Sri Lanka sends the last 45 garbage containers back to the UK

The first Jollibee restaurant in the province helps generate some excitement for a part of the city that’s been struggling to overcome the impacts of the pandemic. Emad Agahi reports.

COLOMBO (News 1st); Sri Lankan Police launched an investigation on Friday (25) after the carcass of a Sri Lankan Leopard (Panthera pardus kotiya) was discovered from an estate in Norton Bridge.Police received information that a dead Leopard was sighted inside a tea estate in Vidulipura in Wimalasurendra Gama located within the Norton Bridge Police jurisdiction.Initial investigations revealed that the leopard was injured in two areas on the back and another serious wound on its forward right leg.The leopard is believed to be around 6 years of age, and is a species native to Sri Lanka.Officers from the Nallatanniya Wildlife Office had visited the site and taken away the carcass for further investigations.

Ukraine says it will posthumously honour a group of Ukrainian border guards who were killed after they reportedly told an officer on board a Russian navy warship to “go f— yourself” when asked to surrender.

coronavirus infections, taking the total tally of COVID-19 cases to 42,905,844 while the active cases declined to 1,21,881, according to the Union Health Ministry data updated on Saturday. The death toll climbed to 5,13,481 with 255 fresh fatalities, the data updated at 8 am stated.

LOS ANGELES - Cities in the United States and across the globe are displaying blue and yellow lights, the colors of the Ukrainian flag, in a show of solidarity with the European nation as it grapples with a full-on invasion from neighboring Russia.The Empire State Building was illuminated with blue and yellow lights in a display of support for Ukraine currently under siege by Russian forces."Tonight, the Empire State Building will shine its tower lights in the colors of the Ukrainian flag," wrote the official Twitter account for the Empire State Building. In Dallas, the Ukrainian flag’s colors could be seen shining throughout the Texas city’s skyline. In Cincinnati, Ohio, a sister city to Kharkiv, Ukraine, the Duke Energy Convention Center was also lit up as a hat tip to Ukraine.Roughly 200 miles to the north, in Sandusky, Ohio, a tribute to Ukraine could also be found.Tributes to Ukraine could also be seen in Paris, London, Melbourne, Berlin and Rome, Reuters reported. Berlin, which stood as the front line during the Cold War until the fall of the Berlin Wall in 1989, sent a clear signal to the Kremlin when it lit up the iconic Brandenburg Gate, the city’s most famous landmark, in blue and yellow."We are showing our solidarity with the people of Ukraine, the many Berliners with Ukrainian roots but also with the many Russians who want peace in Russia and Ukraine," Berlin Mayor Franziska Giffey said in a statement."They all want nothing more than an end to the escalation and a peaceful settlement to this threatening conflict," she added.A day after Russian President Vladimir Putin ordered military action in the breakaway regions of Ukraine, Russian forces appear to be closing in on the Ukrainian capital of Kyiv.Explosions

Tempe Diablo Stadium SCOTTSDALE, Ariz. - Officials with Major League Baseball say a week after pushing back the start of the exhibition season, spring training games in both the Grapefruit and Cactus Leagues will not be played until at least March 8.The decision was made amid the ongoing MLB lockout. Here's what you should know about the situation, as it stands now.With the Cactus League, spring training was supposed to start on Feb.

Eva Herzigova left jaws dropped when she walked in the Missoni show at Milan Fashion Week. Eva, 48, wore a long-sleeved Lurex maxi dress, red boots, and a look of confidence during the Friday (Feb. 25) event. The appearance came less than a day after she closed out the Blumarine show, walking in the final look of Thursday’s spectacular: a seductive, black velvet gown that showed off her fit stomach and toned legs. For Eva and fashion fans, this was more than a supermodel strutting her stuff: it marked a return that many thought wouldn’t be possible due to Eva contracting COVID-19 in December 2020.

COLOMBO (News 1st); Lanka IOC increased its Retail Selling Prices with effect from Friday (25).According Diesel was increased by Rs. 15/- per Liter and Petrol by Rs. 20/- per Liter due to significant rise in international fuel prices.

19 lakh children in India have lost a parent or caregiver to the Covid-19 pandemic, according to a study by The Lancet Child & Adolescent Health journal. 

