High Posts Comm. gives green light for appointment of new ambassadors

Covid-19 update: The death toll stands at 5,30,720 with two deaths reconciled by Kerala. India has recorded 163 new Covid-19 cases in the past 24 hours, taking the cumulative coronavirus tally to 4.46 crore (4,46,79,924), according to the Union Health Ministry data updated on Sunday.  With this, the active caseload has declined to 2,423. The active cases comprise 0.01 per cent of the total infections.

(With inputs from agencies)  

On Friday, Jeremy appeared to be feeling better as he received a head massage from Kym in a video shared on Instagram.In the clip, the actor showed off his bruised and swollen face while his sister massaged his head in a shower cap.The Hawkeye star slurred his words in the video while explaining that this was his first shower while confirming he was "definitely weak of something".He captioned the video: "ICU SPA MOMENT TO LIFT MY SPIRITS.“Thank you mama Thank you, sister.Thank you all for your love."Jeremy was run over by a seven-tonne snow plough on New Year's Day as he worked to free a trapped family member from the snow covering his Lake Tahoe home.He was left in critical condition and has been reported to have undergone two surgeries to help his recovery.Authorities have said Jeremy tried to use his 14.330-pound snow plough to help free a family member with a personal vehicle that was stuck in the snow.The actor got out of the vehicle to speak with the family member, during which time, Washoe County Sheriff Darin Balaam said: "It was observed that the PistenBully [snow plough] was starting to roll."In an effort to stop the rolling PistenBully, Mr Renner attempts to get back into the driver seat of the PistenBully."Based on our investigation, it’s at this point that Mr Renner is run over by the PistenBully."A 911 call made in the aftermath indicates that the right side of the actor's chest collapsed and his upper torso was crushed.The actor, who owns his own fire truck, plough and other heavy machinery took a snowcat to help clear the way for some of the snow early hours of New Year's Day.A publicist for Jeremy said in a statement Monday that he had "returned from surgery and remains in the intensive care unit in

Health walks across Lanarkshire are resuming for 2023 with new participants invited to join to enjoy some gentle outdoor exercise, meet new people and help fend off the winter blues.

Colombo (News 1st) – Court has granted permission to detain the five suspects who were arrested with heroin near the Mirissa fishing harbor for a period of seven days.The order was issued when the suspects were produced before the Colombo Chief Magistrate's Court yesterday.The Sri Lanka Navy seized over 23kg of heroin from their possession.The suspects, aged between 33 and 42, are residents of Mirissa, Kamburugamuwa and Pitigala.The Police Narcotics Bureau is conducting further investigations.

Al Jazeera – Republican Congressman Kevin McCarthy has been elected speaker of the House of Representatives, overcoming the opposition of right-wing dissenters who had derailed for several days his bid to lead the chamber.It took 15 rounds of voting for McCarthy to secure the House’s gavel, securing 216 of the 428 votes cast late on Friday. The Democrats’ Hakeem Jeffries got 212 votes.It was the first time in a century that a speaker was not elected in the first round.McCarthy’s speakership bid appeared up in the air before the House meeting on Friday.

Colombo (News 1st) – The National Water Supply and Drainage Board says the water supply to many areas of Colombo will be suspended for a period of 18 hours from 10pm tonight till 4pm tomorrow.The water cut will be in effect in Colombo 01, 02, 03, 04, 07, 09, 10 and 11.The water cut was attributed to urgent maintenance of the water pipeline system that supplies water to the Maligakanda reservoir.

Britney Spears is blasting her sister Jamie Lynn Spears once again!

Scots radio DJ Ewen Cameron has beamed he's got his life back after opening seeking help for his mental health.

Colombo (News 1st) – NEWSLINE: Is Sri Lanka's health sector in a critical state? Watch on Facebook and Youtube.

A health board which acted negligently in caring for a mentally ill mum of two who committed suicide has been ordered to pay £250,000 to her family. Judge Lord Arthurson found that Lanarkshire Health Board failed to look after 35-year-old Lynette Giblen who lost her life at her mother’s house in Glasgow on October 10 2016.

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

COLOMBO (News 1st) – Sri Lankan President Ranil Wickremesinghe summoned the members of the National Election Commission for an emergency meeting at the President's Office.A Senior Official at the National Election Commission told News 1st that the meeting took place based on an invitation extended by the President.It was reported that the Attorney General was also present for the meeting.The members of the National Election Commission had informed the President that there is no way to prevent the Local Government Elections from taking place, unless via constitutional or judicial action.The Election Commission officials had informed the President of the future programs relating to the election.

