Veteran musician Nihal Nelson dies

(With inputs from PTI)

Indonesia has decided to scrap the mask mandate, ending the coronavirus pandemic restrictions Indonesia will do away with indoor mask mandates and remove the requirement to show proof of vaccination when entering buildings, becoming one of the last few countries to completely end Covid-19 restrictions.  The changes will take effect from Friday and decision was taken as almost all of Indonesia’s population had immunity against the virus, said President Joko Widodo, who is popularly known as Jokowi.   “We once failed in containing Covid, but now we are among the few countries that did not experience a pandemic wave in past 10 to 11 consecutive months," he told a media briefing in Jakarta.

Colombo (News 1st) – Watch '2022 IN RETROSPECT' a People's Platform Special on Dec 30 at 7:30pm on TV1. Live streaming on YouTube and Facebook

BBC – A Myanmar military court has sentenced Aung San Suu Kyi to a further seven years in prison, taking her overall jail time to 33 years.The country's former democratically-elected leader has been under house arrest since a military ousted her government in a coup in February 2021.Since then she's faced 18 months of trials on 19 charges – which rights groups say are a sham.The UN Security Council called for her release last week.On Friday she was sentenced on the final five charges she faced. A court found her guilty of corruption because she had not followed regulations in renting a helicopter for a government minister.She had already been convicted of 14 different crimes including breaching Covid public safety rules, importing walkie-talkies and violating the official secrets act.Her trials this year have been set behind closed-doors where the public and media are barred access and her lawyers are also banned from speaking to journalists.

COLOMBO (News 1st) – The Provincial letters will be eliminated from the Vehicle Number Plate when a new vehicle is registered, and when ownership is transferred with effect from the 1st of January 2023.The amendment to the vehicle number places was announced by the Commissioner General of Motor Traffic on Friday (30). 

Covid-19 update: The death toll stands at 5,30,699 with one fatality reported from Maharashtra in the last 24 hours. India has been witnessing an increase in daily Covid-19 cases, with the country recording 243 new coronavirus infections in the past 24 hours, according to Union Health Ministry data updated on Friday.  With this, the country's cumulative tally has gone up to 4.46 crore (4,46,78, 158) and active cases have increased to 3,609, the ministry said.  The death toll stands at 5,30,699 with one fatality reported from Maharashtra in the last 24 hours, the data updated at 8 am stated. The daily positivity rate was recorded at 0.11 per cent while the weekly positivity was pegged at 0.16 per cent.

HONG KONG : Beijing called on foreign governments to abide by scientific principles in setting travel protocols, after the U.S.

“Our products support all those who have served America — past and present — on active duty, as Veterans, and their families.“By choosing our coffee, you help support those who chose to commit their time and efforts in defense of our liberties for the good cause that is the American Way.”The company concluded: “Every penny of profit says ‘thank you’ to them. We owe them our gratitude, eh?"The project comes after Tom admitted his "lazy" lifestyle led to type 2 diabetes.In a candid interview, Tom branded himself "a total idiot" for ignoring health warnings in his younger years."I'm part of the lazy American generation that has blindly kept dancing through the party and now finds ourselves with a malady," he told Radio Times."I was heavy.

EAMONN Holmes has shared a heartbreaking personal health update - as his fans urge him to 'keep going'. The television presenter, 63, shared the update following his recent back operation in a bid to ease his 'chronic pain'.

Eamonn Holmes has provided a "soul destroying" health update as fans rushed to send him sympathy.

COLOMBO (News 1st) – The Criminal Investigations Department on Thursday (29) arrested the Former Chairman of the Student Union of the University of Peradeniya Anuradha Vidanage.Sri Lanka Police said that he was arrested over the incident where the Former Vice Chancellor of the University of Peradeniya, and his son were assaulted by a group.The arrest was made opposite the Kandy Court Complex on Thursday (29) evening.The current Chairman of the Student Union of the University of Peradeniya Chamid Sathsara said that the Former Chairman was arrested while returning from a legal matter in court.

