Sonia Gandhi health update: Senior Cong leader discharged on Tuesday

The level of homelessness in Dumfries and Galloway is higher than it was before the pandemic.

Gemma Atkinson was left terrified when she gave birth for the first time in July 2019, as severe complications led to her haemorrhaging, and concerned doctors were forced to perform an emergency C-section.The experience was so traumatic that the 38-year-old initially vowed never to give birth again, so when fans noticed that she seemed to be "breathless" during her Instagram videos while pregnant with baby number two, they spoke up.One fan urged Gemma to have her iron levels checked, only for the star to hit back and reassure her that breathlessness was "common" in pregnancy.The message from a concerned fan read: "Have u had your iron levels checked missus u sound a bit breathless, that can be a sign of low iron in pregnancy [ask] your midwife to run some bloods for u x (sic)."Gemma, who revealed last month that she was expecting her first baby boy with Strictly Come Dancing pro Gorka Marquez, sparked alarm due to the level of trauma she'd endured the first time around.The presenter replied: "I've been asked this a lot.Thanks for concern", but then added: "My bloods are checked regularly as is my [blood pressure]."Both before and during pregnancy (because I find it amazing how our bodies work) my results are spot-on and luckily have been for years," she continued."In fact, [at] my last blood pressure check a week ago I was told 'Gosh you are as chilled as you look'…"She then added that the tell-tale signs everyone had been so concerned about were actually "common"."Breathlessness is common in pregnancy due to everything shifting and moving about to make room," she wrote."I'm across my health and in very good hands with my midwife too."Gemma originally shared her baby news just weeks earlier, confessing on Instagram that

Scientists believe that there are less chances of another wave given that a large number of India’s population has been exposed to the virus and vaccinated and have thus developed hybrid immunity. New Delhi: India reported 91 new coronavirus infections in the last 24 hours, while the country’s active caseload remained unchanged at 1,817, according to an update by the health ministry on Monday. Total reported cases climbed to 4.46 crore (4,46,83,454), while death toll stands at 5,30,745.

A doctor is being probed over the alleged theft of thousands of pounds of protective equipment at the height of the Covid pandemic.

Social media activist Dharshana Handungoda has been arrested last night by the Criminal Investigation Department.He was arrested at the Bandaranaike International Airport, upon arrival from overseas.

Colombo (News 1st) – Litro Gas has announced that it will increase prices from midnight tonight. A 12.5kg cylinder will be up by LKR334; a 5kg cylinder by LKR134, and a 2.3kg cylinder by LKR61.

Colombo (News1st) – Billionaire businessman Onesh Subasinghe has been found dead in an apartment in Jakarta Indonesia.This was confirmed to News1st by Sri Lanka's Ambassador to the Republic of Indonesia Admiral Professor Jayanath Colombage. He said that a police investigation is underway in Jakarta Indonesia.When News1st reached out Ministry of Foreign Affairs, the Director Public Diplomacy said the ministry was "looking into the matter".Onesh Subasinghe was the Managing Director of Opex Holding (Pvt) Ltd, a family business.

LOVE Island star Olivia Attwood is ‘set to return’ to the I’m A Celebrity jungle after being forced to leave just days into her time on the show last year. She was told to leave the jungle after a routine blood test showed she was "dangerously anaemic" and she was rushed to A&E.

 

COLOMBO (News 1st) – The Human Rights Commission of Sri Lanka says that a special probe has been launched into the firing of water cannons and tear gas on silent protestors who led a Satyagraha opposite the Elphinstone hall in Maradana on Friday (03).The HRCSL says that the preliminary investigations have begun in this regard as teams from the commission had visited the scene on the day of the incident and on Saturday (04).The Commission added that a preliminary report is to be submitted to them on Monday (06).The Satyagraha was organized by social and civil rights activists who were engaging in a silent protest against the 75th Independence Day celebrations that were held at huge public expense.During this silent protest, it was reported that another group had arrived and had created a heated situation with those engaged in the silent protest.It was following this that the police intervened in removing the protestors from the site of the Satyagraha using water cannons and tear gas.03 individuals who were arrested following the incident were granted bail after being produced before the Maligakanda Magistrate Court, yesterday (04).Meanwhile, the 75th Independence Day celebrations were held in Colombo on Saturday (04) at Galle Face Green.

