EU team to visit Sri Lanka to discuss GSP+, says Foreign Secretary
COLOMBO (News 1st): Foreign Secretary Admiral Jayanath Colambage says that an EU delegation will visit Sri Lanka on the 27th of September in order to discuss the GSP+ facility. The Foreign Secretary further stated that the delegation is due to meet representatives of several Ministries and conduct working sessions with the representatives of the relevant Ministries. Speaking to the media today (16), the Foreign Secretary acknowledged that the GSP+ facility is focused around the Prevention of Terrorism Act (PTA), however it is best for anyone to visit the country and see instead of making decisions about a Nation while being on an entirely different continent. Commenting on the recent amendments to be made to the PTA, the Foreign Secretary said that a Ministerial Sub-Committee and an Expert Committee have already been appointed to explore the PTA in detail, and make recommendations for the amendment of the relevant act. “We are not scared, we have nothing to hide, we can ask for the EU delegation to come visit” the Foreign Secretary added.
Source:The Nation
September 17, 2021 02:15 UTC
Action against those threatening teachers to stop online teaching
COLOMBO (News 1st); Sri Lanka Police said action will be taken on complaints that are made on the basis of threatening or obstructing the duties of public officers. Issuing a statement, Sri Lanka Police on Friday (17) said if any person threatens teachers to refrain from teaching using via online methods, a complaint can be filed directly with the Criminal Investigations Department or by calling 119 or by visiting the nearest Police Station. Minister of Public Security Rear Admiral (Retired) Dr. Sarath Weerasekera has instructed the IGP and the DIG in charge of the CID to enforce strict action with respect to those complaints.
Source:The Nation
September 17, 2021 01:52 UTC
BRIAN VINER reviews Everybody's Talking About Jamie
Everybody's Talking About Jamie (12A, 115 mins)Rating:Verdict: Energetic but flimsyGunpowder Milkshake (15, 114 mins)Rating:Verdict: Borderline offensiveA BBC documentary ten years ago, with the arresting title Jamie: Drag Queen At 16, inspired an effervescent West End musical which in turn has now inspired a film. But if you have, as I have (and loved it), I think you'll find the film a frustrating experience. Jamie (newcomer Max Harwood) is 16, living in Sheffield with his adoring single mum (Sarah Lancashire), but craving the approval of his estranged dad (Ralph Ineson). But if you have, as I have (and loved it), I think you'll find the film a frustrating experienceAt his comprehensive school, everyone knows he's gay. Still, I enjoyed an archived interview with Lord Cobbold, Knebworth's owner, who clearly didn't know his Oasis from his Elbow.
Source:The Nation
September 17, 2021 01:07 UTC
Parts of the island to receive fairly heavy rains today
Fairly heavy showers above 50 mm can be expected at some places in Western and Sabaragamuwa provinces and in Kandy, Nuwara-Eliya, Galle and Matara districts. Fairly heavy showers about 75 mm can be expected at some places in Uva province and in Anuradhapura, Vavuniya and Mullaitivu districts. Winds will be south-westerly in the sea areas around the island. The sea areas extending from Galle to Pottuvil via Hambantota and from Puttalam to Mannar can be rough at times. The other sea areas around the island can be moderate.
Source:The Nation
September 17, 2021 00:45 UTC
Kmart Australia sells out of $22 sleeveless mustard midi-dress online
The stylish sleeveless midi-dress sold out in every size online hours after it was featured in an Instagram outfit reel by Adelaide blogger, Lisa Galanopoulos. The 44-year-old sent shoppers racing to buy the affordable frock, which is available in sizes 6 to 20 in mustard and khaki green. Her styling video, which has racked up 320 'likes' since it was shared online less than 24 hours ago, sparked delighted responses. And it's not the first time the mother-of-two has sparked a rush on a budget-friendly Kmart number. Earlier this month, Lisa Galanopolous (pictured) sparked a rush on an affordable pair of Kmart pants that flatter every body shapeMs Galanopolous' video of the tan coloured trouser instantly drew rave reviews.
