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COLOMBO (News 1st); Deputy Managing Director of the International Monetary Fund (IMF) Kenji Okamura is scheduled to arrive in Sri Lanka on Wednesday (31) for a two-day official visit.The State Ministry of Finance said he is due to hold talks with the President, Finance Ministry officials, and officials of the Central Bank of Sri Lanka.Okamura will also take an observational tour of several projects including Colombo Port City.The State Ministry of Finance said he is due to participate in several rounds of discussions regarding recent trends in Sri Lanka's economic program, opportunities to empower the economy in the future, and ways to minimize obstacles and delays.

WASHINGTON (AP) - A Pennsylvania restaurant owner who screamed death threats directed at then-House Speaker Nancy Pelosi while storming the U.S. Capitol was sentenced on Tuesday to more than two years in prison.Pauline Bauer was near Pelosi's office suite on Jan. 6, 2021, when she yelled at police officers to bring out the California Democrat so the mob of Donald Trump supporters could hang her.In January, U.S.

Urias Gbarjolo, 21. (Credit: University of Dubuque) DES MOINES, Iowa - A 21-year-old college student and athlete drowned after he swam in an Iowa lake with friends, according to authorities. The Marion County Sheriff's office said they received a call Saturday evening from the Whitebreast boat ramp at Lake Red Rock in Des Moines. The caller said a group a young men were swimming outside the designated area when one of them went underwater and did not resurface. A search ensued and on Sunday, authorities used sonar equipment and retrieved the body of Urias Gbarjolo of Johnston, Iowa. RELATED: Iowa apartment building partially collapses, prompting massive rescue effortAn autopsy will be conducted. Gbarjolo attended University of Dubuque and was a member of the school's track and cross-country teams.

Jimmy Carter and Rosalynn watch an Atlanta Falcons game at Mercedes-Benz Stadium. (Scott Cunningham/Getty Images) ATLANTA - Former First Lady Rosalynn Carter, wife of former President Jimmy Carter, has dementia, the Carter family announced Tuesday.The Carter Center tweeted a statement, which reads in part that the former first lady "continues to live happily at home enjoying spring in Plains and visits with loved ones."Mrs. Carter, 95, has championed a number of causes, but is perhaps best known as a pioneer for mental health advocacy.

WASHINGTON - President Joe Biden says he feels good about the debt ceiling and budget deal negotiated with House Speaker Kevin McCarthy as the White House and congressional leaders work to ensure its passage this week in time to lift the nation's borrowing limit and prevent a potentially disastrous U.S. default.Signaling the tough days still ahead, McCarthy urged skeptical colleagues to "look at where the victories are."The Republican speaker said Tuesday he will be sitting down and talking with lawmakers as they return to Washington from the long Memorial Day weekend."This is just the first step," McCarthy said of his agreement with Biden.RELATED: Debt ceiling deal: Here's what's in, what's out of the bill to avert US defaultIn an appearance on "Fox & Friends," he sought to shore up support amid rising opposition from conservatives in his party.

Bernard Arnault, Elon Musk, and Jeff Bezos are pictured in file images. (Credit: NICHOLAS KAMM/AFP, Taylor Hill, Samir Hussein/WireImage via Getty Images) As U.S.

Vice Minister of Foreign Affairs of the People’s Republic of China Sun Weidong will lead a Foreign Ministry delegation to Sri Lanka from 29 May to 01 June 2023, to co-chair the 12th round of Diplomatic Consultations between the two countries with Secretary, Foreign Affairs of Sri Lanka Aruni Wijewardane.The discussions are expected to enable the two countries to assess the status of bilateral relations covering political, economic and cultural cooperation, as well as thematic cooperation and people-to-people contacts.During the visit, the Vice Minister of Foreign Affairs of China is scheduled to call on President Ranil Wickremesinghe, Prime Minister Dinesh Gunawardena and the State Minister of Foreign Affairs Tharaka Balasuriya. The delegation will also engage with the members of the Sri Lanka – China Parliamentary Friendship Association and visit the Sri Lanka – China Friendship Village in Dewanagala.

(FOX 9)PORTLAND, Ore. (AP) - A man died while waiting over a half-hour for an ambulance after being struck by a hit-and-run driver last month, according to emergency dispatch logs, an incident that Portland firefighters say highlights their frustration at a lack of available ambulances to respond to emergency calls.The Bureau of Emergency Communications 911 dispatch log was obtained by KGW-TV through a public records request.

