Sri Lankan Peacekeeper dies in Mali; Military salute presented by MINUSMA troops

COLOMBO (News 1st); The man who was shot dead on Tuesday (28) morning close to the Pinwatte Public Cemetery was identified as a 56-year-old businessmen from Kadawatha.Two unidentified gunmen on a motorcycle had carried out the shooting. It was reported that the victim was traveling along Galle Road in a luxury SUV, when the gunmen opened fire and fled the scene.Sri Lanka Police said the victim died in the driver's seat.

COLOMBO (News 1st); Application are called for the scholarship program offered by the Government of India for 2023/2024.The Indian High Commission in Colombo said Sri Lankan students can register for the program until the 8th of March 2023.The Government of India is offering more than 150 fully-paid scholarships to students from Sri Lanka.The Nehru Memorial Scholarship Scheme will be offering 75 undergraduate scholarships, 10 postgraduate scholarships, and 5 PhD scholarships.The Moulana Azad Scholarship Scheme will be offering 45 postgraduate scholarships in Engineering, Science, and Agriculture.The Rajiv Gandhi Scholarship Scheme will be offering 20 undergraduate scholarships in IT, Engineering, and Technology.Details can be obtained by emailing [email protected]  

COLOMBO (News 1st); One person was shot dead in Pinwatte, Panadura on Tuesday (28) morning. Sri Lanka Police said that the shooting took place close to the Pinwatte Public Cemetery. A police investigation is underway over the shooting.

Sri Lanka was expecting its long-standing ties with Saudi Arabia to grow stronger, Foreign Minister Ali Sabry said on Monday, after meeting with a delegation from the Saudi Fund for Development.Sabry hosted the Saudi delegation led by Mohammed Almasoud, the SFD’s director of central and west Asia operations, in the capital Colombo and said Sri Lanka was grateful for the fund’s “continuous assistance despite challenges” as well its support on an extension of an International Monetary Fund loan.“The longstanding Sri Lanka-Saudi bilateral relationship will grow from strength to strength,” Sabry said in a tweet.The minister visited the Kingdom last month, discussing with his Saudi counterpart Prince Faisal bin Farhan ways to boost economic and energy cooperation between the two countries.Sabry had then presented Sri Lanka as a gateway to not only south Asia but the rest of the continent – an “ideal place” to do business. His trip followed a series of high-level engagements by Sri Lankan officials with the Kingdom last year.During Monday’s meeting, the Saudi government pledged to continue providing financial assistance for projects in Sri Lanka, Sri Lankan lawmaker Mohamed Shariff Thowfeek said after taking part in the talks.“This was a great gesture from the Saudi government at a time when some countries have stopped their aid in the midst of the economic crisis,” Thowfeek told Arab News.The SFD has given at least 15 development loans worth $425 million to Sri Lanka, which have financed various projects in water, energy, health, roads, and education.

COLOMBO (News 1st); Sri Lankan President Ranil Wickremesinghe signed a Gazette notification on Monday (27) night declaring transportation services as essential services.Accordingly, public transport services for passengers or goods, discharge, carriage, landing, storage, delivery & removal of articles of food or drink, or coal, oil, fuel from vessels within any port as defined for the purposes of the Customs Ordinance (Chapter 235), the provision and maintenance of facilities for transport services by road, rail or air, including roads, bridges, culverts, airports, ports & railway lines, have been declared as essential services with immediate effect.   

COLOMBO (News 1st); Amnesty International says that Sri Lankan Authorities must exercise restraint in use of force and facilitate the right to peaceful assembly.Responding to the news that one protestor had been killed and dozens injured as a result of the unlawful use of water cannons and tear gas by the police in Colombo in Sri Lanka on Sunday, Harindrini Corea, Regional Researcher for the Right to Protest at Amnesty International said, “It is worrying that even after months of widespread protests in the country, the Sri Lankan police needs to be constantly reminded of their duty to facilitate the right to freedom of peaceful assembly and exercise restraint in the use of force while policing assemblies.

A woman who died from Covid pneumonia waited nine hours for an ambulance after a fall at home. Patricia Green also faced a three hour wait to see a doctor after arriving at A&E at Tameside hospital, a coroner's report says.

