Provident: Latest News

COLOMBO (News 1st); The International Monetary Fund has emphasized the importance of anti-corruption and governance reforms as a central pillar of the EFF-supported program as they are indispensable to ensure the hard-won gains from the reforms benefit the Sri Lankan people.In a statement issued ahead of the IMF press briefing on Tuesday (21) morning, Peter Breuer, Senior Mission Chief for Sri Lanka & Masahiro Nozaki, Mission Chief for Sri Lanka noted that Sri Lankan authorities have committed to fundamentally improve public financial management and strengthen the anti-corruption legal framework in line with the United Nations Convention against Corruption.The reform program supported under the EFF arrangement is built on strong policy measures and prioritizes:(i) an ambitious revenue-based fiscal consolidation, accompanied by stronger social safety nets, fiscal institutional reforms, and cost-recovery based energy pricing to ensure the state’s ability to support all its essential expenditures;(ii) restoration of public debt sustainability, including through a debt restructuring to ensure stable financing of the government’s operations;(iii) a multi-pronged strategy to restore price stability and rebuild reserves under greater exchange rate flexibility in order to alleviate the burden of inflation, particularly on the poor, to foster an environment of investment and growth, and to ensure Sri Lanka's ability to purchase essential goods from abroad;(iv) policies to safeguard financial sector stability to ensure that the financial sector can play its key role in supporting economic growth; and(v) structural reforms to address corruption vulnerabilities and enhance growth. It is now essential to continue the reform momentum

FILE - US Secretary of State Antony Blinken speaks during a joint press conference with Nigerien Foreign Minister Hassoumi Massoudou (not seen) at the presidential palace in Niamey, Niger, on March 16, 2023. (BOUREIMA HAMA/POOL/AFP via Getty Images)NIAMEY, Niger - An American aid worker held by Islamic extremists in West Africa for more than six years and a French journalist abducted almost two years ago were both freed Monday, authorities said.They were brought together to Niger’s capital.

NEW YORK - Donald Trump announced over the weekend that he expects to be "arrested" this week as a New York grand jury gets close to wrapping up its look into hush money the former president paid during his 2016 campaign. Most experts agree any arrest won’t look like a traditional Hollywood-style takedown. Trump will likely be given a chance to turn himself in and then be quickly released.But that doesn't mean the event wouldn’t be drama-free.

COLOMBO (News 1st); The IMF Executive Board approved Sri Lanka’s program under the Extended Fund Facility (EFF) that will enable Sri Lanka to access up to $7 billion in funding, reported the President's Media Division.President Ranil Wickremesinghe has expressed his gratitude for the support of the IMF and other international partners, said the PMD.It added that the President committed to full transparency in all discussions with financial institutions & creditors, & to achieve sustainable levels of debt through prudent fiscal management & an ambitious reform agenda.The IMF program is critical to achieving this vision & will help to improve Sri Lanka's standing in international capital markets, making it an attractive country for investors, talent, & tourists, said the President's Media Division.Earlier this month, Sri Lanka received IMF-compatible financing assurances from its official creditors, including Paris Club members, India and China, allowing the IMF to convene an Executive Board and consider Sri Lanka’s request for a loan.The program is expected to provide much-needed policy space to drive the economy out of the unprecedented challenges and instill confidence amongst all the stakeholders.President Ranil Wickremesinghe welcomed the announcement:“In the 75 years of Sri Lanka’s independence, there has never been a more critical period for ou economic future. Our official creditors have declared their support following continuous and positive engagements over the last few months, and we are pleased that the IMF Executive Board approved our program, enabling Sri Lanka to access up to US$ 7 billion in funding from the IMF and IFIs.

PHILADELPHIA, PA - JUNE 01: Protesters away from tear gas after a march through Center City on June 1, 2020 in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania. Demonstrations have erupted all across the country in response to George Floyds death in Minneapolis, Minnesota PHILADELPHIA - The City of Philadelphia has reached a record-breaking settlement with protesters who were hit with tear gas and pepper spray during protests against police brutality in the summer of 2020.Philadelphia law firm Mincey Fitzpatrick Ross, LLC announced the settlement in the federal lawsuit filed on behalf of 237 people injured in protests against the murder of George Floyd held in Philadelphia on May 31 and June 1, 2020.