FILE - A female stocks food on a shelf at a Publix grocery store. (Photo by: Jeffrey Greenberg/Universal Images Group via Getty Images) A tight labor market is increasing demand for teenage workers and boosting their wages to higher-than-usual levels as many teens around the country look for jobs during their summer breaks.The proportion of Americans between the ages of 16 and 19 who have jobs has trended up in recent years, as nearly 34% of Americans in that age group had jobs in April compared to 30% in 2019, the last pre-pandemic summer, according to government data.Hourly pay has also trended up in the sorts of industries that typically employ teens, such as restaurants, retailers and amusement parks.

FILE - A member of the LGBTQ community prays during an evangelical church service on April 23, 2023, in Kampala, Uganda. (Photo by Luke Dray/Getty Images) KAMPALA, Uganda - Uganda's president has signed into law tough new anti-gay legislation supported by many in this East African country but widely condemned by rights activists and others abroad.The version of the bill signed by President Yoweri Museveni doesn't criminalize those who identify as LGBTQ, a key concern for campaigners who condemned an earlier draft of the legislation as an egregious attack on human rights.But the new law still prescribes the death penalty for "aggravated homosexuality," which is defined as cases of sexual relations involving people infected with HIV as well as with minors and other categories of vulnerable people.A suspect convicted of "attempted aggravated homosexuality" can be imprisoned for up to 14 years, according to the legislation.RELATED: UN rights chief calls Uganda anti-LGBTQ bill 'deeply troubling'Parliamentary Speaker Anita Among said in a statement that the president had "answered the cries of our people" in signing the bill."With a lot of humility, I thank my colleagues the Members of Parliament for withstanding all the pressure from bullies and doomsday conspiracy theorists in the interest of our country," the statement said.Museveni had returned the bill to the national assembly in April, asking for changes that would differentiate between identifying as LGBTQ and actually engaging in homosexual acts.

MANILA, PHILIPPINES — The Asian Development Bank (ADB) today approved a $350 million special policy-based loan to provide budget support to Sri Lanka for economic stabilization. The program is part of a broader package of financial assistance anchored by the International Monetary Fund’s Extended Fund Facility for the country, which aims to stabilize the economy and lay the foundation for economic recovery and sustained growth.Sri Lanka is facing a severe and unprecedented economic crisis.

WASHINGTON (AP) - With days to spare before a potential first-ever government default, President Joe Biden and House Speaker Kevin McCarthy reached final agreement Sunday on a deal to raise the nation's debt ceiling and worked to ensure enough Republican and Democratic votes to pass the measure in the coming week.The Democratic president and Republican speaker spoke with each other Sunday evening as negotiators rushed to draft the bill text so lawmakers can review compromises that neither the hard-right or left flank is likely to support. Instead, the leaders are working to gather backing from the political middle as Congress hurries toward votes before a June 5 deadline to avert a damaging federal default."Good news," Biden declared Sunday evening at the White House.RELATED: What's next on debt ceiling: Congress has little time to approve deal before default deadline"The agreement prevents the worst possible crisis, a default, for the first time in our nation’s history," he said.

Turkish President Recep Tayyip Erdogan waves to supporters as he claims victory in the Turkish presidential election runoff outside the presidents residence in kisikli on May 28, 2023 in Istanbul, Turkey. (Photo by Jeff J Mitchell/Getty Images) ANKARA, Turkey - Turkey President Recep Tayyip Erdogan won reelection Sunday, according to unofficial results, in a victory that extends his increasingly authoritarian rule into a third decade as the country reels from high inflation and the aftermath of an earthquake that leveled entire cities.A third term gives Erdogan an even stronger hand domestically and internationally, and the election results will have implications far beyond Ankara.

AUSTIN, Texas (AP) - The Texas Legislature already made one historic move with its impeachment of Republican state Attorney General Ken Paxton. Another one is coming.MORE: Texas AG Ken Paxton impeached, suspended from duties pending outcome of Senate trialThe GOP-led House of Representatives on Saturday approved 20 articles of impeachment on sweeping allegations of wrongdoing that have trailed the state’s top lawyer for years, including abuse of office and bribery.