Laura Hamilton, 40, has admitted she was left “frightened” by the state of her skin when she got it professionally scanned today.The A Place in the Sun presenter said that, despite always wearing factor 50 sunscreen, she was shocked by the amount of damage to the skin on her face.Laura took to Instagram to share her experience of getting her skin scanned in view of her 175,000 followers.“This was insane…” she captioned the clip, tagging @toniobagiuk and @liftingspiritsx.“Happy Saturday!” Laura told her followers. “Hope you’re having a good weekend so far.

COLOMBO (News 1st) – The Nugegoda Magistrate's Court has issued an order against the Convener of the Inter University Students' Federation Wasantha Mudalige, Convener of the Inter University Bhikku Federation Ven.

Under the Covid vaccination drive, more than 220.56 crore vaccine doses have been administered to people across the country so far. In the last 24 hours, around 1,60,769 vaccine doses were administered New Delhi India has reported 128 new Covid cases in the last 24 hours, according to the union health ministry data. The total number of Covid cases reached 4.47 crore, with 530,745 Covid-related deaths since the onset of the Covid pandemic.

Sri Lanka's President and Prime Minister issued statements to mark the 75th Independence Day.In his message, President Ranil Wickremesinghe says there is a new economic and social reform agenda before the country with the objectives focusing first on recovery and then on renewed development. The Head of State stated it is imperative for us to unite in its implementation so that we can emerge with a high level of economic prosperity. He pledged to make the extremely difficult though vital decisions to achieve this goal with courage and determination. Prime Minister Dinesh Gunawardena in his message to mark the 75th Independence Day said "today, we not only celebrate our freedom, but also pay tribute to the ones who fought for it, to the ones who held a vision for our country, and to the ones who sacrificed themselves for the same." The Premier says the bravery, heroic acts as well as untold miseries suffered by our forefathers during their struggle for freedom of the Motherland must not be allowed to fade away from our memories.The Prime Minister adds the government has taken a series of measures to ensure recovery of the economy, and increase agricultural production to attain self-sufficiency and food security. Opposition Leader Sajith Premadasa also issued a statement to mark the 75th Independence Day. He stated "despite the fact that Sri Lanka has been independent for 75 years, we have failed to make that independence meaningful on national, social, educational, and religious levels."The Opposition Leader stated being trapped in "narrow chauvinism and communalism" is not the way to experience true freedom.

President of the Bar Association of Sri Lanka President's Counsel Saliya Pieris has raised concerns over peaceful protesters, who were detained while they were staging the 'Satyagraha for freedom' yesterday in Maradana, being denied access to lawyers.He stressed that the Police detaining access to legal counsel is in direct violation of Enforced Disappearance Act No.5 of 2018 which requires Police to give access to lawyers and relatives.Police last night dispersed a group of peaceful activists staging a Satyagraha opposite Elphinstone Theatre in Maradana.Police Media Spokesman SSP Nihal Thalduwa confirmed that four people have been arrested.Posting on social media President's Counsel Saliya Pieris further stressed that "Independence and freedom must be for the people and not limited to those in power."

On Sri Lanka’s 75th Independence Day, Gammadda gave the people of Hengamuwa village in the Kobeigane region of the Kurunegala District something to celebrate, by providing a source of safe drinking water to the entire community, with the presentation of a Reverse Oscillation (RO) Plant.This community, which relies on agriculture and whose produce feeds thousands in the nation, had no source of healthful drinking water. The water in the wells was not of suitable standard for drinking and authorities seemed deaf to the pleas of the villagers.

Michael Mosley has been raving about a certain 'overlooked' form of exercise that can have countless health and weight loss benefits.

An expert has outlined the potential problems that can arise as a result of going to the toilet when you don't really need.

Colombo (News 1st) – Violence broke out in Maradana close to the city centre in Sri Lanka’s capital city as police used tear gas and water cannons to disperse a group of peaceful protesters practicing a satyagraha.

State Pension provides essential financial support for nearly 12.5 million older people across Great Britain, including 981,399 living in Scotland. This regular payment is available for those who have reached the UK Government’s eligible retirement age, which is now 66 for both men and women, and have paid at least 10 years' worth of National Insurance Contributions.

