IMF agreement is integral to Sri Lanka, but we must have a pro-people approach – Sajith

Police began an investigation on March 8 after being contacted with "concerns for the safety of a child," and located the baby on March 9 "along the road in the 5300 block of Delaware Street in Warren County." On Monday, officials said that Megan Sta A mother and grandfather in Iowa were arrested after allegedly killing a newborn baby.The Norwalk, Iowa police department said in a press release that Megan Staude, 25, gave birth to a baby in the last days of February. Investigators say that with the help of her father, 64-year-old Rodney Staude, the baby was "left to die" and disposed of along a street in the town.Police began an investigation on March 8 after being contacted with "concerns for the safety of a child," and located the baby deceased on March 9 "along the road in the 5300 block of Delaware Street in Warren County." On Monday, officials said that Megan Staude and Rodney Staude had been arrested.Megan Staude and Rodney Staude are being charged with first-degree murder in the newborn baby's death, police said.IOWA MAN DIED IN ‘DEPLORABLE CONDITIONS’ AFTER SON, GIRLFRIEND DENIED HIM CARE: POLICEAccording to KCCI-TV, Megan Staude's coworkers contacted police after becoming suspicious when noticing that she wasn't pregnant anymore and finding that her story didn't make sense. Police said that the baby's body was found a few miles from their house, the report states.VIDEO SHOWS OFF-DUTY CHICAGO COP IN DEADLY SHOOTING OF ASSAILANT: ‘I TOLD YOU I’D SHOOT YOU'Law enforcement and professional volunteer searches assisted in locating the baby.CLICK HERE TO GET THE FOX NEWS APPOfficials say that an autopsy was conducted by the Iowa State Medical Examiner, with results pending.

Nestlé Purina PetCare Company is recalling more of its prescription dog food over potentially elevated levels of vitamin D. (Credit: FDA) Nestlé Purina PetCare Company is recalling more of its prescription dog food over potentially elevated levels of vitamin D, according to federal health officials.Two more lots of Purina Pro Plan Veterinary Diets EL Elemental prescription dry dog food has been voluntarily recalled after Purina discovered a supplier error, according to a recall notice posted by the Food and Drug Administration (FDA). "The expansion comes following an investigation prompted by Purina that uncovered new information about a production error from a U.S.

A Russian fighter jet collided into an American Reaper surveillance drone over the Black Sea in international airspace on Tuesday, according to the U.S. European Command.

Finn trotting along the Outer Banks in Corolla, North Carolina. (Meg Puckett, CWHF herd manager)A beloved wild stallion that was a familiar favorite among visitors to the Outer Banks of North Carolina has tragically passed. Finn, an 11-year-old stallion, was seen fighting with other stallions last Friday, according to a post published to the Corolla Wild Horse Fund (CWHF) Facebook page. Then, later that same Friday evening into Saturday morning, Finn was seen "unable/unwilling to move." Veterinarians observed that Finn’s leg was broken beyond repair and it was advised that he be euthanized to end his suffering, the Facebook post read. According to the veterinarians, there was no reason to suspect that Finn’s injuries were caused by anything human-related, such as being hit by a vehicle. "While it is a devastating loss for those of us who cared for Finn and who will miss him dearly, what happened to him is nature in its most basic, wild, and unforgiving form.

PHILADELPHIA - One of America's largest and most popular retailers is officially shutting down one of its Philadelphia locations.The Washington Square Target at 1128 Chestnut Street will close for good on May 13 "after multiple years of working to improve performance," according to a Target spokesperson.Currently, 45 part-time and full-time employees work at the Center City location, which opened in 2016. MORE HEADLINES:Official say those employees will be offered the chance to work at a nearby Target. After the Washington Square store closes, nine other Targets will remain open in Philadelphia.The Target closure comes months after Wawa closed two Center City locations due to the rise of crime and violence across the city. 

