Sri Lanka a major trading hub in Indian Ocean – Sabry

MUMBAI : Spooked by concerns of a possible resurgence in covid cases and ahead of the release of the latest Monetary Policy Committee meeting minutes, Indian stock indices tumbled by over a percent each, wiping off ₹4.4 trillion of investor wealth in the bargain. The Nifty fell 186.20 points to close at 18,199.10 while the Sensex tanked 635 points to end at 61,067.24 points after markets gauged the whole import of the Centre’s advisory to step up genome sequencing for identifying fresh covid strains spreading from China. The MPC minutes of its meeting on 5-7 December released after market closing showed the Reserve Bank of India governor voting against a pause in rate hikes on the ground of it being premature.

Colombo (News 1st) – Dinesh Weerakkody has been appointed Chairman of the Board of Investment. The appointment was made by President Ranil Wickremesinghe in Wednesday (21).Dinesh Weerakkody is a former Chairman of Hatton National Bank PLC and Commercial Bank of Ceylon PLC. He is also a former Chairman of the International Chamber of Commerce Sri Lanka and Vice Chairman of the Sri Lanka Institute of Directors.According to the President's Media Division, the other board members are Dr.

The number of Scottish clubs on red alert for financial problems has soared over the past six months, a shock new study has revealed.

A third of long Covid patients suffer persistent smell loss, with almost a fifth experiencing loss of taste Even though the loss of taste and smell is no longer the classic symptoms of Covid, it is still the most prevalent sign of long Covid. A new study has revealed that a third of long Covid patients suffer persistent smell loss, with almost a fifth experiencing loss of taste. The study also showed that long COVID can also affect your sex life.  A team of researchers from University of East Anglia (UEA), UK, has been studying the relationship between Covid and parosmia, where people experience strange and often unpleasant smell distortions.

A Lanarkshire man is fronting a new campaign from a national mental health programme to help more veterans open up about their mental health.

Central health authorities have asked states and union territories to gear up for genome sequencing of positive samples and track variants of the virus through the government’s covid network. NEW DELHI: India reported 131 fresh covid infections in the past 24 hours, pulling down the country’s active caseload to 3,408, according to data from the Union health ministry on Wednesday.

A significant surge in Covid-19 cases in China has sent shockwaves across the world. Even Indian authorities have sprung into action with the centre issuing advisory to states and Health Minister writing to Rahul Gandhi to stop his Bharat Jodo Yatra. Even though precautions are better than cure, should India press the panic button? Should we be prepared for a 2021 redux? Serum Institute of India Founder and CEO, Adar Poonawala who manufactured the widely used Covid vaccine Covishield assures, there is no need to panic.

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

Amid global concern over covid situation in China and dire predictions by research groups that death toll in China could rise to millions, Adar Poonawalla, the CEO and founder of Serum Institute of India, said in a tweet that though news coming out of China is concerning, “we need not panic given our excellent vaccination coverage and track record. We must continue to trust and follow the guidelines set by the Government of India." Serum Institute of India, the maker of Covaxin covid vaccine, has helped India achieve a high degree of vaccination rate against Covid. India is recording about 1,200 new infections a week.

Jennifer Connelly was seen walking the red carpet of her husband's new Broadway musical The Collaboration in New York City Tuesday, before the show was called off due to a positive COVID amid cast and crew.The 52-year-old actress, who starred as a futuristic warrior in a Louis Vuitton campaign last month, walked during entrances at the Samuel J. Friedman Theatre in advance of Paul Bettany's Broadway debut, but the performance was canceled ahead of curtain time.The Oscar-winning A Beautiful Mind actress donned a black Louis Vuitton monogram sparkle long-sleeved dress with black heels as she prepared to attend the performance.

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A young Paisley man spat on a police officer during Covid-19 restrictions.

KATE Garraway has been spotted posing with her family in front of their Christmas tree in a series of snaps. Her kids Billy, 13, and Darcey, 16, were seen smiling in the living room amid their dad Derek's ongoing health battle. Kate, 55, took to her Instagram on Tuesday afternoon to share the snap of her teenage children relaxing at home.

