Jacinda Arden’s inspirational and humane leadership worthy of emulation
Her response to Friday’s attack in Auckland is another lesson in humane and caring leadership for world leaders in general as well as Sri Lankan leaders in particular. Her words and actions on both occasions are worthy of emulation by Sri Lankan leaders in the context of the hatred spread against the minorities in the country. Meanwhile the reaction to the Auckland attack on Friday saw varied reactions from different quarters in the country. It is up to Sri Lanka to learn lessons from the compassionate and inspirational leadership of Jacinda Ardern. In fact such an approach is consistent with the Sri Lankan ethos of co-existence and harmony, which existed from the time of the Sinhala kings.
Source:Sunday Times
September 05, 2021 00:45 UTC
A lack of leadership prevails
A lack of leadership prevails View(s):My dear Gota maamey,I thought of writing to you because many people are worried about what is happening in Paradise – and as the captain of the ship of state, most people are blaming you. Of course, the coronavirus is not your fault, but the way it is being managed is what is causing concern. Even Sudarshini, the minister you appointed for Covid-19 control called for a lockdown – and she is a doctor as well. Then, 10 political parties in your coalition wrote to you asking for a lockdown, but you were still unmoved and didn’t change your decision. I think it would be helpful if you reflected on why you won that war and how you did so.
Source:Sunday Times
September 05, 2021 00:45 UTC
Warning as motorists face higher costs over E10 fuel switch
Standard unleaded petrol is changing to E10 this month, which contains ten per cent ethanol. Eco-friendly: Standard unleaded petrol is changing to E10 this month, which contains ten per cent ethanolThis new fuel is more eco-friendly as it burns less carbon in the environment. Motors designed to run only on the older mix will have to switch to the more expensive 'E5 super unleaded'. But a spokesman for the RAC warns: 'Super unleaded can cost as much as 12p a litre more so motorists of older cars should now brace themselves for a higher fuel bill.' Cars with a standard 60-litre sized fuel tank already pay an average of £1.35 for a standard litre of unleaded.
Source:The Nation
September 04, 2021 21:03 UTC
Sunday Morning tennis column: Staying focused during the pandemic
Coaches keep instructing the players to stay fit and to stay focused during these lockdowns. Therefore, the players and the coaches have to make the best out of a bad situation. With this in mind, given below are some ideas for the players to make sure that they stay focused and to make sure that they stay in love with the game. Players can use this time to learn about all these aspects and also learn their practical application during this time. If that happens, one day the players and the coaches might even be able to look back on this time… fondly.
Source:The Nation
September 04, 2021 20:48 UTC
Our weekly chess column today: Minor (piece) miracles
The curious thing is, a minor piece (along with the king of course) can in fact be ‘sufficient’ to deliver a checkmate. To understand the rare occasions when a minor piece ends up being “sufficient”, let’s have a look at some fascinating examples. White to play and win – J Gunst (1922)White wins if he manages to capture both the black pawns without losing any of his minor pieces. It’s tricky because the black king is threatening to spoil the party. 1.Bb7 and 1.Bxd7 both run into 1…Kc7 attacking both the minor pieces.
Source:The Nation
September 04, 2021 20:37 UTC
Government grabs fiscal lifeline from lenders while internal pressures mount
Stumbling blockMeanwhile, the 10 billion yuan ($ 1.54 billion) currency swap agreed on between Sri Lanka and China has stumbled upon an obstacle over a technicality. This was the first diplomatic meeting between the high-profile delegation of the Chinese Parliament and the Parliament of Sri Lanka. “What is the reason behind this targeting of Sri Lanka every year on the world stage? Is it really about human rights in Sri Lanka or something completely different?” Prof. Peiris had questioned. “The establishment of the Office on Missing Persons (OMP) in 2016 was an important step by the Government of Sri Lanka.
Source:The Nation
September 04, 2021 20:02 UTC
SL’s economic recovery led by trade
By Imesh RanasingheThe Covid-19 pandemic has revealed the real weaknesses Sri Lanka had in terms of its economy for the past four decades. He said more than the aggregates of imports and exports, the encouragement to productivity from having open trade or non-restricted trade is more important. Countries with GSP+ status are Cape Verde, Armenia, Kyrgyzstan, Mongolia, Pakistan, the Philippines, Sri Lanka, Bolivia, and Paraguay. Hence, according to him, by maintaining this focus, Sri Lanka can try to keep up with its competitors. Also, because of the draconian protectionist policy, Sri Lanka had missed this type of opportunity.
Source:The Nation
September 04, 2021 18:45 UTC
AT&T vs T-Mobile: Which carrier is better for you?
Let’s place AT&T vs T-Mobile on center stage to see which carrier is right for you. See also: AT&T buyer’s guide | T-Mobile buyer’s guideAt first, T-Mobile and AT&T might seem fairly similar. Check out the carrier maps: AT&T | T-Mobile AT&T vs T-Mobile — Perks and promosReliable coverage should be your primary concern when it comes to a mobile carrier, but it’s only the tip of the iceberg. See also: The best AT&T deals | The best T-Mobile deals AT&T vs T-Mobile — Phone selectionsEric Zeman / Android AuthorityBoth T-Mobile and AT&T are considered GSM carriers, which means they operate on a slightly newer framework. See also: The best AT&T phones | The best T-Mobile phonesOutside of T-Mobile’s relationship with OnePlus, the other devices are generally the same.
