Dead scene for local entertainers
But I hate him with all my heart for the crimes he committed on ordinary people, ordinary boys and girls. This expertise in turn was fed by local scholars estranged from ground realities affiliated to these foreign institutions. The conscription of Tamil children into LTTE ranks was tolerated in the name of peace rather than being seen as a warlike action. A sizeable local elite component was carried along and its effect on the Western-backed peace initiative was a reversal. He felt there is so much local scope for creativity, to earn a decent living and pay the employees well.
Source:The Nation
May 25, 2021 00:11 UTC
Inferno aboard container ship increasing local air pollution
By Ifham NizamAir samples had revealed that air pollution level is high due to the fumes from the fire aboard the MV X-Press Pearl in the seas off the Colombo Harbour, a senior marine scientist said. Dr. Kumara said that air and water samples were being collected regularly to monitor pollution levels. Discussions were underway with the foreign experts, insurance agents and the local agent of the ship ‘X-PRESS PEARL’, registered under the Singapore flag, Dr. Kumara said, adding things were under control. The National Building Research Organisation has also launched an investigation on air pollution as a result of the fumes from the inferno aboard the MV X-Press Pearl in the seas off the Colombo Harbour. The distressed container ship has been manned by a crew of 25, who are Filipino, Chinese, Indian, and Russian nationals.
Source:The Nation
May 25, 2021 00:00 UTC
JKH records recurring EBITDA of Rs.7.17 billion in Q4
Excluding Leisure, Group revenue increased by 17% to Rs.36.15 billion in Q4; up 1% to Rs.122.32 billion in 2020/21. Excluding Leisure, Group recurring EBITDA increased by 43% to Rs.7.10 billion in Q4; up 8% to Rs.19.16 billion in 2020/21. The pace of recovery in Q4 is demonstrated by the recurring EBITDA of Rs.7.21 billion in the quarter against the full year recurring EBITDA of Rs.15.57 billion. The Supermarket business witnessed a sharp quarter-on-quarter recovery momentum in sales, with the fourth quarter same store sales recovering to pre Covid-19 levels. The Consumer Foods industry group recorded a strong recovery during the year, particularly the performance of the Frozen Confectionery business.
Source:The Nation
May 24, 2021 23:00 UTC
Apple releases iOS 14.6 with Apple Card Family support
Apple today released the iOS 14.6 update for all iPhone models including and newer than the iPhone 6s. One of these features is support for Apple Card Family. Parents can also share their Apple Card with their children with optional spending limits and controls. iOS 14.6 also adds support for Apple Podcasts Subscriptions. Aside from iOS 14.6, Apple also released iPadOS 14.6, macOS 11.4, watchOS 7.5, tvOS 14.6 and HomePod OS 14.6.
Source:The Nation
May 24, 2021 21:00 UTC
'Cocaine snorting' Italian Eurovision singer was accused of copying hit
The Italian pop star previously suspected by some viewers of snorting cocaine at the Eurovision finals is no stranger to controversy, MailOnline has learned. Damiano David's group Maneskin were accused of plagiarism earlier this year after winning a major competition in Italy. Photos from his schooldays emerged showing he was far more clean-cut as a teenager than his later outrageous stage persona suggestsA young Damiano, pictured left and right. They were forced to defend themselves against plagiarism accusations over their crowd-pleasing hit, Zitti e Buoni [be quiet and good]. Damiano David and bassist Victoria first met at middle school in Rome where they also knew guitar player Thomas Raggi.
Source:The Nation
May 24, 2021 21:00 UTC
112 Brigade Troops-Improvised 260-Bed ICC Formally Inaugurated
An old garment factory building, owned by Sri Lanka Transport Board (SLTB) Bus Depot at Badulla was improvised as an Intermediate Care Center (ICC) forCOVIF-19 infectees by the Army and vested it in health authorities on Sunday (23). The Commander, Security Forces - Central, Major General Ranjan Lamahewage formally handed over this 260-Bed ICC, in addition to Army-improvised ICCs at Bindunuwewa (200 Beds) and Kahagolla (190 Beds), already functional in the UVA province. 112 Brigade troops on the instructions of the General Officer Commanding, 11 Division and the 112 Brigade Commander extended their skilled manpower and technical support for those improvisations in order to facilitate essential requirements of the medical staff and operational mechanism at those ICCs. This conversion process was carried out with the cooperation of Major General Kithsiri Liyanage, GOC 11 Division and Brigadier Anura Disanayake, Commander 112 Brigade. Chief Secretary Uva Provincial Council Mr. P. B Wijerathne, Regional Director of Health Services (RDHS), Dr. Hemantha De Silva, Specialist in Public Health, Dr. Nimal Gamagedara were present at the official inaugural occasion.
Source:The Nation
May 24, 2021 20:48 UTC
Apple's Worldwide Developers Conference starts June 7
Apple today announced that its Worldwide Developers Conference will start June 7. The keynote will be available to stream from apple.com, the Apple Developer app, the Apple TV app on supported platforms, and YouTube. This will be available to stream via the Apple Developer app and the Apple Developer website. Starting June 8, session videos will be posted every day on the the Apple Developer app and on the Apple Developer website. Like WWDC 2020, WWDC 2021 is completely free to all registered Apple developers.
