President inaugurates Sri Lanka Investment Forum 2021
President Gotabaya Rajapaksa inaugurated the much-anticipated Sri Lanka Investment Forum 2021 a short while ago. Sri Lanka Investment Forum 2021, organized by the Board of Investment, The Ceylon Chamber of Commerce, and the Colombo Stock Exchange will be Asia’s first and largest virtual forum to attract foreign investments. Also speaking at the forum will be Ambassador Gopal Baglay, High Commissioner for India in Sri Lanka, Woonjin Jeong, Ambassador for the Republic of Korea in Sri Lanka, Akira Sugiyama, Ambassador for Japan in Sri Lanka and Qi Zhenhong, Ambassador for China in Sri Lanka, Thorsten Bargfrede, Deputy Head of Mission, Delegation of the European Union to Sri Lanka and the Maldives, and Martin Kelly, Chargé d’Affaires for the U.S. Embassy in Sri Lanka. The respective Country Sessions will also see addresses by Dr. Palitha Kohona, Ambassador for Sri Lanka in China, Ravinatha Aryasinha, Ambassador for Sri Lanka in the U.S., Grace Asirwatham, Ambassador for Sri Lanka in Brussels and the Mission to EU, Dr. A. Saj U. Mendis, Ambassador for Sri Lanka to the Republic of Korea, Sanjiv Gunasekara, Sri Lanka’s Ambassador in Japan, Saroja Sirisena. High Commissioner for Sri Lanka in the UK and Niluka Kadurugamuwa, Acting High Commissioner for Sri Lanka in New Delhi, India.
Source:The Nation
June 07, 2021 04:41 UTC
Two cops interdicted over death of quarantine law violator
Two police officers have been interdicted over yesterday’s (June 06) incident where a quarantine law violator died after allegedly jumping off from a moving vehicle. A Sub-Inspector and a Sergeant attached to the Panadura-North Police have been interdicted in this manner. The Sub-Inspector and the Sergeant claim that the suspect had opened the rear door of the Police Jeep and jumped off the moving vehicle. The man had been arrested by the officers of Panadura-North Police on patrol duty, last morning, for the violation of travel restrictions. Investigations into his death are underway under the direction of a Superintendent of Police (SP).
Source:The Nation
June 07, 2021 04:02 UTC
17 killed, over 271,000 affected by adverse weather
The death toll from floods and mudslides following heavy rains in Sri Lanka rose to 17 with another two missing, officials said Monday. Ten districts on the island have been under heavy rainfall since last Thursday, including Colombo and suburbs where many houses, paddy fields and roads have been inundated. The Disaster Management Center said the extreme weather has affected some 271,110 people belonging to over 67, 000 families, and over 26,800 persons remain displaced in 104 emergency shelters. Meanwhile the Department of Meteorology says that showers will occur at times in Western, Sabaragamuwa and North-western provinces and in Galle, Matara, Nuwara-Eliya and Kandy districts. Fairly heavy rainfall about 50 mm can be expected at some places in Western and Sabaragamuwa provinces and in Galle and Matara districts.
Source:The Nation
June 07, 2021 03:45 UTC
Last surviving soldier involved in liberation of...
By PA Media and Dailymail.com ReporterPublished: 16:29 EDT, 6 June 2021 | Updated: 21:38 EDT, 6 June 2021David Dushman, pictured last January, was the last surviving Allied soldier involved in the liberation of AuschwitzDavid Dushman, the last surviving Allied soldier involved in the liberation of Auschwitz, has died aged 98. The Jewish Community of Munich and Upper Bavaria said on Sunday that Dushman had died at a Munich hospital on Saturday. As a young Red Army soldier, Dushman flattened the forbidding fence around the notorious Nazi death camp in Poland with his tank on January 27, 1945. Survivors of Auschwitz leaving the camp at the end of World War II, Poland, February 1945. Along with other heroes of Auschwitz, Dushman has saved many lives, she said.
