Sri Lanka raises Policy Interest Rates by 1%

Colombo (News 1st) – Local Government Elections are 'critical' for Sri Lanka, stated US Ambassador to Sri Lanka Julie Chung.She made the statement while speaking as the Guest of Honour at the 2023 edition of the National Law Conference, the most prestigious event of the Bar Association of Sri Lanka, in Colombo on Sunday (12)."Democracies are understrained across the globe and no democracy stands without the rule of law. You, all of you are the guardians of that precious rule" the US Ambassador to Sri Lanka stated."The United States support for the rights of everyday Sri Lankans to voice their concerns peacefully and participate in their government is unwavering," Ms.

The Human Rights Commission of Sri Lanka expressed concerns over law enforcement officers who resorted to the use of tear gas, water cannons and wooden rods as a crowd control mechanism to disperse protesters over the past few days.Issuing a statement, the HRCSL noted that every citizen is entitled to the freedom of Assembly and expression and that this right has been exercised by different individuals and groups in the country. The statement further read that the Commission has initiated inquiries and investigation procedures to ascertain whether the crowd control procedures adopted by law enforcement officers are in line with constitutional provisions, international human rights obligations of Sri Lanka and basic principles of respecting human dignity. Public Security Minister Tiran Alles is expected to appear before the Commission tomorrow for an inquiry over the violent crackdown by the Police on March 7 and 8 when dispersing protests held near the Universities of Colombo and Kelaniya.The Commission is optimistic that the discussion with the Minister would help adopt a mechanism to prevent the violations of fundamental human rights in future and recommend guidelines in compliance with human rights for the control of crowds during protests.The Human Rights Commission of Sri Lanka expressed concerns over law enforcement officers who resorted to the use of tear gas, water cannons and wooden rods as a crowd control mechanism to disperse protesters over the past few days.Issuing a statement, the HRCSL noted that every citizen is entitled to the freedom of Assembly and expression and that this right has been exercised by different individuals and groups in the country. The statement further read that the Commission has

This article is part of Global News’s Home School series, which gives Canadians the basics they need to know about the housing market that they never learned in school.Entering the housing market is viewed by many Canadians as an attractive choice, both financially and for the security of having a home to call your own.The goal is common enough, but the how and when are trickier. How do you know when the timing is right to jump to owning from renting or living with family? Read more: Should you rent or buy a home? Why that calculation might be changing What makes the question so difficult is that it’s not just a matter of dollars and cents — personal circumstances, long-term goals and other life changes all factor into what ends up being, for many, the biggest financial decision of their lives.Here’s what you need to know before you look to buy your first home.There’s one thing that can’t be ignored when buying a home — how much money you’re bringing in.Comparator site Ratehub.ca recently took a look at the minimum income needed to afford a home across 10 Canadian cities.

People with Long Covid could suffer from a wider range of symptoms than previously thought, scientists studying the condition have found. 

Colombo, (News 1st) : Several civil society organisations including the Inter-University Students' Federation, civil activists and trade unions staged a protest against state oppression in front of the UN office earlier today. The protest was staged against the use of tear gas to disperse crowds at protests, the cinnamon stick army, the use of tear gas on school students and the forced entry by police into universities. Speaking at the protest, IUSF Convener Wasantha Mudalige blamed the government for using expired tear gas canisters as chemical weapons to oppress people. Protesters claimed that three people have succumbed to tear gas attacks on three occassions including the Jathika Jana Balawegaya protest on February 26, the protest near the Colombo University on March 7 and during a protest near Parliament sometime ago. The protesters therefore demanded the UN to expedite an international investigation into the use of expired tear gas munitions. During the protest Ceylon Teachers' Union General Secretary Joseph Stalin questioned the state on firing tear gas at children. "The UN must look at these gross human rights violations.

