Student, 13, dies days after choking on meatball during lunch at school

UPPER DARBY, Pa. - Police in Upper Darby say an infant girl who was inside a car when it was stolen Wednesday night has been safely located and the man suspected of stealing the vehicle is in police custody, sources tell FOX 29’s Steve Keeley.The Upper Darby Police Department tweeted a photo of a gray Hyundai Elantra with New Jersey license plates that was taken from 69th street around 5:30 p.m. with the child still inside.Police Superintendent Tim Bernhardt told FOX 29 the mother of the child was picking up a food order for a delivery service when the car was stolen.

SOUTH PHILADELPHIA - Philadelphia police officials say the South Philadelphia school placed on a lockdown was given the all-clear after officers and K9 inspected the situation.About an hour earlier, the Stanton School was placed on a lockdown after a live round was found inside the school building.Officials said the incident happened Thursday morning, around 11:30, on the 900 block of South 17th Street.School district police placed the school on the lockdown after someone found a live round on the gym floor, inside the school.Philadelphia police, with K9, inspected the premises and cleared the incident around 12:40 Thursday afternoon.

PHILADELPHIA - A man has died after police say he was stabbed multiple times in North Philadelphia.Police responded to the 2600 block of North 4th Street shortly after 3 a.m. Thursday morning. Officers arrived on scene to find a 43-year-old man had been stabbed three times in the neck, and once under his right arm. Paramedics rushed the victim to Temple University Hospital where he succumbed to his injuries a short time later. No weapon was recovered at the scene, and no arrests have been made.

COLOMBO (News 1st); The International Monetary Fund Mission in Sri Lanka says that efforts to increase tax revenues should be pursued in a growth-friendly manner while protecting the poor and most vulnerable. Peter Breuer, Senior Mission Chief for Sri Lanka, and Masahiro Nozaki, Mission Chief for Sri Lanka noted that it is however also important that those who can most afford it, make commensurate contributions to the financing of the necessary government expenditures. The tax package the authorities have introduced, including the new tax rate schedule for the personal income tax, helps to meet these objectives, the statement added.Peter Breuer, Senior Mission Chief for Sri Lanka, and Masahiro Nozaki, Mission Chief for Sri Lanka, also noted that the tax rates proposed under the authorities’ program are also in line with international comparison.In response to recent media questions around income tax hikes in Sri Lanka, the statement noted that Tax reforms are needed to correct this imbalance. "Only with appropriate tax receipts will the Government will be able to fund essential expenditures, and avoid further slashing of critically important outlays. These reforms will also help regain confidence of creditors," it added."The current economic crisis has a number of origins, including the government’s inability to meet government spending needs through its revenue collections.

SANTA ROSA, Calif. - A 16-year-old student was killed after being stabbed during a fight at a Santa Rosa high school on Wednesday morning and another student -- a 15-year-old boy – was taken into custody in connection with his death, authorities said. Family members identified the slain teen as Jayden Pienta, 16."He was a good boy. He was kind-hearted," said his grandmother Cheryl Griffith.

FILE - This photomicrograph depicts the histopathologic characteristics associated with a case of amebic meningoencephalitis due to Naegleria fowleri parasites. Naegleria fowleri infects people when water containing the ameba enters the body through A man in south Florida died from a brain-eating infection last month after using tap water during sinus rinses, according to FOX 4.The man, who has not been named but was identified as a resident of Charlotte County, died on Feb.

COLOMBO (News 1st); The Sri Lanka Atomic Energy Board said that Russia has put forward a proposal to build a nuclear power plant in Sri Lanka, and has also put forward an agreement for this purpose.Professor S.R.D. Rosa, the Chairman of the Sri Lanka Atomic Energy Board, said this is a government to government program.Cabinet approval was given to consider nuclear energy as an alternative to meet Sri Lanka's future energy needs.

