SLCPI urges caution on Covid vaccine procurement
Says procurement must be from registered, market-authorized distributorsMay 20, 2021: The Sri Lanka Chamber of the Pharmaceutical Industry (SLCPI) whilst thanking the Government for its efforts in obtaining vaccines to tackle the Covid-19 pandemic, says they will continue to collaborate closely with the Government and Health Authorities to ensure that the imports are strictly from legitimate distributors, registered with their Principals who are the global manufacturers. The apex body of the pharmaceutical importers, whose membership represents all the large players in global vaccine manufacture, reiterated that procurement of any vaccine for Covid-19 should mandatorily be from registered, market authorized distributors, approved by the global manufacturers. While the purchasing of vaccines remains on a government to government level, SLCPI stated, they will continue to facilitate and support the drive but insists that authenticity of the source is paramount in guaranteeing patient safety. Typically at times of pandemic, a surge of illegal and counterfeit products enter various markets, driven by desperation and available through shady means. Post Views: 3
Source:The Nation
May 20, 2021 10:52 UTC
SriLankan Airlines signs MOU with Boeing.
May 20, 2021, Colombo: SriLankan Airlines and Boeing, the leading aerospace company in the USA signed a collaboration MOU in Colombo, Sri Lanka recently. The new agreement would enable both parties to explore airframe maintenance, component maintenance, training, and other commercial opportunities. The signing took place as a hybrid event in the presence of SriLankan Airlines CEO Vipula Gunathilake, Head of Engineering Shevantha Weerasekera, and Sales Director for Boeing Kaanthi Bhuvanagiri, while other dignitaries joined virtually. Post Views: 3
Source:The Nation
May 20, 2021 10:52 UTC
Rear Admiral YN Jayarathne, New Navy Deputy Chief of Staff
COLOMBO (News 1st) Rear Admiral YN Jayarathne, who was recently appointed as the Deputy Chief of Staff of Sri Lanka Navy, called on Commander of the Navy, Vice Admiral Nishantha Ulugetenne at the Navy Headquarters today (20th May 2021). Rear Admiral YN Jayarathne was appointed Deputy Chief of Staff of Sri Lanka Navy with effect from 19th May 2021, whilst he was holding the office of Commander Eastern Naval Area. Accordingly, Commander of the Navy handed over the letter of appointment in this regard to Rear Admiral YN Jayarathne on Thursday (20)In addition to the appointment as Deputy Chief of Staff of the Navy, he will continue to discharge duties as Commander Eastern Naval Area as well.
Source:The Nation
May 20, 2021 10:18 UTC
Prior reservations for treatments at National Eye Hospital made mandatory
The Ministry of Health states that it is mandatory to make a reservation for a date and time to obtain treatment and services from the National Eye Hospital. The Ministry points out that due to the prevailing Covid-19 risk, only a limited number of people can be kept in the hospital premises for compliance with health instructions. Due to the government eye clinics being conducted in every district, it is not necessary to visit the National Eye Hospital for treatment, the Ministry said. Due to this the Ministry of Health informs to come to the Eye Hospital by booking a date and time only for the most essential services. Earlier too, the National Eye Hospital had introduced several special telephone numbers for patients visiting clinics.
Source:The Nation
May 20, 2021 10:04 UTC
Three times as many Covid patients in society: Dr. Sudharshini
State Minister of Primary Health Care, Epidemics and COVID Disease Control Dr. Sudarshani Fernandopulle said today (20) that there may be three times as many cases of Covid-19 infected persons in society versus the numbers that are reported daily. The State Minister highlighted that there is a risk of the disease spreading further from those infected. “Three thousand five hundred patients were reported in a single day yesterday but there may be more patients in society. I urge the people of the country not to go out except for a matter of urgency,” she said. However, people get confused when different officials in the Ministry of Health make different statements,” she added.