COLOMBO (News 1st); An individual who was admitted to the Colombo National Hospital following the protest staged by the Jathika Jana Balavegaya in Colombo on Sunday (27) has died.General Secretary of the JVP Tilvin Silva speaking to reporters in Colombo on Monday (27) said a peaceful protest by the JJB was attacked, and as a result of an attack around 28 people were hospitalized due to injuries. "Two people were in critical condition.

(Reuters) – The International Finance Corporation (IFC), the World Bank's investment arm, said it will provide Sri Lanka a $400 million cross-currency swap facility to help fund essential imports.Three private banks, which together deal with over 30% of Sri Lanka's remittances and exports, will receive the facility to fund essential imports, including medicine, food and fertiliser, the IFC said in a statement on Monday (27).The funds will provide a much needed foreign exchange cushion for Sri Lanka, which is grappling with its worst financial crisis in over seven decades partly triggered by a severe shortage of dollars.The island nation's economy is estimated to have contracted by 9.2% in 2022 and is expected to shrink a further 4.2% in 2023, according to World Bank data."We expect this financing to boost confidence in the investor community, attract fresh capital inflows to support the Sri Lankan economy," said Joon Young Park, IFC's Portfolio Manager, Financial Institutions Group for South Asia.IFC is also working on further plans to support client banks with other long-term funding and advisory services in the future, the statement added.Sri Lanka signed a preliminary agreement with the International Monetary Fund (IMF) for a $2.9 billion bailout last September but has to put its debt on a sustainable repayment track before the funds can be disbursed.

  Concluding her official visit, ‘INS Sukanya’ will depart the island on 01st March and she is expected to engage in a Passage Exercise (PASSEX) with a ship of the Sri Lanka Navy off Colombo.About INS Sukanya:The Sukanya Class offshore patrol vessels are in service with the Indian Navy. The first three ships were built by Korea Tacoma, while four were constructed at the Hindustan Shipyard in India.The lead ship in class, INS Sukanya (P50), was commissioned in August 1989.

Madonna‘s eldest sibling, Anthony Ciccone, has died, a family member said Saturday. He was 66.The announcement was made on Instagram by musician Joe Henry, who is married to Madonna’s sister Melanie Ciccone.“My brother-in-law, Anthony Gerard Ciccone, exited this earthly plane last evening.

COLOMBO (News 1st); The quality report with regard to the consignment of eggs that will be imported to Sri Lanka from India is expected to be received on Tuesday (28).The report is expected from the Ministry of Fisheries, Animal Husbandry and Dairying of India and once the report is approved, the shipment of 2 million Indian eggs will reach Sri Lanka.The Ministry of Trade, Commerce and Food Security said that the respective indian companies via laboratory tests have confirmed that there is no presence or risk of Bird Flu at their farms.The Ministry said that once the eggs reach Sri Lanka the country's Health Ministry will also conduct tests on the quality and standards.Thereafter, the eggs will be delivered to bakeries, and hotels in the country.The Ministry of Trade, Commerce and Food Security said that an eggs is expected to be sold for a price of Rs.

Ukraine, Defence Minister Anita Anand said.Her comment comes on the heels of an announcement Friday that Canada will be sending an additional four Leopard 2 battle tanks to Ukraine, bringing the total number of tanks being sent by the government to the embattled country to eight.However, Canada’s contributions to Ukraine’s war effort have come amid concerns about the Canadian Armed Forces’ capacities here at home.“I am always concerned to make sure that the Canadian Armed Forces have what they need to serve and protect this incredible country,” Anand said, speaking to The West Block host Mercedes Stephenson in an interview, aired Sunday.“What that means is we are going to be purchasing additional tanks for the Canadian Armed Forces.” Read more: Canada to send Ukraine 4 more Leopard tanks, lays further Russian sanctions Read next: Part of the Sun breaks free and forms a strange vortex, baffling scientists These tanks, she added, might not be exactly the same as the eight Leopard 2 battle tanks Canada gave to Ukraine.The Canadian military, Anand said, wants to ensure it has “the most innovative and modern solutions.”“So it’s not necessarily the case that the Leopard 2A4 is going to be the replacement vehicle,” she said.“We have to make sure that we are recapitalizing with the most up-to-date technology that is interoperable with our allies, as we have done in the past, as we are doing with the F-35.”As Canada works to rebuild its supplies, Anand said she’s pushing to ensure our “priority placement” in the supply chain while “doing whatever is necessary from a domestic innovation perspective.”“So we’re working very quickly in terms of the Canadian supply chain, in terms of international procurement, as well as