India has seen its daily count of covid cases go above 400 lately, according to government data, with two deaths reported, one each in Karnataka and Himachal Pradesh. While our seven-day rolling average of daily infections calculated on Monday was barely a thousandth of the Delta wave peak in mid-2021, an uptrend has caused concern enough to catch the attention of our authorities.

KYIV, Ukraine - A Russian fighter jet on Tuesday struck the propeller of a U.S. surveillance drone over the Black Sea, causing American forces to bring down the unmanned aerial vehicle in international waters, the U.S.

BUCKS COUNTY, Pa. - Several credit card skimmers discovered at local gas stations has prompted a police department to take further action to protect their citizens.Police say the skimmers were found on several gas station pumps at two separate locations in Penndel, a borough in Bucks County:No devices were found at a third location in town, according to authorities.MORE HEADLINES:Police say the source of the skimmers is not known at this time. However, an investigation has been launched, and additional checks are being added."We have been frequently checking the pumps for skimmers and working with the business owners to prevent them in the first place.

An overdue book was returned to an Oregon library nearly 45 years after being checked out. (Credit: Deschutes Public Library) BEND, Ore. - It's better late than never for an overdue library book that was returned nearly 45 years after being checked out. The Deschutes Public Library in Bend, Oregon, said it received a package earlier this month.Inside was a 1974 copy of "The Hockey Trick" by Scott Corbett. RELATED: 'My heart completely melted': 2nd grader dresses like teacher for Superhero DayBut the book also came with an apology note, possibly from the borrower. "Many apologies," the note read.

NFL’s competition committee will consider making roughing-the-passer penalties and personal-foul penalties subject to video review.The two potential rule changes were among nine the league announced Monday in its 2023 playing rules, bylaw and resolution proposals submitted by clubs.The Los Angeles Rams proposed the change that would allow teams to challenge roughing-the-passer calls. Several such calls sparked outrage last season, leaving players and coaches questioning what constitutes a legal hit on a quarterback.The Detroit Lions proposed giving teams an opportunity to challenge personal foul calls.The competition committee will consider the rule changes later this month when NFL owners gather in Arizona for their annual meeting.Other proposals include an option to try to convert a fourth-and-20 from the kicking team’s 20-yard line instead of attempting an onside kick.

Zellers has confirmed its comeback date at select locations starting in Ontario and Alberta.

FILE-Security personnel check the health codes of travelers on smartphones at an entrance to Beijing Capital International Airport in Beijing, China, on Tuesday, Feb. 2, 2021.

Kate Garraway has given an update on her family life as well as her husband Derek Draper's progress as he continues to battle the devastating effects contracting coronavirus had on his body. Many fans are aware that Derek Draper suffered severe complications after contracting coronavirus in March 2020.

Oscar-winning actress is set to film a new project in Ireland in the coming months, but has insisted against wearing a mask because she is “full of antibodies and very healthy”, having contracted the virus a number of times.Speaking as part of her keynote speech at the SXSW Film and TV Festival on Monday (March 13), she said (via Vanity Fair): “I’m about to shoot a picture in Ireland, and I was told to wear a mask at all times, and I’m not.“I’m sure this is being recorded. I’ve had COVID-19 multiple times so I’m full of antibodies and very healthy.”Last year, Swinton explained that while she had got off “relatively lightly” with the virus, she suffered with memory problems and vertigo as a result.She told The Guardian: “I was coughing like an old gentleman who smoked a pipe for 70 years, and had nasty vertigo.

Quebec provincial police say a man is expected to appear in court Tuesday after he allegedly plowed into pedestrians — killing two of them and injuring nine others in Amqui, Que. — in what investigators believe was a “premeditated” act.

PHILADELPHIA - A Philadelphia police officer shot and injured on the job last month is finally heading home after weeks of recovering in the hospital.Officer Giovanni Maysonet was attempting to stop two suspects fleeing a traffic stop on 60th Street on February 8 when a physical struggle ensued.Police say one suspect allegedly fired at least two shots at the officer, hitting him in the chest of his bulletproof vest and an unprotected part of his abdomen. In an audio recording of the incident obtained by FOX 29, Officer Maysonet is heard saying, "I think I'm shot twice.