Union health secretary Rajesh Bhushan directed all states/UTs to ensure that as far as possible samples of all positive cases are sent to the designated INSACOG laboratories on a daily basis. New Delhi: A spurt in covid cases in China and a clutch of other countries has prompted central health authorities to direct states and union territories to gear up for whole genome sequencing of positive samples and track variants of the virus through the government’s covid network.

COLOMBO (News 1st) – The General Secretary of the Samagi Jana Balavegaya says the party is ready for any election.However, he said the SJB will not agree for a Presidential Election to be held based on the personal needs of an individual with no mandate.These comments came after the General of the United National Party Palitha Range Bandara said that the ideal election to be held is the Presidential Election."Though we call for Local Government Elections, Provincial Council Elections, or even Parliamentary Elections, the ideal election for now is the Presidential Election," he said on Tuesday (20) in Colombo.He said that President Ranil Wickremesinghe will be put forward as the only candidate who can save the nation at the Presidential Election.

A Covid symptom has been added to the list of the most prevalent signs of the virus as coronavirus cases rise across many parts of the UK.

COLOMBO (News 1st) – It's been five days since businessman Dinesh Schaffter was murdered in the populated city of Colombo, and the murder remains a mystery.Detectives from the Criminal Investigations Department recorded statements from eight people on Monday (19), and among them is the wife of the late Dinesh Schaffter, Tani Schaffter.The CID also said that detectives recorded a statement from Executive Office Krish Perera, who had visited the Public Cemetery in Borella based on the information provided by Mrs Schaffter."Around-the-clock investigations are taking place on several leads. We have not identified a definite suspect.

COLOMBO (News 1st) – A Presidential Task Force was appointed to prevent the use of toxic and dangerous drugs.This was announced by the President's Media Division on Tuesday (20).

Sundaram Finance Ltd and Care Health Insurance, entered into a Corporate Agency Agreement. The event was attended by Rajiv Lochan, Managing Director, Sundaram Finance Ltd and Anuj Gulati, Managing Director & CEO, Care Health Insurance.

COLOMBO (News 1st) – State Finance Minister Ranjith Siyambalapitiya says that import restrictions on 10 different products related to tourism, security, and sports were lifted.In a statement on Tuesday (20), the State Minister said these items include energy drinks, equipment required for CCTV systems, MGF wood required for the production of furniture, and sports equipment.The State Minister said that this was the third occassion that import restructions were lifted this year.On the 23rd of August 2022, the government restricted the import of 1,465 products.The State Minister said that since then to the 23rd of November, the government managed to save USD 1.211 Billion.On the 9th of September, the import restrictions on 708 items were lifted.On the 23rd of November, the import restrictions on 77 items were lifted.On the 19th of December, the import restrictions on 10 items were lifted. Join the News 1st Update group by simp

COLOMBO (News 1st) – Sri Lanka's Cabinet of Ministers has granted approval to introduce three new-types of VISA for the Colombo Port City investors.The recommendation to introduce the new VISA types was made by the Colombo Port City Economic Commission.Sri Lanka will introduce an investor visa, service visa and a CPC visa.According to Cabinet Spokesperson & Minister Bandula Gunawardena the new types of visa will allow investors to make preparations for their investments.

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 Gunashekharan alias Guna, Pushparajah, Mohammad Asmin, Alahapperumaga Sunil Ghamini Fonseaa, Stanly Kennady, Ladiya Chandrasena, Dhanukka Roshan, Vella Suranka and Thilipan,” a spokesperson for the agency said.“The case pertains to activities of a Sri Lankan drug mafia controlled by C Gunashekharan and Pushparajah in association with Haji Salim, drug and arms supplier based in Pakistan, which has been operating in India and Sri Lanka in illegal drugs and arms for the revival of LTTE in India and Sri Lanka.

