Sri Lanka retirement age will be reviewed – PM

PHILADELPHIA - A 30-year-old man is in the hospital after he was shot in Kensington on Wednesday night.Police say officers on bike patrol heard gunshots in the area of the 2100 block of East Lippincott Street. The responding officers found a 30-year-old man suffering from gunshot wounds on the neck and back, authorities say. MORE LOCAL HEADLINESAccording to officials, the man was transported to Temple University Hospital, where he is in critical condition. Police say an arrest has been made and the weapon was recovered. The investigation is active and ongoing. 

COLOMBO (News 1st) – Multi-day boats in the Bay of Bengal and North Andaman sea are advised to return to shore or move to safer areas immediately due to strong winds and rough seas.The Met Department warned that a a Low-Pressure Area formed over North Andaman Sea and adjoining areas of south Andaman Sea & Southeast Bay of Bengal on 20th October, 2022.It is very likely to move west-northwestwards and intensify into a Depression over same region around 22nd October 

US President Joe Biden speaks at a Labor Day event with United Steelworkers of America Local Union 2227 in West Mifflin, Pennsylvania on September 5, 2022. - Biden is celebrating Labor Day by delivering remarks on the dignity of American workers in P PHILADELPHIA - As Democrats fight to keep control of the Senate, President Joe Biden has been practically absent from midterm election campaigning in pivotal states such as Georgia, Nevada and Ohio.But he keeps coming back to Pennsylvania, where he spent his childhood and his low approval ratings won't keep him away.

₹560 lakh and the main building of the PHC in Padhegaon, at a projected cost of over ₹214 lakh.

A mentally healthy workplace includes growth opportunities, work-life balance and community, according to America’s doctor The U.S.

COLOMBO (News 1st) – Sri Lanka has been ranked 48 among 100 countries in the Freedom on the Net 2022 Index.While the Government of Sri Lanka announced plans to implement strict control plans on social media, Sri Lanka has been given a very bad rating at  the in the newest Freedom of the Net report for 2022. China has been ranked worst, while Myanmar, Iran, Cuba and Vietnam occupy the top five positions, while Sri Lanka has been ranked at 48. Iceland had the best ranking. Sri Lanka's rank has reduced, according to the report, due to social media platforms being blocked, political, social or religious content being blocked and pro-Government commentators manipulating online discussions.However, other factors which contributed to the ranking also are; new law or directive increasing censorship or punishment being passed, Blogger or ICT user arrested, imprisoned, or in prolonged detention for political or social content, a blogger or an ICT user being physically attacked or killed (including in custody), and technical attacks against news outlets, government critics, or civil society.

Also Read: Do you have COVID cough? Here’s how to find out Everyone should use a mask when going outside, especially in crowded areas, Guleria advises. Although it is expected that new variants may emerge and that existing types will continue to mutate, the current circumstance is different.

PHILADELPHIA - An off-duty security guard has died after he was shot in West Philadelphia on Wednesday night. According to police, officers responded to 62nd and Market Streets just after 11:30 p.m. Authorities say they found a crime scene with evidence of a shooting and witnesses told authorities that someone was shot. The victim, 37, was driven to Mercy Hospital with multiple gunshot wounds to his chest and torso, police say. MORE LOCAL HEADLINESAccording to officials, the man succumbed to his injuries. Authorities say 14 shots were fired in the shooting and investigators believe the man was sitting in a vehicle when a shooter walked up to the driver's door and fired multiple shots. The victim was a security guard at a bar on the 6100 block of Market Street, but authorities say he was off duty. This is a developing story.

OCALA, Fla. - Soon Floridians will be able to buy medical marijuana at the same place you fill up your gas tank.Circle K, the global convenience store retailer, has signed a deal with Green Thumb Industries Inc. – one of the largest U.S.

