Provident: Latest News

WASHINGTON - Americans will be able to order free COVID-19 tests from the comfort of their home next week.The Biden administration has pledged to provide 1 billion COVID-19 test kits to American households at no cost. To facilitate those orders, the White House has launched the website covidtests.gov, which will begin taking orders on Wednesday, Jan.

COLOMBO (News 1st); Sri Lankan President Gotabaya Rajapaksa delivered the Government’s Policy Statement, after declaring open the 2nd session of the 9th Parliament on Tuesday (18).The President said that while successfully encountering short-term problems, the primary responsibility is to continue to implement the long-term development program presented by the government to the people and endorsed by a majority.“The sustainable future of the country is built on it,” said the President.Here’s are some of the key takeaways from the President’s speech:National Security:“Our Government has secured national security and the people have no fear of terrorism today,” said the President in his statement.He said the government has been able to change the situation concerning the underworld that terrorized people, during the past two years.The President further stated that Sri Lanka was becoming a hub for international drug traffickers and the situation today is largely under control due to the action taken by the security & intelligence services in the country.Human Rights:The President in his statement said Sri Lanka needs to correct the misconceptions that have been taken to the international community in the past with regard to Human Rights in the country.“During my tenure, the government did not support any form of human rights violations. We do not condone such actions in any manner,” he said.Electricity:“We will not approve the construction of coal power plants in the future for any reason,” said the President adding that “Our goal is to achieve the carbon-neutral target by 2050.

COLOMBO (News 1st): The Ministry of Power will hold a discussion on Tuesday (Jan. 18) with the Finance Ministry and the Central Bank of Sri Lanka, on obtaining the required US dollars for the Ceylon Electricity Board. “A fuel tanker is currently at the Port and the discussions with the Central Bank of Sri Lanka, the Finance Ministry, and the Bank of Ceylon today (18), will focus on getting the tanker released to the Ceylon Petroleum Corporation,” Minister of Power Gamini Lokuge told News 1st.Accordingly, once the shipment of fuel onboard the tanker is released to the CPC, the CEB could also obtain the required fuel for power generation, he added.“The Central Bank provided US dollars for all these shipments, and for this shipment also, we’ll obtain the required dollars from the CBSL,” Minister Lokuge noted.The Minister was hopeful that the prevailing power crisis could be rectified by the 22nd of this month, once the fault at the Norochcholai Power Plant is resolved and re-activated, as that would add another 300 MW of power to the National Grid.

COLOMBO (News 1st); Sri Lanka’s Energy Minister Udaya Gammanpila has warned that if the fuel imported to the country is released to the Ceylon Electricity Board for electricity generation, there will be a shortage of fuel for vehicles.“We were compelled to reach a decision to only release fuel to the CEB if they deliver payment in USD,” the Minister told News 1st adding that Sri Lanka does not have oil deposits or large stocks of fuel to be given to the CEB.“We can only procure fuel for the CEB if they can provide us with payment in USD,” he said.The Ceylon Petroleum Corporation has already delivered 1,500 metric tons of diesel per day in the last two days.“At present, there are two tankers anchored at sea with a total of 76,000 MT of diesel. If the (CEB) can provide us with the US Dollars to unload one of them, we can deliver diesel to the Ceylon Electricity Board,” he told News 1st while denying that he will be held accountable for any power-cuts that may arise over the shortage of fuel to generate electricity.Minister Gammanpila said he is NOT vested with the responsibility of sourcing US Dollars for the country, adding that he has no power to even print US dollars.“The issue is not the fact that the CEB owes the CPC over Rs.

