School uniform not compulsory for primary students
The Ministry of Education says that students of the primary sections of government schools can attend school tomorrow (25) wearing any suitable dress if they are unable to wear their school uniforms. The primary sections of all government schools across the island are set to reopen for academic activities from tomorrow (25). Speaking on this, the Secretary to the Education Ministry Prof. Kapila Perera said that classrooms with 20 students or less can hold classes every day and that if the classroom has between 21-40 students then the class can be broken into two and classes held every other day. He said that students unable to wear their schools uniforms due to any reason can wear any suitable dress instead and come to school. He requested teachers unable to cross provincial borders to inform the respective education office.
Source:The Nation
October 24, 2021 15:15 UTC
IPU glad Rishad finally released
Minister Gunawardena said the government was able to open around 98 percent of the targeted schools. “Sixteen percent of students attended schools across the country, while 26 percent of teachers who signed their attendance,” Minister Gunawardena told parliament. In contrast, schools in the Southern and Western provinces saw lower levels of attendance from principals, teachers, and students, the minister said. “We believe everyone will support the reopening of schools without any party or colour difference,” Minister Gunawardena said. Trade unions are not fully onboard the government’s proposed solution to their long-standing grievance of salary anomalies.
Source:The Nation
October 24, 2021 13:06 UTC
North, East see highest attendance of students, teachers: Dinesh
ECONOMYNEXT – Northern and Eastern provinces saw the highest attendance of students, teachers, and principals when schools were reopened for the first time in six months, Education Minister Dinesh Gunawardena told parliament on Friday (22). Minister Gunawardena said the government was able to open around 98 percent of the targeted schools. “Sixteen percent of students attended schools across the country, while 26 percent of teachers who signed their attendance,” Minister Gunawardena told parliament. In contrast, schools in the Southern and Western provinces saw lower levels of attendance from principals, teachers, and students, the minister said. “We believe everyone will support the reopening of schools without any party or colour difference,” Minister Gunawardena said.
Source:The Nation
October 24, 2021 07:07 UTC
First week in school: More focus on psycho-social recreation than academic activities
First week in school: More focus on psycho-social recreation than academic activities View(s):For primary students of both government and government-approved private schools, which are reopening tomorrow, the first week will mainly focus on creating a positive atmosphere and getting both students and teachers to gradually adapt to the academic process. A guide with a list of psycho-social activities has been prepared by the Education Ministry’s counselling unit in consultation with the Health Ministry and the primary education branch of the State Ministry for Women and Child Development, Preschool and Primary Education. E-copies of the guide have been sent to principals to be forwarded to primary school teachers. Singing, drawing and a number of group activities have been included for both indoors and outdoors. The Education Ministry said the primary objective was to give time for students to get to know their teacher and classmates.
Source:Sunday Times
October 24, 2021 01:39 UTC
Back to school, a strike and lessons to be learnt
Back to school, a strike and lessons to be learnt View(s):It is a ‘war of attrition’, this ongoing battle between the teachers’ unions and the Government, each trying to wear the other down. The Government has floated the idea of elections to the defunct provincial councils. Sri Lanka’s provincial councils have been a ‘white elephant’ draining financial resources and duplicating administration. It can easily do without the provincial councils as proven this past two years with no one missing them. If it is an election they want, it should be a Referendum whether the people want Provincial Councils.
Source:Sunday Times
October 24, 2021 01:39 UTC
COVID preventive measures for religious places issued
Director-General of Health Services today (October 23) issued preventive measures at religious places during the pandemic in a bid to protect the clergy, staff, worshippers and others from COVID-19 infection. As per the guidelines, the number of person allowed to enter places of worship should be related to the number of persons that can be placed at least one meter apart in preaching hall or prayer hall. However, the maximum number of should not exceed 50 persons, the health services chief noted. Benches should be marked at least one meter apart to ensure the physical distancing of persons. All preventive measures issued by the Health Services Director-General to be followed at religious places during the pandemic are as follows:COVID Preventive Measures at Religious Places_20211023 by Ada Derana on Scribd
Source:The Nation
October 24, 2021 00:06 UTC
The Weekly Authority: Edition #165
⚡ Welcome again to The Weekly Authority, the Android Authority newsletter that breaks down the top Android and tech news from the week. On this week in 1879 — October 21, to be precise — Edison perfected the first commercially practical incandescent light bulb. Many people think Edison invented the light bulb, but that’s simply not true. The light bulb was actually invented by a British scientist called The light bulb was actually invented by a British scientist called Warren de la Rue , back in 1840. But back to Edison: He didn’t perfect the light bulb as we know it today on his first attempt.
Source:The Nation
October 24, 2021 00:06 UTC
Google’s Pixel 6 update promise is not good enough
Eric Zeman / Android AuthorityThree years of Android OS updates, five years of security updates: that’s Google’s update pledge for the Google Pixel 6 and Pixel 6 Pro. Starting from Android 12, Google’s latest flagships will receive Android 15 in 2024, followed by security patches until 2026. It beats Samsung’s promise of three OS updates and four years of security updates for its Galaxy S21 and older handsets, but not by very much. Eric Zeman / Android AuthorityRemember, all of Google’s other relatively recent Pixel smartphones will receive three years of guaranteed Android OS updates. Ultimately, Google’s Pixel 6 update pledge, while the best you can find in the Android space, is still a long way off the best in the business.
