In ‘Superman’, we trust
It’s Superman!.” These are the famous words uttered by awed onlookers when the most iconic superhero of all time, Superman, flies above them. An observer of Sri Lanka’s political landscape and its election trends could very well apply this quote to the average Sri Lankan citizen and voter. The sad reality is that this attitude, which is akin to putting all eggs in one basket, rarely pays off. Fantastical proclamations about the capabilities of the next saviour of the people are being bandied about by political cheerleaders. Any person who has the slightest understanding of Sri Lanka’s status quo would agree that Sri Lanka’s future is hanging by a thread, and that it needs more than a miracle, or a Superman, to save it from the worsening economic and social collapse.
Source:The Nation
July 08, 2021 18:00 UTC
Coronavirus Australia: Milestone deal to TRIPLE nation's Pfizer vaccine doses
Prime Minister Scott Morrison confirmed the much needed acceleration of the vaccination program – which includes 150,000 extra doses of Pfizer and 150,000 AstraZeneca vaccines. Under the new agreement, Australia will have access to 2.8 million Pfizer doses for the remainder of July, and more than 4.5 million next month, according to The Australian. The mass introduction of Pfizer doses should be a game changer in Australia - especially given the jab is recommended for all age groups - not just those over 40. Pfizer is also looked upon more favourably by many compared to the Astra Zeneca vaccine, which has had rare incidents of blood clotting. 'Compliance with the orders that have been put in place by the NSW government could not be more critical.'
Source:The Nation
July 08, 2021 15:45 UTC
Daily coronavirus case tally moves to 1,223
July 8, 2021 08:49 pmThe Epidemiology Unit of the Health Ministry reports that another 381 persons have tested positive for COVID-19 in Sri Lanka, moving the daily total of new cases to 1,223. This brings the total number of confirmed cases of coronavirus reported in the country to 269,946. As many as 239,584 recoveries and 3,391 deaths have been confirmed in Sri Lanka since the outbreak of the pandemic. The Epidemiology Unit’s data showed that 27,011 active cases are currently under medical care.
Source:The Nation
July 08, 2021 15:11 UTC
You Should Let the BookTok Teens Find Your Next Read
Here’s a primer on how to make the most of “BookTok.”What is BookTok? It’s a wildly popular community on TikTok, in which users celebrate book culture and stump for their favorite authors and reads. Even stodgy old Barnes & Noble is keeping tabs on the hottest titles making the rounds on BookTok, an undeniably a savvy business move. See below for an examples of a how a BookTok post might uh, unfold:G/O Media may get a commissionWhat books are blowing up on BookTok? As Faith Young, who posts about books as @hellyeahbooks, told The Guardian: “What people really love on Booktok is fantasy romance.
Source:The Nation
July 08, 2021 14:48 UTC
Quarantine Act does not allow for forced quarantine: UNP
July 8, 2021 by Aazam Ameen No CommentsResponding to the alleged forced quarantine of Trade Union members who were released on bail by the Colombo Magistrate Court this evening (8), the United National Party (UNP) stated that the Quarantine Act does not allow for such action. The party expressed these sentiments through a statement released by the UNP’s Central Media Unit. “The attempt to detain these individuals is against the laws of the country,” the UNP said. Accordingly, the UNP condemned such actions and urged authorities to act according to the laws of the country.
Source:The Nation
July 08, 2021 14:37 UTC
OnePlus confirms July 22 launch date of Nord 2 5G
The OnePlus Nord 2 5G is right around the corner, and yesterday the first batch of teasers appeared online. Today we received an official confirmation in our inbox that the new midranger will arrive on July 22 at 7:30 PM. Specs have also leaked, suggesting a 6.53” AMOLED display with Full HD+ resolution, a 90Hz refresh rate, and a 4,500mAh battery. There might be 14 days until the launch, but OnePlus has decided to run a contest for its fans where you can win a Nord 2 smartphone even before the launch if you register on the website from the Source link below. The OnePlus Nord arrived with a price tag of €399, and we expect the successor to cost more or less the same.
Source:The Nation
July 08, 2021 14:15 UTC
Sri Lanka’s Education System Under a Microscope
Today, these are still visible around the island and stand as early signs of a successful education system in the country. Locals at the time witnessed the power of colonisers, and were left with the impression that their missionary education system was what made them superior. A country’s education system plays a crucial role in moulding the minds of its future leaders. Sri Lanka’s ‘Free Education’ ReformThe concept of ‘free education’ was introduced to Sri Lanka in 1943 under Hon. As per Dr. Tush, one of the key areas Sri Lanka’s education needs to focus on is emotional experiences, covering areas such as mental health, sex education and personal development.
Source:The Nation
July 08, 2021 14:03 UTC
CTU s Joseph Stalin and 32 protesters granted bail
Thirty-three persons including the General Secretary of the Ceylon Teachers’ Union (CTU) Joseph Stalin who were arrested for staging a demonstration in Battaramulla, in violation of quarantine laws, have been released on bail by the Colombo Magistrate’s Court. Accordingly, the suspects were ordered released on bail and the case was postponed to September 09. Meanwhile a tense situation has been reported in front of the Colombo Magistrate’s Court as CTU general secretary Joseph Stalin and the 32 others released on bail refused to undergo quarantine. General Secretary of the CTU Joseph Stalin, IUSF Convenor Rathkarawwe Jinarathana Thero, another Buddhist monk and two women were also among the arrestees. They were produced before the Colombo Magistrate’s Court under the provisions of Quarantine and Prevention of Diseases Ordinance.