COLOMBO (News 1st); Sri Lankan authorities will meet on Tuesday (18) to discuss the procurement of fuel for an uninterruptible power supply to the island nation.The Ceylon Electricity Board told News 1st that the existing stocks of fuel will only be sufficient to generate electricity until Tuesday (18) morning.On Saturday (15) the Ceylon Petroleum Corporation supplied 3,000 MT of Diesel to the Ceylon Electricity Board for power generation, and the CPC said the fuel was released considering it as an urgent requirement.Minister of Energy Udaya Gammanpila said if the Ceylon Electricity Board needs fuel continuously, it must provide US dollars to the Ceylon Petroleum Corporation.The Minister said if the CEB provides the dollars, the Ministry of Energy is prepared to import and supply the required stocks of fuel for power generation.Minister Gammanpila noted that amidst the prevailing dollar crisis in the country, the CPC goes through serious difficulties to earn USD $400 million every month, to ensure the adequate supply of fuel stocks required for transportation and other industries.He said the Ministry of Energy informed the CEB three months ago that if they require fuel for power generation, they should inform in advance.However, according to the Energy Minister, the CEB has informed the CPC on the 11th of January that they require Diesel from the 13th of January.Minister Gammanpila said the CPC does not possess additional stocks of Diesel to supply on such short notice.He emphasized that the Ceylon Petroleum Corporation is ready to import and supply fuel if the Ceylon Electricity Board provides the necessary dollars, adding that the CEB can also directly import fuel by themselves.

COLOMBO (News 1st): The Ceylon Petroleum Corporation has agreed to provide the required fuel stocks for power generation on Saturday (Jan. 15), Minister of Energy Gamini Lokuge said.“If fuel stocks are provided, there will be no power cuts on Saturday (15) and Sunday (16)”, the Minister noted.Whilst pointing out that the country is currently facing a severe dollar crisis, the Minister noted that the authorities are attempting to ensure an uninterrupted supply of power in order to avoid any inconveniences to the public.“However, I instructed the Ceylon Electricity Board to release the schedule of power cuts to the media,” Minister Lokuge said.According to Minister Lokuge, the Ceylon Petroleum Corporation has been requested to provide 15,000 tonnes of Fuel.“Close to 1500 tonnes of fuel are required to meet the daily requirement of power generation in the country, meaning 15,000 tonnes would suffice for 10-days,” he added.Minister of Energy Gamini Lokuge was hopeful that by the 22nd of this month, the failed generators at the Norochcholai Coal Power Plant could be reactivated, which would add another 300 MW of power to the National Grid.

COLOMBO (News 1st): The Ceylon Petroleum Corporation (CPC) has agreed to provide 3000 Metric Tonnes of Fuel for the two power generating units at the Kelanitissa Power Plant Complex that ran out of Diesel on Thursday (Jan. 13) and are currently inactive.The two power stations could be re-activated once the fuel stocks are provided this morning, Andrew Nawamani, the Additional General Manager at the Ceylon Electricity Board told News 1st on Friday (Jan.

COLOMBO (News 1st); Foreign Minister Peiris emphasized the need to optimize utilization of the EU GSP+ facility in accessing the Hungarian market, as Sri Lanka’s key exports benefit from duty free access to the EU market. Moreover, interest was also expressed in the early conclusion of the Double Taxation Agreement between the two countries, as well as cooperation, inter alia, in science and technology, Ayruveda and renewable energy.The two Ministers met on 12th January during the Hungarian Minister Péter Szijjártó’s visit to Sri Lanka. Minister Peiris noted with appreciation Hungary’s empathetic approach towards Sri Lanka in addressing residual issues of reconciliation, and apprised the Hungarian Minister on progress in reconciliation and the credible domestic framework in process to promote and protect human rights, in keeping with the country’s international obligations.

There is a push by the province to provide education and childcare staff with booster shots. Caryn Lieberman reports from a vaccine clinic at the Toronto Zoo.

COLOMBO (News 1st); Sri Lanka’s Ministry of Power on Wednesday (12) afternoon announced that there will be no power cuts during the day.However, on Tuesday (11) even though the Ministry announced that there will be no power cuts, many areas were left in darkness following a breakdown at a private plant at the Kelanitissa Power Plant premises.Additional Secretary to the Ministry of Power Sugath Dharmakeerthi told News 1st that the breakdown is being rectified and therefore, there will be an uninterrupted supply of power.On Wednesday (12), given these unannounced power cuts, activists filed a complaint with the Human Rights Commission noting that these power cuts are posing serious issues to the people.However, Minister of Power Gamini Lokuge alleges that these events could be the result of some form of conspiracy.Why is Sri Lanka facing an electricity crisis?Sri Lanka’s Forex Crisis is a main reason for the electricity crisis because the Ceylon Petroleum Corporation is seeking dollar payments from the Ceylon Electricity Board for fuel provided for electricity generation.Concessions granted to consumers by the CEB have resulted in low revenue, which is another reason for the crisis.In addition, one generator at the Norochcholai Power Plant is not acting, posing an issue in electricity generation for the country.Furthermore, a considerable drop in rainfall in areas where reservoirs are situated is another reason leading to the electricity crisis.Despite these reasons, especially that Sri Lanka is receiving low rainfall, Sri Lankan authorities are releasing water from the Maussakele reservoir citing repairs.