Source:The Nation
September 17, 2021 00:00 UTC
MARK ALMOND: Torpedoes are running for the Beijing bullies
And now, it has upped the ante by uniting with two other classic naval powers in this Nato-style Pacific alliance. Through AUKUS, President Biden is giving teeth to what has been dubbed the ‘pivot to Asia’ –the American military, diplomatic and economic rebalance towards the Pacific, first outlined under the Barack Obama administration. Poaching former Australian agricultural export markets in China has been a key feature of her policies towards Beijing. But perhaps president Emmanuel Macron could take this opportunity to turn a long-held French dream of leading a European army into reality. Mark Almond is director of the Crisis Research Institute, Oxford
Source:The Nation
September 16, 2021 21:56 UTC
HENRY DEEDES on Nadine Dorries' new role
That noise you heard was simply the sound of London's cultural chin-strokers lamenting Nadine Dorries's debut appearance in the Commons as Culture Secretary. Dorries's appointment as 'Minister for Fun' was the big surprise of Wednesday's reshuffle. Nadine Dorries's appointment as 'Minister for Fun' was the big surprise of Wednesday's reshuffle. She is pictured above at the Natural History MuseumSo why has the Prime Minister bestowed upon her such a plum position? What Dorries plans to do about it all we shall have to wait and see.
Source:The Nation
September 16, 2021 21:33 UTC
Lohan faces trinity of investigations
“We expect to release a report soon, which will be handed over to the respective officials for further investigations,” he added. Speaking to The Morning, he said that Prisons Commissioner S. Kodithuwakku would lead the investigation on behalf of the Prisons Department. Sarath Weerasekera instructed Inspector General of Police (IGP) Chandana Wickramaratne to immediately investigate the complaint lodged with the CID against State Minister Lohan Ratwatte. Despite attempts by The Morning, Ratwatte and Prisons Commissioner General (CG) Thushara Upuldeniya were unavailable for comment. “He still serves as the Gem and Jewellery Related Industries State Minister.
Source:The Nation
September 16, 2021 21:00 UTC
EIGHT additional miles of Kentucky's Mammoth Cave have been uncovered
Members of the CRF spend hours crawling, climbing and rappelling through cave passageways, following leads through sometimes very tight openings to document and map Mammoth Cave, according to the Mammoth Cave National Park. 'When it comes to discoveries in Mammoth Cave, there truly is no end in sight!' Dr Rick Toomey, the park's Cave Resource Management Specialist, said in a statement: 'The Cave Research Foundation is fundamentally the reason that Mammoth Cave is recognized as the world's longest cave. Without CRF exploration and mapping, Mammoth Cave would potentially still be a 44-mile-long cave system.' the Mammoth Cave National Park shared on FacebookMammoth Cave was created by the natural process of limestone erosion, known as karst topography.
Source:The Nation
September 16, 2021 19:07 UTC
Google Pixel Fold tipped to launch later this year
It’s been long rumored that Google is eyeing to enter the foldable space with its own Pixel foldable phone. A fresh new leak from Senior Director at Display Supply Chain Consultants - David Naranjo reveals a supposed launch date in Q4 2021 for the Google Pixel Fold and suggests the device will use an LTPO OLED display. pic.twitter.com/5wlbsl2HF1— David Naranjo (@DSCCDave) September 16, 2021Google is expected to launch its Pixel 6 series on October 19 and has already provided an early look at the duo’s designs and specs but the Pixel Fold was not mentioned to this point. Q4 takes place between October 1 and December 31 so there is a chance the Pixel Fold could very well be a “one more thing “ announcement at the Pixel 6 event or it could launch later this year. Pixel Fold mock-up (credit: MacRumors)Earlier this year we saw a leaked list of unreleased Pixel phones containing the GPQ72 model number and “Passport” code name which is allegedly the Pixel foldable phone.
