Tom Hanks makes surprise appearance during virtual graduation ceremony

COLOMBO (News 1st); 32 Sri Lankans who were in Ukraine, have been moved out of the country via four separate borders.This was confirmed to News 1st by the Sri Lankan Ambassador accredited to Ukraine.Earlier, the Sri Lankan Foreign Ministry said that it continues to closely monitor developments in Ukraine.On Monday (28) the Ministry said it was engaged in the evacuation of approximately forty (40) Sri Lankan nationals, including two (02) students in Ukraine via the Ukraine – Polish border.The process is facilitated by the Sri Lanka Embassies in Warsaw and Ankara, the latter being concurrently accredited to Ukraine.The Ministry has strengthened the provision of resources to the Sri Lanka Embassy in Warsaw in order to ensure the effective facilitation of the evacuation process.The Ambassadors of Sri Lanka in Ankara and Warsaw continue to maintain close contact with the Sri Lankan nationals leaving Ukraine, in order to enable their safe passage and return to Sri Lanka.The Foreign Ministry is also engaged in monitoring the status of Sri Lankan nationals in countries which share land borders with Ukraine.Sri Lanka’s accredited missions are in contact with the relevant Honorary Consuls and Sri Lankan nationals in the respective countries.The Sri Lanka Embassy in Moscow which is concurrently accredited to Belarus continues to be in close communication with the approximately 1,600 Sri Lankan nationals, including 1,556 students studying in over eight (08) universities / higher education institutes in Belarus.Sri Lanka’s Ambassador in Moscow is in direct contact with the relevant university authorities, student and parent groups, as well as other concerned institutions in Belarus, with regard to the safety and welfare of the Sri

The unemployment rate was 5.2% in February when adjusted for seasonal factors, unchanged from January, according to the latest figures from the Central Statistics Office.

Never miss a story! Stay connected and informed with Mint. Download our App Now!!

COLOMBO (News 1st); The Archbishop of Colombo His Eminence Malcolm Cardinal Ranjith on Wednesday (3) met with Michelle Bachelet, the United Nations High Commissioner for Human Rights.The meeting took place on the sidelines of the 49th session of the UN Human Rights Council in Geneva.

COLOMBO (News 1st); Sri Lanka’s Public Utilities Commission said that the 7.5 hour blackout will continue for Thursday (3) as well.“Power shedding for all areas will be 5 hours between 8 am to 6 pm. And further 2 and half hours between 6 pm to 11 pm.”, said the Chairman of the PUCSL.

PHILADELPHIA - February's temperatures were warmer than average and the first day of March will bring in similar weather with mild conditions. Tuesday will be cloudy due to high pressure bringing air off the coast. Temperatures will begin chilly in the morning before warming up for a mild and dry day with highs in the 50s. Storms seen on radar will stay north and out of the area, but windy conditions will move in on Thursday. Looking ahead, the weekend will bring cloudy conditions with a chance for rain on Sunday. ___SEVEN-DAY FORECAST TUESDAY: In like a lamb. High: 55WEDNESDAY: Partly cloudy.

Spain has changed its travel rules for holidaymakers that are yet to be fully vaccinated against Covid.

Never miss a story! Stay connected and informed with Mint. Download our App Now!!

Robert Pattinson in 'The Batman.' Photo: Warner Bros. CHICAGO - With two notably cartoony exceptions, the last 30-some years of live-action Batman storytelling have been an experiment in increasing grimness. Tim Burton brought gothic gravitas to a character best known for kitschy ‘60s excess.

COLOMBO (News 1st); A Fundamental Rights application was filed with the Supreme Court on Wednesday (2) challenging the gazette issued with the regulation stating that only FULLY VACCINATED people will be allowed to enter public places from the 30th of April 2022.The application filed by Professor F. M.

The burning cargo ship Felicity Ace was floating south of the Azores off the coast of Portugal, as seen in footage posted by the Portuguese Navy on February 18.

