“Refugee Olympic Team” to be announced for Tokyo 2020
The Refugee Olympic Team was set to be announced during the IOC Executive Board meeting yesterday (8). It was to be bigger than the one chosen for Rio 2016, when it made its debutThe announcement of an expanded Refugee Olympic Team for Tokyo 2020 was to be the highlight of the opening day of the International Olympic Committee (IOC) Executive Board meeting yesterday (8). It was expected that up to 35 athletes could be selected, representing a significant increase on the 10 who competed in three sports at Rio 2016 when the squad made its debut. Thanks to scholarships provided by the IOC, 55 promising refugee athletes from 13 countries have been given the opportunity to qualify for Tokyo 2020, reported the Inside the Games on Monday (7). The IOC and Tokyo 2020 are battling worldwide criticism that they are continuing to press ahead with preparations for the re-arranged Games, due to open on 23 July and conclude on 8 August, in the face of consistent public opposition in Japan.
Source:The Nation
June 09, 2021 12:08 UTC
Revisiting Memorable Sporting Moments – SL winning ARY Gold Cup in Sharjah in 2001
SL winning ARY Gold Cup in Sharjah in 2001ARY Gold Cup Final (D/N), Sharjah, Apr 20 2001Toss: Sri Lanka. Sri Lanka 297/7 (50 overs)Pakistan 220 (41.4/50 overs)Sri Lanka won by 77 runsThe victorious SL team with the ARY Gold CupSri Lanka astonished a sell-out crowd by overwhelming in-form Pakistan. If less comprehensive than when they beat India by 245 runs in their previous Sharjah final, in October, it was nevertheless a convincing victory. Humayun Farhat and Saeed Anwar fought back, adding 69 in eight overs, and Pakistan were well ahead of the asking-rate after 15 overs, with 108. Tail-enders Shoaib Malik and Waqar Younis saw them past 200, but once Muttiah Muralitharan removed them, the innings subsided with eight overs to spare.
Source:The Nation
June 09, 2021 12:08 UTC
Rhino Group Donates 8 ICU Ventilators to Ministry of Health
Colombo, June 8, 2021 – Rhino Group serving Sri Lanka for over half a century, has stepped forward to donate 8 ICU Ventilators worth over Rs. 10 million to the Ministry of Health to support the nation combat the COVID-19 pandemic, the company has announced. Commenting on the donation to the Ministry of Health, Rhino Group Managing Director, E. J. Gnanam stated, “Rhino and its subsidiaries has always come forward to help the Nation during difficult times, as a responsible corporate citizen for the past sixty years. Sri Lanka is currently facing its worst crisis ever caused by the Covid 19 pandemic, with many of our citizens hospitalized over it. Since their humble inception in 1962, Rhino Roofing Products have grown to become the premium providers of roofing solutions to the Nation.
Source:The Nation
June 09, 2021 11:03 UTC
Determined enforcement and reliable information – Sri Lanka’s need of the hour in Intellectual Property Protection call
The World Anti-Counterfeiting Day was established by the Global Anti-Counterfeiting Group (GACG) to address the risks and damage caused by the counterfeit and piracy trade. As recently as in 2019 the Organisation for Economic Co-operation and Development (OECD) estimates that trade in global ‘fake goods’ was a hefty 3.3% of overall world trade. Accordingly, Sri Lanka has a robust IPR framework which recognizes the importance of effective enforcement of IPR for the protection of consumers and brand owners. I strongly believe that inculcating IPR protection at secondary education levels will help in educating young minds on the importance of IPR protection, as they are the future generation of inventors, creators and leaders of our nation. Moreover, as the country focuses on increasing international trade and investment, IPR protection, along with investment protection, is of the utmost importance to ensure the development of the local economy.
