US ends Covid vax mandate for foreign arrivals
Washington, May 12: The US has dropped the Covid vaccine mandate for all its international passengers, even as the country ends its Covid emergency status, the White House has announced. “While vaccination remains one of the most important tools in advancing the health and safety of employees and promoting the efficiency of workplaces,” the White House said, “we are now in a different phase of our response when these measures are no longer necessary”. While the requirement for coronavirus testing was dropped in June last year, the vaccination policy was not removed for foreign travellers. (IANS)
Khalistan event cancelled by city council in Aus
Melbourne, May 12: A city council in Australia has cancelled a Khalistan propaganda referendum event in Sydney following numerous complaints about threats posed by the event, a media report said on Friday. Acting on security agencies’ advice, the Blacktown City Council cancelled the event scheduled to be organised at Blacktown Leisure Centre Stanhope by the pro-Khalistan Sikhs For Justice (SFJ), The Australia Today reported. “Council has, this morning, cancelled this booking as it is in conflict with adopted Council policy and due to risks to Council staff, Council assets and members of the public which cannot be practicably mitigated,” a Blacktown City Council spokesperson told the media outlet. (AP)
SL Prez pardons 988 prisoners on Vesak Day
Colombo, May 5: Sri Lanka will release 988 prisoners on Friday on presidential amnesty to mark Vesak Day, the most important religious event for Buddhists, a senior official said. Commissioner of the Department of Prisons and spokesman Chandana Ekanayake told media that the amnesty was granted by President Ranil Wickremesinghe under powers vested on him under Article 34 of the country’s Constitution,reports Xinhua news agency. (IANS)
Ekanayake said this amnesty was given based on several terms and conditions.
Sri Lanka usually pardons prisoners on the Independence Day and during major religious events.
These amnesties do not apply to those convicted of murder, serious drug offences, rape, and armed robbery, Ekanayake said.(IANS)