UAE opens borders for fully vaccinated persons
COLOMBO (News 1st): The Federal Authority For Identity and Citizenship and the National Emergency Crisis and Disasters Management Authority of the United Arab Emirates have announced that application for tourist visas will be open to people from all countries, provided that they are fully vaccinated with one of the WHO-approved COVID-19 vaccines. The decision applies to citizens of all countries, including those arriving from the previously banned countries, such as Sri Lanka. Arriving passengers on tourist visa must take mandatory rapid PCR test at the airport. The previous rules for unvaccinated, including exempted categories, remain in place. Meanwhile, Moderna, Covishield, Pfizer-BioNTech, Janssen (Johnson & Johnson), Oxford-AstraZeneca, Sinopharm, and Sinovac, remains as COVID-19 vaccines approved by the WHO.
Source:The Nation
August 29, 2021 12:00 UTC
Motorola Edge 20 in for review
The Motorola Edge 20 series arrived a month ago, and we finally got our hands on a member of the family. The vanilla Edge 20 is now with us and we’ll go over its highlights before handing it over to the review team. Other manufacturers have ditched the idea of having uber light devices lately, but the Edge 20 measures just 7mm for the most part, making it super easy to handle. The camera setup on the back comes with a 108MP main shooter, 8MP telephoto camera with 3x zoom and a 16MP ultrawide snapper - a pretty promising setup overall. The Motorola Edge 20 supports the Ready For platform which allows easy wireless connectivity to other devices at home.
Source:The Nation
August 29, 2021 11:26 UTC
Strong winds damage 82 houses in Attanagalle
COLOMBO (News 1st): A strong wind that blew across the Attanagalla area has damaged about 82 houses. Gampaha District Assistant Director of Disaster Management Ajith Nishantha stated that about 30 houses in the Ranpokunagama housing scheme have been damaged. In addition, 30 houses in Yatiyana, Thihariya, Malwatta and Maimbula areas were also destroyed, he said. Wind speeds will increase up to 40-50 kmph at times in the western slopes of the Central Hills, North, North Central, North Western and Southern Provinces and in the Trincomalee District. Meanwhile, sea areas from Kankesanthurai to Hambantota via Mannar, Colombo and Galle will be rough at times and other sea areas around the island will be rough at times.
Source:The Nation
August 29, 2021 10:52 UTC
Bill Nighy and Anna Wintour enjoy another cosy dinner
Bill Nighy and Anna Wintour enjoyed another cosy dinner at restaurant Pierluigi in Rome on Friday. Their outing comes two days after Bill gifted Anna roses as they met for another romantic dinner at the up-market restaurant. Dinner: Bill Nighy and Anna Wintour, both 71, enjoyed another cosy dinner at restaurant Pierluigi in Rome on FridayFor their evening together in the picturesque Italian city, Anna slipped into a floral green and black dress and was sporting both her iconic bob hairstyle and blacked-out sunglasses. Bill cut a dapper figure in a tailored blazer layered over a crisp shirt and also donned smart slacks. It comes days after Bill gifted Anna roses before they sat down for another romantic dinner at the up-market Italian restaurant.
Source:The Nation
August 29, 2021 10:52 UTC
Vaccinated Lankans may apply for UAE tourist visas
August 29, 2021 by Aazam Ameen No CommentsThe United Arab Emirates (UAE) will resume the provision of tourist visas to vaccinated travellers from all countries, starting from tomorrow (30), State news agency WAM reports. Accordingly, travellers from countries where entry was previously prohibited, Sri Lanka included, can now travel to the UAE on tourist visas. It was also noted that only travellers who have obtained both doses of World Health Organization (WHO) approved COVID-19 vaccines will be permitted. Vaccinated travellers will also need to do a mandatory rapid PCR laboratory examination at the airport.