COLOMBO (News 1st) ; The first group of Chinese tourists to arrive via direct flight to Sri Lanka following the COVID-19 pandemic reached the Katunayake Airport on Wednesday (1) night.Accordingly, 125 Chinese tourists reached Sri Lanka from Guangzhou aboard a SriLankan Airlines flight at 11:10 PM.Tourism Minister Harin Fernando, State Foreign Minister Tharaka Balasuriya, and Chinese Ambassador to Sri Lanka Qi Zhenhong welcomed them to Sri Lanka.From the 1st of April, 9 direct flights will operate between China and Sri Lanka per week.China was a leading source market for inbound tourism to Sri Lanka and one of SriLankan’s premier leisure traveller segments before the pandemic, and SriLankan is positioning for a strong comeback in China upon its return.With Chinese travellers eager to make up for lost time in globetrotting, SriLankan will be working closely with the local travel trade to reignite enthusiasm for Sri Lanka as a leisure destination in China. 

The 14th contingent of the Sri Lanka Force Protection Company (SLFPC) in the United Nations Interim Force In Lebanon (UNIFIL) left for Lebanon early this morning on Thursday (02) amidst greetings and best wishes.The 14th SLFPC contingent, commanded by Lieutenant Colonel D.P.I.T Kaluaggala and 2nd in Command, Major W.M.C.K Wanninayake is composed of 125 Army personnel, including 10 Officers and 115 Other Ranks and four sniffer dogs, ‘Frank’ – (German Shepherd), Jupiter’ (Golden Retriever), ‘Tiger’ (German Shepherd) and Leena’ (German Shepherd) who have been well-trained for detection of narcotics, explosives and mines.Major General Asanga Perera, Director General Overseas Operations with few more senior officers was at the airport to extend best wishes on behalf of the Commander of the Army and to see them off to Lebanon.The Sri Lankan FPC is mandated to provide protection to the Headquarters of the United Nations Interim Force in Lebanon (UNIFIL) in Naqoura and VIPs as required by the UNIFIL. The first group of the 13th SLFPC contingent returned home on Wednesday (1).

Amy Childs has offered her social media followers a major health update after having a scan for her upcoming twins with Billy Delbosq. The former Towie star, who joined the show in 2010 with the likes of Joey Essex, Gemma Collins and James Argent, is fast approaching her due date of April 26. Amy, 32, has been updating fans on her pregnancy journey so far, and on Tuesday, she took to Instagram to answer some questions from her 790k followers.

COLOMBO; Sri Lanka Air Force Proudly Celebrates its 72nd Anniversary today (2). In the seven decades that ensued, the Sri Lanka Air Force has come under the leadership of 17 commanders. Today, its leadership is in the able hands of its 18th Commander, Air Marshal Sudarshana Pathirana. The Sri Lanka Air Force has come a long way since its first flight in a humble Chipmunk and de Havilland DC 1, passing through Mig 27s, Kfir C7s, and F-7s today.

COLOMBO; The Food and Agriculture Organization of the United Nations (FAO), in collaboration with the United States Agency for International Development (USAID), is working together with the Ministry of Agriculture to increase the productivity and resilience of the rice-based ecosystems in the Dry and Intermediate Zones of Sri Lanka.Seventy-five percent of the 890,000 hectares of agricultural land used for Paddy farming in Sri Lanka is under smallholder farmers. Despite the country’s potential, the productivity in major growing ecosystems in Sri Lanka (the Dry and Intermediate Zones) has been stagnant or declining over the last 10 years. This is in contrast to the increase in productivity seen in other paddy-growing countries in Asia.If paddy productivity is increased by just 10 percent in the Dry and Intermediate zones, Sri Lanka will produce an extra 0.5 million tonnes.

The annual Kachchativu Feast is set to take place on the 03rd and 04th of March 2023 on the Kachchativu Island. Kachchativu is a small islet belongs to Sri Lanka, located near the International Maritime Boundary Line (IMBL) of Sri Lanka and India. The main mass of the annual feast will be conducted by the Bishop of Jaffna Diocese, Rt.