The Pillars of Creation are set off in a kaleidoscope of color in the NASA/ESA/CSA James Webb Space Telescope’s near-infrared-light view, NASA says. (NASA, ESA, CSA, STScI; J. DePasquale, A. Koekemoer, A. Pagan (STScI) )NASA’s James Webb Space Telescope has provided a new detailed look at the Pillars of Creation that shows the scene in high definition.The new Near-Infrared Camera (NIRCam) image shows the lush landscape with glowing, bright red, wavy lines appearing at the edges of some pillars.JAMES WEBB SPACE TELESCOPE IMAGES WOW BY SHOWING STAR NURSERY, GALAXIES IN A COSMIC DANCE"The three-dimensional pillars look like majestic rock formations but are far more permeable," NASA said, "These columns are made up of cool interstellar gas and dust that appear – at times – semi-transparent in near-infrared light."The Pillars of Creation are a region where young stars are forming and lie 6,500 light-years away.NASA also says that while it may look like it, there are no galaxies within this view.

Aditya Birla Health Insurance on Thursday announced the launch of ‘Activ Fit’, a comprehensive health insurance plan that targets consumers with active lifestyles and aims to reward them for their good health behaviour. The plan will give an upfront 10% good health discount basis an assessment done through a unique facial scan. “All customers below the age of 35 years can avail an Early Bird Discount at renewal, 5% from 4th to 7th policy year & 10% from 8th policy year for the lifetime of the policy," the insurance company said in its statement.

A rapidly spreading Covid strain has been dubbed the Nightmare Variant after it was found to double infections in a matter of days.

COLOMBO (News 1st) – A decision has been taken to wind up operations of the “Covid 19 Health and Social Security Fund”, which was established to provide relief to those affected by the Covid 19 epidemic, and Cabinet approval has been obtained for it.The Secretary of the Covid-19 Health and Social Security Fund, Dr Tharaka Liyanapathirana notified the public that the “Covid-19 Health and Social Security Fund” at the Bank of Ceylon, account number 85737373 has been closed down effective from October 18th and requested the public not to donate to this fund from now on.He also notified donors not to send cheques or money towards this fund, to the Presidential Secretariat.The secretary of the Covid-19 Health and Social Security Fund extended his appreciation to the donors who contributed to this fund to make this program implemented throughout the country during the Covid-19 epidemic, a success.The Covid-19 Health and Social Security Fund had received a total of Rs. 2,207,164,785.58 (Rs.

Hong Kong is unlikely to make any major changes to Covid restrictions for inbound travelers before a banking summit next month, but is considering concessions including allowing attendees to leave the city via private jet should they test positive for the virus. The health bureau is in discussions with the Hong Kong Monetary Authority to finalize details for the two-day summit set for early November, including what to do if a participant is infected, according to people familiar with the matter, who asked not to be identified because they’re not authorized to speak publicly.

pregnancy-related deaths last year, according to a government report released on Wednesday. It says that it is a crisis that has disproportionately claimed Black and Hispanic women as victims. The report lays out trends across the country for expectant mothers and their newborn babies, the news agency AP reported.

COLOMBO (News 1st) – Commander of the Navy, Vice Admiral Nishantha Ulugetenne symbolically handed over 400 thalassemia infusion systems to the Deputy Director General (Non-Communicable Diseases) of the Ministry of Health, Dr. Champika Wickramasinghe at the Navy Headquarters on 19th October 2022. The infusion systems were produced by the Research and Development Unit of the Navy, under Naval Social Responsibility (NSR) initiatives.The infusion system is very much essential for thalassemia patients for the removal of excessive iron deposits in blood gathered in vital organs.Since the unit price of an infusion system in the market is generally not affordable, in 2011 the Navy set its mind to manufacture a low-cost thalassemia infusion system. So far, the Sri Lanka Navy has handed over 2774 thalassemia infusion systems to main hospitals and selected children down with the disease, in several phases. The Navy Research and Development Unit received the CDDA – (Cosmetics Devices & Drugs Regulatory Authority) for production of thalassemia infusion pumps in 2011.

COLOMBO (News 1st) – Chief Incumbent of Ruwanweli Maha Seya Venerable Pallegama Hemarathana Thero announced that the final rites of the late Most Venerable Dr.