COLOMBO (News 1st); The Public Utilities Commission of Sri Lanka has announced the power cut schedule for the weekend.Groups A, B, C: (Saturday – 26th)Day time power cut will be for 3 hoursAll other groups: (Saturday – 26th)Day time power cut will be for 2 1/2 hoursThere will be no power outages for Sunday (27), except for groups A, B, C which will be 2 1/2 hours during the daytime.Saturday Power Cut Schedule: 26-02-2022-PowerInterruption-ScheduleSunday Power Cut Schedule: 27-02-2022-power-interruption-schedule

COLOMBO (News 1st); The Catholic Bishops’ Conference in Sri Lanka stated that as there is an attempt to hide the truth, exploit the massacre for political gain, it sees no option other than to seek international assistance to mete out justice to the victims of the Easter Sunday Bomb Attacks.Together with His Eminence Malcolm Cardinal Ranjith, the Archbishop of Colombo, the CBCSLreiterates the need to adopt the said option, it added in a statement. 

COLOMBO (News 1st); The Government of Sri Lanka is deeply concerned about the recent escalation of violence in Ukraine.Sri Lanka in a statement, calls upon all parties concerned to exercise maximum restraint and work towards the immediate cessation of hostilities, in order to maintain peace, security and stability in the region.Sri Lanka emphasizes the need for concerted efforts by all parties concerned to resolve the crisis through diplomacy and sincere dialogue.

COLOMBO (News 1st); Sri Lankan President Gotabaya Rajapaksa on Friday (25) visited Mico for Inspection.State Minister D. B.

Aer Lingus has today reported an operating loss, before exceptational items, of €347m for the year to the end of December, an improvement on the loss of €361m reported in 2020.

COLOMBO (News 1st); Sri Lanka’s Parliament speaker Mahinda Yapa Abeywardena told the house on Friday (25) that a complaint will be filed with the Inspector General of Police to conduct an investigation into the incident where MP Harin Fernando was seen using a torch inside the chamber.He said voicing protest over an issue is not the problem at hand and, the issue is that public officers were prevented from carrying out their duties.The Parliamentary debate was adjourned for 10 minutes on 24th February due to MP Harin Fernando’s attempt to convince the Parliament of the impact of power cuts on the public, by bringing a torch to the Parliament.The Leader of the House, Dinesh Gunawardana informed the House that a confrontation broke out when the Police had requested to examine an object brought by an MP to the Parliament and emphasized that such actions can have consequences as MPs are not permitted to bring such objects.SJB MP Fernando, responded to the allegations stated that a power cut could occur when he is using the washroom, and that is the reason why he brought three torches to use.Minister Gunawardana responded stating that an investigation should be conducted as such objects are not permitted within the Parliament, and even if there is a power cut, it’s clear that this action is unlawful and goes against parliamentary practices.This object could prove to be a security risk and must be banned, he added.

#COVID19 cases, 26,988 recoveries, and 302 deaths in the last 24 hours.Active case: 1,34,235 (0.31%)Daily positivity rate: 1.28%Total recoveries: 4,22,46,884Death toll: 5,13,226Total vaccination: 1,76,86,89,266 pic.twitter.com/kPbKxRCBzk

COLOMBO (News 1st); Sri Lankan Finance Minister Basil Rajapaksa’s Indian visit has been postponed again.Basil Rajapaksa was to fly to India to wrap up credit lines worth a billion US dollars, that would be used for essential goods and medicines.“We are ready to enter into several agreements with India for financial facilities worth a billion US dollars,” State Minister Shehan Semasinghe told the Parliament.Sri Lankan Sports Minister Namal Rajapaksa said personally he has no issue with discussing matters on approaching the International Monetary Fund and other agencies.However, he said the decision on such a matter should be taken by the Finance Minister and the Central Bank.

A person fills out an unemployment benefits application. WASHINGTON (AP) - The number of Americans collecting unemployment benefits fell to a 52-year low after another decline in jobless aid applications last week.Jobless claims fell by 17,000, from 249,000 to 232,000 for the week ending Feb.

Saskatchewan government officials have released the weekly COVID-19 data for the timeframe of Feb. 13 through Feb.

Ontario’s long-term care minister says a mandate requiring workers in the sector to get vaccinated against COVID-19 is under review.Paul Calandra says the rule is being looked at as the government reviews all of its sector-specific vaccination policies and other pandemic measures.Dr. Kieran Moore, the province’s top doctor, has said that he wants to end workplace COVID-19 vaccination policies by March 1, when proof-of-vaccination rules in indoor spaces are also set to end.

