India reports 94 new covid cases, 2 deaths in a day

COLOMBO (News 1st); The Indian Minister of State for External Affairs and Parliamentary Affairs, Shri V. Muraleedharan will be visiting Colombo to participate in the celebrations connected with the 75th Independence Day of Sri Lanka on 4 February 2023.The Indian Ministry of External Affairs said that his visit will take place at the invitation of the Government of Sri Lanka.During the visit, the Minister of State will also have separate bilateral interactions with President Ranil Wickremesinghe and the Sri Lankan Foreign Minister, Mr.

COLOMBO (News 1st); Sri Lankan Opposition Leader Sajith Premadasa has decided not to attend the 75th Independence Day celebrations in Colombo on Saturday (4).Speaking to News 1st the Opposition Leader confirmed his decision to boycott the grand event.In addition, the group of MPs led by Dullas Alahapperuma who left the government to become independent have also decided to boycott the 75th Independence Day celebrations.Speaking to News 1st MP Alahapperuma said he decided to boycott the event as he cannot agree with the programs carried out by the present government.Sri Lanka will be celebrating the 75th Independence Day at Galle Face on Saturday (4) in a three-hour long event starting from around 8 AM.

Residents in Wishaw and the surrounding areas are being invited to make new friends and become more active by joining new health walks.

The ranks of American workers are thinning—often because people aged out of the workforce, or never entered it. Their absence could impede the economy’s ability to grow, and make for a less prosperous future. “Your call is very important to us—please stay on the line." Some customer service agents have moved on to more lucrative pastures during the pandemic, but a lot of America’s “missing workers" might never be coming back.

COLOMBO (News 1st) – New Zealand has advised its citizens to Exercise increased caution in Sri Lanka due to the impacts of the economic crisis, the potential for civil unrest and the risk of terrorism.The Ministry of Foreign Affairs and Trade for New Zealand in its official portal noted that Sri Lanka has stabilised somewhat since the widespread shortages and associated large protests and consequent changes in political leadership in mid-2022. There are still sporadic shortages of basic goods including medicines and some food due to the economic position of the country and living conditions of Sri Lankans, which have significantly deteriorated in the past year. It added that there is a restricted/limited supply of fuel including diesel, petrol and cooking gas, which is being rationed. The rationing system has reduced queues but there may occasionally be difficulties or delays obtaining specific types of fuel, particularly outside of Colombo.It added that Travellers should ensure they have transport plans and contingency plans in place ahead of any journeys to or around Sri Lanka. It also advises New Zealanders in Sri Lanka to avoid protests, demonstrations, political rallies and events, large crowds and queues. On Terrorism, New Zealand says there is an ongoing threat of terrorism in Sri Lanka.It added that in response to the 2019 April Attacks, the country’s security presence has increased, and security has since improved across the country.More details on : https://www.safetravel.govt.nz/sri-lanka

Fast-beating heart: This is an extremely serious symptom. In such cases, you may experience your heart beat rapidly or irregularly. At times, you might also feel lightheaded or dizzy.

(Reuters) – The Paris Club of creditor nations is ready to provide financing assurances to Sri Lanka, a key step needed to unlock a $2.9 billion bailout by the International Monetary Fund (IMF), two sources with direct knowledge of the matter told Reuters.The informal group of bilateral lenders is set to "soon" announce its support to the crisis-hit nation on a debt overhaul, said one of the people, who asked not to be named because talks are private.The Asian island nation, which is grappling with soaring inflation, a recession and currency depreciation, entered into a staff level agreement with the IMF last September.But it needs financing assurances from key bilateral lenders before the fund's executive board approves the programme.Sri Lanka's public debt stood at 122% of GDP, of which 70% is denominated in foreign currency, according to data in a country presentation to investors in November.China and India, both non-Paris Club members, are the top bilateral lenders. "Paris Club assurance is not reliant on China," said the source.Another source said the informal group is currently reaching out to other non-Paris Club besides China on financing assurances, but did not provide any further details.India previously committed to help ease the debt burden of neighbour Sri Lanka as part of the IMF programme, and China's Eximbank offered a two-year moratorium in a letter sent to the island nation in January.While the IMF has not yet provided any guidance on where the lender stands regarding China's assurances to Sri Lanka, a U.S.