COLOMBO (News 1st) – Sri Lanka's Health Minister Keheliya Rambukwella had rejected the allegations made by Education Secretary of the Frontline Socialist Party (FSP), Pubudu Jagoda over the proposed procurement of medicine from Kaushik Pharmaceuticals.The FSP activist alleged that the procurement was to take place in violation of procedures in place, and that Kaushik Pharmaceuticals was blacklisted by the State Pharmaceuticals Corporation (SPC).Jagoda also claimed that the Minister visited India on the account of Kaushik Pharmaceuticals that paid for his suite at a five-star hotel in Chennai.On Wednesday (28), Health Minister Keheliya Rambukwella speaking to reporters in Colombo said that no misappropriation or misdeed occurred in the process, and that he reimbursed the air fare paid by a 'friend'. The Government reserved US$ 60 million to import medicines required for the next three-month period, Health Minister Keheliya Rambukwella said while adding that a personal request saw that the Indian Credit Line that was to exprire on the 22nd of November, be extended to the 31st of December 2022.The Minister also denied claims that he, as the Health Minister was attempting to purchase drugs by passing the President and his instructions. The Medical and Civil Rights Professional Association had addressed a letter to the President to intervene into this matter.They call on the President to conduct an investigation on the failure by authorities to inspect the quality of locally produced medicines before they are released to the market, and the attempt being made to procure Indian medicines without the approval of the NMRA.It claims that the President and the Ministry were misled by the Minister.The Medical and Civil Rights

COLOMBO (News 1st) – Sri Lanka's Health Minister Keheliya Rambukwella had rejected the allegations made by Education Secretary of the Frontline Socialist Party (FSP), Pubudu Jagoda over the proposed procurement of medicine from Kaushik Pharmaceuticals.The FSP activist alleged that the procurement was to take place in violation of procedures in place, and that Kaushik Pharmaceuticals was blacklisted by the State Pharmaceuticals Corporation (SPC).Jagoda also claimed that the Minister visited India on the account of Kaushik Pharmaceuticals that paid for his suite at a five-star hotel in Chennai.On Wednesday (28), Health Minister Keheliya Rambukwella speaking to reporters in Colombo said that no misappropriation or misdeed occurred in the process, and that he reimbursed the air fare paid by a 'friend'. The Government reserved US$ 60 million to import medicines required for the next three-month period, Health Minister Keheliya Rambukwella said while adding that a personal request saw that the Indian Credit Line that was to exprire on the 22nd of November, be extended to the 31st of December 2022.The Minister also denied claims that he, as the Health Minister was attempting to purchase drugs by passing the President and his instructions. The Medical and Civil Rights Professional Association had addressed a letter to the President to intervene into this matter.They call on the President to conduct an investigation on the failure by authorities to inspect the quality of locally produced medicines before they are released to the market, and the attempt being made to procure Indian medicines without the approval of the NMRA.It claims that the President and the Ministry were misled by the Minister.The Medical and Civil Rights

Moves by several countries to mandate COVID-19 tests for passengers arriving from China reflect global concern that new variants could emerge in its ongoing explosive outbreak — and that the government may not inform the rest of the world quickly enough. There have been no reports of new variants to date, but China has been accused of not being forthcoming about the virus since it first surfaced in the country in late 2019. The worry is that it may not be sharing data now on any signs of evolving strains that could spark fresh outbreaks elsewhere.

COLOMBO (News 1st) – The Chairman of the Beliatte Pradeshiya Sabha Cyril Munasinghe and his elder brother were arrested for fraud and were remanded to the 3rd of January 2023.The local politico and his brother were produced to the Acting Magistrate of Tangalle Ranjith Gunasekera on Thursday (29).They were arrested for stealing 11 GI pipes that were moved for a community water project in Mahapeella. 

