Covid-19 Australia: New South Wales records 136 new cases
New South Wales has recorded its highest daily spike in Covid-19 cases with 136 new infections and the outbreak now considered to be a 'national emergency'. The new cases surpass the record 124 infections that were announced on Thursday. The staggering number of cases prompted Dr Chant to call for vaccination efforts to be ramped up across the community. 'We need people in south-west Sydney to stop moving around,' NSW Health Minister Brad Hazzard said on The Kyle and Jackie O Show. Kiama MP Gareth Ward urged Mr Hazzard on Thursday to rethink restrictions for the south coast.
Source:The Nation
July 23, 2021 01:52 UTC
South Korean Ambassador meets Defence Secretary
Ambassador of the Republic of Korea in Sri Lanka, His Excellency Woonjin Jeong paid a courtesy call on the Defence Secretary Gen. Kamal Gunaratne (Retd) making his first visit to the Defence Ministry at the Defence Headquarters Complex, Sri Jayawardenepura, Kotte,(July 22). Following a warm reception, the Sri Lankan Defence Secretary held a cordial discussion with the South Korean Ambassador on matters of bilateral importance and mutual relevance which also included the expansion of military coordination between the two countries as well as trade investment. The Ambassador also expressed his willingness to enhance the Defence ties between two countries and the Sri Lankan Defence Secretary assured the same. The meeting was held in keeping with the healthcare procedures to contain the spread of COVID-19. The Defence Ministry’s Military Liaison Officer Brig.
Source:The Nation
July 23, 2021 00:56 UTC
Natural disasters affected 1,512,344 persons last year
Our research shows that a significant amount of antibodies remains in those who received the first dose. Dr. Jeewandara said that the university had started measuring efficacy and antibodies from vaccines since Sri Lanka started administering them. In Sri Lanka most people who contract COVID19 don’t develop symptoms. What we did was to test antibodies but this hints at vaccine efficacy too. However, Sri Lanka used several vaccines, giving the country an excellent opportunity to find out what vaccine was best.
Source:The Nation
July 23, 2021 00:22 UTC
Top firms demand an end to pingdemic peril
Business leaders today join the Mail’s rallying cry to Boris Johnson to save the UK from the paralysing effects of the pingdemic. Companies and organisations representing thousands of businesses employing millions are demanding an end to the quarantine of the healthy. They speak for hospitality, retail, food supplies, manufacturing and transport – the foundations of the economy. Police forces are taking longer to respond to 999 calls, while train services are suffering as staff are required to quarantine. ‘The month-long disconnect between the lifting of restrictions and the ending of self-isolation is exacerbating existing staff shortages.’
Source:The Nation
July 23, 2021 00:00 UTC
What this weekend's full moon means for YOUR star sign
But there is likely to be an attraction to something or someone exotic and foreign cultures are more appealing. SCORPIOAttend to your comfort and security now as the full moon is at work dredging up some deep stuff. You could react from habit rather than being objective so pay attention to your feelings but don't let them rule you. AQUARIUSThe full moon is in your sign making this a very powerful time when you re-examine who you are and what you really want. PISCESYou're likely to be quite sensitive and intuitive at the moment, so spend plenty of time in self reflection.
Source:The Nation
July 22, 2021 22:41 UTC
How to Watch 'Ted Lasso' for Free on PlayStation 5
Image: AppleThe second season of Apple TV’s fan-favorite comedy, Ted Lasso, premieres tomorrow, July 23 on Apple TV+. According to the PlayStation website, the promotional Apple TV+ deal is valid for new and existing Apple TV+ subscribers. The free subscription must be claimed through the Apple TV app on PlayStation 5, but you’re free to watch on any Apple TV-supported device once your account is enrolled in the free trial. However, if you don’t use Apple TV on PS5, we’ll guide you through the steps to obtain that half-year’s-worth of free Apple TV+. From the home screen, scroll over to thetab.Highlight thesquare, then scroll over and select Apple TV from the list.
Source:The Nation
July 22, 2021 20:48 UTC
Will troubled Tokyo Olympics bring glory against all the odds?
And yet here we are, on the cusp of the greatest show on earth — quite possibly the biggest balls-up, too. Nothing like the ripples that spread last Saturday when news broke of the first positive in the athletes' village. It has that power, shown over and over through silly, brilliant games and within sport there isn't much quite so silly or brilliant as the Olympics. She is a great talent and as the youngest member of Team GB, the 13-year-old could also win gold. A bit weird, a bit overblown, a bit scandalous, and often they are utterly and completely wonderful, in victories and defeats and as a distraction to more important things.
Source:The Nation
July 22, 2021 20:48 UTC
Why You Should Switch to Synthetic Grass
Here’s why you should make the switch to synthetic grass. Synthetic grass also absorbs heat and feels much hotter to the touch than natural grass. How to install synthetic grassInstallation of artificial grass isn’t easy on the front end—it’s labor-intensive, takes time, and requires specialized equipment. If you want an idea of what it’s like, watch Synthetic Grass Warehouse run the process in their instructional video. Before laying down your artificial grass, you’ll need to start by removing all elements from the area, including grass, any electrical, and at least four inches of soil.
