Protesters have gathered outside Tokyo's main Olympic stadium ahead of the closing ceremony which will bring its Covid-hit Games to a close today. Normally one of the world's most electric cities, Tokyo is under a state of emergency, depriving it of the manic buzz of an Olympic host or the fervent crowds of its last Olympics in 1964. "We can already now say with confidence that we have experienced a very successful Olympic Games considering all the uncertainties we had the last two years," International Olympic Committee President Thomas Bach said before the ceremony. Japan is due to hand over the Olympic baton to the next host city, Paris, at a ceremony that starts at 8:00 p.m. JST (1100 GMT). The bill, which will have to be fully paid after the Games end, is most likely to be settled by the Tokyo government and the central government.

Nearly about 45,000 of the total coronavirus cases reported in Sri Lanka have been children, Dr. Nalin Kitulwatta of Lady Ridgeway Children’s Hospital stated. He pointed out that a total of fourteen children have died from COVID-19 in Sri LankaDr. Kitulwatta says that the COVID-19 wards at the Lady Ridgeway Children’s Hospital are overcrowded as the COVID-19 infection is rapidly spread among children. As of this morning, about 150 children are being treated at Lady Ridgeway Children’s Hospital and the other two wards under its control. According to statistics, 45,000 children with COVID-19 have been reported in Sri Lanka so far. Fourteen of them have died.”Dr. Nalin Kitulwatta states that there is no need to hospitalize children with COVID-19 infection who show normal symptoms.

It comes after climate minister Alok Sharma came under fire for his quarantine-free trips to 30 destinations including five red list countries since January. But the Foreign and Commonwealth Office defended Mr Raab's actions, saying he has obeyed the rules for senior ministers on overseas trips. France has since moved off the amber plus list, with double-jabbed arrivals no longer having to isolate from 8am today. Green groups have refused to condemn Mr Sharma and the Government was robust in his defence. Mr Sharma told the Guardian: 'I have every week a large number of virtual meetings, but I can tell you that having in-person meetings with individual ministers is incredibly vital and actually impactful.

The United States will take home the most medals from the 2020 Tokyo Summer Olympics that conclude on Sunday, including the coveted title of the most gold medals won. The United States women’s indoor volleyball team won its first Olympic gold medal in history with a sweep in three sets (25-21, 25-20, 25-14) over archrival Brazil in the match for the medal of gold. The United States won not only the gold medal race, but also the overall medal race uncontrollably. China held a 32-27 lead over the United States on Thursday morning, and China won its long-awaited golds in table tennis and diving. China won the most gold medals at the 2008 Beijing Summer Olympics, in which the United States won the most medals.

And a Conservative source has accused the EU of 'turning a blind eye to people dying' for refusing to negotiate with the UK. After they arrive here, the migrants are put into hotels, where they are supposed to quarantine for ten days before being processed. As the total number of boat migrants passed 10,500 this year – 2,000 more than the 8,417 who arrived in the whole of 2020. The British dispute this, saying the rules of the sea allow the interception of 'illegal' attempts to enter UK waters. Britain has given France an extra £54 million to double the number of police on beaches to 200 officers and boost surveillance.

The Department of Immigration and Emigration has released a notice which details that the validity period of all types of visas currently obtained by foreigners residing in Sri Lanka has been extended by 30 days until September 07, 2021. However, the Department notes that only Visa fees applicable for that period will be charged for the Visas expiring within this period and will be exempted from the overstay penaltyAccordingly, Tourist Visa holders can follow one of the methodologies to make payments for the extension of the visa and to get visa endorsements. The visa extension also applies to all resident visa holders. To get extended residence visas before that date, the public can contact the Department on 070 710 1050 from 8.30 am to 3.00 pm on working days to make an appointment. The visa endorsement shall be obtained by visiting the head office at Battaramulla on or before September 07 by paying the relevant visa fees.

COVID-19 vaccination centres manned by the Sri Lanka Army are in operation today (August 08) across the island. These clinics are rolling out first and second doses of Sinopharm vaccine and the second dose of Oxford-AstraZeneca vaccine. First dose of Sinopharm vaccineColombo MOH Area• Viharamahadevi Park• AH(CBO) – Army Hospital, Narahenpita• ABH-PNG – Army Hospital, Panagoda• 1 SLAMC – Werahera Army Medical Corps CampSecond dose of AstraZeneca vaccineColombo District• Viharamahadevi Park• ABH-PNGSecond dose of Sinopharm vaccineGalle District• Vidyaloka Vidyalaya, GalleMatara District• Mahinda Rajapaksa College, WellamadamaColombo District• Viharamahadevi Park• AH(CBO)• 1 SLAMC• ABH-PNG• Sugathadasa Outdoor Stadium• BMICH• MOH Jinthupitiya• MOH Complex D5 (Wellawatta Market Building, Colombo 06)Mullaitivu District• Subramaniyam Tamil School, PuthukkudiyiruppuKilinochchi District• ABH(KLN)• Central College, Kilinochchi• Central College, PoonerynBadulla District• ABH(DLA)• Virikakulu Pre SchoolMinneriya District• ITS Minneriya• ABH(MIN) – Army Base Hospital, MinneriyaAnuradhapura District• AH(ANP)Kurunegala District• Casualine Garment, Mawathagama

Answer songs, which are written as a response to other songs, have been around for a long time. Later that same year an answer song called “I’ve Got The Yes! On this list are just some of the many, many answer songs that have been written in response to the famous ones that came before them. Noel Gallagher, from Oasis, felt inspired to write a positive answer song the following year called “Live Forever”. These two singles spawned a horde of answer songs including “Annie’s Answer” by the El-Dorados and “I’m the Father of Annie’s Baby” by Danny Taylor.