Source:The Nation
September 04, 2021 18:00 UTC
Deleted data of NMRA database restored
The company in charge of the National Medicines Regulatory Authority’s (NMRA) software system says that several files in the database were deleted by mistake by an engineer and that the data could be restored once the system was allowed to enter. The State Minister of Drug Regulation and Supply and the Chairman of the Authority stated that the originals related to the deleted data are safe. The NMRA is the body that regulates the issuance of licenses to pharmaceuticals, medical devices, and pharmacies in the country. As it is highly sensitive, all information related to these operations is stored in its digital database. It was revealed last July that some data in the system had been deleted and several parties, including the Opposition, had accused it of being a conspiracy.
Source:The Nation
September 04, 2021 17:48 UTC
Sunny Side Up: Afghan Envoy’s disappointment
Ambassador to Afghanistan in Sri Lanka Ashraf Haidari is reportedly quite disgruntled over his failed efforts. Haidari had stated that despite his efforts to build a bridge between Sri Lanka and Afghanistan, no such efforts have been made on Sri Lanka’s part. He made this observation in response to a question posed in an interview that was widely circulated on social media. He had further noted that Sri Lanka has been very reluctant to engage with countries like Afghanistan, even when it comes to granting tourist visas to Afghans. “In any bilateral relationship, both countries need to have citizens commuting between the countries, whereas Afghans are unable to secure a tourist visa to Sri Lanka despite having all the documentation in place,” Haidari had added.
Source:The Nation
September 04, 2021 17:26 UTC
Sunny Side Up: Moragoda finally in India
Sri Lankan High Commissioner-designate to India Milinda Moragoda assumed duties after nearly a year since his appointment. Moragoda was appointed to the post in August 2020, but did not assume office till last month. The staff of the High Commission had welcomed Moragoda and his wife, Jennifer Moragoda, by presenting the traditional sheaf of betel leaves. Moragoda had assumed duties while seth pirith was chanted by the Maha Sangha via Zoom. Moragoda had also officially announced his policy framework “Integrated Country Strategy for the Sri Lanka Diplomatic Missions in India 2021/2023”.
Source:The Nation
September 04, 2021 17:26 UTC
Sunny Side Up: Jacqueline questioned
Bollywood actress Jacqueline Fernandez, who is of Sri Lankan origin, was questioned as a witness in a money laundering case, India’s Enforcement Directorate sources were quoted as telling the Indian media. The agency had questioned the Sri Lankan movie star for around five hours. Chandrashekar had allegedly swindled the 36-year-old too, agency sources had said, and it is believed that the actor fell on his radar through his wife Leena Paul. On 24 August, the probe agency had said that it had seized a sea-facing bungalow in Chennai, Rs. 82.5 lakhs in cash, and over a dozen luxurious cars in connection with the money laundering case against Chandrashekar.
Source:The Nation
September 04, 2021 17:26 UTC
Sufi Thareeqas in SL condemn New Zealand terror attack
In a letter addressed to the High Commissioner of New Zealand in Sri Lanka Micheal Appleton, the Supreme Council of Sufi Thareeqas in Sri Lanka (SCOT-SL) condemned the extremist attack which unfolded in Auckland today (03). “The recent extremist incident by the lone attacker in Auckland is strongly condemned by the Muslim community in Sri Lanka. “The ideologies have no place in our island nation and as such, are banned in Sri Lanka. We vehemently oppose this kind of behaviour and carnage,” the letter noted. The SCOT-SL concluded by stating that they continue to be on the side of New Zealand, while expressing sympathies and prayers to the nation in this hour of grief.
Source:The Nation
September 03, 2021 12:22 UTC
Pfizer vaccine for school children on the cards
September 3, 2021 by Ruwani Fonseka No CommentsPresident Gotabaya Rajapaksa made a comment this morning (03) at a meeting held with the Covid-19 prevention committee which detailed that school children will most likely be given the Pfizer vaccine as soon as health authorities give their consent, the President’s Media Division said in a press release. However, no specific age range was mentioned. He further went on to emphasize the need to vaccinate individuals aged 20-29 within the next two weeks. So far, the national inoculation drive has been targeting individuals aged 30 years and above only.
Source:The Nation
September 03, 2021 12:22 UTC
Validity period of all visas extended by 30 days
The Department of Immigration and Emigration says the validity period of all types of valid visas currently obtained by foreigners residing in Sri Lanka has been extended by 30 days from 07th September to 07th October 2021. Only Visa fees applicable for that period will be charged for the Visas expire within this period and exempted from charging overstay penalty, it said. Instructions for Tourist Visa holders to get endorsed visas:Accordingly, Tourist Visa holders can follow one of the methodologies to make payment for the extension of visa and to get visa endorsement. Instructions for Resident Visa holders:The visa extension from 07th September 2021 to 07th October 2021 also applies to all valid resident visa holders. To get extended the residence visa before 07th October 2021, contact 0707101050 from 8.30 am to 3.00 pm on working days to make an appointment.
Source:The Nation
September 03, 2021 12:22 UTC