COLOMBO (News 1st); State Minister of Finance Ranjith Siyambalapitiya said a systematic program will be implemented to fix the existing weaknesses in tax payment and streamline the process.Attending an event held in Ruwanwella on Sunday (28) morning, the State Minister said the plan will be presented to the President this week.He added that a proposal to establish a separate court for tax-related matters is also among the proposals.

COLOMBO (News 1st) – President Ranil Wickremesinghe has concluded his official visit to Singapore and Japan, returning to the island last night. During his visit, the President engaged in productive meetings with the leaders of both Singapore and Japan, further strengthening bilateral relations.Notably, President Wickremesinghe actively participated in the prestigious Nikkei's Future of Asia conference, where he had the opportunity to address regional challenges and share his insights.

PHILADELPHIA - A Philadelphia firefighter and his band got the chance of a lifetime this weekend down the shore.Randy Ballinger and his bandmates of "Jersey Calling" opened the inaugural two-day Adjacent Festival in Atlantic City, performing both Saturday and Sunday."They said all right you guys can go, and we just broke right into song and did what we do," said Ballinger. "Music is our passion so if it’s ten people or 10-thousand we’re going to play."RELATED COVERAGE: Philadelphia firefighter severely injured in ladder fall gets invitation to perform at NJ music festivalOrganizers said 20-thousand people are attending the festival each day.

Pope Francis leaves St. Peter's Square after his traditional Wednesday General Audience.

COLOMBO (News 1st) – State Minister of Finance Shehan Semasinghe says that the appointment of an individual to the now vacant position of Chairman of the Public Utilities Commission of Sri Lanka will be done once the President returns to the island following his official visit to Japan.He added the Secretary to the Ministry of Finance forwarded Janaka Rathnayake the letter related to the removal of him from the post of Chairman of the Public Utilities Commission.The State Minister also says that Janaka Rathnayake has accepted the said letter.The proposal to remove Janaka Rathnayake from the position of Chairman of the Public Utilities Commission was passed by a majority of 46 votes in the recent voting held in the Parliament.

TALLAHASSEE, Florida - As he vies for the Republican presidential nomination, Florida Gov. Ron DeSantis is touting a series of measures he has pushed that have led to an upswing in banned or restricted books — not just in Florida schools but in an increasing number of other conservative states.Florida last year became the first in a wave of red states to enact laws making it easier for parents to challenge books in school libraries they deem to be pornographic, deal improperly with racial issues or in other ways be inappropriate for students.Books ensnared in the Florida regulations include explicit graphic novels about growing up LGBTQ+, a children’s book based on a true story of two male penguins raising a chick in a zoo and "The Bluest Eye," a novel by Nobel laureate Toni Morrison that includes descriptions of child sexual abuse.

Demonstrators hold Serbian flags and a banner reading "Serbia against violence" as they march during a rally to call for the resignation of top officials and the curtailing of violence in the media. (ANDREJ ISAKOVIC/AFP via Getty Images) Tens of thousands of people are expected in the Serbian capital on Friday for a major rally in support of President Aleksandar Vucic, who is facing an unprecedented revolt against his autocratic rule amid the crisis triggered by two mass shootings that stunned the nation.Answering Vucic’s call for what he called "the largest rally in the history of Serbia," his supporters, many wearing identical T-shirts with his portrait, were being bused to Belgrade from all over the Balkan country as well as neighboring Kosovo and Bosnia.Those working in state firms and institutions were told to take a day off from work to attend the rally in front of the parliament building.

President Ranil Wickremesinghe engaged in a pivotal business round table on “Sri Lanka’s Economic Revival & Opportunities for Japanese Enterprise,” where he presented the nation’s commitment to stabilizing and liberalizing the economy while actively inviting new foreign ventures.The event, jointly organized by JETRO, Japan-Sri Lanka Business Co-Operation, and the Embassy of Sri Lanka in Japan, aimed to strengthen economic ties between the two nations.During the round table, President Wickremesinghe fervently outlined the ongoing efforts undertaken by Sri Lanka to restore stability and openness to its economy, presenting an inviting climate for foreign investment. With a clear vision to attract Japanese enterprise, he discussed the various measures and reforms being implemented to create a conducive business environment for potential investors.Recognizing Japan’s significance as a vital economic partner, President Wickremesinghe emphasized the mutual benefits that can be derived from increased collaboration between the two nations. Sri Lanka’s strategic location and skilled workforce were highlighted as key advantages, providing a gateway for Japanese companies to expand their operations in the region and leverage the country’s emerging economic opportunities.As Sri Lanka continues its journey toward economic revival, President Wickremesinghe’s active participation in the round table, underscores the government’s unwavering commitment to attracting foreign investment and driving sustainable economic progress.Meanwhile, President Ranil Wickramasinghe also joined a meeting with the Japan-Sri Lanka Parliamentary Friendship Association.Meanwhile, a meeting took place in Tokyo between Japan’s Minister of Digitization, Mr.

