Sri Lanka enters into a barter agreement
The Ministry of External Affairs says that a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) has been signed for the exchange of tea for oil. That is between Sri Lanka and Iran. This is being implemented to make arrangements to pay the arrears owed by the Ceylon Petroleum Corporation to the National Oil Company of Iran. The Ministry of Plantation of Sri Lanka and the Ministry of Industry, Mines and Trade of the Islamic Republic of Iran signed a Memorandum of Understanding on the 21st of this month.
Bunch of dollars found at the airport
Seven passengers arriving at the Katunayake Bandaranaike International Airport were found in possession of US dollars and other foreign currency. According to the Narcotics Division of the Sri Lanka Customs, the consignment contained over US $ 65 million, Euros and Pounds worth over 65 million Sri Lankan rupees. The suspects have tried to smuggle the money out of the country without disclosing it to customs. The suspects were on their way to board a SriLankan Airlines flight on the morning of the 24th when they were spotted by customs officials. The officers who carried out the raid said that the money was hidden in their luggage. Customs Media Spokesman, Deputy Director of Customs Sudaththa Silva stated that further investigations are underway into the incident.
Frost in Nuwaraeliya
The weather will be mainly rainless in many parts of the island. The Meteorological Department warns that there is a possibility of frost in some parts of the Nuwara Eliya District in the early morning. Moderately cold during the night and early in the morning in many parts of the island. The Department of Meteorology warns that there will be foggy conditions in the Western, Sabaragamuwa, Central, North-Central, Southern and Uva Provinces during the morning.
Thirukkovil tragedy: Death toll rises
Another police officer who was receiving treatment for injuries sustained in a shooting at the Thirukkovil police station has died. A police sergeant who was admitted to the Ashraf Hospital in Kalmunai with serious injuries has succumbed to his injuries, police said. The death toll from the shooting at the Thirukkovil police station has risen to four. The OIC of the Thirukkovil Police Station and another police officer are receiving further treatment following the shooting, police said. The shooting had been carried out by a sergeant attached to the Thirukkovil police station and he had later surrendered to the Athimale police station.
A wave of omicron in India
In India, 122 cases of Omicron Covid have been identified in the past day. According to the Indian Health Ministry, 415 cases of omicron have been reported in the country so far. 91% of those infected are fully vaccinated and 27% have never travelled abroad. Meanwhile, several parties have expressed serious concern over the failure to provide booster doses in India. Experts point out that India has not yet taken up the booster dose as many countries have started giving booster doses in the face of the spread of the Omicron variant.
Two Indian nationals arrested at airport
Two Indian nationals have been arrested by the Katunayake Airport Police. It was reported that the two had attempted to smuggle 1.049 kilos of gold into the country. The two suspects were arrested during a search operation conducted at the airport arrival terminal yesterday (24), police said. The suspects are to be produced before the Negombo Magistrate’s Court today (25).
Corona affect fertility in men
The potential effects of the Covid virus on male fertility have been widely discussed. However, two years after the outbreak of the covid pandemic, a recent investigation revealed this. It has been revealed that the fertility of men with the covid disease is greatly reduced. Foreign media have reported that this has been revealed during a special investigation carried out in Belgium. According to foreign media reports, 120 men who had been infected with Covid and recovered were used for this special test. Less than a month after the covid infection was tested, it was found that 60% of the participants had reduced median motility of their sperm. At 1 to 2 months after infection, the percentage of males with low sperm motility was 37%, and two months later it was 28%. The study also revealed that the foreign media had reported a decrease in sperm density in men’s semen after infection. When Covid was tested within a month of being infected, it was found that 37% of the men in the study had decreased median sperm count. The researchers found that 29% of men had a decrease in sperm count between one and two months after infection, and two months later, 6% of men had a decrease in sperm density. However, researchers estimate that the problem will return to normal within three months. Further medical tests are underway to determine if there are any men who have lost their full-term fertility after a corona infection.
Indian spinner announced farewell to international cricket
The Indian spinner has announced his retirement from international cricket. Harbhajan Singh announced his decision to the media today. He was famous for his amazing skills and contribute to the county for winning many international matches.
The special decision by the Government of Canada on permanent citizenship
Canadian authorities say more people will be granted “permanent citizenship” in their country next year. By 2021, 401,000 foreigners will have “permanent citizenship” in the country. Immigration Minister Sean Fraser said most of them were still living in the country temporarily. Canada is currently recruiting skilled workers to increase its population and strengthen its economy. Canada is said to be a country with a shortage of workers due to the rising adult population in the country. This year’s permanent citizenship is the first of its kind in a century, foreign media reported. Due to the covid-19 epidemic, only 185,000 people were granted permanent citizenship in 2020. This is a 45% decrease compared to 2019. At present the population of the country is about 38 million and the Government aims to increase it by 1% annually. The government says it aims to grant permanent citizenship to another 411,000 foreigners next year.
Police raided a Fake PCR centre
The Police Special Task Force (STF) has raided a place where fake PCR reports were prepared and sold for money. Police have arrested three persons on charges of forging documents. The place where these fake PCR reports were prepared was located in the Porathota area in Kochchikade in the Kochchikade Police Division. It has been revealed that they have prepared fake P.C.R reports for people going abroad. Meanwhile, a computer, 05 mobile phones, 02 pen drives and 17 fake P.C.R records were seized at the scene. The three suspects and their belongings have been handed over to the Rathdoluwa Police Station for further investigations.