COLOMBO (News 1st); A report prepared by the Centre for Society and Religion on the use of tear gas in Sri Lanka has revealed that Sri Lanka Police has not conducted any laboratory test over the contents of tear gas munitions.The report filed based on the information obtained via the Right to Information Act revealed that Sri Lanka Police had used expired tear gas munitions to disperse protests in 2022, and some of those munitions were produced back in 2000.It noted that in 2012, a total of 20,000 tear gas munitions were procured and until 2016 only 2,306 of those units were used.The report adds that the remaining munitions were to expire in 2017, however they were not disposed.It added that from 2012 to 2019 a total of over 40,000 tear gas munitions were to expire, and during that period 8,265 tear gas munitions were used on protests, and another 31,735 expired tear gas munitions remain in service.The report from the Centre for Society and Religion notes that the handling of tear gas munitions by Sri Lanka Police totally violates all instructions given by the manufacturers, including to not deploy the munitions close to live firearms, and not to fire them directly at protestors.It added that from March to July 2022, during the period of the worst economic crisis in the country, Sri Lanka Police deployed 6,722 tear gas munitions on 84 separate occasions at a cost of Rs.

The Human Rights Committee on Thursday (9) concluded its consideration of the sixth periodic report of Sri Lanka on how it implements the provisions of the International Covenant on Civil and Political Rights, with Committee Experts commending actions taken to resettle internally displaced persons, and raising issues concerning the effectiveness of constitutional reform and impunity for military officers who had allegedly committed or overseen human rights violations.A Committee Expert noted progress made in settling internally displaced persons. They welcomed that 92 per cent of the private land held by the military had been released to legitimate civilian owners.On internally displaced persons, the delegation said a special unit had been established.

COLOMBO (News 1st); Sri Lanka's Finance Secretary has informed the country's Election Commission that the request letter for funds for the Local Government Election was directed to the Finance Minister for approval.This was in response to the letter sent to the Finance Secretary by the Election Commission on the 7th of March, seeking funds for the Local Government Election.Election Commission Chairman Attorney Nimal Punchihewa noted that the Finance Secretary had informed him of the fact that given the current situation in the country, the Finance Secretary's approval alone will be sufficient to provide funds for the Local Government Election.However, the Election Commission Chairman said he was hopeful the necessary funds will be delivered in due course.The Local Government Election scheduled for 9th March 2023 was postponed due to the lack of funds, and it was rescheduled to the 25th of April 2023.Sri Lanka's Supreme Court on 3rd March issued an interim order on the country's Finance Secretary, and the Attorney General who represents the Finance Minister preventing them from withholding any funds allocated by the 2023 Budget for the Local Government Poll 2023.

COLOMBO (News 1st); Parliamentarian Namal Rajapaksa on Thursday (9) was appointed as the new Chairman of the Sectoral Oversight Committee on International Relations of the Sri Lankan Parliament.Moreover, MP Chamal Rajapaksa was unanimously appointed as the Chair to the Committee on Ethics and Privileges for the Fourth Session of the Ninth Parliament on Thursday (08).MP Ali Sabri Raheem proposed the name of Chamal Rajapaksa and State Minister Vijitha Berugoda seconded it.Accordingly, matters taken up during the Third Session of the Ninth Parliament which are in pending status were agreed to be taken into future consideration. Moreover, it was also discussed to hold a workshop for the heads of media organizations with the coordination of this committee.It was also decided in the committee to hold a workshop to educate Members of Parliament regarding ethics and privileges.

COLOMBO – The Government of Japan has contributed an additional US$6.6 million to the United Nations World Food Programme (WFP) to provide critical food and nutrition assistance to over one million Sri Lankans.Through this funding, WFP will provide families with food baskets comprising rice, pulses and cooking oil, to meet half their monthly food needs for a period of two months. The donation will also be used to procure maize and soybean for the production of Thriposha, a fortified food product, for a period of four months, which will be supplied to pregnant and breastfeeding mothers and young children at risk of malnutrition.  Mizukoshi Hideaki, Ambassador of Japan to Sri Lanka said, “We are pleased to announce that the Government of Japan has decided to provide additional humanitarian support to Sri Lanka in this critical moment.

PHILADELPHIA - Students with autism and other disabilities in the School District of Philadelphia may be eligible to apply for off-site school-to-work transition programs including Project Career Launch."The goal is to set students up for a career pathway where they have the opportunity to learn skills and grow as they transition out of special education services in the school district," said Jackie Abrams, Associate Director of Transition Pathways of the AJ Drexel Autism Institute.Currently, there are two student cohorts, one meeting at Drexel University and the second at the Community College of Philadelphia.Daniel Clark, 19, is currently enrolled in the program and interning in the Tech Lab at the School District of Philadelphia."I am still a student in high school, but I am well-developed to see what is new for me out there," said Clark. "It’s about helping young adults with disabilities to find jobs and what they want in their future."MORE LOCAL HEADLINESStudents who enroll for this additional year will be placed in internships and learn valuable life skills including finances and job placement.Josiah Diaz, 19, is handling various responsibilities since joining Project Career Launch this school year.

