02 Indian trawlers seized & 22 Indian fishermen arrested in Sea of Sri Lanka

COLOMBO (News 1st); The International Monetary Fund says that due to Sri Lanka’s persistent external debt service burden, international reserves would remain inadequate, despite the authorities’ ongoing efforts to secure FX financing from external sources.In a statement, the IMF adds that unless the fiscal and balance-of-payments financing needs are met, the country could experience significant contractions in imports and private credit growth, or monetary instability in case of further central bank financing of fiscal deficits.The Executive Board of the International Monetary Fund (IMF) concluded the Article IV consultation with Sri Lanka on February 25, 2022.The IMF Executive Directors have called for continued improvements to expenditure rationalization, budget formulation and execution, and the fiscal rule.They also encouraged the authorities to reform state-owned enterprises and adopt cost-recovery energy pricing.Directors called for renewed efforts on growth-enhancing structural reforms.They stressed the importance of increasing female labor force participation and reducing youth unemployment. Further efforts are needed to diversify the economy, phase out import restrictions, and improve the business and investment climate in general.Directors also called for prudent management of the Colombo Port City project and continued efforts to strengthen governance and fight corruption.FULL STATEMENT:The Executive Board of the International Monetary Fund (IMF) concluded the Article IV consultation with Sri Lanka on February 25, 2022.Sri Lanka has been hit hard by COVID-19.

Russian President Vladimir Putin and his Belarusian counterpart Alexander Lukashenko hold a press conference following their talks at the Kremlin in Moscow on September 9, 2021. WASHINGTON - The White House released a fresh round of sanctions on Russia Wednesday as well as its ally, Belarus, for supporting Putin's invasion of Ukraine. Export restrictions on technology and software that are currently in place for Russia will be extended to Belarus, in a move that will "significantly degrade both countries’ ability to sustain their military aggression and project power," the White House said. Russian forces started invading Ukraine from the north through Belarus last week.

California Attorney General Rob Bonta said in a news release. "We know this takes a devastating toll on children’s mental health and well-being."Bonta said the investigation aims determine if TikTok is violating the law in promoting its platform to young people.Government officials and child-safety advocates maintain that TikTok’s computer algorithms pushing video content to users can promote eating disorders and even self-harm and suicide to young viewers.TikTok has said it focuses on age-appropriate experiences, noting that some features, such as direct messaging, are not available to younger users.

United Nations Secretary-General António Guterres told media on Wednesday that Russia must stop its war on Ukraine as the situation could get “much, much worse.” These remarks followed a vote at the United Nations General Assembly to diplomatically isolate Russia, in overwhelming response.

At least five superyachts owned by Russian billionaires were anchored or cruising on Wednesday in Maldives, an Indian Ocean island nation that does not have an extradition treaty with the United States, ship tracking data showed.

COLOMBO (News 1st); Sri Lanka’s Energy Minister Udaya Gammanpila has revealed that the government will be issuing a gazette on Wednesday (2) night suspending 600 non-essential imports.He said Sri Lanka is facing an issue in identifying its priorities, noting that if foreign reserves are limited, they need to be allocated for medicines, fuel, and raw materials for industries, respectively.Speaking at an event in Kotte, the Minister said Sri Lanka is currently experiencing the consequences of not discouraging imports, after allowing to import whatever was not essential.He said the Treasury Secretary was preparing to issue a gazette that would stop 600 non-essential imports to the country.“It’s too late. But we can be happy about that decision,” said Gammanpila.