PHILADELPHIA - Two men were caught yielding an ax and a gun in an attempt to rob a convenience store in Philadelphia's Eastwick section last week.Police say the suspects demanded money from an employee at the Maranatha Grocery Store on West Passyunk Avenue.Video captured one suspect holding the employee at gunpoint as the other carried a wooden box with an ax inside.MORE HEADLINES: With a few swings of the ax, the suspects attempted to break into an ATM.They fled the scene without any stolen items or money, according to police.Police are attempting to identify the suspects, and ask anyone with information to contact them.

COLOMBO (News 1st); Sri Lankan President Ranil Wickremesinghe has expressed gratitude to the Paris Club, Japan, India, and China for enabling cooperation required to reach an IMF facility for the country.In an open letter to Sri Lanka's Official Bilateral Creditors, President Wickremesinghe noted that the government deployed all efforts to demonstrate our commitment to the EFF program and relentlessly engage on the path to reforms. He said the administration has already implemented major reforms by way of prior actions agreed with the IMF.The President said his government introduced a robust  reform agenda aimed at achieving debt sustainability, strengthening governance, widening the social safety nets supporting the most vulnerable and ensuring we can grow an inclusive  economy attractive to international business. He said this is how Sri Lanka will improve the lives of its people and ensure they are first in line to benefit from improvements in our economic conditions.The President has requested creditors to maintain and even enlarge and strengthen official bilateral creditor coordination in the context of Sri Lanka's forthcoming engagement. He called on the Paris Club  bilateral partners, in particular Japan, together with all our other official bilateral partners,  including India and China, to garner and foster coordination as you best see fit.The Presidnet noted that Sri Lanka is committed to communicate transparently with all on any debt treatment terms that are agreed with any creditor or group of creditors, before being formalized. The President in his letter has also committed not to resume debt service to any creditor unless that creditor agrees on a comprehensive debt treatment in line with IMF-supported

Former British prime minister Boris Johnson will appear before a parliamentary committee next week that is investigating whether he misled lawmakers over Covid-19 lockdown-breaking events in Downing Street.

British actress Tilda Swinton is adamant she will not wear a mask on the set of her new project, despite being asked to do so. "I'm actually just about to start shooting a picture in Ireland. And I was told, full disclosure, and I'm sure this is being recorded – people in Ireland might hear it – to wear a mask at all times," she revealed while giving the keynote address at the 2023 South by Southwest Festival (SXSW).

In this photo illustration, the app icons of Facebook, Messenger, Instagram, WhatsApp, and Oculus VR are displayed on a smartphone screen with a Meta logo in the background. (Photo Illustration by Onur Dogman/SOPA Images/LightRocket via Getty Images) MENLO PARK, Calif. - Facebook-parent Meta is slashing another 10,000 jobs and will not fill 5,000 open positions as the social media pioneer cuts costs.The company said Tuesday it will reduce the size of its recruiting team and make further cuts in its tech groups in late April, and then its business groups in late May."This will be tough and there's no way around that," said CEO Mark Zuckerberg.

CHESTER COUNTY, Pa. - Imagine getting up to the register after a day of shopping only to find your wallet missing - a terrifying revelation police say is becoming more and more common in one Pennsylvania county."Distraction pick pocket" crimes are on the rise in Tredyffrin Township, a township in Chester County, according to the local police department.As one suspect distracts an unsuspecting victim, other suspects steal wallets and possibly other items from their purses.Police say innocent women have been the target of such crimes at the Paoli Acme and TJ Maxx in the Gateway Shopping Center.MORE HEADLINES:In each case, the suspects used the victims' credit cards to make large purchases at nearby retail stores.Four suspects have been caught on surveillance in connection to the TJ Maxx incident.Police don't believe the cases are linked at this point in time, but are asking for help to identify the suspects.