COLOMBO (News 1st) – Udeni Wickramasinghe & Mohan Samaranayake have informed the President that they would be resigning from the Public Utilities Commission of Sri Lanka.Mohan Samaranayake in his letter of resignation had noted that the work environment, and the work style of the PUCSL has become highly unprofessional, unpleasant, and intolerable.He added that the situation has degenerated to such an extent that on 20th January 2023 when a special meeting of the commission was held, a group of thugs was organized and allowed inside the commission premises who indirectly threatened him with physical assault and destruction of property.He noted that the act of hooliganism was justified by the insinuation by the PUCSL Chairman at the National Council meeting on 24th January 2023 with the participation of the members of the commission.Samaranayake noted that the justification of threats against him indicated he run the risk of being threatened and even assaulted in the future.He also noted that the Chairman of the Public Utilities Commission of Sri Lanka by violating Section 9 (5) of the PUCSL Act continues to make decision and statements purported to be that of the commission without the concurrence of the rest of the members, thereby making other members redundant.Mohan Samaranayake said that he had been humiliated and painted the villain before the society.He also noted that the failure on the part of the government authorities to counter legal and other arguments against the proposed electricity tariff hike with irrefutable facts, leave the people in a quandary.Udeni Wickramasinghe noted that he decided to resign from the PUCSL due to personal reasons. 

COLOMBO (News 1st) – The Ceylon Electricity Board informed the Supreme Court on Friday (3) that it would be withdrawing the assurance that it gave to refrain from imposing power cuts until the Contempt of Court application filed by the Human Rights Commission of Sri Lanka is taken up for consideration, and the matter is concluded.President's Counsel Romesh De Silva appearing for the CEB made the announcement to the court.The matter was taken up in the presence of Justices Gamini Amarasekera, Kumuduni Wickremesinghe, and Shiran Gunaratne for consideration.Thereafter, the President's Counsel noted that the assurance will be withdrawn with effect from Friday (3).President's Counsel Upul Jayasuriya appearing for the Human Rights Commission of Sri Lanka requested for an interim order to prevent the CEB from imposing Power Cuts during the period of the Advanced Level Examination is over, if the respondent is withdrawing the assurance that it gave to the Supreme Court on Thursday (2).However, the Supreme Court rejected the request and fixed the matter to be taken up again on the 7th of February at 1:30 PM.The Human Rights Commission of Sri Lanka had moved to the Supreme Court against the Ceylon Electricity Board for failing to follow the directive to provide an uninterrupted supply of electricity until the end of the G. C.

COLOMBO (News 1st); US President Joe Biden has conveyed his best wishes to President Ranil Wickremesinghe and the people of Sri Lanka on the occasion of the 75th Anniversary of Sri Lankan Independence.The communication from President Biden was handed over to President Wickremesinghe by the US Under-Secretary for Political Affairs Victoria Nuland when she called on President Wickremesinghe on Wednesday (01), at the President's Office.US President Joe Biden had stated that he looks forward to strengthening and deepening the bilateral friendship even further and, together, continuing to advance the shared values and vision for a peaceful, prosperous and secure future for the people of the two countries.He pointed out that this milestone independence anniversary, coincides with the 75 years of diplomatic relations between the US and Sri Lanka.President Biden acknowledged that the longstanding partnership has helped to advance peace and prosperity across the region and globally. The US President recalled that both nations – throughout their shared history – “have tackled formidable global challenges, including the combatting of climate change, addressing the scourge of human trafficking and maintaining a secure, free and open Indo-Pacific”.President Biden pointed out that bilateral trade and economic ties have been strengthened and deepened, and that Sri Lanka and the U.S., as democracies, have always been stronger when standing together, while being united in a shared commitment to freedom, opportunity and equality, said the President's Media Division.Source: PMD

COLOMBO (News 1st); The Sri Lankabhimanya Award –  the country's highest civil honour was conferred upon Former Parliament Speaker Deshabandu Karu Jayasuriya on Friday (3) morning.The award was presented by President Ranil Wickremesinghe at the President's House.Deshabandu Karu Jayasuriya represented the Parliament from the Gampaha District and became the 20th Speaker of Parliament in 2020.He served as the Mayor of Colombo from 1997 – 1999.In addition, he also held several government ministerial portfolios including Public Administration and Home Affairs, Buddhasasana and Religious Affairs.Deshabandu Karu Jayasuriya also served as the Deputy Chairman and Chairman of the United National Party and is considered an exemplary figure in Sri Lankan politics.