COLOMBO (News 1st) – Sumedha Aruna Shantha from the Samagi Jana Balawegaya was elected as the new Mayor of Kurunegala by a majority vote.Sumedha Aruna Shantha and the Opposition Leader of the Kurunegala Municipal Council Wijayananda Wedisinghe contested for the post of Mayor.Sumedha Aruna Shantha secured 10 votes, while Wijayananda Wedisinghe only obtained 6 votes.A new mayor was elected after Former Kurunegala Mayor Thushara Sanjeeva Witharana was removed from his post by North Western Province Governor Admiral of the Fleet Wasantha Karannagoda in an Extraordinary Gazette.The Gazette stated that the position of the Mayor of the Kurunegala Municipal Council would be considered as vacant with effect from December 31, 2022.The Governor had cited the defeat of the Kurunegala Municipal Council Budget for 2023 as the reason for the dismissal. The Governor had made the above announcements as per the powers vested on him by the Municipal Council Ordinance and the Provincial Council (Incidental Provisions) Act.

COLOMBO (News 1st): All Island Three-Wheeler Drivers' Association announced that Three-wheeler fares will not be increased despite an increase in petrol prices.The price of a litre of 92 Octane Petrol was increased by Rs. 30/- with effect from midnight on Wednesday (1), and the new price is Rs.

 – News 1st's Naveksha Gunasekera contributed to this report.

COLOMBO (News1st) – The Catholic Church questions how Sri Lanka can proudly celebrate its independence at a time when the country's economy and the rule of law is in disarray.   At a media briefing in Colombo today, Media Spokesperson of the Catholic Church, Reverend Father Cyril Gamini stated, "We must question how independence day can be celebrated proudly at a cost of Rs.200 million in a country that is unable to meet its foreign debt obligations, a country that is bankrupt". He further explained the situation in the country, that "30% of the population is starving, 33.4% of children under 5 years are suffering from malnutrition, many people are being laid off, small and medium scale businesses are crashing, the rule of law has deteriorated severely,human rights are being violated without any remorse, laws including the PTA are being misused to suppress fundamentals rights of the people, electricity cannot be provided continuously even during the A/L exam period and the lives of patients are at risk due to medicine shortages".Rev.

COLOMBO (News 1st); US Under Secretary of State for Political Affairs Victoria Nuland said it is important for Sri Lanka to go ahead with the March elections.She spoke to reporters in Colombo and said that the people of Sri Lanka must be allowed to have a voice in their future."It is vital time for Sri Lanka to strengthen its democracy, its governance, and its reconciliation.

COLOMBO (News 1st) ; The Fort Magistrate's Court on Wednesday (1) granted bail to Wasantha Mudalige, the convener of the Inter-University Student's Federation, in three separate cases. Attorney Nuwan Bopage speaking to News 1st said that three cases against Wasantha Mudalige were called up in court on Wednesday (1).He said that based on the fact that he was remanded for a prolonged period, and that the PTA charges were dropped in court on Tuesday (31), the Fort Magistrate granted bail for all three cases.The Attorney said that Wasantha Mudalige will be brought to court later in the day, to secure his release on bail.

COLOMBO (News 1st) – The latest Corruption Perceptions Index (CPI) compiled by Transparency International (TI) was released yesterday. The CPI scores 180 countries and territories around the world based on perceptions of public sector corruption.

COLOMBO (News 1st) – The International Federation for Human Rights in a new report detailing the relentless repression of a peaceful protest movement noted that the Sri Lankan authorities systematically violated international human rights law and standards with complete impunity in their crackdown on the Aragalaya.The protest movement, called aragalaya [“struggle” in Sinhala], was triggered by the government’s protracted economic mismanagement and the growing public discontent over corruption and nepotism. The protests, which initially started in the country’s capital, Colombo, quickly spread across all nine provinces of Sri Lanka.

