Tom Hanks launches non-profit business in move away from acting amid health concerns

World Health Organisation (WHO) on Friday notified that in the past week, almost 40,000 deaths were reported, more than half were reported from China alone.  WHO chief notified, in total, over the past 8 weeks, over 170 thousand deaths have been recorded, actual numbers are higher.

COLOMBO (News 1st) – Sri Lankan President Ranil Wickremesinghe has informed the All Party Leaders' Conference on Reconciliation that the Cabinet was agreeable to fully implementing 13th Amendment, until the Party Leaders decide whether or not to abolish the Amendment.This was reported by the President's Media Division on Friday (27).President Ranil Wickremesinghe had said that he is bound to implement the existing law in accordance with the executive powers of the President.He had said further that the 13th Amendment to the Constitution is being implemented accordingly or the Parliament should abolish the 13th amendment.The President Wickremesinghe also pointed out that any parliamentarian could move a private member’s bill to abolish the 13th Amendment to the constitution and the same amendment would have to be implemented provided that the bill was voted against by the majority of the House.The President stressed that he was not ready to divide the country.President Wickremesinghe made these remarks at the All-Party Conference, which was held at the President's Office on Thursday (26) evening.The statement made by the President is as follows:It is my responsibility as the Executive to carry out the current law. For approximately 37 years, the 13th Amendment has been a part of the constitution.

COLOMBO (News 1st) – Sri Lanka's Minister of Power and Energy Kanchana Wijesekera said that the officials from the Ministry of Power and Energy who attended a recent meeting with the Human Rights Commission of Sri Lanka had disclosed that they were pressurized to sign two documents that they did not agree do.The Minister tweeted on Friday (27) that the officials were pressurized by two members of the Human Rights Commission, and that they were threatened with jail sentences.On Wednesday (25), the Human Rights Commission of Sri Lanka revealed that all the  necessary stakeholders including Ceylon Electricity Board (CEB) agreed to provide uninterrupted power supply during the advanced level examination period until February 17th.However, despite the statement from the Human Rights Commission of Sri Lanka, power outages were experienced on Wednesday (25) and Thursday (26).The Human Rights Commission of Sri Lanka on Friday (27) said it will elaborate facts to the Supreme Court against officials including the Chairman of the Ceylon Electricity Board and the Secretary to the Ministry of Power and Energy for breaching an agreement by suspending the supply of power. Speaking further, an official from the HRCS said it has been observed that the CEB and the Ministry of Power and Energy are operating arbitrarily, going against the laws of the land. Meanwhile, the Public Utilities Commission of Sri Lanka directing a letter to the Chairman of the HRCSL said that it will not approve power outages occurring during the period between the 26th of January and 17th of February. The Human Rights Commission emphasized that if the CEB does not act according to the directive, the HRCSL has the ability to act according to Section 21 of the Sri

COLOMBO (News 1st) – The President's Office has reserved a slot with the Government Printer to issue the Proclamation to Prorogue Parliament with effect from midnight on Friday (27).President's Secretary Saman Ekanayake confirmed to News 1st that the respective gazette was sent to the Government Printer as per a decision taken by the President to prorogue parliament with effect from midnight on Friday (27).He said that the new session of Parliament will take place on the 8th of February 2023 at 10 AM.A Senior Official at the Government Printer confirmed to News 1st that the respective gazette was received to go ahead with printing.What is prorogation?To prorogue Parliament means to prolong it,or toput it off for a later day.It is basically a temporary recess of Parliament.Parliament ordinarily functions over a series of sitting days which make up what is called a session; when Parliament is prorogued, a session comes to an end.Effect of Prorogation in Our Parliament:Constitutional ProvisionsDuring the prorogation the Speaker continues to function and the Members retain their membership even though they do not attend meetings of Parliament. The effect of a prorogation is to suspend all current Business before the House and all proceedings pending at the time are quashed except impeachments.  A Bill, motion or question of the same substance cannot be introduced for a second time during the same Session.

COLOMBO (News 1st) – Sri Lanka's Parliament speaker has endorsed the certificate on the Regulation of Election Expenditure Bill and the Bureau of Rehabilitation Bill, which were debated and passed in Parliament recently.Accordingly, these bills come into force as the Bureau of Rehabilitation Act No. 2 of 2023 and the Regulation of Election Expenditure Act No.