COLOMBO (News 1st); The Former Mayoress of Colombo Rosy Senanayake was appointed as the Advisor to the President on Local Government Affairs.The appointment was made by the President, and the appointment letter was issued by the Secretary to the President.

Japanese and Sri Lankan leaders on Thursday (25) confirmed the importance of "transparent and fair" debt restructuring, apparently warning against China's alleged debt-trap diplomacy, which uses loans as leverage to gain concessions from borrower nations.The agreement came during a meeting in Tokyo between Japanese Prime Minister Fumio Kishida and Sri Lankan President Ranil Wickremesinghe, who expressed appreciation for the Asian country's role in restructuring his nation's debt.Sri Lanka defaulted on its debt in April 2022 amid the worst economic crisis since the South Asian country, with a population of 22 million, gained independence from Britain in 1948, with China emerging as the biggest bilateral creditor to the nation in recent years.Against a backdrop of Beijing's so-called debt trap diplomacy, many developing countries receiving massive loans from China, including Sri Lanka, have given up control of key infrastructure after the debt liabilities become untenable.During the three-day Group of Seven summit through Sunday in the western Japan city of Hiroshima, the leaders urged all nations to refrain from using "economic coercion" as a tool to pursue political objectives with China in mind.Wickremesinghe, meanwhile, told Kishida at the outset of their meeting, which was open to the media, that the debt-strapped country's efforts to improve its fiscal health have made "remarkable headway" on the back of support by Japan and other major democracies.Japan, France and India have launched an initiative to coordinate the restructuring of Sri Lanka's hefty loans among its creditors.

FILE - Smith & Wesson handguns are seen for sale in a gun store on Sept. 09, 2022, in Houston, Texas.

FILE-Florida Republican gubernatorial candidate Ron DeSantis speaks as President Donald Trump looks on at a campaign rally at the Pensacola International Airport on November 3, 2018 in Pensacola, Florida. (Mark Wallheiser/Getty Images) MIAMI - It wasn't always this way.Before Donald Trump and Ron DeSantis were leading rivals for the 2024 Republican presidential nomination, they were allies.Trump gave DeSantis' gubernatorial bid an early boost by tweeting his support even before DeSantis formally entered the race.

COLOMBO (News 1st); Debt sustainability consequent to COVID-19 is the critical impasse of several Asian nations, Sri Lanka being one of the first and worst affected, said President Ranil Wickremesinghe when he took the stage at the ‘Nikkei Forum: Future of Asia’ held in Tokyo, Japan on Thursday (25).According to the full speech made public by the President's Media Division, President Wickremesinghe had noted that As a middle-income country, Sri Lanka accepted that: a) Time is of an essence in resolving the issues of debt sustainability, and b) The only option available for vulnerable middle-income countries is to seek the assistance of the IMF to ensure multilateral coordination and cooperation in debt restructuring.'Decisions were quickly taken to enter negotiations, talks began in June last year, a Staff-Level Agreement was reached in September, the IMF Executive Board approved a US $3bn loan under the Extended Fund Facility in March 2023, and Parliamentary approval was obtained in April this year. We have now started creditor meetings and hope for a successful conclusion before end of 2023," said the President."This process involves the multilateral agencies, Paris Club members, India, China and the private creditors.

