German doctor gets over 2 years in prison for illegally issuing mask exemptions during pandemic

Colombo (News 1st) – Watch Dr. Paikiasothy Saravanamuttu, founder Executive Director of the Centre for Policy Alternatives (CPA), in conversation with Faraz Shuaketaly.

COLOMBO (News 1st) – 12,000 affidavits signed seeking the release of Wasantha Mudalige, the convener of the Inter-University Student's Federation who remains in remand custody under the Prevention of Terrorism Act, were handed over to the Attorney General on Monday (30).Student activists from the Inter-University Student's Federation along with activists from Mass Organizations visited the Attorney General's Department on Monday (30) morning to hand over 12,000 affidavits that were signed seeking the release of Wasantha MudaligeThese 12,000 affidavits claim that the signees were also engaged in the public protests that took place since March 2022 to bring about change by ending a corrupt and inefficient governance that burdened the people with a failed economy.The signees also claim they were involved in the protests that took place on the 9th of July 2022.They also note that the Inter-University Student's Federation was just one organization among many that took part in those protests, and that Wasantha Mudalige is just one student leader who took part in the demonstrations.These 12,000 affidavits claim that they too should be treated in the same manner as Wasantha Mudalige.The group attempted to hand over these affidavits from the back entrance to the Attorney General's Department, however, those attempts were futile.Thereafter, two representatives were allowed to enter the Attorney General's Department and the affidavits were taken inside the using a Police Jeep."If Wasantha Mudalige is a terrorist for his involvement in the Aragalaya, then the millions who joined the protests are also terrorists.

Regular listeners of Zoe Ball’s Radio 2 Breakfast show were left confused this morning when the star was absent from her slot due to illness.

COLOMBO (News 1st) : The Ceylon Electricity Board said that there will be power outages on Monday (30) and Tuesday (31).Nalinda Illangakoon, the Chairman of the Ceylon Electricity Board, confirmed that there will be no power cuts on Monday (30) and Tuesday (31).Over the past four days, the Ceylon Electricity Board imposed daily power cuts of two-hours and 20 minutes without the approval of the Public Utilities Commission of Sri Lanka.The PUCSL last gave approval for power cuts on the 25th and 26th of January 2023.The public were not made aware of the power cut schedule for the past four days, and the only source to ascertain the power cut period was the CEBs official website.

COLOMBO (News 1st) – The Public Utilities Commission of Sri Lanka has directed the Ceylon Electricity Board to provide an uninterrupted power supply during the period of the G. C.

Jen Shah has been ordered to take psychiatric medication and get mental health counseling after her release from prison, according to documents obtained by TMZ.The 49-year-old Real Housewives Of Salt Lake City star has a little more than a month to go before she is supposed to surrender to federal authorities and begin serving her sentence for conspiracy to commit wire fraud on February 17.On January 6, a judge sentenced the Real Housewives of Salt Lake star to 6.5 years behind bars at a federal penitentiary in Texas, but with good behavior, she could be out in about five-and-a-half years.  Prison: Jen Shah, 49, Jen Shah has been ordered to take psychiatric medication and get mental health counseling after her release from prison, according to documents obtained by TMZAt her sentencing hearing, Jen entered 'sensitive' information about her mental health saying that, 'Longstanding untreated mental issues caused me to create my own fractured reality. With the proper medication I can now see what happened.'I wish I could have stood outside myself.

Colombo (News 1st) – The National Dengue Control Unit says that 4178 Dengue patients were reported within the first two weeks of the year. The most number of patients were reported from the Colombo District and the number of patients were 871. The number of patients reported from the Gampaha District was at 846 as well.The number of dengue patients reported from the Kalutara district was at 224 while 190 patients were reported from Kandy as well for this year so far. 533 dengue patients were reported from the Puttalam District as well. The National Dengue Control Unit reported that 255 patients had been identified in the the Jaffna district as well within the first two weeks of this month. 

Scottish Secretary Alister Jack benefited from a Government-backed £2million Covid loan, the Sunday Mail can reveal.

