Thundershowers over 50mm expected – Met Dept

COLOMBO (News 1st) – An audit report has revealed that a total of 158 million rupees for three years had been allocated for the drafting of a new constitution when the economy of the country was heading towards a downturn. The Auditor General's report revealed that a total of 20.8 million rupees had been spent to hold 38 meetings of the expert committee and 9 consultations with external parties to draft a new constitution from the 9th of October 2020 to the 12th of December 2021. The details were revealed in the Auditor General's report of the Ministry of Justice and Constitutional Reform for the year ending 31st December 2021. A sum of 816,480 rupees had been spent for 3 office spaces that have not been used, and another 435,348 rupees had been spent to furnish those offices. Each constitutional expert on the committee to draft the new constitution WAS paid 25,000 rupees for every meeting that they attended which came up to a total of 3.1 million. The constitutional experts were also paid 120,000 rupees for their transport. A total of 10 million 180,000 rupees had been spent for the payment of the monthly allowance of 200,000 rupees to the secretary of the panel, the allowance for the research assistant, and several other allowances. 4,768,000 rupees had been spent during the period from October 2020 to December 2021 for office space at the BMICH. The Auditor General's report further states that although by the 31st of December 2021 the committee had completed 15 months, they had still not completed their task. 

GMB viewers were concerned when Kate Garraway was absent from the show on Friday morning.

COLOMBO (News 1st) – The National Dengue Control Unit noted that multiple areas across seven provinces in Sri Lanka have been declared at Dengue High-Risk Zones.According to the latest data from the National Dengue Control Unit attached to the Ministry of Health Piliyandala, Homagama, Maharagama, Pitakotte, Kaduwela and Gothatuwa areas in the Colombo District have been declared as Dengue High-Risk Zones.13 MOH areas in the Gampaha District including Attanagalle, Biyagama, Divulaptiya, Ja-Ela, and Kelaniya have been declared as  Dengue High-Risk Zones.The Beruwala and Kalutara MOH areas in the Kalutara District are also Dengue High-Risk Zones.Three MOH areas in the Kandy District also are Dengue High-Risk Zones, while the same number exists in the North and Eastern provinces.Sri Lanka has recorded over 63,500 dengue cases so far in 2022, and a majority of these cases are from the Western Province.

COLOMBO (News 1st) – In recent months people were gunned down by mysterious shooters and concerns were raised on matters like how did these criminals get their hands on such weapons and who owned them.On Thursday (10) night, Sri Lanka Police arrested a man for the possession of weapons and ammunition prepared to be used in a crime in Deenagoda, Beruwala.The man was arrested close to the Berwala Railway Station for suspicious behaviour and based on the information extracted during questioning his house was searched, where the weapons and ammunition were discovered.Sri Lanka Police said they discovered a Repeater Shotgun, a 0.22 mm firearm, and a locally manufactured weapon.Police said that the locally manufactured firearm has been upgraded to be used as a sniper rifle with laser targetting.In addition, Sri Lanka Police said that the barrel used for this weapon was manufactured in Germany and was modified to fit 0.22 mm bullets.In addition to these three weapons 101 bullets compatible with a 12-bore shotgun, and 489 .022 mm bullets were found in the possession of the 49-year-old suspect.In 2018, the suspect was arrested by police on weapons manufacturing charges.

COLOMBO (News 1st) – Attorney Nuwan Bopage was named as the 59th suspect in the case filed in court for illegally entering the President's House in Colombo.Upon considering the submissions made by the Colombo Central Crimes Investigation Bureau the Fort Chief Magistrate ordered to name the Attorney as a suspect.Attorney Nuwan Bopage is one who repeatedly represented Wasantha Mudalige and Venerable Galwewa Siridhamma Thero who are detained under the controversial Prevention of Terrorism Act.

COLOMBO (News 1st) – The U.S. Department of the Treasury’s Office of Foreign Assets Control (OFAC) designated two business associates of a sanctioned al-Qa’ida financial facilitator and external operations plotter. The two individuals designated today are Mohamad Irshad Mohamad Haris Nizar and Musab Turkmen, who conducted businesses activities to assist Ahmed Luqman Talib (Talib), who was previously designated by OFAC for facilitating the international movement of individuals and finances in furtherance of al-Qa’ida’s objectives. Australian authorities arrested Talib on March 25, 2021, and days later charged him with plotting incursions into foreign states for the purpose of engaging in hostile activities.“Treasury is taking this action to further disrupt a transnational al-Qa’ida financial facilitation and operational plotting network,” said Under Secretary of the Treasury for Terrorism and Financial Intelligence Brian E.