Source:The Nation
October 23, 2021 21:06 UTC
Covid-19 restrictions and pandemic re-bound imminent: AMS
With the Covid-19 restrictions being relaxed and the irresponsible behaviour of the people in society, a re-bound in the pandemic has been projected by the Association of Medical Specialists (AMS). This was mentioned in a media release by the expert committee yesterday (23). Whilst commending the President and other active participants of COVID control efforts for their untiring efforts in steering Sri Lanka to achieve a common goal of a COVID free Sri Lanka, the AMS have also stated that the irresponsible and complacent attitude of some groups of the general public disheartens civic minded society who can sense the threat of another surge of Covid-19. “We all should understand that this will be the last nail on the coffin of an already battered economy of the country,” the statement read. In conclusion, the AMS has requested all citizens of the country, all opposition parties and other organisations politically inclined or otherwise to join hands to see an end to Covid 19 menace with responsible behavior during this post-covid critical period.
Source:The Nation
October 23, 2021 17:01 UTC
CSE bull-run continues; ASPI reaches 9950 points level
Its shares shot up to Rs 209 from Rs 201.50, thus contributing 32.9 points to the All Share Price Index. Due to these positive market developments, the All Share Price Index went up by 33.7 points and S and P SL20 rose by 32.25 points. In the retail market, top five companies that mainly contributed to the turnover were, Expolanka Holdings Rs 812 million (3.9 million shares traded), Browns Investments Rs 391 million (36.5 million shares traded), LOLC Holdings Rs 334 million (510,000 shares traded), Royal Ceramics Rs 265 million (7.4 million shares traded) and Hayleys Fabrics Rs 265 million (7.4 million shares traded). The Colombo CSE had given, in principle, approval for Sarvodaya Development Finance Ltd.’s (SDF) Rs. CSE said it had approved the listing of SDF shares by way of an offer for subscription on the Main Board or Diri Savi Board, as applicable.
Source:The Nation
October 23, 2021 13:10 UTC
Apple Car: Here’s what we know so far
Here’s what you need to know to get up to speed with the Apple Car. Edgar Cervantes / Android AuthorityAt its core, we know Apple Car involves some form of EV (electric vehicle). Internally, the Apple Car effort is codenamed Project Titan, according to sources like Apple Insider. “Apple Car” would both follow trends and reinforce the fact that you’re getting a distinctly Apple take on driving. If the product is successful, it could make updates and spinoffs easy to brand — picture an Apple Truck or Apple Car 2.
Source:The Nation
October 23, 2021 11:47 UTC
Wigneswaran wants self-rule for Tamils in North and East
20 and Rs.40 per ltr, on the sale of petrol and diesel, respectively, Lanka IOC strategy was clear. The official stressed that urgent revision of fuel prices was a dire necessity as the overall financial situation remained precarious. Lanka IOC refrained from revising the prices of Lanka Super Diesel and LP 95. Responding to The Island queries, Gupta said that Lanka IOC didn’t require GoSL approval to revise fuel prices. Asked to explain the Indian offer, Minister Gammanpila said that USD 500 overdraft could be obtained with 4 percent interest payable in one year.
Source:The Nation
October 23, 2021 07:11 UTC
276 more patients recover from coronavirus infection
October 22, 2021 02:21 pmThe Ministry of Health says 276 more COVID-19 patients in total were discharged from medical care today (October 22) as they have recovered from the virus infection. This brings the total number of recoveries reported in the country to 502,740. Since the outbreak of the pandemic last year, Sri Lanka has confirmed as many as 534,423 cases of COVID-19. According to official data, 18,121 virus-infected patients are currently receiving treatment at hospitals, treatment centers and homes. Meanwhile, the death from novel coronavirus stands at 13,562.
Source:The Nation
October 22, 2021 21:03 UTC
The Verge Merch Store is back!
The Verge is celebrating its 10th birthday on November 1st, so we thought this would be the perfect occasion to relaunch our online merch store! Check out the store here. We partnered with DFTBA on some new products we’re really excited about — including a special edition Verge 10-year design by artist Richard Parry — as well as some classic favorites. This is just the start for Verge merch, and we’re excited to work on even more all-new designs in the future. Special thanks:Richard Parry, Will Joel, TC Sottek, Kaitlin Hatton, Lukas Phelan, Rachel Navarro, Sue Bohlen, Sarah Smithers, and Helen Havlak
Source:The Nation
October 22, 2021 13:07 UTC
Honor X30 Max, X30i to arrive on October 28
Honor will unveil a new affordable phone called Play 5 Vitality on Monday, and just four days later we’ll see two shiny new devices - the Honor X30 Max and Honor X30i. Their design was revealed by the company on Weibo when it confirmed the October 28 launch at 14:30 local time. The Honor X30i has already leaked online, and we expect a Dimensity 810 chipset, 6.7” LCD with Full HD+ resolution and a 4,000 mAh battery with 22.5W fast charging - nothing extraordinary or unexpected for a midranger. What is surprising is the Honor X30 Max - at a first glance, it looks like the Honor X10 Max, and we’re wondering if the company is really going to reintroduce the same phone with two cameras and updated chipset, or is this some sort of convoluted advert that we’re not getting. The new device is reportedly coming with a 7.09” Full HD+ screen, Dimensity 900 chipset and plenty of storage - up to 256 GB.
Source:The Nation
October 22, 2021 13:04 UTC