COLOMBO (News 1st); The diesel shortage in Sri Lanka has taken a serious toll on the country’s transport, agriculture, fisheries, tourism, and other sectors.Across many areas, people were seen waiting in line since Tuesday (1) night to obtain fuel for their vehicles and machinery.In Kelaniya, people alleged that filling stations were only pumping fuel for those in high positions, and the common man is refused fuel despite waiting in line.Similar scenes were witnessed across many filling stations in the country, while in some cases the local police were called in to maintain order in the distribution of fuel.IGP C.D Wickramaratne has ordered all Senior Police Officers to ensure that law and order, and peace are maintained at filling stations, given the present crisis situation.In some places, people took to the streets to protest against the failure to ensure a smooth supply of fuel, after filling stations claimed that they had run out of fuel.These protests were taking place at a time when two more ships carrying Diesel are scheduled to arrive in the country on Wednesday (2) and Thursday (3).Secretary of the Ministry of Energy K.D.R Olga said that one of the ships will reach Colombo with 33,000 MT of Auto Diesel and 7000 MT of Super Diesel.The other ship will reach Colombo with 28,000 MT of Diesel and 9,000 MT of Jet fuel, the Secretary said.She said that steps are being taken to open letters of credit for the relevant ships.Secretary to the Ministry of Energy K.D.R Olga stated that two more ships carrying furnace oil are scheduled to arrive on the 6th and 7th, March 2022.Meanwhile, the Ministry of Energy stated that NO ship carrying fuel to Sri Lanka has been rejected.Secretary to the Ministry K.D.R Olga said that

COLOMBO (News 1st); 32 Sri Lankans who were in Ukraine, have been moved out of the country via four separate borders.This was confirmed to News 1st by the Sri Lankan Ambassador accredited to Ukraine.Earlier, the Sri Lankan Foreign Ministry said that it continues to closely monitor developments in Ukraine.On Monday (28) the Ministry said it was engaged in the evacuation of approximately forty (40) Sri Lankan nationals, including two (02) students in Ukraine via the Ukraine – Polish border.The process is facilitated by the Sri Lanka Embassies in Warsaw and Ankara, the latter being concurrently accredited to Ukraine.The Ministry has strengthened the provision of resources to the Sri Lanka Embassy in Warsaw in order to ensure the effective facilitation of the evacuation process.The Ambassadors of Sri Lanka in Ankara and Warsaw continue to maintain close contact with the Sri Lankan nationals leaving Ukraine, in order to enable their safe passage and return to Sri Lanka.The Foreign Ministry is also engaged in monitoring the status of Sri Lankan nationals in countries which share land borders with Ukraine.Sri Lanka’s accredited missions are in contact with the relevant Honorary Consuls and Sri Lankan nationals in the respective countries.The Sri Lanka Embassy in Moscow which is concurrently accredited to Belarus continues to be in close communication with the approximately 1,600 Sri Lankan nationals, including 1,556 students studying in over eight (08) universities / higher education institutes in Belarus.Sri Lanka’s Ambassador in Moscow is in direct contact with the relevant university authorities, student and parent groups, as well as other concerned institutions in Belarus, with regard to the safety and welfare of the Sri

COLOMBO (News 1st); Sri Lanka’s Public Utilities Commission said that the 7.5 hour blackout will continue for Thursday (3) as well.“Power shedding for all areas will be 5 hours between 8 am to 6 pm. And further 2 and half hours between 6 pm to 11 pm.”, said the Chairman of the PUCSL.

COLOMBO (News 1st); A Fundamental Rights application was filed with the Supreme Court on Wednesday (2) challenging the gazette issued with the regulation stating that only FULLY VACCINATED people will be allowed to enter public places from the 30th of April 2022.The application filed by Professor F. M.

COLOMBO (News 1st); The proposed Surcharge Tax Bill that was presented to Parliament, will be amended in a manner that will not include 13 funds, including the Employees’ Provident Fund (EPF) and the Employees’ Trust Fund (ETF), Sri Lanka’s Attorney General told the Supreme Court on Wednesday (2).Additional Solicitor General Viveka Siriwardena told the Supreme Court that the Finance Secretary had informed the Attorney General in this regard in writing.The Samagi Jana Balavegaya, one of the main opposition factions in Sri Lanka has filed a special petition with the Supreme Court challenging the proposed Surcharge Tax Bill that was presented to Parliament, on the 23rd of February.The Government on 22nd February presented the proposed Surcharge Tax Bill to Parliament.The special application challenging the Bill seeks a Supreme Court ruling to term the Bill as inconsistent with the constitution.The Bill, which imposes a retrospective one-time surcharge tax of 25% on persons and companies with a taxable income over Rs. 2 billion for the year 2020/2021, was presented by Leader of the House Minister Dinesh Gunawardena on 22nd February.The Bill was drafted in keeping with the proposal in the 2022 Budget to impose a one-off 25% surcharge tax on individuals or companies earning taxable income more than Rs.