NEW DELHI : India aims to launch a global initiative on digital health as an institutional framework. This framework aims to converge the global efforts for digital health and scale up digital solutions with use of cutting-edge technologies, said Mansukh Mandaviya, union health minister on Monday.

The Sri Lanka Transport Board (SLTB) has announced a new pilot program that aims to incorporate bus route maps into a geographic information system (GIS). This program will allow SLTB to effectively manage and monitor bus routes and schedules, thereby improving the quality of public transportation services in Sri Lanka. Through this pilot program, bus route maps will be integrated into a GIS, enabling SLTB to have a more accurate and detailed understanding of its transportation network.This will enable SLTB to identify potential issues, such as traffic congestion, and develop solutions to improve the efficiency of bus routes. In addition, the program will provide passengers with a user-friendly map of the SLTB's bus routes and schedules, making it easier for them to plan their journeys and travel more efficiently. The program is expected to provide significant benefits for both passengers and SLTB, by reducing travel time, improving bus scheduling and ultimately increasing the overall quality of public transportation services. A sample of the new pilot project was shared on the SLTB Facebook Page.  

COLOMBO (News 1st); Sri Lanka Police said that 662 grams of high-powered explosive were recovered following the interrogation of  Ravindu Warnaranga also known as 'Booru Moona'.Police Spokesperson SSP Nihal Thalduwa told News 1st that the explosives were found concealed near an electricity post in Hanwella.Ravindu Warnaranga also known as 'Booru Moona', a wanted criminal who escaped police custody and was evading capture, was arrested close to the Court Complex in Avissawella on Friday (17).Police Spokesperson & Attorney SSP Nihal Thalduwa told News 1st that 'Booru Moona' was wanted by authorities for a series of murders and other crimes.‘Booru Moona’ had attempted to fly to Dubai under a false name from the Katunayake Airport on February 24th, and he was arrested by Immigration Officers at the BIA, who then handed him over to the Airport Police.Thereafter, he had escaped police custody and two monks along with another man were arrested by the Katunayake Police for facilitating the escape of the suspect.Moreover, a husband and wife duo who were arrested for providing accommodation to the fugitive ‘Booru Moona’ who escaped while in the custody of the Katunayake Airport Police,  were remanded.‘Booru Moona’ was identified as the shooter by detectives who investigated the incident where a owner of a restaurant was shot dead at point-blank range in Hanwella on December 18th in 2022.The court had granted Sri Lanka Police to detain and interrogate the suspect for a period of 72 hours.

COLOMBO (News 1st);Sri Lanka's Agriculture Ministry said that 1.2 million local farmers will be given Triple Super Phosphate or TSP Fertilizer free of charge from Monday (20), after three harvesting seasons.The shipment of 36,000 metric tons  Triple Super Phosphate (TSP) was funded by the United States Agency for International Development (USAID) and procured by the Food and Agriculture Organization of the United Nations (FAO) for distribution free-of-charge to farmers.Accordingly, 11,537 MT of TSP fertilizer will be issued to farmers in the Northern, and Eastern Provinces.TSP Fertilizer will be issued via all Agrarian Services Centers in the country.The Ministry of Agriculture said that TSP Fertilizer will be issued to other areas to commence harvesting.According to the ministry, 55 kg of fertilizer is recommended for one hectare of paddy cultivation.More than a million Sri Lankan paddy farmers in all 25 districts will get vital assistance through a shipment of over 36,000 metric tons of fertilizer handed over by the United States to the Ministry of Agriculture. This second shipment of USAID-supported fertilizer is delivered on a promise USAID Administrator Samantha Power made last September in response to Sri Lanka’s food security challenges. It brings the total of USAID-supported TSP and urea fertilizer to more than 45,000MT over the last year.U.S.

COLOMBO (News 1st); University activities have been crippled due to the strike action launched by the Federation of University Teachers' Associations against the new tax policy of the government.The strike is on for the 12th consecutive day.Chairman of the Federation of University Teachers' Association Professor Shyama Banneheka told News 1st that the strike will go ahead until solutions are provided to their issues.In addition, the Trade Unions attached to the Ceylon Electricity Board and the National Water Supply and Drainage Board also launched a continuous strike against the government's new tag regime.The Professionals Trade Union Collective said that they hope to discuss their demands with the President this week.Dr.