Instagram to share a heartwarming video of herself on a ski holiday with her husband Bruce Willis, 67, from the beginning of their relationship.The model said the holiday was the moment she "fell head over heels in love" with Bruce as she remembers the early days amid Bruce's battle with aphasia.Emma shared the video reel in view of her 456,000 followers, showing the pair 15 years ago.The video shows the action star enjoying the slopes with the former model in the early days of their relationship.The couple seemed to be having fun in the cold, as they used various equipment and posed together during the romantic holiday.The Sixth Sense star was an avid skier and used to own the Soldier Mountain resort in Fairfield, Idaho, with his ex-wife, Demi Moore.They did however decide to, later on, donate it to a local nonprofit created to manage the property.Emma captioned the touching video: "It was that winter, 15 years ago I fell head over heels in love with him #loveofmylife."Many social media users rushed to the comments to share their thanks to Emma for sharing the video of Bruce.Disneydessi said: "That sweet laugh.Thank you for sharing these precious videos with us, Emma."I'm sure there are millions of fans all over the world waiting for a sign from Bruce. Happy holidays to your beautiful family."CharlotteJones_78 added: "This is so beautiful, thank you for sharing.

COLOMBO (News 1st) – The National Election Commission met on Thursday (29) morning to reach several decisions including the date the call for nominations for the local government election.In addition, the Inspector General of Police, Senior Officials at the Defence Ministry, Postmaster General, Government Printer among others were summoned to the Election Commission on Thursday (29).The Chairman of the Election Commission Attorney Nimal Punchihewa said the meeting was called for to discuss the necessary measures related to the local government election.The Election Commision said that the local government election is expected to take place before the 10th of March 2023.The Chairman of the Election Commission Attorney Nimal Punchihewa said that the gazette notification calling for nominations for the local government election is expected to be issued before the 5th of January 2023.The names of the elected candidates will be published via gazette by the 20th of March 2023.

Why COVID projections have become harder During the early days of the pandemic, simple models could be used to project the number of COVID cases and the likely effect on the population, including demands for health care. Relatively few variables were needed to produce the first projections. That was because there was one main variant of COVID, the original strain, to which everyone in the world was susceptible.

Government officials have warned that the next 40 days will be crucial in determining the possibility of a resurgence of covid-19 cases in India, urging people to follow safety protocol and complete their vaccination. NEW DELHI: India reported 268 fresh coronavirus infections and two deaths in the last 24 hours, as per the Union health ministry’s covid bulletin on Thursday. Active cases stood at 3,552, taking the total number of cases reported in the country so far since the pandemic hit in 2020 to 4.46 crore.

COLOMBO (News 1st) – Heart to Heart International has obtained all necessary government approvals for the third in-kind donation of urgent medical aid, worth an approximate of $7,270,756.31 USD ( LKR 2.7 billion), to the people of Sri Lanka, said the Sri Lankan Embassy in Washington DC. The latest donation includes an extensive volume of urgent medicines such as: Propranolol Hydrochloride and Labetalol HCL to treat high blood pressure and other heart problems; Potassium Chloride to treat low levels of potassium in the body; Quetiapine Fumarate to treat certain mental/mood conditions such as depression, schizophrenia, bipolar disorders etc.; and Allopurinol to decrease high blood uric acid levels and prevent gout (a form of arthritis). In coordination with the Ministry of Health in Sri Lanka and the Embassy, the third donation is due to reach Colombo, Sri Lanka, via air on 29 December 2022.Similar to former donations, all expenses will be borne by Heart to Heart International, and the Ministry of Health will receive the donation for immediate distribution at no cost to the people of Sri Lanka. Thus far, the total in-kind donation provided by Heart to Heart International to the people of Sri Lanka is worth an approx. total of $19,915,909.38 USD (i.e., LKR 7.4 billion). Headquartered in Lenexa, Kansas, Heart to Heart International (HHI) is a global humanitarian organization focused on improving access to health. Since its inception in 1992, HHI has delivered medical aid and supplies worth $2.5 billion to more than 130 countries, including within the United States.