 COLOMBO (News 1st) – The Ceylon Electricity Board said that it has not yet reached a decision to suspend power cuts during the period of the G. C.

Colombo (News 1st) – The 144th Battle of the Blues has been rescheduled!The 144th Royal Thomian cricket encounter is now slated to be held from March 16-18 at the SSC grounds, according to the Royal-Thomian Joint Match Organising Committee.The match was originally scheduled to be held from the 9-11 March.

COLOMBO (News 1st) – Sri Lanka's Human Rights Commission has received a letter bearing the signature of the Managing Director of the Ceylon Petroleum Corporation stating that the present financial situation at the CPC could lead to a disruption of operations at the country's oil refinery.The letter noted that the CPC is heading towards a situation where future fuel imports will be in jeopardy as fuel is continuously provided on credit.The letter from the CPC Managing Director warns that this could lead to another fuel crisis in the country.The letter bearing the signature of the Managing Director of the Ceylon Petroleum Corporation states that it is paramount to ensure the continuous operation of the country's oil refinery when providing a continuous supply of fuel.It noted that though the CPC can provide furnace oil and naphtha to the Ceylon Electricity Board at a cost that is less than what is incurred when importing fuel, an issue is likely to arise in importing new stocks of crude oil and refined petroleum products as the existing stocks are provided on credit, despite the CEB still not settling its dues. The Managing Director of the Ceylon Petroleum Corporation states that several rounds of discussions revealed that the Ceylon Electricity Board does not have the funds to procure the fuel.It notes that despite the difficulties experienced, as the supply of electricity is a national requirement, fuel worth Rs.

COLOMBO (News 1st) – South Korea is keen to boost shrimp farming in Sri Lanka, it was revealed during a meeting between the South Korean Ambassador and the Fisheries Minister.The Ministry of Fisheries of Korea recenty made a commitment to invest around US $1.2m to help improve shrimp farming in Sri Lanka through the UN Food and Agriculture Organisation.South Korean Ambassador Santhush Woonjin Jeong called on Minister of Fisheries Douglas Devananda at the Ministry of Fisheries, in Colombo to discuss more on boosting shrimp farming in Sri Lanka.They discussed ways to promote exports, expand capacity-building and develop the fisheries industry in Sri Lanka. Both parties underscored the importance of strengthening the aquaculture sector in Sri Lanka and agreed to work closely together to deepen cooperation.

COLOMBO (News 1st) – Three members of the same family died following a fire at their residence on Thursday (26) night in Mankadawala, Elayapattuwa.Police Spokesperson SSP Nihal Thalduwa told News 1st that a woman (30), and her daughter (10) and son (5) died in the tragedy.He added that the husband of the deceased woman had attempted to rescue the family, however he had suffered burn injuries and was moved for treatment.

COLOMBO (News 1st) – Sri Lankan President Ranil Wickremesinghe has given out instruction to celebrate the 75th Independence Day with pride, at minimal cost.A pre-discussion was held on Thursday (26) at the President's Office chaired by President Ranil Wickremesinghe regarding the Independence Day celebration being held in a grand and proud manner, but maintaining minimum cost.Accordingly, in conjunction with the 75th Independence Day celebration, many special programs are scheduled to be implemented from February 2nd to the 19th. According to the President's Media Division the following events have been planned:Special Dalada Pooja and Pirith chanting Religious ceremonies of all faiths Cultural show held at Independence Square Traditional Independence Day celebration main event held at Galle Face Green National parks and Zoo's will be open to the public free of charge Opening of the Jaffna Cultural Centre Kandy republic parade Cycle race from Dondra Head to Point PedroThe President advised the officials that it is their responsibility as well as that of the political authority, to pay attention to the current financial situation of the country while estimating the expenses required for these activities.The President had advised that spending must be practical, and minimal.While pointing out that there is huge opposition among the people regarding the allocation of funds for the 75th Independence Day celebration, the President emphasized that efforts should be made to minimize the related expenses.Expressing his views further, President Ranil Wickremesinghe said, “We must celebrate the 75th Independence Anniversary, otherwise, the world will say that we are not capable of celebrating even our independence.