COLOMBO (News 1st); In a note to the Cabinet, President Ranil Wickremesinghe, in his capacity as the Minister of Finance, had stated that the Government revenue at present is far below the monthly expenditure for the month of January 2023.The President's Media Division, and Cabinet Spokesperson Minister Bandula Gunawardena confirmed that the President had instructed on further curtailing government expenses.The President had noted that the Treasury finds it challenging to meet all expenditures at this moment, except for payments for salaries, pensions, welfare, pharmaceuticals and debt servicing.Therefore, President Wickremesinghe had pointed out that the Government expenditure will have to be curtailed further / postponed until planned revenue to be raised on the recent tax revisions is realized, reported the President's Media Division.He had noted that the Treasury will formulate a priority criterion for this purpose.Furthermore, the President had pointed out that public officers should refrain from obtaining goods/services on credit basis, and any officer who violates this will be held personally responsible for such expenditure, said the PMD."The President informed the Cabinet of Ministers that the revenue for January collected from the Inland Revenue Department, Sri Lanka Customs and the Excise Department was Rs. 158.7 Billion.

SHAZHOU (CHINA) : For years, thousands of tourists flocked almost daily to this village in China’s southern Hunan province—an early stronghold of the Communist forces during the country’s civil war—to steep themselves in revolutionary history. Pandemic-related travel restrictions and lockdowns over the past 12 months slowed that flow to a trickle.

ACTRESS Cindy Williams, who played Shirley on Laverne & Shirley, has passed away after a health battle. The iconic TV star who worked alongside Penny Marshall’s Laverne on the Happy Days spin-off died aged 75, her family revealed on Monday. Cindy, who is survived by her two children Zak and Emily Hudson, passed away on Wednesday, January 25, 2022, after suffering from a brief illness.

COLOMBO (News 1st) : Former Sri Lankan President Maithripala Sirisena asked for forgiveness from the victims of the 2019 Easter Sunday Attacks.Speaking to reporters in Colombo the Former President asked for forgiveness for such a tragedy taking place during his tenure, adding that he was unaware beforehand of the attacks."The ruling does not say that I have committed an offense, but that the President is also accountable for the offenses committed by the officers appointed by the President.

COLOMBO (News 1st) : Former Sri Lankan President Maithripala Sirisena asked for forgiveness from the victims of the 2019 Easter Sunday Attacks.Speaking to reporters in Colombo the Former President asked for forgiveness for such a tragedy taking place during his tenure, adding that he was unaware beforehand of the attacks."The ruling does not say that I have committed an offense, but that the President is also accountable for the offenses committed by the officers appointed by the President.

COLOMBO (News 1st) : Former Sri Lankan President Maithripala Sirisena apologized to the victims of the 2019 Easter Sunday Attacks.Speaking to reporters in Colombo the Former President apologized for such a tragedy taking place during his tenure, adding that he was unaware of the attacks."The ruling does not say that I have committed an offense, but that the President is also accountable for the offenses committed by the officers appointed by the President.

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

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) – Sri Lanka Police said that no Independence Day rehearsals will take place on Monday (30), and none of the roads in the area will be closed.Sri Lanka Police said that the special traffic plan for the 75th Independence Day celebrations will be in effect from the 1st of February to the 4th of February.According to this traffic plan, 20 roads around Galle Face will be closed from 5 AM to 12 noon.During the said time period, residents can use those roads based on the directives issued by the Traffic Police Officers. 