COLOMBO (News 1st) – A Sub-Inspector has been interdicted by the Police and has been arrested by a special Police team which is conducting an investigation into the shooting of a 15-year old boy in Thihagoda, Matara.The Police Spokesperson said that during a scuffle with a police officer, the officer's firearm was accidentally discharged and the 15-year old was injured.   The Police said that steps were taken to inspect a suspicious three-wheeler in Naimbula,​​Thihagoda.Three people had fled while two others were taken into police custody.

Justin Bieber and Shawn Mendes are investing time in their spiritual side…

COLOMBO (News 1st) – Colombo Chief Magistrate Nandana Abeyasinghe issued notice on the OIC of the Criminal Investigations Department to appear in court on the 10th of December.The OIC of the CID has been summoned to show cause for the failure of the CID to conduct an investigation into the complaint filed regarding the dual citizenship of State Minister Diana Gamage. Appearing for Lakmal Herath Attorney-at-Law Gunarathne Vanninayake said that his client had lodged a complaint at the CID stating that State Minister Diana Gamage had concealed the fact that she has a British Passport and applied for a Sri Lankan passport. The counsel added that the CID had failed to investigate this complaint. The Counsel further pointed out that although a responsible public official had testified that the State Ministers' NIC and Birth Certificates are forgeries no further investigations have been conducted. After considering the facts the Colombo Chief Magistrate Nandana Amarasinghe issued notice on the OIC of the CID to appear in court on the 10th of next month.   

COLOMBO (News 1st) – Sri Lanka's Health Ministry said that the number of Dengue cases reported in Sri Lanka has increased threefold compared to 2021.So far in 2022, more than 62,000 Dengue cases have been reported.Director of the National Dengue Control Unit, Dr Sudath Samaraweera says 60 people have died from Dengue this year, adding that a majority of the victims were children and those below the age of 50 years.

Humza Yousaf has been branded the "worst health secretary since devolution" by Labour in a row over how prepared the NHS is for winter.

COLOMBO (News 1st) – The Department of Meteorology says the prevailing showery condition over the island is expected to reduce to some extent.Several spells of Showers will occur in Western, Sabaragamuwa, Central, and North-Western provinces and Galle and Matara districts.Showers or thundershowers may occur at several places in the Uva province and Ampara and Batticaloa districts during the afternoon or night.The general public is kindly requested to take adequate precautions to minimize damages caused by temporary localized strong winds and lightning during thundershowers.Condition of Rain:Showers or thundershowers will occur at several places over the sea areas around the Island.Winds:Winds will be westerly or south-westerly in direction.

The region’s over-50s are being urged to arrange their flu and coronavirus vaccines.

COLOMBO (News 1st) – The Department of Meteorology says that showers or thundershowers will occur at times in Western, Sabaragamuwa, Central, and North-Western provinces and in Galle and Matara districts. Heavy showers above 100 mm may be expected at some places in the Western and Sabaragamuwa provinces and Galle and Matara districts.Showers or thundershowers may occur elsewhere over the Island during the afternoon or night.The general public is kindly requested to take adequate precautions to minimize damages caused by temporary localized strong winds and lightning during thundershowers.Condition of Rain:Showers or thundershowers will occur at times over the sea areas around the Island.Winds:Winds will be westerly or South-westerly.

COLOMBO (News 1st) – The Meteorology Department says that showers or thundershowers will occur at times in Western, Sabaragamuwa, Central, North-Western and Northern provinces and in Galle and Matara districts on Saturday (22).Accordingly, fairly heavy showers above 75 mm may be expected at some places.Showers or thundershowers may occur elsewhere over the Island during the afternoon or night, and the general public has been kindly requested to take adequate precautions to minimize damages caused by temporary localized strong winds and lightning during thundershowers.