At least one person was killed in an avalanche while heli-skiing near the mountain ski resort of Panorama along the Alberta-B.C. border, RCMP confirmed Wednesday evening.

Ed Sheeran and Cherry Seaborn during The BRIT Awards 2022 at The O2 Arena on February 08, 2022 in London, England. (Photo by JMEnternational/Getty Images) Ed Sheeran is opening up about several low points in his life. The Grammy Award-winning songwriter revealed his wife Cherry Seaborn was diagnosed with a tumor while pregnant with their second child. After discovering the life-changing news, Sheeran’s best friend Jamal Edwards died unexpectedly at the age of 31.

COLOMBO (News 1st); China says it will work with relevant countries and international financial institutions to jointly play a positive role in helping Sri Lanka navigate its current situation, ease its debt burden and achieve sustainable development.Chinese Foreign Ministry Spokesperson Mao Ning on Tuesday (28) said the Export-Import Bank of China provided a financing support document to the Ministry of Finance, Economic Stabilization and National Policies of Sri Lanka, saying the Bank is going to provide an extension on the debt service due in 2022 and 2023 to help relieve Sri Lanka’s short-term debt repayment pressure. "The Bank also noted that it will support Sri Lanka in its loan application to the IMF and continuously call on commercial creditors (including the International Sovereign Bondholders) to provide debt treatment in an equally comparable manner, and encourage multilateral creditors to do their utmost to make corresponding contributions," she added."What China did is first based on China’s existing policy and position on debt issue. At the same time, as a special arrangement, it also reflects the traditional friendship between China and Sri Lanka.

PHILADELPHIA - Great things are in store for a Germantown teen after he recently got accepted into his first-choice school and went viral after his mom captured his reaction to the exciting news. Seventeen-year-old Amir Staten is a senior at Germantown Friends School who recently got accepted to Morehouse College in Atlanta. After opening the email from Morehouse admissions and learning of his acceptance, he ran up his street in the rain, screaming, and jumping for joy."I was like, ‘Let’s go.

COLOMBO (News 1st); Sri Lanka's Human Rights Commission said it would be conducting a special investigation over the delay in conducting the Local Government Election. A spokesperson said that several complaints have been filed with the HRCSL over the matter, and thus an investigation will be carried out.The spokesperson said that members of the National Election Commission would be summoned to inquire in to the matter.

Saint Mary’s University in Halifax no longer requires masking in common areas, despite them still being “encouraged.”Masking will, however, still be needed in classrooms and labs.Margaret Murphy, the associate vice-president of external affairs, says the school has taken a “measured approach” so far, helping get to a point where the university could “gradually ease the conditions, lessen the conditions as time goes on.”She says the decision came from the Return to Campus Advisory Team, which includes student and faculty representation.“Usually, I don’t wear the mask, so I don’t really care about that,” says student Ayako Nakajima. “Some of the students or the teachers really care about that.”“It would be nice if we could go without masking because sometimes they get annoying,” admits Jillian MacEwan, another student.

a former NBC employee, suggested that political ideology was at play."All of it is such a perfect indication of how the left, and especially the left in New York, continues to live," she said. "I mean, at this point, seriously? Is anyone still even testing for Covid?"Megyn further assumed that Savannah had had several COVID vaccine boosters. "There's zero chance NBC is not requiring all booster. This is reportedly Savannah's third bout of Covid, and I guarantee you she's had all the vaccines and the boosters because you won't be able to go into 30 Rock without them," Megyn said, referring to NBC headquarters in New York City. The former Fox News host added, "I don't test for Covid anymore.

COLUMBUS, Ohio - Railroads like the one involved in last month's fiery crash and toxic chemical release in Ohio would be subject to a series of new federal safety regulations and financial consequences under bipartisan legislation introduced Wednesday by the state's two U.S. senators.The Railway Safety Act of 2023, co-sponsored by U.S.