Philadelphia police are searching for missing 6-year-old Naseer Humphrey.  PHILADELPHIA - Police are searching for a missing 6-year-old who was last seen with his father two weeks ago.Naseer Humphrey, who lives with his mother on the 1300 block of 71st Street, was last seen with his father, 40-year-old Abdul Humphrey.The two were spotted leaving Philadelphia police's 35th district headquarters on February 11 around 6 p.m, according to police.Authorities say a custody order required Abdul to return Naseer to his mother on February 13, but that did not happen.According to police, neither Abdul or Naseer have been located.RELATED: Philadelphia mother, son have not been seen since Tuesday morningNaseer is 4-feet tall and 73 pounds with brown hair and brown eyes.

COLOMBO (News 1st); The Public Utilities Commission of Sri Lanka announced power cuts for Friday (25).Power Cuts of 4 hours and 40 minutes will be experienced for areas A,B ,C.Power Cuts of 5 hours and 15 minutes will be experienced for other areas.

COLOMBO (News 1st); Sri Lanka Navy seized two (02) Indian trawlers with 22 Indian fishermen while poaching in Sri Lankan waters.The apprehension was made in northern waters of Sri Lanka, during a patrol carried out on the night of 23rd February 2022.Considering the impact of foreign fishermen poaching in Sri Lankan waters on the local fishing community and threats to the biodiversity of the country’s marine environment, the Navy has been conducting regular patrols and operations to curb such illegal activities of foreign fishermen in Sri Lankan waters.The apprehension was made during a patrol carried out by a Fast Attack Craft of the 4th Fast Attack Flotilla (4 FAF), attached to the Northern Naval Command in Sri Lankan waters north of Kankasanthurai and northwest of Kovilan Lighthouse, Jaffna.Thus, the Navy took hold of the 02 Indian trawlers with 22 Indian fishermen while practicing the illegal fishing method known as ‘bottom trawling’ in island waters, through the International Maritime Boundary Line (IMBL). The Navy also seized a stock fish caught illegally by this fishing method.The operation was conducted adhering to COVID-19 protocols and arrangements are being made to hand over the Indian poaching vessels and fishermen held in the operation to relevant authorities.Including the 02 Indian trawlers seized, the Navy took hold of 08 Indian fishing vessels with 51 fishermen poaching in Sri Lankan waters, thus far in the month of February 2022.Meanwhile, Sri Lanka Navy remains committed to carry out regular operations with a view to safeguard the security in Sri Lankan waters while protecting the fishery resources of the country and the livelihood of local fishermen.

The Queen has held her weekly audience with Boris Johnson over the phone, after previously cancelling her virtual duties due to suffering from mild "cold-like" Covid-19 symptoms. Buckingham Palace revealed that the 95 year old Queen had spoken with the prime minister over the phone on Wednesday evening after cancelling her planned engagements on Tuesday.The Queen, who is triple-jabbed, is being monitored by her physician Professor Sir Huw Thomas who is head of the Medical Household.

The abolition of covid restrictions in Scotland can't come soon enough, say leaders of Renfrewshire's hard-hit hospitality sector.

Vancouver police officers kept on their toes over this past long weekend responding to an alarming number of assaults. Aaron McArthur reports.

FILE - Generic gavel on wooden table. DOVER, Del. - Delaware’s Supreme Court has upheld a judge’s dismissal of a lawsuit filed by conservative political commentator Candace Owens against USA Today and another media organization over fact-checking coronavirus posts she made on Facebook.After oral arguments two weeks ago, the court issued a two-paragraph order Tuesday affirming the July decision by Superior Court Judge Craig Karsnitz.Karsnitz said Owens had failed to state an actionable claim against USA Today or Lead Stories LLC, a Colorado-based entity.

LAKEWOOD, Calif. - A mother in Lakewood is sharing her story after she and her child were followed home Sunday night, and the entire thing was caught on doorbell video. "Everyone please stay vigilant and lock your doors," homeowner Ali Porath posted on Facebook alongside a video of the incident. According to Porath, she was in the process of unloading the car after she and her child got home. "Luckily, we were at the tail end of unloading everything and had locked the door upon entering," she said. In the video, you can see Porath carrying her child into the house. Seconds later, a man appears in the driveway and approaches the door.

COLOMBO (News 1st); The Public Utilities Commission of Sri Lanka says that Groups A, B, and C will experience a power cut of 4 hours and 40 minutes on Thursday (24).All other areas will experience a 4 hour and 30-minute power cut, approved by PUCSL. 

Wendy Williams is going to climb back to the top. So says her lawyer, at least!

COLOMBO (News 1st); The Public Utilities Commission of Sri Lanka says that Groups A, B, and C will experience a power cut of 4 hours and 40 minutes on Thursday (24).All other areas will experience a 4 hour and 30-minute power cut, approved by PUCSL.

