Colombo’s Stock Market to close for 5 days due to present situation in Sri Lanka

SEATTLE - President Joe Biden on Friday signed an executive order intended to help restore national forests devastated by wildfires, drought and blight, using an Earth Day visit to Seattle to press for more action on the environment.Although Biden has struggled to make progress on his most ambitious climate goals, he drew a sharp contrast with his predecessor, former President Donald Trump, who unraveled the country’s fight against global warming."We’ve reached the point where the crisis on the environment has become so obvious, with the notable exception of the former president, that we really have an opportunity to do things we couldn’t have done two, five, ten years ago," Biden said.US President Joe Biden signs an Executive Order Strengthening the Nations Forests, Communities, and Local Economies, during an Earth Day event at Seward Park in Seattle, Washington, on April 22, 2022. - Biden was marking Earth Day on Friday by ordering protections for the United States' ancient forests, seen as a crucial weapon in the fight against climate change, during a trip to Seattle.

Colorized electron micrograph image if a cell (blue) infected with a variant strain of Novel Coronavirus SARS-CoV-2 isolated from a patient sample. (NIH/NAID/IMAGE.FR/BSIP/Universal Images Group via Getty Images) A U.K. patient with a severely weakened immune system had COVID-19 for almost a year and a half, scientists reported, underscoring the importance of protecting vulnerable people from the coronavirus.There’s no way to know for sure whether it was the longest-lasting COVID-19 infection because not everyone gets tested, especially on a regular basis like this case.But at 505 days, "it certainly seems to be the longest reported infection," said Dr.

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

COLOMBO (News 1st); The Reserve Bank of India has extended the duration of the US$ 400 million currency swap for the Central Bank in Sri Lanka which was concluded in January this year.The Indian High Commission in Sri Lanka tweeted to state that this is a continuation of India’s unstinted and multi-faceted support to Sri Lanka

COLOMBO (News 1st); Sri Lanka’s Public Security Minister told Parliament on Friday (22) that preliminary investigations have revealed that Assistant Superintendent of Police C. W.

SEATTLE - President Joe Biden is taking steps to restore national forests that have been devastated by wildfires, drought and blight, using an Earth Day visit to Seattle to sign an executive order protecting some of the nation’s largest and oldest trees.Old-growth trees are key buffers against climate change and provide crucial carbon sinks that absorb significant amounts of carbon dioxide and other greenhouse gases that contribute to global warming.Biden's order directs federal land managers to define and inventory mature and old-growth forests nationwide within a year. The order requires the Forest Service, the Bureau of Land Management and the National Park Service to identify threats to older trees, such as wildfire and climate change, and develop policies to safeguard them.The order does not ban logging of mature or old-growth trees, the White House said.FILE IMAGE - Burned-out equipment sits by a river on Nov.

Covid patient who had a severely weakened immune system suffered from the virus for nearly a year and a half, scientists have confirmed. The unnamed patient became infected in 2020 and tested positive for a total of 505 days before they tragically died.The heartbreaking death has sparked calls from doctors to seek urgent new treatments to help clear persistent Covid infections.

earthday.org. "This is the moment to change it all — the business climate, the political climate, and how we take action on climate," the website stated. "Now is the time for the unstoppable courage to preserve and protect our health, our families, our livelihoods."Advocates are pushing citizens, governments and businesses to do what they can to combat the climate crisis to "build a healthy planet for our children and their children."The first Earth Day was held in April 1970, before the Environmental Protection Agency, Clean Air Act or Clean Water Act even existed.

COLOMBO (News 1st); A group of concerned professionals consisting largely of legal and medical practitioners under the banner of “Direction Sri Lanka – Independent Professionals for the Nation” have called on the armed forces to act with care and understanding and exercise utmost restraint when dealing with protestors.In a letter to the Commanders of the Army, Navy, Air Force, and the Inspector General of Police, the expert group requests that they impress this position on each and every person under their command.

COLOMBO (News 1st); The Sri Lanka Freedom Party, the Group of 10 parties, and the Independent MPs from the SLPP handed over their draft for the proposed 21st Amendment to the Constitution on Friday (21) to the speaker.

TRENTON, N.J. - New Jersey's recreational marijuana marketplace is open for business.Recreational sales of cannabis for adults 21 and older are scheduled to start Thursday, with the first alternative treatment centers opening at 6 a.m. in part of the state."It’s a huge event.

COLOMBO (News 1st); Four leading companies in Sri Lanka have called for immediate actions to solve the present day socio, economic crisis.John Keells Holdings PLC, MAS Holdings, Hemas Holdings PLC, and Dialog Axiata have issued the following statements.