With inputs from agencies

Eamonn Holmes, 63, has been enduring hell in the health department in recent months, fracturing his shoulder in a fall very soon after he began recovering from a major operation on his back.The GB News Breakfast star had dislocated his pelvis last year that sparked his chronic back pain - and he has now opened up about the frustration he feels.Taking to Twitter today, the former This Morning presenter shared his plight with over a million followers, as he confessed he had "worked hard at my physio this morning"."Very tiring but I've now sat on my backside for 5 hours and feel bad about doing nothing," he explained."Lack of mobility & depending on others stops me doing really simple things."For peace of mind I feel another round of foot exercises coming on," he added.The broadcaster was inundated with messages of support but was forced to hit back at a Twitter troll, who joked that his current struggle "doesn't sound like a great advert for revitive".He was referring to Eamonn's role, along with wife Ruth Langsford, as an ambassador for a £250 circulation boosting foot stimulator product by the brand.Eamonn hit back at the comment, saying: "Don't be so stupid."He elaborated that he had also been trying hydrotherapy in a bid to relieve the pain too.@wogsalg responded more sympathetically, confiding to Eamonn: "I feel your pain.

While the Central government has started random sampling and testing of 2% of foreign travellers at Delhi airport, in the last two days, more than 6,000 international travellers have been scanned, out of which 39 passengers have tested covid-19 positive. New Delhi: Government officials warned that the next 40 days would be crucial in determining the possibility of a resurgence of covid-19 cases in India as they urged people to follow safety protocols and complete their vaccination doses.

Italy is now sequencing those tests to see if there are new variants coming from China Italian health authorities will begin testing all arrivals from China for Covid after almost half of the passengers on two flights to Milan were found to have the virus.  The country is now sequencing those tests to see if there are new variants coming from China, the Health Ministry said in a statement. If a new strain is found, officials may impose stricter curbs on travel from China.

COLOMBO (News 1st) – A large number of people visited the Sri Lanka Bureau of Foreign Employment on Wednesday (28) morning based on a SLBFE advertisement for FREE job opportunities in Japan.However, later it was revealed that the advertisement was posed for 20 vacancies.A long queue was seen leading to the Sri Lanka Bureau of Foreign Employment in Battaramulla.Job applicants from all across the country had made their way to the Sri Lanka Bureau of Foreign Employment based on a Facebook post published by the SLBFE.The advertisement was for an awareness program for seat product sewing job opportunities in Japan.Notably, the advertisement did not mention that it was necessary to be fluent in Japanese to apply for the positions.Sri Lanka Bureau of Foreign Employment said that only 20 women will be awarded the job opportunities in Japan.The Spokesperson for the SLBFE said that following selection 20 women will be given language training at a four month residential program. "They will be sent for employment only after completing this entire process. There are 20 vacancies at present, and when they are completed we will be looking for more," he added.

COLOMBO (News 1st) – The Monetary Board of the Central Bank of Sri Lanka has decided to cancel the Finance Business Licence issued to Swarnamahal Financial Services PLC (SFSP).This is in terms of Section 37 (3) of the Finance Business Act, No. 42 of 2011 (FBA) with effect from 28th December 2022. Accordingly, warnamahal Financial Services PLC (SFSP) is not permitted to engage in Finance Business under the FBA with effect from 28th December 2022. Further, the Director of the Department of Supervision of Non- Bank Financial Institutions of the Central Bank of Sri Lanka has decided to cancel the Certificate of Registration of SFSP as a Registered Finance Leasing Establishment under the provisions of the Finance Leasing Act, No.

Colombo (News 1st) – Newsline: Sri Lanka's minerals are key to attracting dollars and boosting exports – Ryan Rockwood in conversation with Faraz Shauketaly. 28th December at 8:30 pm live on TV1.

COLOMBO (News 1st) – Police teams investigating the death of businessman Dinesh Schaffter were summoned by the Police Chief for a meeting on Wednesday (28).IGP C.D.