COLOMBO (News 1st); Japan Maritime Self-Defense Force (JMSDF) ships ‘URAGA’ and ‘HIRADO’ which belong to the Minesweeper Division One arrived at the port of Colombo on a formal visit on 01st and 02nd March 2022 respectively.Upon their arrival, the two ships were welcomed by the Sri Lanka Navy in accordance with naval tradition.The Minesweeper Division One to which both these ships belong is commanded by Captain NOGUCHI Yasushi.Meanwhile, the 141m long Minesweeper Tender ‘URAGA’ is commanded by Commander KONDO Koji and the ship is manned by a crew of 130.The Minesweeper Ocean ‘HIRADO’ is a 67m long ship where 55 crew members serve under the command of Lieutenant Commander ITO Akira, the ship’s Commanding Officer.Before their arrival at the port of Colombo, the duo of JMSDF ships conducted a successful naval exercise with the Sri Lanka Navy Ship (SLNS) Sindurala off Colombo on 28th February.Among the exercises worked off, Divisional Tactics (DIVTACS), Maneuvering Exercises and Photo Exercise (PHOTOEX) were chief.The proceedings of the visit of the ships will be conducted adhering to COVID-19 protocols owing to the pandemic concerns. Meanwhile, the ships are scheduled to depart the island on 03rd March.

COLOMBO (News 1st); The Sri Lanka Air Force will be celebrating its 71st Anniversary on Wednesday (2nd March 2022) under the leadership of the Commander of the Sri Lanka Air Force, Air Marshal Sudarshana Pathirana.This year the traditional celebration will be held at Sri Lanka Air Force Base Katunayaka under the review of Commander of the Air Force.The Sri Lanka Air Force was formed on the 02nd of March 1951 as the Royal Ceylon Air Force and when Sri Lanka became a republic in 1972 the Royal Ceylon Air Force was re-designated as the Sri Lanka Air Force.The Sri Lanka Air Force has come under the leadership of 18 Commanders to date and the Sri Lanka Air Force is geared and ready to face all challenges of the future and to serve and protect the skies of Sri Lanka as the Guardians of the Skies.

COLOMBO (News 1st); President Gotabaya Rajapaksa has assured the Public Utilities Commission of Sri Lanka that all necessary action will be taken immediately to avert the electricity crisis prevailing in the country.The Chairman of the PUCSL Janaka Ratnayake told News 1st that the Treasury and Central Bank will make sure to facilitate the import of fuel for the generation of electricity with immediate effect, as per a directive of the President.

COLOMBO (News 1st); A worsening shortage of fuel has brought Sri Lankans of all walks of life to mile-long ques across the island, with little hope for a solution over the coming days.“We have never experienced anything like this in our lifetime. It is a disaster”, noted a senior citizen, forced to queue up for hours for a few liters of fuel.The situation has worsened with farmers, already struck by the fertilizer crisis, left with no fuel for machinery used to harvest crops.

Editor’s note: This story initially said unmarked graves were found, but has been updated to say anomalies consistent with unmarked graves were found. Global News regrets the error.

PHOENIX, ARIZONA - FEBRUARY 17: Cain Velasquez reacts after his KO loss to Francis Ngannou of Cameroon in their heavyweight bout during the UFC Fight Night event at Talking Stick Resort Arena on February 17, 2019 in Phoenix, Arizona. (Photo by Josh H MORGAN HILL, Calif. - Former UFC heavyweight champion Cain Velasquez is facing charges in a shooting in Santa Clara County, according to the San Jose Police Department.The shooting happened near the intersection of Monterey Highway and Bailey Ave in Morgan Hill Monday afternoon, officials said.

COLOMBO (News 1st); A worsening shortage of fuel has brought Sri Lankans of all walks of life to mile-long ques across the island, with little hope for a solution over the coming days.“We have never experienced anything like this in our lifetime. It is a disaster”, noted a senior citizen, forced to queue up for hours for a few liters of fuel.The situation has worsened with farmers, already struck by the fertilizer crisis, left with no fuel for machinery used to harvest crops.