Source:The Nation
May 24, 2021 19:41 UTC
‘Travel restrictions’ extended to 07 June
report to President on daily earnersCops in civvies to nab violatorsBy Dinitha Rathnayake and Pamodi WaravitaThe Government yesterday (24) announced that the ongoing travel restrictions would be extended till 07 June, a week later than the originally planned date of 31 May. Thereafter, travel restrictions will be imposed tomorrow (26), and on 27, 28, 29 and 30 May. Travel restrictions will once again be temporarily lifted on 31 May for the public to stock up on essential items. Gen. Silva said that in addition to grocery stores and pharmacies, Sathosa and cooperative stores can also remain open on the days that travel restrictions are lifted. Rohana further added that only one member from a family would be allowed to go out to buy essentials from any outlet within walking distance when the travel restrictions are relaxed.
Source:The Nation
May 24, 2021 19:01 UTC
ACMC meets Prime Minister to talk Rishad’s fate
Explanations sought from ACMC MPs who voted for Port City BillBy Buddhika SamaraweeraA discussion has been held recently between All Ceylon Makkal Congress (ACMC) Parliamentarians and Prime Minister Mahinda Rajapaksa regarding the release of ACMC Leader and MP Rishad Bathiudeen. During the discussion, Opposition MPs Ali Sabri Raheem, Ishak Rahuman and S.M.M. “Raheem contested the General Election from the Muslim National Alliance (MNA) and Rahuman contested from the Samagi Jana Balawegaya (SJB). Among the ACMC and SLMC MPs who voted in favour of the 20th Amendment were Raheem, Rahuman, Faizal Cassim, H.M.M. While they voted in favour of the 20th Amendment, the two Party Leaders, MPs Rauff Hakeem and Bathiudeen voted against it.
Source:The Nation
May 24, 2021 19:01 UTC
‘Black fungus not contagious’
“Black fungus is a misnomer. She was responding to our queries as to the danger of a black fungus outbreak in Sri Lanka similar to that seen in neighbouring India. As of last week, India reported over 8,000 cases of the black fungus disease, especially in recovered and recovering Covid-19 patients. Black fungus is caused by mould found in damp environments like soil or compost, and can attack the respiratory tract. Black fungus commonly affects the sinuses or lungs after a person inhales fungal spores in the air, and can also affect the skin following a surface injury like a cut or burn.
Source:The Nation
May 24, 2021 18:56 UTC
No passenger buses, trains today
By Buddhika SamaraweeraAlthough the islandwide travel restrictions imposed by the Government to control the rapid spread of the Covid-19 virus are to be relaxed today (25), no passenger trains or buses will be running, according to The Railway Department. This is despite an announcement by the Railway Department on 23 May that 20 slow trains would be operated on four railway lines to facilitate essential services with the easing of traffic restrictions today. Meanwhile, the Chairman of the Sri Lanka Transport Board (SLTB) Kingsley Ranawaka said that although the travel restrictions are to be eased today, SLTB buses will not run. However, he added that the provision of transport facilities for those engaged in essential services will continue. Also, the President of the Lanka Private Bus Owners’ Association Gemunu Wijeratne told The Morning that private buses would also not run today as per the advice of the health authorities.
Source:The Nation
May 24, 2021 18:56 UTC
Heavy winds and rains today
Those who are already in those sea areas are advised to return to coasts or to move to safer areas. Accordingly, the NBRO had issued a level one warning for the Districts of Ratnapura, Galle, Kalutara, Kegalle, and Nuwara Eliya. “In such an event, people should be extra vigilant and be ready to move quickly to safe places if heavy rain continues,” it added. A total of eight persons belonging to three families in the Mullaitivu District have been affected by the heavy winds since 21 May. When the relevant requests are received through the DMC, the Finance Ministry would make the necessary provisions, he added.
Source:The Nation
May 24, 2021 18:56 UTC
Covid as Sri Lanka’s great leveller
Of course we too are hit in the same way the world has been rudely awakened by Covid. The virus has threatened the economy and lifestyles, and the story is the same, rich country, poor country, or nondescript nation. The wage earner and the company chief executive both thought that together they had licked the problem, and were the world champions in beating Covid. That was partly due to the fact that there was a developing controversy about the burial or cremation of Covid victims. Covid is in that way the great leveller and is also in that limited sense at least a breath of fresh air, ironical – and insensitive – as it may sound.
Source:The Nation
May 24, 2021 18:56 UTC
Protecting our protectors
In the past few months, groups fighting for the rights of healthcare sector workers have pointed out that some healthcare sector workers who are directly involved in Covid-19 management efforts are not being compensated properly. All the above-mentioned healthcare sector workers, PHIs, nurses and laboratory technicians are essential to the country’s Covid-19 management efforts, and without their contribution, the entire Covid-19 management process would collapse instantly. Also, it is their sacrifices that have prevented the shortage of resources from affecting the overall Covid-19 management efforts. The two Ministers tasked with dealing with the Covid-19 situation have on several occasions vowed to ensure the safety and wellbeing of the healthcare sector workers. Failing to identify the healthcare sector workers as an integral part of the country’s Covid-19 management efforts is not the issue.
Source:The Nation
May 24, 2021 18:56 UTC
Malaysia says travelers from Sri Lanka to undergo mandatory quarantine period of 21 days
Malaysia has imposed and extended a mandatory quarantine period of 21 days for travelers from Sri Lanka, Bangladesh, Nepal, and Pakistan who have been given permission to enter the country. This is an additional seven days from the current 14 days quarantine imposed on travelers from these countries. All travelers are required to also do the RT-PCR test upon arrival at Malaysia’s international entry points. Ismail Sabri said the quarantine period for travelers from all countries has also been extended from 10 days to 14, and they are to be placed at quarantine stations. “The 14-day quarantine period will be extended for another seven days (bringing the quarantine days to 21) should there be a need for it.
Source:The Nation
May 24, 2021 18:22 UTC