Colombo (News 1st) – THE YEAR THAT WAS AND THE YEAR TO COME – Watch FACE THE NATION on Wednesday 28th December at 9:30 pm on TV1 – Dialog TV-10 – PEO TV-12

Next 40 days going to be crucial as India may see surge in Covid cases in January: Official sources citing previous trends, news agency ANI reported 

Sri Lankan President Ranil Wickremesinghe instructed the Nuwara Eliya District Secretary and Commissioner to immediately provide 30 acres of abandoned land adjacent to the Ambewela Farm to them and provide the necessary facilities to develop it as grazing land to meet the food requirement of the dairy cows.President Wickremesinghe issued these instructions during an observation tour of the United Dairies Lanka (Pvt.) Ltd, which belongs to the Ambewela Farm Group.The President commended the systematic growth achieved by the Ambewela Farm in the dairy production industry adding that it has set an example for other dairy farms as well. The President also instructed to open this farm for research activities for university students in the country to gain experience in the dairy farming field. General Manager of the Ambewela Farm Group Sarath Bandara said that the Ambewela Farm is the main centre in Sri Lanka as well as in South Asia which can boast of the highest technical application in dairy production and farming technology.Presently, there are about 1,000 dairy cows at the Ambewela Farm.

Colombo (News 1st) – Newsline: Income generation & expense reduction: top priorities for 2023. 

COLOMBO (News 1st) – Sri Lanka's Criminal Investigations Department has commenced a study on the nine criminals who were arrested from the special camp for Sri Lankan Tamil refugees at Tamil Nadu’s Tiruchirappalli.The CID said that following the evaluation a decision will be taken on the suspects that need to be repatriated to Sri Lanka for prosecution.The Criminal Investigations Department said that reports on these criminals have been called for from all the police stations, and a CID team is expected to leave for India soon for investigations. The Indian National Investigation Agency (NIA) has arrested nine Sri Lankans from the special camp for Sri Lankan Tamil refugees at Tamil Nadu’s Tiruchirappalli over their alleged involvement in drugs and arms smuggling to revive the LTTE.The agency said that two of the arrested men were in regular touch with a Pakistan-based drug runner, Haji Salim, who often travelled between Dubai, Pakistan and Iran. These men and Salim were working to revive the LTTE in Sri Lanka and India, the NIA said.The arrested men have been identified as:C.

COLOMBO (News 1st) – Sri Lanka Railways has decided to introduce a dedicated train to transport vegetables from January 2023, with trial runs already taking place.Transporting of vegetables from upcountry areas to Colombo Fort by train commenced on Tuesday (27) after 23 years.According to a proposal submitted by President Ranil Wickremesinghe in the interim budget presented to the Parliament recently, five special compartments have been prepared to transport vegetables by train.The train will transport vegetables and fruits to the supermarkets and the Manning Market in Colombo.

COLOMBO (News 1st) – The Medical and Civil Rights Professional Association alleges that an attempt is being made to procure multiple medicines from India, without obtaining clearance from the National Medicines Regulatory Authority (NMRA).The MCPA wants the President to call for a special investigation into the matter.Why is Sri Lanka opting to an emergency purchase of medicines?Due to the foreign exchange crisis the government is facing an issue in importing medicines to the country by following the proper procurement process, and to avoid any shortage.As a solution to the crisis, Health Minister Keheliya Rambukwella on the 25th of October produced a cabinet memorandum to the cabinet of ministers for the emergency purchasing of medicines.It noted that Savorite Pharmaceutical Pvt. Ltd.

North Lanarkshire councillors have chosen to have a single pandemic memorial installed in Motherwell’s Strathclyde Park rather than several smaller ones in various towns.