COLOMBO (News 1st) – The National Election Commission said that it cannot be satisfied with the status of investigations taking place with regard to the death threats made to three members of the NEC.A senior official at the National Election Commission speaking to News 1st said that various factions are continuing to make undue influence on the NEC in order to delay the Local Government Elections.He added that certain state officials, attached to several State Institutions that should be involved in ensuring a Free & Fair election takes place, are neglecting their duties.The Senior Official said that those who appointed the state officials who are neglecting their duties must be held accountable for the dereliction of duty.The Chairman of the National Election Commission, Attorney Nimal Punshihewa has requested the President to intervene over the death threats made to the members of the National Election Commission.The NEC Chairman in a letter to the President requested that an environment favourable to conduct a free and fair election be created.News 1st also inquired from the Criminal Investigations Department on the progress made with regard to the investigations on the death threats made to members of the National Election Commission.A Senior Official at the CID said that investigations revealed that the threatening phone calls were made from Dubai.He said that a telecommunication analysis reports has been called for from the service providers.

Lethal new pills on the street have sparked a major warning they could fuel Scotland’s drug death toll.

COLOMBO (News 1st) : Former Maldives President Maumoon Abdul Gayoom met with Sri Lankan President Ranil Wickremesinghe on Friday (27).The Former President of the Maldives is currently in Sri Lanka on a personal visit, and was accopanied by his son Faris Maumoon on his trip.Gayoom met with Wickremesinghe at the Sri Lankan President’s Office, where the two spoke about the bilateral ties between the two countries. The two spoke about ways of improving the longstanding cooperation.

Shania Twain shared her very scary experience with Covid pneumonia, which got so bad that she had to be air-evacuated to a hospital for treatment.The Queen of Country Pop, 57, revealed that after getting sick during the height of the pandemic she was struggling to breathe at which point her husband Frédéric Thiébaud, 53, organized an air lift from their home in Lake Geneva, Switzerland.'It was progressively getting worse. My vital signs were getting worse… and in the end I had to be air evacuated,' the star — who recently opened up about the childhood sexual abuse she experienced — told The Mirror in a new interview.

Odisha Health Minister Naba Kishore Das was shot at at Gandhi Chowk in Brajarajnagar while getting out of his car to attend an event Odisha Health Minister Naba Das has sustained some injuries after being shot by some miscreants near Brajarajnagar in Jharsuguda district. The reasons behind the firing and identity of the shooter remain unknoown.

Colombo (News 1st) – The Presidential Secretariat says President Ranil Wickremesinghe has not yet accepted the resignation letter sent by P.S.M. Charles, as a member of the Election Commission.When inquired by News 1st, a senior official at the Presidential Secretariat confirmed the matter.Recent media reports stated that P.S.M.

Diversification, not decoupling  For now, US government figures through to November show total US-China trade could approach or hit a high in 2022. "Going forward, you're going to see more diversification," as opposed to a complete cut-off of shipments from China, said Sweet. Auto manufacturers, for example, experienced supply chain problems during the pandemic.

DOVER, DE - JUNE 5: Delaware Governor John Carney addresses the media before placing the first bet at Dover Downs Casino on June 5, 2018 in Dover, Delaware. Delaware is the first state to launch legal sports betting since the Supreme Court decision.

COLOMBO (News 1st) – Police say that a new traffic plan is to begin today due to the rehearsals of the independence day celebrations.The officer in charge of the Western Traffic Division Senior DIG Roshan Wijesingha says that the new plan will be in place today (28), tomorrow (29), and from the 1st to the 4th of February as well. He says that during the aforementioned days, certain roads in the areas surrounding the celebrations will be closed, and limited road access will be given to some areas as well. Officer in charge of the Western Traffic Division Senior DIG Roshan Wijesingha added that road closures surrounding the areas will take place from 5:00 am to 12 noon during those days. 

World Health Organisation (WHO) on Friday notified that in the past week, almost 40,000 deaths were reported, more than half were reported from China alone.  WHO chief notified, in total, over the past 8 weeks, over 170 thousand deaths have been recorded, actual numbers are higher.