Adam Sandler attends the 29th Annual Screen Actors Guild Awards at Fairmont Century Plaza on February 26, 2023 in Los Angeles, California. (Photo by Frazer Harrison/Getty Images) WASHINGTON (AP) - Actor-comedian Adam Sandler will be honored by comedic and entertainment royalty when he receives the Kennedy Center’s Mark Twain Prize for American Humor on Sunday night.Sandler, 56, first came to national attention as a cast member on "Saturday Night Live." After being fired from the cast following a five-year stint, Sandler launched a wildly successful movie career that has spanned more than 30 films, grossing over $3 billion worldwide."Adam Sandler has entertained audiences for over three decades with his films, music, and his tenure as a fan favorite cast member on ‘SNL,’" Kennedy Center President Deborah Rutter said in a statement when Sandler’s prize was announced in December.

Firefighters had to rescue a man that was found pinned beneath a 2,000-pound safe. (Credit: Glasgow Volunteer Fire Department) GLASGOW, Va. - Firefighters in Virginia had to rescue a man who became trapped underneath a 2,000-pound gun safe. The Glasgow Volunteer Fire Department said crews responded to the incident on March 9.Firefighters said the man became pinned underneath the safe after it had fallen while being unloaded. They said the safe was severely unstable when they arrived.

MIAMI - Jose Altuve left Venezuela’s 9-7 quarterfinal loss to the United States on Saturday night with a possible broken right thumb after getting hit by a pitch in another injury setback at the World Baseball Classic.The Houston Astros second baseman, an eight-time All-Star and the 2017 American League MVP, fell to the field after he was struck by the 95.9 mph sinker from Colorado reliever Daniel Bard in the fifth inning. He grimaced as he walked off with an athletic trainer, and Altuve was replaced by Luis Rengifo."The Astros will provide an update tomorrow after further evaluation," the club said in a statement.A Houston athletic trainer was concerned Altuve’s thumb was broken but had not received a scan to confirm a break, a person familiar with the situation told The Associated Press speaking on condition of anonymity because the team had not announced a diagnosis.Altuve’s injury occurred three days after New York Mets All-Star closer Edwin Díaz sustained a season-ending knee injury during the postgame celebration of Puerto Rico’s 5-2 win over the Dominican Republic.MORE ASTROS NEWSAltuve did not answer questions from media after the game, saying only in Spanish: "All is good.""It didn’t look good," said Venezuela manager Omar López, the Astros first base coach.

PHILADELPHIA - The Southeastern Pennsylvania Transportation Authority (SEPTA) says its pausing construction of the King of Prussia rail due to rising costs which have been "exacerbated by inflation and high interest rates."Spokesperson Andrew Busch told FOX 29 that SEPTA will use resources that had been allocated for KOP Rail to bolster essential infrastructure work. The largest factor that's preventing SEPTA from continuing work on the rail extension is the lack of flexibility in SEPTA’s capital budget, according to Busch. "In discussions this week, the Federal Transit Administration raised concerns about whether SEPTA could fund its share of the project, which would include any cost overruns.

PHILADELPHIA - What started as a passion for one Philadelphia woman, has given promise to dozens of girls in need of a loving, supportive home.Naima Powell has worked to change the lives of young people in Philadelphia for 20 years, and Saturday she unveiled her first center - a home for girls ages 10 to 17.The 3-bedroom house on Regent Street in Southwest Philadelphia will soon be home to six children whose families are unable to care for them.Powell, the found and director of Lighthouse Family Youth Agency, is determined to provide young girls with the comfort and security of knowing they are loved and supported. "Youth will come in through the welfare system, and our goal is to teach them and advocate with them to be the best versions of themselves," Powell said.She's been a foster mom for 20 years, providing a loving home for 15 years."My mom raised me since I was two months old after my biological mother wasn't really there for me, and built me into the person I am," said Divine Cannedy, Powell's daughter.As a social worker, Powell says her lifelong goal is to help children reach their full potential."Children between the ages of 10 to 17 need the guidance, need the support, they need people who are accepting of them," she said.

Shannen Doherty wanted fans to know that she was doing well while attending ’90s Con.

