Migrant worker remittance incentive increased

COLOMBO (News 1st); Sri Lanka’s Defence Secretary, General (Retired) Kamal Gunaratne has urged the general public to refrain from causing damage to public property when engaged in peaceful demonstrations.In a televised statement he appealed to the public to refrain from engaging in acts of violence.“Although some protests and demonstrations are organized stating that they would be peaceful, and would demonstrate the democratic rights of the people, it is observed that two groups are operating these protests,” said the Defence Secretary.He said that one group is engaged in peaceful protests, whereas the other group is deliberately causing damage to public and private property while inconveniencing the general public at public roads and public places.“The second group is engaged in organized acts of violence,” said the Defence Secretary.“In some areas, the protestors on motorbikes move from place to place and launched attacks on residences and businesses using petrol bombs and stones,” he noted, while adding that another group is engaged in the looting of property.Further, the defense secretary noted that robbers have broken into the residence of protestors and committed theft as well.The Ministry of Defence, the Ministry of Public Security, and the three-armed forces with Sri Lanka Police are monitoring these protests and have no objection to the peaceful protests.He, however, noted that necessary measures will be taken to prevent acts of violence, while legal action will be instituted against those responsible for these actions.He also requested the general public NOT to be deceived by those who incite violence.

COLOMBO (News 1st); JVP MP Vijith Herath on Tuesday (5) filed a petition in Parliament.The petition notes that Avant-Garde Chairman Nissanka Senadhipathi, who looted public funds, had fled the country at 3:30 AM on Tuesday (5).Vijitha Herath called on the Parliament to take the necessary measures to seek INTERPOL assistance to arrest Senadhipathi.He further called on Parliament to even shut down the airport in order to prevent people who looted public funds from fleeing the country and thereafter produce them in court for legal action.

COLOMBO (News 1st); Former Finance Minister Basil Rajapaksa abruptly left the Party Leaders meeting in Parliament on Tuesday (5).Speaking exclusively to News 1st, Rajapaksa said the President and Prime Minister has invited anyone from other political parties to step forward.Commending on the decision taken by some MPs to remain independent, he said that the SLPP is an independent party.

Vigil held for victims of Sacramento mass shooting. April 4, 2022 SACRAMENTO, Calif. - A suspect believed connected to the mass shooting in Sacramento was arrested, but the multiple shooters police believe fatally shot six people and wounded 12 on a crowded street in California’s capital are still on the loose.More than 100 shots were fired early Sunday in downtown Sacramento, creating a chaotic scene with hundreds of people trying desperately to get to safety.

WASHINGTON - The last time President Barack Obama was in the White House was on Jan. 20, 2017, when he left to escort his successor — bent on overturning "Obamacare" — to the Capitol to be inaugurated.Obama returns to the White House on Tuesday for a moment he can savor.

Twitter’s largest shareholder, Tesla CEO Elon Musk asked his followers in a poll on Monday if they would like an "edit button" on tweets — something the platform notoriously does not currently allow. Musk recently acquired a 9% stake in Twitter, while joining other critics in questioning the social media platform’s dedication to free speech and the First Amendment. His ultimate aim in acquiring 73.5 million shares, worth about $3 billion, isn't clear. A U.S.

Saskatchewan Union of Nurses (SUN) members, released Tuesday, shows more than 80 per cent said they didn’t have enough nurses in their workplaces — more than double the number in 2021.It also shows most have experienced anxiety and feelings of helplessness and that most believe Saskatchewan premier Scott Moe and health minister Paul Merriman have not handled the COVID-19 pandemic well. Rural Saskatchewan long-term care worker describes strain, burnout The findings come after months of high profile departures and after other reports showed health-care workers have left the field.SUN president Tracy Zambory said the results represent a “canary in a coal mine” that show nurses are scared, very overwhelmed and burned out.“Patients are being put at risk because there isn’t enough health care providers to be able to give safe patient care,” she said, telling Global News Moe and Merriman have abandoned healthcare workers.“Everytime a registered nurse shows up and sees their unit, agency or facility so incredibly short staffed… it reminds them that the premier and the minister of health ignored their pleas for help, ignored their calls to say, ‘We have a health-care system that is in crisis’.”The 57.4 per cent of respondents who said they had considered leaving the profession in the past 12 months represents the highest percentage in the past eight years of that count and shows nearly a 12-per cent increase over 2021.Those who said there are temporary or permanent vacancies represented 82.8 per cent, up from 39.7 per cent in 2021.

