‘Vaccination problems due to short supply, high demand’
Health Ministry to probe/mitigate vaccination cock-upsBy Buddhika Samaraweera and Dinitha RathnayakeThe Ministry of Health has attributed the numerous irregularities seen in the national vaccination drive so far, such as the lack of adherence to priority lists, to the high demand for vaccines and the limited supply of them. “Problems that have been reported with regard to the anti Covid-19 vaccines have not been reported in the case of vaccines for other diseases. The short supply of anti-Covid-19 vaccines and the increasing demand for them have led to these irregularities,” he added. The Health Ministry has launched an investigation into the irregularities during this vaccination program in Galle. The Production, Supply and Regulation of Pharmaceuticals Minister Prof. Channa Jayasumana had also raised the matter in Parliament.
Source:The Nation
June 10, 2021 18:00 UTC
A brave, futuristic move that requires balancing science with tradition
“The presidential directive will not be achieved by using agronomists and professionals who are trained and practiced in only using chemical fertilisers and pesticides. In his presentation, he said organic agriculture is described as a production system that sustains the health of soils, ecosystems, and people. “That is how and why organic agriculture helps move towards sustainability without losing any crop. Chemical fertilisers actually create more pests.”She noted that studies have been conducted on the correlation between chemical fertilisers and pests, and she claimed that the reduction of the genetic base from which new varieties are developed also contributes to pests’ vulnerability. Then in the middle of the last Century, Sri Lanka adapted the Green Revolution in favour of high-yielding farms.
Source:The Nation
June 10, 2021 18:00 UTC
Order stocks of vaccine for third dose if necessary: Prez
President Gotabaya Rajapaksa has instructed officials to order necessary COVID vaccine stocks immediately if a third dose is also required, based on health recommendations and considering the global situation. Many of the world’s leading countries have already ordered vaccines for the third dose. The President pointed out the need for Sri Lanka to pay special attention to this and prepare for the administration of the third dose. At the same time, steps must also be taken to vaccinate all those suffering from non-communicable diseases, the President instructed. He said that the Information and Communication Technology Agency (ICTA) has developed special software to formalize the vaccination process and to collect the data of all vaccinated persons.
Source:The Nation
June 10, 2021 16:41 UTC
2,715 coronavirus cases confirmed within today
June 10, 2021 09:32 pmThe Ministry of Health says that another 573 persons have tested positive for coronavirus, increasing today’s tally of new Covid-19 cases to 2,715. It said that all positive cases reported today are associated with the ‘New Year’ Covid-19 cluster. This brings the total number of Covid-19 patients reported from the Minuwangoda, Peliyagoda, prisons and New Year clusters to 209,332 thus far. A total of 216,134 confirmed cases of coronavirus have been reported in Sri Lanka while 31,986 patients are currently under medical care. Total Covid-19 recoveries stands at 182,238.
Source:The Nation
June 10, 2021 16:41 UTC
Bangabandhu Innovation Grant for Entrepreneurs, Innovators: State Minister Palak
The Hon’ble State Minister of ICT Division Mr. Zunaid Ahmed Palak MP enlightened the media about the present state and the future action plans of BIG 2021. The State Minister said the “Bangabandhu Innovation Grant” competition has made it possible to inspire and engage the young generation of the country to be entrepreneurs and innovators. The 1st prize of the Bangabandhu Innovation Grant will be a grant of 1 lakh US dollars. One of our humble efforts to spread his work all over the world is “Bangabandhu Innovation Grant (BIG) 2021”. Liakat Ali said, “BIG 2021 is one of the events that will inspire young people and innovators.
Source:The Nation
June 10, 2021 16:07 UTC
Sri Lankan appointed to US President’s Commission
Dr. George E. Gabriel has been appointed by US President Joe Biden to the President’s Commission on White House Fellowships. Dr. Gabriel is originally from Sri Lanka and studied at the University of Kelaniya before immigrating to the United States. “His focus has been on student success in community colleges with the specific goal to narrow achievement gaps in student outcomes by implementing innovative practices,” a White House release said. President Biden has appointed 22 members to the President’s Commission on White House Fellowships. I am grateful these dedicated and accomplished Americans will help select and mentor the next class of White House Fellows who demonstrate exceptional leadership, unwavering passion, and a strong commitment to public service,” said President Biden.
Source:The Nation
June 10, 2021 16:03 UTC
Inconsistent information paves way for fake news: Lawyer Suren Fernando
When Government Officials continue to share inconsistent information with the public regarding a situation, this creates confusion and in turn, paves the way for the spread of fake news, Attorney-at-Law Suren Fernando told The Morning today (10). “The Constitution of this country, which is the highest law of the land, recognises freedom of speech. However, he noted that political expression which does not lead to violence and discrimination is not criminalised. “In this particular example, the Court explained that speech or dissent against the government is recognised by the constitution and therefore, it must be permitted,” Fernando stated. Fernando also addressed the fact that what falls under the definition of “fake news” is also not defined.
Source:The Nation
June 10, 2021 16:03 UTC
OnePlus Nord CE revives the headphone jack, at a cost
OnePlus has launched the Nord CE, which stands for “Core Edition.” The mid-range phone resurrects the headphone jack, albeit with a few trimmed features. The OnePlus Nord CE still centers around a 6.4-inch, 2,400 x 1,080 AMOLED screen with a 90Hz refresh rate. You didn’t need to wait long to see OnePlus’ next Nord phone. The OnePlus Nord CE uses a Snapdragon 750G chip rather than the first model’s 765G. OnePlus is effectively refocusing with the Nord CE.