NEW DELHI : The ransomware attack on the All India Institute of Medical Sciences (AIIMS), Delhi has brought the government’s Ayushman Bharat Digital Mission (ABDM) under the scanner, with the country’s premier teaching hospital promoting the use of Ayushman Bharat Health Account (ABHA) ID for out-patients registration of new and follow-up cases. The Indian Computer Emergency Response Team (CERT-In) is conducting assessment and testing of ABDM services and other networks at the medical institute.

FOR Rylan Clark, last Christmas was “an odd one”. The telly presenter’s husband of six years, Dan Neal, had walked out on him six months earlier, when the Strictly It Takes Two host confessed he’d been unfaithful “years ago”. Rylan subsequently struggled with his mental health and said he would go to sleep praying he "wouldn’t wake up" - and ultimately tried to end his life.

COLOMBO (News 1st) – Sri Lanka Police said that detectives have not been able to trace the suspects responsible for the murder of respected Colombo-based Businessmen Dinesh Schaffter, or the motive for the crime.Police Spokesperson SSP Nihal Thalduwa told News 1st no one has been termed as a suspect for the murder.The late respected Colombo-based Businessmen Dinesh Schaffter was the Managing Director of a leading financial firm in the country, and the Director of a leading insurance company in Sri Lanka.On the 15th of December 2022, Schaffter was found with his hand tied and strangled inside his own car at the Public Cemetery in Borella, and according to the family, he died that night in hospital.What have detectives uncovered regarding this mysterious murder? "We have not been able to determine who committed this murder, who planned it, and how it was done. Detectives have formed small groups and are following various leads.

Janey Godley has given fans a determined health update after confirming last week that her cancer has returned.

COLOMBO (News 1st) – The new commander of the Sri Lanka Navy Vice Admiral Priyantha Perera called on President Ranil Wickremesinghe on Monday (19).Vice Admiral Perera assumed command as 25th Commander of the Sri Lanka Navy on Sunday (18), after he was elevated to the rank of three-star Admiral.In keeping with the tradition, the new Navy Commander met with the President and presented a memento to mark the  occasion.Vice Admiral Priyantha Perera's illustrious career has been enriched with vast experience in the Sri Lanka Navy, in various capacities and the officer has held command at sea and earned victories in battle as a Squadron Commander in the prestigious 4th Fast Attack Flotilla, the teeth arm of the Sri Lanka Navy fleet, as well as a Group Commander in the Special Boat Squadron at the height of the looming terrorist activities. He is also one of the Commanding Officers who led the Special Boat Squadron of the Navy and has been the Officer in Charge of Naval Diving and Salvage Unit, spearheading some crucial salvage work. At sea he has commanded a series of Fast Attack Craft, Fast Gun Boats, Landing Craft, Fast Passenger Craft, Sa’ar 4 Class Fast Missile Vessel and his last command at sea has been SLNS Sagara, an Offshore Patrol Vessel.Vice Admiral Priyantha Perera is a recipient of Rana Soora Padakkama (RSP) thrice for conspicuous display of gallantry in combat and Uttama Seva Padakkama (USP) for unblemished service and devotion to duty.

COLOMBO (News 1st) – Hanaa Singer, the Resident Coordinator of the United Nations in Sri Lanka, who is leaving upon completion of her service, met President Ranil Wickremesinghe on Monday (19).The President engaged in cordial conversation with Singer and thanked her for the services she had rendered to Sri Lanka and wished her the best of luck in her future endeavours.  Hanaa Singer herved as the Resident Coordinator of the United Nations in Sri Lanka since September 07, 2018.  As the UN Resident Coordinator in Srilanka, Ms Hanaa Singer led a UN Country Team of 22 resident and non-resident UN Agencies.

Pressing ahead with plans for a multi-million pound cancer facility in the region should be a priority according to the health board’s top man.

COLOMBO (News 1st) – The Secretary General of Parliament Dhammika Dasanayake stated that the Committee on High Posts approved the appointments of Four Ambassadors and two Permanent Representatives recently (13). Accordingly, approval was given for the appointment of Ms. Niroshani Manisha Dias Abeywickrama Gunasekara as the Ambassador of Sri Lanka to the French Republic and Permeant Representative of Sri Lanka to the United Nations Educational, Scientific and Cultural Organization (UNESCO) in Paris, France. Furthermore, the Committee on High Posts has approved the appointment of Ms.