David Coles Sr. Booking Photo (Bensalem Police)BENSALEM, Pa. - A 76-year-old Bristol man was arrested in Bensalem after he arrived to, what he thought, would be a sexual encounter with a 14-year-old boy.Members of Bensalem Police Criminal Investigations Unit and SVU were on hand when Coles Sr. showed up for the encounter with the alleged juvenile.Officials said Coles, Sr.

Amy Childs has offered her social media followers a major health update after having a scan for her upcoming twins with Billy Delbosq.The former Towie star, who joined the show in 2010 with the likes of Joey Essex, Gemma Collins and James Argent, is fast approaching her due date of April 26. Amy, 32, has been updating fans on her pregnancy journey so far, and on Tuesday, she took to Instagram to answer some questions from her 790k followers.

BARNSTABLE, Mass. - A bald eagle that may have ingested poison has died, according to The Cape Wildlife Center in Massachusetts."We have some very sad news to share," the non-profit posted on its Facebook page Wednesday. "Last night MK succumbed to her illness.

Police are warning Winnipeggers about investing in cryptocurrency after a local resident was scammed out of the equivalent of $168,000 in bitcoin.

TRAVERSE CITY, Mich. - Even for the Thunder Bay area, a perilous swath of northern Lake Huron off the Michigan coast that has devoured many a ship, the Ironton’s fate seems particularly cruel.The 191-foot cargo vessel collided with a grain hauler on a blustery night in September 1894, sinking both. The Ironton’s captain and six sailors clambered into a lifeboat, but it was dragged to the bottom before they could detach it from the ship.

For the second day in a row, China on Wednesday dismissed U.S. suggestions that the Covid-19 pandemic may have been triggered by a virus that leaked from a Chinese laboratory. Responding to comments by FBI Director Christopher Wray, Foreign Ministry spokeswoman Mao Ning said the involvement of the U.S.

The Chief Medical Officer has urged older people to reconnect with other people exactly three years to the day after the first case of Covid-19 was confirmed in Ireland.

COLOMBO (News 1st); The US Senate Foreign Relations Committee has urged the Government of Sri Lanka to hold free and fair local elections without delay.In a tweet, the US Senate Foreign Relations Committee noted that any effort to take away the voice of the people of Sri Lanka is undeniably undemocratic & a direct violation of Sri Lankans’ rights.Sri Lanka's Election Commission recently said that the Local Government Election scheduled for March 9th was postponed due to reasons beyond its control.The Election Commission is expected to meet on Thursday (3) to reach a final decision on the Local Government Election that has faced numerous obstacles since it was announced.About the US Senate Foreign Relations Committee: The Senate Foreign Relations Committee was established in 1816 as one of the original ten standing committees of the Senate.

Ozzy Osbourne is sharing an update with his fans.

COLOMBO (News 1st); Sri Lanka Elite Police Force, the Police Special Task Force, celebrates its 40th anniversary on Wednesday (1).Here's a look at the history of this elite force, that was intrumental in countering terror attacks, and maintaining the peace.At the beginning of the early 1980s, with the emergence of terrorist activities in the North and East, the Police in the course of their duties had to face armed attacks carried out by the terrorists. The terrorist attacks resulted in the killing of police personnel, attacks on Police Stations and assassinations of VIPP. Hence the necessity arose for the formation of a special military arm within the Police Service to counter terrorist activities.In the light of the above situation, a Special Committee was appointed to investigate the police functions in the past to combat terrorism and its shortcomings.The Ranasinghe Committee report recommended the need to establish a Special Strike Force to assist the Police Department, as the existing special units were not effective to meet the terrorists’ attacks.Thereafter the Government of Sri Lanka requested the Police Department to release 60 personnel to form a Special Force and obtained the services of Major Ananda Weerasekara, Major Sumith Rohan Manawadu of the SLA (in 2015 both held the rank of Major General). After the initial training at Katukurunda combat training was given at Army Combat Training School at Ampara. After the training period, this group served under the leadership of ASP Bodhi Liyanage. Initially they were given training in the use of 303 Rifles and S.L.R.