COLOMBO (News 1st) –  Sri Lanka Navy conducted a special operation to chase away Indian poaching trawlers from Sri Lanka’s waters on the night of 19th October 2022. The operation led to the seizure of an Indian trawler with 03 Indian nationals poaching in the island's waters off the Kovilan Lighthouse, Kareinagar.Sri Lanka Navy has stepped up its patrols and operations in Sri Lanka’s waters to curb illegal fishing practices of foreign fishing trawlers.In a similar operation conducted in the dark hours of 19th October, the Northern Naval Command deployed a Fast Attack Craft of the 04th Fast Attack Flotilla to chase away a cluster of Indian poaching trawlers, after having spotted them engaged in illegal fishing in Sri Lanka’s waters off the Kovilan Lighthouse, through the International Maritime Boundary Line (IMBL).

Garrett Brown being honored at a school assembly after saving a choking student. (Credit: Norman Public Schools) NORMAN, Okla. - An eight-year-old boy is being hailed a hero after saving a classmate who was choking. The incident took place on September 15 at Lakeview Elementary School in Norman, Oklahoma. Music teacher Jordan Nguyen said she was the adult on duty during 3rd grade lunch period when she heard "He's choking! Cashton's choking!""I immediately ran over to help," Nguyen told FOX Television Stations. RELATED: Video shows NJ teacher save student choking on water bottle capThe teacher said student Cashton York was taking a bite, started choking, and couldn’t breathe.His classmate, 8-year-old Garrett Brown, noticed right away. "Without thinking twice, he [Garrett] ran to the other side of the table and began performing the Heimlich Maneuver while the other boys around him called for help," Nguyen added.

Meanwhile, states have been asked to continue monitoring incoming international travelers, undertake constant genome sequencing and step-up vaccination. NEW DELHI: India reported 2,141 new covid infections in the last 24 hours, the Union health ministry said in an update on Thursday. Active cases now stand at 25,510, with total reported cases since the pandemic hit in early 2020 at more than 4.46 crore.

PHILADELPHIA - A man is in critical condition after police say he was shot at multiple times in North Philadelphia Tuesday night.Reports of gunshots were called into police on the 3200 block of West Allegheny Avenue around 9:33 p.m.The 34-year-old man was later found to be the victim of that shooting.

China's capital, Beijing, has dialled up measures to stop Covid, strengthening public checks and locking down some residential compounds after a quadrupling of its case load in recent weeks, just as a key Communist Party congress entered full swing.

Also Read: COVID-19 lockdown, mass testing in China despite minor cases - here’s why On October 20, the 21 million-people city reported 18 additional locally-transmitted cases for the day before, bringing the total for the preceding 10 days to 197. The 49 infections found in the prior 10-day period were outnumbered by that number by a factor of four.

Covid-19: The cumulative caseload of India has gone up to 4,46,36,517, while the active cases declined to 25,510. India again witnessed an increase in daily Covid-19 cases with the country reporting 2,141 coronavirus infections in the past 24 hours, according to the Union Health Ministry data updated on Thursday. The country had logged around 1,500 cases on Tuesday.  With this, the cumulative caseload of India has gone up to 4,46,36,517, while the active cases declined to 25,510.

COLOMBO (News 1st)- Sri Lanka's Supreme Court has determined that the 'Bureau of Rehabilitation' bill as a whole is inconsistent with Article 12(1) of the Constitution and as such may be enacted only by the special majority required by Article 84(2) of the Constitution.However, However, this inconsistency shall cease if:(i) All references to “ex-combatants,” “violent extreme groups” and “any other group of persons” are deleted from the Bill;(ii) The Bill is limited to the rehabilitation of drug dependent persons and such other persons as may be identified by law. Parliament Speaker Mahinda Yapa Abeywardena announced the Supreme Court's determination on Thursday (20) to parliament.The complete determination is as follows: I wish to announce to Parliament that I have received the Determination of the Supreme Court in respect of the Bill titled “BUREAU OF REHABILITATION” which was challenged in the Supreme Court in terms of Article 121(1)of the Constitution.On an overall consideration of the provisions of the Bill, the Supreme Court has made the following Determination:—A. The Bill as a whole is inconsistent with Article 12(1) of the Constitution and as such may be enacted only by the special majority required by Article 84(2) of the Constitution. However, this inconsistency shall cease if:(i) All references to “ex-combatants,” “violent extreme groups” and “any other group of persons” are deleted from the Bill;(ii) The Bill is limited to the rehabilitation of drug dependent persons and such other persons as may be identified by law.B.