Covid-19 continues to spread en masse in several coutnries across the globe.

to report patients needing more frequent touch-ups, but a found that Botox could be less effective after Covid vaccination. The key word there is could, though: the report states that Botox “might be less effective" post-vaccination, noting that “further research is required" to reach any conclusion—especially because the study was only conducted on 45 people. “More research is needed [on the topic],” , MD, board-certified dermatologist at points out.

Jamie Lee Curtis is in quarantine after testing positive for Covid-19. The actress, 64, announced the news on social media on Friday. 'F**k COVID!' wrote the star, who looked healthy on Tuesday evening at the Golden Globe Awards in Beverly Hills.The icon added that this means she will have to miss Sunday's Critics Choice Awards where she is nominated for Best Supporting Actress for her work in the film Everything Everywhere All at Once. Quarantine: Jamie Lee Curtis, 64, will be sitting out the  Critics Choice awards and other festivities after testing positive for Covid FridayShe wrote, 'Sadly, this head cheerleader is not going to be at all the weekend festivities cheering on her friends and colleagues.

COLOMBO (News 1st) – The body of a second youth, who was reported missing, was recovered from behind a house in Rambukkana on Friday (13) evening.Sri Lanka Police said that the two young men were missing for over a month.A missing person complaint was filed by the families of Mohamed Anwar Mohamed Arfan from Kiringadeniya, and Mohamed Nafaz Mohamed Ali from Shafia-Watte stating they were missing since 28th November last year.Later, it was revealed that the men were murdered and buried near a house in Rambukkana.Sri Lanka Police suspect the two men were attacked and killed by a drug dealer following a dispute, and later buried in the garden of a house.A search was carried out based on a court order, and one of the bodies was found buried in the garden. The remains were wrapped in polythene.The body of the other young man was discovered on Friday (13) evening.The bodies were buried under a  concrete layer of three inches.

EKIN Su’s boyfriend Davide Sanclimenti reassured fans she was OK last night after the star was forced to pull out of Dancing On Ice training. The Love Island winner, who is partnered with Brendyn Hatfield, was banned from hitting the ice by doctors after falling ill – just days before the first live show.

COLOMBO (News 1st) – The Secretary to the Ministry of Public Administration and Home Affairs Neil Bandara Hapuhinna has been summoned to the Election Commission on Friday (13) with regard to a letter he issued to all District Secretaries.The letter in question ordered all District Secretaries to refrain from accepting bonds for the Local Government Elections.The circular contained the signature of the Secretary to the Ministry of Public Administration and Home Affairs.Earlier this week, Ministry Secretary Neil Bandara Hapuhinna noted that the Cabinet that met on Monday (9) had instructed him to order all the District Secretaries to refrain from accepting the bonds from candidates until further notice.However, the Commissioner General of Elections had ordered all District Returning Officers to continue to accept the bonds by the candidates, noting that as per the powers vested with the Election Commission via the Local Authorities Elections (Amendment) Act Returning Officers have been appointed for the respective districts.

A team of global scientists have raised fears the devastating bird flu outbreak could eventually transmit to humans and create a new pandemic.

Christina Hall revealed she has scheduled 'a couple of appointments' about getting her breast implants removed after experiencing 'unexplained health' issues for years.After suffering from mercury and lead poisoning and years of 'unexplained health' issues last month, the HGTV star, 39, has been taking every step to heal her body. 'I'm just really focused on doing a cleanse right now, eating super clean,' the mother-of-three told E! News.  Health first: Christina Hall revealed she has scheduled 'a couple of appointments' about getting her breast implants removed after experiencing 'unexplained health' issues for yearsShe continued: 'I'm doing supplement detox and there's a local wellness place nearby where I've been doing hyperbaric chambers and IVs.' Her precautions and treatments have already helped her to feel '75 percent better.'Still, she plans on getting her breast 'implants removed' after fears they made be causing some of her 'unexplained' ailments.  Already feeling better: After suffering from mercury and lead poisoning and years of 'unexplained health' issues last month, the HGTV star, 39, has been taking every step to heal her body Last month, the Flip or Flop alum speculated on Instagram that her work renovating homes is also one of the sources of her issues.'[The problems] most likely from all the gross houses I’ve been in and I have small intestine bacteria overgrowth,' she told her social media followers.Lead poisoning occurs over time and is a result of continuous exposure to the dangerous chemical. While its use in houses and buildings is tightly regulated in the US, many older homes still have lead paint, pipes and other material.