The Bank of Canada held its benchmark interest rate steady on Wednesday — a decision real estate players and economists say will have major implications for the Canadian housing market.

Sri Lanka’s High Commissioner to India, Milinda Moragoda said that the economic integration is the key to enhancing the exiting relations between India and Sri Lanka to a special relationship. He made these remarks while addressing the officers of the Indian Armed Forces at the prestigious Army War College, Mhow, on the topic ‘Trajectory of Sri Lanka India Relations: 2030’.Speaking to the officers of the Indian Armed Forces who are following the Joint Higher Command Course, High Commissioner Moragoda broadly highlighted the strategic significance of Indo-Lanka relations drawing from the historical ties to the present status of the special relationship between the two countries.  Elaborating on the vibrant Indo-Lanka relations, High Commissioner Moragoda highlighted the key role played by India by way of extending much-needed financial assistance worth nearly USD 4 billion, which served as the lifeline that rescued Sri Lanka’s economy from a total collapse.He also deliberated upon the strong defence cooperation that exists between the two countries and the continued training assistance extended to the members of the Sri Lankan Armed Forces by India, including the training opportunities offered by the Army War College.

COLOMBO (News 1st); Sri Lanka's Human Rights Commission has decided to summon Public Security Minister Tiran Alles for an inquiry on 13th March 2023, at 10 AM.The inquiry will be held to seek a clarification on the measures adopted by Sri Lanka Police to contain protests in Colombo and Kelaniya on the 7th and 8th of March 2023.The inquiry will take place at the Human Rights Commission premises in Colombo. In addition, the Human Rights Commission of Sri Lanka has decided to conduct an inquiry on the measures adopted by Sri Lanka Police and the Armed Forces to control protests that took place close to the University of Colombo on the 7th and 8th of March, and at the Kelaniya University on the 8th of March.HRCSL has informed the country's police chief to submit a list of Senior Police officers who were on the field to control the said protests before the 10th of March. 

(Reuters) – Sri Lanka aims to announce a debt-restructuring strategy in April and step up talks with commercial creditors ahead of an International Monetary Fund review of a bailout package in six months, the nation's central bank governor told Reuters.The crisis-hit island has secured financing assurances from all its major bilateral creditors, including India and China, and so has set the stage for the IMF to give its final approval for a $2.9 billion, four-year bailout package on March 20, the multilateral lender said on Tuesday.The bailout is the culmination of months of negotiations as Sri Lanka looks to emerge from its worst economic crisis in more than seven decades."When you see the staff level agreement published – that will contain our commitment to debt restructuring and that will also reveal medium-term debt targets for us to restore debt sustainability on a long-term basis," central bank Governor P. Nandalal Weerasinghe said on Thursday."So somewhere in April we will announce … how we are going to meet those medium-to-long-term (debt) targets.

A Hong Kong runner has completed Sri Lanka’s 22-day Pekoe Trail in just 58 hours.Sri Lanka holds a special place in Hyun Chang Chung’s heart and with an emotional connection in mind the decided to run the newly minted 300-kilometre Pekoe Trail.When he heard an old acquaintance had designed a multi-day trail route to help promote tourism in Sri Lanka, Chung’s ears pricked up.The trail is split into 22 stages, each designed to take one day. But Hong Kong-based Chung, just 49 year-old, finished it in just 58 hours.The Pekoe Trail is a 300km hiking route that connects tea plantations across the country.

COLOMBO (News 1st); Six university students who were arrested during Wednesday (8) night's protest at the Kelaniya University will be produced to the Mahara Magistrate on Thursday (9).Sri Lanka Police fired tear gas and water cannons to disperse a group of university students at the Kelaniya University premises. This protest commenced at around 9 PM on Wednesday (8).This protest was organized against the arrest of Student Leader Kelum Mudannayake, and Student Activist Dilshan Harshana, and the students demanded their immediate release.Though tear gas and water cannons were used multiple times to disperse the protesting students, they continued to engage in the protest until midnight.One lane along the Colombo – Kandy main road was completely blocked due to the protest, disrupting the movement of traffic.

