Work on 700 rural bridges on track
Development work on 700 of 1,000 rural bridges scheduled for completion by the end of this year is underway as plannedA despite the pandemic, Highways Minister Johnston Fernando said on Saturday (7), according to a media release. Accordingly, he had noted, the construction of 1,000 bridges in rural areas would be completed by the end of this year in line with the Government’s plans, with the goal of eradicating rural poverty by enhancing connectivity between villages and main cities. “The new bridges will replace the dilapidated makeshift bridges in rural areas, which are unstable. These low-cost concrete bridges will be an alternative to the makeshift wooden bridges. With the implementation of this project, the main road network will be connected to the rural roads facilitating the day-to-day activities of the rural people.
Source:The Nation
August 08, 2021 16:41 UTC
Ranil blames Task Force for Covid deaths
BY Buddhika SamaraweeraFormer Prime Minister and current United National Party (UNP) Parliamentarian Ranil Wickremesinghe has alleged that the National Operation Center for the Prevention of Covid-19 Outbreak (NOCPCO) Presidential Task Force should be held responsible for the Covid-19 related deaths reported in the country so far. “This committee is responsible for the deaths we have seen,” he said, making a statement to the media yesterday (8). “The responsibility for the control of Covid-19 pandemic now lies with the NOCPCO, which has no capacity to deal with it. So far they have failed to develop a successful programme to control the pandemic. “Health experts have advised on the steps to be taken but they have been ignored.
Source:The Nation
August 08, 2021 16:41 UTC
75% spike in oxygen-dependent COVID patients in Sri Lanka
As the Delta variant of SARS-CoV-2 continues to spread in Sri Lanka at an alarmingly rapid speed, the number of oxygen-dependent patients has soared by 75% within the past 10 days, Health Ministry’s data showed. According to official data, from July 19 to July 28, the tally of oxygen-dependent COVID patients varied between 227 and 409 daily. During this 10-day period, the average number of patients relying on oxygen supply stood at around 291. As per Health Ministry data, the tally of oxygen-dependent patients stood at 602 yesterday (August 07). Director-General of Health Services Dr. Asela Gunawardena, who commented on the matter, said the need for oxygen supply has increased significantly.
Source:The Nation
August 08, 2021 16:30 UTC
The Hyperinflation Hype: What really happened in Zimbabwe?
“Zimbabwe’s hyperinflation” has become an obsession among the many people opining on money printing. As a result, any increase in money supply (M) will directly result in the price (P) to rise. However, a deeper look into what really happened in Zimbabwe will show the underlying factors at play which caused hyperinflation. In contrast, Zimbabwe used its printed money to fund consumption, through the pensions of its veterans and funding for its war efforts. In conclusion, the underlying conditions of Sri Lanka’s money printing remain vastly different to the conditions obtained in Zimbabwe.
Source:The Nation
August 08, 2021 15:56 UTC
India to Indonesia: Asian economies challenged by Delta Covid variant
China reported 95 new local coronavirus cases, with delta reaching regions that account for 38% of national gross domestic product. That raises the prospect of Asia’s delta hit reverberating worldwide, if exports are delayed longer term. “The current delta wave in Asia may snarl production networks further,” said Hong Kong HSBC Holdings Plc Asian economic research Co-Head Frederic Neumann. There’s a common theme among many Asia-Pacific economies that enjoyed early success with limiting the virus’s damage: complacency. Still, the delta variant has been altering calculations and its highly contagious nature may leave a longer-tail impact on places that overcame previous waves.
Source:The Nation
August 08, 2021 15:56 UTC
Learning to respect our roots
A forward-thinking nation always identifies and acknowledges its roots, and sees to it that in moving forward, it does not leave behind who and what formed its foundations. To reiterate one vital aspect of this duty, every year on 9 August, the world celebrates the International Day of Indigenous Peoples, in a context where their rights and value are being forgotten in modernisation and politics. This day was dedicated for indigenous peoples in 1994 at the United Nations (UN) General Assembly, predominantly to discuss the protection of their rights and raise awareness of the same. However, when it comes to Sri Lanka, there is insufficient data about our indigenous people, known as the “Vedda community”. For example, one of the main reasons that forced a large number of indigenous youths to assimilate into general society was the loss of their traditional lands and freedoms.
Source:The Nation
August 08, 2021 15:56 UTC
Martin Bashir whistleblower 'to be paid £750,000 by the BBC'
'The BBC is expecting to pay out in the region of £750,000,' the source said. He subsequently introduce Bashir to his sister, saying years later that - had it not been for the forged documents - he would never have done so. Around two months after the BBC interview aired, Mr Wiessler said his house was broken into and CDs containing the forged documents stolen. The report slammed BBC bosses, including former director-general Tony Hall, for covering up information on how Bashir was able to secure the interview. Martin Bashir, who was still working as the BBC's religion editor, also quit the corporation in May this year, citing health issues.
