2,230 new cases of Covid-19 confirmed
August 8, 2021 06:54 pmThe Ministry of Health today (August 08) confirmed another 2,230 persons have tested positive for the novel coronavirus. All new Covid-19 cases reported today are associated with the New Year cluster. This brings the total number of Covid-19 cases identified in the country thus far to 329,268. Sri Lanka has reported a total of 293,357 recoveries from the virus so far.
Source:The Nation
August 08, 2021 13:18 UTC
Tokyo Olympics; Closing ceremony takes place
The Tokyo Olympics is drawing to an end with the closing ceremony underway in Tokyo as the country celebrates while also counting of the cost of pushing ahead with the Covid-delayed Games. The event has also deeply divided Japanese into pro and anti-Games camps, with that division expected to be visible at the closing ceremony - as athletes celebrate as guests of honour while the stands sit empty due to Covid restrictions on crowds. A sign of those divisions was evident near the stadium as protesters gathered ahead of the ceremony, with police holing them back. Topless Pacific islands athletes arrive in the stadium ahead of the closing ceremony taking placeBelarus athletes, minus sprinter Krystsina Tsikhanouskaya who fled the Games to Poland after feeling her safety was in danger gather in the Olympic stadiumGreat Britain's Laura Kenny with the Union Jack flag during the closing ceremony of the Tokyo 2020 Olympic Gameslag bearers participate in the closing ceremony of the Tokyo 2020 Olympics in Olympic Stadium, Tokyo, JapanAthletes delegations pose with their national flag as they enter during the closing ceremony of the Tokyo 2020 OlympicsRepresentatives carry participating nations' flags during the closing ceremony of the Olympics in TokyoThe United States' athletes show their medals to a video camera during the closing ceremony in the Olympic StadiumAthletes from the United States take a selfie during the closing ceremony as country celebrates topping the medal tableMembers of the Polish delegation take pictures as they attend the closing ceremony of the Tokyo 2020 Olympic Games, at the Olympic Stadium, in TokyoMembers of Team Mexico during the Closing Ceremony of the Tokyo 2020 Olympic Games at Olympic StadiumRussian Olympic Committee delegation walk in during the closing ceremony in the Olympic StadiumMembers of Team Bulgaria during the Closing Ceremony of the Tokyo 2020 Olympic GamesThe Olympic flag is carried during the closing ceremony of the Tokyo 2020 Olympic GamesFlags are raised in Tokyo's main Olympic ceremony during the closing ceremonyPeople take photographs of fireworks during the Closing Ceremony of the Tokyo 2020 Olympic GamesWould-be spectators still came out in force, defying authorities to peek in from overpasses as they tried to catch a glimpse of outdoor events such as the triathlon or new sports such as skateboarding. Thirteen golds were up for grabs on Sunday before the closing ceremony, including in the men's marathon, won by Kenya's Eliud Kipchoge and women's basketball, which went to the United States.
Source:The Nation
August 08, 2021 12:00 UTC
WH concept store launches its first store in Colombo
2021 Aug 8Situated at the very heart of Colombo 7 lies Ware House, dubbed and known more fondly as WH. At first glance, the store exudes charm with its airy, bright and spacious interiors, adorned with a handpicked selection of decor. The expanse of the store is compartmentalised in a manner that covers every lifestyle necessity, from clothing to skincare, to jewellery and even tea. In addition to that, WH will feature their own clothing label in the near future catered towards the modern, contemporary woman. For custom orders, clients can organise virtual consultations with Indi or even visit her office at WH, whilst bearing in mind that health and safety protocols are adhered to.
Source:The Nation
August 08, 2021 11:03 UTC
Tokyo Olympics; Protesters gather ahead of closing ceremony
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.
Source:The Nation
August 08, 2021 10:52 UTC
45,000 of COVID-19 cases are children, Lady Ridgeway overcrowded
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.
Source:The Nation
August 08, 2021 09:56 UTC
Dominic Rabb criticised for dodging Covid quarantine after Paris visit
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.
Source:The Nation
August 08, 2021 09:00 UTC
2020 Olympic Games conclude, USA tops medal table
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.
Source:The Nation
August 08, 2021 09:00 UTC
EU 'turning a blind eye to people dying': Brussels accused of playing politics with migrant crisis
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.
Source:The Nation
August 08, 2021 08:15 UTC
Validity of all visa types extended by 30 days
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.
Source:The Nation
August 08, 2021 07:52 UTC
Army-manned COVID vaccination centres operative today
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
Source:The Nation
August 08, 2021 06:56 UTC
10 Tunes Written In Response To Hit Songs
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.
Source:The Nation
August 08, 2021 06:56 UTC
Delta variant had spread islandwide: DDGHS
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.
Source:The Nation
August 08, 2021 06:56 UTC
Booster jabs for 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.
Source:The Nation
August 08, 2021 06:33 UTC
Gas shortage to be resolved next week?
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.
Source:The Nation
August 08, 2021 05:37 UTC
Army Chief on booster dose for COVID-19 vaccine
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.
Source:The Nation
August 08, 2021 05:03 UTC