COLOMBO (News 1st) – Former President Maithripala Sirisena on Friday (27) was seen getting into the defendant's dock when the case filed with the Fort Magistrate's Court against him for failing to prevent the 2019 April Attacks despite receiving credible information about the attacks, was taken up.Initially, he did not get into the dock, and following a clarification made by the court, Sirisena was asked to get into the defendant's dock.An individual who lost a limb in the attacks on the St. Anthony's Church in Kochchikade on the 21st of April 2019, and Rev.

Almost two thirds of Scottish parents say they're suffering mentally because of the cost-of-living crisis. A new poll of parents and carers found that 64 per cent of those asked thought the rising prices of food, energy and bills had "negatively impacted" their mental health.

COLOMBO (News 1st) – Wednesday the 25th of January went down in history as the day in which a majority of the country's public and private sector employees were met with the highest income tax ever-imposed on the monthly salary, and allowances.Some of those working in the public and private sector and got taxes shared horror on social media platforms, noting that in addition to the existing deductions for loans, the new tax had left them with a very low take-home salary.The government's controversial new tax law, the Inland Revenue (Amendment) Act, was passed in Parliament last year.The new tax regime imposes an extraordinary maximum 36% tax bracket on monthly income, with the lowest bracket starting at 6% for those earning over Rs. 100,000/- per month.To protest against the unjust tax policy, a Black Protest Week was launched by the Professionals' Trade Union Alliance, and it will end on Friday (27).Doctors in the public service, university teachers, bank employees, engineers and professionals belonging to 15 organizations that form the Professionals' Trade Union Alliance launched a campaign against the unjust tax regime.The Professionals' Trade Union Alliance warned that if this tax regime continues, the country would experience a mass exodus of its professionals who would seek beneficial employment opportunities elsewhere.Effective from 1st January 2023, the progressive personal income tax rates would be 6%, 12%, 18%, 24%, 30% and 36%.The new tax regime will impose an extraordinary maximum 36% tax bracket on monthly income, with the lowest bracket starting at 6% for those earning over Rs.

The Cooperation Afloat Readiness and Training (CARAT) – 2023 bilateral exercise successfully concluded in Sri Lanka  on 26th January 2023. Hosted by the U.S. Pacific Fleet in partnership with the Sri Lanka Navy, CARAT – 2023 Exercise was held in Colombo, Trincomalee and Mullikulam from 19th to 25th January.The closing ceremony of CARAT – 2023 was held on board ‘USS Anchorage’ at the pier side of Colombo harbour under the auspices of U.S.

BBC Radio 1's Big Weekend is understood to be making a landmark return to Dundee, three years after the city's second turn at the event was kiboshed by Covid. The Record understands from festival insiders that the City of Discovery will play host to the annual festival on May 26-28, boasting a world-class line-up of big hitters.

Bristol Palin is getting real about what she’s been through on the operating table.

COLOMBO (News1st) – Fort Magistrate Thilina Gamage today ordered the release of media spokesperson of the Samagi Trade Unions Collective Ananda Palitha and Chairman of the Electricity Consumers' Association Sanjeewa Dhammika, on two personal bails of Rs.

Assessing the risks The debate stemmed in part from a December study in International Journal of Environmental Research and Public Health, which is a peer-reviewed journal. It analyzed previous studies on gas stoves as well as US census data and concluded that nearly 13% of U.S. childhood asthma cases can be attributed to gas stove use.

₹ 325 a dose, and for ₹ 800 in private settings. It is country’s first indigenously made nasal Covid-19 vaccine. In December, iNCOVACC received approval for a primary two-dose schedule, and as a heterologous booster dose.Clinical trials were conducted to evaluate iNCOVACC as a primary dose, and as heterologous booster dose for subjects who have previously received two doses of the two commonly administered Covid-19 vaccines in India.

COLOMBO (News 1st) – Colombo High Court today acquitted Sri Lanka Podujana Peramuna MP Dr. Nalaka Godahewa and two others for misappropriating state funds.Dr.