COLOMBO (News 1st) – Sri Lankan President Ranil Wickremesinghe has informed the All Party Leaders' Conference on Reconciliation that the Cabinet was agreeable to fully implementing 13th Amendment, until the Party Leaders decide whether or not to abolish the Amendment.This was reported by the President's Media Division on Friday (27).President Ranil Wickremesinghe had said that he is bound to implement the existing law in accordance with the executive powers of the President.He had said further that the 13th Amendment to the Constitution is being implemented accordingly or the Parliament should abolish the 13th amendment.The President Wickremesinghe also pointed out that any parliamentarian could move a private member’s bill to abolish the 13th Amendment to the constitution and the same amendment would have to be implemented provided that the bill was voted against by the majority of the House.The President stressed that he was not ready to divide the country.President Wickremesinghe made these remarks at the All-Party Conference, which was held at the President's Office on Thursday (26) evening.The statement made by the President is as follows:It is my responsibility as the Executive to carry out the current law. For approximately 37 years, the 13th Amendment has been a part of the constitution.

COLOMBO (News 1st) – Sri Lanka's Minister of Power and Energy Kanchana Wijesekera said that the officials from the Ministry of Power and Energy who attended a recent meeting with the Human Rights Commission of Sri Lanka had disclosed that they were pressurized to sign two documents that they did not agree do.The Minister tweeted on Friday (27) that the officials were pressurized by two members of the Human Rights Commission, and that they were threatened with jail sentences.On Wednesday (25), the Human Rights Commission of Sri Lanka revealed that all the  necessary stakeholders including Ceylon Electricity Board (CEB) agreed to provide uninterrupted power supply during the advanced level examination period until February 17th.However, despite the statement from the Human Rights Commission of Sri Lanka, power outages were experienced on Wednesday (25) and Thursday (26).The Human Rights Commission of Sri Lanka on Friday (27) said it will elaborate facts to the Supreme Court against officials including the Chairman of the Ceylon Electricity Board and the Secretary to the Ministry of Power and Energy for breaching an agreement by suspending the supply of power. Speaking further, an official from the HRCS said it has been observed that the CEB and the Ministry of Power and Energy are operating arbitrarily, going against the laws of the land. Meanwhile, the Public Utilities Commission of Sri Lanka directing a letter to the Chairman of the HRCSL said that it will not approve power outages occurring during the period between the 26th of January and 17th of February. The Human Rights Commission emphasized that if the CEB does not act according to the directive, the HRCSL has the ability to act according to Section 21 of the Sri

COLOMBO (News 1st) – The President's Office has reserved a slot with the Government Printer to issue the Proclamation to Prorogue Parliament with effect from midnight on Friday (27).President's Secretary Saman Ekanayake confirmed to News 1st that the respective gazette was sent to the Government Printer as per a decision taken by the President to prorogue parliament with effect from midnight on Friday (27).He said that the new session of Parliament will take place on the 8th of February 2023 at 10 AM.A Senior Official at the Government Printer confirmed to News 1st that the respective gazette was received to go ahead with printing.What is prorogation?To prorogue Parliament means to prolong it,or toput it off for a later day.It is basically a temporary recess of Parliament.Parliament ordinarily functions over a series of sitting days which make up what is called a session; when Parliament is prorogued, a session comes to an end.Effect of Prorogation in Our Parliament:Constitutional ProvisionsDuring the prorogation the Speaker continues to function and the Members retain their membership even though they do not attend meetings of Parliament. The effect of a prorogation is to suspend all current Business before the House and all proceedings pending at the time are quashed except impeachments.  A Bill, motion or question of the same substance cannot be introduced for a second time during the same Session.

 COLOMBO (News 1st) – The Ceylon Electricity Board said that it has not yet reached a decision to suspend power cuts during the period of the G. C.