COLOMBO (News 1st) – Managing Director of the International Monetary Fund Kristalina Georgieva says a more predictable, timely, and orderly processes are needed for Sri Lanka.Speaking at the first meeting of the G20 Finance Ministers and Central Bank Governors in Bengaluru, India, Managing Director of the International Monetary Fund Kristalina Georgieva said that it is  imperative for the G20 to strengthen the debt architecture.She said, "In light of rising debt vulnerabilities in many countries, I strongly endorse efforts to strengthen the debt architecture and improve the speed and effectiveness of debt resolution."She said that sovereign debt vulnerabilities is particularly the case for "developing and low-income countries with very limited policy space and huge development needs."Georgieva stressed that a more predictable, timely, and orderly processes are needed both for countries under the Common Framework (CF) and for those not covered by it, including Sri Lanka and Suriname.She added, "This means that we must enhance dialogue and collaboration on debt issues."

COLOMBO (News 1st) – Prime Minister Dinesh Gunawardena has denied reports claiming that he will resign.Prime Minister Gunawardena told News 1st that the false reports are a plot aimed at sobotaging the programs of the Sri Lankan government.He said that no such proposal or discussion had taken place.The Prime Minister was responding to a statement made by MP Prof.

Colombo (News1st) – The Chairman of the National Election Commission (NEC) Nimal Punchihewa stated that he has written a letter to the Speaker of Parliament seeking his intervention to secure funds for the 2023 Local Government Election.The Chairman said the letter was dispatched to the Speaker on Friday (24).The NEC announced on Friday (24) that the Local Government Election, which was due to be held on the 9th of March, had been postponed."The election was postponed due to reasons beyond the commission's control," the NEC said.The new date is to be announced on the 3rd of March."A request has been made to the Speaker to intervene to obtain funds from the Treasury, which are necessary to conduct the election," the commission added on Friday.

 

A policeman carrying an automatic rifle stands guard with a colleague along a popular market street in Manila, Philippines, on June 1, 2022. (Ted Aljibe / AFP via Getty Images) A New Zealand tourist died in the Philippines while trying to defend his girlfriend from bikers, kicking off a manhunt for his killers. "We regret to report this incident and extend our sympathy to the bereaved family," police Maj.

Josue Chavez Nolasco, right, and Karina Nolasco, Josue’s mother, left. (Photo courtesy of Karina Nolasco) A family grieving the loss of their son is seeking answers after the 13-year-old died after suffering a medical emergency last week at his school in Chesterfield, Virginia. Josue Chavez Nolasco was rushed to the emergency room on Feb.

COLOMBO (News 1st); Former Sri Lankan President Mahinda Rajapaksa said it is the duty of the sitting President to hold the election.However, he noted that if there are no funds with the state, an election cannot be held as well. The Former President said that his party is ready for an election at any given moment.Mahinda Rajapaksa said because he knew he would secure a win, he never delayed a single election during his time as the President.He said the present government is uncertain if it would win or not, thus the election too is uncertain.He said when an election is called for, it is possible to understand the pulse of the people. Commenting on the IMF funds, he said the government should be able to secure the funds.

COLOMBO (News 1st); US Treasury Secretary Janet L. Yellen said that the Group of 20 countries need to work together to ease the debt overhang that is holding back too many countries, including Sri Lanka."The IMF estimates that around 55 percent of low-income countries are close to or in debt distress.

COLOMBO (News 1st);  The Sri Lanka Police Special Task Force arrested a close associate of notorious underworld criminal Stanley Kennedy Fernando also known as Bumma.The detained suspect was identified as 24-year-old Dilushan Kumarasiri.Sri Lanka Police said that the suspect is connected to the attempted murder of a person at the Galpotta Junction in Kotahena on the 21st of January.Police also said that the suspect is wanted for the murder of two other people in Mutuwal.The suspect was arrested based on information received by the OIC of the Police Special Task Force Intelligence Bureau.A locally manufactured revolver, weapons used to commit murder, a three-wheeler with fake license plates were also seized during the arrest.