COLOMBO (News 1st) – Chairman of the National Election Commission Attorney Nimal Punchihewa has refuted rumours being spread that he is planning on submitting his resignation to the NEC."Paying any heed to these rumours is a waste of time", he said."All preparations are being made to hold the local government election", Attorney Punchihewa said."The resignation of one member of the Election Commission does not affect the Commission's ability to hold the election", he added.The Chairman of the commission was responding to the media reports regarding the resignation of member of the Election Commission P.S.M.

COLOMBO (News 1st) – An all-party conference will be held at 04:00 PM on Thursday (26) at the President's office under the chairmanship of President Ranil Wickremesinghe.According to a PMD statement, the purpose of this conference is to come to a consensus and strengthen national harmony. Speaker of Parliament Mahinda Yapa Abeywardena, Opposition Leader Sajith Premadasa, former presidents Mahinda Rajapaksa and Maithripala Sirisena, Tamil National Alliance Leader R.

COLOMBO (News 1st) – The Appeal Court on Wednesday (25) vacated the death sentence imposed on the convict who was the second accused in the 2007 quintuple murder in Mahawatte, Delgoda.On the 22nd of February 2017, the Gampaha High Court Judge sentenced the second accused Welivita Liyanage Don Mahesh Lasantha Perera to death by hanging at the Welikada Prison.He was indicted with having committed the murder of five members of the same family, K.W.W. Tillakaratne, A.D.

Cindy Crawford's brunette bombshell daughter Kaia Gerber, 21, started modeling as a teen which forced her to travel alone all around the world while her parents stayed in Malibu.And in the February issue of Elle, which she has posed for the cover of, the beauty shared that sometimes she felt 'lonely' without her family nearby which impacted her mental health, but now she is working from home more. She added it helps to have a therapist as well.

Officials from the health ministry, AIIMS, National Centre for Disease Control, National Disaster Response Force (NDRF) and NDMA are devising a mechanism along with state governments to put it into action. New Delhi: The government is setting up 100 teams that will respond to health emergencies, including pandemics, along the lines of the National Disaster Management Authority (NDMA). Officials from the health ministry, AIIMS, National Centre for Disease Control, National Disaster Response Force (NDRF) and NDMA are devising a mechanism along with state governments to put it into action.

FORMER HOLLYOAKS star Hollie-Jay Bowes revealed that she's been diagnosed with attention deficit hyperactivity disorder (ADHD). The actress - who played Michaela McQueen in the Channel 4 soap - said she was relieved to receive the news after being on a waiting list for three years. Hollie-Jay, 34, who also plays Debs Rafferty in the new series of BBC's Waterloo Road, will be part of a new storyline with pupil Kelly Jo Rafferty, played by Alicia Forde, in which she learns whether she has ADHD.

₹800 for private markets while for the supplies to Union and State governments, Bharat Biotech has kept the price at ₹325. The nasal vaccine for now is not available on CoWin.

COLOMBO (News 1st) – Lanka Sathosa has reduced the prices of six essential items with effect from Thursday (26).1 kg of Dried Chili reduced by Rs. 30/- to Rs. 1,700/-.1 kg of White Kekulu (Local) reduced by Rs.

COLOMBO (News 1st) – Sri Lanka's Central Bank Governor Dr. Nandalal Weerasinghe is hopeful that assurances from creditors can be obtained within the 1st quarter of the year.Speaking at the Monetary Policy Review No. 01 of 2023, the governor said that he is hopeful that the International Monetary Fund would be able to receive necessary financing assurances from all the creditors in a very short period."India has clearly given the financial assurances which are acceptable to the International Monetary Fund.