This illustration image shows tablets of opioid painkiller Oxycodone delivered on medical prescription taken on September 18, 2019 in Washington, DC. (Photo by Eric Baradat/AFP via Getty Images) MEXICO CITY (AP) - The U.S.

COLOMBO (News 1st); Sri Lanka's Education Minister Susil Premajayanth said that from the 23rd of March school text books will be distributed to all students across all schools in the country.He was speaking at the school books and stationery distribution program named 'Divi Saviya' organized by the LOLC Holdings on Friday (17).The 'Divi Saviya' program organized by LOLC Holdings will distribute school books and stationery material to all students.Friday's (17) program took place at the Ganemulla Sri Sumangala Prime School, and it was attended by Education Minister Susil Premajantha.This event was also attended by Kithsiri Gunawardena, Chief Operating Officer of LOLC Holdings PLC and Gampaha Zonal Education Director P. D.

MANHATTAN, New York - A civilian helped catch an armed suspect Thursday, who was fleeing from police in New York City. According to the U.S. Attorney’s Office Southern District of New York, the suspect, Jason Fleming, was arrested on March 16 after brandishing loaded weapons following a dispute in a crowded bodega in Manhattan’s Chelsea neighborhood.Surveillance video shows Fleming, 39, outside the bodega pulling back his coat momentarily to reveal a rifle that had been swung over his shoulder.Police officers then approached the suspect after a witness called 911, and Fleming took off running down the sidewalk. In the footage, the citizen pushes the suspect into a nearby fence.

Nature photographer Mathew Nichols spent a few chilly nights this winter in the woods of Washington's Hoh Rainforest in Olympic National Park, documenting the surreal formation of "hair ice" – also known as "needle ice" or "beard frost" – which can be found when cold conditions are just right.Nichols, who spends quite a bit of time outdoors, has seen these odd-looking branches that have icy needles protruding from the branch. How did they get there? You need the right kind of wood and the right kind of fungus."Hair Ice is caused by a fungus that lives within the decaying wood, and this fungus 'breathes' or releases its spores through the night, pushing the moisture harnessed within the wood out of the wood's pores, causing it to immediately freeze with contact of the below freezing temperatures," Nichols said.As the fungus' "breath" continues to freeze through tiny pores, long, thin strands of ice form, which in the aggregate, appear to look like hair.Nichols wanted time-lapse video to show how they form and melt, but this was no easy photo shoot."Hair Ice" grows on a dead branch in the woods of northwestern Washington in March.

PHILADELPHIA - A Philadelphia man is facing murder charges after police say he stabbed two people blocks apart in less than a week.DShawn Crawford, 28, was arrested Friday and charged with murder, attemper murder, aggravated assault, and related charges. Police believe on Feb. 24 Crawford stabbed a man in the head and body around 5:30 a.m.

Brandon Miller #24 of the Alabama Crimson Tide dribbles the ball against Jalen Jackson #4 of the Texas A&M-CC Islanders during the second half in the first round of the NCAA Men's Basketball Tournament. (Alex Slitz/Getty Images) BIRMINGHAM, Ala. - Brandon Miller sat in a folding chair in a corner of the locker room facing an assemblage of reporters and video cameras.Alabama's freshman All-American fielded few questions about his worst game in crimson and white, not with all the off-the-court matters that have shadowed him and a team mounting a bid for the program's first national championship.Amid myriad distractions, the NCAA Tournament's top overall seed dispatched 16th-seeded Texas A&M-Corpus Christi 96-75 on Thursday in the opening round even with its best player going scoreless for the first time.RELATED: Alabama basketball player Darius Miles charged with capital murder in deadly shootingMiller, who politely but succinctly responded to questions about anything not related to the game, has been accompanied by a security guard provided by the university after facing threats since his presence at the scene of a fatal shooting was disclosed in court testimony."It doesn’t bother me," Miller said of the threats, which he forwards to university officials.