COLOMBO (News 1st) – Sri Lanka will stop sending workers overseas to serve as housemaids from March 2023, said the country's Minister of Labour and Foreign Employment Manusha Nanayakkara on Monday (19).He said that a program will be introduced to send Sri Lankans as domestic aides overseas by adopting an international standard.The Minister said that measures will be taken to ensure that Sri Lankans leave for overseas employment via legal channels, and for their earnings to be remitted to the country legally.The Minister of Labour and Foreign Employment said multiple programs will be introduced for the benefit of Sri Lankan expatriates, including the provision of a vehicle import permit, and a pension scheme.Sri Lanka recently opened a special gate named the ‘HOPE GATE’ at the Bandaranaike International Airport in Katunayake, for workers leaving and returning from foreign countries, where all necessary facilities are provided to expatriate workers at the airport.The Minister said that for the first time in the history of the country, the Sri Lanka Foreign Employment Bureau registered and facilitated over 300,000 expatriate workers in 2022.A majority of these workers have travelled to Kuwait, and that figure is 76,579.In addition, a total of 69,992 people left for Qatar, and another 51,421 people left for Saudi Arabia for employment.A further 4,410 Sri Lankans left for Japan for employment as well.

A special operation conducted by the Navy in coordination with the State Intelligence Service and Police Narcotic Bureau in the seas about 229 nautical miles (424km) off Dondra led to the interception of 02 local fishing trawlers and apprehension of a large consignment of narcotic drugs with 08 suspects on 14th December 2022. The haul of illegal drugs included over 128kg and 327g of crystal methamphetamine (Ice) and 106kg and 474g of heroin (with their packages).In the same vein, SLNS Samudura also held another local fishing trawler with 06 suspects arrived to replenish fuel to the drug-carrying trawler. The consignment of drugs and the suspects were brought to the Colombo Harbour by the Navy this morning (18th December). Commander of the Navy Vice Admiral Priyantha Perera also arrived at the Colombo Harbour to inspect the consignment.The apprehension was made by SLNS Samudura, after a long surveillance operation on high seas off the southern coast. The coordinated operation has led to the interception of a suspicious local multi-day fishing trawler which was in the seas about 229 nautical miles (424km) off Dondra. During subsequent search of the trawler, 124kg and 327g (including packages) of crystal  ethamphetamine in 94 packages and 106kg 474g (including packages) of heroin in 98 packages were held in 13 sacks, along with 08 suspects on 14th December.The gross street value of the consignment of drugs seized by the Navy during this operation is believed to be over Rs 4586.755 million.The suspects held in the operation have been identified as residents of Tangalle, Nakulugamuwa, Kosgoda and Balapitiya and they are from 29 to 59 years of age. They will be handed over to the Police Narcotic Bureau for onward legal action.

After removing her eye fillers due to inflammation, HGTV star Christina Hall is starting to suspect that many of her health problems are related to a little known condition called breast implant illness (BII).'Been super exhausted lately so on a kick to get back into my body,' the 39-year-old newlywed - who boasts 1.8M Instagram followers - wrote Saturday.'I've had some unexplained health stuff for years and now I'm considering the thought that this could be breast implant related.' After removing her eye fillers due to inflammation, HGTV star Christina Hall is starting to suspect that many of her health problems are related to a little known condition called breast implant illness (pictured in 2021)Christina shares many of the official listed BII symptoms including joint and muscle pain, adrenal fatigue, brain fog, unexplained skin rashes, dry eyes, and gastrointestinal problems.Other BII symptoms include breathing problems, sleep disturbance, dry mouth, anxiety, depression, headaches, and hair loss - according to breastcancer.org.Hall (born Haack) also claims she suffers from autoimmune issues (Hashimoto's disease, PCOS, Raynaud's syndrome), small intestinal bacterial overgrowth, acid reflux, hormone imbalances, and swollen lymph nodes.In addition, the Anaheim-born blonde - who's 'working on detoxing' - recently tested positive for antinuclear antibodies despite being gluten free and mostly dairy free. The 39-year-old newlywed wrote Saturday: 'Been super exhausted lately so on a kick to get back into my body.