STRAWBERRY MANSION - Seven people were shot in Philadelphia's Strawberry Mansion neighborhood, police say, including five teens, a 2-year-old and the mom of two of those victims, as an after school program was just wrapping up.Philadelphia police commissioner Danielle Outlaw speaks at the scene of a mass shooting in Strawberry Mansion that left seven injured including five teens and a toddler.Officials say the shooting happened at the intersection of 30th and Norris streets Thursday evening, just before 6 p.m., near the school yard of the James Blaine School.The victims ranged in age from 31 to 2. Their injuries are:1. 31-year-old female shot two times in her leg.

COLOMBO (News 1st); Sri Lanka's Election Commission will meet on Friday (23) to reach a final decision on the 2023 Local Government Election due to the lack of financing and support from state agencies.Earlier, the Election Commission decided to conduct the Local Government Election on the 9th of March 2023.However, the Government Printer had refused to deliver the ballot papers owing to a payment issues, and this led to the National Election Commission to postpone the postal voting process that was scheduled for this wekk.The Chairman of the National Election Attorney Nimal Punchihewa said the Local Government Election was called for legally as per the country's constitutions and the election law.He told News 1st on Thursday (23) that all members of the National Election Commission consented to the Local Government Election Process.He said that given that funds were not being provided to continue with the election process, the National Election Commission will meet on Friday (24) to reach a final decision on the Local Government Election 2023. The statement came from the Elections Chief after Sri Lankan President Ranil Wickremesinghe told Parliament on Thursday (23) that the country's National Election Commission has not legally called for an election, and there are no funds to conduct an election.Commenting on the debate requested by the opposition on postponing the election, the President said there is no election for one to be postponed.The President said the proposed Parliament Select Committee must be appointed to inquire into the Election Commission and the Local Government Election.In the meantime, the petition filed by Retired Sri Lanka Army Colonel W. M.

COLOMBO (News 1st); One person died in a tragic accident that took place close to the Expressway Entrance in Kottawa.Sri Lanka Police said a car had rear-ended a lorry that was parked on the side of the road to change a tyre on Thursday (23) night.The 47-year-old driver of the car, identified as a resident from Akuressa, died in the accident.In addition, a 27-year-old Russian woman who was also traveling in the car was admitted to the Homagama Hospital for treatment.Sri Lanka Police said that the accident took place when she was on her way to the Katunayake Airport.

COLOMBO (News 1st); The distribution of China-aided school uniform material commenced on Thursday (23) in Colombo.First 3 million meters were dispatched to 1.34 million students in Northern, Eastern, North Central and Uva Provinces in Sri Lanka during an event attended by Education Minister Susil Premajanth and the Chinese Ambassador to Sri Lanka.The Minister and the Ambassador were noted carefully inspecting the school uniform materials donated by China before the dispatchment to different provinces of Sri Lanka.A total of 3,420,714 students across Sri Lanka, regardless their gender, ethnicity or religious belief, will get the China-Aid school uniform for the coming school year 2023.Second batch of the donation comprising of  6 million meters had left China in 44 shipping containers, and will arrive Sri Lanka next week.

STRAWBERRY MANSION - Five people were shot in Philadelphia's Strawberry Mansion neighborhood, police say, and four of the victims are juveniles.Officials say the shooting happened in the area of 30th and Norris streets Thursday evening, just before 6 p.m., in the school yard of the James Blaine School.The victims ranged in age from 31 to 13. Their injuries are:1. 31-year-old female shot two times in her leg.

STRAWBERRY MANSION - Four people were shot in Philadelphia's Strawberry Mansion neighborhood, police say, and two of the victims are juveniles.Officials say the shooting happened in the area of 30th and Norris streets Thursday evening, just before 6 p.m.The shooting took place less than a block from the James Blaine School.MORE HEADLINES:Officials did not release conditions for any of the victims or say if anyone is in custody.___Tips can be submitted by calling 215-686-TIPS (8477) or texting PPD TIP (773847). Tips can also be submitted anonymously online, here.