COLOMBO (News 1st) – An exhibition of the Sacred Tooth will be held at the premises of the Temple of the Sacred Tooth Relic in Kandy on 4th March to coincide with the 75th National Independence Day celebrations, said Ashoka Priyantha, the country's State Minister of Home Affairs.

This story has been published from a wire agency feed without modifications to the text.

COLOMBO (News 1st) – 664 personnel of the Police Special Task Force were granted promotions on Thursday (12).The Police STF said three officers were promoted from Inspector of Police to Chief Inspector of Police.41 STF officers were promoted from Sub-Inspector of Police to the rank of Inspector of Police.111 STF personnel were promoted from Police Sergeant to Sub-Inspector of Police.8 STF personnel were promoted from Police Sergeant Driver to Sub-Inspector of Police.6 STF personnel were promoted from Police Constable Driver to Police Sergeant Driver.The Police Special Task Force said that 485 Police Contables were promoted to the rank of Police Sergeant.Notably, this is the highest number of promotions given by the STF on any single occasion.

MICHAEL Flatley shocked fans after revealing last night that he was battling cancer. The 64-year-old dancer broke the news on Facebook and said he had undergone surgery because of the "aggressive" disease. The Riverdance star is currently being cared for by a team of doctors in hospital.

Over 15 lakh passengers have been traced & out of them over 200 passengers have been detected as Covid positive. Owing to the sudden COVID surge globally, Centre is tracing all the airports to ensure that no new variant enters the country.

COLOMBO (News 1st) – The Media Division of the United National Party in a statement on Tuesday (10) evening said that the UNP is engaged in discussions with political parties, factions, and groups that support the government with regard to the upcoming Local Government Election.It added that several rounds of discussions took place recently among the UNP members and the representatives from the other parties, and among them is the Sri Lanka Podujana Peramuna.The statement said that the UNP is expected to engage in talks with other parties and groups shortly. It added that the UNP Chairman Vajira Abeywardena, UNP Deputy Leader Ruwan Wijewardena, UNP General Secretary Palitha Range Bandara, and UNP Executive Director represented the party at these discussions.It added that the talks are yet to reach the final stages, and when the discussions are over the manner in which the UNP will contest the Local Government Election will be announced officially.

A Lanarkshire group have supported the hungry and people with mental health issues as parts of its aim to “try and build better and stronger communities”.

COLOMBO (News 1st) – Sri Lanka's Cabinet of Ministers have once again granted approval to import eggs.Trade Minister Nalin Fernando speaking to News 1st said the Cabinet granted approval to his proposal on Monday (9).He said eggs will be imported before the end of the week from India, and the distribution will be handed over to the private sector, while Lanka Sathosa will be involved in the sale of eggs.The government decided to import eggs as a solution to address the high prices of eggs, as the local price of an egg is between Rs. 60/- to Rs.

COLOMBO (News 1st) – Sri Lanka's Cabinet of Ministers on Monday (9) granted approval to increase the electricity tariff.The tariff hike will be reviewed by a committee until the 15th of February, and measures will be taken to reduce the tariff, if there is a possibility, a Senior Government Minister told News 1st.The Chairman of the Public Utilities Commission of Sri Lanka said that a proposal to amend the electricity tariff was received on Monday (9) evening.

