President explains SL-China relationship to India
The President made these remarks when he met with the Indian Foreign Secretary at the Presidential Secretariat, yesterday. Explaining the trade imbalances between the two countries, the President stressed the need to provide speedy solutions in this regard. Welcoming the President’s in-depth explanation, the Foreign Secretary said that the friendship between the two countries could be further strengthened since the two countries share similar views. The President also informed the Foreign Secretary that he extends an invitation to the Indian Prime Minister to undertake a state visit to Sri Lanka. Indian High Commissioner Gopal Baglay, Secretary to the President P. B. Jayasundera, Principal Advisor to the President Lalith Weeratunga, and Foreign Secretary Admiral Prof. Jayanath Colombage were also present.
Source:The Nation
October 05, 2021 22:18 UTC
Strengthening the relationship with the UAE
The UAE Embassy Ambassador Sheikh Ahmed Ali Hamad Al-Mualla warmly welcomed Coconut Development Authority (CDA) Chairman Keerthi Sri Weerasinghe on his courtesy visit made to the Embassy on 23 September 2021 at 10 a.m. The objective of the visit was to strengthen the relationship between the two countries and to discuss matters of mutual interest by taking advantage of opportunities to develop the coconut industry. In order to expedite the trade transactions between the two countries, the UAE Ambassador requested the Chairman to get the membership of the Logistic Passport for Coconut Manufacturing Industries as well. This courtesy visit of the Chairman has opened the doors to have a strong and continuous relationship between the two countries, and thereby would be the first step for Sri Lanka to be used as a hub for the export and re-import of coconut-based products to the UAE.
Source:The Nation
October 05, 2021 21:56 UTC
BIA rapid PCR lab opened for departures and locals
According to the new guidelines, a negative on-arrival PCR test result is no longer required from fully vaccinated (both doses of a Covid-19 vaccine) passengers arriving in the country with a pre-embarkation negative PCR test from the country of origin in terms of travel. Fully vaccinated tourists and Sri Lankans having a negative PCR test result at the point of embarkation will no longer need to get a PCR test at the BIA. “However, the rapid PCR test facility would be operated for departing passengers and for the public under the same rate.”The lab was opened at the BIA on 23 September and was expected to carry out 500 PCR tests per hour and 7,000 PCR tests per day for a charge of $ 40 per traveller. Sooriyaarachchi added that the rate would be low for the public in the future, since they have to operate under the new fixed rates for PCR tests that were introduced by the Government in September. This method of testing replaces the previous procedure that required the arrivals to wait for 24 to 48 hours at a hotel until their PCR test results are released.
Source:The Nation
October 05, 2021 21:56 UTC
Debunking some ‘arrant nonsense’ about inflation
The “inflation expectation” theory is the latest in orthodox economics’ inability to fully conceptualise and explain inflation. Global commodity price hikes and supply chain disruptions, therefore, have a strong impact on the domestic price level. A clear divergence between money supply and inflation is evident, alongside a correlation between currency devaluation and levels of inflation. Therefore, a combination of import dependency and a yawning trade deficit applying downward pressure on the exchange rate can be seen to be one of the primary causes of domestic inflation. As we have shown, the causes of inflation are often beyond the realm of money supply.
Source:The Nation
October 05, 2021 21:33 UTC
SARAH VINE: Fanatical eco-cult are only fuelling contempt
Beneath a moody photograph of himself, Hallam sets out his stall: 'Life is good and we must preserve it at all cost. Founder of Insulate Britain Roger Hallam said he would block an ambulance taking an ill patient to hospital. Pictured: Insulate Britain activists block a motorway near Heathrow AirportTo pursue his group's agenda, this man would take action that could deliberately cause someone's death. Pictured: Insulate Britain activists block a motorway near Heathrow AirportIt is the kind of deranged logic to which fanatics of all flavours have subscribed over the centuries. A fanatical eco-cult every bit as bonkers as any of the lunatics who have, over the centuries, sought to impose their will on the rest of the world.
Source:The Nation
October 05, 2021 21:00 UTC
Google Pixel 6 release date officially revealed
Google will announce at least two new Pixel phones, but could also reveal more. On October 19, 2021, at 1:00 PM ET, we’ll finally know everything there is to know about the Google Pixel 6 and Pixel 6 Pro. Meanwhile, the Google Pixel 6 Pro could drop in the $1,000+ range. It is specifically calling it a “Pixel” event, so it’s unlikely we’ll see any non-Pixel products. It’s very possible that between now and October 19 Google could divulge even more tidbits about the devices.
Source:The Nation
October 05, 2021 16:52 UTC
Twitch icon Nickmercs isn’t going anywhere
Nick “Nickmercs” Kolcheff, one of the biggest streamers on Twitch, has signed a deal to continue streaming exclusively on the Amazon-owned streaming platform. The streaming talent wars kicked off in August 2019, when Tyler “Ninja” Blevins defected from Twitch to the Microsoft-owned streaming platform Mixer. That led to an intense period of streamer shuffling as some of the biggest players signed exclusive deals with Twitch, Mixer, and other platforms like YouTube Gaming and Facebook Gaming. In September, Ben “DrLupo” Lupo and Tim “TimTheTatman” Betar announced exclusive streaming deals with YouTube Gaming within days of each other — and nearly two years after they had signed deals with Twitch. In response to an emailed question about whether or not he considered switching from Twitch, Kolcheff said “yes and no,” and highlighted how he produces content on other platforms every day.