inflation and are doing everything they can to keep prices low for Canadians, pinning the blame on suppliers and the global market.But many MPs on the House of Commons agriculture committee were not buying what the CEOs were selling, repeatedly asking the executives to square rising profits with grocery costs that are forcing families to make hard choices at the checkout aisle.“How much profit is too much profit?” asked NDP Leader Jagmeet Singh, who has made food inflation and alleged “greedflation” by grocers a top issue for his party.“Is there no limit to how much profit you can make on the backs of Canadians that are struggling because they can’t afford their groceries?”“Reasonable profitability is an important part of operating a successful business,” said Loblaw Companies CEO Galen Weston Jr., who stated several times during his testimony that his company makes $1 in profit for every $25 sold.Singh, who’s not a regular member of the committee, advertised his showdown with Weston in a slate of social-media posts ahead of the meeting.Weston appeared alongside Metro Inc. CEO Eric La Fleche and Michael Medline, CEO of Empire Co., which operates chains including Sobeys, Safeway and FreshCo.All three companies and their executives have been increasingly under scrutiny for the prices of the food on their shelves.While headline inflation has shown signs of cooling in recent months, prices for food purchased from the grocery store were again up 11.4 per cent in January, according to Statistics Canada.An analysis from Dalhousie University’s Agri-Food Analytics Lab published in November found all three top grocers beat their five-year averages for profit in the first half of 2022, with Loblaw beating its previous best results

 Sri Lanka’s rupee, which became the world’s best performing currency this year amid hopes of an International Monetary Fund bailout, may resume declines and lose a fifth of its value against the dollar by end-2023, according to Fitch Solutions.“We are optimistic that Sri Lanka will be able to secure an IMF board approval by early 2Q-2023,” said Seah Wang Ting, country risk analyst at Fitch Solutions. Nevertheless, there’s potential for disruptions after the initial board approval as authorities may find it challenging to stay on track with the IMF program amid a weakening economy and a local election likely on the horizon, he said.Fitch maintained its forecast for the rupee to weaken to a record low of 390 per dollar by year-end.

COLOMBO (News 1st); The Criminal Investigations Department arrested a 34-year-old man for fraud.Sri Lanka Police said that the suspect had doctored invoices to defraud approximately Rs.

NASA officials Tuesday provided post-flight updates on Artemis I mission’s technical performance, along with any impacts the mission may have on the timeline of Artemis II.Artemis I launched on Nov. 16, 2022 from NASA’s Kennedy Space Center near Orlando, Florida and then returned on Dec.

Andie Rosafort, 31, a lunch lady in the New Fairfield school district, was charged with second-degree sexual assault, enticing a minor by computer and risk of injury to a minor. (Connecticut State Police) A married Connecticut school employee allegedly had sex with a student, sent him "several" nude photos and videos for months, and asked him to send her sexually explicit videos, according to a probable cause affidavit obtained by Fox News Digital.Andie Rosafort, 31, was arrested in February and charged with second-degree sexual assault, enticing a minor by computer and risk of injury to a minor after a month-long police investigation while she was working for New Fairfield Public Schools.Rosafort had worked in the cafeteria at New Fairfield Middle School.

Colombo (News 1st) – International Women's Day Special on Newsline: Sri Lanka – Women Fighting for Equity in Challenging Circumstances

The Bank of Canada decided to hold its key interest rate steady Wednesday but made clear it’s still prepared to raise rates further depending on how inflation and the economy progress.

Chester County teen Matthew Hauser survived cancer, but chemotherapy treatments have damaged his heart.  (Bill Hauser)PHILADELPHIA - A local teen who survived cancer is now raising funds to help other patients avoid devastating outcomes after treatment. Matthew Hauser of Chester County was diagnosed with Burkitt lymphoma, a rare and aggressive form of cancer, when he was two years old. Chemotherapy treatments helped him beat cancer, but they also caused damage to his heart. Matthew had no problems keeping up with his family's active lifestyle until the summer of 2022, when he began to experience heart failure. Doctors put in a heart pump to help, but later said the teen would need a heart transplant. Despite his personal battles, Matthew is on a mission to help others. The teen is one of the Leukemia and Lymphoma Society's Student Visionaries of the Year for the Greater Philadelphia area. He aims to raise $200,000 to create less toxic treatments for childhood cancer. Matthew and his dad joined Good Day Philadelphia to discuss his mission. He told FOX 29's Karen Hepp that his goal is to find therapies that will allow cancer patients "live a safer and more normal and controlled life" FOX 29's Karen Hepp speaks with Matthew Hauser, a local cancer survivor who is suffering from heart failure as a result of cancer treatment. The teen is now raising money to help find less toxic therapies to treat childhood cancer.Hauser's fundraiser ends on Thursday night at 7 p.m.