COLOMBO (News 1st); The Court of Appeal on Tuesday issued a writ order stating that the charges filed by the Attorney General against former Finance Minister Ravi Karunanayake at the Colombo Permanent High Court Trial at Bar under the Public Property Act cannot be sustained.Two cases were filed against Karunanayake alleging criminal misappropriation of public funds at two bond auctions conducted by the Central Bank of Sri Lanka on the 29th & 31st of March 2016.Two writ applications filed by Former Finance Minister Ravi Karunayake challenging the two cases filed with the Permanent High Court Trial-at-Bar were taken up on Tuesday (28), where Justices Sobhitha Rajakaruna and Dhammika Ganepola issued a writ order.These cases were filed against Ravi Karunanayake and 10 others over the alleged criminal misappropriation of public funds to the tune of over Rs. 50 Billion  at two bond auctions conducted by the Central Bank of Sri Lanka on the 29th & 31st of March 2016.On the 4th of March 2022, the Colombo Permanent High Court Trial-at-Bar ordered to release Ex-Finance Minister Ravi Karunanayake and 10 other accused from the charge filed under the Public Property Act in the 2nd Bond Scam Case of 2016.However, the former Minister appealed to the Court of Appeal on the charges levelled against him, claiming that they were filed illegally and thereby cannot be maintained.

Representatives from the World Bank stated that the World Bank will continue to support Sri Lanka’s development reforms program.They stated that the World Bank will provide technical assistance in the drafting of laws for development policy operations, as well as work to provide additional guidance and support regarding the use of international media and welfare benefits.The delegation including the Vice President of the South Asian Region of World Bank, Martin Raiser, met President Ranil Wickremesinghe at the Presidential Secretariat on Tuesday (28).The World Bank Development Policy Operational Program was fully investigated and the President and World Bank representatives commented on its progress.Improving financial supervision and credit management, improving tax administration, sovereign-financial sector linkages and reducing systemic risks; maintaining stability and confidence in the banking sector, restructuring and divestment, reducing policy uncertainty and increasing competitiveness in the economy, mobilizing private capital and competition in the broadband market, strengthening the social security institution, delivery system and targeting was discussed.Source: PMD

COLOMBO (News 1st); Leader of Political Parties represented in the Sri Lankan Parliament are expected to meet Speaker Mahinda Yapa Abeywardena on Thursday (1).The meeting will be centered on the letter addressed to the Speaker by the Election Commission that sought intervention to secure funding for the Local Government Election 2023.In addition, the next parliament week and the agenda are also likely to be discussed.The opposition leader, and a group of opposition MPs met the Speaker on Tuesday (28) to discuss on the future steps that would be taken with regard to the letter sent by the Election Commission seeking intervention for funds.The opposition leader, and a group of opposition MPs had informed the Speaker that the Finance Secretary should be summoned to the Parliament for an inquiry over the letter sent by the Election Commission. They requested the speaker to summon parliament immediately to discuss this matter.SJB MPs and MPs representing the People's Freedom Alliance called on the speaker for this meeting.

Ozzy Osbourne recently shared the news that he would no longer be touring, due to being “physically weak” from the effects of a spinal injury he suffered four years ago, in addition to being diagnosed with Parkinson’s disease in 2003.