An NHS doctor has explained why using tap water or fizzy drinks on a Covid lateral flow test can give you a positive result.

Sri Lanka’s Joint-Cabinet Spokesperson Minister Dr. Ramesh Pathirana says the island nation has kept it doors open to the International Monetary Fund (IMF) to provide support on debt restructuring.The Minister made the above remarks when asked whether Sri Lanka would restructure its debt.He noted that debt restructuring is one option and a need has arisen to talk to the agencies and countries and the debt owners.Minister Pathirana further added that currently talks are held with the World Bank and Asia Development Bank (ADB) and are also liaising closely with neighbouring India, China and Japan to support Sri Lanka.” So we are quite confident that we should be able to manage this crisis”, Dr.

Alongside gas, milk powder queues were a recent addition to the mounting woes of the people of present-day Sri Lanka.Nugegoda a bustling town just outside the borders of greater Colombo is home to a large number of residents and many others who arrive from all parts of the island seeking employment.According to our correspondents, many people ranging from teenagers to elderly pensioners were seen in lengthy queues opposite a leading local dairy produce outlet.A frustrated youth told us that he couldn’t turn up for work because of the long queue.An elderly mother told that they are now bearing the repercussions by voting in the current rulers and are now forced to stand in queues from 5 in the morning with a risk of returning home empty-handed.Another retired gentleman mockingly said the government is providing the people with free ‘Vitamin D’ by making them stand under the sun.Some people who were too furious about the situation opted to remain silent.

Even today (10) people stood in long queues to buy gas all over Sri Lanka.In another twist of topsy-turvy events, people from Maligawatte in Central Colombo were told that it is mandatory to bring a water bill or an electricity bill to prove their residency in the area in order to purchase a gas cylinder.Only about 40 cylinders were issued to those who had been queuing since early morning.An elderly area resident said he had to stand in line for five different separate occasions by sacrificing his job.

As kids head back to the classroom, many students are still missing the protection COVID-19 vaccines provide. What’s keeping those numbers low? Morgan Black explains.

Community lets at schools across South Lanarkshire have been suspended until the end of the month with immediate effect.

COLOMBO (News 1st): There will be no power cuts during the day, the Ceylon Electricity Board said on Monday (Jan. 10). “There will be no need for power cuts in January since the Ceylon Petroleum Corporation has agreed to provide the required stocks of fuel,” M.R.

South Ayrshire schools returned this week from winter break to an already brighter start to the year than last year’s online learning.

COLOMBO (News 1st); The Ceylon Electricity Board said that many areas would experience power cuts once again on Friday (7), if the Energy Ministry does not supply fuel.The CEB said power cuts can be experienced for around an hour, between 6 PM and 9 PM on Friday (7).The Ceylon Petroleum Corporation has not released fuel since the 23rd of December to the CEB, due to non-payments for fuel by the Ceylon Electricity Board.The CEB warned that it will not be able to generate electricity from Sapugaskanda and the Barge Mounted Power Plant at the Colombo Port premises if fuel is not provided.The Barge Mounted Power Plant located at the Colombo Port premises generates 60 MW while the Sapugaskanda Power Plant generates 102 MW.If fuel is provided by Friday (7) evening, the CEB will be able to generate electricity.

Police Scotland has announced extra support measures to help Tayside officers during the pandemic.

An award-winning befrienders project at an East Kilbride high school has adapted to meet the ever changing challenges of the Covid pandemic.

With schools starting to return after the Christmas break, there are tighter rules in place as the first term of 2022 begins.