Source:The Nation
June 10, 2021 15:00 UTC
Ranil set to be sworn in as MP this month
June 10, 2021 by Aazam Ameen No CommentsFormer Prime Minister and leader of the United National Party (UNP) Ranil Wickremesinghe is to be sworn in as a Member of Parliament (MP) this month. UNP Working Committee member Dinouk Colombage confirmed to The Morning today (10) that it is planned to swear Wickremesinghe in on 22 June. Accordingly, he also stated that Wickremesinghe’s name will be submitted to the Election Commission next week.
Source:The Nation
June 10, 2021 14:37 UTC
Online jokers mock wild staring eyes of driver, 19, who outraced chasing police car
Nathan Batha, 19, hit speeds of 157mph when he drove his black Audi on a motorway in Cheshire on December 13. He was jailed for 12 months after he pleaded guilty to dangerous driving, failing to stop for the police and driving without insurance. After his mug shot was released by Cheshire Police, social media users were merciless in their mockery of his 'surprised' expression. 'Speeding reduces your time to react and deal with things like changes in driving conditions and actions taken by other road users. Batha was jailed for 12 months after he pleaded guilty to dangerous driving, failing to stop for the police and driving without insurance.
Source:The Nation
June 10, 2021 14:03 UTC
Over 1 million people given first dose of Sinopharm vaccine so far
The Sinopharm COVID-19 vaccine has been rolled out among more than 1 million people in Sri Lanka, the Epidemiology Unit says. Its cumulative total showed that as many as 1,099,092 individuals have received the first dose of the Sinopharm vaccine so far. Sri Lanka ramped up coronavirus vaccination upon the receipt of 2 million doses of Sinopharm vaccine this week. Sri Lanka also received a donation of 500,000 doses of the China-manufactured vaccine on May 26. Sinopharm coronavirus vaccine, also known as BBIBP-CorV, is produced by China National Biotec Group (CNBG) – a subsidiary of China National Pharmaceutical Group Corporation (SINOPHARM).
Source:The Nation
June 10, 2021 13:18 UTC
2,142 new cases of Covid-19 reported in Sri Lanka
June 10, 2021 06:53 pmThe Ministry of Health reports that another 2,142 persons have tested positive for coronavirus today (June 10). All new cases are associated with the New Year Covid-19 cluster. This brings the total number of COVID-19 cases confirmed in the country thus far to 215,538. Presently 33,201 infected patients are being treated at hospitals and treatment centers across the island. Meanwhile, the number of total recoveries has reached 180,427.
Source:The Nation
June 10, 2021 13:18 UTC
OPA puts forward exit strategy for travel restrictions
The Organisation of Professional Associations of Sri Lanka (OPA) in a statement released today (10), put forward a series of recommendations in order to execute a proper exit strategy for the ongoing travel restrictions. Accordingly, the Organisation has made the following observations –Lack of adherence to preventive measure when restrictions were relaxedRelaxed and complacent attitude towards Covid prevention measures across all levels, despite advice from health authoritiesIncreasing number of deaths and casesLikelihood of numbers increasing which will exceed capacity of the health systemDeviation from WHO priority road map for vaccination processesWith these observations in mind, the Organisation has put forward the following recommendations –Continue restriction of mobility in heavily affected areas while maintaining essential economic and service activitiesGovernment could maintain and encourage the private sector to join and maintain supply chains for provision of essential services. OPA is in the best position to provide such recommendations as done in the past. Consider the usage of epidemiological predictions, forecasting and mapping to plan preventive and management strategiesRevise patient admission and discharge criteria considering limited resources available for prioritized admission process to ensure early detection and management of those who are at high riskReal time data and rational use of IT for contact tracing and surveillance as there is a backlog in receiving informationIsolate if necessary (as a bubble or similar arrangement ), affected economic centres such as FTZs and ports of entry while maintaining economic process, supply chains, and essential services. Streamline the vaccination policy with priority given to those over the age of 60 with pre existing conditions
Source:The Nation
June 10, 2021 13:07 UTC
Katie Price arrives at court for case against 'troll'
He appeared in court this morning as Price took to the witness box. The clip was shared on social media in November and mocked Price and her son Harvey. A man, who was wearing blackface, replied: 'Hello you c***s.'Price, who heads the Track A Troll campaign against anonymous accounts, quickly took to social media to find the culprit. Last year Price sat down with MPs to talk about the internet trolling her son Harvey - who has Prader-Willi syndrome - faces. She has called for 'Harvey's Law', which is to make social media abuse a specific offence with a register to catalogue offenders.
Source:The Nation
June 10, 2021 13:07 UTC
UNP to stand for victims arrested for fake news
June 10, 2021 by Mihi Perera No CommentsWe are ready to stand up for suspects arrested for spreading “fake news” on social media by offering our help and services towards those suspects, stated General Secretary of the United National Party (UNP) Palitha Range Bandara today (10) stated. He said that the UNP is willing to offer their lawyers to suspects arrested for this offence as this is an unjust way to deal with the country’s problems. “The government is trying to silence those who speak the truth against them by arresting them for allegedly spreading fake news, which is an unethical way of dealing with issues,” he stated.
Source:The Nation
June 10, 2021 12:11 UTC