Source:The Nation
May 20, 2021 09:45 UTC
AG issues fresh guidelines to reduce prison overcrowding
The Attorney General has issued fresh guidelines to the Inspector General of Police (IGP) for bail in respect of several offences, to immediately reduce the prison remand population and overcrowding during the Covid-19 pandemic. The Attorney General has issued these new set of guidelines for the police on the request of the Secretary to the Ministry of Justice as well as the Commissioner General of Prisons, according to the AG’s coordinating officer. In April last year, the Attorney General had formulated guidelines for Sri Lanka Police to take steps to grant bail to minor drug offenders in order to reduce overcrowding at prisons in the light of COVID-19. Meanwhile in November, at the request of Minister of Justice Ali Sabry, the Attorney General had issued instructions to grant bail to suspects under remand custody and file charges against them. The decision had been taken to reduce the overcrowding within prisons, following the COVID-19 outbreak within the remand prisons in the country.
Source:The Nation
May 20, 2021 09:00 UTC
Public requested to send in proposals for Election Law Reforms
The Select Committee of Parliament to Identify Appropriate Reforms of Election Laws and the Electoral System has requested the General Public and interested Organizations to send in their proposals for the purpose of reforming the Electoral System and Election Laws before the 19th of June 2021. Accordingly, the Select Committee of Parliament chaired by the Minister of Foreign Affairs and Leader of the House of Parliament Dinesh Gunawardena, decided to identify the appropriate reforms to the Election laws and the Electoral system so that necessary amendments may be made. The Secretary to the Committee and Deputy Secretary General of Parliament and Chief of Staff Mrs. Kushani Rohanadeera, on behalf of the Committee, has requested the proposals to be submitted to the Committee in writing or by email to [email protected] . “Written proposals and ideas should be sent addressed to the Secretary to the Select Committee of Parliament, Parliament of Sri Lanka, Sri Jayawardenapura Kotte. If the Committee intends to obtain oral evidence from the delegates, the relevant parties will be summoned to appear before the Committee in due course,” Kushani Rohanadeera said.
Source:The Nation
May 20, 2021 08:48 UTC
Xiaomi Redmi Note series reaches 200 million sales
Xiaomi has announced a very impressive milestone today - the company has sold 200 million Redmi Note phones across the world. The series has been the maker’s bestseller since the arrival of the first Redmi Note in March 2014 and has been the driving force that pushed Xiaomi up to third place in the world. While it might look like the regular Redmi Note 10 5G, the dual-LED flash is actually positioned slightly higher, suggesting a different internal design and likely more changes. While Redmi is preparing for the local launch of the Note 10, its CEO revealed another milestone - 45.2 million Note 9 phones were sold all over the globe, which is over 20% of the total amount of 200 million sold since 2014. Source 1 • Source 2 • Source 3 | Via 1 • Via 2
Source:The Nation
May 20, 2021 08:48 UTC
US assists in increasing SL’s profit and employment
Sri [email protected], a platform which focuses on supporting mid-market firms that are bringing income to areas outside Colombo hosted a public webinar with support from the United States. “With initiatives like Sri [email protected], the United States is helping Sri Lankan firms to effectively navigate current challenges, become more resilient, and increase profits and employment,” she further stated. [email protected] co-founder and Stax Managing Director Ruwindhu Peiris emphasized the vital importance of programs such as this to help build Sri Lanka’s future. [email protected] is helping to put ideas into action to create the next generation of high-income Sri Lankan businesses,” he said. Sri [email protected] is a private sector-led business development platform that was launched in 2020 with support from USAID.
Source:The Nation
May 20, 2021 08:48 UTC
Sampath Bank PLC Once Again Ranked ‘Most Loved Bank’ Among Sri Lanka’s Banking Industry
~ Climbs from 10th place to 7th in overall ‘Most Loved Brands’ leaderboard ~Colombo, May 20, 2021: Sampath Bank PLC has once again ranked amongst the top 10 ‘Most Loved Brands’ in the country, according to LMD’s Brands Annual Publication for 2021, the Bank announced. Published by Media Services together with Brand Finance, the LMD Brands Annual profiles Sri Lanka’s top brands through a comprehensive analysis of its performance and achievements. The Bank was also ranked among the Top 10 ‘Most Valuable Consumer Brands’ for 2021. It has introduced many firsts to the Sri Lankan banking sector including introducing ATMs to Sri Lanka, extended banking hours, slip-less banking and adaptation of block chain technology to name a few. As part of its visionary 2020 approach, the bank is steadily transforming itself into a ‘tech company engaged in banking,’ from the traditional approach of a bank engaged in technology.