COLOMBO (News 1st) – The Disaster Management Center says that 4,929 people from to 1,296 families have been affected due to the severe weather conditions being experienced over the island over the course of the last few days.The Disaster Management Center also stated 116 people belonging to 31 families have been moved to safe shelters.Senior geologist at the National Building Research Organization Wasantha Senadeera says landslide warnings issued to several districts continues to remain in effect.

COLOMBO (News 1st) – The Ministry of Health says that no final decision has been taken so far with regard to the COVID-19 vaccines which are due to expire.A senior official of the Ministry said that the vaccines are due to expire on October 31st.The consignment of vaccines which is due to expire amounts to over a million, the Health Ministry added.

PHILADELPHIA - Kyle Schwarber's first inning solo home run sent Citizens Bank Park into a frenzy, but it was Jean Segura's roller coaster game the served as the subplot to the Phillies' NLCS game 3 win. With the Phillies up 1-0 in the 4th, Segura whiffed a catch while covering second on what would have been an inning-ending double play to allow the tying run to score from third. He redeemed himself in the bottom of the inning, looping a 2 out single to right field that scored two runs to retake the lead. The inning ended less than a pitch later when Segura got picked off first base.Alec Bohm added a run two innings later a line drive double that Padres' right fielder failed to catch on a diving attempt.PHILADELPHIA, PENNSYLVANIA - OCTOBER 21: Jean Segura #2 of the Philadelphia Phillies celebrates with Nick Castellanos #8 after making a diving stop and throwing out Ha-Seong Kim #7 of the San Diego Padres (not pictured) at first base during the seven Ranger Suarez was solid for five innings, allowing just two hits and two runs; one of which was unearned.

COLOMBO (News 1st) – ASP Naleen Dilruk and SSP Roshan Dias were issued summon on Friday (21) to appear in court on 08th November.They were issued summons when a personal complaint filed by the president of the Young Journalists' Association, journalist Tharindu Jayawardena, was called before Fort Magistrate Thilina Gamage.Summons were issued to ASP Naleen Dilruk and SSP Roshan Dias, who were suspected of disrupting a protest march from Galle Face towards Hultsdorf.Attorneys-at-law Manujaya de Silva and Jayantha Dehiyattage, in addition to Saliya Peiris PC presented facts on behalf of the plaintiff, Tharindu Jayawardena.

COLOMBO (News 1st) – Chairperson of the National Council Sub-Committee on Identifying Priorities in Formulating Short-, Medium- and Long- Term Policies Namal Rajapaksa, Member of Parliament instructed Anusha Gokula, Director General – Department of Manpower and Employment, to organize a preliminary discussion within two weeks in coordination with all relevant institutions in order to remove the existing barriers for entrepreneurship in Sri Lanka and quickly prepare a new policy framework.It was emphasized at the sub-committee that starting an enterprise in Sri Lanka has become a complex process, so a policy framework should be prepared to make it a very simple and easy task like in developed countries. The sub-committee also agreed to discuss and decide the necessary legal and policy changes to make this process easier and more efficient in coordination with the Divisional Secretary and District Secretariat offices and related institutions at the next committee meeting.These recommendations were given as the officials representing the Department of Manpower and Employment and the Attorney Generals Department were called before the National Council Sub-Committee on Identifying Priorities in Formulating Short-, Medium- and Long- Term Policies to discuss formulation of national policies related to encouraging entrepreneurship and investment.Anusha Gokula, Director General of the Department of Manpower and Employment, pointed out that since entrepreneurship and career guidance is a right that should be given to the students of Sri Lanka, the educational policies should be changed to include it in the school education system of Sri Lanka.According to a recent survey, there are nearly 800,000 youth who do not have education,

Civil servants have been given top roles on Scotland’s troubled Covid-19 Public Inquiry - despite claims the probe is “independent”.