Shoppers are seen in a Kroger supermarket on October 14, 2022, in Atlanta, Georgia. - Economic prospects are becoming "more pessimistic" in the United States on growing worries of weaker demand, the Federal Reserve said in a report October 19, 2022, WASHINGTON - Nearly 30 million Americans who got extra government help with grocery bills during the pandemic will soon see that aid shrink — and there’s a big push to make sure they’re not surprised.Officials in 32 states and other jurisdictions have been using texts, voicemails, snail mail, flyers and social media posts — all in multiple languages — to let recipients know that their extra food stamps end after February's payments."One of the scenarios you don’t want to see is the first time they’re aware of it is in the checkout line at the grocery store," said Ellen Vollinger, an official with the Food Research & Action Center, a nonprofit organization.For the average recipient, the change will mean about $90 less per month, though for many, it could be much more, an analysis shows.

About $441 billion in student loan balances are eligible for forgiveness under the plan, according to one report. (iStock) The Supreme Court will hear two cases against President Joe Biden’s student loan forgiveness plan on Tuesday.

A man has been sectioned under the Mental Health Act after a child received 'serious injuries' in a terrifying attempted kidnapping near a park in Bolton.

WASHINGTON - Conservative justices holding the Supreme Court's majority are skeptically questioning President Joe Biden's plan to wipe away or reduce student loans held by millions of Americans.In arguments on Tuesday stretching well beyond the allotted two hours, Chief Justice John Roberts led his conservative colleagues in questioning the administration's authority to broadly cancel federal student loans because of the COVID-19 emergency.A student speaks as student loan borrowers gather at the Supreme Court the evening before the court hears two cases on student loan relief to state the relief is legal and needs to happen immediately on Feb. 27, 2023 in Washington, D.C.

Ozzy Osbourne is setting the record straight. On the latest episode of SiriusXM's Ozzy Speaks, Osbourne sat down with co-host Billy Morrison and gave an update on his health and touring status.“I’ve been working my guts out to try and get back on my feet. I’ve come to the point where Sharon says to me, ‘You know what, the truth of the marriage, you can't keep booking tours and failing, canceling," the singing legend said. Earlier this month, Osbourne made the difficult decision to end his touring career.

PHOENIX - A man who police say was in illegal possession of a tiger cub and tried to sell the animal has been indicted.Phoenix Police say 25-year-old Carlos Eduardo Castro Alcaraz was arrested on Jan. 23. An investigation began after officers received a tip that Alcaraz was trying to sell a baby tiger on social media for $25,000.

Savannah Guthrie has tested positive for COVID-19. On Tuesday's broadcast of, the 51-year-old anchor began the show at the 7 a.m. hour.

HEBER CITY, Utah - A Utah middle school teacher has used the power of TikTok trends to raise more than $31,000 for students who owe lunch debt in his district.Garrett Jones, who teaches seventh and eighth graders in Heber City, Utah, said it all started when he noticed the TikTok trend of people saying, "If someone would Venmo me a dollar I could ________.""A lot of it was like, ‘pay for my wedding,' ‘take my kids to Disneyland,' ‘take six months off of work,'" he told FOX TV Stations in an interview. READ MORE: Family raises over $250,000 for pizza delivery worker who fell on their porchJones, however, asked his followers for $1 donations to pay the outstanding lunch fees for every student at his school, "because the last thing a kid should be worrying about is how much they owe for meals at a place they’re legally obligated to be," his video said."I kind of did it as a joke at first. I just thought it would be cool to put a more meaningful or positive spin on that trend," Jones recalled.When he first had the idea, Jones thought he could raise "$200 or $300 and maybe be able to help a couple of students.""I’d be thrilled with that, just helping a couple," he said.Rocky Mountain Middle School teacher Garrett Jones and his broadcasting class (Garrett Jones) But Jones’ plea resonated with people — by the thousands — and quickly took off.

What Does the New Office Look Like? Offices were heavily revamped to fit COVID-19 regulations instilled by the Government of India. Those changes were either physical changes made in the infrastructure of office spaces or in the functionality of work spaces. Here are the major changes that occurred on systemic, physical, and disciplinary levels.