Reports suggested that the new subtype has been detected in east China's Suzhou, which borders Shanghai. A patient in the region has been infected with a mutation VOC/Omicron variant BA.1.1, unidentified in previously found strains, posing new threats. 

Spain and Italy have both confirmed they will extend Covid travel restrictions for at least another month.

Chocolate fans have been warned not to eat certain Kinder products that have been linked to a salmonella outbreak.

As COVID restrictions ease Perth city centre is still reeling from months of closures and restrictions.

GOOD Morning Britain viewers were left heartbroken this morning as stricken The Bill star Chris Ellison struggled to speak on the show. The actor, best known for playing DCI Frank Burnside, is suffering from aphasia - the same speech debilitating illness as Hollywood action movie Bruce Willis.

NEW ORLEANS, LOUISIANA - APRIL 04: The Kansas Jayhawks celebrate after defeating the North Carolina Tar Heels 72-69 during the 2022 NCAA Men's Basketball Tournament National Championship at Caesars Superdome on April 04, 2022 in New Orleans, Louisian NEW ORLEANS - Best. Comeback.

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COLOMBO (News 1st); It is time to abolish the Executive Presidency, says the Opposition Leader Sajith Premadasa. Making a statement at the Parliament today (05), the Opposition Leader said that although many are calling for the abolishment of the 20th amendment, however time has arrived to amend the Executive Presidency.He further stated that although the Executive Presidency may be abolished, an Executive Prime Minister who is able to do things according to his wishes is also unnecessary. Emphasizing that there should be a checks and balances system, the Opposition Leader said that a large amount of executive power should not be centralized on any person. Citing an incident which took place at the Parliament mere moments earlier, the Opposition Leader stated that with such acts, Premadasa said that such methods of bribery were used to gain allegiance with the 20th Amendment at Parliament. Therefore, he added, the entire Government, starting from the President, must resign.Proposal to abolish Executive Presidency must be brought to Parliament this week.Will not accept any ministerial position, and power will ONLY be obtained with the blessings of the people.– #Opposition Leader #Sajith Premadasa#lka #SriLanka #SLnews #News1st #Parliament— Newsfirst.lk Sri Lanka (@NewsfirstSL) April 5, 2022There should be no voice in Parliament, apart from the voice heard from the streets.The people want a change in government, the Parliament must understand it.– #Opposition Leader #Sajith Premadasa#lka #SriLanka #SLnews #News1st #Parliament— Newsfirst.lk Sri Lanka (@NewsfirstSL) April 5, 2022

China sends over 10,000 health workers to aid city

School pupils and students across Scotland have now entered into their Easter holidays this week.

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Minister for Health Stephen Donnelly said he expects to be updated in a few weeks by the Chief Medical Officer on Covid-19 isolation periods.

Martha Stewart shared last evening that four of her dogs attacked and killed her cat, Princess Peony.

COLOMBO (News 1st); Sri Lanka’s newly appointed Finance Minister Ali Sabry, PC has resigned from his portfolio 24 hours after taking oaths in the presence of President Gotabaya Rajapaksa.Earlier, he was the country’s Justice Minister.