Source:The Nation
May 20, 2021 08:15 UTC
Expert committee appointed to look into International Covid treatment
Pavithra Wanniarachchi, Minister of Health has appointed a Medical expert Committee to look into the international production of drugs and treatments for the control of the Covid-19 virus and to obtain and order a report expeditiously. Dr. Ananda Wijewickrama, Dr. Hasitha Tissera and Dr. Prasanna Gunasena have been included in the committee. Pavithra Wanniarachchi, Minister of Health emphasizes that the Ministry of Health will soon order medicines, new therapies and vaccines to be manufactured to control Covid disease as per the recommendations given by this committee. “It has been about a year and six months since the Covid-19 virus entered the world. Research into new drugs, new treatments, and new vaccines is nearing completion,” she stated.
Source:The Nation
May 20, 2021 08:11 UTC
Oppo Reno6 smartphones appear on company website and online retailers
In addition, the smartphone and its Reno6 Pro+ sibling have been listed on JD.com, one of China’s largest retailers, ahead of the phone’s announcement. The device in the video above allegedly shows the Oppo Reno6 Pro which has curved sides. Oppo Reno6 and Oppo Reno6 ProThe name of this finish may be Crystal Blue, as reported by Digital Chat Station via Weibo. Oppo Reno6 on JD.comSo far, we’re expecting three Reno6 models to be announced. A Reno6, Reno6 Pro, and Reno6 Pro+.
Source:The Nation
May 20, 2021 07:52 UTC
Top 10 Songs That Aren’t As Innocent as You Think
Though plenty of songs make their ugliness their beauty and proudly show it off (looking at you, “Polly”), here are ten songs that hide something dark behind an innocent exterior. 9 MMMBop by HansonHanson – MMMBop (Official Music Video)Few songs are as hated as this one. “I saw an angel” …something… She smiled at me on the subway…” …something something… “You’re beautiful / You’re beautiful / You’re beautiful, it’s true.”James Blunt actually hates this half-listened misinterpretation, saying in an interview with the Huffington Post, “’You’re Beautiful’ is not this soft romantic f—g song. Heck, it’s so catchy that even when you do discover the darker lyrics, you’re probably still too enamored to care. 5 Slide by Goo Goo DollsGoo Goo Dolls – Slide [Official Music Video]Have you ever heard the chorus to this song?
Source:The Nation
May 20, 2021 07:52 UTC
Stock of essential Covid medical equipment donated by Australia
A stock of essential medical equipment including oxygen cylinders was presented to the Minister of Health Pavithra Wanniarachchi yesterday (19) under the auspices of UNICEF with the financial assistance of the Government of Australia to strengthen the Covid control programme in the country. Emma Brigham, UNICEF Resident Representative in Sri Lanka, donated the equipment to the Minister of Health, Pavithra Wanniarachchi at the UNICEF Headquarters in Colombo. 291 oxygen cylinders, 342 oxygen regulators, 2,490 oxygen masks and 20 fire extinguishers worth Rs. These equipment are to be provided to the hospitals and treatment centers in the Western Province. Pavithra Wanniarachchi, Minister of Health said that the donation would help strengthen the Covid-19 treatment services in Sri Lanka and thanked the Government of Australia for their donation.
Source:The Nation
May 20, 2021 07:09 UTC
Two arrested for operating illegal Apple store
Two individuals have been arrested for operating an illegal online store which sells Apple products in Colpetty. Police Spokesperson, Deputy Inspector General Ajith Rohana stated that the suspects have defrauded close to Rs. He said the men had operated an Office on Galle Road in Colpetty, requiring customers to make online payments for the purchase of products, promising delivery within 15-days. The suspects had received online payments from various people and had not delivered the products as promised and further investigations have revealed that the business is not linked to the Apple Service Provider network. The suspects who are residents of Modara and Moratuwa will be produced before the Fort Magistrate’s Court today (20).
Source:The Nation
May 20, 2021 06:56 UTC