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

COLOMBO (News 1st) – Multiple Senior Police Officers including several DIGs have been given transfers with immediate effect.The National Police Commission has approved the transfers that were made based on urgent service requirements.Sri Lanka Police said that DIG K. B.

COLOMBO (News 1st) – COPE has decided to file a complaint with the Speaker against Minister of Labour and Foreign Employment Manusha Nanayakkara for criticizing the powers of COPE and the Auditor General.The Committee On Public Enterprises met in Parliament on Thursday (5).A statement from the Sri Lanka Parliament noted that Minister Manusha Nanayakkara on the 22nd of December had challenged the powers of COPE, and the tasks of the Auditor General during a national event.COPE had determined that the Minister's comment sets a wrong precedent, and such a comment bring disrepute to COPE as a whole.

COLOMBO (News 1st) – The suspect responsible for shooting dead a restaurant owner in Hanwella on the 18th of December 2022, was killed in Police fire on Friday (6) morning.Police Spokesperson SSP Nihal Thalduwa speaking to News 1st said that sleuthts received information that the suspect was hiding insidea house in Diddeniya, Hanwella.Thereafter, a Western Province – South Police Team was deployed to the area to arrest the suspect.The Police said the suspect opened fire at the police officers to evade arrest.The suspect was gunned down in return fire, said the Police Spokesperson.A restaurant owner was brutally killed when he was shot at point-blank range inside his business premises on the night of 18th December 2022.According to the CCTV footage, the owner of the restaurant and shop was closing up for the day, moments before the fatal shooting.The deceased was identified at 46-year-old Mohamed Farzan, a father of three.Two unidentified men had arrived on a motorcycle and one of them entered the premises and opened fire at him using a pistol, and the motive for the murder is yet to be determined.

Colombo (News 1st) – NEWSLINE: Sri Lanka Crisis Soars: Education Deeply Affected. Watch on Facebook and Youtube.

COLOMBO (News 1st) – Sri Lanka's Ministry of Power and Energy said that a shipment of 60,000 MT of coal will reach the country on Friday (6).The Ministry said that another five coal shipments are expected to reach Sri Lankan shores in January and payments for the fives shipments have already been made.The generator at the Norochcholai Power Plant that was the shutdown for maintenance will be reactivated on Sunday (8), said the Ceylon Electricity Board.One generator at the Norochcholai Coal Power Plant was shut down on the 22nd of December 2022 citing early maintenance and resulted in the loss of 300 MW to the national power grid.In the midst of all this, a proposal is made to once again increase the electricity tariff.According to the country's Power & Energy Minister the objective of this tariff hike is to cover the cost of providing a continuous supply of electricity.One of the scenarios presented by the CEB engineers will be used for this purpose, and according to the Minister the generation plan is as follows:27% from hydro-power 28% from Coal 13% from Diesel and Furnace Oil 2% Wind Power  12% from Private Diesel or Furnace Oil Power Plants. 13% from Solar power plants 4% from rooftop solar panelsThe CEB Employees' Union allege that this is an attempt to reduce the low cost production using coal, and to increase the production that would cost more.According to them, it only costs Rs.

Lanarkshire residents are being warned about a new Covid variant described by the World Health Organisation (WHO) as the "most transmissible yet".

NEW DELHI : India will seek to buttress its reputation as the pharmacy of the world to talk about vital health issues, including health emergencies and preparedness, during the G20 Summit this year, union health minister Mansukh Mandaviya said on Thursday. India assumed presidency of the G20 on 1 December last year.

COLOMBO (News 1st) Wanted drug trafficker Kanchipani Imran is on the run from Sri Lankan Authorities and the ‘Q’ Branch of the Tamil Nadu police is actively searching for whether he is hiding in Tamil Nadu. The Q Branch is one of the Criminal Investigation Department wings of the Tamil Nadu Police.Look-out notices have been issued to all airports to prevent the criminal from fleeing abroad.The Sri Lankan government has also sought India’s help to capture Imran. The Central Intelligence Agency has also warned the Tamil Nadu government in this regard.An intensive search is being conducted in 14 coastal districts of Tamil Nadu and fishing village areas.Q Branch Officers told Indian media that its personnel are questioning several local people and fishermen to determine if Imran had sneaked into Rameswaram.A Sri Lankan court has already ordered the guarantors for Najeem Mohammed Imran alias Kanjipani Imran to appear in court.Kanjipani Imran, who is a leading drug trafficker in the country, had fled to India and is now preparing to enter Pakistan from there.Imran's mother, brother, and another individual are listed as guarantors.Kanjipani Imran faces serious charges in Sri Lanka including murder, and he was released on a Rs.