COLOMBO (News 1st); Sri Lankan President Ranil Wickremesinghe held several meetings in Japan, while on an official tour.President Ranil Wickremesinghe held bilateral talks with Japanese Prime Minister Fumio Kishida.President Wickremesinghe expressed his appreciation for the support extended by Japan to Sri Lanka in recovering from the economic crisis.President Ranil Wickremesinghe held talks with Japanese Foreign Minister Yoshimasa Hayashi. The discussions focused on the strengthening of bilateral relations and greater cooperation in several fields including the economy and culture. President Ranil Wickremesinghe met Japanese Finance Minister Shunichi Suzuki, and their the talks focussed on Sri Lanka's debt restructuring and the implementation of the IMF program.President Ranil Wickremesinghe met former Japanese Prime Minister Yoshihide Suga in Japan. The President outlined the economic recovery in the country and invited Japanese investments to return to the country.President Ranil Wickremesinghe and former Japanese Prime Minister Tarō Asō held talks in Japan.

COLOMBO (News 1st); A group of Opposition MPs in Sri Lanka have requested the speaker of parliament to take disciplinary action against fellow MP Ali Sabri Raheem, who was earlier detained for illegally carrying 3.5 kg of gold and over 90 mobile phones.The MPs claim that the Puttlam District lawmaker had used his parliamentary privileges and diplomatic passport to smuggle the goods via the via lounge of the Katunayake Airport.They also noted that the parliament approved “Code of Conduct” for Members of Parliament on 07th of March 2018 was violated by the conduct of Ali Sabri Raheem.MP Ali Sabri Raheem who was detained by Sri Lanka Customs for illegally carrying gold and mobile phones was released, and he visited parliament on Wednesday (24) for a crucial legislative vote.The MP who previously extended his support to the government, voted against the resolution moved by the government.Speaking EXCLUSIVELY to News 1st that MP said that he saw nothing wrong with Janaka Ratnayake, the Chairman of the Public Utilities Commission of Sri Lanka, but he voted against the resolution as the government did not step into clear him with regard to his detention by Sri Lanka Customs."I faced an incident recently. I did nothing wrong. The goods were in the possession of an associate.

COLOMBO (News 1st); Sri Lankan President Ranil Wickremesinghe has highlighted three major challenges facing Asia in his address at the Nikkei Forum on the Future of Asia in Tokyo. Wickremesinghe said democratic values and human rights, climate change, & trade integration are key challenges.The President also emphasized the importance of respecting the diverse political systems and definitions of human rights across Asian countries.FUTURE OF ASIA is an international gathering where political, economic, and academic leaders from the Asia-Pacific region offer their opinions frankly and freely on regional issues and the role of Asia in the world. Held by Nikkei every year since 1995, it is considered to be one of the most important global conferences in Asia.Sri Lankan President Ranil Wickremesinghe held bilateral talks with Japanese Prime Minister Fumio Kishida in Japan on Thursday (25).President Wickremesinghe expressed his appreciation for the support extended by Japan to Sri Lanka in recovering from the economic crisis, said the President's Media Division.Earlir, President Ranil Wickremesinghe met former Japanese Prime Minister Yoshihide Suga.The President outlined the economic recovery in the country and invited Japanese investments to return to the country, said the President's Media Division.The President will also meet the officials of the Japan-Sri Lanka Parliamentary Friendship League, which is engaged in strengthening relations between the two countries, while promoting mutually beneficial cultural ties. During the visit, President Wickremesinghe also plans to engage with the Business Community during a Business Forum organized by the Embassy of Sri Lanka in Tokyo, in collaboration with the Japan External Trade

By Jehan PereraColombo (News 1st) – The discussions that President Ranil Wickremesinghe has commenced with the Tamil parties in the north and east were seen as a possible precursor to elections in those two provinces.  The president has an interest in holding some form of elections as the government’s moral legitimacy has been undermined by its refusal to conduct the local government elections on schedule.

FILE - Charles Quinton Brown Jr, U.S. general and chief of staff of the United States Air Force, smiles during his visit from Tactical Air Wing 73 "Steinhoff." (Monika Skolimowska/picture alliance via Getty Images)WASHINGTON - President Joe Biden will announce Thursday that he is tapping a history-making Air Force fighter pilot with years of experience in shaping U.S. defenses to meet China’s rise to serve as the nation’s next top military officer, according to a senior administration official.The nomination of Air Force Gen.