WASHINGTON - Clogged U.S. ports are being given access to nearly $450 million in federal money from President Joe Biden's infrastructure law as part of the administration's recent stepped-up efforts aiming to ease supply chain congestion and lower prices for American consumers.Transportation Secretary Pete Buttigieg on Wednesday announced the availability of the first batch of competitive grants for ports that will be double last year's amount annually for five years.

COLOMBO (News 1st); Private Bus operators in Sri Lanka say that they only have fuel that is sufficient for another two days.General Secretary of the All Ceylon Private Bus Owners Association Anjana Priyanjith told reporters on Wednesday (23) that private bus operators are finding it difficult to source diesel.“A bus can accommodate around 160 – 200 liters of Diesel. So, this will only last for another two days,” he warned.He urged authorities to instruct filling stations to prioritize the issuance of fuel for Private Buses.At the same time, a Sri Lanka Transport Bus operating from Colombo to Matara stalled mid-way and stopped in the Kalutara Town as it ran out of fuel.Bus workers told News 1st that diesel was sourced from a depot close by, and the passengers were moved to a different bus.

COLOMBO (News 1st); Sri Lanka’s Court of Appeal has affirmed the death sentence imposed by the Colombo High Court on a painter who was found guilty of murdering late Journalist Melicia Gunasekera.The Attorney General had filed indictments against Anthony Ramson George, a painter, on three separate counts for forcibly entering the residence of Melicia Gunasekera on the 2nd of February 2014, committing burglary and stabbing her to death.In the indictment filed by the Attorney General, the first count is under 436 of the Penal Code.

Dundee University scientists are using super-strong UV light to kill Covid-19 on work surfaces and in the air.

COLOMBO (News 1st); Sri Lanka’s Energy Minister Udaya Gammanpila told Parliament on Wednesday (23) that importing fuel has become a challenge.“Over 50% of our export revenue is used to purchase fuel for the country,” he said, adding that at the Emergency Cabinet Meeting on Tuesday (22) the Treasury Secretary instructed the Bank of Ceylon to release funds for a tanker with Diesel.He admitted there is a shortage of Diesel in the country as the CPC restricted its Diesel supplies to the filling stations over the past 5 days, due to the payment issue for the tanker with Diesel at the Colombo Port.“Since December 20th, the global crude oil prices have increased by 38%. However, Sri Lanka did not increase prices.

COLOMBO (News 1st); The Samagi Jana Balavegaya, one of the main opposition factions in Sri Lanka has filed a special petition with the Supreme Court challenging the proposed Surcharge Tax Bill that was presented to Parliament.The Government on Tuesday (22) presented the proposed Surcharge Tax Bill to Parliament.The special application challenging the Bill was submitted by the General Secretary of the Samagi Jana Balavegaya and it seeks a Supreme Court ruling to term the Bill as inconsistent with the constitution.The Bill, which imposes a retrospective one-time surcharge tax of 25% on persons and companies with a taxable income over Rs. 2 billion for the year 2020/2021, was presented by Leader of the House Minister Dinesh Gunawardena on Tuesday (22).The Bill was drafted in keeping with the proposal in the 2022 Budget to impose a one-off 25% surcharge tax on individuals or companies earning taxable income more than Rs.

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COLOMBO (News 1st); Commander of the Sri Lanka Navy, Vice Admiral Nishantha Ulugetenne who is currently in Pakistan on an official visit, called on the Chief of Naval Staff of Pakistan, Admiral M Amjad Khan Niazi at the Pakistan Navy Headquarters on 22nd February 2022.At the invitation of his Pakistan Navy counterpart, Commander of the Navy, Vice Admiral Nishantha Ulugetenne left for Pakistan on 21st February on a formal visit and he is accompanied by the President of Navy Seva Vanitha Unit, Chandima Ulugetenne in this official visit.Beginning his itinerary, the Commander of the Navy visited the Pakistan Navy Headquarters where he was warmly received by the Pakistan Navy Chief in accordance with naval traditions.The ensuing discussion between them focused on several matters of regional security and bilateral importance.The Pakistani Naval Chief highlighted Pakistan Navy initiatives for ensuring maritime security and peace in the region through Regional Maritime Security Patrols.The visiting Admiral appreciated and acknowledged the Pakistan Navy’s efforts and commitments in support of collaborative maritime security in the region.The Commander of the Sri Lanka Navy was also briefed on Pakistan Navy operational capabilities.It is expected that the ongoing visit of the Commander of the Sri Lankan Navy will further enhance bilateral collaboration between the two countries.The cordial discussion came to an end with an exchange of mementos, marking the significance of this occasion.