Source:The Nation
August 29, 2021 10:30 UTC
Magesterial inquiry into ‘Potta Naufer’s death, today
COLOMBO (News 1st): The magisterial inquiry into the body of Potta Naufer, a drug dealer who died due to COVID-19 yesterday (28), is being held today (29). Prisons Commissioner Chandana Ekanayake said that Potta Naufer’s relatives have been informed of his death. He further stated that the suspect, who was sentenced to death, died while being treated at a prison hospital for a kidney disease and COVID-19. He was convicted for the murder of High Court Judge Sarath Ambepitiya and was sentenced to death.
Source:The Nation
August 29, 2021 09:56 UTC
Jose Mourinho thinks Cristiano Ronaldo's fairytale move to Manchester United is 'perfect business'
By Alex Bowmer For MailonlinePublished: 05:40 EDT, 29 August 2021 | Updated: 05:40 EDT, 29 August 2021Jose Mourinho believes Cristiano Ronaldo's incredible return to Manchester United is 'perfect business' for the Red Devils. On a whirlwind Friday in the transfer market, it seemed early on that morning that Manchester City had stolen a march on the rivals and were set to bring the 36-year-old to the Etihad. Roma boss Mourinho said: 'The only thing I say - and it looks to me something basic and logic - is that if Juventus are happy, if Cristiano is happy and if Manchester United are happy this is the perfect business. 'There is no need to make any comment about someone who plays, wins, scores and makes history for 20 years.' Roma opened their league account last weekend with a 3-1 win over Fiorentina at the Stadio Olimpico, with former Chelsea outcast Tammy Abraham grabbing two assists on his debut.
Source:The Nation
August 29, 2021 09:56 UTC
Real Madrid's move for Kylian Mbappe is Barcelona's worst nightmare
By Pete Jenson for MailOnlinePublished: 06:00 EDT, 29 August 2021 | Updated: 06:00 EDT, 29 August 2021If Kylian Mbappe does leave Paris Saint Germain this summer, the goal will be for Real Madrid but Barcelona should get the assist. Had PSG not signed Lionel Messi there is no way they would have considered accepting any Real Madrid bid for their best player. The three-club carousel that has landed Messi in Paris and could now put Mbappe in Madrid has two winners and only one loser. With Pedri seen as a long term captain and Fati the eventual heir to Messi's number 10 shirt Barcelona's long term future is bright. Especially if PSG with Messi and Real Madrid with Mbappe go all the way to the final.
Source:The Nation
August 29, 2021 09:56 UTC
New class of exoplanets dubbed 'Hycean' planets could support ALIENS
A new class of 'waterworld' exoplanets have been found by astronomers, who say that despite being hot, ocean-covered and hydrogen-rich - could support life. Astronomers now say there may be more promising candidates out there, and these Hycean worlds are more numerous than Earth-like planets. A recent study on the mini-Neptune K2-18b found that in certain conditions these planets could support life. The investigation led researchers to identify a new class of planets, Hycean planets, with massive planet-wide oceans beneath hydrogen-rich atmospheres. 'But we think Hycean planets offer a better chance of finding several trace biosignatures.'
Source:The Nation
August 26, 2021 00:00 UTC
Will Gareth Southgate take off the handbrake after Italy agony?
Long enough for Gareth Southgate to get some of the sleep he predicted he would need. But much of what happened in the summer will follow Southgate to Hungary where England play in Budapest a week on Thursday. Gareth Southgate and England return to action next week for the first time since Italy agonyBack in the second week of July, once England had beaten Denmark in the semi-final of the Euros, Southgate was being talked about as the national coach for the next 10 years. England were in a major tournament final for the first time in more than half a century. He has taken England to a World Cup semi-final and a Euros final in his near five-year tenure.