COLOMBO (News 1st); Sri Lanka is currently facing an electricity crisis and many have called on the authorities to immediately rectify the issue.One of the main areas of concern is the illuminating of street lights at night across main roads.The General Public has called on authorities to move towards energy-efficient and sustainable methods for street lights.Residents in Colombo are proposing for street lights to be illuminated in a zig-zag pattern so that the amount of electricity consumed can be reduced.

New satellite images are providing a clear look at the sheer size of the Russian military convoy advancing toward the Ukrainian capital of Kyiv.

COLOMBO (News 1st); Sri Lanka has decided to extend the validity of VISAs of Russian & Ukrainian tourists in Sri Lanka.Their VISAs will be extended for two months without any charge, said the Department of Government Information, quoting a decision reached by the Cabinet of Ministers on Monday (28).There are 11,463 Russian tourists and 3,993 Ukrainian tourists currently in Sri Lanka.

COLOMBO (News 1st); Sri Lanka’s Health Ministry has revised the guidelines to prevent the spread of COVID-19 with effect from Tuesday (1).Accordingly, health authorities are urging the general public to continue to maintain social distancing and wear face masks to prevent the COVID spread.

PHILADELPHIA - A man has been arrested for his role in the shooting of a woman in the Overbrook section of the city earlier this month. The shooting happened on Feb. 22 shorty before 2 a.m.

Credit: New York Lottery LONG ISLAND - Just call him "Lucky"!A Long Island man has won a $10M lottery for the second time.Juan Hernandez of Uniondale has won a $10,000,000 top prize in the New York Lottery's $10,000,000 Deluxe scratch-off game. And this isn't the first time he's gotten lucky."I'm still trying to spend the $10M I won in '19," Hernandez said.Get breaking news alerts in the free FOX5NY News app!  |  Sign up for FOX 5 email newslettersIn 2019, Hernandez won $10M after claiming a top prize on the $350,000,000 Cash Spectacular scratch-off ticket. Hernandez bought his second winning ticket at a Stop & Stop located at 150 Fulton Avenue in Hempstead.He took a lump-sum payment of $6,510,000 after required withholdings.AdvertisementThere are currently three top prizes left on the $10,000,000 Deluxe ticket, officials said.

COLOMBO (News 1st); The Public Utilities Commission of Sri Lanka said a 3-hour power cut will be imposed between 8:30 AM to 5:30 PM on Tuesday (1), for all groups.However, 30 minutes of unscheduled power shedding may take place, if necessary ONLY during the night peak to manage excess demand, said the PUCSL.Therefore consumers are kindly advised to reduce consumption between 6 pm. to 10 pm.

COLOMBO (News 1st); The Public Utilities Commission of Sri Lanka has announced power cuts for Monday (28), as the Ceylon Electricity Board has run out of fuel.Power Cuts for Monday (28)Groups A, B, C:4 hrs & 40 MinGroups P, Q, R, S, T, U, V, W:5 hrs & 15 Min

COLOMBO (News 1st): The 49th session of the United Nations Human Rights Council begins in Geneva on Monday (Feb. 28).The UNHRC session is scheduled to conclude on the 1st of April.The United Nations High Commissioner for Human Rights will present a written update on Sri Lanka to the Council, and an interactive dialogue on Sri Lanka is scheduled on the 3rd of March.Minister of Foreign Affairs Prof.

PHOENIX - Phoenix Police released a body cam video from Feb. 3 of an officer chasing a man on foot for a short period after he reportedly ran from a parked car with drugs.The video shows the man running from the officer, then once the officer catches up to him, he's brought to the ground and is arrested.A search warrant was served at a home connected to the man and police say they found about 67,000 fentanyl pills, about $14,000 and five guns.The identity of the suspect, in this case, hasn't been released.Drug busts in Phoenix aren't new as fentanyl has become increasingly more common to be sold and used in Arizona as it's often trafficked through the U.S.-Mexico border.Customs and Border Protection (CBP) said it had seen a "substantial increase" in fentanyl seizures at the southern border in January, just as it confirmed that there were 153,941 migrant encounters.There were 48,945 lbs of drugs seized at the southern border in January, which is down from 59,793 lbs encountered a year prior.