Source:The Nation
July 22, 2021 19:41 UTC
Inspire Me: Spreading stories of success
“Inspire Me” is the latest entrepreneurship programme introduced to create the ultimate support system for emerging female entrepreneurs across Sri Lanka who demonstrate commendable resilience under pressure. The initiative is a YouTube channel that was launched in July 2020 by Inspire Me Founder/CEO Nayanika Wijekoon, to bring emerging female entrepreneurs into the spotlight and echo their story to inspire the next generation of female entrepreneurs. The programme interviews female entrepreneurs with home-based businesses to discuss how their ventures were nurtured to the current state. Inspire Me has been gaining momentum on YouTube since its launch, and the Inspire Me team envisions to feature/interview more female entrepreneurs in the future from across Sri Lanka, and potentially even invite male entrepreneurs to join. Talking to us about what the interviews entail, Wijekoon explained that the interview shed the spotlight on challenges faced by these entrepreneurs, and more importantly, how they drove their way towards success.
Source:The Nation
July 22, 2021 19:18 UTC
Govt. denies witch hunt against Manusha
Public Security Minister Dr. Sarath Weerasekera was informed of this too. He did his duty for the country and the people, but the political witch hunt targeting MPs began the moment after his revelation,” he claimed. The political witch hunt targeting MPs has begun. However, when contacted by The Morning yesterday (22), Public Security Ministry Secretary Maj. Gen. Accordingly, a tailor-made Cabinet paper has been submitted as per the wishes of this company (the company alleged to be engaged in the importation of the equipment needed for the project), he claimed.
Source:The Nation
July 22, 2021 18:56 UTC
IFC new Regional Director to focus on Covid, climate change
The International Finance Corporation (IFC) has appointed Hector Gomez Ang as Regional Director for South Asia. We stand with the people and governments of South Asia as we continue to invest in the region’s private sector despite market uncertainties. “IFC will continue to prioritise climate investments in the region and help countries meet their nationally determined contributions under the Paris Accord. Gomez Ang succeeds Mengistu Alemayehu, who has assumed a new role as IFC’s Director of Global Equity Mobilisation. IFC, a member of the World Bank Group, is the largest global development institution focused on the private sector in emerging markets.
Source:The Nation
July 22, 2021 18:33 UTC
NCPA raises concerns on media ethics
BY Dinitha RathnayakeThe media should be more responsible when they cover stories about incidents of sexual abuse, National Child Protection Authority (NCPA) Chairman Prof. Muditha Vidanapathirana said. Speaking at a recent press conference, he said that certain media organisations had revealed the identity of alleged victims during the reportage of such incidents, and noted that this was unacceptable. “We know that the media plays a major role when it comes to reporting such incidents. I believe that the media should report such incidents even before the complaint is lodged with the Police. During a recent press conference, Police Media Spokesman Senior Deputy Inspector General of Police (SDIG) Ajith Rohana said, however, that the support of the media and the community is important to overcome sexual abuse.
Source:The Nation
July 22, 2021 18:22 UTC
Prasanna claims conspiracy to topple Govt.
We must understand that the increase in fuel prices was due to unavoidable reasons. He pointed out that the no-confidence motion had only reaffirmed the stability and strength of the Government. “The Opposition tried to create divisions within the Government by bringing a no-confidence motion against Gammanpila. But this no-confidence motion exposed the nudity of the Opposition. At least there is a bankrupt Opposition in the country that does not even know the parliamentary traditions.”
Source:The Nation
July 22, 2021 18:11 UTC
State Minister admits child labour, abuse underreported
queries police probe during victim’s hospitalizationBY Pamodi WaravitaWomen and Child Development, Preschools and Primary Education, School Infrastructure, and Education Services State Minister Piyal Nishantha De Silva yesterday (22) said that many cases of child labour and employment-related exploitation and abuse go unreported in Sri Lanka. “The Police and the National Child Protection Authority (NCPA) are already investigating this. It is not just a responsibility of the NCPA, the Police, or the Justice Ministry, but of each citizen,” noted De Silva. But where is the justice for these crimes?” questioned Women’s Organisation for Justice Convenor Nirosha Athukorala. Meanwhile, multiple investigations by the Police, the NCPA, and the Labour Department have been launched into the incident.
Source:The Nation
July 22, 2021 18:00 UTC
Dermatologists worried over fungal infection
BY Dinitha RathnayakeHealth authorities have expressed concern about a fungal skin disease identified as Tinea that is spreading in the country. Speaking to The Morning, Sri Lanka College of Dermatologists President Dr. Chandani Udagedara said that the disease identified as Tinea is caused by a fungus. According to Dr. Udagedara, self medication is the main reason for the fungal disease in Sri Lanka. Some of these medicines are allergic to this fungus and aggravates the fungal spread. According to reports between January 1978 and December 1987, 106 cases of tinea capitis (affecting the scalp) were detected in Sri Lanka.
Source:The Nation
July 22, 2021 18:00 UTC