President Biden’s plan to forgo more than $400 billion in federally backed student loan debt.Lawmakers approved a resolution disapproving of Biden’s student loan forgiveness plan that was announced last year and is now stalled because of an ongoing legal challenge. The Supreme Court is expected to consider the legality of Biden’s plan later this summer.On Wednesday, lawmakers voted 218-203 in an attempt to speed up the process and end Biden’s plan through legislation.

Photos via Getty Images. Pictured is Twitter CEO Elon Musk and Florida Gov.

the Supreme Court can do to "adhere to the highest standards" of ethical conduct, an acknowledgment that recent reporting about the justices' ethical missteps is having an effect on public perception of the court.Speaking at a law dinner Tuesday where he was honored with an award, Roberts provided no specifics but said the justices "are continuing to look at the things we can do to give practical effect to that commitment."He said he is "confident there are ways to do that consistent with our status as an independent branch of government and the Constitution’s separation of powers."The court has resisted adopting an ethics code of its own, and Roberts has raised questions about whether Congress could impose a code of conduct on the court.All nine justices recently signed a statement of ethics that Roberts provided to the Senate Judiciary Committee. His remarks Tuesday suggested he knows that statement is not enough to quiet critics.Supreme Court Chief Justice John Roberts attends President Joe Bidens State of the Union address in the House Chamber of the U.S.

COLOMBO (News 1st); MP Ali Sabri Raheem who was detained by Sri Lanka Customs for illegally carrying gold and mobile phones was released, and he visited parliament.The MP who previously extended his support to the government, voted against the resolution moved by the government.Speaking EXCLUSIVELY to News 1st that MP said that he saw nothing wrong with Janaka Ratnayake, the Chairman of the Public Utilities Commission of Sri Lanka, but he voted against the resolution as the government did not step into clear him with regard to his detention by Sri Lanka Customs."I faced an incident recently. I did nothing wrong. The goods were in the possession of an associate.

COLOMBO (News 1st); Parliament is scheduled to convene at 9.30am on Wednesday (24).The proposal to remove Chairman of the Public Utilities Commission of Sri Lanka Janaka Ratnayake will be debated in Parliament on Wednesday (24).Janaka Ratnayake was appointed as the PUCSL Chairman on March 14, 2021, by then President Gotabaya Rajapaksa.Although the PUCSL proposed alternative solutions to the electricity crisis that arose in 2022 with the severe economic crisis in Sri Lanka, they were not implemented.The conflict with the PUCSL Chairman worsened due to his opposition to proposals to increase electricity tariffs in August 2022 and January.Janaka Ratnayake on both occasions said according to the scientific method of calculating the rates, the tariff can be increased by a lower percentage than the percentage proposed by the government, to provide relief to the people.However, the proposal regarding the removal of the PUCSL Chairman will be debated in Parliament on Wednesday (24), following which a vote will be held in Parliament.Many opposition parties have already announced that they will vote against removing the Chairman from office, while the Sri Lanka Podujana Peramuna said it will vote in favour of the proposal.

AUSTIN, Texas - Attorney General Ken Paxton is calling on Texas House Speaker Dade Phelan to resign, saying the Republican from Beaumont was "in an obviously intoxicated state" while presiding over the House.But Paxton's call for Phelan's resignation comes as a House committee revealed it's investigating Paxton and his office over a push to use taxpayer money to pay off his settlement with a group of whistleblowers.So far, the attorney general is the highest state official calling for Phelan to resign. Phelan's office fired back, saying a committee is investigating Paxton's office, and they said his comments were an attempt to "save face."Video from the House floor at the end of a 14-hour session on Friday night showed Phelan appearing to slur his words on the House floor while debating an amendment to a Senate bill. The video quickly went viral online over the weekend.Paxton, who is also a Republican, issued a statement on Tuesday about the incident:"After much consideration, it is with profound disappointment that I call on Speaker Dade Phelan to resign at the end of this legislative session.

WASHINGTON - Authorities have identified a man who was arrested and charged after he allegedly crashed a U-Haul truck into security barriers on the north side of Lafayette Square near the White House Monday.U.S. Park Police say Sai Varshith Kandula, 19, of Chesterfield, Missouri, was taken into custody at the scene. Kandula faces multiple charges including assault with a dangerous weapon, reckless operation of a motor vehicle, the threat to kill, kidnap, or inflict bodily harm on a President, Vice President, or family, destruction of federal property, and trespassing.The collision happened just before 10:00 p.m.