Source:The Nation
September 16, 2021 18:56 UTC
Neither here nor lockdown
This is precisely the sort of situation Sri Lanka experienced last month, in the face of a worsening pandemic, being forced to choose between sacrificing the economy to implement a lockdown, or risking public health safety by allowing activity to continue. Ostensibly, the country opted to prioritise public health over the economy, implementing an islandwide lockdown since 20 August in a bid to curb the alarming rise in Covid-19 cases and deaths. First of all, we need to ask ourselves, why did we opt for a lockdown? Let us not forget that it was businesses themselves that chose to close their shutters in fear for their lives, before the Government stepped in to declare a lockdown. However, at the rate we are going, Sri Lanka may end up stuck in a never-ending cycle of a spike in cases, calls for a lockdown from health authorities, insistence by the Government that the economy can’t survive another lockdown, further and louder calls for a lockdown from the health authorities and the political opposition, and eventually the Government wilting under the pressure and imposing a nominal lockdown with plenty of movement.
Source:The Nation
September 16, 2021 18:33 UTC
Overcoming the problem of Covid-19 spread, increased severity, and deaths
In this context, Covid-19 has severely disrupted the economy, with enterprises closed or trimmed and many job losses. It has been stated that 85% of deaths are in the vulnerable group and this group must all be vaccinated. Sri Lanka should aim at minimising the number of those getting the more severe Covid-19 illness and preventing all deaths. The Covid-19 virus is a fairly large virus (180 nanometres) with radiating spikes that enable it to attach to living cells that have appropriate receptors, like the mucus lining cells of the human respiratory tract. If everyone practises this theoretically, transmission ends and Sri Lanka can be free of the virus.
Source:The Nation
September 16, 2021 18:33 UTC
CTSU demands clarification on overseas programme for teachers
8 million each, the Ceylon Teachers’ Services Union (CTSU) has pointed out that a similar programme can be followed in Sri Lanka at a lower cost. CTSU General Secretary Mahinda Jayasinghe recently claimed that the Education Ministry is preparing to send a group of SLEAS officers, selected contrary to the due process, to the UK to pursue a postgraduate degree programme at a cost of around Rs. In such a situation, Gunawardena should explain as to what basis of priority and need is the Education Ministry sending these SLEAS officers to the UK suddenly by spending Rs. On an earlier occasion, Jayasinghe said that it was planned to send these 54 SLEAS officers to the UK in two phases. “The Education Ministry is to spend around Rs.
Source:The Nation
September 16, 2021 18:33 UTC
Economic stakeholders need firm guidance: Ajith Nivard Cabraal.
BY Dinitha RathnayakeThe Central Bank of Sri Lanka (CBSL) will need to provide clear and firm guidance to all economic stakeholders, particularly during turbulent times, such as the present times, said the newly appointed CBSL Governor Ajith Nivard Cabraal. Cabraal assumed duties as the 16th Governor of the CBSL on 15 September 2021. His appointment was made by President Gotabaya Rajapaksa, according to the provisions of the Monetary Law Act, No. Cabraal previously served as the 12th Governor of the CBSL from July 2006 to January 2015. He was also the State Minister of Money, Capital Market, and State Enterprise Reforms during the period from 12 August 2020 to 13 September 2021.
Source:The Nation
September 16, 2021 18:33 UTC
China to donate 1 mn Sinovac doses
China has decided to donate 1 million doses of the Sinovac anti Covid-19 vaccine to Sri Lanka, the Chinese Embassy in Sri Lanka stated today (16). The Embassy further states that Sinovac is the world’s most used vaccine, with 1.8 billion doses supplied and 1.4 billion jabbed in 50 countries by the end of August. The National Medicines Regulatory Authority (NMRA) approved the emergency use of the Chinese Sinovac Covid-19 vaccine in mid July. At present there is a paucity of data on the efficacy, effectiveness and in vitro neutralizing antibody responses of Sinovac against the Delta variant. Available information suggests the effectiveness of Sinovac could be as low as 25 to 30 percent against the Delta variant,” the Forum stated.
Source:The Nation
September 16, 2021 17:15 UTC