Ontario Health Minister Christine Elliott provided details Monday on the province’s new restrictions to help contain the spread of the Omicron COVID-19 variant. The new restrictions include moving schools online, reducing social gathering limits, and closures and capacity limits for businesses.

New Zealanders are urged to make getting their booster dose of the Pfizer COVID-19 vaccine a New Year’s resolution as Auckland’s biggest vaccination centre reopens.

Renfrewshire Council has no idea how many of its council tax debtors have mental health problems.

Clyde boss Danny Lennon believes playing on through the festive season is the correct decision, but says clubs need help during the pandemic.

COLOMBO (News 1st); Sri Lanka’s Frontline Socialists Party says that the private jet used by the Prime Minister to travel to India on pilgrimage recently has a flight history that is a cause for concern.“The T7 – JSG has a very interesting flight history,” said Pubudu Jagoda, the Academic Secretary of the FSP, and the flight path detailed by him is as follows.10th December 2021 : Arrives at the Katunayake Airport from India.10th December 2021 : Flies to Jomo Kenyatta International from Katunayake Airport.14th December 2021 : Travels to multiple locations in Kenya14th December 2021 : Flies to Bukoba Airport, Tanzania15th December 2021 : Flies to Kampala Airport (Entebbe International Airport) from Tanzania16th December 2021 : Arrives at

COLOMBO (News 1st); The Foreign Ministry, following careful consideration, has taken a decision to temporarily close three of its Missions / Posts overseas, i.e., the Sri Lanka High Commission in Abuja, Nigeria; the Consulate General of Sri Lanka in Frankfurt, Germany; and the Consulate General of Sri Lanka in Nicosia, Cyprus; with effect from 31 December 2021.The decision, which has received the approval of the Cabinet of Ministers, is part of a restructuring process of Sri Lanka’s network of Missions and Posts overseas carried out by the Foreign Ministry.The restructuring is undertaken with a view to conserving the country’s much needed foreign reserves and minimising expenditure related to maintenance of Sri Lanka’s Missions / Posts

AlohaClear.com is recommended. Walk-ins will be accepted on a first come, first served basis.Other testing options are available at hawaiicovid19.com.Anyone with COVID-19 symptoms, even mild symptoms, is asked to stay home from work, school and other activities.

Manitoba to make free COVID-19 rapid tests available at First Nation schools “While not a substitute for vaccination, monoclonal antibody treatment can help reduce the risk of hospitalization from COVID-19 in those that are high risk for severe illness,” the province said.“The treatment gives the body temporary antibodies to help the immune system fight the infection.”These changes will take effect incrementally at test sites across the province.

Covid-related absences have caused Scotrail staff shortages and they have now been forced to cut back services during January.

COLOMBO(News 1st):Russia will continue to provide Mali with military assistance through state channels, a senior Russian diplomat told foreign media.Mali’s government denied the presence of Russian mercenaries on Saturday(25) However, said that Russian trainers were there as a part of a bilateral agreement between Russia and Mali.Last week 13 European nations inclusive of France and Canada condemned Moscow for facilitating the alleged deployment of private military contractors from the Russian-backed Wagner group to Mali.In October a Russian cargo plane delivered four helicopters, weapons, and ammunition from Russia to Mali, part of what the Malian government deemed as a commercial deal with Moscow.The Wagner Group does not represent the

COLOMBO (News 1st); The Ceylon Electricity Board warns that it is lurching towards serious power shortages in 2022 if it cannot secure dollars for the procurement of fuel for power plants in the country.General Manager of the Ceylon Electricity Board M. R.

More than 165,000 working days have been lost among Police Scotland staff suffering from mental health issues in the last two-and-a-half years.

CHESTNUT HILL - As 2021 comes to an end, over 540 families faced the holidays without a loved one due to gun violence in Philadelphia.A mother and father who felt that pain this year wanted to make the holidays a little brighter for the brothers and sisters of other victims. The first Christmas dinner for siblings was held at the Essential Community Connections building in Chestnut Hill Saturday.