COLOMBO (News 1st) – Sri Lankan President Ranil Wickremesinghe said that he was deeply concerned about the recent violence that erupted in Brasilia. In a statement he said that Sri Lanka not so long ago also experienced similar attempts by groups to overthrow democratic structures through unconstitutional means. While noting that such hostilities are condemned, the President said the Sri Lankan stands in solidarity with the President, Government and people of Brazil in this hour of confrontation.President Wickremesinghe said that it is imperative that democracy and its institutions are universally respected by all citizens.For several days, supporters of former Brazilian President Jair Bolsonaro have been protesting as they refuse to accept that the populist autocrat lost his bid for reelection, claiming the election was stolen.Hundreds called for military intervention to overthrow President Luiz Inacio Lula da Silva, who was inaugurated one week ago.    Hundreds of supporters of Brazil's former president stormed the Planalto presidential palace, National Congress and the Supreme Court headquarters.After hours of chaos, Brazilian police have retaken control of the premises occupied by the protesters.Lula has declared federal security intervention in Brasilia and vowed to punish ‘neo-fascists’ with ‘full force of law’Bolsonaro denied any involvement in the attack, calling any suggestion otherwise a “baseless” accusation.While Lula has served two presidential terms, he has also served a prison term and some Brazilian say it is "shameful" he should have returned to the presidential palace after his time in jail.Lula spent 580 days in jail after being convicted of corruption in 2017 and was banned from running in the 2018

COLOMBO (News 1st) – Notice was issued once again on Central Bank Monetary Board members Attorney Sanjeewa Jayawardena, and Rani Jayamaha, as they failed to appear in court.On Monday (9) the Fundamental Rights applications filed against 39 people for leading the country to an economic crisis were taken up, and the notice was re-issued to the CBSL Monetary Board members.The Former President, Former Prime Minister, and Former Finance Minister are among the 39 people named as the respondents in the petitions.The FR applications by Transparency International Sri Lanka, Former Ceylon Chamber of Commerce Chairman Chandra Jayaratne, Dr Mahim Mendis from the Open University of Sri Lanka, and Former National Swimming Champion Julian Bolling claim that the respondents named in the petition are directly responsible for the unsustainability of Sri Lanka’s foreign debt, its hard default on foreign loan repayments, and the current state of the economy of Sri Lanka.The applications were considered in the presence of Chief Justice Jayantha Jayasuriya, and Justices Buwaneka Aluvihare, Vijith Malalgoda, L. T.

Eamonn Holmes has given his concerned fans an update on his chronic pain condition and revealed when he's back on TV. The much-loved presenter, 63, took to social media to explain his army will followers will be see him back on their screens very soon indeed.

Colombo (News 1st): Commissioner General of Elections Saman Sri Rathnayake states that the Rs.10 billion allocated for the Local Government polls is sufficient. "The previous election cost an estimated Rs. 8 billion due to the COVID-19 pandemic, but we managed to spend only Rs.

NHS Lanarkshire chiefs have issued a plea to the public asking them to help staff alleviate pressures on the health service.

A move to protect town centres across West Lothian from future uncertainties has been given unanimous backing by local councillors.

Here’s a list of the new measures different regions are imposing: Hong Kong People traveling from the mainland will need to show a 48-hour negative PCR test result. Traveling via land borders is capped at 50,000 people per day while some land control points, including Lo Wu, will stay shut initially, Chief Executive John Lee said at a briefing Thursday. Thailand Thailand is mandating Covid insurance for foreign visitors from countries that require negative PCR test results before returning home.

The Sri Lanka Air Force No 10 Fighter Squadron or the Kfir Squadron marked 27 years on Thursday (5).It was founded on 5th January 1996 with the induction of six new graceful tailless delta Kfir C2s based at SLAF Katunayake under the command of Squadron Leader Priyantha Gunasinghe. The Squadron was reinforced in the year 2000 with the arrival of another nine Kfir C2s and C7s enhancing the fleet up to fifteen fighters. The Kfir was developed by Israel as a multirole all weather day night fighter, which satisfied almost all the fighter capabilities of SLAF’s through Battlefield Air Strike, Air Interception, Air Interdiction, Maritime Air strikes with precision and deadly force.  At the outset, the No 10 Fighter Squadron was strengthened with four pilots, four engineering officers and seventy technicians, who were trained by Israel Aerospace Industries (IAI) and instructor pilots from Israel Air Force. The present Commander of the Air Force, Air Marshal Sudarshana Pathirana was first Officer Commanding Operations and succeeded as the second Commanding Officer from 7th of June 2000.