Source:The Nation
July 08, 2021 13:41 UTC
COVID- 842 new infections confirmed today
The Ministry of Health says 842 more persons were tested positive for the novel coronavirus today (July 08). This brings the total number of COVID-19 cases confirmed in the country thus far 269,518. According to official data, more than 26,000 virus-infected people are currently being treated at designated hospitals and treatment centres across the island. The recoveries count climbed to 239,584 today with 1,453 patients who were under medical care for novel coronavirus returning to health. Meanwhile, the death toll from the pandemic outbreak in Sri Lanka reached 3, 3,391 as the Director-General of Health Services confirmed 40 new fatalities today.
Source:The Nation
July 08, 2021 13:07 UTC
CA Sri Lanka’s business level virtual exam attracts over 2000 candidates
The Institute of Chartered Accountants of Sri Lanka (CA Sri Lanka) attracted over 2000 aspiring Chartered Accountants for its Business Level I & II virtual exams held last month. CA Sri Lanka put in place stringent security features to prevent malpractices being committed by students. A unique feature of the CA Sri Lanka programme is that students who successfully complete each level under the CA curriculum will receive a recognised accounting qualification, which guarantees employability, as the CA Sri Lanka qualifications are recognised in Sri Lanka and also overseas. This initiative was taken by CA Sri Lanka in an effort to assist students to enjoy the diverse range of online services the Institute is currently offering CA students. The online services include online registrations, online exams, online exam paper discussions and mock exams, webinars, access to study packs and various online courses on IT, communication and other soft skill development initiatives.
Source:The Nation
July 08, 2021 12:56 UTC
ACCA’s MOU with CMA Strengthens Accounting Profession
The accounting profession today goes beyond numbers and balance sheets to a more holistic experience with COVID-19 accelerating change in the transformation of organizations, the agility of business and its resilience. This therefore is a critical moment for the profession using digital technology to nurture and attract new talent, where progress must be achieved with those leading the profession, collaborating to help businesses navigate the new normal successfully. As such, The Association of Chartered Certified Accountants (ACCA), recently strengthened their MOU with the Institute of Certified Management Accountants (CMA) Sri Lanka to work in partnership to develop the management accounting and finance professions in Sri Lanka. The MOU was signed virtually by Stuart Dunlop, Regional Director, MESA with Prof. Lakshman R. Watawala, President CMA Sri Lanka. Also present was and Mr H.M. Hennayake Bandara, Vice President CMA Sri Lanka and Ms Nilusha Ranasinghe , Head of South Asia Cluster ACCA .
Source:The Nation
July 08, 2021 12:45 UTC
Debate on 2020 CBSL Annual report postponed
The annual report of the Central Bank for the year 2020 will not be debated tomorrow, the Committee on Parliamentary Business said today. The Committee on Parliamentary Business met today (08) under the chairmanship of Speaker Mahinda Yapa Abeywardena decided not to hold the Adjournment Debate on the Annual Report of the Central Bank of Sri Lanka for the year 2020 tomorrow (09). It was also decided to hold the debate on another day of the first week of August, said the Secretary General Dhammika Dasanayake. However, as scheduled, Parliament will convene tomorrow and time has been set aside for questions for oral answers.
Source:The Nation
July 08, 2021 12:22 UTC
Sri Lanka’s Communiqué PR bags the Bronze Award for ‘Startup of the Year’ at the 13th Annual 2021 Golden Bridge Awards
COLOMBO, Sri Lanka, July 2021: Communiqué PR – Sri Lanka’s very own public relations and strategic communications consultancy – was recently recognised by The Globee Awards as a Bronze Award winner in the ‘Startup of the Year’ category at the 13th Annual 2021 Golden Bridge Business and Innovation Awards. The coveted Golden Bridge Awards annually recognises and honours extraordinary achievements – in business and innovation – across every industry worldwide. The 13th edition of the Golden Bridge Awards witnessed the participation of businesses and companies from all corners of the globe, with over 85 judges presiding over the selection process. The creative, dynamic and innovative individuals at Communiqué PR strive tirelessly to analyse and craft clever and proactive strategies that exceed expectations. For more information about Communiqué PR and its valuable host of services, please visit www.communiquesl.com.
Source:The Nation
July 08, 2021 12:22 UTC
Two State Ministry Portfolios reshuffled, Shasheendra Rajapaksa appointed State Minister
Two State Ministry Portfolios were reshuffled and accordingly, two State Ministers weresworn in before President Gotabaya Rajapaksa this afternoon (08), the President’s Media Division said. Shasheendra Rajapaksa was sworn in as the State Minister of Organic Fertilizer Production, Supply and Regulation and the Paddy and Grains, Organic Food, Vegetables, Fruits, Chillies, Onion and Potato Cultivation Promotion, Seed Production and Advanced Technology for Agriculture. With the reshuffle of the ministerial portfolios, Mohan De Silva was sworn in as the State Minister of Coast Conservation and Low-Lying Lands Development. Secretary to the President P.B. Jayasundera was also present at the occasion.
Source:The Nation
July 08, 2021 11:48 UTC
Euro2020: Bitter Danish media rage over defeat to England
read another headline in B.T., quoting furious Danish fans on social media who demanded a rematch and branded the referee 'a f***ing disgrace.' 'Thank you for a fairy-tale Danish Euros' Politiken said from its front page, while describing 'a beautiful Danish defeat' in its centre pages. Writing in Ekstra Bladet, former Danish national football coach Åge Hareide praised a team which he said has its brightest days ahead. 'Let the national team be embittered over the semifinal defeat. But Danish media were not the only ones reacting to last night's game - Italian newspapers were also watching closely, sizing up their opponents for the final.
Source:The Nation
July 08, 2021 11:03 UTC