COLOMBO (News 1st); The remains of the late Chaminda Lakshan who was killed in police fire during a protest in Rambukkana on the 19th of April, was handed over to his relatives on Friday (22).According to the Director of the Kegalle Hospital Dr.

Gautam Buddh Nagar stood at 467 while the total number of active infections in Uttar Pradesh was 856, the state health department data showed

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Insignia air fryers and air fryer ovens are being recalled after the Government of Canada announced Thursday that the products can overheat, posing a potential burn and fire hazard.This recall involves the Insignia™ Digital Air Fryers, Insignia™ Analog Air Fryers and Insignia™ Digital Air Fryer Oven.The affected products were sold between November 2018 and April 2022. Kinder chocolates recalled due to possible salmonella contamination According to the government website, as of March 25th, the company has identified 36 reports of incidents including one report of minor injury in Canada caused by the now-recalled products.In the United States, the company has identified 68 reports of incidents including one report of minor injury.The recalled products were sold by Best Buy and online through eBay.ca and Amazon.ca., according to the government.“Consumers should immediately stop using the recalled air fryers and air fryer ovens, check to see if their model is included in the recall and return the product through the return process of the original place of purchase,” the government website said.Only certain model numbers are affected by this recall, which includes the 3.4qt Analog Air Fryer in Black (NS-AF32MBK9-C) and the 10 Qt.

TALLAHASSEE - The Florida House of Representatives passed a bill on Thursday that would dissolve Walt Disney World’s special governing power in the state.The bill will now head to the desk of Republican Gov. Ron DeSantis who has been involved in a war of words with the company after it publicly opposed a bill he signed which prohibits classroom instruction on "sexual orientation" and "gender identity" with children in third grade or younger "or in a manner that is not age-appropriate or developmentally appropriate for students in accordance with state standards."RELATED: DeSantis vs. Disney: What happens if legislature eliminates Reedy Creek Improvement District?The passage in the Florida House comes the day after the Florida Senate passed the measure by a vote of 23-16 to dissolve Disney's special status that it was granted by the state over 50 years ago. Brevard County State Rep.

COLOMBO (News 1st); The Head of Sri Lanka’s Catholic Church His Eminence Malcolm Cardinal Ranjith on Thursday (21) said there is serious doubt as to whether the super-powerful person who obtained all powers in the country, is the reason why a proper investigation is not taking place with regard to the 2019 Easter Sunday Attacks.The Archbishop of Colombo speaking at an Easter Attacks memorial at the St. Anthony’s Shrine, Kochchikade in the capital Colombo, reiterated that one cannot be pleased with the ongoing investigations.“It is now being revealed that Islamist Extremism alone was not behind the Easter Attacks, and that is a Grand Conspiracy.

COLOMBO (News 1st); The Minister of Foreign Affairs, Professor G.L.

COLOMBO (News 1st); A Senior Police Officer apologized to the Kegalle Magistrate on Wednesday (20), for repeatedly using correction fluid on several notes mentioned in the B report produced by Sri Lanka Police over the Rambukkana incident.The Senior Police Officer apologized to the Kegalle Magistrate, after counsel reported facts to the court against Sri Lanka Police over the killing of a protestor in Rambukkana.Counsel alleged that Sri Lanka Police had deliberately changed certain sections of the B report in a conniving manner, and raised their concerns to the Magistrate.The Kegalle Magistrate had announced that the Inspector General of Police will be informed of the matter.Sri Lanka Police had submitted facts to the country via an AR report, however counsel argued that a murder incident cannot be produced to the court via an AR report.Thereafter, the Magistrate had ordered Sri Lanka Police to submit facts via a B report, and adjourned sessions to conduct a site inspection at the location where shots were fired during the protest, and a three-wheeler was set ablaze.The Magistrate during the inspection process also recorded statements from three witnesses, and one counsel informed the Magistrate that one of the witnesses was intimidated by a police officer after providing evidence.The Magistrate ordered Sri Lanka Police to refrain from exerting any influence on the witnesses in the matter.

long Covid symptoms, including difficulty swallowing, fatigue, chest pain, and palpitations, as compared to men. 

Curaleaf, in Bellmawr, is among the locations opening for adult recreational use on April 21.  TRENTON, N.J. - New Jersey's recreational marijuana marketplace is open for business.Recreational sales of cannabis for adults 21 and older are scheduled to start Thursday, with the first alternative treatment centers opening at 6 a.m. in part of the state."It’s a huge event.