FILE - In this photo illustration, the logo of the food and grocery delivery app Instacart seen displayed on a smartphone screen and on a laptop. (Photo Illustration by Davide Bonaldo/SOPA Images/LightRocket via Getty Images) A pair of 6-year-old twins almost ordered $800 worth of snacks on a retail app that offers grocery delivery and pickup services.Jessica Aiwuyor shared her experience on Twitter of her twin daughters, Efosa and Esosa, almost purchasing a snack run with a subtotal of $757.57, according to Today."My six-year-old twins almost purchased close to $800 worth of snacks using my Instacart app," the surprised mother tweeted.The twins added a number of food and drink items to their cart including 35 boxes of Capri Sun Fruit Punch—which alone was worth over $300—Smartfood popcorn, and 28 bags of chips, including Lay’s Barbecue, Sour Cream and Doritos.AMAZON SELLING PRODUCTS CONTAINING DONKEY MEAT: LAWSUITThe girl's snack plans were foiled when attempting to navigate through checkout."They almost completed the purchase but couldn’t figure out the last few steps," Aiwuyor continued, writing, "I serve a living God!"AUSTRALIAN TOURIST ON BALI VACATION HAS 'MINI PANIC ATTACK' OVER RESTAURANT BILL: 'VERY COSTLY MISTAKE'The event stirred warm responses from Twitter users that sympathized with the child epicures."The babies went off on the Capri Suns and I understand!!!" wrote one Twitter user.FILE - Instacart logo is seen displayed on a phone screen.

CAPE MAY COUNTY, N.J. - A woman was walking her dog on a beach in Cape May County when she stumbled across an unfortunate discovery.She found a beached dolphin at 50th Street in Avalon on Monday.RELATED COVERAGE: 65-foot whale washes up on New Jersey beachIt is unknown what led the dolphin to wash ashore, or how long it was there before being found.This latest discovery comes as nine whales have been found dead along the coast of New Jersey and New York over the last few months.RELATED COVERAGE: Activists seek answers why so many whales have washed ashore on Jersey beachesActivists blame the animal deaths on survey vessels for potential offshore wind farms in the Atlantic Ocean.

COLOMBO (News 1st) ; A Bolivian woman was arrested by the officers attached to Narcotics Control Unit at the green channel customs area with 4.6 kg of substance suspicious to be cocaine concealed in cloth and backpack.Sri Lanka Customs said that this substance was soaked in cloth material used for the jackets and cloth bags.The suspected had arrived from Brazil via Dubai by the flight EK 650 operated by Emirates. She is 26 years old and this was her first overseas visit, said Sri Lanka Customs.The street value of the substance, suspected to be cocaine, estimated at Rs.

COLOMBO (News 1st); Sri Lanka's Cabinet of Minister granted approval for the establishment of National Contributory Pension Fund.According to a document released by the Department of Government Information, the Cabinet has recognized that is appropriate to establish a fund named National Contributory Pension Fund to ensure an appropriate environment is created for public sector employees to spend their retired life without being a burden to the country as well as to provide a pension with a certain profit for the retired life of the state sector pensioners. Accordingly, 8% from the basic salary of the employee and 12% from the employer should be credited to the proposed fund when a state employee is recruited in the state service, it added.An independent entity governed by a board of management to manage the proposed contributory pension fund will be established and a fund manager with special skills will be appointed for management of the funds. The proposed national contributory pension scheme will be applicable to the individuals newly recruited  to the government service, said Cabinet Spokesperson Minister Bandula Gunwardena on Tuesday (28).Those recruited to government service after the month of January  2016 can contribute to the proposed national contributory pension scheme as per their consent, said the statement from the Departmnet of Government Information."Since 2000, all public sector appointment letters carry the clause that they would be moved to the National Contributory Pension Scheme in the future. Therefore, this National Contributory Pension Scheme applies to all those who were recruited since 2016.