COLOMBO (News 1st) – Sri Lankan rice farmers who feed the nation are in a situation where they cannot even afford their own meals.This can be attributed to the diseases that is turning rice plants yellow, which is spreading across a plethora of paddy lands in the country.Farmers from Henkola Wewa that falls under the Mahasen Bedum Ela Agrarian Organization in Polonnaruwa commenced the Maha Season cultivation with high hopes.However, their dreams of a rich harvest were shattered by the disease that is turning rice plants to yellow.Farmers claim that around 800 acres of rice fields have been affected, leaving the farmers at a massive loss.Farmers also said that they immediately informed the authorities when they noticed the disease in the initial stages, however, the relevant officials turned a blind eye to the issue.In addition, over 100 acres of rice fields in the Weligepola area in Ratnapura have also been affected  by the disease that is turning rice plants to yellow.Another 6,000 acres of paddy land in the Rajanganaya Agrarian Settlement have been destroyed by the same disease.The same fate had befallen many other rice cultivations across the country.The Rice Research and Development Institute (RRDI) in Bathalagoda said that tests have revealed that organic fertilizer was NOT a cause for rice plants to turn yellow.Director of the Rice Research and Development Institute (RRDI) Dr. Jayantha Senanayake told News 1st that the samples obtained from paddy lands and organic fertilizer samples obtained from the possession of farmers, are being subject to tests.He added that remedies are available to address the situation.

COLOMBO (News 1st) – A 72-year-old woman was rescued 20 hours after she was carried away by strong currents in the Dambulu Oya. News 1st correspondent said that the senior citizen was seen walking towards the Dambulu Oya at around 10 AM on Monday (23), however, as she did not return her children had alerted the neighbours and launched a search.

COLOMBO (News 1st) – The National Election Commission in a letter to the Governor of the Central Bank of Sri Lanka has inquired over the possibility of making available the facilities required for the upcoming election.The letters inquired the Central Banks' position to provide US dollars for the Ceylon Petroleum Corporation and the Ceylon Electricity Board to supply electricity and fuel for the election.At the recent meeting with the National Election Commission, the CPC and the CEB had pointed out that they are short of US Dollars to ensure a continuous supply of electricity.They had requested the National Election Commission to inquire from the Central Bank of Sri Lanka on supporting them to avert a dollar crisis.

COLOMBO (News 1st) – An armed gang have stolen an ATM that was set up at a private bank in the Gampola Town.Sri Lanka Police said that the armed gang had arrived in a van, threatened the security office of the bank, tied him up and taken the time to remove the entire ATM from its platform.The exact amount of money stolen by the thieves is yet to be determined, and a special police investigation is underway.

A cancer patient told how her life was “ruined” afer she was denied cancer treatment because of the Covid lockdown. Fiona Weir, 44, was concerned about the changing shape and colour of a mole but she was unable to see a doctor face to face during lockdown.

COLOMBO (News 1st) – Sri Lanka's Central Bank Governor Dr. Nandala Weerasinghe on Monday (23) said that when Sri Lanka obtains all assurances from its bilateral creditors, it would be able to unlock the IMF program somewhere in February.Speaking to the Committee on Public Finance in Parliament, the Governor said that it was not wise for him as the governor to make comments on the assurances from the creditors, as Sri Lanka is a third party to the process."Creditors are supposed to give their assurances to the fund (IMF), so we are a third party as a debtor.

COLOMBO (News 1st) – Former Sri Lankan Minister A. H.

The Committee on High Posts approved the appointment of a new High Commissioner, an ambassador and two Chairpersons recently (20). Accordingly, Ms. Chitranganee Wagiswara received the approval of the Committee on High Posts to be appointed as the High Commissioner of Sri Lanka to the Commonwealth of Australia. Moreover, the Committee on High Posts approved the appointment of Mr. M.

COLOMBO (News 1st) – SJB Candidate for the post of Mayor of Colombo Mujibur Rahuman filed a petition with the Supreme Court seeking a ruling that the circular issued by Home Affairs Secretary Neil Bandara Hapuhinna on suspending the acceptance of bonds, had violated his Fundamental 35 factions including the Secretary to the Cabinet, the Secretary of the Ministry of Provincial Councils and Local Government Neil Bandara Hapuhinna, the Cabinet of Minister, the Attorney General and the Chairman of the Election Commission have been named as respondents. The petition notes that the circular issued by Home Affairs Secretary Neil Bandara Hapuhinna while an election had been called for violated the Fundamental Rights of all the citizens.He also sought compensation of Rs.

NEW DELHI : The pandemic-led shift to remote work, which fuelled massive demand for PCs and laptops in the last two years, is starting to fade. Analysts and IT industry experts expect sales to weaken further due to a slump in consumer demand driven by inflationary pressures. This, in turn, will force brands to cut prices of consumer laptops and offer either discounts or bundled offers for commercial deals.