COLOMBO (News 1st); Sri Lanka’s Director-General of Health Services has announced that fully vaccinated travellers arriving in the country are exempted of a pre-departure COVID-19 test.This measure will come into effect from the 1st of March 2022.Read the latest guidelines for travellers below : 

COLOMBO (News 1st); Sri Lankan Police launched an investigation on Friday (25) after the carcass of a Sri Lankan Leopard (Panthera pardus kotiya) was discovered from an estate in Norton Bridge.Police received information that a dead Leopard was sighted inside a tea estate in Vidulipura in Wimalasurendra Gama located within the Norton Bridge Police jurisdiction.Initial investigations revealed that the leopard was injured in two areas on the back and another serious wound on its forward right leg.The leopard is believed to be around 6 years of age, and is a species native to Sri Lanka.Officers from the Nallatanniya Wildlife Office had visited the site and taken away the carcass for further investigations.

Ukraine says it will posthumously honour a group of Ukrainian border guards who were killed after they reportedly told an officer on board a Russian navy warship to “go f— yourself” when asked to surrender.

Meth disguised as onions in a shipment pallet (Courtesy: U.S. Customs and Border Protection) SAN DIEGO, Calif. - Officials with the U.S.

Eva Herzigova left jaws dropped when she walked in the Missoni show at Milan Fashion Week. Eva, 48, wore a long-sleeved Lurex maxi dress, red boots, and a look of confidence during the Friday (Feb. 25) event. The appearance came less than a day after she closed out the Blumarine show, walking in the final look of Thursday’s spectacular: a seductive, black velvet gown that showed off her fit stomach and toned legs. For Eva and fashion fans, this was more than a supermodel strutting her stuff: it marked a return that many thought wouldn’t be possible due to Eva contracting COVID-19 in December 2020.

COLOMBO (News 1st); Lanka IOC increased its Retail Selling Prices with effect from Friday (25).According Diesel was increased by Rs. 15/- per Liter and Petrol by Rs. 20/- per Liter due to significant rise in international fuel prices.

19 lakh children in India have lost a parent or caregiver to the Covid-19 pandemic, according to a study by The Lancet Child & Adolescent Health journal. 

COLOMBO (News 1st); The Public Utilities Commission of Sri Lanka has announced the power cut schedule for the weekend.Groups A, B, C: (Saturday – 26th)Day time power cut will be for 3 hoursAll other groups: (Saturday – 26th)Day time power cut will be for 2 1/2 hoursThere will be no power outages for Sunday (27), except for groups A, B, C which will be 2 1/2 hours during the daytime.Saturday Power Cut Schedule: 26-02-2022-PowerInterruption-ScheduleSunday Power Cut Schedule: 27-02-2022-power-interruption-schedule

COLOMBO (News 1st); The Catholic Bishops’ Conference in Sri Lanka stated that as there is an attempt to hide the truth, exploit the massacre for political gain, it sees no option other than to seek international assistance to mete out justice to the victims of the Easter Sunday Bomb Attacks.Together with His Eminence Malcolm Cardinal Ranjith, the Archbishop of Colombo, the CBCSLreiterates the need to adopt the said option, it added in a statement. 

COLOMBO (News 1st); The Government of Sri Lanka is deeply concerned about the recent escalation of violence in Ukraine.Sri Lanka in a statement, calls upon all parties concerned to exercise maximum restraint and work towards the immediate cessation of hostilities, in order to maintain peace, security and stability in the region.Sri Lanka emphasizes the need for concerted efforts by all parties concerned to resolve the crisis through diplomacy and sincere dialogue.

COLOMBO (News 1st); Sri Lankan President Gotabaya Rajapaksa on Friday (25) visited Mico for Inspection.State Minister D. B.

Aer Lingus has today reported an operating loss, before exceptational items, of €347m for the year to the end of December, an improvement on the loss of €361m reported in 2020.

