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
Sri Lanka’s Maha “experiment” to yield uncertain results
Sri Lanka’s Maha “experiment” to yield uncertain results By Sunimalee Dias View(s): View(s):Sri Lanka is going into the Maha season not knowing the consequences of suddenly adopting organic farming methods. Dr. De Silva explained that they had ascertained the required nutrients by calculating and finding out the requirement of the relevant plant nutrients. The organic fertiliser product imported, he said has a high amount of Nitrogen, Phosphorous and Potassium, which is a real requirement. Traditional compost has 1 per cent of Nitrogen but organic granular fertiliser is between 10-15 per cent, he said. “There will be a yield drop between 21.5 – 33 percent based on scientific research done at Batalagoda (the rice research centre),” he said.
Source:Sunday Times
September 05, 2021 00:45 UTC
A little learning is a dangerous thing, survey finds
A little learning is a dangerous thing, survey finds By Tharushi Weerasinghe Half of all students have been left out of education since pandemic View(s): View(s):More than half of the Sri Lankan student population has had no access to education since the pandemic hit. According to research conducted by the Education Forum, only 45 percent of the student population had access to online education, leaving 55 per cent of Sri Lanka’s children behind. “Policies targeted at the richer middle-class do not work for the poorer communities who are almost always off the radar.” Experts even argue that online education was doomed to fail before it even began. “Our system of learning was not successful to begin with but the shift online has made its unsuitability more apparent,” she said. Countries such as Finland teach subjects such as history and geography in what is known as a “phenomenon-based learning” method.
Source:Sunday Times
September 05, 2021 00:45 UTC
Their gift to Bawa
The Geoffrey Bawa Trust brought five artists to respond to the ‘gift’ that architect Bawa’s serene country estate has always been, having creatively nourished the likes of writer Michael Ondaatje and artist Laki Senanayake when working on his fantastic sculpted beasts. Each of the five chosen artists’ works was their gift back – to Bawa and to Lunuganga, for the deep inspiration always generously given. As The Gift project comes to a close, the Trust hosted a virtual conversation where the five artists talked about their work, inspiration, exchanging ‘gifts’ and creating art in troubled times. Dayanita Singh’s work, Lunuganga Chairs, was another attempt to get at the elusive soul of Lunuganga. Artist Lee Mingwei’s work for The Gift was perhaps the most stirring, because he brought Zephyrus’ Breath to the garden; a circle of brass tubes hung from the tall trees.
Source:Sunday Times
September 05, 2021 00:45 UTC
Sharma hits century as India take control of Oval test
Sharma hits century as India take control of Oval test cricket View(s): View(s):REUTERS, Sept 4: A dominant India took control of the fourth test against England at The Oval on Saturday, extending their lead to 171 at stumps on day three, as Rohit Sharma struck his first test hundred away from home and eighth overall. The visitors were on 270-3 when bad light brought a premature end to proceedings. Sharma constructed his innings perfectly, resolutely defending outside the off stump and taking runs off anything loose, with Moeen Ali’s off-spin often a target. Put into bat by the hosts on day one, India were bowled out for 191 in their first innings. England, with Ollie Pope top-scoring with 81, responded with 290 all out.
Source:Sunday Times
September 05, 2021 00:45 UTC
Sunday Times Deputy Editor Namini inducted to prestigious ICIJ
Sunday Times Deputy Editor Namini inducted to prestigious ICIJ View(s):The Sunday Times Deputy Editor (Investigations) Namini Wijedasa has been selected by the US-based International Consortium of Investigative Journalists (ICIJ) as one of its distinguished worldwide members, the consortium announced this week. She is only the second Sri Lankan journalist to be inducted to this prestigious body, the first being Sunday Times Consultant Editor/Political Editor and former Defence Correspondent, Iqbal Athas. Officially announcing the selection of Ms. Wijedasa, the ICIJ stated that they have “boosted its network of trusted journalists”. Thirteen new members, including four from Africa were selected by the consortium’s Network Committee. The new members have worked on several recent ICIJ projects including FinCEN Files, West Africa Leaks, Panama Papers, Implant Files and others.
Source:Sunday Times
September 05, 2021 00:45 UTC
Some Lankan exporters shifting manufacturing to West Africa
Some Lankan exporters shifting manufacturing to West Africa By Duruthu Edirimuni Chandrasekera View(s): View(s):Some exporters, in the wake of the currency exchange crisis, are contemplating or have already decided to shift their manufacturing businesses to countries in the burgeoning West African region depriving Sri Lanka from earning export dollars. The exchange rate crisis has brought about this new situation with more and more businesses opting to balance their eggs. “Other manufacturing firms will follow suit sooner or later,” a second economist said. He pointed out that the US dollar exchange rate gap between the published rate by the Central Bank and the going rate in the black market has widened to unprecedented levels over the past month. This situation has made a compelling case for local exporters looking to go out and start in Africa – especially in countries like Ghana and Kenya which stand out for their relative political stability and economic diversification.