Kate Garraway has shared her husband's heartbreaking health update as she opened up about his ongoing speech battle following the effects of Covid-19.During Tuesday's (April 5) instalment of the popular ITV morning show Madeley joined TV star Chris Ellison and his wife Anita as they opened up about the actor's ongoing battle with aphasia.His wife explained how he described his condition as feeling "trapped" due to the fact that the TV star can fully understand what others are saying to him but struggles to find the words to reply.It comes after Hollywood star Bruce Willis stepped back from acting after he announced his devastating brain condition online.And now, Kate Garraway has revealed that her loving partner Derek also struggles to communicate following the drastic effects from the deadly virus Covid-19.While discussing the every day struggles with the crippling brain condition, Kate confessed her husband, who she now cares for, also finds it difficult to communicate with loved ones.She said: "In a sense Derek - because of Covid - has a version of this where he can understand, sometimes do odd words and but can't express himself.

Canada is expected to drop pre-arrival testing for travellers re-entering the country. The news is being welcomed by mayors of border cities like Niagara Falls, who say the move will have a huge impact on tourism. Brittany Rosen has more.

Both Canada and Ontario’s governments are committing over a hundred million in funding to Honda Canada. While the move will help it upgrade to sell electric vehicles, critics say the Ford Government needs to do more to shift drivers onto them.

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minimum wage increases to inflation.The change means the minimum wage will jump to $15.65 per hour on June 1, up from $15.20 an hour.“This is so wages keep pace in a predictable way. This provides certainty for businesses as well,” Minister of Labour, Harry Bains said Monday.“This better reflects the challenges for workers.

A sex worker stabbed a customer in the stomach after he grabbed his money back during a fumbled encounter.

COLOMBO (News 1st); Cement prices have risen with Tokyo cement increasing the price of a 50 kg bag of cement by 350 rupees.Accordingly, the new price of a bag of cement will be Rs. 1,850.The price of a bag of cement remained at Rs.

COLOMBO (News 1st); A decision has been reached to increase bus fares from midnight tomorrow (14).The decision was reached after considering the demands made by the bus associations.Director General of the National Transport Commission, Commander Nilan Miranda, said the fare revisions would be submitted to the Cabinet tomorrow (14) for approval.Accordingly, the new minimum bus fare will increase to between Rs. 19 to 20, and the rest of the prices will be decided once the minister submits a cabinet paper to the cabinet, the NTC Director General added.

COLOMBO (News 1st); The Ceylon Petroleum Corporation had decided increase fuel prices with immediate effect, and the revised prices are as follows :92 Octane by Rs. 77/-, to Rs.

New Brunswick are reporting a two-patient rise in COVID-19 hospitalizations, for a total of 103.The government’s COVID-19 dashboard indicates 14 people are in intensive care, a decrease of four patients since Thursday’s update.Officials are reporting one new COVID-19 death, bringing the total count in the province to 317. Pandemic, fuel prices contribute to New Brunswick’s booming bicycle business The new death involves someone in their 60s in the Miramichi region.Officials are reporting 403 new PCR-confirmed cases.New Brunswick now has 4,055 active reported infections.This will be the last daily report, as the province prepares to lift most COVID-19 restrictions next week.The COVID-19 dashboard will now be updated on a weekly basis every Tuesday with data up until, and including, the previous Saturday.Beginning Monday, masking will no longer be required in public spaces.

COLOMBO (News 1st); The All Ceylon Bakery Owners Association announced that the price of a loaf of bread will be increased by Rs. 30/- with effect from midnight on Friday (11).Accordingly, the new price will be between Rs.

COLOMBO (News 1st); The Medicines Price Control Committee had granted approval to increase the prices of medicines.State Minister Professor Channa Jayasumana told News 1st that the prices of medicines will be increased by 29%.

COLOMBO (News 1st); The price of multiple goods in Sri Lanka were increased with effect on Friday (10), after the government allowed the currency to float.Here’s a list of what was increased on #PriceHikeFriday:1. Fuel Prices:Lanka IOC raised petrol and diesel prices by Rs. 50/- and Rs.

COLOMBO (News 1st); The All Ceylon Restaurant Owners’ Association has said that the prices of rice packets, Kottu, and Short Eats will be increased from Friday (10)The Price of a rice packet will go up by Rs. 20/-, Kottu up by Rs.

COLOMBO (News 1st); Prima Ceylon (Private) Limited has decided to increase the prices of wheat flour.PRIMA said that One kilogram of Wheat Flour was increased by a price between Rs. 35/- to Rs.45/-.