The family of a beloved Lanarkshire dad and husband have donated generous funds to staff at the Intensive Care Unit who cared for him during his final days.

Vice Admiral Priyantha Perera, RSP **, USP, ndu, psc, was appointed as the 25th Commander of the Sri Lanka Navy on 18th December 2022, after being elevated to the rank of three-star Admiral.The appointment was made by President Ranil Wickremesinghe.Vice Admiral Priyantha Perera is a product of the Royal College, Colombo. He joined the Sri Lanka Navy in the Executive Branch in 1987 as an Officer Cadet of the 05th Intake of the General Sir John Kotelawala Defence University. He was awarded the ‘Sword of Honour’ for the best in the batch upon successful completion of naval training from the Naval and Maritime Academy, Trincomalee. He was commissioned in the rank of Acting Sub Lieutenant in 1989 and graduated from the General Sir John Kotelawala Defence University with a Bachelor of Arts Degree (Defence Studies) with honours.In pursuing academics, he has completed a Post Graduate Diploma in International Relations at Bandaranaike Centre for International Studies and has also been conferred with a Master’s in Science Degree (Defence Studies) in Management from the General Sir John Kotelawala Defence University. He also holds a Master’s Degree of Maritime Policy with Distinctions from the University of Wollongong, Australia.

SHARON Osbourne was reportedly rushed to a hospital in California, but has since been released, according to her son. While filming a paranormal television series in Santa Paula, Osbourne, 70, allegedly suffered a "medical emergency," according to TMZ. Osbourne's son Jack told TMZ she has been released home and was given the all-clear.

Colombo (New 1st):  The All Ceylon Canteen Owners Association says that the price of several food items including koththu will be reduced by 10 rupees with effect from midnight today.It's chairman Asela Sampath sited the reduction in prices of wheat flour as the reason behind for the decision. 

Colombo (New 1st):  The All Ceylon Restaurant Owners' Association says that the price of several food items including kottu will be reduced by 10 rupees with effect from midnight today.It's chairman Asela Sampath sited the reduction in prices of wheat flour as the reason behind for the decision. 

According to foreign media, reports have emerged saying banks from India's neighbouring island nation have opened special rupee trading accounts, called Vostro accounts, this comes days after the Central Bank of Sri Lanka said that it was awaiting the Reserve Bank of India's approval to designate Indian Rupee (INR) as a foreign currency in Sri Lanka. Sri Lanka had requested the RBI to facilitate and promote trade and tourism in the SAARC region. It means that Sri Lankan citizens can now hold $10,000 (INR 8,26,823) in physical form. This also means that Sri Lankans and Indians can use Indian rupees instead of US dollars for international transactions with each other. The Indian government since July this year, has been looking to bring countries that are short of dollars, into its rupee settlement mechanism.The reason behind this is that designating INR as a legal currency in Sri Lanka will provide the country with much-needed liquidity support to help it tide over its economic crisis amid inadequate availability of the US dollar. 

Colombo (News 1st) – Sri Lanka Police and the Criminal Investigations Department recorded statements from 23 people in connection with the murder of respected Colombo-based businessman Dinesh Schaffter.A homicide investigations is underway involving the CID, Colombo Crimes Division and two other police teams.The incident sent shockwaves across Colombo when Dinesh Schaffter was found tied up and strangled inside his car at the Public Cemetery in Borella on Thursday (15) evening. He was admitted to the Intensive Care Unit of the Colombo National Hospital, where he succumbed to his injuries.Questions are being raised regarding the motive for the murder: Was it premeditated? Was this an attempted intimidation tactic gone wrong? Reasons for suspicion arise when taking into account the fact that Dinesh Schaffter was still alive when he was found at the Public Cemetery in Borella.The Sri Lanka Police are investigating the homicide on multiple leads and angles.

