Sri Lanka reports another 1,804 coronavirus recoveries
July 12, 2021 03:12 pmThe Ministry of Health reported that another 1,804 coronavirus patients have been discharged after completing their recovery, within the past 24 hours. This brings the total number of Covid-19 recoveries in the country to 246,241. Sri Lanka has reported a total of 274,538 positive cases of Covid-19 so far while 24,795 infected patients are currently under medical care.
Source:The Nation
July 12, 2021 09:33 UTC
Oil spill reported in Hambantota Port yesterday
An oil spill occurred at the Hambantota Port at approximately 6pm on Sunday, 11th of July 2021, the port said in a statement today. The incident occurred whilst a bunkering barge was refueling a commercial vessel that had called at the port. Immediate action was initiated by the port as per the Standard Operational Policy and Emergency Response Plan to contain and clean the pollutant with booms laid to curb the spread. “We immediately informed the Marine Environment Protection Authority(MEPA) and the Harbour Master as per our emergency response plan, and we hope to complete the ongoing cleaning operations within the next few days,”says Ravi Jayawickreme,CEO of HambantotaInternational Port Service.
Source:The Nation
July 12, 2021 09:00 UTC
Jeff Bezos congratulates Richard Branson on his maiden space voyage
Blue Origin founder Jeff Bezos has offered his congratulations to Virgin owner Sir Richard Branson on his maiden voyage into space. Tourists are expected to pay 250,000 US dollars (£180,000) for a spaceflight on Virgin Galactic, which includes four minutes of zero gravity. Prior to the flight, Bezos had posted a photo of Branson with the caption: 'wishing you and the whole team a successful and safe flight tomorrow. Jeff Bezos posts a message to Richard Branson (pictured) on July 10, 2021: @richardbranson wishing you and the whole team a successful and safe flight tomorrow. On the ground, Michael Colglazier, chief executive of Virgin Galactic, said: 'This is a landmark moment for Virgin Galactic.
Source:The Nation
July 12, 2021 08:48 UTC
Cannabis cultivation and export act soon: MP Diana Gamage
Speaking to The Morning, Gamage stated that an act is currently being prepared to this effect and the subject is in continuous discussion with the nation’s top Ayurvedic doctors. When queried on her thoughts on the recreational use of cannabis in Sri Lanka, Gamage stated that classifying cannabis as a drug is where “it all went wrong”. In April this year, she proposed in Parliament that Sri Lanka should legalise the cultivation and export of medicinal cannabis to other countries. It is accepted globally, over 50 countries engage in cannabis cultivation. Gamage noted that she plans on continuously pursuing this initiative and will stand as an advocate for the cause.
Source:The Nation
July 12, 2021 08:37 UTC
Navy seizes 2360kg of dried turmeric at Vankalai beach
COLOMBO (News 1st); Sri Lanka Navy managed to take hold of about 2360kg of dried turmeric at the Vankalai beach in Mannar on 11th July 2021. A foot patrol conducted by the Navy in the beach area led to the recovery of the consignment which was suspected to have attempted to smuggle into the island. A special foot patrol carried out by SLNS Pussadewa in North Central Naval Command in the dark hours on 11th July recovered this large consignment of dried turmeric which was suspected to have been brought to the Vankalai beach via sea. The haul of dried turmeric was contained in 60 sacks weighing about 2360kg. The operation was conducted adhering to COVID-19 protocols in place for the prevention of the pandemic situation and the stock of dried turmeric held is kept in naval custody until it is produced for onward legal action.
Source:The Nation
July 12, 2021 08:00 UTC
Basil will easily overcome economic challenges posed by Covid: Provincial Councillors
Former provincial councilors say it will be possible to achieve economic prosperity. The Provincial Councilors also expressed their congratulations on the appointment of the new Minister of Finance. The provincial councilors expressed confidence that Basil Rajapaksa would have the strength to easily manage the economic challenges posed by the Covid epidemic. Basil Rajapaksa also said that he would never hesitate to make sacrifices for the people and that he would continue to work for the motherland and the people as he had done in the past. The former Provincial Councilors had a lengthy discussion on their problems in contributing to development activities and Ministers and senior party officials also participated in this occasion.
Source:The Nation
July 12, 2021 08:00 UTC
Trainocate recognised as #1 Microsoft Learning Partner worldwide
Trainocate Holdings, Sri Lanka’s largest IT and human capability development training provider, has been recognised as the 2021 Microsoft Learning Partner of the Year; the first Asian company ever to have earned the illustrious title. The annual global awards recognise Microsoft partners demonstrating excellence in innovation and implementation of customer solutions based on Microsoft technology. It acknowledges outstanding contributions and successes by partners from over 100 countries and in a wide variety of categories, including partner competencies, cloud to edge technologies, entrepreneurial spirit, and social impact. Trainocate was very professional and provided us with excellent training plans to meet our needs and vision. With over 25 years of experience in the field, Trainocate enjoys authorized training partner status and affiliations with leading IT vendors and organisations like AWS, Cisco, CompaTIA, Google Cloud Platform, Microsoft, NetApp, IBM, Red Hat, Trend Micro, VMware, and many others.