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COLOMBO (News 1st); The Public Utilities Commission of Sri Lanka has announced a power cut schedule for Wednesday (23).Groups A, B, and C will experience power cuts for 4 hours and 40 minutes.All other groups will experience power cuts for 4 hours and 30 minutes.Find out what time your local area will experience a power cut following the tables below:

COLOMBO (News 1st): The supply of electricity will be disrupted for over 4-hours on Wednesday (Feb. 23), as requested by the Ceylon Electricity Board (CEB) and approved by the Public Utilities Commission of Sri Lanka.Accordingly, Groups A, B, and C will experience power cuts for 4 hours and 40 minutes.All other groups will experience power cuts for 4 hours and 30 minutes.The PUCSL announced the power cut schedule for today (23)…The Ceylon Electricity Board pointed out that this situation has arisen due to the lack of sufficient fuel stocks for the generation of 541 MW of power at plants.According to the CEB, the Kerawalapitiya Power Plant has been inactive since yesterday afternoon, due to the shortage of Diesel.The Kelanitissa Power Plant also halted operations due to the Diesel shortage, Andrew Navamuni, the spokesperson for the Ceylon Electricity Board told News 1st.Furnace Oil was pumped to the Sapugaskanda Power Station yesterday, adding that this fuel stock will be used to generate electricity today (23), he noted.

COVID-19 data Tuesday, which shows the number of people in hospital with the disease declined over the long weekend.A post on the chief medical officer of health’s Twitter account Tuesday afternoon stated a network change over the weekend caused unintended IT issues. As a result, “only ballpark figures” were released.According to the estimated numbers, there are now about 1,380 people being treated in hospital with COVID-19, a drop from 1,494 patients in Alberta hospitals on Friday.The number of people being treated for COVID-19 in intensive care units also dropped — from 116 patients Friday to about 95 Tuesday.It’s not known how many deaths were reported to Alberta Health over the long weekend.

ISLAMABAD (News 1st) – Vice Admiral Nishantha Ulugetenne, Commander of the Sri Lanka Navy, called on Pakistani Prime Minister Imran Khan on Tuesday (22).The prime minister stated that Pakistan attaches immense importance to its relations with Sri Lanka as a reliable friend and partner.Fondly recalling his visit to Sri Lanka in February 2021, the prime minister reaffirmed the strong fraternal bonds between the two countries and Pakistan’s desire to comprehensively upgrade bilateral relations in all fields.Imran Khan added that security and defense cooperation had been a key component of Pakistan-Sri Lanka relations and a factor of peace and stability in the region.He said that he looked forward to the visit of Sri Lankan leadership to Pakistan.Vice Admiral Nishantha Ulugetenne underlined the close cooperative ties between the two countries and expressed gratitude for Pakistan’s support at international and regional fora.

Middlesex-London Health Unit reported four deaths and 190 lab-confirmed COVID-19 cases from Saturday through to Tuesday, though case counts are considered an under-estimate due to testing restrictions and widespread transmission.London Health Sciences Centre, meanwhile, is caring for 64 inpatients with COVID-19, nine of whom are in adult critical care.As noted, LHSC is caring for 64 COVID-19 inpatients, with nine inpatients in adult critical care. Last Tuesday, LHSC was caring for 79 COVID inpatients with 17 adults in the ICU. Of the 64, there were seven patients in Children’s Hospital, with five or fewer in pediatric critical care.

COLOMBO (News 1st); Sri Lanka’s Environment Minister Mahinda Amaraweera assured that there will be no fuel price increase, following a special cabinet meeting this evening.He said fuel prices will be maintained at their prevent rates, despite global prices hitting a new high.The Minister said the meeting was centered on ensuring a continuous supply of electricity & fuel to the people and payment was released on Tuesday (22) for the fuel ship that arrived in Colombo.He also said the cabinet in unison agreed that there should be no shortage in the supply of fuel.Further, the government has agreed to pay the money owed by the Ceylon Electricity Board to the Ceylon Petroleum Corporation, said the Minister.“The CPC will receive a sum of approximately Rs. 80 Bn from the banks,” he added.

COLOMBO (News 1st); The Public Utilities Commission of Sri Lanka has announced a power cut schedule for Wednesday (23).Groups A, B, and C will experience power cuts for 4 hours and 40 minutes.All other groups will experience power cuts for 4 hours and 30 minutes.Find out what time your local area will experience a power cut : ltst-23-02-2022-Power-interruption-schedule