North Lanarkshire Council is urging locals to walk away the winter blues with a number of health walks.

 

Furious Edinburgh residents have held a protest outside the city's council buildings after being left in 'squalor' for the last five years. Natasha and Rory Blake held the demonstration outside the West Pilton base on Friday to demand that bosses start treating the extensive damp and mould in their Muirhouse property.

This enables citizens to create a comprehensive medical history across various healthcare providers thereby improving clinical decision-making New Delhi: The National Health Authority (NHA) on Saturday said that over 4 crore digital health records of individuals have been linked to the Ayushman Bharat Health Account (ABHA) accounts under Ayushman Bharat Digital Mission (ABDM), the backbone of India’s digital health system. With their health records linked to their Ayushman Bharat Digital accounts digitally, citizens will be able to access and manage these records as per convenience. This enables citizens to create a comprehensive medical history across various healthcare providers thereby improving clinical decision-making.

Colombo (New 1st): The Criminal Investigation Department says statements were recorded from around 20 people regarding the murder of respected Colombo-based businessman Dinesh Schaffter.Police said statements were also recorded from former cricket commentator Brian Thomas, while his mobile phone was seized.Colombo Additional Magistrate Harshana Kekunawela on Friday (16) imposed an overseas travel ban on Thomas over the murder of Dinesh Schaffter.Dinesh Schaffter was a Managing Director of a leading financial institution in the country, and a Director of a leading Insurance Company in Sri Lanka.Dinesh Schaffter had left his residence on Thursday (15) afternoon and had told his family that he was heading to Borella to meet Brian Thomas.Schaffter was found strangled in his car at the Borella Public Cemetery on Thursday (15) afternoon.He died on Thursday (15) night after being admitted to the Intensive Care Unit of the National Hospital in critical condition.The Criminal Investigations Department, the Colombo Crimes Division, and two other Police teams are investigating the murder.

COLOMBO (News 1st) – Sri Lanka Minister of Foreign Affairs Ali Sabry called on Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina at her Official Residence in Dhaka, Bangladesh recently.Minister Sabry and Prime Minister Hasina highlighted the long-standing friendship and cooperation between the two countries, focusing on enhancing people-to-people contact using air and sea connectivity. The Prime Minister encouraged acquiring more traction for Bangladesh vessels through the Port of Colombo and invited further investments from Sri Lanka. Minister Sabry emphasized the importance of tourism promotion and invited Bangladesh tourists and investors to explore Sri Lanka.Minister Ali Sabry is in Dhaka to attend meetings as the Vice-Chair of IORA, at the 22nd Meeting of the Council of Ministers.

COLOMBO (News 1st) – Bangladesh Foreign Minister Dr A K Abdul Momen has underscored the need for setting up direct shipping connectivity with Sri Lanka to boost trade relations between Bangladesh and the South Asian nation.He also emphasised the resumption of negotiations for the early conclusion of the Preferential Trade Agreement (PTA) between the two countries.Bangladesh's foreign minister put the importance while holding a meeting with his visiting Sri Lankan counterpart Ali Sabry on Wednesday on the eve of the 22nd ministerial meeting of the Indian Ocean Rim Association (IORA) in the capital, a foreign ministry press release said on Thursday.During the meeting, the two leaders discussed the wide spectrum of bilateral relations and expressed hope to work closely together for the betterment of the two peoples and inclusive development of the region.Momen urged Sri Lanka to increase the import of agricultural products and pharmaceuticals from Bangladesh at an affordable price.Sri Lankan foreign minister said that his country is keen to work in close partnership with Bangladesh.The two leaders agreed to expedite the completion of the formalities to form an institutional platform to hold regular and comprehensive dialogues between the two countries at the level of foreign minister.The issue of mutual support for each other's candidature at various international fora was also discussed with due importance.Momen also sought support from Sri Lanka in repatriating the forcibly displaced Myanmar nationals sustainably.