COLOMBO (News 1st); Ravindu Warnaranga also known as 'Booru Moona', a wanted criminal who escaped police custody and was evading capture, was arrested in Avissawella on Friday (17).Police Spokesperson & Attorney SSP Nihal Thalduwa told News 1st that 'Booru Moona' was wanted by authorities for a series of murders and other crimes.‘Booru Moona’ had attempted to fly to Dubai under a false name from the Katunayake Airport on February 24th, and he was arrested by Immigration Officers at the BIA, who then handed him over to the Airport Police.Thereafter, he had escaped police custody and a two monks along with another man were arrested by the Katunayake Police for facilitating the escape of the suspect.Moreover, a husband and wife duo who were arrested for providing accommodation to the fugitive ‘Booru Moona’ who escaped while in the custody of the Katunayake Airport Police,  were remanded.‘Booru Moona’ was identified as the shooter by detectives who investigated the incident where a owner of a restaurant was shot dead at point blank range in Hanwella on December 18th in 2022.

FILE - People participate in an abortion rights rally outside of the Supreme Court. (Sarah Silbiger/Getty Images)SACRAMENTO, Calif. - Doctors in California who mail abortion pills to people in other states would be protected from prosecution under a new bill to be unveiled Friday in the state Legislature.The bill would not let California extradite doctors who are facing charges in another state for providing abortion medication.

COVID-19 worsens sleep patterns for 28% of people, and recovery does not guarantee improved sleep due to ongoing inflammation, respiratory issues, and sleep apnea. The COVID-19 pandemic has had a negative impact on the sleep patterns of Indian citizens, according to a recent study by LocalCircles.

COLOMBO (News 1st); People's Bank on Friday (17) said that it had not received any direct or indirect requests or instructions from any state institution to close their accounts with People's Bank."We wish to strongly emphasize that People's Bank has always been a trusted partner for state organization in providing reliable banking service, including instances where such services were provided at the expense of profitability, in order to serve the country's best interests," said a statement.People's Bank issued this statement in order to clarify the misleading reports regarding State Institutions' Bank Accounts.It said that People's Bank is well-equipped to meet the financial needs of all Public and private Sector customers.On Thursday (16), it was reported that the Ministry of Finance had decided to open the bank accounts of government institutions, which were maintained only in government banks, in private banks.State Finance Minister Shehan Semasinghe stated that due to recent strikes, certain public services could not be provided due to the disruption of the services.He said that this new alternate security measure adopted in order to continue public services during such a situation.

COLOMBO (News 1st); The Ministry of Buddhasasana, Religious and Cultural Affairs said that the program to install solar panels at places of religious worship is underway.Minister Vidura Wickramanayake told News 1st that such solar power systems were installed at four temples.He said that the government of India has made available USD 10 Million for this project.The Minister said that all places of religious worship that also serve as educational institutes will be provided with solar power system in the first phase of the project.He said that solar power systems will be installed across all places of worship within a year.

PHILADELPHIA - Federal authorities are searching for a man who they say threatened to blow up a Philadelphia bank during a robbery.Investigators say the suspect, described as a 5-foot-7 heavyset white man, entered the PNC Bank on the 1001 block of East Erie Avenue around 6 p.m. Wednesday. The suspect, dressed in dark clothes with a face covering and gloves, handed the bank teller a note that authorities say threatened to detonate a concealed explosive device. The teller handed over an undisclosed amount of money and the suspect fled the bank, police said.

Three Generations Of Cloned Mice. The Second Level Combines Both The Second And Third Generations, Demonstrating The Magnitude Of The Process, A Result Of A New And Relatively Simple Cloning Technique Discovered By Scientists At The University Of Haw For the first time, scientists have created baby mice from two males.This raises the distant possibility of using the same technique for people – although experts caution that very few mouse embryos developed into live mouse pups and no one knows whether it would work for humans.Still, "It’s a very clever strategy," said Diana Laird, a stem cell and reproductive expert at the University of California, San Francisco, who was not involved in the research.

ATLANTA, GEORGIA - JUNE 16: Rick Allen of Def Leppard performs onstage during The Stadium Tour at Truist Park on June 16, 2022 in Atlanta, Georgia. (Photo by Kevin Mazur/Getty Images for Live Nation) Def Leppard drummer Rick Allen was assaulted by a teenager outside a hotel in South Florida last week, according to media reports.Allen was in town to perform a show with at the Seminole Hard Rock Hotel and Casino, and was staying at the Four Seasons Hotel in Fort Lauderdale Beach, according to WSVN and TMZ.According to the Fort Lauderdale Police arrest report, obtained by FOX 35, Allen – who is not mentioned by name in the report – was in the valet area of the hotel smoking a cigarette when a 19-year-old man, identified as Max Hartley, ran at him at full speed and struck him, knocking Allen backwards, causing him to hit his head.A woman ran to help Allen and was then attacked by Hartley.

