PM Rajapaksa offers prayers at Tirupati
Prime Minister Mahinda Rajapaksa, who is on a two-day spiritual visit to India, today (24), offered prayers at the famous hill shrine of Lord Venkateswara in Andhra Pradesh’s Tirumala along with his wife Shiranthi Rajapaksa. Rajapaksa traveled to India yesterday to pay his visit to the temple city of Tirupati. Rajapaksa was accorded a warm welcome by the joint executive officer of Tirumala Tirupati Devasthanams (TTD) Veerabrahmam and chief vigilance and security officer Gopinath Jatti as he arrived at the temple gate. After darshan, the priests performed a ritual associated with seeking blessings of Lord Shiva at the Ranganayakula Mandapam. Rajapaksa visited the temple in February 2020 when a special puja was performed at the Devasthanam on the first anniversary of his current term.
Source:The Nation
December 25, 2021 00:58 UTC
Alliance Finance secures $ 10 m from Dutch bank
Alliance Finance Company PLC (AFC) has received the second tranche of $ 5 million from the Dutch Entrepreneurial Development Bank (FMO) as part of a long-term financing facility of $ 10 million to expand its growing portfolio of micro, small, and medium-scale enterprise (MSME) business. AFC secured this $ 10 million facility from FMO in mid-2021 and received the first tranche of $ 5 million July 2021. With an investment portfolio of € 6.3 billion, FMO is one of the largest European bilateral private sector development banks with investments in 85 countries. This financing series is also a significant development for the country’s MSME sector. The AFC-FMO partnership to develop the MSME sector in the country confirms AFC’s growing international credibility.
Source:The Nation
December 24, 2021 07:05 UTC
The Real History of Festivus
How to celebrate FestivusA Festivus dinner, as portrayed on Seinfeld, has four major components: The Festivus pole, the airing of grievances, the feats of strength, and the tape-recording. The Festivus poleThe Festivus pole is made of aluminum and should be undecorated. Is Festivus a real holiday? The “real” Festivus was themed. Yes!”Interestingly, the tape-recorder was an important part of the real holiday, and recordings of the O’Keefe family’s Festivus celebrations make up a large chunk of The Real Festivus: The True Story Behind America’s Favorite Made-up Holiday, a book written by O’Keefe.
Source:The Nation
December 24, 2021 07:05 UTC
Tranquillity in the hills
Still, there’s no denying that we all need a break, and fortunately, there are ways to holiday safely. The Forest and Lake by Schofieldshire is one such place, nestled away atop a hill in Meepilimana, some distance away from the town of Nuwara Eliya. Situated 8 km from Gregory Lake, The Forest and Lake by Schofieldshire features accommodation with a shared lounge, a garden, and a 24-hour front desk for your convenience. The Forest and Lake has a lot of greenery and natural recreational space that gives you a sublime sense of serenity. We recommend you check out The Forest and Lake next time you’re in Nuwara Eliya and looking for a cosy getaway option.
Source:The Nation
December 24, 2021 01:06 UTC
Powerful blast at Indian court building kills at least two
A powerful explosion at a court building in Ludhiana, a city in India’s northern Punjab state, killed at least two people and wounded two others, according to police. Thursday’s blast damaged the walls of a restroom at the judicial complex and shattered glass in other rooms, broadcaster NDTV reported. Footage posted online showed police officers carrying the injured out of the building. In a Twitter post, Channi also expressed his sadness over the explosion and said he was heading to the site. “Anybody trying to disturb the peace and harmony of the state, will be taken to task.”Source: Al Jazeera-Agencies
Source:The Nation
December 23, 2021 20:02 UTC
Sri Lankan PM Rajapaksa on 2-day pilgrimage in Tirupati
COLOMBO (News 1st); Sri Lankan Prime Minister Mahinda Rajapaksa left for India on a 2-day pilgrimage to the temple city of Tirupati on Thursday (23). The Sri Lankan premier was accorded a warm welcome by the officials of the Chittoor district administration led by deputy chief minister K Narayanaswamy and district collector M Harinarayana on his arrival at the Tirupati airport, reported the Times of India. The Sri Lankan premier will reach Tirumala by road and will halt for the night on the hills. Accompanied by his family members, Mahinda Rajapaksa will offer prayers at the Tirumala temple on Friday morning. Tirumala Tirupati Devasthanams has made elaborate arrangements for the 2-day visit of the Sri Lankan premier, who is an ardent devotee of Lord Venkateswara.
Source:The Nation
December 23, 2021 09:13 UTC
Growth Initiative
In March 2020, Growth Initiative was launched with the aim of creating mental health awareness among society. Be present with yourself and others,” shared Growth Initiative Founder Tiara Munasinghe. What is Growth Initiative and what is the purpose of it? The purpose behind Growth Initiative is to help and guide people to see how amazing they truly are within themselves. Mental health is everything; mental health can go up or down depending on the perpetuation of your thoughts.
Source:The Nation
December 23, 2021 09:05 UTC
The unlikely locations seeking city status in Platinum Jubilee
St Andrews, Stanley and Marazion are facing off against dozens of other towns in a bid to be granted city status by the Queen as part of next year’s Platinum Jubilee celebrations. Becoming a city does not grant a town any extra rights, but it is thought to grant a place more prestige and increase the number of visitors. The likes of Reading and Boston, meanwhile, are relying on their rich heritage to give them an advantage. John Boydell, the Chair of the Preston Improvement District, said their city status ‘brought Preston to mind as a place to do business’. There are also 12 cities, including Bath, Sunderland and Southampton, applying for Lord Provost or Lord Mayor status.