Source:The Nation
June 07, 2021 01:52 UTC
What England learned from Croatia's defeat to Belgium
Sportsmail's Jack Gaughan reveals what England would have learned from Croatia's defeat. Every man comfortable in possession, a methodical passage through the thirds and Luka Modric the heartbeat to the right of their midfield three. Those two certainly take on the main attacking responsibility and each showed glimpses against Belgium. It did appear, at times, that Belgium earned plenty of joy with straight balls into Lukaku or those clipped over the top by Youri Tielemans. There is much excitement surrounding RB Leipzig’s teenage defender Josko Gvardiol, who was given an international debut at half-time.
Source:The Nation
June 07, 2021 01:07 UTC
Christian Porter: ABC boss admits $100,000 paid in 'mediation costs'
The ABC paid Christian Porter's legal team $100,000 in 'mediation and related costs', a court heardThe ABC agreed to pay Christian Porter's lawyers the secret sum of $100,000 in mediation costs to settle their defamation case, a parliamentary committee has heard. The ABC boss confirmed the national broadcaster had agreed not to pay Mr Porter damages over the article and that it stands by its journalism. Christian Porter is dropping his defamation case against the ABC. 'The ABC did not plead a truth defence to the 'guilt' meaning that Mr Porter alleged in his statement of claim. By unveiling himself, Mr Porter ended six days of speculation over the accused's identity.
Source:The Nation
June 07, 2021 00:22 UTC
SL explores green hydrogen production feasibility
Speaking to us, Minister of Energy Udaya Gammanpila said that the Energy Ministry has decided to explore the feasibility of producing green hydrogen in Sri Lanka along with the Norwegian company “Greenstat”. The Minister of Energy said that the aforementioned Norwegian energy company has willingly come forward to provide technical assistance as well as to secure grant funds for the establishment of this green hydrogen project. Both the feasibility study and the project will be funded by the Norwegian Government along with Greenstat, Minister explained. Green hydrogen is known to be an eco-friendly energy source since it is made without fossil fuel. Greenstat is an energy company with a focus on solar, wind, as well as green hydrogen.
Source:The Nation
June 06, 2021 22:52 UTC
A year of Junkyard Theory: Akash Sunethkumara
One of these concepts marking their first birthday is Junkyard Theory, which marked its first birthday on 31 May. Brunch chatted with the brains behind Junkyard Theory, Akash Sunethkumara, for more. What started Junkyard Theory? Following our first session, I started reaching out to various other connections and Junkyard Theory started gaining momentum. I wanted to set Junkyard Theory apart from High School Junkies (HSJ), because they do different things.
Source:The Nation
June 06, 2021 22:52 UTC
Tile imports yet to be permitted despite promise
490 per square metre on tile and sanitaryware imports. He further stated that it is crucial for measures to be taken against the challenges in importing tiles influenced by the tile and sanitaryware import ban. Companies such as Rocell find it very difficult to get raw materials from both international and local markets,” Liyanaarachchi stated. He also mentioned that local showroom employees have been informed of an ongoing shortage of tile stocks for around three months at the time. Concerns were also raised that consumers end up paying more for less variety in tiles and sanitaryware.
Source:The Nation
June 06, 2021 22:18 UTC
BOC brand value surpasses Rs. 50 b
The Bank of Ceylon (BOC) recorded a significant achievement in its 81-year journey in the Sri Lankan banking and finance industry by reaching the brand value of Rs. 1 Banking Brand in Sri Lanka” for the 13th consecutive year. It has not only proven its financial strength but also demonstrated its commitment to serve the needs of the nation especially during crises such as the Covid-19 pandemic. BOC’s financial strength and operational capacity enables us to set the direction for the banking and financial services industry in the country. The bank’s financial strength surpasses Rs.