The Health Service Executive has said it is finalising plans to begin the second booster vaccination programme for Covid-19, as recommended recently by the National Immunisation Advisory Committee.

Anne and Linda Nolan have opened up about their joint breast cancer diagnosis and how “lucky” they were to be able to have treatment together in the pandemic. The Nolan Sisters appeared on Good Morning Britain to celebrate their book, Stronger Together, coming out in paperback. Speaking to Kate Garraway and Richard Bacon, the duo opened up about how their health struggles were easier as they faced them together.

COLOMBO (News 1st); US Assistant Secretary of State for the Bureau of South and Central Asian Affairs Donald Lu says the U.S. welcomes Sri Lanka & IMF working towards a sustainable solution to relieve the economic hardships for its people.The Bureau of South and Central Asian Affairs said that Assistant Secretary Lu, Sri Lankan Finance Minister Sabry & Central Bank Governor Dr.

A grieving daughter who was unable to be with her parents during their finals days has slammed Boris Johnson’s apology for attending a lockdown party.

COLOMBO (News 1st); Sri Lanka’s main opposition faction, the Samagi Jana Balavegaya on Thursday (21) submitted its draft proposals for the 21st Amendment to the constitution, to the speaker.Opposition Leader Sajith Premadasa handed over the necessary documentation to party General Secretary Ranjith Madduma Bandara on Thursday (21) morning, and thereafter it was submitted to the speaker.The documentation comprises the proposals to abolish the executive presidency, amendment for a tripartite separation of powers in a balanced manner, repeal the 20th Amendment to the Constitution, establishment of independent commissions, as well as the establishment of a National Security Council.

Businessman Ben Dunne has permanently shut down half of the gyms in his gym group due to the business impact of Covid-19.

A healthcare worker was infected with Covid-19 twice in the space of 20 days in what is believed to have been the shortest time between two infections since the pandemic began.

COLOMBO (News 1st); Three years ago people were celebrating Easter in churches across the country.Church bells have rung out across Sri Lanka, marking three years since 269 people were killed by a group of suicide bombers who targeted Churches, Hotels, Restaurants, while SCOAlthough 1095 days have passed since the attack, justice has NOT YET been served for the victims of the terror attacks.Several events were organized on Thursday (21), to remember the lives that were lost.

COLOMBO (News 1st); India will provide an additional $500 million in financial assistance to Sri Lanka for it to buy fuel, Sri Lanka’s foreign minister told reporters on Wednesday (20), adding Bangladesh was also willing to postpone a $450 million in swap repayments, reported Reuters.“Assistance by the IMF will take about six months to come to us and it will come in tranches,” Sri Lankan Foreign Minister G. L.

COLOMBO (News 1st); Venerable Theripaha Siridhamma Thero who championed the movement demanding cleaning drinking water for the people of Rathupaswala in 2013, commenced a fast unto death opposite the President’s Office in Colombo.The Occupy Galle Face protest site which saw thousands converge on the iconic Galle Face stretch since the 9th of April became the site for a fast unto death after Sri Lankan law enforcement authorities opened fire at protestors in Rambukkana on Tuesday (19), killing one person and injuring over a dozen.On Tuesday (19) night, the horns at Occupy Galle Face went silent and protestors observed silence and lit candles in memory of their fellow Sri Lanka who was killed in police fire in Rambukkana for demanding solutions to the crises in the country that have affected people from all walks of life.Rambukkana, is a town located in the Kegalle District, in the Sabaragamuwa Province in Sri Lanka, and is a short drive away from the world-famous Pinnala Elephant Orphanage.Venerable Theripaha Siridhamma Thero who commenced the fast unto death demanded the immediate resignation of President Gotabaya Rajapaksa, and Prime Minister Mahinda Rajapaksa and vowed to continue his fast unto death until they resign.At the same time, Weightlifter Prasanna Peiris who commenced a 24-hour satyagraha (fast) handed over the baton to Venerable Rajanganaye Saddharatana Thero, who will continue a 24-hour satyagraha.The Venerable Thero urged the Police and the Security Forces to refrain from protecting the rouges.