Greenbelt was kicked off stage by Avril Lavigne during Monday night’s Juno Awards.On Monday evening, as Lavigne was speaking to assembled guests at the Edmonton event, a topless protester appeared on the stage behind her.The message “Save the Greenbelt” was written on their body.Lavigne was quick to order the protester to leave the stage. “Get the f–k off,” she said, still speaking into the microphone.

Scottish comedian Janey Godley has given her fans an update on her health as she posted a video on her social media beaming with joy to alert everyone her cancer markers were back down to normal.

Kate Garraway has opened up about the reason she decided to draft in cameras to capture every aspect of her husband Derek Draper's health battle after he was hospitalised due to contracting coronavirus.

COLOMBO (News 1st); The Mahanayake Theros of the Malwathu and Asgiri Chapters in a letter to the President have called for measures to reduce the cost of living, minimize the burden on the people and introduce a proper policy-based mechanism to control social unrest. The letter to the President was signed by the Mahanayake of Malwathu Chapter of the Siam Sect the Most Venerable Thibbatuwawe Sri Sumangala Thero, and the Mahanayake of the Asgiri Chapter of the Siam Sect the Most Venerable Warakagoda Sri Gnanaratana Thero.

PHILADELPHIA - A deadly discovery has launched a shooting investigation in North Philadelphia Tuesday morning.Police found a body laying in a vacant lot when they were called to the 3000 block of North 16th Street around 2:30 a.m.The 28-year-old, who has not been identified, was bleeding from the head and leg, according to authorities.MORE HEADLINES:Three spent shell casings were also found at the scene.A motive is unknown, and a suspect description has yet to be released.

FILE IMAGE - A Margherita pie is seen served on July 7, 2020, in New York, New York. (Photo by Arturo Holmes/Getty Images) Tuesday, March 14 is National Pi Day, the annual celebration of the mathematical constant Pi — which is approximately equivalent to 3.14. Pi is the ratio of a circle’s circumference to its diameter but also serves as another reason to eat pizza and pie. There are several companies offering deals to celebrate the day.

U.S. President Joe Biden delivers remarks at Naval Base Point Loma in San Diego, California, on March, 13, 2023.

Mumbai, Maharashtra, India – Business Wire India Having a reliable health insurance policy can be crucial in managing medical expenses. Royal Sundaram has been providing health insurance coverage for over two decades, helping policyholders navigate the complexities of obtaining affordable Health Insurance. As a leading provider of health insurance, the company has been dedicated to helping individuals and families manage their medical expenses with ease.

COLOMBO (News 1st); Sri Lanka's Prime Minister Dinesh Gunawardena noted that immediate measures will be taken to announce the new tenure of Local Government Institutions.The Prime Minister said that the new tenure will be announced following talks with the Election Commission, and the Ministry officials.All public property used by Local Government Members should be handed over to the state before the 19th of March.State Minister Janaka Wakkumbura told News 1st that the tenure of Local Government Institutions will cease from midnight on the 19th of March, and the administration will fall under the Urban Commissioners and the Pradeshiya Sabha Secretaries.He said that only reform measures can be adopted by Local Government Institutions after the 19th of March.

COLOMBO (News 1st); The Government Printer says that funds are yet to be provided for the printing of ballot papers.A Senior Officer said that in the present context, it is not possible to commence the printing process.Ballot paper for postal voting for 17 district have been completed.According to the Government Printer, the previous election date was printed on these ballot papers.The Government Printer said the Election Commission will be consulted on amending the ballot papers.In addition, the Election Commission says the Government Printer has not officially communicated over a delay in printing ballot papers.Election Commission Chairman Attorney Nimal Punchihewa told News 1st that if an official communication is made, the commission can meet and decided on the matter.However, the secure packages containing the ballot papers for postal voting are expected to be delivered to Postal Services on the 21st of March. 