COLOMBO (News 1st) – The Monetary Board of the Central Bank of Sri Lanka has decided to extend the suspension of Perpetual Treasuries Limited (PTL) from carrying on the business and activities of a Primary Dealer for a further period of six months with effect 5th January 2023.The decision was made in terms of the Regulations made under the Registered Stock and Securities Ordinance and the Local Treasury Bills Ordinance.The decision is in order to continue the investigations being conducted by the Central Bank of Sri Lanka with regard to the Bond Issuances.

COLOMBO (News 1st) – A son of former notorious underworld leader “Soththi Upali” was arrested in Narahenpita for heroin possession on Thursday (5).Police Spokesperson SSP Nihal Thalduwa told News 1st that the 8.80 grams of heroin, two machetes and a sword were recovered from the possession of the suspect.The wife of the 38-year-old suspect is currently in remand custody for ICE possession.Soththi Upali was one of the well-known & notorious underworld gangsters in Sri Lanka and was gunned down in 1998 at Bokundara.

COLOMBO (News 1st) – Sri Lanka has issued an extraordinary gazette restricting the imports of gold over 22 carats as jewellery.State Minister of Finance Ranjith Siyambalapitiya tweeted that the decision was made to prevent gold smuggling."Special Gazette No.

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

COLOMBO (News 1st) – The Colombo Permanent High Court Trial-at-Bar rejected the request for bail made on behalf of 25 suspects, including Naufer Maulavi, who are charged under 13,270 counts in relation to the 2019 Easter Sunday Terror Attacks.Issuing the order on Thursday (5), the court observed that it was not wise to grant bail to these suspects.The case was called up in the presence of Justices Damith Thotawatte, Amal Ranarajah, and Navaratne Marasinghe.Further examination of this case will take place on the 1st of February 2023.The string of attacks carried out on Easter Sunday on April 21, 2019, targeted three churches and three five-star hotels, killing a total of 267 people, including at least 45 foreign nationals.The attacks also injured about 500 people.

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

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

COLOMBO (News 1st) – A group had cut down multiple large trees on the banks of the Basawakkulama Wewa located in the Anuradhapura Sacred Grounds.Accoding to the locals these trees commonly known as "Maara Trees" have been standing tall on the banks of the Basawakkulama Wewa for many generations.They pointed out that around 10 trees have been cut down by a group.News 1st contacted Anuradhapura Regional Irrigation Engineer Rasindu Kotawila over the matter, and he said that the Divisional Secretary of the Central Nuwara-Gam-Palatha had recommended to remove four aging trees.He said the reason for the recommendation to remove the trees was that its roots had decayed, and it could harm the wewa and lead to a leakage.

COLOMBO (News 1st) – The Convener of the Inter-University Students' Federation Wasantha Mudalige was remanded again to the 13th of January 2023.He was produced to Fort Magistrate Thilina Gamage on Thursday (5).The case filed against Wasantha Mudalige on multiple counts including the refusal to accept a court order against a protest opposite the Fort Railway Station, and obstructing the duties of police officers was taken up in Court.The Convener of the Inter-University Students' Federation Wasantha Mudalige was produced to court in the morning.Wasantha Mudalige was arrested last year following a protest and detained under the controversial Prevention of Terrorism Act, and was later remanded.

COLOMBO (News 1st) – Litro Gas announced that it decided to reduce the prices of its products with effect from Thursday (5) night.The price revision is as follows: 12.5 kg LP Gas Cylinder reduced by Rs. 201/- to Rs. 4,409/-.

COLOMBO (News 1st) – President Ranil Wickremesinghe will meet with the Tamil National Alliance for a special round of talks on Thursday (5).Spokesperson for the Tamil National Alliance, President's Counsel M. A.

COLOMBO (News 1st) – Sri Lanka's Minister of Justice, Prisons Affairs and Constitutional Reforms Dr Wijeyadasa Rajapakshe told Parliament on Thursday (5) that the government will never interfere with the operations of the Elections Commission."We will not interfere with their (election commission) activities, and we will not try to amend their agenda. We have never reached such a decision and have not communicated to them of any such matter," said the Justice Minister.He said that the National Election Commission, which is an independent body, must continue with its operations, and there will be no interference from the government."With the assistance of the opposition we secured the passage of the 21st Amendment to the Constitution that details the elections, the date of the elections, and the process of the elections.