COLOMBO (News 1st) – The Ad Hoc Group of Sri Lanka Bondholders (the "Bondholder Group") in a letter to the IMF Managing Director has confirmed it is prepared to engage, through its Steering Committee, with the Sri Lankan authorities in restructuring negotiations consistent with the parameters of an IMF Programme and the targets specified therein (the "IMF Programme Targets").The Ad Hoc Group of Sri Lanka Bondholders (the "Bondholder Group") has acknowledges the Sri Lankan authorities' engagement with their official creditors towards a resolution of the current crisis and restoration of debt sustainability.The Bondholder Group further acknowledged that such engagement has recently resulted in the Government of India (in its letter to the IMF, dated January 16, 2023 (the "India Letter")) delivering letters of financing assurances, committing to support Sri Lanka and contribute to its efforts to restore debt sustainability by providing debt relief and financing consistent with the IMF Extended Fund Facility Arrangement (the "IMF Programme") and the IMF Programme targets indicated in the India Letter.Similarly, the Bondholder Group through its Steering Committee stands ready to engage quickly and effectively with the Sri Lankan authorities to design and implement restructuring terms that would help Sri Lanka restore debt sustainability and allow the country to re-gain access to the international capital markets during the IMF Programme period.The Bondholder Group understands that the IMF Programme's debt sustainability targets are identified as (i) reducing the ratio of public debt to GDP to 95% by 2032,  (ii) limiting the central government's annual gross financing needs to GDP ratio to 13% in the period between 2027 and

COLOMBO (News 1st); The car that belonged to millionaire businessman Roshan Wanninayake, the owner of a retail clothing chain, who was found dead in a rooftop swimming pool at a house in Pelawatte, Battaramulla was located from St.

Colombo (News1st) – Chevaan Daniel in converstaion with Faraz Shauketaly on the Talk Of The Town 

COLOMBO (News 1st); The Indian Minister of State for External Affairs and Parliamentary Affairs, Shri V. Muraleedharan will be visiting Colombo to participate in the celebrations connected with the 75th Independence Day of Sri Lanka on 4 February 2023.The Indian Ministry of External Affairs said that his visit will take place at the invitation of the Government of Sri Lanka.During the visit, the Minister of State will also have separate bilateral interactions with President Ranil Wickremesinghe and the Sri Lankan Foreign Minister, Mr.

COLOMBO (News 1st); Former Archbishop of Colombo His Grace the Most Rev. Dr Oswald Gomis was called to eternal rest at the age of 90 during the early hours on Friday (3).The remains of the late Most Rev. Dr Oswald Gomis will be moved to the Bishops' House at noon on Friday (3).His Grace the Most Rev.

COLOMBO (News 1st); Sri Lankan Opposition Leader Sajith Premadasa has decided not to attend the 75th Independence Day celebrations in Colombo on Saturday (4).Speaking to News 1st the Opposition Leader confirmed his decision to boycott the grand event.In addition, the group of MPs led by Dullas Alahapperuma who left the government to become independent have also decided to boycott the 75th Independence Day celebrations.Speaking to News 1st MP Alahapperuma said he decided to boycott the event as he cannot agree with the programs carried out by the present government.Sri Lanka will be celebrating the 75th Independence Day at Galle Face on Saturday (4) in a three-hour long event starting from around 8 AM.

COLOMBO (News 1st); The Secretary to the Prime Minister has instructed to issue a gazette notification regarding the name of the area which has been known as Slave Island in English until now, as Kompanna Vidiya / Kompagngna Veediya in the three main languages used in the country.The Secretary to the Prime Minister Anura Dissanayake has informed the Secretary of the Ministry of Public Administration, Home Affairs, Local Government and Provincial Councils, the Postmaster General and the Commissioner of Colombo Municipal Council regarding this decision which has been taken on the advice of Prime Minister Dinesh Gunawardena in line with the 75th commemoration of Independence.Accordingly, road signs, postal usage, assessment and names of voters and voters’ registers associated with, Kompagngna Veediya / Kompanna Vidiya, Colombo 2, will be renamed as Kompanna Vidiya / Kompagngna Veediya in Sinhala, Tamil and English since the nomenclature of “Slave Island” used during the colonial period signifies a different meaning. The name "Slave Island" was coined during the period of British colonial rule and was a reference to the usage of the island under Portuguese rule as a holding area for African slaves, most of them from the Swahili coast and Portuguese East Africa.

