Cabinet approves to withdraw from UNHRC Resolution
Cabinet approval has been granted to withdraw Sri Lanka from the co-sponsorship of the United National Human Rights Council (UNHRC) resolution 30/1. The Cabinet Spokesman Bandula Gunawardena said addressing the press conference currently being held to inform of the Cabinet decisions.
Source:Sunday Observer
February 20, 2020 06:45 UTC
Showers expected in several provinces
Showery and windy condition is expected to enhance temporary from today evening during next few days in the Eastern, Uva and Central province, said the Department of Meteorology. Several spells of showers will occur in the Eastern, Uva and Central provinces and in Hambanthota, Polonnaruwa and Mullaitivu districts. Showers or thundershowers may occur at a few places in Sabaragamuwa province and in Kalutara, Galle and Matara districts after 2.00 pm. Fairly heavy falls above 50 mm can be expected at some places in Badulla, Matale and Nuwara-Eliya districts. Wind speed can increase up to 40 kmph at times in North-Central, North-Western, Central and Uva provinces and in Matara, Hambanthota, Ampara and Batticaloa districts.
Source:Sunday Observer
February 20, 2020 05:37 UTC
India hastily builds wall along slum ahead of Trump visit
A hastily built 1,640-foot brick wall in front of a slum in the Gujarat state has stoked tensions ahead of Trump’s arrival, with critics saying it is meant to hide the area called home by more than 2,000 people. US President Donald Trump will be visiting India next week, with his packed schedule including a stop in Gujarat, the home state of Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi. Trump will attend an event called “Namaste Trump,” which translates to “Greetings, Trump,” at a cricket stadium in the city of Ahmedabad in Gujarat. All eyes will be on the capital, Ahmedabad, where Trump has said he is expecting millions of people to welcome him. (Source: BBC News)
Source:Sunday Observer
February 19, 2020 08:48 UTC
Gazette Notification suspended; to establish Sainthamaruthu UC
Cabinet of Ministers have decided to suspend the decision to establish the Sainthamaruthu Urban Council. Therefore, the extraordinary gazette notification issued on the 15th of February to dissolve the Kalmunai Municipal Council in order to establish the Sainthamaruthu Urban Council is deemed invalid. The notice stated that the term of office of the Sainthamaruthu Urban Council would commence on 20 March 2022.
Source:Sunday Observer
February 19, 2020 08:48 UTC
Writ petition reserves for judgment
The writ petition filed by the Centre for Environmental Justice (CEJ) seeking an order to quash clearing of the Wilpattu National Park forest and constructing a housing project adjoining the National Park was today fixed for judgment by Court of Appeal. Court of Appeal two-judge-bench comprising Justice Janak de Silva and Justice Nissanka Bandula Karunaratne fixed the petition for judgment to be delivered on April 3. All parties including petitioner and seventh respondent former Minister Rishad Badiuddeen had concluded their oral submissions regarding the petition and parties were directed to file their written objections before March 18.
Source:Sunday Observer
February 19, 2020 08:39 UTC
Coronavirus patient at the IDH discharged
The Chinese tourist, the only person who was diagnosed from Sri Lanka as positive for COVID-19, was discharged from the Infectious Disease Hospital a short while ago. This patient is clinically cured and in good health. She was discharged from the hospital soon after the final medical report was received confirming her ‘COVID-19 free status’.
Source:Sunday Observer
February 19, 2020 05:37 UTC
Parliament to debate on COPA reports today
Debate on second report of the Committee on Public Accounts will be held in Parliament today. The second report of the Committee on Public Accounts (COPA); including investigations from February 20, 2019, to November 7, 2019; was yesterday presented to Parliament by its Chairman Lasantha Alagiyawanna. The report includes facts relating to 42 investigations conducted by COPA. Presenting the report, Alagiyawanna said, “On February 28, the event to assess the performances of the government institutes for the year 2018 will be held under the patronage of President Gotabaya Rajapaksa. We do not come up with these reports within one or two days.”The officials of SriLankan Airlines are scheduled to appear before the Committee on Public Enterprises (COPE) today.