Source:The Nation
June 09, 2021 11:03 UTC
Ranindu gets draw, Bangladesh GM is too strong for Susal
By Ishani UpatharithaRESULTSResults of SL players in the 7th round:* Ziaur Rahman (2434) beat Susal De Silva (2085)* Khandaker Aminul Islam (2182) drew Ranindu D. Liyanage (2203)* Rahman Mohammad Fahad (2314) beat A.A.C.B. GM Ziaur Rahman tried to follow the Trompovsky Opening. Now Susal and Ranindu stay in the sixth and seventh positions respectively with two games to go. Unfortunately, some leading chess players of Sri Lanka, including rank no 1. The Bangladesh Chess Federation is conducting the event from Dhaka and the Sri Lankan players are playing from the Chess Federation of Sri Lanka headquarters at Gangodawila, Nugegoda.
Source:The Nation
June 09, 2021 10:52 UTC
On This Day – 9 June
1914 – Honus Wagner becomes the first Major League Baseball player to get 3,000 hits1972 – Birth of one of a unique cricket sextet. When Zimbabwe played New Zealand in the first Test in Harare in 1997-98, Bryan (born this day) and Paul Strang were one of three sets of brothers in the side, along with the Rennies (Gavin and John) and the Flowers (Andy and Grant)On 9 June 1983, rookie Zims sprang a surprise beating the Aussies in the World Cup curtain raiser. He was one of the stars of Australia’s World Cup campaign in 2003, made his Test debut in 2004, and got his maiden hundred in the Ashes two years later. Rashid picked up two wickets from his first two deliveries and was on a hat-trick twice in his first two overs. This was Afghanistan’s first 50-over win over a Full Member side that wasn’t either Zimbabwe or Bangladesh
Source:The Nation
June 09, 2021 10:41 UTC
SRI LANKA LEAVE FOR ENGLAND (PHOTOS)
Sri Lanka white-ball cricket team left for England early morning on Wednesday (9). They will play three T20Is and as many ODIs in England from 23 June to 4 July. (From left): Praveen Jayawickrama, Ishan Jayaratne, Dhananjaya Lakshan, and Charith AsalankaHead Coach Mickey ArthurCaptain Kusal Perera(From left): Ramesh Mendis, team trainer, and Binura FernandoBatting Coach Grant FlowerFast Bowling Coach Chaminda Vaas(From left): National Selector on tour Romesh Kaluwitharana, Physio Brett Harp, and another tour party member(From left): Kusal Mendis, Asitha Fernando, a tour party member, Lakshan Sandakan, Pathum Nissanka, Danushka Gunathilaka,, Chamika Karunaratne, and Computer Analyst Thanuja Niroshan(From left): Kusal Mendis, Wanindu Hasaranga, and Dushmantha ChameeraPlayers get into the team bus to BIA Airport from Taj Samudra Hotel, Colombo
Source:The Nation
June 09, 2021 10:07 UTC
Foreign Minister thanks Russian counterpart for Covid-19 support
Foreign Minister Dinesh Gunawardena in a telephone conversation with the Minister of Foreign Affairs of the Russian Federation Sergey Lavrov on Monday (07) expressed his appreciation for the support extended by Russia towards Sri Lanka in addressing the challenges posed by the COVID-19 pandemic, the Foreign Ministry said today (09). In this regard, Foreign Minister Gunawardena welcomed Russia’s assistance in accessing the Sputnik V vaccine to support Sri Lanka’s nationwide inoculation programme, as well as ongoing cooperation between the relevant institutes of epidemiology and biotechnology in producing the vaccine. The Foreign Minister also reiterated Sri Lanka’s appreciation to Russia for the support extended to Sri Lanka in multilateral fora, including in the Human Rights Council. Bilateral consultations being scheduled within the framework of the two Foreign Ministries, as well as the Intergovernmental Commission on Trade, Economic, Scientific and Technical Cooperation, were among other issues discussed.
Source:The Nation
June 09, 2021 10:07 UTC
A Greater Focus on the Private Sector Required to Pivot Sri Lanka’s Development Trajectory: IFC Asia and Pacific Vice President
He was delivering a keynote session via a video link at the Sri Lanka Investment Forum, organized by the Board of Investment, the Ceylon Chamber of Commerce and the Colombo Stock Exchange. “Sri Lanka has been a development success story,” Garcia Mora told the forum. A greater contribution of the private sector can also be a source of much needed fiscal revenue that would allay some of the current fiscal pressures. IFC remains a key private sector development partner having invested $1.6 billion in some 30 projects across the country. “In Sri Lanka, we have learned through experience that straightjacketed investments are not necessarily an effective solution.