JERUSALEM (AP) - Majd Ramlawi was serving coffee in Jerusalem’s Old City when a chilling text message appeared on his phone."You have been spotted as having participated in acts of violence in the Al-Aqsa Mosque," it read in Arabic. "We will hold you accountable."Ramlawi, then 19, was among hundreds of people who civil rights attorneys estimate got the text last year, at the height of one of the most turbulent recent periods in the Holy Land.

A Scots council tenant fears for the health and safety of his family due to mouldy walls in his home.

The latest statistics from the Department for Work and Pensions (DWP) show that by the end of October, there were more than three million people across the UK claiming Personal Independence Payment (PIP). The regional breakdown includes nearly 330,000 claimants living in Scotland, 2.6 million in England and 226,000 in Wales.

COLOMBO (News 1st) – Sri Lanka's Minister of Power and Energy Kanchana Wijesekera on Tuesday (27) announced that the country's Attorney General granted approval to award a coal tender to an Indonesian company with a joint local partnership to supply coal to the island nation from February 2023.The Minister said that nine suppliers had placed bids for the tender, and the Indonesian company was selected as it was the lowest bid."They grant a credit period of 180-days.

Expert said that owing to the fact that samples are few, the chances of finding new variant is slim. With COVID continuing to surge worldwide, one of the biggest worries currently is the rise of new variants. All viruses mutate, and the higher the rate of the infection, the easier it is to mutate.

Crude prices also gained amid supply concerns in the US as winter storm has hit energy production across the country New Delhi: International crude oil prices rose on Tuesday as China’s plans to relax quarantine norms for inbound travellers revived hopes of demand recovery. The February contract of Brent on the Intercontinental Exchange was trading at $84.76 per barrel, higher by 1.00% from its previous close. The February contract of the West Texas Intermediate (WTI) rose 0.80% to $80.20 a barrel.

COLOMBO (News 1st) – The United States Agency for International Development (USAID) has decided to award a subsidy of Rs. 15,000/- ($42) each to low-income earning agriculture-based families across seven districts, said the Department of Government Information on Tuesday (27).This allowance will be awarded to agriculture-based families living in the districts of Jaffna, Mullaithivu, Mannar, Trincomalee, Vavuniya, Moneragala and Batticaloa districts.Minister Mahinda Amaraweera noted that the allowance will be for families that earn a monthly income less than Rs.

COLOMBO (News 1st) – Sri Lanka's President has appointed two new secretaries for key ministries.President Ranil Wickremesinghe appointed MMPK Mayadunne as the Secretary to the Ministry of Transport & Highways.

7) There is NO cause for alarm in India. [7/18] Explaining why, we continue to have > 98% population with natural immunity.

Name Change In another sign of downgrading the impact of the virus, the government changed the Chinese name of Covid-19 from “new coronavirus pneumonia" to “new coronavirus infections." Omicron’s much reduced virulence compared to the ancestral strain that emerged from Wuhan means most people are sickened with only mild upper respiratory tract infections, authorities said. “The new coronavirus will linger in nature for a long time to come," according to the statement.

The Food and Agriculture Organization of the United Nations (FAO), with funding through the United States Agency for International Development (USAID), will distribute 36,000 metric tonnes of Triple Super Phosphate (TSP) fertilizer to all paddy farmers in Sri Lanka through the Ministry of Agriculture. The amount of TSP provided per farmer will be determined based on the area they cultivated in the 2022/2023 Maha cultivation season.The distribution list, along with the land extent cultivated during this Maha season, has been published and displayed at all Agrarian Service Centres of the Department of Agrarian Development. FAO invites all eligible paddy farmers to visit their respective Agrarian Service Centre and ensure their details have been incorporated. The distribution lists will be displayed until 5 January 2023, and the date of fertilizer distribution will be shared through the Agrarian Service Centres.

I have a basic health insurance policy with a coverage limit of ₹5 lakh. However, I want to upgrade to a better plan to get higher coverage. What is the most effective way to increase the amount insured? - Name withheld on request With today’s medical inflation rate, which is growing approximately 10% every year, ₹5 lakh sum insured is an incredibly low amount for health insurance.