Waze said the new EV charging station feature would be available starting this week and rolling out globally "over the coming weeks." (Credit: Provided / Waze) SAN FRANCISCO - Waze, the Google-owned navigation app, is hoping to make it easier for drivers of electric vehicles to find a charging station.The company announced in a blog post on Tuesday that users will now be able to enter their electric vehicle (EV) and plug type into the Waze app to find relevant charging stations along their route. "Charging station information is often inconsistent, outdated or unreliable, creating a major pain point for EV drivers who may navigate to a charging station only to discover they can’t find it or use it," the company said in a statement. "By adding up-to-date EV charging information to the Waze map, it’s even easier to charge your car and get help finding where or when you’ll come across the next station."Waze said the EV data will be reviewed and updated in real-time by its community map editors to ensure accuracy. Waze said the feature was available starting this week and roling out globally "over the coming weeks."But a report published on Wednesday by Electrek noted how the EV Charger finding feature was still showing nearby gas stations instead of chargers for one user.

The ministry has urged top private hospitals across the country to provide quality, affordable medical education by setting up their medical colleges New Delhi There has been an increase of 71% in medical colleges from 387 before 2014 to 660 till date, the health ministry said on Friday. The government said that there has also been an increase of 97% in MBBS seats from 51,348 before 2014 to 101,043.

Insurer Vs web aggregator: All buyers should necessarily compare the discounts offered by insurers on their respective websites and that provided by a web aggregator. In some cases, the aggregator offers a lower premium for the same policy and coverage. Yet, an aggregator may not necessarily give discounts on every policy.

COLOMBO (News 1st); Railway operations were crippled on Wednesday (15) morning due to a strike launched by the Locomotive Operating Engineers' Association.The Locomotive Operating Engineers' Association of Sri Lanka Railways declared a 24-hour strike that come into effect at midnight on Tuesday (14).According to Sri Lanka Railways, around 20 trains operated on Wednesday (15) morning, compared to the over 60 trains that operate daily in the morning.Railways General Manager A. D.

COLOMBO (News 1st); The teachers and principals unions in Sri Lanka went on a one-day strike on Wednesday (15).Teachers and Principals went on strike in support of the action taken by the Professionals Trade Union Collective and several other issues.News 1st correspondents reported that student turnout across schools in the country was at a low as a result of the strike.The Professionals Trade Union Collective had declared a nation-wide day of strikes and protests.Government, Semi-Government and Private Trade Unions are geared up to support the strikes.Government Medical Officers, Specialist Doctors, University Teachers, Faculty of Medicine Teachers, CEB Engineers, Bankers, Petroleum Workers, Water Supply Workers, Road Development Officers, Education Administrative Officers, Surveyors, Inland Revenue Officers are among the 40 Trade Unions that will support this move.Their main demand is to amend the unjust tax policy implemented by the government.The PAYE tax between 6% to 36% imposed on monthly earnings over Rs. 100,000/- had placed professionals across many sectors in a tough position.Public, Semi-Public and Private Trade Unions have joined their cause with several more demands.These include a demand to reduce bank interest rates, provide a Cost of Living Allowance of Rs.

Vadodara resident Rameshchandra Joshi, who had filed the complaint against the insurance firm in August 2017 after the firm rejected his claim People can claim insurance even if they were admitted for less than 24 hours in a hospital, a Vadodara consumer forum said. The court has ordered National Insurance Company to make payment to Vadodara resident Ramesh Chandra Joshi, who had filed the complaint against the insurance firm in August 2017 after the firm rejected his claim, according to media reports. The forum said that in the modern age new treatments and medicines have been developed, resulting in patients being treated in lesser time or even without hospitalisation.