Colombo (News 1st) – International Women's Day Special on Face The Nation: Women's Rights in Sri Lanka.

Nurses suffering from Long Covid have told how their lives and careers have been left in ruins after picking up the virus as they cared for others.

Colombo (News 1st) – State Minister of Technology Kanaka Herath stated that Sri Lanka is in need of an Online Safety Act to regulate social media.He made these comments during an adjournment motion presented by the ruling faction highlighting the importance of regulating social media and formulating relevant laws in Parliament on Tueday (07)."SLCERT is empowered to regulate this. They will initiate a program in this regard.

Colombo (News 1st) – The International Monetary Fund announced on Tuesday (07) that Sri Lanka has received financial assurances from all its major bilateral creditors. This paves the way for the IMF Board to consider the approval of the Staff Level Agreement for financing under the Extended Fund Facility on March 20.Earlier in the day, China gave assurances that it will support Sri Lanka's debt restructuring, clearing the biggest hurdle for the nation to secure a USD 2.9 billion bailout from the IMF. The IMF approval for a USD 2.9 billion loan depended on financial assurance from all Sri Lankan creditors.

COLOMBO (News 1st); Sri Lanka has now received financing assurances from all major bilateral creditors, said Krishna Srinivasan, Director of Asia and Pacific Department of IMF on Tuesday (7).This paves the way for consideration by the IMF’s Board on March 20th the approval of the Staff Level Agreement reached on September 1st, 2022 for financing under an Extended Fund Facility. Approval by the Board would also catalyze financing from other creditors, including the World Bank and the Asian Development Bank, he said in a statement.The arrangement will support the authorities’ program of ambitious reforms, that they have already embarked upon, which will help Sri Lanka emerge from its current crisis and set it on a trajectory of strong and inclusive growth, said Krishna Srinivasan, Director of Asia and Pacific Department of IMF.

TOKYO - Japan’s space agency intentionally destroyed a new H3 rocket minutes after its launch Tuesday because the ignition failed for the second stage of the country's first new rocket series in more than two decades.Coming three weeks after an aborted launch due to a separate glitch, the H3's failure was a setback for Japan’s space program — and possibly for its missile detection program — and a disappointment for space fans who were rooting for Tuesday's retrial.The H3 rocket with a white head blasted off and soared into the blue sky from the Tanegashima Space Center in southern Japan as fans and local residents cheered. It followed its planned trajectory and the second stage separated as designed, but the ignition for it failed, the Japan Aerospace Exploration Agency said.JAXA officials apologized for the failure, and said it sent a command to destroy the rocket about 14 minutes after liftoff as there was no hope for it to complete its mission.Japan's next-generation H3 rocket failed after liftoff on March 7, 2023, with the space agency issuing a destruct command after concluding the mission could not succeed.

FILE - Federal Reserve Board Chairman Jerome Powell speaks during an interview by David Rubenstein, Chairman of the Economic Club of Washington, D.C., at the Renaissance Hotel on Feb. 7, 2023 in Washington, D.C.

Ensitrelvir can shorten symptoms of mild to moderate COVID-19 by about a day Ensitrelvir, a new antiviral drug, has been shown to shorten symptoms of mild to moderate COVID-19 and moreover, it has the potential to prevent long COVID, study has shown. Here's all you need to know about the drug, can it really prevent long COVID and why the experts are still skeptical about it.  Ensitrelvir has been developed by Shionogi in Osaka, Japan and they claim that it shorten symptoms of mild to moderate COVID-19 by about a day and reduce the number of days people test positive for coronavirus.  The trial data was presented at the Conference on Retroviruses and Opportunistic Infections.  The trial involved roughly 1,200 people and aimed to determine whether the drug could accelerate recovery.

Hundreds of police officers have been signed off work with long Covid since the start of the pandemic, new date has revealed.