The Russian ruble sank to an historic low against the U.S. dollar on Monday, with analysts saying it was on the verge of a total collapse, forcing the central bank to step in, doubling its interest rate to 20 per cent. Anne Gaviola reports.

Union J recently delighted fans by announcing the original four members are getting back together after a six-year hiatus. But Josh Cuthbert says their comeback wasn’t a simple decision, admitting he thought it could affect his mental health. “If you had told me two years ago there would be a Union J reunion and I’d be part of it, I would have thought that would make my mental health worse,” the 29 year old said.

The United States has advised citizens against travelling to Hong Kong, citing strict coronavirus curbs and the risk of children being separated from parents as the Chinese city battles a wave of infections.

COLOMBO (News 1st); The proposed Surcharge Tax Bill that was presented to Parliament, will be amended in a manner that will not include 13 funds, including the Employees’ Provident Fund (EPF) and the Employees’ Trust Fund (ETF), Sri Lanka’s Attorney General told the Supreme Court on Wednesday (2).Additional Solicitor General Viveka Siriwardena told the Supreme Court that the Finance Secretary had informed the Attorney General in this regard in writing.The Samagi Jana Balavegaya, one of the main opposition factions in Sri Lanka has filed a special petition with the Supreme Court challenging the proposed Surcharge Tax Bill that was presented to Parliament, on the 23rd of February.The Government on 22nd February presented the proposed Surcharge Tax Bill to Parliament.The special application challenging the Bill seeks a Supreme Court ruling to term the Bill as inconsistent with the constitution.The Bill, which imposes a retrospective one-time surcharge tax of 25% on persons and companies with a taxable income over Rs. 2 billion for the year 2020/2021, was presented by Leader of the House Minister Dinesh Gunawardena on 22nd February.The Bill was drafted in keeping with the proposal in the 2022 Budget to impose a one-off 25% surcharge tax on individuals or companies earning taxable income more than Rs.

New Zealand anti-vaccination demonstrators set alight their own protest camp outside parliament after riot police moved to end their weeks-long occupation of the legislative precinct.

was so stirring that it caused the official translator to choke up with emotion.In footage from Euronews, the unnamed English language interpreter can be heard becoming emotional as he repeats Zelenskyy’s promise that the people of Ukraine would not be broken by the Russian invasion. Biden announces new measures against Russia as Ukrainian cities combat sieges “We are fighting just for our land.

Bank of Canada is likely to forge ahead with its first interest rate increase in years on Wednesday, economists predict, though uncertainty tied to the war in Ukraine could put the pace of future rate hikes into question.The central bank said in January that its special guidance around the COVID-19 pandemic, which kept its key overnight rate at 0.25 per cent for much of the past two years, has ended.Senior bank officials strongly signalled rates need to rise in an effort to tamp down on inflation, which hit 5.1 per cent in Canada last month a high not seen in 30 years.

An Alberta father is calling for more accountability from parents and corporations after getting hit with a huge bill for what was supposed to be a free online video game. Tomasia DaSilva reports.

U.S. President Joe Biden announced on Tuesday that the U.S. would become the latest country to ban Russian planes from its airspace, joining Canada, the European Union and others in doing so amid the ongoing invasion of Ukraine.

A number of other provinces have dropped COVID-19 restrictions including the vaccine passport program and indoor mask mandate. Both are still in place here in B.C.

PHILADELPHIA - Philadelphia on Monday said it will move forward with a repaving project that will make one of the city's most dangerous thoroughfares safer by reconfiguring lanes to allow for better traffic flow.According to a release from the city, Washington Avenue will change its five-lane layout to a mixed lane format between 4th Street to Grays Ferry Avenue. The project is set to begin later this year. Washington Avenue has more crashes than the average Philadelphia street and has not been repaved since 2003, according to the city.

During an emergency session of the European Parliament on Tuesday, Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy urged the EU by video link to “prove that you are with us.” His comments come a day after Kyiv officially asked to join the bloc.