COLOMBO (News 1st) – Aragalaya activist Randima Gamage was arrested on Thursday (5) morning after he returned to Sri Lanka from overseas.He was arrested at the Katunayake Airport on the charge of illegally entering the Sri Lanka Rupavahini Corporation.Sri Lanka Police said that the Hulftsdorf Magistrate's Court had imposed a travel ban on Randima Gamage.He will be moved to the Cinnamon Gardens Police for further investigations.

COLOMBO (News 1st) – Litro Gas is expected to announce its latest price reduction on Thursday (5).Litro Gas Chairman Muditha Peiris told News 1st that the price of a 12.5 kg cooking gas cylinder will be reduced by Rs. 200/- to Rs. 300/-.

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

BERLIN (AP) - A German doctor was sentenced late Monday to two years and nine months in prison for illegally issuing more than 4,000 people with exemptions from wearing masks during the coronavirus pandemic.A regional court in the southwestern town of Weinheim confirmed Tuesday that the doctor was convicted of "issuing incorrect health certificates" to people from across Germany, most of whom she had never met or examined.In addition to the prison sentence she was handed a three-year work ban and ordered to pay 28,000 euros ($29,550), the sum she had received for issuing the medical certificates. Her office assistant was fined 2,700 euros."The process is more reminiscent of a sale of certificates than a medical procedure," the court said in a statement.

Terrifying images from China appear to show families burning the bodies of loved ones as Covid infections overwhelm hospitals in the country.

Elle King revealed she fell at her home last month, resulting in a concussion and amnesia.The singer, 33, gave a health update in an interview with Entertainment Tonight: 'I can laugh now, because I'm doing a lot better, but it was a very intense thing,' she said.Elle was walking down steps in the middle of the night to make a bottle of milk for her son Lucky Levi, 16 months, when she slipped and fell. Get well: Elle King revealed she fell at her home last month, resulting in a concussion and amnesia.

A Scots footballer was delighted to see the back of 2022 after two catastrophic illnesses affected his mobility and could mean he never plays the sport again. Ex-Kilmarnock midfielder Will Graham, 23, was playing for Hurlford United in a friendly match in July when he collapsed with a burst brain aneurysm.

The World Health Organization (WHO) said on Wednesday that China's recent Covid-19 outbreak is predominantly led by the Omicron subvariants BA.5.2 and BF.7, which together account for 97.5% of all local infections, while urging Beijing to deliver rapid and regular data on hospitalisation and death.

COLOMBO (News 1st) – Sri Lanka's Trade Minister Nalin Fernando said that eggs will be imported to the country next week.The announcement comes in a backdrop where several ruling party factions claim there is no money to go for an election.The Minister said that an imported egg will be sold for a price between Rs. 40/- to Rs.

The United National Party said that President Ranil Wickremesinghe has officially informed the party that he will NOT be involved in any election-related activity for Local Government institutions, namely the Municipal Councils, Urban Councils, and Pradeshiya Sabhas.A statement from the UNP notes that the President officially communicated his position on Tuesday (3).According to the UNP, the President had noted that he was given a mandate NOT to engage in elections, but to uplift the country within two years.The President had also informed the leaders of the United National Party that he is not prepared to act in contravention of that mandate.The President made these comments when he met with the senior leadership of the United National Party in Colombo on Tuesday (3).The President had told the UNP senior leadership that he is only ready to chair the UNP Working Committee in keeping with tradition if the UNP wants to decide on contesting the Local Government Election.In addition, the President had stressed that he would not be involved in any activity related to the Local Government Election. He had also informed the UNP seniors that if the party decides to contest the Local Government Election, 40% of the candidates should represent fresh faces. The President had also noted funds should only be allocated for 4,000 elected representatives, while the other 4,000 elected representatives must declare their services as free with no salary or benefits.

Colombo (News 1st) – FACE THE NATION: Towards more youth in politics. Watch Live on 4th January at 9:30 p.m. on TV1. Livestreaming on Facebook and Youtube.

RUTH Langsford has opened up on husband Eamonn Holmes' chronic health problems admitting it has "been a terrible time". The presenter spoke about Eamonn's battle to get well on ITV's Loose Women after fans became concerned for him.

GEORGIA MAY FOOTE has been flooded with support by fans after revealing she wakes up 'in agony' every day. The ex-Coronation Street star asked for help from her Instagram followers after getting sick and tired of waking up in pain.

Sharon Osbourne has had multiple procedures over the years in a bid to boost her self-confidence with tweaks to her body.