Source:The Nation
August 08, 2021 15:56 UTC
'There IS a problem with children and COVID': Fauci says school kids SHOULD wear masks
Dr. Anthony Fauci said Sunday 'there's no doubt in my mind' that children should be required to wear masks when returning to school in the fall. 'There is a problem with children [getting COVID],' the nation's top immunologist told NBC News' Meet the Press. 'You surround them with those who can be vaccinated, whoever they are, teachers, personnel in the school, anyone, get them vaccinated. #MTP Fauci: "If that's the case, you are going to see the empowerment of local enterprises giving [vaccine] mandates. pic.twitter.com/txWQYs35tQ — Meet the Press (@MeetThePress) August 8, 2021'The time has come is we've got to go the extra step to get people vaccinated,' Fauci said.
Source:The Nation
August 08, 2021 15:45 UTC
Raphael Varane posts first online message reflecting imminent £42million Manchester United move
By Faaez Samadi For MailonlinePublished: 10:46 EDT, 8 August 2021 | Updated: 10:52 EDT, 8 August 2021Raphael Varane has shown his commitment to being ready for the upcoming Premier League season with new suitors Manchester United by posting a brief practice session online. But that all changed with an Instagram post from Varane on Sunday, in which he can be seen doing kick-ups in a garden. Raphael Varane has posted his first message reflecting his move to Manchester UnitedThe ex-Real Madrid defender can be seen doing kick-ups in a garden located in ManchesterTellingly, his location is clearly stated as 'Manchester, United Kingdom' with a caption underneath it saying 'quarantine practice!' Varane is currently having to quarantine due to the British government's overseas travel Covid-19 protocols, but is set to be unveiled at United as soon as his isolation is over. However, it will be a race against time for Varane to feature in United's opening Premier League game against Leeds United on August 14.
Source:The Nation
August 08, 2021 15:00 UTC
Army handling vaccination process is unacceptable - Ranil
Former Prime Minister Ranil Wickremesinghe says that the government should immediately set up a committee consisting of specialist doctors to crack down on the COVID-19 pandemic. The former Prime Minister says that it is not acceptable for the Army to administer the vaccine unless it was done under the Ministry of Health. Wickremesinghe further said that the vaccination should be given to all citizens over 12 years of age. The government should explain the reasons behind the rejection of doctors’ requests to lockdown the country, the former Premier said. The government should immediately bring together medical experts and set up this committee.”
Source:The Nation
August 08, 2021 14:37 UTC
Interview: Xiaomi's Andrzej Gladki talks foldable phones and market expansion
Xiaomi recently opened its first Mi Store in Bulgaria, located at the Paradise Center in the country's capital - Sofia. Regarding Xiaomi Stores, we already have 108 in our region. We are opening Xiaomi Stores together with our Partners and we definitely want them to be profitable for them. E-commerce and Xiaomi Stores network are traditional, core channels of Xiaomi. 1 smartphone brand in Europe in terms of shipments in Q2, 2021, according to multiple market research institutes.
Source:The Nation
August 08, 2021 14:26 UTC
Sri Lanka confirms 2,956 COVID cases within the day
August 8, 2021 07:43 pmA total of 726 more people tested positive for COVID-19 today (August 08), bringing the daily count of positive cases to 2,956. The new development has brought Sri Lanka’s confirmed coronavirus cases tally to 329,9942. As per official data, as many as 293,357 patients who were infected with the virus have returned to health so far while 31,620 are still under medical care at selected hospitals and treatment centers across the country. In the meantime, the death toll from coronavirus now stands at 5,111.
Source:The Nation
August 08, 2021 14:15 UTC
COVID death toll moves up with 94 new victims
August 8, 2021 07:35 pmSri Lanka has registered 94 more COVID-19 related fatalities confirmed by the Director-General of Health Services on Saturday (August 07). The new development has pushed the official death toll from the virus outbreak in Sri Lanka to 5,111. According to the data released by the Department of Government Information, the latest victims confirmed today include 69 males and 25 females. Reportedly, among the victims are one male aged below 30 years, 22 victims aged between 30-59 years and 71 others aged 60 and above.
Source:The Nation
August 08, 2021 14:03 UTC
Circular calling teachers and principals for duty amended
The Secretary of Education has issued a letter to all education officials regarding the change in the previous decision to call all teachers and principals back for duty. As per the letter, the academic staff of schools are allowed to work from home as it is not necessary to call everyone to schools. This is due to the rapid spread of the COVID-19 epidemic. The letter also states that teachers should teach students using the online method or other alternative methods during the period of duty from home without coming to schools. However, the teachers’ and principals’ unions say they will continue their strike until their salary issues are resolved.
Source:The Nation
August 08, 2021 13:52 UTC
Inside Ant McPartlin and Anne-Marie Corbett's '£500,000' wedding
Ant McPartlin is reported to have splashed a whopping £500,000 on his lavish wedding to Anne-Marie Corbett in Hampshire this weekend. The TV presenter - who is worth an estimated £20m - married his former-PA at Heckfield Church on Saturday, hosting a reception at Heckfield Place Hotel afterwards. Lavish: Ant McPartlin is reported to have splashed a whopping £500,000 on his wedding to Anne-Marie Corbett in Hampshire this weekend. A source ahead of the wedding said: 'Ant and Anne-Marie hoped to get married abroad but this is the next best thing. The wedding reception is located away from prying eyes and set in beautiful surroundings.
Source:The Nation
August 08, 2021 13:52 UTC