COLOMBO (News 1st); The Chairman of the National Election Attorney Nimal Punchihewa said the Local Government Election was called for legally as per the country's constitutions and the election law.He told News 1st on Thursday (23) that all members of the National Election Commission consented to the Local Government Election Process.He said that given that funds were not being provided to continue with the election process, the National Election Commission will meet on Friday (24) to reach a final decision on the Local Government Election 2023. The statement came from the Elections Chief after Sri Lankan President Ranil Wickremesinghe told Parliament on Thursday (23) that the country's National Election Commission has not legally called for an election, and there are no funds to conduct an election.Commenting on the debate requested by the opposition on postponing the election, the President said there is no election for one to be postponed.The President said the proposed Parliament Select Committee must be appointed to inquire into the Election Commission and the Local Government Election.In the meantime, the petition filed by Retired Sri Lanka Army Colonel W. M.

COLOMBO (News 1st); A criminal wanted for multiple crimes was killed in police fire on Thursday (23) morning in Medawala, Katunayake.Police Spokesperson SSP Nihal Thalduwa told News 1st that officers opened fire when the suspect attempted to hurl a bomb at them.The deceased was identified as Dinesh Buddhika, a 30-year-old man from Heenatiyana.It was reported that police officers were searching for a firearm that was use to commit a crime, and it was at that moment that the deceased suspect had attempted to hurl a bomb at the officers.Sri Lanka Police said that the deceased suspect was wanted for homicides, extortion and other crimes.

COLOMBO (News 1st); U.S. Treasury Secretary Janet Yellen is urging other leading economies to move faster in resolving debt crises that threaten a growing number of countries.Yellen made the comments in a meeting Thursday with India’s finance minister, Nirmala Sitharaman, on the sidelines of a meeting of financial leaders of the Group of 20 major economies, the Treasury Department said in a statement.U.S.

COLOMBO (News 1st); The petition filed by Retired Sri Lanka Army Colonel W. M.

While Pakistan grapples with an economic crisis that threatens life as many citizens know it, Indian External Affairs Minister Dr. S.

The mortal remains of Mali-based UN Peacekeeper of the Sri Lanka Army who recently died of a cardiac arrest while serving the Multidimensional Integrated Stabilization Mission in Mali (MINUSMA) were brought to the island on Wednesday (22 February) afternoon. Troops of the 6 Sri Lanka Army Service Corps troops received the coffin of late Lance Corporal M.G.L Deshapriya (42) in a military parade.At the Colombo International Airport, the UN flag-draped coffin was symbolically delivered by Lieutenant Colonel H.M.W.R Herath, Supply and Transport Officer of Mali-based 4th Combat Convoy Company (CCC) to Major General Hirosha Wanigasekara, Colonel Commandant of the Sri Lanka Army Service Corps and Master General Ordnance who represented the Commander of the Army.The ceremonial parade afterwards handed over the UN flag back to Lieutenant Colonel H.M.W.R Herath, symbolizing the formal acceptance of the remains by the Troop-Contributing Country (TCC).Troops in accordance with laid down procedures draped the coffin in the National Flag and formally confirmed the acceptance of it by the TCC. Remains were afterwards taken to the Negombo Hospital.

COLOMBO (News 1st); A cyclist died after he was run over by a bus in Panadura on Thursday (23) morning.Reports suggested that reckless driving on the part of the bus driver resulted in the death of a father of two.40-year-old Ruwan Priyankara was serving as a civil employee at the Panadura Army Camp.As usual, he left for work on his bicycle, however, he was only able to reach the Cross Junction in Panadura.A private bus operating on route 452 from Thotupala to Panadura had collided with his bicycle.Eyewitness accounts revealed that the handle of the bicycle came into contact with the body of the bus, and thus pulling the rider to the ground.

COLOMBO (News 1st); Sri Lankan President Ranil Wickremesinghe told Parliament on Thursday (23) that the country's National Election Commission has not legally called for an election, and there are no funds to conduct an election.Commenting on the debate requested by the opposition on postponing the election, the President said there is no election for one to be postponed."The Election Commission had gone to court and said that it cannot conduct an election. However, an affidavit was provided. It states that the Commission has been informed by the Secretary of the Treasury that he is unable to provide the necessary funds to conduct the election.