PHILADELPHIA - A Philadelphia non-profit has received an outpouring of donations from locals who were inspired to help the Ukrainian people during the ongoing Russian invasion. The United Ukrainian-American Relief Committee said its building on Cottman Avenue is overflowing with donations including medical supplies, clothing, sleeping bags and hygiene items. "I mean it's amazing how people are coming in who have no ties to Ukraine, but responding in a humanitarian way," Executive Director Motraj Watters said. The donations will be packaged and shipped in two large box trucks, then airlifted overseas to Poland where they will cross over into Ukraine for distribution. Iryna Mazur, the Honorary Consul of Ukraine in Philadelphia, watched hopefully as President Biden promised more relief in his first State of the Union address."I just want to help any way I can," Ustyna Danylovych said. "My parents immigrated from Ukraine in the late 90s and my entire family is still there.

COLOMBO (News 1st); Japan Maritime Self-Defense Force (JMSDF) ships ‘URAGA’ and ‘HIRADO’ which belong to the Minesweeper Division One arrived at the port of Colombo on a formal visit on 01st and 02nd March 2022 respectively.Upon their arrival, the two ships were welcomed by the Sri Lanka Navy in accordance with naval tradition.The Minesweeper Division One to which both these ships belong is commanded by Captain NOGUCHI Yasushi.Meanwhile, the 141m long Minesweeper Tender ‘URAGA’ is commanded by Commander KONDO Koji and the ship is manned by a crew of 130.The Minesweeper Ocean ‘HIRADO’ is a 67m long ship where 55 crew members serve under the command of Lieutenant Commander ITO Akira, the ship’s Commanding Officer.Before their arrival at the port of Colombo, the duo of JMSDF ships conducted a successful naval exercise with the Sri Lanka Navy Ship (SLNS) Sindurala off Colombo on 28th February.Among the exercises worked off, Divisional Tactics (DIVTACS), Maneuvering Exercises and Photo Exercise (PHOTOEX) were chief.The proceedings of the visit of the ships will be conducted adhering to COVID-19 protocols owing to the pandemic concerns. Meanwhile, the ships are scheduled to depart the island on 03rd March.

HTML PDF, 999 KB, 1 page This file may not be suitable for users of assistive technology.

Researchers with the University of Alberta have found 169 unmarked graves near the former Grouard Indian Residential School, also known as St. Bernard Mission School, near High Prairie in northern Alberta. Breanna Karstens-Smith has details.

COVID-19 need no longer controls the lives of the Americans.

Never miss a story! Stay connected and informed with Mint. Download our App Now!!

COLOMBO (News 1st); The Committee that was appointed to investigate Power System Failures on November 29th & December 3rd, 2021 has recommended that the Ministry of Power request the law enforcement agencies to investigate the events to determine if they were acts of sabotage.According to the Final Report of the Committee seen by News 1st, a Formal Investigation by the law enforcement authorities supported by independent IT experts, if necessary, is recommended to determine whether or not any human intervention had taken place.This committee was appointed by the Secretary to the Ministry of Power on the 3rd of December 2021, and the final report was submitted a week.According to the report of the committee chaired by Prof.

WASHINGTON (AP) - Addressing a concerned nation and anxious world, President Joe Biden vowed in his first State of the Union address Tuesday night to check Russian aggression in Ukraine, tame soaring U.S. inflation and deal with the fading but still dangerous coronavirus.Biden declared that he and all members of Congress, whatever political differences there may be, were joined "with an unwavering resolve that freedom will always triumph over tyranny." He asked the lawmakers crowding the House chamber to stand and salute the Ukrainians as he began his speech. They stood and cheered.Biden highlighted the bravery of Ukrainian defenders and the commitment of a newly reinvigorated Western alliance that has worked to rearm the Ukrainian military and cripple Russia’s economy through sanctions.

WASHINGTON - Madam Speaker, Madam Vice President, our First Lady and Second Gentleman. Members of Congress and the Cabinet. Justices of the Supreme Court.