The Independent Investigation’s Office of B.C. says the Burnaby RCMP officer killed in the line of duty Tuesday was able to shoot their assailant.

In a newly released 911 call, popular Miami-based OnlyFans model Courtney Clenney pleaded frantically with police to save her boyfriend as he bled from a stab wound to the chest.

DOYLESTOWN, Pa. - It's an historic time in Bucks County as a recent announcement left LGBTQ youth with resources and support in a time of need. The Rainbow Room is a keystone Planned Parenthood youth program that provides a supportive environment for LGBTQ youth, ages 14-21. Originally only located in Doylestown, the program just announced its expansion into Lower Bucks County.Ry Ogden, a non-binary 18-year-old, says they love being a part of The Rainbow Room because they say it's a space that empowers them and lets them be their authentic self."I think it's very important for all queer youth everywhere to have a place where they can go and be themselves and not be judged in any way," said Ogden. For 17-year-old Carson Delany, The Rainbow Room has helped him overcome some of his fears after coming out and identifying as non-binary three years ago. "Just being in a super supportive place with such supportive and beautiful people has helped me really come out of my shell in the past 3 years and learn to love myself despite what people say about who I am and how I present," said Delany.RELATED: First trans-focused LGBTQ plus safe haven coming to PhiladelphiaOn Wednesday, The Rainbow Room had their weekly meeting, which had a self-care theme.

SOUTH PHILADELPHIA - Streeteries are here to stay. After first popping up during the pandemic, Philadelphia is making them permanent. The city is unveiling its new outdoor dining program, meant to address concerns about allowing streeteries to take up public space.Good Dog Bar, on South 15th Street in Center City, has an expansive streetery.

PHILADELPHIA - Authorities say a man is fighting for his life after being shot during a fight with his next door neighbor Wednesday night in Philadelphia's Port Richmond section. Officers from the Philadelphia Police Department were called to the 2100 block of East Lippincot Street around 9 p.m.

ANI, he said, “I would suggest to everyone that if they are going out and especially in crowded places then they must wear a mask." Dr Guleria also warned that high-risk patients can get serious infection. "High-risk groups, elderly people should avoid going out because there are high chances of spreading infection and some can also get a serious infection," he said.

Kylie Jenner showed off her incredible curves as she posed in a black string bikini for her latest round of social media snaps on Tuesday.The reality star, 25, showcased her ample cleavage, trim waist and curvaceous hips in the skimpy number as she frolicked in a scenic pool.The star struck a series of sexy poses as she wore her tresses in soft waves and sported a glowing palette of make-up while plugging healthy drink, Glow. Wow: Kylie Jenner showed off her incredible curves as she posed in a black string bikini for her latest round of social media snaps on TuesdayKylie also showed off her toned and tanned legs as she posed up a storm.The star shares two children -  daughter Stormi, 4, and a baby boy, 8 months - whose name has not been revealed, with Travis Scott.

HONOLULU – The Hawai‘i Department of Health (DOH) announces the U.S. Food and Drug Administration has granted emergency use authorization for the COVID-19 booster by Novavax and the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention and DOH are allowing use of the COVID-19 booster by Novavax.Novavax monovalent COVID-19 boosters are recommended for adults 18 and older for whom a bivalent booster by Pfizer-BioNTech or Moderna is not clinically appropriate and adults who would otherwise not get a COVID-19 booster.Adults who completed their primary series of Novavax, Pfizer-BioNTech, Moderna, or Johnson & Johnson COVID-19 vaccines at least six months ago can receive a Novavax booster if they have not already received a different booster by another manufacturer.“We encourage people to get the new bivalent boosters from Pfizer or Moderna because those are the only boosters specially designed to protect against Omicron subvariants.

