Northern Naval Command held 03 persons engaged in illegal diving activities. The search operation was carried out off Point Pedro, Jaffna in the wee hours of today (13th October), where 02 dinghies and diving equipment used by the suspects were also held.Meanwhile, SLN Marine personnel of Naval Deployment Vettalakeni in the Northern Naval Command also nabbed 06 persons with 02 dinghies and diving equipment, while they were engaging in night diving in Ampan sea area on the night of 11th October. In addition, that Marine personnel also held 06 individuals with 01 dinghies and an unauthorized fishing net, whilst fishing in the Chundikulam sea area using the unauthorized net, on the same day.The apprehended persons of these separate operations were identified as residents of the Jaffna, Manalkadu, Mannar, and Mullivaikkal areas, who are from 23 to 43 years of age. The persons and their belongings held by the Navy on 11th October were handed over to the Thalayadi Fisheries Inspector in Jaffna for onward action. Meanwhile, those individuals held with their equipment today (13th October) will be handed over to the Fisheries Inspector, Jaffna for onward legal

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‘Be on time’ – Court gives Sanath Nishantha a strong warning

COLOMBO (News 1st) – Sri Lankan State Minister Sanath Nishantha was given a strong warning by the country's Court of Appeal on Thursday (13).On Thursday (13) morning, the Court of Appeal ordered the IGP to immediately arrest State Minister Sanath Nishantha and produce him in court as he failed to appear in court as ordered.However, moment later the State Minister appeared in court, and the warrant for his arrest was recalled by the Court of Appeal.Justices of the Court of Appeal Nissanka Bandula Karunaratne, and Ratnapriya Gurusinghe strongly warned the State Minister noting that insulting the judiciary, and challenging the powers of the judges is a serious offense, and stressed that the State Minister as a Public Representative and Member of Parliament must bear that in mind at all times. Justice Nissanka Bandula Karunaratne inquired from the State Minister as to whether he was aware of the consequences faced by those who had previously committed contempt of court, and considering the fact that the State Minister appeared in court moment after the warrant was issued, decided to recall the warrant.Justice Karunaratne strong warned the State Minister to ensure that he appears in court on time, and postponed the matter to the 10th of November.He also pointed out to the State Minister that the Judicial Services Commission, of which all of Sri Lanka's Magistrate's and District Judges hold membership, had filed a complaint seeking proper punishment on the State Minister as his comments during a media briefing on the 23rd of August 2022 at the Sri Lanka Podujana Peramuna after very serious.Earlier in the day, Counsel Shantha Jayawardena requested court for the case to be postponed to another date, as his client, the

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Special Audit on Economic Crisis begins

COLOMBO (News 1st) – The National Audit Office had launched a Special Audit as per the order given by the court when granting leave to proceed concerning two FR applications that were filed claiming that the Fundamental Rights of the people were violated due to wrong economic management decisions taken by the Gotabaya Rajapaksa government.Auditor General, W.P.C Wickramaratne stated that this investigation is being conducted based on an order by the Supreme Court, and a team led by a Deputy Auditor General was assigned to the investigation.The court ordered the following matters to be investigated;a. The decision made by the Monetary Board to set the value of the Sri Lankan rupee at Rs.

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Court recalls warrant on Sanath Nishantha

COLOMBO (News 1st) – Sri Lanka's Appeal Court recalled the arrest warrant issued on State Minister Sanath Nishantha on Thursday (13) evening.Sri Lankan State Minister Sanath Nishantha appeared in court on Thursday (13) after the Court of Appeal ordered his immediate arrest for failing to appear in court.The Judicial Services Commission and multiple Counsel had filed petitions with the Court of Appeal claiming that State Minister Sanath Nishantha has made comments that bring disrepute to the Judiciary and the Magistrates, during a press conference convened at the Sri Lanka Podujana Peramuna Head Office.The Court of Appeal had ordered the State Minister to appear in court on Thursday (13) to provide reasons as to why the court should not impose any punishment on him for the contempt of court allegations mentioned in the petitions.The application was called up in the presence of Court of Appeal Justices Nissanka Bandula Karunaratne, and R.

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Sri Lanka’s latest warship in Manila

COLOMBO (News 1st) – The Offshore Patrol Vessel P 627 of Sri Lanka Navy, which set sail for her home bound journey from Seattle, United States on 03rd September 2022, called at the Port of Manila in the Philippines on 12th October 2022. After having called at the Port Apra in Guam, United States, P 627 commenced her remaining leg of the voyage from there on 05th October and arrived in the Philippines today for replenishment and services, having covered a passage of about 1800 nautical miles (3333 km).When the ship arrived at the Port of Manila, Ambassador of Sri Lanka to the Republic of the Philippines, Shobini Gunasekera was also present to welcome the ship. She also exchanged a few ideas with the Commanding Officer of P 627, Captain Lanka Dissanayake.During this long sea voyage, P 627 has thus far sailed about 7700 nautical miles (14260 km) in 41 days in the Pacific Ocean.

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Daily Exchange Rates from CBSL

COLOMBO (News 1st) – Today’s exchange rates from the Central Bank of Sri Lanka:USD Buy 359.6618 Sell 370.3945GBP Buy 391.0832 Sell 407.1856EUR Buy 346.2757 Sell 360.9345JPY Buy 2.4428 Sell 2.5453AUD Buy 222.8903 Sell 233.6592

Sri Lanka

Sanath Nishantha appears in court, after order was issued for his arrest

COLOMBO (News 1st) – Sri Lankan State Minister Sanath Nishantha appeared in court on Thursday (13) after the Court of Appeal ordered for his immediate arrest for failing to appear in court.The Judicial Services Commission and multiple Counsel had filed petitions with the Court of Appeal claiming that State Minister Sanath Nishantha has made comments that bring disrepute to the Judiciary and the Magistrates, during a press conference convened at the Sri Lanka Podujana Peramuna Head Office.The Court of Appeal had ordered the State Minister to appear in court on Thursday (13) to provide reasons as to why the court should not impose any punishment on him for the contempt of court allegations mentioned in the petitions.The application was called up in the presence of Court of Appeal Justices Nissanka Bandula Karunaratne, and R.

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United States	Cases: 46 252 513 Deaths: 750 423 Recovered: 0
India	Cases: 34 321 025 Deaths: 459 652 Recovered: 0
Brazil	Cases: 21 835 785 Deaths: 608 235 Recovered: 0
United Kingdom	Cases: 9 215 683 Deaths: 141 607 Recovered: 0
Russia	Cases: 8 494 589 Deaths: 237 619 Recovered: 0

Sri Lanka rejects resolution at the UN Human Rights Council

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