Source:The Nation
June 09, 2021 10:04 UTC
Japan responds positively President s request for AstraZeneca vaccines
President Gotabaya Rajapaksa’s request made to the Prime Minister of Japan, Yoshihide Suga, seeking to obtain 600,000 doses of AstraZeneca vaccine has been met with positive responses. The Japanese Government has also acceded to the President’s request to provide medical supplies and healthcare equipment needed to contain the spread of the COVID-19 virus. The President also drew the attention of the Japanese Ambassador to obtain technical assistance required for expeditiously respond to maritime accidents. Deputy Ambassador at the Japanese Embassy Kitamura Toshihiro, First Secretary Imamura Kayo, Secretary to the President P.B. Jayasundera, Principal Advisor to the President Lalith Weeratunga, and Foreign Secretary Admiral Jayanath Colombage were also present at the meeting.
Source:The Nation
June 09, 2021 09:45 UTC
Sri Lanka receives COVID aid worth Rs. 800 million from Switzerland
The government of Switzerland has sent rapid antigen test kits, ventilators, oxygen concentrators and other medical examination materials worth Rs. 800 million to Sri Lanka. “The aid shipment includes 50 ventilators provided by the Swiss Army Pharmacy, 150 oxygen concentrators, and other medical supplies (including equipment to measure oxygen saturation). Switzerland has already extended support to Sri Lanka in the fight against the pandemic last year to the tune of around Rs. “For another LKR 22 million, the Swiss Embassy supports local partners in providing COVID emergency aid to the poorest and especially low-income families.”
Source:The Nation
June 09, 2021 09:22 UTC
Sputnik consignment on track for 11 June arrival: SPC
The consignment of 50,000 first doses and 15,000 second doses of the Russian-manufactured Sputnik V anti Covid-19 vaccines will arrive in the country on 11 June, The Morning learnt. Speaking to The Morning, State Pharmaceuticals Corporation General Manager (SPC) Dinusha Dassanayake confirmed that the consignment of Sputnik V vaccines will arrive on schedule. Earlier on 04 June, State Minister of Production, Supply and Regulation of Pharmaceuticals Channa Jayasumana stated that the stocks of Sputnik V will arrive this week. As at 8.30 pm yesterday (08), 64,986 persons received the first dose of the Sputnik V vaccine. So far, no administration of the second dose of the same has taken place.
Source:The Nation
June 09, 2021 09:11 UTC
New state university to be established from August
An extraordinary gazette has been issued to establish a new state university named ‘University of Vavuniya’ with effect from the 1st of August 2021. Peiris published the relevant notification by virtue of the powers vested in him by section 21 of Universities Act, No. Thereby, the order made under the said Act to establish the Vavuniya Campus of the University of Jaffna will be revoked effective from the 31st of July, the gazette read further. The new state university is being established for the purpose of providing, promoting and developing higher education in the branches of learning of Business Studies, Applied Science and Technology Studies. Further, the university will place greater emphasis on educating students on creating value within the local resource base, he added.
Source:The Nation
June 09, 2021 09:06 UTC
Japan responds positively to President’s request for AstraZeneca vaccines
President Gotabhaya Rajapaksa’s request to the Prime Minister of Japan Yoshihide Suga for 600,000 doses of AstraZeneca vaccine has been met with a positive response. This was stated by the President and the Japanese Ambassador to Sri Lanka Sugiyama Akira at a meeting held at the Presidential Secretariat this morning (09). The Japanese government has also agreed to the request for the vaccines and to obtain the technical assistance needed for emergency Covid response. Deputy Ambassador and Minister of the Embassy of Japan Kitamura Toshihiro, First Secretary Imamura Kayo, Secretary to the President P.B. Jayasundera, Chief Adviser to the President Lalith Weeratunga and Foreign Secretary Admiral Jayanath Colombage were also present.
Source:The Nation
June 09, 2021 09:06 UTC