Source:The Nation
August 25, 2021 21:45 UTC
Delta ravages Free Trade Zones
BY Pamodi WaravitaTrade unions (TUs) representing the workers in the Free Trade Zones (FTZs) have written to the Labour Minister Nimal Siripala de Silva on Tuesday (24) claiming the Delta (B.1.617.2) Covid-19 variant of Indian origin has ravaged the FTZs and placed the workers in grave danger. “Many workers are falling victim to the virus with reports showing that even up to 11 workers test positive per day from each company. These include a 40% increase in the conducting of Polymerase Chain Reaction (PCR) tests and Rapid Antigen Tests (RATs) on workers within the Zones. The unions have further claimed that hospitals surrounding the FTZs are also prejudiced against FTZ workers. However, they have requested the Labour Ministry to reinstate a full salary payment for all workers as last year’s agreement was only a temporary measure to support the industry during an emergency situation.
Source:The Nation
August 25, 2021 20:15 UTC
Biden jokes with NBC reporter who asked him about Afghanistan evacuation
President Joe Biden on Wednesday joked with an NBC reporter about the evacuation in Afghanistan as thousands, including many Americans, struggle to get out of the war-torn country as the Taliban takes over. Biden, after he made remarks at cybersecurity summit featuring several prominent business executives, was asked by NBC's Peter Alexander what he would do if Americans are still in Afghanistan after the August 31st deadline to withdraw U.S. troops. President Joe Biden joked with an NBC reporter about the evacuation in Afghanistan as thousands, including many Americans, struggle to leave'You'll be the first person I call,' Biden joked in response. Top Biden administration officials, including the secretaries of Homeland Security, Energy and Commerce, will attend the summit as with Biden's cybersecurity team. The meeting is taking place as the White House has been dealing with the American troop withdrawal in Afghanistan and the evacuation there.
Source:The Nation
August 25, 2021 19:52 UTC
BUMBLE AT THE TEST: Who saw that coming from England?
David 'Bumble' Lloyd runs the rule over an enthralling first day of play for Sportsmail. Jimmy Anderson starred yet again for England on a simply brilliant day against IndiaCAUGHT IN THE SWING OF THINGSI have to confess, I didn’t see that morning session coming. OPENING FROM HEAVENHats off to Haseeb Hameed, who played as well as I’ve ever seen him for England. And we ended up with that rarest of things: a hundred partnership between two England openers! Haseeb Hameed looked assured for England as he ended the day unbeaten on 60FULL ENGLISH ON A BIN LID!
Source:The Nation
August 25, 2021 19:52 UTC
What's New on Netflix in September 2021
Screenshot: Kate/NetflixThere was a time when you could count the big, blockbuster action films starring women on one hand. Yes, on September 10, Netflix will release Kate, which stars Scott Pilgrim vs. the World’s Mary Elizabeth Winstead as an assassin who is poisoned during her final mission (when else?) Maybe the final result won’t reduce an entire country to a series of tropes, I dunno. Given the director calls it his “love letter to Japan,” things could really go either way. What’s coming to (and leaving) Netflix in September 2021Coming to Netflix in SeptemberArriving this month (no date announced)Arriving September 1Arriving September 2Arriving September 3Arriving September 6G/O Media may get a commissionArriving September 7Arriving September 8Arriving September 9Arriving September 10Arriving September 13Arriving September 14— Netflix Anime— Netflix Original Series— Netflix DocumentaryKota Factory: Season 2 — Netflix Original Series— Netflix Original Series— Netflix DocumentaryA Cinderella StoryAgatha Christie’s Crooked HouseBarbie Big City Big DreamsBlade Runner: The Final Cut (1982)The Blue Lagoon (1980)ChappieClear and Present DangerCliffhangerCold MountainCrocodile Dundee in Los AngelesDear JohnDo the Right ThingFreedom WritersGreen LanternHouse