COLOMBO (News1st) – China has given assurances that it will support Sri Lanka’s debt restructuring, clearing the biggest hurdle for the South Asian nation to secure a $2.9 billion bailout from the International Monetary Fund.According to Bloomberg Sri Lanka’s largest bilateral creditor gave written support for the debt restructuring via the Export-Import Bank of China on March 6. Bloomeberg quoted people familiar with the situation as saying the letter meets the requirements of the IMF.China’s backing completes the support Sri Lanka needs from creditor nations to allow the IMF board to approve the loan that was agreed upon by the Fund staff in September. 

Colombo (News 1st) – State Minister of Foreign Affairs Tharaka Balasooriya says that "Sri Lanka actively participated and contributed to the process," of agreeing upon the historic High Seas Treaty.After more than 20 years of negotiations, over 100 member states of the United Nations on Saturday (4th) finally agreed upon the text of the historic High Seas Treaty, the world's first international treaty aimed at protecting the millions of species that inhabit the world's oceans.The High Seas Treaty places 30% of the seas into protected areas by 2030, aiming to safeguard and recuperate marine nature.The agreement was reached on Saturday evening, after 38 hours of talks, at UN headquarters in New York.The negotiations had been held up for years over disagreements on funding and fishing rights.The last international agreement on ocean protection was signed 40 years ago in 1982 – the UN Convention on the Law of the Sea.When News 1st reached out to State Minister of Foreign Affairs Tharaka Balasooriya in this regard, he said that "Sri Lanka actively participated and contributed to the process."He added, "An agreement was reached following more than a decade of discussions on the 4th of March 2023 by UN member states to have an internationally legally binding instrument on the conservation and sustainable use of biodiversity beyond areas of natural jurisdiction under the united nations law of the sea."  That agreement established an area called the high seas – international waters where all countries have a right to fish, ship and do research – but only 1.2% of these waters are protected.Marine life living outside of these protected areas has been at risk from climate change, overfishing, and shipping traffic.

Colombo (News 1st) – The Professionals Trade Union collective said a decisive meeting will be held tomorrow (07) to discuss action against the government's new tax policy.40 trade unions including the Government Medical Officers Association, ports, electricity, water supply, banks, petroleum, and university teachers unions are part of the Professionals Trade Union Collective.Media Spokesperson of the Government Medical Officers' Association Dr. Chamil Wijesinghe said they are at a decisive juncture when it comes to the opposition mounted against the government's unjust tax policy.

Colombo (News 1st) – State Minister of Foreign Affairs Tharaka Balasuriya was amongst the dignitaries present for the Fifth United Nations Conference on the Least Developed Countries taking place in Doha, Qatar The event is being held from the 5th to the 9th of this month.State Minister Tharaka Balasuriya met with counterpart Sultan bin Saad Al Muraikhi, the Minister of State for Foreign Affairs in Qatar, for a discussion that touched upon many areas including the recognition of the Sri Lankan Engineering degrees by Qatari authorities and Sri Lanka's technical support for Qatari government's attempt to promote cricket in Qatar. Tharaka Balasuriya also expressed Sri Lanka's unwavering support for the Palestinian cause and its people to the President of the State of Palestine Mahmoud Abbas.With ongoing progressions and developments on the new establishment of the Office of Overseas Sri Lankans, the State Minister held a side meeting with HE Antonio Vitorino, Director of IOM in Doha, in which HE Vitorino assured IOM support on the digitalization of the Office of Overseas Sri Lankans as well as continuous support of the IOM with matters pertaining to migration. State Minister Balasuriya also met with Deputy Minister of Foreign Affairs, Italy Maria Tripodi. Discussions were held, particularly on bilateral relations between the respective countries.

climate change poses a profound, ongoing threat to national security and prosperity, including the possible loss of parts of British Columbia and the Atlantic provinces to rising sea levels.A newly released analysis by the Canadian Security Intelligence Service also foresees an increase in ideologically motivated violent extremism from people who want to speed up climate change solutions and those more interested in preserving their current way of life.

All India Institute of Hygiene and Public Health was created in 1932 to be one of the three premier institutions globally like the John Hopkins and Tropical School of Medicines in the US. New Delhi: The government plans to revive the Kolkata-based All India Institute of Hygiene and Public Health (AIIHPH), transforming it into a world-class ‘School of Public Health’ and regain space ceded to private think tanks such as Public Health Foundation of India (PHFI) in public policy discourse, said two officials aware of the developments.