COLOMBO (News 1st): Lanka IOC, the Indian Oil Corporation in Sri Lanka increased petrol and diesel prices by Rs. 50/- and Rs. 75/- from Thursday (10) .Lanka IOC Statement:CBSL has announced flexibility in foreign exchange rate and the Sri Lankan Rupee has depreciated twice in last 7 days against the dollar, initially to Rs 230 per USD and then again to an exorbitant level of Rs.

The Ford Government continues to face demands that it show evidence to back up its decision to drop masking rules on March 21. Matthew Bingley reports.

Tatiana Perebeinis and her two children were killed in Irpin, Ukraine during shelling by Russian forces on March 6, 2022. Perebeinis was the chief accountant for Silicon Valley startup SE Ranking.

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COVID-19 cases and 260 recoveries in the past 24 hours. While active cases in the country stand at 937, the case positivity rate has reduced to 0.56 per cent. Delhi on Wednesday had reported 208 new Covid-19 cases.Delhi reports 212 fresh #COVID19 cases and 260 recoveries in the last 24 hours.Active cases 937Positivity rate 0.56% pic.twitter.com/V1zOJYNnHZ

COLOMBO (News 1st); Sri Lanka’s Finance Ministry says that the government will pay an extra premium of Rs. 20/- for US dollar converted into rupees by expatriate workers.The Finance Ministry said this decision was made to further encourage remittances by migrant workers during the Sinhala Tamil New Year Season.

TAMPA, Fla. - A Tampa doughnut shop worker accused of punching and killing a customer for using a racial slur against him will spend two years on house arrest after pleading guilty to felony battery.The judge on Monday also ordered former Dunkin' employee Corey Pujols, 27, to complete 200 hours of community service and attend an anger management course.Pujols had initially been charged with aggravated manslaughter following the May 5, 2021 incident that took place at the Dunkin' location at 410 South 50 Street in Tampa.Investigators said the victim, 77-year-old Vonelle Cook, had gone through the drive-thru and was angry about the lack of service. He then parked his car and walked into the restaurant, yelling about customer service.PREVIOUS: Dunkin Donuts customer who used racial slur dies after being punched by employee, Tampa police sayEmployees said Cook was a frequent customer and described him as "regularly troublesome and abusive," a release from the State Attorney's Office noted.When Cook walked into the restaurant on May 5, 2021, prosecutors said he was aggressive and verbally abusive toward employees and Pujols.(Tampa Police Dept.) When Pujols, who is Black, asked Cook to leave, police said Cook called him the "N" word.Pujols told Cook not to call him the racial slur again.

Also read: SBI recruitment 2022: SBI announces several job vacancies, apply for posts till March 31. Check details here

More Rapid Antigen Test (RAT) collection points are being established in some of our biggest cities to meet continued demand.

AMES, Iowa - Going for a long jog or taking a brisk walk could increase the benefits of the COVID-19 shot, a new study finds.The findings, published in Brain, Behavior and Immunity, demonstrate that 90 minutes of exercise after immunization of the vaccine increases antibody response several weeks later across several models.According to the study’s researchers, a total of 68 people were included in the final analysis, which analyzed the effects of exercise on different influenza vaccines or the COVID-19 vaccine. In addition, 75 mice were included in experiments to determine the minutes of exercise required to increase antibody response to the influenza vaccine.In the experiments involving the COVID-19 vaccine, participants were randomly assigned to 90 minutes of outdoor exercise — brisk walking or jogging depending on the fitness level of the person.

In the first year of the COVID-19 pandemic, global prevalence of anxiety and depression increased by a massive 25%, according to a scientific brief released by the World Health Organization (WHO) today. The brief also highlights who has been most affected and summarizes the effect of the pandemic on the availability of mental health services and how this has changed during the pandemic.

Some independent suppliers of Personal Protective Equipment to the health service in Northern Ireland increased prices by up to eight times after the outbreak of the Covid pandemic, according to a report published today.