COLOMBO (News 1st) – The ‘75th Independence Anniversary Commemoration Medal’ was introduced to the Sri Lankan Tri-Forces recently. Symbolising the bestowal of the new medal, the Chief of Defence Staff General Shavendra Silva WWV RWP RSP VSV USP ndc psc MPhil, Commanders of the Sri Lanka Army, Navy and Air Force, and a cross section of the tri services that is comprised of both officers and other ranks were ceremonially awarded the medal by the the president Ranil Wickremesinghe.Addressing the event in Kandy on Wednesday (1), President Ranil Wickremesinghe emphasized that although lives lost during the war cannot be regained, the income lost during the economic war could be regained.The President also pointed out that the stability of political and territorial integrity of a country is the best factor to win over the economic war.

COLOMBO (News 1st) – Chinese Foreign Ministry Spokesperson Mao Ning has retaliated to comments made by US Under Secretary of State for Political Affairs Victoria Nuland during her visit to Sri Lanka that terms extended by China to Sri Lanka for getting IMF debt relief are not enough."Rather than jabbing fingers at China’s close cooperation with Sri Lanka, the US might as well show some sincerity and actually do something to help Sri Lanka weather through the current difficulties," Ning said responding to journalists at a regular press conference on Thursday (02)."What was said by the US side does not reflect the truth. The Export-Import Bank of China has already provided Sri Lanka with the letter to express support for its debt sustainability.

COLOMBO (News 1st) – The Convener of the Inter-University Students' Federation Wasantha Mudalige attended a media briefing for the first in 167 days on Thursday (2).At this media briefing, he made certain startling revelations about what he experienced during his detention.According to Wasantha Mudalige he was arrested by a police officer identified as ASP Mahinda Wiloarachchi from the Peliygaoda Special Police Unit.Mudalige said he was taken to the Peliyagoda Police and thereafter to an emptied out Enderamulla Police where ASP Mahinda Wiloarachchi from the Peliygaoda Special Police Unit had a pistol on the table pointed at him in a bid to instill fear."At the Enderamulla Police, the person identified as ASP Mahinda Wiloarachch placed a pistol on the table pointed towards me, and asked if I recall what happened to Wijeweera and Vijaya Kumaratunga. He said that is what I deserved, however given the situation I would not be killed.

Residents in Wishaw and the surrounding areas are being invited to make new friends and become more active by joining new health walks.

The ranks of American workers are thinning—often because people aged out of the workforce, or never entered it. Their absence could impede the economy’s ability to grow, and make for a less prosperous future. “Your call is very important to us—please stay on the line." Some customer service agents have moved on to more lucrative pastures during the pandemic, but a lot of America’s “missing workers" might never be coming back.

Colombo (News 1st) – Watch Dr. Rohan Pethiyagoda on Newsline with Faraz Shauketaly. Streaming on FB and Youtube.

COLOMBO (News 1st) – New Zealand has advised its citizens to Exercise increased caution in Sri Lanka due to the impacts of the economic crisis, the potential for civil unrest and the risk of terrorism.The Ministry of Foreign Affairs and Trade for New Zealand in its official portal noted that Sri Lanka has stabilised somewhat since the widespread shortages and associated large protests and consequent changes in political leadership in mid-2022. There are still sporadic shortages of basic goods including medicines and some food due to the economic position of the country and living conditions of Sri Lankans, which have significantly deteriorated in the past year. It added that there is a restricted/limited supply of fuel including diesel, petrol and cooking gas, which is being rationed. The rationing system has reduced queues but there may occasionally be difficulties or delays obtaining specific types of fuel, particularly outside of Colombo.It added that Travellers should ensure they have transport plans and contingency plans in place ahead of any journeys to or around Sri Lanka. It also advises New Zealanders in Sri Lanka to avoid protests, demonstrations, political rallies and events, large crowds and queues. On Terrorism, New Zealand says there is an ongoing threat of terrorism in Sri Lanka.It added that in response to the 2019 April Attacks, the country’s security presence has increased, and security has since improved across the country.More details on : https://www.safetravel.govt.nz/sri-lanka

Fast-beating heart: This is an extremely serious symptom. In such cases, you may experience your heart beat rapidly or irregularly. At times, you might also feel lightheaded or dizzy.