NEW DELHI : The pandemic-led shift to remote work, which fuelled massive demand for PCs and laptops in the last two years, is starting to fade. Analysts and IT industry experts expect sales to weaken further due to a slump in consumer demand driven by inflationary pressures. This, in turn, will force brands to cut prices of consumer laptops and offer either discounts or bundled offers for commercial deals.

COLOMBO (News 1st) – Fifteen organizations representing the professionals in the public sector have warned that if the government does not withdraw its unjust tax regime, strict action will be taken following pay day, which is tomorrow (25).These professional bodies have already declared a Black Protest Week against the tax regime they term as unjust.The Collective of Professionals' Trade Unions represented by multiple organizations including the Government Medical Officers' Association, Federation of University Teachers' Association, Ceylon Electricity Board Engineers Union, and the Ceylon Bank Employees Union convened a media briefing in Colombo.The Sri Lankan government has already decided to impose a tax regime of 6% to 36% on monthly earnings over Rs.

COLOMBO (News 1st) – A writ application was filed with the Court of Appeal on Tuesday (24) seeking an order to invalidate the Cabinet Decision to impose an electricity tariff hike with effect from the 1st of January 2023.It was filed by several factions including the Electricity Users' Association, its secretary Dhammika Sanjeewa, The Center of Environmental Justice, its Executive Director Hemantha Vithanage.The Minister of Power and Energy, The Ceylon Electricity Board, The Cabinet of Ministers among others were named as respondents.

COLOMBO (News 1st) – The Spokesperson for the Samagi United Trade Union Balavegaya Ananda Palitha, and Secretary of the Electricity Users' Association Dhammika Sanjeewa, who visited the Public Utilities Commission of Sri Lanka recently to inquire about the attempt to hike electricity tariffs, were arrested on Monday (23) night and were produced in court on Tuesday (24).They were charged with criminal influence and were remanded to the 26th of January 2023 by Fort Magistrate Thilina Gamage.The case was filed against them for protesting against the members of the Public Utilities Commission during a protest opposite the PUCSL in Colombo.

COLOMBO (News 1st) – Sri Lanka's Power & Energy Secretary and the Chairman of the Public Utilities Commission were informed to appear for an inquiry at the Human Rights Commission of Sri Lanka on Wednesday (25) at 10:30 AM.The summons were sent as the Human Rights Commission of Sri Lanka had observed that its directive to the  Power & Energy Secretary, and the Chairman of the Public Utilities Commission to take necessary measures to prevent power outages during the period of the Advanced Level examination had been disregarded.On Monday (23), the Human Rights Commission of Sri Lanka informed the Power & Energy Secretary and the Chairman of the Public Utilities Commission to take necessary measures to prevent power outages during the period of the Advanced Level examination, citing that power outages could negatively impact the studies of the candidates. The 2022 Advanced Level examination got underway on Monday (23), and will continue to the 17th of February.Meanwhile, Sri Lanka's Cabinet Spokesperson announced that the daily power outages will be limited to two-hours.Speaking at the media briefing to elaborate on cabinet decisions, Minister Bandula Gunawardena noted that the two-hour power outage will only take place after 4 PM during the period of the G. C.

(Reuters) – The Export-Import Bank of China has offered Sri Lanka a two-year moratorium on its debt and said it will support the country's efforts to secure a $2.9 billion loan from the International Monetary Fund, according to a letter reviewed by Reuters.India wrote to the IMF earlier this month, saying it would commit to supporting Sri Lanka with financing and debt relief, but the island nation also needs the backing of China in order to reach a final agreement with the global lender.China's Jan.

A meeting of the Constitutional Council will be held on Wednesday (25) at 9.30 am, Chief of Staff and Deputy General Secretary of the Parliament Kushani Rohanadeera said, according to the Parliament of Sri Lanka.Meanwhile, the President appointed the non-members of Parliament as members of the Constitutional Council based on the nominations submitted by the Speaker with the agreement of the Speaker, the Prime Minister and the Leader of the Opposition in Parliament. Accordingly, Dr. Pratap Ramanujam, Dr.