Source:Sunday Observer
February 19, 2020 05:15 UTC
Afghanistan presidential election: Ashraf Ghani re-elected
Afghanistan's President Ashraf Ghani has been declared the winner of last September's election following delays due to allegations of vote-rigging. Ghani was re-elected with 50.64% of the vote, officials said. But his main rival Abdullah, who came second with 39.52%, contested the result, declared victory, and vowed to form his own parallel government. Opponents of Ghani said the 28 September vote was marred by massive fraud and technical problems. Election commission chief Hawa Alam Nuristani announced the result during a press conference in Kabul.
Source:Sunday Observer
February 19, 2020 05:15 UTC
COVID19 death toll rises above 2,000 worldwide
Death toll passes 2,000: The novel coronavirus has now killed more than 2,000 people, all but six of them in mainland China. It has infected more than 75,000 people, with over 1,000 cases outside mainland China. (Source: CNN)
Source:Sunday Observer
February 19, 2020 04:07 UTC
India's top court orders equal roles for women in army
India's top court ruled on Monday that women could serve as army commanders, dismissing the government's stance that male soldiers were not ready to accept orders from female officers as "disturbing". The Supreme Court also ordered the government to extend permanent service - which has only been applicable to men so far - to all women officers, signalling a move towards gender parity in the traditionally male bastion. With this women will get the same opportunities and benefits as their male colleagues, including ranks, promotions and pensions and be allowed to serve longer tenures. Currently, women are inducted through a short-service commission that lets them work for up to 14 years and only allowed permanent commission in the army's legal and educational wings. "To cast aspersion on their abilities on the ground of gender is an affront not only to their dignity as women but to the dignity of the members of the Indian Army," judges said in their ruling.
Source:Sunday Observer
February 18, 2020 10:07 UTC
Coronavirus death toll breaches 1,868
The death toll from the coronavirus outbreak in mainland China reached at least 1,868 as of the end of Monday, with additional 93 deaths from Hubei and five more in other parts of the country, according to the country's health commission on Tuesday. The government also reported an additional 1,886 new infections across the country, but mostly from Hubei, bringing the nationwide total to at least 72,436. (Source: Al Jazeera)
Source:Sunday Observer
February 18, 2020 07:07 UTC
Remove obstacles to uplift the local industry
President Gotabaya Rajapaksa instructed officials to take measures to uplift local industries and encourage investors by removing obstructions. The representatives and investors expressed their concerns on tax and issues they face at the Custom as well as environmental obligations. Environmental and other issues posed by various parties even at the proper commencement of industries are major hindrance to the development of the country. It is the responsibility of every section to support investment opportunities for the betterment of the country, President said. Minister Wimal Weerawansa, State Minister Dayasiri Jayasekara, Secretary to the President Dr. P. B. Jayasundara and several other Ministry officials were present at the discussion.
Source:Sunday Observer
February 18, 2020 05:03 UTC
Water cut in Kaduwela
The National Water Supply and Drainage Board stated that a 12-hour water cut has been imposed in several areas in the Athurugiriya municipality including the Millenium city housing scheme and Kaduwela. The water cut commenced at 8.00 am this morning and it will last until 8.00 pm today. The Water Board stated that the water cut is imposed due to the due to essential maintenance work being carried out by the CEB. The NWS&DB requests the public to call hotline 1939 for any information.
Source:Sunday Observer
February 18, 2020 05:03 UTC
Pali examination on Feb. 22
The Pali language promotion examination organised by the Buddhist Affairs Department for daham pasal teachers will be held on February 22 from 9.00 am to noon at 15 examination centres, Commissioner General of Buddhist Affairs Sunanda Kariyapperuma said. Nearly 1,500 candidates are billed to sit the examination this year and admission cards have already been sent to them. Every year, the Buddhist Affairs Department conducts the Pali language promotion programmes at 15 centres countrywide to develop the knowledge of Pali among daham pasal teachers. The programme is co-ordinated by officials assigned to divisional secretariats by the department.
Source:Sunday Observer
February 18, 2020 05:03 UTC
Ticket issuing time rescheduled
Tickets will be issued till 2:30pm only to enter the Horton Plains National Wildlife Park, said the person in charge of Horton Plains P. K. M. P. Pradeep Kumara. He said the reason for this decision, is that tourists have to travel distance of 8 kilometers and that it takes a minimum of 4-5 hours to see all the beautiful sights, including World's End, Baker's Falls. Previously, tourists were issued tickets until 6.00 pm. Tourists will not be able to leave the park after 6.00 pm if tickets are issued after 2 pm.
Source:Sunday Observer
February 17, 2020 10:52 UTC