COLOMBO (News 1st); An individual serving in the Sri Lanka Air Force was arrested by Police for stealing a weapon and ammunition from the Ratmalana Air Force Base armoury. A T-56 Assault Rifle and 120 rounds of ammunition and four ammunition holders were stolen by the 37-year-old suspect.Sri Lanka Police said the suspect will be produced to the Mount Lavinia Magistrate's Court on Thursday (23).

COLOMBO (News 1st); Sri Lanka and Japan singed Exchange Notes for a humanitatrian grant of USD 46 Million.Mahinda Siriwardena, the Secretary to the Ministry of Finance, and Mizukoshi Hideaki, the Ambassador of Japan, signed an Exchange of Notes to secure a humanitarian grant of USD 46 million. The purpose of the grant is to provide diesel fuel to public hospitals throughout Sri Lanka. The signing ceremony took place at the President's Office, with President Ranil Wickremesinghe in attendance.Under this agreement, the Government of Japan has committed to supplying 20 million litres of diesel fuel.

COLOMBO (News 1st); Sri Lankan President President Ranil Wickremesinghe urged all citizens, including politicians, professionals, teachers, those engaged in agriculture, the business community, and members of the security forces, police and civil servants, to work together to overcome the current economic crisis and promote reconciliation efforts.He was speaking at an event at Royal College, Colombo that was held to honour President Wickremesinghe, who is an alumnus of Royal College. The President called upon the present generation of Royalists to dedicate themselves to serving the country and transforming it into a place where they would like to reside. He urged young Royalists to take up the challenge and shape the future of the nation."We have two difficult tasks in this country.

COLOMBO (News 1st); If the Local Government Election is not held as planned, all Local Government Bodies will be moved under the control of the Commissioner from the 20th of March, as the tenure of the Local Government Institutions ends on that day.Public Administration & Home Affairs Secretary Neel Bandara Hapuhinna stated that accordingly, the secretaries of local councils and municipal councils as well as municipal commissioners are expected to carry out the administrative activities of those institutions.The petition filed against holding of the local government election is scheduled to be called up at the Supreme Court on Thursday (23).Based on the decision taken by the Supreme Court, the election commission will meet  on Friday (24) and take a decision.As of now, the postal poll related to the election has been postponed indefinitely due to the failure of the government printer to deliver the required ballot papers.The Government Printer took that step due to the non-payment of the required money for printing ballot papers.Recently, Sri Lanka's National Election Commission informed the Supreme Court that obstacles have arisen with regard to conducting the Local Government Election on the 9th of March 2023 as planned. 

WARNING: This story contains details that may be distressing to some readers.

COLOMBO (News 1st); One in three households, 33% of Sri Lankans are food insecure according to WFP’s Household Food Security Survey (December 2022).It added that nearly seven in ten households are adopting foodbased coping strategies such as relying on less preferred food, limiting portion sizes and reducing the number of meals. In addition, over eight in ten households are turning to livelihood coping strategies such as borrowing money or spending savings.WFP’s Market Functionality Index for December showed that commodity prices continue to be volatile. Several markets have also reported scarcity of items including cereals.According to the Colombo Consumer Price Index, headline inflation (year-on-year) for January 2023 was 54.2 percent, down from the 57.2 percent in December 2022.

COLOMBO (News 1st); The Trinco Night Navigation Operations Project at the Trincomalee Harbour was launched recently, and is now in operation.Trincomalee Harbour, a natural deep-water harbor, is considered the fifth largest natural harbor in the world. Despite its world-class recognition among industrial and tourist ports, the development and operations of the Port of Trincomalee were hampered due to the rapid development of the Port of Colombo and the lack of potential to perform night operations. Vessels calling at the port at night had to enter the port during the daytime of the following day, after anchoring at the out-harbor waters during the previous night, which caused interruptions to port operations and their efficiency.As a result of fruitful discussions between the Government of Sri Lanka and the Government of Japan in 2017, the two governments entered into an agreement to implement a grant aid under the Japanese Non-Project Grant Aid Program 2017, also known as the Economic & Social Development Program. Accordingly, this grant aid of 01 billion Japanese Yen was provided for the Night Navigation Operations Project at the Port of Trincomalee, which included a state-of-the-art Vessel Traffic Management System, Radar Equipment, Lighthouse Equipment, 16 Navigation Buoys, 02 Mooring Buoys, 02 400KV Generators, 14 Fire Pumps with machinery, and a Pilot Vessel provided by the Japan International Cooperation System (JICS) with the assistance of the Government and the People of Japan.The Trinco Night Navigation Operations Project, which includes all of this equipment and facilities, was handed over for operations on February 17, 2023, at a function held at the Port of Trincomalee.