Colombo (News 1st): The Police Curfew that was imposed on the 19th of April for the entire Rambukkana Police area was lifted at 5 AM on Thursday (21).A Police Curfew was imposed following the unrest that broke out when Police used force to disperse protestors who were obstructing the Rambukkana Railway Crossing.One person was killed and scores were injured.Rambukkana, is a town located in the Kegalle District, in the Sabaragamuwa Province in Sri Lanka, and is a short drive away from the world-famous Pinnala Elephant Orphanage.The Incident:Angry locals organized protests at the Rambukkana town on Tuesday (19) to express their dismay over the fuel price hike.Entry points to the Rambukkana town from Mawanella, Kegalle, and Kurunegala were blocked during these protests.Protesters had used wooden railway sleepers to block the railway line in the area.At least one person was been killed after police opened fire to disperse protesters who were protesting by obstructing the railway tracks at Rambukkana. Scores were injured.Investigation:Sri Lanka Police on Wednesday (20) said that a 20-member police team led by a Senior Superintendent of Police was appointed to investigate the shooting in Rambukkan on Tuesday (19), which led to the killing of one protestor.Senior DIG Attorney-at-Law Ajith Rohana, who is also the Senior Police Spokesperson, told News 1st that the investigations are taking place under the supervision of Avissawella SSP Wasantha Kandewatte.“There is a note that an attempt was made to set fire to a fuel bowser, and a filling station.

PHILADELPHIA - Catalytic converter thefts are up in Philadelphia since last year, according to police. The recent spike in thefts combined with supply chain issues and worker shortages, is making for a long wait time at the shop and an expensive bill for victims of catalytic converter theft. Authorities say there were more than 3,400 thefts in 2021 and now in 2022, there has been more than 1,300 so far. Depending on the car you own, local auto repair shops say that it could take a month or longer to get the necessary car parts in. Mike Schafer, owner of Schafer’s Auto in South Philadelphia, says that in his 21 years of running the auto shop, he’s never seen anything like what’s been happening recently—6 to 13 cut catalytic converters a week from mostly Mitsubishis, Hondas, and Toyota Priuses."Three days, one month, 3 months wait time for them [parts] to come in," Schafer said.

First Dates star Merlin Griffiths appears to have been discharged from hospital just days after going under the knife. Merlin, 46, was tragically diagnosed with bowel cancer last year, but refused to let the illness get the better of him. Over the weekend the father-of-one shared a snap from his hospital bed where he said that while he had some “aches and pains”, he was officially tumour-free.

LOS ANGELES - A Los Angeles couple is now a viral sensation after spending only $500 on their wedding day. Joel and Kiara Brokenbrough met back in 2016 in Vegas and kept in touch on social media. The two reconnected in 2018, and began dating shortly afterwards.

what is 420 Day and where did it originate?According to National Day Calendar, 420 Day is celebrated every year on April 20, where cannabis producers, consumers and advocates celebrate and smoke marijuana. "Once an unconventional day, the day has become the rallying cry of those who seek to legalize marijuana for medicinal and recreational uses," the company wrote.A cannabis plant grows in the Amsterdam Cannabis Colleges (Photo by Christopher Furlong/Getty Images) While federal law in the United States still classifies cannabis as illegal, many states have legalized the substance for medicinal or recreational use — or both.Since the 1970s, people have celebrated the unofficial holiday. But why is it celebrated on 4/20 and where did the celebration originate?Well, it’s not exactly clear. There are many myths that have circulated across social media and the globe about how the day 4/20 came to be, with most reports proving unverifiable. RELATED: Mike Tyson’s weed brand markets ear-shaped edibles, launches nationwide expansionHowever, most believe 420 Day originated in California in the 1970s when a group of teenagers from San Rafael High School in Marian County would ritualistically smoke marijuana at 4:20 each day.

COLUMBIA, S.C. - South Carolina’s highest court on Wednesday issued a temporary stay blocking the state from carrying out what was set to be its first-ever firing squad execution.The order by the state Supreme Court puts on hold at least temporarily the planned April 29 execution of Richard Bernard Moore, who drew the death sentence for the 1999 killing of convenience store clerk James Mahoney in Spartanburg. The last execution by firing squad in the U.S.

Russian ultimatum to Ukrainian troops in Mariupol to surrender or die expired on Wednesday afternoon with no mass capitulation, but the commander of a unit believed to be holding out in the besieged city said his forces could survive just days or hours.Ukraine said it had so far held off an assault by thousands of Russian troops attempting to advance in what Kyiv calls the Battle of the Donbas, a new campaign to seize two eastern provinces Moscow claims on behalf of separatists. Here’s why Russia is after Mariupol — and why it may not be the game changer it once was In a video, the commander of Ukraine’s 36th Marine Brigade, one of the last units believed to be holding out in Mariupol, asked for international help to escape the port city’s siege.“This is our appeal to the world.