COLOMBO (News 1st); State Minister of Transportation, Dilum Amunugama says that bus fares will be slightly increased from next Wednesday (29) subject to several amendments.Previously, the National Transport Commission said that steps will be taken to submit a report prepared on the revision of bus fares to the Ministry of Transport.The Director-General of the NTC, Commander (Retired) Nilan Miranda said the report comprises of 12 facts including the budget for fuel, spare parts and maintenance.Meanwhile, the President of the Lanka Private Bus Owners Association, Gemunu Wijeratne said fares must be hiked by at least Rs.

James Webb Space Telescope, the world’s largest and most powerful, rocketed away from South America into the sky Christmas morning.It took off from French Guiana on South America’s northeastern coast to fewer spectators than expected, given the launch fell on Christmas after a series of untimely delays and amid a global surge in COVID-19 cases.Around the world, astronomers had eagerly waited to see Webb finally taking flight after years of setbacks. Last-minute technical snags bumped the launch nearly a week, then gusty wind pushed it to Christmas.

COLOMBO (News 1st); At a time when it is difficult to control commodity prices, the public should take steps to plant seeds that could bear fruit by the time of the Sinhala and Hindu New Year at almost every home, proposes Minister of Trade, Bandula Gunawardena.Speaking to media on Saturday (25), the Trade Minister stated that at a time when it is difficult to control prices and a shortage of goods exist in the market, the only alternative which can prevent a high black market price is Government intervention to create competition in the market.Therefore, the Trade Minister said that he had proposed to provide a few chilli seedlings, a brinjal plant, a spinach vine, and other plants that can bear fruit to almost every home from January

A Doonfoot care home has held an official opening ceremony – giving guests the opportunity to see the interior of the facility and meet its specialist care team.

Provincial health officer Dr. Bonnie Henry provided a final COVID-19 update before the Christmas holiday.

COVID-19 case numbers in the province, driven by the highly-contagious Omicron variant.Simon Fraser University, the University of Victoria and the University of Northern B.C. all announced Thursday they would begin the semester as scheduled, but with short-term shifts to online instruction.

Leading Lanarkshire psychologists have reminded locals that mental health advice and support is available throughout the festive period - and provided a few tips of their own.

MILLPORT, Ky. - A Kentucky couple married 56 years, described as the "rock" of their extended family with a rare kind of love, died while holding on to each other after tornadoes swept through the state.Billy and Judy Miller lived in the small rural town of Millport in Muhlenberg County. Their home was among many that were completely leveled on Dec.

KEY RATING DRIVERSIDRs and VIABILITY RATINGThe rating actions follow Fitch’s downgrade of Sri Lanka’s Long-Term Foreign-Currency IDR to ‘CC’ from ‘CCC’ and the affirmation of the sovereign’s Long-Term Local-Currency IDR at ‘CCC’ on 17 December 2021. See Fitch Downgrades Sri Lanka’s Long-Term Foreign-Currency IDR to ‘CC’.The downgrade of BOC’s Long-Term Foreign-Currency IDR is driven by the downgrade of its VR.

A woman has become the first covid patient in Tayside to receive a groundbreaking treatment.

KOUROU, French Guiana - The James Webb Space Telescope, Hubble’s bigger, more powerful successor, is scheduled for liftoff on Christmas morning from the coast of South America. It will be the largest and most powerful space science telescope to ever leave the planet, elaborate in its design and ambitious in its scope. At $10 billion, it’s also the most expensive and the trickiest to pull off.After years of delay, the James Webb Scace Telescope is scheduled to launch at 7:20 a.m.

This story has been published from a wire agency feed without modifications to the text. Only the headline has been changed.Never miss a story! Stay connected and informed with Mint. Download our App Now!!

COLOMBO (News 1st); The Railway Superintendents Union says it will launch a strike from Thursday (23).Sumedha Somarathna, the President of the Railway Superintendents Union, speaking to News 1st stated that the problems of railway superintendents haven’t been resolved as of yet, and the Transport Minister has not agreed to take steps to repair signal lights that are not functional.These are the reasons, the Superintendents mentioned, are the reasons that they decided to stop freight services from midnight.Accordingly, from midnight on Thursday (23) the Railway Superintendents will stop issuing tickets except for intercity express trains. “We can’t issue tickets and create a situation where they have to travel without seats.