COLOMBO (News 1st); Sri Lanka's Foreign Minister Ali Sabry, PC said that four more countries have stepped forward to provide debt restructuring assurances to the International Monetary Fund.He tweeted that Saudi Arabia, Pakistan, Hungary, and Kuwait have given debt restructuring assurances to IMF. The Foreign Minister is in the UK to attend the Commonwealth Day celebrations.Minister of Foreign Affairs, Ali Sabry will participate in the 22nd Commonwealth Foreign Affairs Ministers Meeting (CFAMM) at the Commonwealth Headquarters, Marlborough House, London on 15 March 2023. This year’s CFAMM will engage the Foreign Ministers in discussing joint responses to shared challenges such as the need to build resilience for peaceful and sustainable societies, climate financing for environmental sustainability and leveraging intra -commonwealth trade and digital connectivity for economic recovery, food, and energy security.On the sidelines of these events, Minister Sabry will have a call on the Rt Hon James Cleverly, Secretary of State for Foreign, Commonwealth Development Affairs (FCDO), bilateral meetings with Rt Hon Patricia Scotland KC, Secretary General of the Commonwealth, Ann Marie Trevelyan, Minister of State for Indo – Pacific FCDO and Lord Mervyn Davies of Abersoch, Prime Minister’s Trade Envoy for Sri Lanka. The Foreign Minister will also participate in an afternoon tea hosted by Rt Hon Lord Naseby at the House of Commons and deliver remarks on Sri Lanka’s relations with the UK to a cross section of British Parliamentarians organized by the Sri Lanka High Commission in London together with Sri Lanka Tea Board.

Vadodra resident Rameshchandra Joshi, who had filed the complaint against the insurance firm in August 2017 after the firm rejected his claim People can claim insurance even if they were admitted for less than 24 hours in a hospital, a Vadodra consumer forum said. The court has ordered National Insurance Company to make payment to Vadodra resident Rameshchandra Joshi, who had filed the complaint against the insurance firm in August 2017 after the firm rejected his claim, according to media reports. The forum said that in the modern age new treatments and medicines have been developed, resulting in patients being treated in lesser time or even without hospitalisation.

(Staff photo by Brianna Soukup/Portland Portland Press Herald via Getty Images) PHOENIX - As gas prices rose across the country in 2022 amid Russia's invasion of Ukraine, more people began to show interest in electric cars as an answer to higher gas prices.According to the website MarketWatch, searches for new and used EVs jumped 112% from Feb. 24 to March 8, 2022 on cars.com, at around the same time as the Russian invasion began. Here's what you should know about electric cars, as well as some of the terms that are unique to this category of cars.According to the Alternative Fuels Data Center, which is part of the U.S.

Mumbai, Maharashtra, India – Business Wire India Having a reliable health insurance policy can be crucial in managing medical expenses. Royal Sundaram has been providing health insurance coverage for over two decades, helping policyholders navigate the complexities of obtaining affordable Health Insurance. As a leading provider of health insurance, the company has been dedicated to helping individuals and families manage their medical expenses with ease.

COLOMBO (News 1st); The Government Printer says that funds are yet to be provided for the printing of ballot papers.A Senior Officer said that in the present context, it is not possible to commence the printing process.Ballot paper for postal voting for 17 district have been completed.According to the Government Printer, the previous election date was printed on these ballot papers.The Government Printer said the Election Commission will be consulted on amending the ballot papers.In addition, the Election Commission says the Government Printer has not officially communicated over a delay in printing ballot papers.Election Commission Chairman Attorney Nimal Punchihewa told News 1st that if an official communication is made, the commission can meet and decided on the matter.However, the secure packages containing the ballot papers for postal voting are expected to be delivered to Postal Services on the 21st of March. 

Pfizer argued that Seagen can provide a steady and long-lasting revenue stream that will help fill the $17 billion hole it is facing as key products lose patent protection between 2025 and 2030. Pfizer makes a decent argument. Its commercial and manufacturing heft can undoubtedly maximize the value of Seagen’s portfolio and pipeline of antibody-drug conjugates, medicines that use antibodies to deliver powerful chemotherapies directly to tumor cells.