COLOMBO (News 1st) – Commander of the Navy, Vice Admiral Nishantha Ulugetenne symbolically handed over 400 thalassemia infusion systems to the Deputy Director General (Non-Communicable Diseases) of the Ministry of Health, Dr. Champika Wickramasinghe at the Navy Headquarters on 19th October 2022. The infusion systems were produced by the Research and Development Unit of the Navy, under Naval Social Responsibility (NSR) initiatives.The infusion system is very much essential for thalassemia patients for the removal of excessive iron deposits in blood gathered in vital organs.Since the unit price of an infusion system in the market is generally not affordable, in 2011 the Navy set its mind to manufacture a low-cost thalassemia infusion system. So far, the Sri Lanka Navy has handed over 2774 thalassemia infusion systems to main hospitals and selected children down with the disease, in several phases. The Navy Research and Development Unit received the CDDA – (Cosmetics Devices & Drugs Regulatory Authority) for production of thalassemia infusion pumps in 2011.

COLOMBO (News 1st) – The World Bank, in its Sri Lanka Development Update (SLDU), emphasizes that the first step the country should is to determine the current needs of the population in a transparent and unbiased manner. The document, which reports on key developments over the past 12 months in Sri Lanka’s economy, underlines that Sri Lanka is currently facing an unprecedented macroeconomic crisis, as years of fiscal indiscipline and risky commercial borrowing have led to unsustainable levels of public debt. The World Bank emphasizes that in order to determine the current needs of the population in a transparent and an unbiased manner, the government will have to collect data on households receiving or needing assistance, sufficient to ensure they are properly identified and that assistance to the poorest is prioritized. Accoridngly, the data will be collected by government officials on mobile devices, using a secure process and with a transparent grievance and appeals mechanism. A wide outreach campaign needs to be conducted  to ensure all who are in need can apply to be registered and assessed for assistance, the World Bank states. Therefore, a process will be put  in place to update these data on a regular basis (at least once every two years).

(With inputs from agencies)

Before there was the radio, telephone or electric power in most American homes, there were these jeans.

Several road closures in Barrie this Thursday for funeral of 2 Ontario police officers shot dead Six patients have tested positive for COVID-19 and have been isolated.Health officials say enhanced cleaning measures and contact tracing are underway, as well as swabbing of patients and staff.Admissions to the unit are on hold during the outbreak and visitors are not permitted, staff at the health centre said.

COLOMBO (News 1st) – The Cabinet of Ministers have approved a proposal to raise the Government's debt ceiling for the year 2022. Speaking at the Cabinet decisions press conference on Tuesday (18), Cabinet Spokesperson Minister Dr. Bandula Gunawardena said that the country currently can only take debt to the limit whic the Parliament hsa set, which is Rs.

The case tally climbed to 4,46,32,430, while the active cases have declined to 26,449, it said. There has been a decrease of 385 cases in the active Covid-19 caseload in 24 hours. India saw a single-day rise of 1,542 coronavirus infections, the lowest in 182 days, according to the Union Health Ministry data updated on Tuesday.

₹5 crore worth of sales as the industry struggled greatly during the pandemic, and artisans went through severe suffering Following two muted years, the India Craft Week, a platform that brings artisans, designers and luxury brands together, is expecting a revival in business with its upcoming edition. In its fourth edition, about 150 artisans, makers, craft brands, museums, organizations will attend its week in Delhi towards the end of the month. This, the organisation said, is the second largest craft week in the world after its international counterpart, London Craft Week.“The entire crafts industry is rising from the ashes and we too must have a new beginning.

COLOMBO (News 1st) – More than forty students attending a school in Bogaswewa, Vavuniya were hospitalized following a wasp attack on Monday (17) morning.The students were rushed to the Padaviya, and Vavuniya hospital.Sri Lanka Police said that two students are in critical condition.

COLOMBO (News st) – Sri Lanka recorded over 49,100 dengue cases so far in 2022.The Health Ministry said that a total of 49,149 dengue patients were reported and a majority of 10,227 cases were reported from the Colombo District.6,598 dengue cases were reported from the Gampaha District, and another 3,272 dengue cases were reported from the Kalutara District.The highest number of dengue cases were reported in the month of July, which is 11,248 cases.In October 2022, a total of 586 cases were reported, said the Health Ministry.Also visit :  