(Reuters) – The Paris Club of creditor nations is ready to provide financing assurances to Sri Lanka, a key step needed to unlock a $2.9 billion bailout by the International Monetary Fund (IMF), two sources with direct knowledge of the matter told Reuters.The informal group of bilateral lenders is set to "soon" announce its support to the crisis-hit nation on a debt overhaul, said one of the people, who asked not to be named because talks are private.The Asian island nation, which is grappling with soaring inflation, a recession and currency depreciation, entered into a staff level agreement with the IMF last September.But it needs financing assurances from key bilateral lenders before the fund's executive board approves the programme.Sri Lanka's public debt stood at 122% of GDP, of which 70% is denominated in foreign currency, according to data in a country presentation to investors in November.China and India, both non-Paris Club members, are the top bilateral lenders. "Paris Club assurance is not reliant on China," said the source.Another source said the informal group is currently reaching out to other non-Paris Club besides China on financing assurances, but did not provide any further details.India previously committed to help ease the debt burden of neighbour Sri Lanka as part of the IMF programme, and China's Eximbank offered a two-year moratorium in a letter sent to the island nation in January.While the IMF has not yet provided any guidance on where the lender stands regarding China's assurances to Sri Lanka, a U.S.

COLOMBO (News 1st) – The Ceylon Electricity Board has assured the Supreme Court that it would refrain from imposing power cuts until the Contempt of Court application filed by the Human Rights Commission of Sri Lanka is taken up for consideration, and the matter is concluded.President's Counsel Uditha Egalahewa appearing for the Ceylon Electricity Board made the assurance to the court and pointed out that during the said period no power outages will take place.The matter was called up in the presence of Supreme Court Justices P. Padman Surasena, Yasatha Kodagoda, and Shiran Gunaratne on Thursday (2).The application will be taken up for consideration at 11:30 AM on Friday (3).The Human Rights Commission of Sri Lanka moved to the Supreme Court against the Ceylon Electricity Board for failing to follow the directive to provide an uninterrupted supply of electricity until the end of the G.

COLOMBO (News 1st) – Sumedha Aruna Shantha from the Samagi Jana Balawegaya was elected as the new Mayor of Kurunegala by a majority vote.Sumedha Aruna Shantha and the Opposition Leader of the Kurunegala Municipal Council Wijayananda Wedisinghe contested for the post of Mayor.Sumedha Aruna Shantha secured 10 votes, while Wijayananda Wedisinghe only obtained 6 votes.A new mayor was elected after Former Kurunegala Mayor Thushara Sanjeeva Witharana was removed from his post by North Western Province Governor Admiral of the Fleet Wasantha Karannagoda in an Extraordinary Gazette.The Gazette stated that the position of the Mayor of the Kurunegala Municipal Council would be considered as vacant with effect from December 31, 2022.The Governor had cited the defeat of the Kurunegala Municipal Council Budget for 2023 as the reason for the dismissal. The Governor had made the above announcements as per the powers vested on him by the Municipal Council Ordinance and the Provincial Council (Incidental Provisions) Act.

COLOMBO (News 1st): All Island Three-Wheeler Drivers' Association announced that Three-wheeler fares will not be increased despite an increase in petrol prices.The price of a litre of 92 Octane Petrol was increased by Rs. 30/- with effect from midnight on Wednesday (1), and the new price is Rs.

COLOMBO (News 1st) – Nine Police Special Task Force members were injured after three buses collided with each other.The Police Media Division said that the STF personnel were on their way to attend the Independence Day rehearsals in Colombo early on Thursday (2) morning.Police added that the three buses were from the Police Special Task Force camp in Katukurunda, and all three buses crashed into each other at the Nallur Junction in Panadura.The injured STF personnel were admitted to the Panadura Hospital.

Colombo (News 1st) – Tax expert N. R. Gajendran discusses Sri Lanka's tax policy with Faraz Shauketaly.

 – News 1st's Naveksha Gunasekera contributed to this report.

COLOMBO (News1st) – The Catholic Church questions how Sri Lanka can proudly celebrate its independence at a time when the country's economy and the rule of law is in disarray.   At a media briefing in Colombo today, Media Spokesperson of the Catholic Church, Reverend Father Cyril Gamini stated, "We must question how independence day can be celebrated proudly at a cost of Rs.200 million in a country that is unable to meet its foreign debt obligations, a country that is bankrupt". He further explained the situation in the country, that "30% of the population is starving, 33.4% of children under 5 years are suffering from malnutrition, many people are being laid off, small and medium scale businesses are crashing, the rule of law has deteriorated severely,human rights are being violated without any remorse, laws including the PTA are being misused to suppress fundamentals rights of the people, electricity cannot be provided continuously even during the A/L exam period and the lives of patients are at risk due to medicine shortages".Rev.

Ozzy Osbourne has been forced to cancel his UK and Europe tour after updating fans on his health.