Shopping carts are lined up in front of a Costco store on February 25, 2021 in Inglewood, California. (Photo by Mario Tama/Getty Images) Costco is certain to raise its membership fees in the future, but as the sixth anniversary of the last fee hike approaches, the company says there are no immediate plans to do so while membership rates are at all-time highs. "In our view, it's a question of when, not if," Costco CFO Richard Galanti told investors on a Q2 earnings call on Thursday. Galanti acknowledged that June would mark six years since the Washington-based retail giant last raised the price of its Gold Star membership, which currently costs $60.

Canada’s biggest banks saw the country’s major lenders move in lockstep ahead of a projected economic downturn, with each putting more money away for a possible rise in credit losses.Experts say the more expensive cost of borrowing in Canada and the possibility of job losses could catch up to households and push a growing number into default, though some believe the worst of the debt pain is likely at least a year away.Canada’s big six banks — TD Bank, RBC, BMO, Scotiabank, CIBC and National Bank — all reported earnings for their first fiscal quarters this week, with similar-sounding results. All reported a dip in profits as they put more money aside to handle credit losses.

Covid-19 patients who were symptomatic were poor on two computer based tasks, one which measures inhibition and the other impulsive decision making. The study said that compared to people who were not infected with Covid, the infected lack increase in oxygen saturation in an area of the brain that is usually engaged during the tasks.

A Lanarkshire charity that supports people's mental health through music has launched more meet-ups at a new location.

Colombo (News 1st) – Sri Lanka's State Minister of Finance Ranjith Siyambalapitiya stated on Saturday (4) that the government will honour the Supreme Court's interim order preventing funds allocated by the budget for the 2023 Local Government election from being witheld. He stated, accordingly, appropriate steps will be taken.Sri Lanka's Supreme Court on Friday (3) issued an interim order on the country's Finance Secretary, and the Attorney General who represents the Finance Minister preventing them from withholding any funds allocated by the 2023 Budget for the Local Government Poll 2023.The interim order was issued after permission was granted to examine an application that was filed by General Secretary of the Samagi Jana Balavegaya Ranjith Madduma Bandara.The application was taken up in the presence of Supreme Court Justices P.

COLOMBO (News 1st); The IMF Mission in Sri Lanka says that the decision taken by the Central Bank of Sri Lanka to raise the policy rate is appropriate and in line with its objectives set under the inflation targeting framework.Peter Breuer, Senior Mission Chief for Sri Lanka, and Masahiro Nozaki, Mission Chief for Sri Lanka noted that it reflects CBSL’s commitment to the inflation target and is an important part of the disinflation strategy in the EFF program, which is fully committed by the Sri Lankan authorities and supported by the IMF.   Sri Lanka’s inflation is declining but remains at a very high level, which has been disproportionally hurting the poor, the statement added. "Upside inflation risks could reverse the trend and lead to persistently high inflation which is extremely costly to the economy," they further added.Therefore, CBSL’s decision to raise the policy rate shows its commitment to reduce inflation more quickly and firmly towards the single-digit target. Durable disinflation would help boost market confidence, reduce excessive risk premia and ease the financing conditions for the corporates, especially the small and medium enterprises, which supports recovery.Sri Lanka is ready to adopt the IMF program within March 2023, said Central Bank Governor Dr.

COLOMBO (News 1st); Sri Lanka's Opposition alleges that MP Vajira Abeywardena had been appointed as the Acting Chairman of the Committee on Public Finance during Thursday's (2) COPF meeting, and that eight gazettes have been approved at the meeting.MPs Harshana Rajakaruna, and Chandima Weerakkody had opposed this move and walked out of the meeting.There was controversy surrounding the post of Chairman of the Committee on Public Finance, as MP Mayantha Dissanayake was appointed as Chair based on a proposal by the ruling faction, while the opposition had already proposed the name of Dr. Harsha De Silva for the post.Thereafter, MP Dissanayake resigned from the post, and the opposition once against proposed for Dr.

COLOMBO (News 1st); Sri Lanka is ready to adopt the IMF program within March 2023, said Central Bank Governor Dr. Nandalal Weerasinghe on Friday (3) during the Monetary Policy Review."When we negotiated the staff level agreement with the IMF and finalized the agreement on the 1st of September, we had inflation projections from both the IMF and the Central Bank," he told reporters."At that time we were hoping to get the program unlocked somewhere in December (2022), and the end-year IMF inflation target was 70% and we had a little over that.