COLOMBO (News 1st); Sri Lanka’s Parliament speaker Mahinda Yapa Abeywardena told the house on Friday (25) that a complaint will be filed with the Inspector General of Police to conduct an investigation into the incident where MP Harin Fernando was seen using a torch inside the chamber.He said voicing protest over an issue is not the problem at hand and, the issue is that public officers were prevented from carrying out their duties.The Parliamentary debate was adjourned for 10 minutes on 24th February due to MP Harin Fernando’s attempt to convince the Parliament of the impact of power cuts on the public, by bringing a torch to the Parliament.The Leader of the House, Dinesh Gunawardana informed the House that a confrontation broke out when the Police had requested to examine an object brought by an MP to the Parliament and emphasized that such actions can have consequences as MPs are not permitted to bring such objects.SJB MP Fernando, responded to the allegations stated that a power cut could occur when he is using the washroom, and that is the reason why he brought three torches to use.Minister Gunawardana responded stating that an investigation should be conducted as such objects are not permitted within the Parliament, and even if there is a power cut, it’s clear that this action is unlawful and goes against parliamentary practices.This object could prove to be a security risk and must be banned, he added.

New satellite images are providing a clear view of the damage Ukrainian military infrastructure has already suffered after Russia’s military invaded the country on Thursday.

CHELTENHAM, Pa. - A carjacking suspect and another person were arrested Thursday in Montgomery County after police say they tried to flee when officers were closing in on their car. The Cheltenham Police Department said a vehicle believed to have been carjacked out of Philadelphia was spotted in the parking lot of Cheltenham High School around 4 p.m. One of the people inside the vehicle was believed to be armed with a handgun, according to information given to the department by the Philadelphia Carjacking Task Force. When marked patrol cars approached the vehicle, police say the driver sped off and lead officers on a brief pursuit that ended when the driver slammed into another car. Three people got out of the car and tried to run away, but two were quickly detained.

COLOMBO (News 1st); Sri Lankan Finance Minister Basil Rajapaksa’s Indian visit has been postponed again.Basil Rajapaksa was to fly to India to wrap up credit lines worth a billion US dollars, that would be used for essential goods and medicines.“We are ready to enter into several agreements with India for financial facilities worth a billion US dollars,” State Minister Shehan Semasinghe told the Parliament.Sri Lankan Sports Minister Namal Rajapaksa said personally he has no issue with discussing matters on approaching the International Monetary Fund and other agencies.However, he said the decision on such a matter should be taken by the Finance Minister and the Central Bank.

A new survey of more than 4,000 pregnant women hospitalized in the United Kingdom with COVID-19 during the first 18 months of the pandemic shows severe illness was linked to poor birth outcomes, including pre-labor caesarean birth, very or extreme preterm birth, stillborn birth, and the need for admission to a neonatal unit.

Ontario’s long-term care minister says a mandate requiring workers in the sector to get vaccinated against COVID-19 is under review.Paul Calandra says the rule is being looked at as the government reviews all of its sector-specific vaccination policies and other pandemic measures.Dr. Kieran Moore, the province’s top doctor, has said that he wants to end workplace COVID-19 vaccination policies by March 1, when proof-of-vaccination rules in indoor spaces are also set to end.

COLOMBO (News 1st); The Public Utilities Commission of Sri Lanka announced power cuts for Friday (25).Power Cuts of 4 hours and 40 minutes will be experienced for areas A,B ,C.Power Cuts of 5 hours and 15 minutes will be experienced for other areas.

Las Vegas police are continuing to investigate the death of a child after his body was found in a freezer in a home where his mother and her boyfriend were living, officials said.The mother’s boyfriend was arrested as a suspect and was detained on two kidnapping charges and a murder charge, after authorities searched the home and found the body of the preschool-age boy, who was last seen in Dec., Fox 5 of Las Vegas reported. The investigation into the home started after the mother gave a note to her other child, who was instructed to give it to their elementary school teacher, officials said.RELATED: 78-year-old woman robbed while praying in churchThe note said the mother was being held against her will and that she has not seen her son since Dec. 11., and assumed he was dead, Fox 5 reported. The teacher forwarded the note to Clark County School District Police Department officers, who then called Las Vegas police, officials said.Police officers surveilled the home until they saw the couple leave at about 10 a.m.