(The Hindu) – Tamil Nadu has flagged serious security concerns over the increased presence of the People’s Liberation Army (PLA) of China in Sri Lanka. An alert issued by the State’s intelligence agency a few days ago said the activities of the Chinese in the neighbouring country is a concern to national security and called for intensified vigil along the coastline.The movement of PLA cadres and deployment of hi-tech gadgets such as satellites, drones and other communication equipment in northern Sri Lanka required constant surveillance in coastal districts, the advisory sent to all cities/districts in the State said. Citing sources, the alert claimed that the PLA deployed sophisticated gadgets in the garb of launching sea cucumber farming.The security advisory comes days after an alert was issued by the same agency warning that a handful of Chinese nationals had clandestinely entered India via the sea route with the assistance of cadres belonging to a Sri Lanka-based political party.The Tamil Nadu Coastal Security Group had also, citing a Central intelligence agency, issued an alert on the Chinese ship used to monitor satellites, rockets and inter-continental missile launches of China docked at Hambantota Port, and called for adequate security arrangements in view of vital installations such as nuclear establishments and seaports along the Tamil Nadu coast.The free movement of Chinese nationals in many parts of northern Sri Lanka, including Mullaitheevu, Paruthitheevu, Analaitheevu, Meesalai, and Chavakkacheri, had triggered discontentment among Tamil fishermen.

President Ranil Wickremesinghe stated that he had recently discussed Sri Lanka’s debt restructuring with the Chinese Finance Minister and he is optimistic that the discussions in this regard would be concluded successfully.The President further mentioned that the delegation headed by the State Minister of Finance, who is currently in Washington, held initial discussions yesterday (15) with the International Monetary Fund and the three main countries, China, India and Japan that have given loans to the country. He said that the government is giving priority to immediately solve the problem of the country’s bankruptcy and to ensure food security.President Ranil Wickremesinghe made these remarks following an observation tour of the cultivated lands in Rathumada-Weerakandawala area in Siambalanduwa Divisional Secretariat this morning (16).The President also discussed the progress of the implementation of the food security program in Monaragala district with government officials.He said that there is no problem with having debates and also recalled the statements made by some people that they would come forward and shed blood and said that one should live before shedding blood.The President mentioned that if a proper program is not implemented to provide food to the people, they will not have to shed blood but will starve to death.

PHILADELPHIA - A shooting rang out as police say suspects targeted their victims at a gas station in Philadelphia's East Mount Airy section early Sunday morning.Police found a 24-year-old man shot inside a car parked at the pumps of a Liberty gas station around 1:20 a.m. He suffered a gunshot wound to the back, but his condition is not known at this time.Two other passengers were also in the car, a 21-year-old woman who suffered cuts from the car's glass, and a 25-year-old who was not injured.MORE HEADLINES:Police say a passenger reached his arm out of the car's window, fired 14 shots, then fled the scene.

COLOMBO (News 1st) – The Meteorology Department says that showers or thundershowers will occur at times in Western, Sabaragamuwa, Central and North-Western provinces and in Galle and Matara districts on Sunday (16). Accordingly, heavy showers above 100 mm can be expected at some places in Western, Sabaragamuwa and Central provinces and in Galle and Matara districts.Moreover, showers or thundershowers will occur elsewhere over the Island during the afternoon or night, while fairly heavy showers above 75 mm can be expected at some places.General public is kindly requested to take adequate precautions to minimize damages caused by temporary localized strong winds and lightning during thundershowers.

COLOMBO (News 1st) – The Meteorological Department says that the current heavy rains are expected to continue, due to the influence of the Intertropical Convergence Zone (ITCZ – The region where the Northern Hemispheric wind and the Southern Hemispheric wind converge) located in the vicinity of the island.Accordingly, showers or thundershowers will occur at times in Western, Sabaragamuwa, Central and North-Western provinces and in Galle and Matara districts. Heavy showers above 100 mm can be expected at some places in Western, Sabaragamuwa and Central Provinces and in Galle and Matara Districts.Showers or thundershowers will occur elsewhere over the Island during the afternoon or night.

Covid-19 which is slowly rising. In its health bulletin, the health department informed that now total cases of the Covid-19 virus in the city stand at 20,04,787, while the death toll is 26,506. The city saw 112 cases on Friday with a test positivity rate of 1.75% while on Thursday, the number of cases was 130, with a positivity rate of 1.84%.

COLOMBO (News 1st) – Police say that 1,620 people have been displaced in many areas due to the Kelani river overflowing.