SAN DIEGO, CALIFORNIA - OCTOBER 19: Juan Soto #22 of the San Diego Padres celebrates at second base after hitting a one-run RBI double during the fifth inning against the Philadelphia Phillies in game two of the National League Championship Series at SAN DIEGO - A five-run 5th inning propelled the San Diego Padres to a 8-5 win over the Phillies in game two of the National League Championship Series. Pitching with a 4-2 lead, Phillies starter Aaron Nola began to allowed four of the first five batters to reach in the bottom of the 5th, capped by a two-run game-tying double by Juan Soto. Brad Hand entered the game and hit the first batter he faced, and allowed three runs to score on three hits, pushing the Padres lead to 7-4. Manny Machado slugged a home run to left field in the 7th inning off reliever David Robertson, increasing San Diego's lead to four runs. After allowing six unanswered runs, the Phillies finally struck back in the top of the 8th with a no-doubt solo home run by Rhys Hoskins. Padres relief pitcher Nick Martinez tossed two scoreless innings of relief, striking out three batters. San Diego closer Josh Hader put the finishing touches on Padres game 2 win. The series will shift back to Philadelphia tied a 1 game each.

Consumers sharing their Netflix account with family or friends outside their household will have to pay extra starting early next year."We’ve landed on a thoughtful approach to monetize account sharing and we’ll begin rolling this out more broadly starting in early 2023,"the world's largest streaming service wrote in its quarterly shareholder letter on Tuesday. "After listening to consumer feedback, we are going to offer the ability for borrowers to transfer their Netflix profile into their own account, and for sharers to manage their devices more easily and to create sub-accounts ('extra member'), if they want to pay for family or friends."Netflix expects the profile transfer feature will be "especially popular" in the U.S. and 11 other countries where its new $6.99 per month ad-supported plan will be available starting Nov.

12 Years a Slave. This led to the start of her remarkable film and theater career playing memorable roles. But after Nyong’o won the Academy Award for Best Supporting Actress, she experienced “panic” and serious health issues.

COVID-19 remains a global health emergency, WHO says On Oct. 17, 2021, there were 218 COVID patients in ICU and 772 in non-ICU spaces, a total of 990.

WASHINGTON - An 80-year-old Georgia man was arrested Wednesday after U.S. Capitol Police found a suspicious van parked illegally minutes away from the Supreme Court Building.According to FOX News Senior Congressional Correspondent Chad Pergham, the Capitol Police K-9 Unit picked up something in question within the vehicle located on the 100 block of East Capitol Street. U.S.

WAUKESHA, Wis. - Prosecutors called more witnesses Wednesday, Oct. 19 in the Darrell Brooks trial, charged in the November 2021 Waukesha Christmas parade attack. Mid-afternoon, the jury was taken out of the courtroom to view the red SUV.

reported vehicle sales that rose 35% for the July-September period compared to the second quarter as the company’s huge factory in China got past supply chain issues and pandemic restrictions.The company sold 343,830 cars and SUVs in the third quarter compared with 254,695 deliveries made from April through June. Tesla said it produced 365,923 vehicles in the July-September period.Analysts have questioned whether Tesla is experiencing waning demand for its vehicles, which in the U.S.

WASHINGTON - COVID-19 drove a dramatic increase in the number of women who died from pregnancy or childbirth complications in the U.S. last year, a crisis that has disproportionately claimed Black and Hispanic women as victims, according to a government report released Wednesday.The report lays out grim trends across the country for expectant mothers and their newborn babies.It finds that pregnancy-related deaths have spiked nearly 80% since 2018, with COVID-19 being a factor in a quarter of the 1,178 deaths reported last year.

TRENTON, N.J. - In Trenton, deadly shootings are 62 percent lower this year compared to last year. There were also no deadly shootings for a 90-day period over the summer. Meanwhile, Philadelphia saw a record year of homicides and shootings in 2021.