PHILADELPHIA - A car riddled with bullets was found empty with the engine still running, sparking an investigation into what ended up being a deadly triple shooting.Police were called to the 1000 block of North Marshall Street in Northern Liberties for reports of gunshots just before 11 p.m.

Rep. Pat Schroeder is pictured in an archive image from the 1980s. (Denver Post via Getty Images) WASHINGTON - Former U.S.

H3N2 influenza virus. Several states of the country, including Tamil Nadu, are witnessing rising cases of the H3N2 influenza virus.

SHERMAN, Texas - Former Dallas Cowboys wide receiver Michael Irvin has dropped his $100 million dollar defamation lawsuit against Marriott and a hotel employee.Irvin's attorney Levi McCathern filed a notice of dismissal in US District Court on Monday, court records show.It is not clear if dropping the lawsuit means both sides have reached a settlement.Irvin filed the lawsuit last month after a Phoenix hotel employee reported misconduct against him, which later led to him be taken off NFL Network coverage leading up to the Super Bowl. PREVIOUS COVERAGE: Michael Irvin pulled from Super Bowl coverage after woman’s complaintIn a news conference last Wednesday the ex-Cowboy passionately defended himself, denying any wrongdoing and comparing the accusations to a modern lynching.In a court filing Friday, Marriott said Irvin made unwelcome sexual advances toward a female employee.The documents say on Feb. 5 at the Renaissance Phoenix Hotel, Irvin "appeared to be visibly intoxicated," and in conversation with the female staffer, asked a lewd question about intercourse with a Black man.Marriott went to say another employee walked over to Irvin after the victim walked away, and that "After Irvin finished leering at the Victim and turned back to Employee 1, he said aloud ‘she bad,’ ‘she bad…’" followed by a sexual remark.He then "slapped himself in the face three times, saying ‘keep it together Mike.’"Irvin’s attorney, Levi McCathern, said Friday that the allegations were "hogwash" and not supported by witnesses.Former Dallas Cowboys wide receiver Michael Irvin claims he did nothing wrong as he faces accusations of misconduct by an Arizona hotel employee from an incident during Super Bowl week.

PHILADELPHIA - A man has been taken into police custody after he drove a minivan into the front of Philadelphia Police headquarters. The crash happened just before 5 a.m.

Pfizer argued that Seagen can provide a steady and long-lasting revenue stream that will help fill the $17 billion hole it is facing as key products lose patent protection between 2025 and 2030. Pfizer makes a decent argument. Its commercial and manufacturing heft can undoubtedly maximize the value of Seagen’s portfolio and pipeline of antibody-drug conjugates, medicines that use antibodies to deliver powerful chemotherapies directly to tumor cells.

Silicon Valley Bank corporate items — from t-shirts to used coffee tumblers — just days after it came crashing down. The collapse of Silicon Valley Bank marked the second-biggest bank failure in U.S. history after Washington Mutual in 2008. It's only been three days since the bank, the 16th largest in the U.S., failed after depositors hurried to withdraw money amid anxiety over the bank’s health.

China will reopen its borders to foreign tourists for the first time in the three years since the Covid-19 pandemic erupted by allowing all categories of visas to be issued from tomorrow.

COLOMBO (News 1st); Sri Lanka's Cabinet of Ministers has granted approval to go ahead with a pilot project to install Floating Solar Panel Power Plants on the surface of Kiriibban Wewa reservoir and Chandrika Wewa reservoir in the Ratnapura District.Under the Framework Convention on Grant Aid signed between the Republic of Korea and Sri Lanka in 2009, the Minister of Trade, Industry and Energy of the Republic of Korea has agreed to provide a grant amounting 6.83 Billion Korean Won for the implementation of a pilot project to install floating solar panel power plant with 1 MW capacity on the surface of reservoirs. Korea Institute for Advancement of Technology is acting as the monitoring agency for the pilot project on behalf of the Korean government, said the Department of Government Information.Accordingly, the Cabinet of Ministers approved the proposal presented by the Minister of Power and Energy to sign the documents between the Korea Institute for Advancement of Technology, the Ministry of Power and Energy and the Department of External Resources to start and implement this pilot project according to the agreement reached.