COLOMBO (News 1t) – The Public Utilities Commission of Sri Lanka (PUCSL) announced power cuts of 1 hours and 20 minutes for Saturday (15) and Sunday (16).

KANSAS CITY, Mo. (AP) - Denny Dalliance had long worried about what would happen if he fathered a child because his job as a truck driver keeps him away from home most of the week.But after the U.S.

PHILADELPHIA - Rhys Hoskins burst out of his postseason malaise with a three-run homer and spiked his bat in triumph and Bryce Harper hit a two-run shot that sent Philadelphia Phillies fever soaring and helped carry them to a 9-1 win over the Atlanta Braves in Game 3 of the NL Division Series on Friday night.Harper added an RBI double as Philadelphia took a 2-1 lead in the best-of-five matchup against the reigning World Series champs. The Phillies can advance to the NL Championship Series with a Game 4 win at home on Saturday.The Phillies and a sellout crowd of 45,538 fans waited 11 mostly miserable years -- 4,025 days, to be exact -- to host a playoff game again at Citizens Bank Park.Phillies fans should save the rally towels -- the Phillies played like a team that wants to keep Red October aliveThe bats erupted in a six-run third inning that will forever be stamped on a Philly sports highlight reel.

The U.S. extended the public health emergency status for the COVID-19 pandemic Thursday, weeks after President Biden's controversial remarks declaring the pandemic was "over."  The move extends the order through Jan.

With employment insurance premiums set to rise in the new year, both employers and workers are calling on the federal government to step in and rescue the program from the considerable amount of debt it has fallen into since the COVID-19 pandemic.

Health bosses are being asked to give 'clear and unambiguous signals' that NHS services at Altrincham General Hospital are 'there to stay'. The call has come from the chair of Trafford council's health scrutiny committee, Coun Michael Whetton.

Florida grandfather has been arrested and charged after he returned a rental car and employees later found his granddaughter — a toddler — in the backseat.According to the Volusia County Sheriff’s Office, employees at Hertz car rental at Daytona Beach International Airport discovered the young child on Monday evening. She was locked in the car, which had been returned about 45 minutes earlier to an unshaded parking lot.

Khloe Kardashian has given an update on her health after revealing her tumor ordeal.Earlier this week, the Good American designer opened up about why she had been sporting a bandage on her cheek, after sparking concern.In a series of posts, the 38-year-old explained that she had a tumor removed from her face, insisting that she was in the ‘healing process’.During a live-tweeting session for the new episode of the Kardashians, she was questioned on how she is feeling now.The mom-of-two replied: ‘Baby!!!!! I’m good!! I swear!! Super grateful that I’m healthy and that I have a lifetime supply of bandaids.‘Seriously im ok. The worst is over and now its time to be haaaaapppppy #TheKardashians [sic].’Baby!!!!! Iâm good!! I swear!! Super grateful that Iâm healthy and that I have a lifetime supply of bandaids.

LAS VEGAS - Fifty-six-year-old Lance Reberger reached a milestone this week: he learned how to make a password for an online account.For many people, it may not sound like a big deal, but after 31 years in prison, Reberger is digitally illiterate."If you go out and have a plan, which most people it seems like they have a plan, but once you get out and face the reality of what’s going on out here, I had no clue. So right now I would be homeless if I didn’t have the help that I had," Reberger told KVVU.The help he’s speaking of is Jared Uraine, a Nevada realtor who met Reberger through a prison ministry program."When I heard that he’d been in for 31 years I kind of did the math, and knowing him on somewhat of a personal level ...

WASHINGTON - Millions of Social Security recipients will learn soon just how high a boost they'll get in their benefits next year.The increase to be announced Thursday, expected to be the largest in 40 years, is fueled by record-high inflation and is meant to help cover the higher cost of food, fuel, and other goods and services. How well it does that depends on inflation next year.The boost in benefits will be coupled with a 3% drop in Medicare Part B premiums, meaning retirees will get the full impact of the jump in Social Security benefits.The announcement comes just weeks before the midterm elections, and at a time when Democrats and Republicans are sparring about high prices now and how best to shore up the program financially in the future.President Joe Biden has pledged to protect both Social Security and Medicare.