More doses of Sinopharm arrive in Sri Lanka
August 8, 2021 09:14 amAnother consignment of China manufactured COVID-19 vaccine Sinopharm has arrived in Sri Lanka today (August 08). Accordingly, 1.86 million doses of the vaccine have arrived at the Bandaranaike International Airport (BIA) this morning. The newly arrived stock increases the total number of Sinopharm vaccines received by Sri Lanka to 14.7 million doses, State Minister Prof. Channa Jayasumana said. Please avoid outside hyperlinks inside the comment and avoid typing all capitalized comments. Help us delete comments that do not follow these guidelines by flagging them(mouse over a comment and click the flag icon on the right side).
Source:The Nation
August 08, 2021 03:45 UTC
Army Magnanimity Lent to Ex-Combatants Offering Financial Incentives for Self-Employments
After distribution of those financial incentives among those rehabilitated former combatants, General Shavendra Silva spoke to them and explained them the reasons that attributed to this precious project of exceptional nature. We treat you as our own brothers and seriously want to give our maximum support for your rehabilitated livelihoods and progress by way of constructing even houses for you in future," General Shavendra Silva remarked. Major General Jagath Kodituwakku, Commander, Security Forces-Jaffna adding memories to the Commander’s presence at the occasion also awarded a special memento to him as the proceedings drew to a close. The day's Chief Guest on arrival at Palaly airbase was greeted to a saluting parade after Major General Jagath Kodituwakku - Commander, Security Forces-Jaffna warmly welcomed him. Major General Deepal Pussella - General Officer Commanding 51 Division, Major General Haren Peiris - General Officer Commanding 52 Division, Major General Mahinda Jayawardena - General Officer Commanding 55 Division, Brigade Commanders and a few Senior Officers of Tri Forces and Other Ranks attended the distribution programme.
Source:The Nation
August 08, 2021 03:11 UTC
Oceanfront Condominiums Galle by ICC obtains COC
Expack was also named in the Best Workplaces in Sri Lanka for the fourth time. It is the first and only packaging provider to be listed consecutively in the Best Workplaces for both in Sri Lanka as well as in Asia. It is an ISO 9001-2015, ISO 14001-2015 and FSC COC certified company, placing quality and consistency in every step of the way, and the first corrugated carton manufacturer in Sri Lanka to receive WRAP certification. The company’s mindset is firmly set upon sustainability and takes measures to implement many eco-friendly policies in its entire value chain. The company has also been recognized at NCE- Exports Awards, NCCSL-National Business Excellence Awards, The Lanka Star Awards by Sri Lanka Institute of Packaging, CNCI Achiever Awards, Sri Lanka CSR Awards and Green Awards.
Source:The Nation
August 08, 2021 00:00 UTC
LTTE Terrorism immediately prior to 1981
by Vijaya ChandrasomaBoth the Constitution of the United States and the National Anthem, the Star Spangled Banner, were adopted during the “halcyon days” of slavery. Old Glory, the original flag of the United States, was saved from the Confederate Army during the Civil War and its modern version has been proudly flying in the name of the United States throughout the world. The Constitution of the United States in operation since 1789, is the longest surviving written charter of government. The words really meant “We The White Men”, as the rights of all women or African American slaves were excluded. These Southern states today remain the bastions of the Republican Party, and the Electoral College still favors them in the election for the presidency.
Source:The Nation
August 08, 2021 00:00 UTC
Boris Johnson 'considers demoting Rishi Sunak'
By Tom Pyman For MailonlinePublished: 14:27 EDT, 7 August 2021 | Updated: 02:34 EDT, 8 August 2021Boris Johnson is considering demoting Rishi Sunak, after the Chancellor called for the easing of travel restrictions before relaxations are announced next week, reports suggest. Maybe it's time we looked at Rishi as the next secretary of state for health. Mr Johnson was frustrated after only learning of details of the letter via the press, after officials failed to bring it to his attention, sparking a hunt for the leaker. The newspaper reported that Mr Johnson is not expected to carry out his threat and noted the Prime Minister's reputation for off-the-cuff remarks made 'half in jest'. That could put him on collision course with a Prime Minister who has promised there can be no return to austerity.
Source:The Nation
August 07, 2021 22:07 UTC
Samsung Galaxy A52s 5G bags Bluetooth certification
The Samsung Galaxy A52s 5G has moved a step closer to the launch as it has bagged Bluetooth SIG's certification. It's listed on the certifying authority's website with three model numbers - SM-A528B, SM-A528B_DS, and SM-A528N. The listings don't include any specs about the Galaxy A52s 5G, but thanks to Geekbench, we know the A52s 5G with model code SM-A528B will be powered by Snapdragon 778G SoC, run Android 11, and have 8GB RAM onboard. Samsung Galaxy A52s 5G gets Bluetooth certifiedThere's no word from Samsung about the Galaxy A52s 5G yet, but previous leaks suggest the A52s 5G will just be a Galaxy A52 5G with a Snapdragon 778G chip under the hood and cost €450 in Europe with 128GB storage. Samsung Galaxy A52s 5G leaked render (Source: @_snoopytech_)While we wait for official information from Samsung about the Galaxy A52s 5G, you can read our initial impressions of the Galaxy A52 5G here.
Source:The Nation
August 07, 2021 20:03 UTC
Sunny Side Up: Objections to social media
Since there is no legislation to regulate social media in the country, Minister Nimal Siripala de Silva last week claimed that the Government should take steps to either block or regulate the sector in the country. Speaking in Parliament last week, the Minister had said that China had banned social media networks. “Social media has to be held responsible for most of the issues at present. We either have to introduce laws to regulate social media or we should ban it. Look at China, they have banned social media,” de Silva had said.