Source:The Nation
July 12, 2021 07:52 UTC
Representing Sri Lanka at Tokyo 2020 Olympics
Overcoming their own personal hurdles, these Olympians are now filled with excitement and enthusiasm to represent Sri Lanka at the Olympic Games. Happy and honoured, she added, “when I got the news that I had been selected to represent Sri Lanka, I could not believe it. “Participating in the 2020 Tokyo Olympics is the result of my hard work and dedication. After training with great dedication and enthusiasm, my only goal is to win a medal at the 2020 Tokyo Olympics. She is also a Leading Woman Communicator, serving the Sri Lanka Navy.
Source:The Nation
July 12, 2021 06:56 UTC
Train services increased in the Western Province
With the easing of travel restrictions, the number of train services in the Western Province will be increased to 103 from today (12), the Railway Department said. Its General Superintendent Dhammika Jayasundara stated that the trains are operated in strict compliance with health and safety measures. Accordingly, the train services running today are as follows. 36 trains on the main line42 trains on the coastal line9 trains on Puttalam route10 trains on Kelani Valley routeHe further said that after a discussion to be held this evening, it will be possible to increase the number of train journeys.
Source:The Nation
July 12, 2021 06:56 UTC
Preliminary steps taken to reopen schools in August: G L Pieris
“Online education is a must in such a situation. But I do not believe for a moment that distance or online education is a satisfying alternative to teaching in the classroom. It is reported that several trade unions including the Ceylon Teachers ‘Service Union, the Ceylon Teachers’ Union, the All Ceylon United Teachers’ Union and the Sri Lanka National Principals’ Union have joined the strike. Commenting on this, the Minister said that only some teachers have taken steps to withdraw from teaching activities today. However, the Minister of Education said that online education should be continued and that it was not a permanent solution.
Source:The Nation
July 12, 2021 06:56 UTC
Top 10 Jailbreaks that Ended Badly
Inevitably a guard blocks you, wags his finger, and gives you a charmingly mischievous, “Not in my house.” This makes for a lot of failed prison escape attempts, and here are ten of the best that ended really badly. In March 1934, Dillinger escaped from Lake County Jail in Indiana using a wooden gun he had carved in his cell. In July of that year, less than five months after his escape, Dillinger was shot dead outside Chicago’s Biograph Theater after seeing a movie with his girlfriend and friend. 2 Ted Bundy… SucceedsUnlike most of the escapes on this list, Ted Bundy’s escape ended badly because it was so successful. Sadly, they only occurred because Bundy escaped from jail and successfully evade capture for months.
Source:The Nation
July 12, 2021 06:56 UTC
I’m not afraid of the no confidence motion: Gammanpila
“I’m not afraid,” said Minister of Energy Udaya Gammanpila against whom the opposition has moved a motion of no-confidence for hiking fuel prices. He stated that the President has the right to change anything of any ministry. He was speaking to reporters following a media briefing held yesterday (11). Gammanpila further stated that he was not afraid of the outcome that might come following the no confidence motion. Gammanpila’s no confidence motion filed by the Opposition is scheduled to be heard on the 19th and 20th of July in Parliament.
Source:The Nation
July 12, 2021 06:00 UTC
Five arrested for thefts in Kopay
July 12, 2021 by Mihi Perera No CommentsKopay police have arrested five suspects in connection with several thefts. Two suspects with Rs. 985,000 were arrested in the Kopay police division at around 10.15 am yesterday (11). Following the interrogation of the suspects, three other suspects and two suspects who had given the jewelery were arrested along with the jewelery. The arrested suspects are aged 21, 24, 25, 33, 35 and 41 and are residents of Kondavil and Urumbirai areas.
Source:The Nation
July 12, 2021 04:18 UTC
Navy seizes Kerala Cannabis worth over Rs 103 mn
Sri Lanka Navy has been conducting regular operations in island waters to ward off illegal activities including the smuggling of drugs by sea. During further search of the dinghy, about 344kg and 550g (wet weight) of Kerala cannabis in 11 polythene sacks have been found by the Navy. The street value of the seized stock of Kerala cannabis is believed to be over Rs. The 03 suspects held in this operation were identified as residents of Nachchikuda, Mannar, and Guru Nagar Jaffna, from 34 to 38 years of age. The apprehended suspects together with the stock of Kerala cannabis and the dinghy will be handed over to the Kankesanthurai Police for onward legal action.
Source:The Nation
July 12, 2021 04:18 UTC
Covid vaccines to teachers and nonacademic staff from today
July 12, 2021 by Mihi Perera No CommentsThe program to provide Covid vaccine to teachers and non-academic staff in all schools islandwide begins today (12). The Ministry of Education stated that the program will be implemented continuously for about two weeks. Under this, about 279,000 academic and non-academic staff members of schools will be vaccinated. In addition, the Ministry of Education, the Department of Examinations and the University Grants Commission have taken steps to vaccinate officers and staff.
Source:The Nation
July 12, 2021 04:02 UTC