COLOMBO (News 1st) – An 18-hour water cut will be in effect from Saturday (7) night for multiple areas in Colombo.The water cut will be in effect from 10 PM on Saturday (7) to 4 PM on Sunday (8).The areas that will be affected are Colombo 1, 2, 3, 4, 7, 9 , 10, and 11.

Al Roker has been seen for the first time in public since he experienced serious health issues late last year.The Today show weatherman looked healthy as he was strolling in the rain in New York City while in casual clothing that included a blue jacket, gray slacks, navy blue tennis shoes and a lime green cap.In just two days the 68-year-old personality is expected to return to his early morning TV show to resume his job. A spring in his step: Al Roker has been seen for the first time in public since he experienced serious health issues late last yearThis sighting comes just as Savannah Guthrie told Entertainment Tonight on Wednesday that she was excited that Roker is coming back to the set on Friday after an eight week absence.'Back and better than ever,' Guthrie told ET’s Rachel Stern at the New York Stock Exchange.

COLOMBO (News 1st) – Sri Lanka's Former Power and Energy Minister Patali Champika Ranawaka has dismissed claims made by the present Power and Energy Minister Kanchana Wijesekera over the profits made by the Ceylon Electricity Board.On Tuesday (3), Minister Wijesekera tweeted that the Ceylon Electricity Board was making operating profits during October & November each year due to the increase in hydropower usage.Wijesekera stressed that the operational profits were not due to the tariff adjustments made in August 2022, and states that the CEBs own financial statements from 2017 to 2022 highlight the false and misleading comments made by the Public Utilities Commission of Sri Lanka and Former Minister Champika Ranawaka.However, in response to the Minister, Former Minister Champika Ranawaka pointed out that if the tariff was not increased in October 2022 the Ceylon Electricity Board would be making a loss of a whopping Rs.

COLOMBO (News 1st) – Convenor of the Inter University Students Federation Wasantha Mudalige who was placed under remand custody after being detained under the Prevention of Terrorism Act addressed an open letter to the people of Sri Lanka.The letter states that the Aragalaya must be chosen to ensure the right to life, and that the student movement is ready to make any sacrifice to achieve this. In his letter, Wasantha Mudalige says that while the real terrorists roam free, the people who have been branded as terrorist languish in prison. He says that the 1st of January was his 135th day in prison after fighting for the welfare of the society and calling for economic and political change in the country. He added that there are many more people who fought for the same cause languishing in jail. He further points out that the lives of people in the middle class have collapsed due to the crisis, and says that the situation would completely wipe out a middle-class in society.Wasantha Mudalige says that the aspirations of the People's struggle have not yet been accomplished, and adds that the Ranil Rajapaksa Junta continue to act as they did before. Wasantha Mudalige further states that the government has launched a massive smear campaign to discredit the people's struggle with the intention of covering up their own failures and ineptitude. He points out that all people must unite despite such smear campaigns launched by the government. In his open letter, Wasantha Mudalige adds that this is only the begining of the Aragalaya and that the people's struggle is far from over. 

Trigger warning: suicideThe mental wellbeing of Love Island contestants has increasingly taken center stage in as more and more Islanders have been subjected to trolling and criticism during and after the show has aired.Questions about whether the show bosses were doing enough to prepare and protect their came under fire after former Love Island and Celebs Go Dating contestant Mike Thalassitis took his own life in 2019.Thalassitis is the second former Love Island contestant to die by suicide after appearing on the show. Sophie Gradon died in June 2018 and , who hosted the show, took her own life in 2020.

MOLLY-MAE Hague has revealed her heartbreak over a family members health battle. The reality star - who is currently pregnant with her first child with boyfriend Tommy Fury - said she was worried for her grandmother's declining health.