COLOMBO (News 1st); Sri Lanka's Cabinet of Ministers has granted approval to go ahead with a pilot project to install Floating Solar Panel Power Plants on the surface of Kiriibban Wewa reservoir and Chandrika Wewa reservoir in the Ratnapura District.Under the Framework Convention on Grant Aid signed between the Republic of Korea and Sri Lanka in 2009, the Minister of Trade, Industry and Energy of the Republic of Korea has agreed to provide a grant amounting 6.83 Billion Korean Won for the implementation of a pilot project to install floating solar panel power plant with 1 MW capacity on the surface of reservoirs. Korea Institute for Advancement of Technology is acting as the monitoring agency for the pilot project on behalf of the Korean government, said the Department of Government Information.Accordingly, the Cabinet of Ministers approved the proposal presented by the Minister of Power and Energy to sign the documents between the Korea Institute for Advancement of Technology, the Ministry of Power and Energy and the Department of External Resources to start and implement this pilot project according to the agreement reached.

COLOMBO (News 1st); Sri Lankan President has decided to appoint a Committee to identify suitable government hospitals to be used as Teaching Hospitals to provide clinical training for Private Medical Students.The President's Media Division said this decision was made to provide clinical training for Medical Students enrolled at the KDU, Dr. Neville Fernando Hospital, Lyceum Campus and other universities in Colombo, Kalutara, Gampaha, Kurunegala & Polonnaruwa, According to the President's Media Division this training will be provided without hampering the training of students in State Universities.Accordingly, State Minister of Health Dr. Seetha Arambepola will be appointed as the Chairperson of the aforementioned Committee, while other appointed members will include Additional Secretary to the Ministry of Health Dr.

COATESVILLE, Pa. - Coatesville City Council says the ambulance company that the town has a five-year contract with is downgrading its services after just months.Washington Hose Company provides ambulance service to Coatesville, but city council says it was blindsided by an email saying they will no longer provide Advanced Life Support Services (ALS). ALS is a specific level of care needed for severe health emergencies, including heart attacks and strokes.

PHILADELPHIA - State and local leaders gathered Monday to address a growing asbestos problem that's caused Philadelphia public schools to abruptly close and forced students to learn remotely. Simon Gratz middle school reopened Monday after the discovery of asbestos, a cancer-causing material, caused the campus that also houses Simon Gratz High School to close last week. Simon Gratz High School, meanwhile - where the asbestos was found during a district inspection - remained close, but officials say it could reopen on Tuesday.Earlier this month, students at Building 21 in the city's West Oak Lane section were displaced when asbestos was discovered in the stairwells and auditorium. MORE LOCAL HEADLINESThe remediation work forced students to briefly learn virtually and the School District of Philadelphia's plan to relocate students to Strawberry Mansion High School was met with backlash. The asbestos problem in Philadelphia public schools made headlines before the coronavirus pandemic; many of the school buildings are decades old and in dire need of structural upgrades. Philadelphia Councilmember Isaiah Thomas, chairperson of the education committee, called asbestos in schools "one of the most pressing issues we face as a municipality right now." Leaders lauded newly-elected Gov.

NEW YORK - Donald Trump’s former lawyer and fixer Michael Cohen is expected to testify Monday before a Manhattan grand jury investigating hush money payments he arranged and made on the former president’s behalf.Cohen arrived at the courthouse accompanied by his lawyer shortly in advance of his closed-door testimony, which comes at a critical time as the Manhattan district attorney's office approaches a decision whether to seek charges against Trump.A Trump loyalist turned adversary, Cohen is likely to provide critical details about whatever involvement the Republican presidential candidate may have had in the payments made during the 2016 campaign to two women who alleged affairs or sexual encounters with him."My goal is to tell the truth," Cohen told reporters outside the courthouse, dismissing a suggestion that he might be motivated by a desire to see Trump behind bars."This is not revenge," he said. "This is all about accountability.

Rafts of brown seaweed, Sargassum sp., pile up on the shore of Miami Beach, Florida, USA. (Photo by: Andre Seale/VW PICS/Universal Images Group via Getty Images) A giant seaweed bloom – so large it can be seen from outer space – may be headed towards Florida’s Gulf Coast. The sargassum bloom, at around 5,000 miles wide, is twice the width of the United States and is believed to be the largest in history. Drifting between the Atlantic coast of Africa and the Gulf of Mexico, the thick mat of algae can provide a habitat for marine life and absorb carbon dioxide. However, the giant bloom can have disastrous consequences as it gets closer to the shore.