Source:The Nation
December 23, 2021 01:02 UTC
Samsung Galaxy S22 Ultra official poster leaks
It appears the rumors and leaks of the Galaxy S22 Ultra got the design right. A leaked official poster obtained by LetsGoDigital shows the upcoming flagship next to another member of the S22 series - likely the S22+. The Samsung Galaxy S22 and S22+ will adopt a camera bump similar to this year's Galaxy S21 lineup. Additionally, the poster confirms the S Pen support on the Ultra and while we can't see the holster for it from this angle, the stylus wouldn't have been so prominently featured if it wasn't an integral part of the phone. Source (in Dutch)
Source:The Nation
December 22, 2021 19:02 UTC
New Fortress Energy a near-bankrupt company: Hadunnetti
Our main demand is that the Government not proceed with the illegal and improper deal with New Fortress Energy Inc. This company is a corrupt and bankrupt company. “When Anura Dissanayake questioned why this deal was signed at midnight, their answer was that it was signed according to American time. “This company, which will import LNG to Sri Lanka, store it in Sri Lanka for use, construct the necessary facilities required for such purpose ,and re-export LNG only has the ability to pay $ 300 in tax,” claimed Handunnetti in derision. They (the Rajapaksas) removed all of them and appointed Gamini Lokuge as the Minister of Power in order to pass this deal,” Handunnetti alleged.
Source:The Nation
December 22, 2021 10:35 UTC
Carpe diem!
“What a man’s mind can create, man’s character should control.”– Thomas EdisonMotivation and drive are extremely valuable things to have in life. Add all of the abovementioned into a cohesive mix, and what we have is a concoction that is powerful, purposeful, and potent. However, here is a little secret to why all of the above might not have proven as significant and helpful. It is with discipline that you find consistency, frequency while developing the right techniques, movements, range of motion, and form. Carpe diem!
Source:The Nation
December 21, 2021 21:53 UTC
Sri Lanka s Border Risk Assessment Centre inaugurated
Fulfilling a long-felt need in the country, Border Risk Assessment Centre (BRAC) in Sri Lanka was ceremonially inaugurated on Monday (Dec 20) at the Suhurupaya building complex in Battaramulla. According to the Defence Ministry, the BRAC was established as part of Sri Lanka’s Integrated Border Management (IBM) strategy under the Ministry of Defence of Sri Lanka with technical support from the International Organization for Migration (IOM) and funding assistance (US$ 5 Million) from the government of Australia. Minister Chamal Rajapaksa and his Australian counterpart Karen Andrews unveiled a plaque at the outset to signify the inauguration of BRAC in Sri Lanka. A total of 11 organizations involving cross border undertakings in the island are stakeholders of the BRAC in Sri Lanka and it would be operated 24/7 in order to ensure enhanced border management through strong inter-agency cooperation. The Defence Secretary presented mementoes to Hon.
Source:The Nation
December 21, 2021 21:05 UTC
The biggest smartphone fails of 2021
Here are the biggest smartphone fails of 2021. Despite its best efforts, we sadly bid adieu to LG this year, making it one of the top smartphone fails of 2021. Either way, with no Note 21 in 2021, it’s one of our biggest smartphone fails of the year. Lie or no lie, the whole thing just felt icky, which makes it one of our smartphone fails of 2021. While OnePlus’ beloved Oxygen OS will continue to appear on OnePlus phones sold outside of China, OnePlus phones sold inside China will run Oppo’s Color OS instead.
Source:The Nation
December 21, 2021 15:31 UTC
Docs on countrywide strike today
Dr. Herath said that an announcement would be made in that regard soon. However, analysis of relevant data proved that there was no basis for concern therefore they too would be fully inoculated, Dr. Herath said. Acknowledging that there had been shortcomings on their part as well, Prof. Jayasumana said that so far approximately 2 mn people had received the booster. “We cannot afford to have another lockdown,” Prof. Jayasumana said, urging the public to follow the basic guidelines. Prof. Jayasumana remained as State Minister of Production, Supply and Regulation of Pharmaceuticals in spite of health minister Pavitradevi Wanniarachchi being replaced by Keheliya Rambukwella on August 16.
Source:The Nation
December 21, 2021 06:02 UTC
6 best Android parental control apps and other methods
Here are the best parental control apps for Android and other methods if you need further control. The best parental control apps for Android eyeZy AppLock by IvyMobile Find My Kids Google Family Link Safe Lagoon Antivirus parental control appseyeZy Price: From $9.99 per monthPROMOTEDeyeZy is a parental control app that’s jam-packed with numerous monitoring features that allow adults to check on every step their kids take online. Use apps for other platforms tooThere are actually parental control apps that support platforms other than Android. You usually need parental control apps specifically for that platform, but companies are doing better about releasing mobile apps for non-mobile platforms. Use carrier parental control solutionsEdgar Cervantes / Android AuthorityMany mobile carriers such as Verizon, T-Mobile, and AT&T have parental control functions.
Source:The Nation
December 20, 2021 22:05 UTC