COLOMBO (News 1st); Leave of all employees of Sri Lanka Railways cancelled with immediate effect, said the Superintendent of Sri Lanka Railway on Tuesday (14) afternoon.The announcement came after the Locomotive Operating Engineers' Association of Sri Lanka Railways declared a 24-hour strike.The strike will come into effect at midnight on Tuesday (14).The Locomotive Operating Engineers' Association decided to go on strike in support of the mass strike that will launched by multiple trade unions on Wednesday (15), against the governments unjust tax policy, and several other social issues.

COLOMBO (News 1st); Multiple sectors have decided to go on strike for 24-hours on Wednesday (15). One of the main reasons for the strike is the government's latest tax policy, which professionals term as unfair. They have called for immediate reforms in the tax policy.Health Services:The Trade Union action, launched by the Government Medical Officers' Association on Monday (13), continued on Tuesday (14) across five provinces and is expected to go nation-wide on Wednesday (15).The GMOA went on strike against the government's new tax regime, medicine shortage and several other social issues.The All Ceylon Nurses' Union said it would support Wednesday's (15) strike action.Postal Services:The United Postal Services Trade Union Front said it would engage in a trade union action as planned on Wednesday (15).It added that workers at the Central Mail Exchange will step away from duties from 4 PM on Tuesday (14).Transportation Services:The Locomotive Operating Engineers' Association of Sri Lanka Railways declared a 24-hour strike. The strike will come into effect at midnight on Tuesday (14).Education Services: Prof.

COLOMBO (News 1st); The Professionals Trade Union Collective says that the ongoing trade union action will continue on Tuesday (14).According to Trade Union representatives, discussions with the President's Secretary on Monday (13) night ended without any decision being reached.The Professionals Trade Union Collective is currently engaged in protests, strikes, and work to rule campaigns against the government's tax regime.Their primary demand is that the tax policy be amended to a reasonable level.Over 40 trade unions from multiple sectors are engaged in the trade union action.Doctors in The North Western, Uva, Sabaragamuwa, Northern, and North Central provinces are on strike on Tuesday (14).

COLOMBO (News 1st); The Locomotive Operating Engineers' Association of Sri Lanka Railways have declared a 24-hour strike.The strike will come into effect at midnight on Tuesday (14).The Locomotive Operating Engineers' Association decided to go on strike in support of the mass strike that will launched by multiple trade unions on Wednesday (15), against the governments unjust tax policy, and several other social issues.

COLOMBO (News 1st); Sri Lanka's Postal Service has been declared as an essential service by the President via an extraordinary gazette dated 13th March 2023. 

BUCKS COUNTY, Pa. - A single-car crash in Bucks County claimed the life of a 19-year-old woman Monday morning.Officials say the driver was speeding when she crashed into a train crossing post at the intersection of Broad and Front streets in Quakertown just before 6:30 a.m.The woman, identified as 19-year-old Ashley Kulick, was pronounced dead at the scene.MORE HEADLINES:Her death was ruled an accident from blunt force injuries, according to the coroner's office.

City of Madison Fire Department noted. On March 12, the agency released footage of a home explosion obtained by the social news platform Storyful. According to local media reports, no one was home, and there were no injuries in the incident. In a Facebook post, the Madison Fire Department wrote "large amounts of snow can put heavy weight and pressure on the pipes which ultimately causes them to break and fail.  "In both home explosions, there was 10+ ft or more of snow on the gas meter."Officials concluded writing "another issue is snow clogging the vent on the regulator which can cause a build up of pressure which can cause gas to leak into a home," the fire department wrote.