WASHINGTON - Authorities say a man is under arrest and faces charges after he crashed a U-Haul truck into security barriers on the north side of Lafayette Square near the White House Monday.The collision happened just before 10:00 p.m. near 16th Street.

President Mohamed bin Zayed Al Nahyan of the United Arab Emirates (UAE) has extended a gracious invitation to President Ranil Wickremesinghe to participate in the World Climate Action Summit, a key event that will inaugurate the Emirates Climate Conference. The invitation was sent as a letter to President Wickremesinghe, expressing warm greetings and well wishes for the progress and prosperity of Sri Lanka and its people.The invitation letter sent by the President of the United Arab Emirates were officially handed over to President Wickremesinghe yesterday (22) by the Ambassador of the United Arab Emirates to Sri Lanka Mr. Khaled Nasser AlAmeri.The World Climate Action Summit leaders’ event is scheduled to take place on December 1 and 2, and will coincide with the UAE’s 52nd National Day celebrations.

COLOMBO (News 1st); Sri Lankan divers have located and recovered seven bodies from a Chinese fishing vessel that capsized in the central Indian Ocean.The remains were discovered days after China President Xi Jinping ordered an all-out search to rescue and recover missing crew members.Several countries, including Australia, India, Sri Lanka, Indonesia, the Maldives, and the Philippines, joined in rescue efforts for 39 missing crew members after the Chinese distant-water fishing vessel "Lupeng Yuanyu 028" capsized early last Tuesday, state-run CCTV reported.The vessel is owned by Penglai Jinglu Fishery Co Ltd based in Shandong province.

COLOMBO (News 1st); The Sri Lankan Cabinet has granted approval for the construction of a monument at a suitable location in Colombo to commemorate all those who died in armed conflict, and political & civil unrest.According to the Department of Government Information, the President had put forward a proposal to establish a monument at a suitable location in Colombo to symbolize reconciliation and to commemorate all civilians, armed forces personnel, police personnel and ex-combatants who had died in the armed conflict, political turmoil, and civil unrest in Sri Lanka. The proposal was approved by the Cabinet of Minister on Monday (22).

A voter arrives at a polling place on March 3, 2020 in Minneapolis, Minnesota. (Photo by Stephen Maturen/Getty Images) The 2024 presidential election is still over a year away, but the field of hopefuls is beginning to fill up, with the Republican field expected to become especially crowded in the coming months.  The field already includes two former presidents hoping to win a second term – Joe Biden and Donald Trump – which has potential to bring about a Biden-vs.-Trump rematch after the last tumultuous presidential election. Here’s all the people who have launched campaigns to win the White House in 2024:Learn more about each candidate below: Tim Scott, the Senate’s only Black Republican, firmly won reelection in South Carolina by more than 20 points.

U.S. President Joe Biden speaks during a press conference following the G7 Leaders Summit in Hiroshima on May 21, 2023.

President Ranil Wickremesinghe is set to depart the island on Tuesday morning (23) for an official visit to Singapore and Japan.While in Singapore, he will meet with Mr. K.

WASHINGTON - President Joe Biden and House Speaker Kevin McCarthy will meet face to face Monday after a weekend of on again, off again negotiations over raising the nation's debt ceiling and mere days before the government could reach a "hard deadline" and run out of cash to pay its bills.The two sides are working to reach a budget compromise before June 1, when Treasury Secretary Janet Yellen has said the country could default.McCarthy and Republicans are insisting on spending cuts in exchange for raising the debt limit. Biden has come to the negotiating table after balking for months but says the GOP lawmakers will have to back off their "extreme positions."On Sunday evening, negotiators met again and appeared to be narrowing on a 2024 budget year cap that could resolve the standoff.

WASHINGTON - President Joe Biden and House Speaker Kevin McCarthy are set to meet at the White House at a pivotal moment as Washington works to strike a budget compromise and raise the nation's borrowing limit in time to avert a devastating federal default.The meeting Monday afternoon between the Democratic president and the new Republican speaker will be critical as they race to prevent a looming debt crisis. After a weekend of start-stop talks, both men appeared upbeat as they face a deadline, as soon as June 1, when the government could run out of cash to pay its bills.Biden and McCarthy spoke by phone Sunday while the president was returning home on Air Force One after the Group of Seven summit in Japan.