Source:The Nation
August 07, 2021 19:01 UTC
Fitbit Sense buyer’s guide: Everything you need to know
Our verdict: Fitbit Sense reviewFitbit Sense at a glanceFitbit Sense Manage your stress and heart health The Fitbit Sense is Fitbit's flagship health-focused smartwatch. See more: The best Fitbit trackers and smartwatchesIs the Fitbit Sense worth buying? However, she adds that the Fitbit Sense “isn’t perfect, though,” and the Fitbit companion app could use some work in particular. Read more: The ultimate Fitbit buyer’s guideFitbit Sense vs Fitbit Versa 3: What’s different? A: Yes, all versions of the Fitbit Sense come with Fitbit Pay support.
Source:The Nation
August 07, 2021 18:56 UTC
Pending Chinese loan expanded to $ 350 m
He said that even though it is a $ 700 million loan agreement, CDB is now expected to add another $ 150 million, making the second tranche of the loan $ 350 million, which is yet to be received by Sri Lanka. Speaking to us last month, Central Bank of Sri Lanka (CBSL) Governor Prof. W.D. Sri Lanka received a $ 500 million loan from China in April. Issuing a statement, the Sri Lankan Embassy in China said: “This loan will infuse vitally required foreign exchange into the Sri Lanka economy. Sri Lanka is also liable to repay nearly $ 4.5 billion in foreign debt annually until 2025.
Source:The Nation
August 07, 2021 18:56 UTC
Protecting our underwater ecosystems
With marine conservation on everyone’s minds, Brunch chatted with Rajasuriya on coral reefs in Sri Lanka, the issues they face, and how they can be conserved. Understanding the role coral reefs play in our marine environmentPut very simply, coral reefs are very important for coastal protection, marine biodiversity, and fisheries. Coral reefs are built by and made up of thousands of tiny animals – coral “polyps” – that are related to anemones and jellyfish. The threats that coral reefs faceSpeaking to Brunch, Rajasuriya explained that the biggest threat to coral reefs is rising ocean temperatures because of climate change and global warming. Other threats to coral reefs are largely man-made, Rajasuriya explained, listing activities like destructive fishing, pollution, and increased sediment in oceans as other major threats to coral reefs.
Source:The Nation
August 07, 2021 18:33 UTC
Sunny Side Up: Mangala’s book on Buddhism
August 8, 2021 by News Admin No CommentsFormer Finance Minister Mangala Samaraweera is currently in the process of compiling a book for Buddhists. Named “The Cry of a True Buddhist” (Sebe Baudhdhayekuge Vilapaya), Samaraweera had explained that most Buddhists in the country did not follow the true philosophies of Buddhism and were being misguided by a different illusion. He had claimed that he would continue to attack this illusion, as he believed in being a true Buddhist.
Source:The Nation
August 07, 2021 18:33 UTC
Sunny Side Up: Ranjan’s handcuffs
August 8, 2021 by News Admin No CommentsA photograph clicked of former MP Ranjan Ramanayake, when he was brought for a family funeral in Negombo last week, went viral on social media. The picture depicted a handcuffed Ramanayake trying to take a sip of a Nescafe while seated with family members at the funeral house. The picture was posted on social media saying: “Not committed any murder, not robbed anyone, but handcuffs were not removed for him to have a cup of Nescafe at the funeral.”Meanwhile, Ramanayake tested positive for Covid-19 last Friday (6) at the Angunakolapelessa Prison.
Source:The Nation
August 07, 2021 18:33 UTC
Sri Lanka’s future lies in its cybersecurity
TekSek was the cybersecurity company that introduced risk-based vulnerability management to Sri Lanka, and helps companies proactively protect themselves against threats to their cybersecurity. Most cybersecurity companies conclude their services at providing penetration testing reports, but TekSek and CSW take things further by delivering their results through the industry leader in risk-based vulnerability management, RiskSense. Most cybersecurity companies will give you back a spreadsheet of these 10,000 vulnerabilities for the company’s IT team to resolve. “Because, like Sri Lanka, they too don’t have data protection laws and regulations, but these markets are not very lucrative. Becoming truly future-readyWhile apologising for going on about the lack of security, Liyanage spoke about where Sri Lanka is improving.
Source:The Nation
August 07, 2021 18:33 UTC
Covid-19 goes viral: Islandwide hospitals beleaguered
As alleged by the healthcare unions, the shortage was mainly due to the sudden spike in the number of Covid-19 patients reported within a short period of time. Mediwatta stressed that there was a severe shortage of PPE such as gloves, medical masks, respirators, goggles, face shields, gowns, and aprons. “Hospitals are overflowing with Covid-19 patients, and they are everywhere. This poses a huge risk to healthcare workers as well. If this issue is not remedied, the PPE shortage would leave doctors, nurses, and other frontline workers dangerously ill-equipped to care for Covid-19 patients, he claimed.
Source:The Nation
August 07, 2021 18:00 UTC
Oil refinery in Sapugaskanda: Investor yet to be finalised
He told The Sunday Morning that no investor had yet been finalised for the proposed new oil refinery in Sapugaskanda, which, according to him, are the only refinery plans being executed by the corporation as of now. Nevertheless, as The Sunday Morning reported, in November 2019, that the Board of Investment (BOI) entered into an agreement with Hambantota Oil Refinery (Pvt.) In May 2018, the Iranian Government announced plans to help Sri Lanka construct a new oil refinery and refurbish Sapugaskanda. While Iranian support bodes well for the country’s oil refinery capacity, obstacles may arise during project development, particularly regarding financial transactions resulting from sanctions. The country consumes around 30 million litres of gasoline, 130 million litres of diesel, and 18 million litres of kerosene each month.
Source:The Nation
August 07, 2021 17:03 UTC