Source:The Nation
June 06, 2021 22:18 UTC
Traders concerned about used vehicle assembly plan
Claims proposal puts owners and public at ‘grave risk’Ceylon Motor Traders Association (CMTA), issuing a statement yesterday (6), expressed disappointment over a cabinet proposal to allow assembly of vehicles with used parts that was being considered and if passed would be violating many laws and regulations for vehicle assembly. CMTA stated that it vehemently opposes this proposal, which raises many concerns over the safety standards, durability, and reliability of vehicles assembled from used parts of questionable quality. Jayasundara, had submitted a proposal on a quota system for a minimum level of vehicle imports that would allow the industry to survive without needing to resort to further job cuts. Founded in 1920, the CMTA is the only Ceylon Chamber of Commerce (CCC)-affiliated trade body that represents vehicle manufacturers through their locally appointed franchise holders (commonly called “agents”). Such vehicles are always provided with a full manufacturer’s warranty against manufacturing defects, for the complete peace of mind of vehicle owners.
Source:The Nation
June 06, 2021 22:18 UTC
Bikies allegedly 'infiltrating' Australian airports to smuggle drugs
By Australian Associated PressPublished: 16:32 EDT, 6 June 2021 | Updated: 16:42 EDT, 6 June 2021Alleged drug smuggling by criminals who are reportedly infiltrating Australian airlines and airports has prompted federal Labor to call for an urgent security review. Crime-fighting agencies believe bikie gang members and other crooks pose 'a very high threat to the Australian border', Nine newspapers and 60 Minutes reported overnight. Following the reports, Labor highlighted that it had been 15 years since a review of airport security. 'The combination of these revelations and the challenges of COVID-19 mean that it's now time for a new independent review. Labor wants an independent review of security at Australia's international airports.
Source:The Nation
June 06, 2021 21:00 UTC
Australian report shows ageing population in NSW
NSW Treasurer Dominic Perrottet will on Monday launch the 2021-22 NSW Intergenerational Report - a once-in-five-years piece of work that looks at where the state will be in four decades' time. Treasury forecasters say the median age in NSW will jump to 44, a near-50 per cent increase on the median age of 30 in 1981. Treasury forecasters say the median age in NSW will jump to 44, a near-50 per cent increase on the median age of 30 in 1981 (pictured, a surfer at Bondi Beach)The ageing population will increase demand for healthcare resources and lead to lower workforce participation rates. The ageing population will increase demand for healthcare resources and lead to lower workforce participation rates (pictured, a NSW man receives a Covid jab)The state needs to build 1.7 million more homes to accommodate the growing population. NSW will become the country's first trillion-dollar economy, worth around $1.4trillion by 2061 in today's dollars.
Source:The Nation
June 06, 2021 21:00 UTC
Despite Covid-19 challenges, Sri Lanka’s digital service sector shows growth
The latest Central Bank report (2020) shows that last year saw steady growth in government projects aimed at enhancing the digital infrastructure of the Sri Lankan economy. Among those services is the Lanka Government Network (LGN) and the Lanka Government Cloud (LGC), which are operated by the Information and Communication Technology Agency of Sri Lanka. As its first step, 860 government agencies were connected through the Lanka Government Network (LGN) under the first phase. Furthermore, Lanka Government Cloud (LGC) has provided facilities to 150 government agencies to maintain their digital services. Through this, more than 175 different digital services and more than 500 websites have been launched for public services.
Source:The Nation
June 06, 2021 21:00 UTC
Spain captain Sergio Busquets tests positive for coronavirus
By Associated PressPublished: 16:38 EDT, 6 June 2021 | Updated: 16:50 EDT, 6 June 2021Spain's preparations for the European Championship have taken a hit after captain Sergio Busquets tested positive for the coronavirus on Sunday. Spain captain Sergio Busquets has tested positive for coronavirus ahead of Euro 2020The 32-year-old led his country against Portugal on Friday but will now have to self-isolateAn official statement read: 'The RFEF regrets to announce that its captain Sergio Busquets has given a positive result in the last PCR test that was carried out this morning at the concentration of the national team in Las Rozas. As a result of Busquets' positive test, Spain's Under-21s will now play Lithuania on TuesdayPersonalised practice routines will be put into place so health safety protocols can be observed as the team continues its preparations for Euro 2020. Spain are set to play their first match on June 14 against Sweden in Seville. Spain's final warm-up match against Lithuania on Tuesday will be played with under-21 players, and under-21 squad coach Luis de la Fuente will be in charge.
Source:The Nation
June 06, 2021 20:37 UTC