Burnaby RCMP officer on Tuesday.The B.C. Prosecution Service announced Wednesday that Jongwon Ham has been charged in the death of Const.

A woman detailed on Twitter how employees at an Oakland ramen shop stopped an alleged assaults. The photo is courtesy of Noka Ramen.

AUSTIN, Texas - A 14-foot Halloween skeleton was stolen from the front yard of a home in Northwest Austin.The skeleton was stolen on Saturday, Oct. 15 around 4:45 p.m. Grazia Ruskin, the president of the HOA for the Austin condominium community, said her neighbor was the victim of the stolen skeleton and does not want to be identified.The security footage belongs to the victim, and the victim shared it in hopes of identifying the thief.Security footage captured the thief in action stealing a 14-foot skeleton from a Northwest Austin neighborhood.

COLOMBO (News 1st); Members of Parliament have been nominated by the respective political parties to serve in the National Council.However, the Samagi Jana Balavegaya, National People's Power, and the Dullas Alahapperuma faction did not nominate members to the National Council.National Council will consist of the Speaker of Parliament as the Chair, the Prime Minister, the Leader of the House of Parliament, the Leader of the Opposition in Parliament, the Chief Government Whip and not more than thirty-five Members of Parliament representing the Ninth Parliament from recognised Political Parties in Sri Lanka as determined by the Leaders of the Political Parties.The resolution proposed by the Prime Minister Dinesh Gunawardena to constitute the Parliament Committee called the “National Council” was passed in parliament without objection.The National Council will have the jurisdiction and general responsibilities in order to,(i) determine the general priorities of Parliament to guide the formulation of short, medium and long-term national policies(ii) agree on short and medium-term common minimum programs in respect of the stabilisation of the economy(iii) arrange special meetings with the Ministers of the Cabinet of Ministers, the National Council, the Chairpersons of the Special Committees and Youth observers of Youth OrganisationsThe National Council will be empowered to request reports from Sectoral Oversight Committees, Committee on Public Finance, Committee on Public Accounts, Committee on Public Enterprises, Committee on Banking and Financial Services, Committee on Ways and Means, Committee on Economic Stabilisation; and any committee controlling the public finance.

COLOMBO (News 1st) – Prime Minister Dinesh Gunawardena says that State Ministers and Ministers will be appointed in the future under strict financial control.The Prime Minister visited Anuradhapura to engage in religious activities on Sunday (18).He further stated that a large cost is not incurred in the activities of Ministers, and himself as the Prime Minister. However, he emphasized that State institutions cannot continue their functions without appointing relevant authorities to oversee them.However, they will be subject to strict financial control in the future, he said. Moreover, the Prime Minister commented on the IMF staff level agreement with the Government, said that the proposal of the program is due to be presented before the IMF board in the near future. Many countries continue to assist Sri Lanka to their capacity to come out of its current crisis, he added.

COLOMBO (News 1st) – The newly appointed Saudi Arabian Ambassador to Sri Lanka, Ambassadir Khalid bin Hamoud Nasser Aldasam Alkahtani said that he aims to increase job opportunities in his country for skilled Sri Lankan workers.During a meeting with Prime Minister Dinesh Gunawardena,  the Ambassador was urged to assist Sri Lanka’s efforts to face the economic and fuel crisis.Moreover, Ambassador Alkahtani said within a short period of time, the number of Sri Lankan skilled and semi-skilled workforce in Saudi Arabia could be increased to 400,000 from the present 180,000. “I am fond of Sri Lanka and I will do my best to support your country,” he assured.The Prime Minister pointed out that the newly introduced relaxed visa regulations and investment facilitation schemes of Board of Investment will help to attract more Saudi investors to Sri Lanka.Moreover, the Prime Minister said that Saudi Arabia has the opportunities to invest in energy, fisheries and agricultural sectors, and thanked for the support and assistance provided to Sri Lanka under renewed assistance programmes of the Saudi Development Fund as well as to help early recovery from current economic problems.The two dignitaries also discussed the plans for tourism promotion and recommencing of Saudi Airlines’ flights to Sri Lanka.