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
As public discontent mounts, bungling in diplomatic issues
That the Foreign Ministry together with its overseas missions annually works out an Action Plan with key progress indicators is known. It was none other than India which held the presidency of the UN Security Council for August. A resolution on peacekeeping focused on ensuring accountability for crime against peacekeepers, with 80 sponsors including all Security Council members. This oral update on Sri Lanka was mandated by the country specific Resolution A/HRC/RES/46/1 that was adopted in Feb 2021. The Sri Lanka document, in anticipation of the issues that would come up at the UNHRC, gives answers to the Government’s official position.
Source:Sunday Times
September 05, 2021 00:45 UTC
China-owned ports report more than Rs 1b dividend to Sri Lanka Ports Authority
China-owned ports report more than Rs 1b dividend to Sri Lanka Ports Authority By Kapila Bandara View(s): View(s):China Merchants Port Holdings (CMPH) has declared a dividend of Rs. China Merchants Port Holdings, said the roll-on/roll-off terminal handled 281,000 vehicles in the first half, up by 56.2% year-on-year. China’s port projects in Sri Lanka have become intertwined with national debt and corrupt domestic politics and business. China Merchants Port Holdings agreed to plough up to US$1.12 billion into Hambantota Port and port and marine-related activities. China Merchants Port Group, founded 149 years ago, is based in Shenzhen in southern Guangdong province and owns China Merchants Port Holdings, which says it is the leading port developer, investor and operator in China and a leading world player.
Source:Sunday Times
September 05, 2021 00:45 UTC
Cause for the Afghan debacle: Biden or clash of civilisations
Cause for the Afghan debacle: Biden or clash of civilisations By Gamini Weerakoon View(s): View(s):To be wise after an event, particularly one of disastrous consequences, is a natural human reaction. But the Taliban kept flouting all such conditions, attacking President Ghani’s government forces while participating in Peace Talks at Doha. As the Taliban kept capturing city after city what was Biden to do with about 5,000 American soldiers left in the country? In the 20th and 21st Centuries Afghan men unlike those in any other country were seen always carrying guns. Is Afghanistan going through the process of clash of civilisations as identified by the late Prof Samuel Huntington?
Source:Sunday Times
September 05, 2021 00:45 UTC
Crowned corruption hits Sri Lanka to the core
Crowned corruption hits Sri Lanka to the core View(s):The fact that corruption has become a way of life in Sri Lanka is accepted by all and sundry. In the wake of the current COVID-19 crisis, corruption has taken on a new dimension of free rein for corruption. To date, however, there has been no will to reinstitute the EC administrative measures for control of bribery and corruption. The result is that this useful means in the EC to control corruption is blatantly disregarded. Plainly, the propaganda was in lieu of effective action to control corruption.
Source:Sunday Times
September 05, 2021 00:45 UTC
Nisal and Sandali grab regional chess titles
Nisal and Sandali grab regional chess titles View(s):Nisal Dilushana Thilakarathne of St. Thomas’ College, Bandarawela and Sandali Somarathne of Royal International School, Kurunegala won the Sri Lanka National Online Novices Division Chess Championship of the Sabaragamuwa Province (Open) and North Western Province (Women) convincingly. Nisal was unbeaten throughout the whole tournament making it an impressive score of 7 out of 7 possible games. She was also unbeaten and had an extraordinary score of 7 out of 7 possible games. She had a walkover in the first round beating Osandi Madurapperuma, Senuli Dinethma, Useli Bandara, Binudi Madurapperuma, Dahamli Rasnayake and Kavini Amarathunga. With that, the regional tournaments came to an end in style, marking the end of all seven regional Novices Division Chess Championships.
Source:Sunday Times
September 05, 2021 00:45 UTC
COVID-19 can affect your heart; take care of it
Dr. Ranasinghe creates clear images of how COVID-19 can affect the heart. Maybe about 20-30% of those patients who get the infection in the heart would go into heart failure. Such clots can travel to the heart or block the blood flow to the heart, causing a heart attack. “In the first two waves, we saw some damage to the heart but it was not that widespread among COVID-19 patients. Dr. Ranasinghe’s advice to those in home-based care is: If you get chest pain; chest pain when you walk or a chest pain that keeps getting worse; or have either little or excessive breathing difficulties; then go to hospital immediately.
Source:Sunday Times
September 05, 2021 00:45 UTC
Typos in WHO report trigger fake news; Health Minister hails removal
Typos in WHO report trigger fake news; Health Minister hails removal View(s):Something strange occurred when the World Health Organisation’s Sri Lanka office took down two critical reports compiled by an Independent Group of Experts from its website. It was the newly appointed Health Minister Keheliya Rambukwella who took up the matter with the local WHO chapter on the basis that fake news was being spread based on those reports. Minister Rambukwella has long been a Government spokesperson and often defends a bad brief. The embassy also sent statements from ambassadors to local media institutions as part of the counter campaign. It was titled “The U.S. Intelligence Report on COVID-19 Origins: Ugly Agendas Under a Worn-Out Cover”.
Source:Sunday Times
September 05, 2021 00:45 UTC