COLOMBO (News 1st); Sri Lanka Police on Wednesday (20) said that a 20-member police team led by a Senior Superintendent of Police was appointed to investigate the shooting in Rambukkan on Tuesday (19), that led to the killing of one protestor.In addition, the police curfew imposed for the Rambukkana Police area is still in effect, said Sri Lanka Police.13 people who were injured when the protest in Rambukkana was dispersed continue receive treatment at the Kegalle Hospital, and the hospital director said three of them are in critical condition.Moreover, 15 police officers who were also injured during the unrest are receiving treatment for their injuries.One person who was rushed to the hospital after police opened fire to disperse the protest on Tuesday (19) died upon admission and he was identified as 41-year-old Chaminda Lakshan, a father of two from Narambedda.Senior DIG Attorney-at-Law Ajith Rohana, who is also the Senior Police Spokesperson, told News 1st that the investigations are taking place under the supervision of Avissawella SSP Wasantha Kandewatte.“There is a note that an attempt was made to set fire to a fuel bowser, and a filling station. If the fuel bowser that was filled be petrol was set on fire, it could led to a disaster turning the Rambukka town into rubble.

FILE - A police patrol car is parked near a sidewalk. A Virginia physician assistant is accused of stalking his ex-girlfriend for three days before violently murdering her husband in New York and fleeing the state, according to officials and a local report. Jacob L.

WASHINGTON - Secret Service officers shot and killed an intruder who they say broke into the Ambassador’s Residence at the Peruvian Embassy Wednesday morning in Washington, D.C.Download the FOX 5 DC News App for Local Breaking News and WeatherThe incident happened around 8 a.m. after the residents called police for a man who had broken and smashed several windows in the back of the residence.D.C.

COLOMBO (News 1st); The head of Sri Lanka’s Catholic Church, His Eminence Malcolm Cardinal Ranjith has strongly condemned the shooting of protestors in Rambukkana by Sri Lankan law enforcement personnel.He also expressed sorrow to all the families for the loss of life and those injured during the unrest in Rambukkana.“The people who are on the streets are people who are affected by the terrible economic disaster that has hit our country, due to mismanagement by the government and its financial operations,” said the Cardinal adding that it is the right of the people to protest, and their right needs to be respected as it is allowed as per the provisions of the constitution.Recalling similar incidents in Rathupaswala, the Free Trade Zone, and Chilaw where people were killed by shooting by the authorities, the Archbishop of Colombo said such incidents should not happen in the country, which is a religious-minded country with principles.He appealed to all those in governance to ensure there is no repeat of such incidents and also called on people who protest not to let their emotions cloud their judgment, and also not to allow unscrupulous parties to set up one against the other, as these plots may be part of the way that the authorities seek to exert control.“Engage in protests in a dignified and a humane fashion. Do not let your emotions carry you and cause you to react violently towards the authorities, and towards others,” he added.His Eminence Malcolm Cardinal Rajith said the government must change its ways and listen to the voice of the people to ensure democracy functions in the proper way, and the request by the people for change is implemented.

COLOMBO (News 1st); The Mahanayake Theros of the three main Buddhist Sects in Sri Lanka in an open letter have held the President, and every single member of parliament responsible for the crisis that the people have to face due to their insensitive actions towards the people who are dying while waiting in queues day and night.The letter was addressed to the President, Prime Minister, Opposition Leader, and all political party leaders represented in Parliament.Further, the Mahanayakes have expressed their dismay for their proposals addressed to the President seeking immediate relief to the people dated the 4th of April 2022, being disregarded.The Mahanayake’s strongly believe that the appointment of a new cabinet of ministers will not solve the crises.In addition, they strongly note that the authorities pay heed to the calls of the people who are peacefully protesting, and provide immediate solutions to them, while refraining from engaging in any act that is against the people.While expressing their condolences over the death of a protestor on the 19th of April 2022, the Mahanayakes stressed that it is the responsibility of the government and all other stakeholders to ensure that such an unfortunate environment is NOT created in Sri Lanka.Further, the Mahanayake Theros have called on all Public Representative to act fast to abolish the 20th Amendment to the Constitution that created an imbalance between the Executive and the Legislature, and bring forth a new constitution with reasonable facts mentioned in the 19th Amendment to the Constitution.The Mahanayake Theros of the three main Buddhist Sects in Sri Lanka said that all successive governments must be responsible for the economic crisis in the country.The Mahanayake

COLOMBO (News 1st); Minister of Finance Ali Sabry P.C. and his delegation, met with the top officials of the World Bank & the International Finance Corporation (IFC) including Country Director (World Bank) Faris Hadad-Zervos and Managing Director of IFC Makhtar Diop in Washington DC on 19th April 2022.The discussion premised on the areas of assistance and possible paths for economic growth and economic stability.