BOSTON - A golden retriever who became the biggest cheerleader during the Boston Marathon has died after multiple bouts with cancer.According to local reports, "Spencer" died Friday. "Spencer, your spirit and determination inspired us all. We'll miss you, and are proud to call you a friend and forever the Official Dog of the Boston Marathon," the Boston Marathon organization posted on its Facebook page. Spencer was known to hold a "Boston Strong" flag along the marathon route for the past nine years as runners passed by. RELATED: Boston Marathon opens 2023 race to nonbinary athletesHe was then designated as the official dog of the 126th Boston Marathon by the Boston Athletic Association. In January, a giant portrait of Spencer was unveiled by the artist at Fairmont Copley Plaza, headquarters for Boston Marathon activity.Boston, MA - January 4: A massive portrait of the Boston Marathons famous dog icon and inspiration to people worldwide Spencer was unveiled by the artist at Fairmont Copley Plaza, headquarters for Boston Marathon activity.

Colombo (News 1st) – The current tax policy in Sri Lanka is not a normal tax policy but a rescue operation, President Ranil Wickremesinghe stated.The head of state warned that if this process is disrupted, Sri Lanka will not be able to receive the International Monetary Fund (IMF) bailout program and may lose the opportunity to do business with foreign countries.

COLOMBO (News 1st); Sri Lankan President Ranil Wickremesinghe has emphasized the importance of having a proper plan to strengthen the country’s economy, during a meeting with businessmen and lawyers in the Kandy district.According to the President's Media Division. the President had noted that the primary issue facing the country is its economic problem, and addressing it should be a top priority.The President has also noted that the upcoming election is not a means to change the government.

COLOMBO (News 1st); JICA is set to resume its ongoing projects in Sri Lanka no sooner the IMF package on debt restructuring finalized, said the Prime Minister's Media Division.Prime Minister Dinesh Gunawardena urged the Japan International Cooperation Agency (JICA) to recommence all the ongoing projects that are temporarily halted due to fiscal issues.He made this request when Director General of the South Asia Department of the Japan International Cooperation Agency (JICA), Teruyuki Ito met him on Monday (20).Teruyuki Ito assured the Prime Minister that JICA projects would be resumed no sooner the debt restructuring programme is finalized by the International Monetary Fund.12 JAICA projects worth US$ 2.5 billion have been temporarily halted due to the fiscal crisis. The JICA delegation had expressed satisfaction over the progress in debt restructuring plans, in which Japan also played a major role.The Prime Minister thanked JICA Director General for the continuous assistance provided to Sri Lanka for several decades for water treatment, sewerage, sanitation and solid waste treatment projects in several cities and towns. He also requested JICA to provide assistance in new areas such as renewable energy and electrification of public transport and railways.Prime Minister Gunawardena also briefed the JICA delegation about the steps taken to improve transparency and accountability in project implementation by enacting required legislations as recommended by the Committee appointed by the President. He added that a Budget Act would be passed to ensure continuation of nationally important projects and policies despite change of governments in power.

COLOMBO (News 1st); Sri Lankan President Ranil Wickremesinghe said that an Economic Commission will be formed as early as possible replacing the Board of Investment and the Board of Exports.President Ranil Wickremesinghe made these remarks at the opening of the country’s first migratory bird park and eco-tourism zone in Hanthane, Kandy (20).He stated that an Economic Commission will be formed as early as possible to approve investment opportunity in order to provide more opportunities to local and foreign investors.The President also stated that it has the potential to significantly boost the country’s economy."More investment opportunities are necessary for Sri Lanka to embark on a new economic path. It takes ten years to approve a firm after an investor arrives in Sri Lanka. This situation should be changed.