COLOMBO (News 1st) – Sri Lankan President Ranil Wickremesinghe has given out instruction to celebrate the 75th Independence Day with pride, at minimal cost.A pre-discussion was held on Thursday (26) at the President's Office chaired by President Ranil Wickremesinghe regarding the Independence Day celebration being held in a grand and proud manner, but maintaining minimum cost.Accordingly, in conjunction with the 75th Independence Day celebration, many special programs are scheduled to be implemented from February 2nd to the 19th. According to the President's Media Division the following events have been planned:Special Dalada Pooja and Pirith chanting Religious ceremonies of all faiths Cultural show held at Independence Square Traditional Independence Day celebration main event held at Galle Face Green National parks and Zoo's will be open to the public free of charge Opening of the Jaffna Cultural Centre Kandy republic parade Cycle race from Dondra Head to Point PedroThe President advised the officials that it is their responsibility as well as that of the political authority, to pay attention to the current financial situation of the country while estimating the expenses required for these activities.The President had advised that spending must be practical, and minimal.While pointing out that there is huge opposition among the people regarding the allocation of funds for the 75th Independence Day celebration, the President emphasized that efforts should be made to minimize the related expenses.Expressing his views further, President Ranil Wickremesinghe said, “We must celebrate the 75th Independence Anniversary, otherwise, the world will say that we are not capable of celebrating even our independence.

BBC Radio 1's Big Weekend is understood to be making a landmark return to Dundee, three years after the city's second turn at the event was kiboshed by Covid. The Record understands from festival insiders that the City of Discovery will play host to the annual festival on May 26-28, boasting a world-class line-up of big hitters.

₹ 325 a dose, and for ₹ 800 in private settings. It is country’s first indigenously made nasal Covid-19 vaccine. In December, iNCOVACC received approval for a primary two-dose schedule, and as a heterologous booster dose.Clinical trials were conducted to evaluate iNCOVACC as a primary dose, and as heterologous booster dose for subjects who have previously received two doses of the two commonly administered Covid-19 vaccines in India.

COLOMBO (News 1st) – Chairman of the National Election Commission Attorney Nimal Punchihewa has refuted rumours being spread that he is planning on submitting his resignation to the NEC."Paying any heed to these rumours is a waste of time", he said."All preparations are being made to hold the local government election", Attorney Punchihewa said."The resignation of one member of the Election Commission does not affect the Commission's ability to hold the election", he added.The Chairman of the commission was responding to the media reports regarding the resignation of member of the Election Commission P.S.M.

COLOMBO (News 1st) – The Appeal Court on Wednesday (25) vacated the death sentence imposed on the convict who was the second accused in the 2007 quintuple murder in Mahawatte, Delgoda.On the 22nd of February 2017, the Gampaha High Court Judge sentenced the second accused Welivita Liyanage Don Mahesh Lasantha Perera to death by hanging at the Welikada Prison.He was indicted with having committed the murder of five members of the same family, K.W.W. Tillakaratne, A.D.

Officials from the health ministry, AIIMS, National Centre for Disease Control, National Disaster Response Force (NDRF) and NDMA are devising a mechanism along with state governments to put it into action. New Delhi: The government is setting up 100 teams that will respond to health emergencies, including pandemics, along the lines of the National Disaster Management Authority (NDMA). Officials from the health ministry, AIIMS, National Centre for Disease Control, National Disaster Response Force (NDRF) and NDMA are devising a mechanism along with state governments to put it into action.

FORMER HOLLYOAKS star Hollie-Jay Bowes revealed that she's been diagnosed with attention deficit hyperactivity disorder (ADHD). The actress - who played Michaela McQueen in the Channel 4 soap - said she was relieved to receive the news after being on a waiting list for three years. Hollie-Jay, 34, who also plays Debs Rafferty in the new series of BBC's Waterloo Road, will be part of a new storyline with pupil Kelly Jo Rafferty, played by Alicia Forde, in which she learns whether she has ADHD.

₹800 for private markets while for the supplies to Union and State governments, Bharat Biotech has kept the price at ₹325. The nasal vaccine for now is not available on CoWin.

A cancer patient told how her life was “ruined” afer she was denied cancer treatment because of the Covid lockdown. Fiona Weir, 44, was concerned about the changing shape and colour of a mole but she was unable to see a doctor face to face during lockdown.