COLOMBO (News 1st) – The National Election Commission announced that the notice calling for nominations for 340 Local Government Institutions will be released by the District Secretaries on Wednesday (4).A Senior Official at the Election Commission said that nominations will be accepted two weeks after the notice is published.The notice will include the date of accepting nominations, location, bonds, candidates, female representation among other matters.Members for Local Government Institutions need to be appointed by the 20th of March, and for that elections needs to take place before the 10th of March 2023.Commissioner General of Elections Saman Sri Ratnayake speaking to News 1st said that the date to call for nominations for the Local Government Election will be announced on or before Thursday (5).He said that the Election Commission plans to conduct the election before the 10th of March 2023.The Election Commission said that the necessary preparations are being made for the election,however, a retire military officer had filed an application with the Supreme Court seeking an order to prevent the elections from taking place.Retired Sri Lanka Army Colonel W. M.

Victims’ families set out to find killers as authorities grapple with shift in clearance rates When homicides surged across America during the pandemic, murders of Black women and girls rose more dramatically than other groups.

Colombo (News 1st) – United States Ambassador to Sri Lanka Julie Chung has recalled the multitude of ways the US and Sri Lanka have come together in 2022 to make a difference."In 2022 alone, the United States has announced more than $240 million in new assistance to Sri Lanka", Taking to Twitter, the Ambassador said."That new assistance supports basic food security and addresses the needs of the most vulnerable communities, including funding for school lunches, fertilizer for small holder farmers, and cash assistance for new and expectant mothers," she said."We are also supporting loans, training & assistance for SMEs in Sri Lanka, as they face the heaviest burden in times of crisis. This assistance is on top of our existing development partnership working with government, the private sector, civil society, and the people of Sri Lanka," she added."The relationship between the two countries, however, is much bigger than just about assistance.

SAFFRON Barker’s older brother was rushed to hospital on Thursday after suffering a near fatal heart attack. Casey, 27, who is also a social media star, revealed he made it “just in time”, as a devastated Saffron begged her followers to wish him well.

Colombo (News 1st) – Over Rs.10.65 million has been stolen from ATM machines of Sri Lankan state banks in Baddegama, Hikkaduwa and Karapitiya.Police said a group suspected to be foreigners hacked into the computer system of the ATMs during the early hours of Friday (30) morning, changed the data in the software and stole the money.Police suspect the same group is responsible for the theft in all three cities due to the manner in which it was carried out. The Police Media Unit said further investigations are underway by the Hikkaduwa, Galle and Baddegama Police stations to arrest the suspects involved in the incident.

Jonathan Ross, 62, has given an update on the health of his daughter Betty, 31.The presenter’s daughter suffers from fibromyalgia, chronic fatigue syndrome and POTS syndrome.Jonathan shares three children with his wife Jane Goldman, 52: Betty, Harvey, 29 and Honey, 25.Speaking on Loose Women, the talk show host discussed how his eldest child is showing signs of improvement following her treatment. He spoke about how it had been a “tough couple of years" following Betty's fibromyalgia diagnosis.The NHS describes Fibromyalgia as “a long-term condition that causes pain all over the body”. Jonathan went on to explain how his daughter struggles with depression and how she is now using an electric wheelchair.“She has fibromyalgia and she has chronic fatigue syndrome and POTS syndrome as well, which is where your heart rate shoots up,” he told Loose Women panellists Kaye Adams, Frankie Bridge, Dame Kelly Holmes and Denise Welch.Speaking about the way Betty’s illness had affected the family, he said: “She still can't walk very far. “We got her an electric wheelchair in the summer, so we can at least go out and go for walks with the dogs and that's lifted her spirits a lot. “Because that's the problem, if anyone out there who knows or who's got someone with a long term illness, you know, it's the depression."Being stuck indoors and not being able to join in with things because even stairs are a challenge to her."So if we're going out we have to give her plenty of time to get ready, get downstairs and then have a rest before we go to the next step, you know."“It does have an impact but the good news is she's definitely showing improvement and feeling better in herself.So we're relieved and we're happy with that.”However, Jonathan

STAND-UP comedian Rhod Gilbert's wife remains hopeful he will beat his stage four cancer and return "stronger and better". Sian Harries was inundated with supportive messages after a trip to A&E with Rhod, 54, this week. One fan asked her on Twitter: "How is he doing, the funniest comedy for years.

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.

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.