The Deputy Director-General of Health Services, Dr. Hemantha Herath emphasized that the public should act responsibly during this time. “We take an approximate count of patients after collecting random samples from all over the island. “This is the result of conducting gene sequencing testing on random samples from all over the island. However, we cannot say that there are zero patients at other Districts, as this evidence itself is enough for us to decide that the variant has spread islandwide.” Dr. Herath stated. He added that as of present 117 cases of the Delta COVID-19 variant have been reported from Sri Lanka.

According to Army Commander and Head of the National Operation Centre for Prevention of COVID-19 Outbreak (NOCPCO), President Gotabaya Rajapaksa is focusing on administering a third dose or a booster dose of COVID-19 vaccines in Sri Lanka. He made these statements while participating in the TV Derana breakfast show ‘Derana Aruna’ this morning (08). Pointing out that booster shots are being rolled out in other countries, he stated that the President clearly instructed that Sri Lanka too will have to do the same. Accordingly, the President has instructed to make an immediate request to obtain required quantities. The NOCPCO Head said that 93 percent of the people in the country have been given the first dose while 23 percent have been given the second dose.

The shortage of gas in the market has been created due to an issue of opening Letters of Credit required to import gas, Laugfs Gas Chairman K. V. Wegapitiya said. The main reason for this is the unnatural increase in gas prices in the world market over the past year and a half. “However, Minister Bandula Gunawardena said that he expects to reach an agreement with the Ministry of Finance within the next week regarding the problem faced by Laugfs Gas. “Gas and oil prices have risen in the world market. Therefore, the Ministry of Finance and the State Gas Company will take steps next week to remedy the situation.

The President is focusing on administrating a third dose or a booster dose of the COVID-19 vaccine in Sri Lanka, Army Commander General Shavendra Silva said. General Silva, joining TV Derana breakfast show ‘Derana Aruna’ this morning (August 08), pointed out that a booster shot of the COVID-19 vaccine is being rolled in some foreign countries. He stated that President Gotabaya Rajapaksa clearly instructed that if other countries require such a booster shot, Sri Lanka too will have to do the same. The Army Chief says it has been able to achieve this situation today because Sri Lanka took the first and second doses before other countries. [The President informed] to apply as soon as possible if everyone is to receive a booster dose.”The NOCPCO Head said that 93 percent of the people in the country have been given the first dose while 23 percent have been given the second dose.

August 8, 2021 09:14 amAnother consignment of China manufactured COVID-19 vaccine Sinopharm has arrived in Sri Lanka today (August 08). Accordingly, 1.86 million doses of the vaccine have arrived at the Bandaranaike International Airport (BIA) this morning. The newly arrived stock increases the total number of Sinopharm vaccines received by Sri Lanka to 14.7 million doses, State Minister Prof. Channa Jayasumana said. Please avoid outside hyperlinks inside the comment and avoid typing all capitalized comments. Help us delete comments that do not follow these guidelines by flagging them(mouse over a comment and click the flag icon on the right side).

After distribution of those financial incentives among those rehabilitated former combatants, General Shavendra Silva spoke to them and explained them the reasons that attributed to this precious project of exceptional nature. We treat you as our own brothers and seriously want to give our maximum support for your rehabilitated livelihoods and progress by way of constructing even houses for you in future," General Shavendra Silva remarked. Major General Jagath Kodituwakku, Commander, Security Forces-Jaffna adding memories to the Commander’s presence at the occasion also awarded a special memento to him as the proceedings drew to a close. The day's Chief Guest on arrival at Palaly airbase was greeted to a saluting parade after Major General Jagath Kodituwakku - Commander, Security Forces-Jaffna warmly welcomed him. Major General Deepal Pussella - General Officer Commanding 51 Division, Major General Haren Peiris - General Officer Commanding 52 Division, Major General Mahinda Jayawardena - General Officer Commanding 55 Division, Brigade Commanders and a few Senior Officers of Tri Forces and Other Ranks attended the distribution programme.

by Vijaya ChandrasomaBoth the Constitution of the United States and the National Anthem, the Star Spangled Banner, were adopted during the “halcyon days” of slavery. Old Glory, the original flag of the United States, was saved from the Confederate Army during the Civil War and its modern version has been proudly flying in the name of the United States throughout the world. The Constitution of the United States in operation since 1789, is the longest surviving written charter of government. The words really meant “We The White Men”, as the rights of all women or African American slaves were excluded. These Southern states today remain the bastions of the Republican Party, and the Electoral College still favors them in the election for the presidency.