PartyHouse Party 2House Party 3The InterviewKid-E-Cats: Season 2LabyrinthLetters to JulietLove Don’t Cost a Thing (2003)Mars Attacks!MarshallMystery MenThe Nutty ProfessorThe Nutty Professor II: The KlumpsOnce Upon a Time in AmericaOpen Season 2Rhyme & ReasonSchool of RockTears of the SunWelcome Home Roscoe Jenkins— Netflix FilmFinal Account— Netflix Original Series— Netflix Family— Netflix Original Series— Netflix Family— Netflix Film— Netflix Documentary (Episodes 1 and 2)— Netflix Family— Netflix Family— Netflix Original Series— Netflix Documentary— Netflix Original Series (New episodes weekly)— Netflix Original Series— Netflix Film— Netflix Documentary— Netflix Documentary— Netflix Family— Netflix Film— Netflix Original Series— Netflix Original Series— Netflix Family— Netflix FilmYowamushi PedalYowamushi Pedal Grande Road— Netflix Documentary Series (New episodes)— Netflix Family— Netflix Original Series— Netflix Original Series— Netflix FamilyArriving September 15Arriving September 16Arriving September 17Arriving September 19Arriving September 20Arriving September 21Arriving September 22Arriving September 23Arriving September 24Arriving September 28— Netflix Original Series— Netflix FilmSaved by the Bell: Seasons 1-9— Netflix Documentary— Netflix Original Series (New episodes weekly)— Netflix FamilyJawsJaws 2Jaws 3Jaws: The Revenge— Netflix Documentary— Netflix Film— Netflix Original Series— Netflix Film— Netflix Original Series— Netflix Original Series— Netflix FilmDark SkiesGrown Ups— Netflix Family— Netflix Original Series— Netflix Film— Netflix Original SeriesIntrusion — Netflix Film— Netflix Original Series— Netflix DocumentaryJe Suis Karl — Netflix Film— Netflix Original Series— Netflix Original SeriesJailbirds New Orleans — Netflix Original Series— Netflix Original Series— Netflix Family— Netflix Film— Netflix Documentary— Netflix Family— Netflix Comedy SpecialArriving September 29Arriving September 30What’s leaving Netflix in September 2021Leaving September 3Leaving September 6Leaving September 7Leaving September 11Leaving September 12Leaving September 14Leaving September 15Leaving September 16Leaving September 18Leaving September 26Leaving September 30— Netflix Original SeriesFriendzone — Netflix Film— Netflix Original SeriesNo One Gets Out Alive — Netflix FilmPolly Pocket: Season 3 Part 1— Netflix Film— Netflix Original Series— Netflix Original SeriesThe PhantomKicking and ScreamingMidnight SpecialRipper Street: Series 1-5TurboI’m Sorry: Seasons 1-2Pawn Stars: Season 2Angry Birds: Seasons 1-2As Above, So BelowScott Pilgrim vs. the WorldPenny Dreadful: Seasons 1-3Beauty & the Beast: Seasons 1-4The GrandmasterAir Force OneAustin Powers in GoldmemberAustin Powers: International Man of MysteryAustin Powers: The Spy Who Shagged MeBoogie Nights Cradle 2 the Grave Evil: Season 1Fools Rush InInsidiousThe Karate Kid The Karate Kid Part II The Karate Kid Part IIKung Fu PandaKung Fu Panda 2 No Strings Attached The PianistProm Night The QueenStar Trek Star Trek: Enterprise: Seasons 1-4 Star Trek: Seasons 1-3Star Trek: Voyager: Seasons 1-7The Unicorn: Season 1 Why Do Fools Fall in Love
Source:The Nation
August 25, 2021 18:56 UTC
Free app for Covid-19 self-care soon
Dr. Sudarshini helming developmentBY Dinitha RathnayakeA free self care mobile application (app) is to be introduced soon by the Primary Health Care, Epidemics, and Covid-19 Disease Control State Ministry. The State Ministry said that this app would especially target Covid-19 patients; however, those who are suffering from other illnesses would also be able to get support from this app. This app would contain relevant information which would be linked to the Health Ministry, and those who seek help would be guided through a proper system. The app is in its final stage of design where the experts are assessing the bandwidth and host-related details. It will also provide information on telephone numbers for medical advice and emergency hospitalisation, as well as on the steps to be taken at home.
Source:The Nation
August 25, 2021 18:56 UTC