Source:The Nation
October 05, 2021 16:30 UTC
ADB to increase concessional loan provided to Sri Lanka
Asian Development Bank (ADB) Director-General for South Asia Department Kenichi Yokoyama has assured President Gotabaya Rajapaksa that the bank will support the promotion of Small- and Medium-Scale Enterprises (SMEs) in Sri Lanka. The ADB provided a USD 750 million concessional loan last year for projects in the country. Mr. Yokoyama said that the ADB will take steps to increase this amount to USD 1 billion next year. His remarks came during a discussion with President Rajapaksa at the Presidential Secretariat, earlier today (October 05). The President further pointed out the need to increase the forest cover through economically viable cultivations and sought the assistance of the ADB.
Source:The Nation
October 05, 2021 15:22 UTC
Another one (Gimlet podcast) bites the dust (goes exclusive)
Gimlet’s Heavyweight is becoming a Spotify exclusive, and the fans are madHeavyweight, one of the longest-running Gimlet Media shows, is becoming a Spotify exclusive next month, five years after it began and two years after the Spotify / Gimlet acquisition. One of favorite podcasts (Heavyweight) is going @Spotify exclusive. — Vladimir Agafonkin (@mourner) — Vladimir Agafonkin (@mourner) October 1, 2021The @heavyweight podcast is, in my view, perfect. Twitch creators sell subscriptions to their channels, collect tips, and distribute ads, of course while getting a cut of it all. I imagine it’ll serve as a reference point for future podcast / audio unions’ negotiations.
Source:The Nation
October 05, 2021 13:18 UTC
#GarlicScam : Opp. Leader concerned over efforts to undermine probe
COLOMBO (News 1st); Sri Lanka’s Opposition Leader Sajith Premadasa alleges there is an attempt to undermine the efforts to trace the perpetrators responsible for the #GarlicScam. He questioned how the subject Minister and the Seniors at Sathosa were unaware of a scam taking place. Trade Minister Bandula Gunawardena responded to the opposition leader in Parliament admitting that a scam had taken place and the Chairman or CEO of Sathosa had not deviated from due process. He said there is no policy to question the media with regard to the matter.
Source:The Nation
October 05, 2021 13:07 UTC
Are adult’s toothpastes the best option for kids?
It is essential for parents to be aware that there are seemingly visible differences among adult’s toothpastes and kids’ toothpastes. Fluoride is a common ingredient found in both adult toothpastes and kids’ toothpaste variants. Hence kids’ toothpastes are made with fruity flavours and various colors, while the packaging too looks fun and interesting. These fruity flavours make brushing teeth a joyful experience for kids and create more interest to the practice of brushing teeth. This toothpaste is very much less abrasive than adult toothpastes making it gentle when brushing kids’ teeth.
Source:The Nation
October 05, 2021 12:33 UTC
MI Partners with SITS to transform their Digital Journey
Colombo, Sri Lanka, 2021 – Sampath IT Solutions (SITS), a fully owned subsidiary of Sampath Bank group of companies announced the strategic partnership with Mercantile Investments & Finance PLC, for the implementation of the “PRIME” Platform. Users of the “PRIME” Platform will be able to work autonomously and remotely, with complete control over their assets. Speaking with CEO, Sampath Information Technology Solutions – Managala Rodrigo stated: “Convenience is a critical factor for success in today’s business and industry climate, with the ongoing digital disruption. We are pleased to partner with SITS at this juncture and look forward to a fruitful journey with SITS with the unveiling of the PRIME platform”. Operating for over 14 years, SITS is a fully owned subsidiary of Sampath Bank PLC, specializing in providing end-to-end integration and consultancy services to transform businesses.
Source:The Nation
October 05, 2021 12:33 UTC
Priti Patel announces independent inquiry into Sarah Everard murder
Priti Patel today announced there will be an independent inquiry into the 'systematic failures' that allowed Wayne Couzens to serve as a Met police officer and murder Sarah Everard. The inquiry will look at Couzens' career in the Metropolitan Police and determine if red flags were missed to identify him as a threat. Metropolitan Police firearms officer Couzens 48, was handed a whole life sentence at the Old Bailey last week for murdering Ms Everard. 'I can confirm today, there will be an inquiry, to give the independent oversight needed, to ensure something like this can never happen again.' Ms Patel also delivered a tough message to France to do more to stop migrant crossings.
Source:The Nation
October 05, 2021 12:00 UTC
How To Help Your Relationship Survive Football Season
Yep, it’s football season. While many men (and women too) look forward to all that football season brings with it, many partners and spouses have a different view. If you are one of the millions of couples that experience strife during football season, or any other sports season, take heart. Why is she (or he) so upset?” I often hear this sentiment from men whose wives are fed up with them during football season. And perhaps make a clear point of keeping up with your side of the responsibilities during the football season.
Source:The Nation
October 05, 2021 11:03 UTC
Renaissance Sri Lanka, MONLAR and Greenfem, Launch a Live Webinar Series on Building a Sri Lankan Model of Organic Farming
2021 Oct 5Renaissance Sri Lanka, MONLAR and Greenfem are launching a live webinar series on agroecology. It will highlight the importance of organic farming with the aim of contributing to a people-friendly true green revolution in Sri Lanka. Intending to create a healthy and efficient citizen, the government stated that it had decided to use only organic fertiliser in agriculture. One sector advocated for systematic transition to organic farming due to the challenge of achieving targets of mass-scale food production. Event Page: https://fb.me/e/2I7WhcgCCAbout Renaissance Sri LankaRenaissance Sri Lanka is an international non-profit organization.
Source:The Nation
October 05, 2021 10:18 UTC