It's not business as normal for the Class of 2020. As we head deeper into May, a time when graduating seniors in both high school and college should be looking forward to, in the case of the former, attending prom and, for all, receiving those long-awaited diplomas, students across the globe are being forced to reckon with the sad reality that such milestone events just aren't a possibility amid the global coronavirus pandemic.

DAYTON, Ohio – Tom Hanks says graduates of an Ohio university that named a film center after him are “the chosen ones.”

Tom Hanks shared an empowering message with graduating students from Wright State University on Sunday.

Tom Hanks provided a few kind words on Saturday when he delivered an inspiring commencement speech for the Class of 2020 at Ohio's Wright State University Department of Theatre, Dance and Motion Picture. The Academy Award-winning actor, who spoke to the graduating students virtually, called them "the chosen ones." "I am calling you 'chosen ones' because you have been chosen in many ways.

"You will have made it through the time of great sacrifice and great need."

Tom Hanks has really cemented his status as ultimate legend this week as he surprised a bunch of graduating university students.

Tom Hanks never fails to delight and inspire.

The university honored him with the opening in 2016 of the Tom Hanks Center for Motion Pictures.And on Saturday, Tom Hanks paid it forward by delivering a commencement address for the Class of 2020 at Ohio's Wright State University Department of Theatre, Dance and Motion Picture.In the speech, played on video during the virtual graduation ceremony and posted to YouTube, Hanks paid tribute to the graduates calling them the 'chosen ones'. Virtual ceremony: Tom Hanks delivered a commencement address for the Class of 2020 at Ohio's Wright State University Department of Theatre, Dance and Motion Picture on SaturdayThe double Oscar winner, 63, began by saying: 'I'm here to say congratulations.

Tom Hanks gave the graduating class at Wright State University a huge surprise!

Tom Hanks continues to be a national treasure. The 63-year-old actor is spreading positivity and encouragement to college graduates who weren't able to have an in-person ceremony due to the Coronavirus pandemic.

College graduations this year are taking place virtually due to the COVID-19 pandemic, but students at Wright State University in Dayton, Ohio, received a special surprise during their online ceremony: a message of hope and inspiration from Tom Hanks.

Strictly Come Dancing star, James Jordan, 42, revealed how fans have compared his current lockdown look to Tom Hanks' Castaway character Chuck Nolan.

AFTER Tom Hanks and wife Rita Wilson both battled and beat coronavirus earlier this year, the longtime couple are celebrating their 32nd wedding anniversary on Thursday. The Gloria Bell actress, 63, honored the occasion with a sweet note for her husband, 63.

Tom Hanks and Rita Wilson have both recovered from the coronavirus in time to celebrate their wedding anniversary.Rita took to Instagram to wish her beloved husband a happy 32nd anniversary along with a sweet message and a photo of the pair on Thursday.Over the last few months, the 63-year-old stars each contracted, fought and beat the novel coronavirus after being diagnosed positive while away in Australia. Happy couple:Rita Wilson took to Instagram to wish her beloved husband Tom Hanks a happy 32nd anniversary along with a sweet message and a photo of the pair on ThursdayRita penned a short, affectionate message to her husband on social media: '2 years with this guy! @tomhanks Happy Anniversary, my love.

After enduring nearly two months of ups and downs following their coronavirus diagnoses, Tom Hanks and Rita Wilson have a reason to celebrate. Friday marks the Hollywood couple's 32nd wedding anniversary and Wilson, 63, shared a sweet message for her husband on Instagram to honor it.

Tom Hanks and Rita Wilson complete 32 years of togetherness today. The popular Hollywood couple exchanged wedding vows on April 30, 1988. From teenage romance to battling cancer, fighting Coronavirus together to helping others combat the same by donating their plasma to develop the COVID-19 vaccine, Tom Hanks and Rita Wilson have been one of a kind couple. Its been over 3 decades that the two stars got married to each other but the Golden pair of Hollywood is as fresh as ever.