Photo: hanohiki (Shutterstock) Photo: hanohiki (Shutterstock)Home improvement TV shows are nothing new. In fact, one of the classics—This Old House—has been on since 1979 and still going strong (Bob Vila’s gone, but Norm Abram still makes cameos). And if you’re a fan of the genre, you might be interested in a new “dream job” that pays $1,000 for watching and reviewing at least 30 episodes of home improvement shows. The person selected for the position will be notified by May 17, 2021 and must submit their completed worksheets by June 17, 2021. Instead, “your level of enthusiasm for watching home improvement shows will be a strong factor in the selection process,” according to the contest website.
Source:The Nation
May 06, 2021 16:05 UTC
May 6, 2021 09:07 pmThe Ministry of Health says that another 546 persons have tested positive for the novel coronavirus today, pushing the daily tally of new cases reported to 1,851. All new cases are associated with the New Year COVID-19 Cluster. This increases the total Cvodi-19 cases count in Sri Lanka to 119,424 while total recoveries stand at 100,885. 17,805 patients infected with the virus are currently under medical care.
Source:The Nation
May 06, 2021 15:33 UTC
India’s Narcotic Control Bureau (NCB) has come up with the details of the official of the Indian Coast Guard (ICG), who handed over a Sri Lankan detainee — allegedly inflicted serious burn injuries while in its custody — to the Bureau, The Hindu reports. The revelation of the NCB official attains significance in the wake of the complaint that some ICG officials forced L.Y. The ICG is yet to respond to the court notice seeking the details. The court may send a reminder to the ICG seeking information, sources said. The court has posted the case for May 17 with a directive to the ICG to file a report.
Source:The Nation
May 06, 2021 15:33 UTC
According to information gathered by publicfinance.lk, as at January 31, the Government has spent only LKR 105 Mn from the Itukama COVID-19 fund balance, which amounts to just 6% of the total Itukama fund balance. publicfinance.lk obtained this information in response to a Right to Information (RTI) request filed with the Presidential Secretariat. The total Itukama fund balance stood at LKR 1,727 Mn as at January 31The breakdown of the utilised 6% (LKR 105 Mn) is as follows –PCR testing – LKR 42.6 MnQuarantine facilities – LKR LKR 38 MnAdvocacy programme – LKR 24.4 Mnpublicfinance.lk is a platform for public finance related information and analysis in Sri Lanka.
Source:The Nation
May 06, 2021 15:03 UTC
The future is digitalAt the start of 2020, the World Economic Forum made some eye-opening predictions about the global job market going forward. One factor that could help job seekers in Sri Lanka secure employment in a post-pandemic economy is digital literacy. A solution from MicrosoftThe Microsoft Global Skills Initiative is one resource that could aid those with a need to upgrade their digital skills. Microsoft’s ultimate goal with the Microsoft Global Skills Initiative is to assist its wider goal of empowering people and organisations with the knowledge, skills, and opportunities they need to succeed in a digital economy. Note: Microsoft will be extending its free LinkedIn Learning and Microsoft Learn courses and low-cost certifications under the Microsoft Global Skills Initiative to 31st December 2021.
Source:The Nation
May 06, 2021 15:00 UTC
Colombo, May 06th, 2021: Sampath Bank joined hands with one of the country’s most anticipated mega book sale events, Big Bad Wolf Online Book Sale, yet again. This partnership is part of the Bank’s continued efforts to promote the habit of reading and nurture a new generation of readers by making books more affordable and accessible. The Big Bad Wolf Online Book Sale is being held online this year too due to the COVID-19 pandemic. “We are delighted to extend our longstanding partnership with the Big Bad Wolf to this year’s Big Bad Wolf Online Book Sale,” said Darshin Pathinayake, Head of Card Centre, Sampath Bank PLC. The Bank continues to steadily transform itself into a technology-driven financial services provider while upholding our traditions and values.
Source:The Nation
May 06, 2021 14:00 UTC
May 06, Colombo : Prime Lands Residencies Limited, the condominium property arm of Prime Group, the ‘Maestro of Real Estate Artistry’ in Sri Lanka, recently debuted its Initial Public Offering (IPO) and will now be allowing potential investors the ability to submit applications for the IPO from the safety and comfort of their homes, through their website www.ipo.primeresidencies.lk. The IPO is being offered at a 40% discount allowing investors to reap a significant capital gain. Commenting on the launch of the IPO, Premalal Brahamanage, Group Chairman of Prime Lands Residencies, stated, “It is a truly momentous moment for Prime Lands, as we launch our Initial Public Offering. COVID-19 has changed the industrial landscapes around the country, especially affecting the real estate industry, thereby severely accelerating the need for bringing in digital avenues to all offerings. Having clearly understood this, we at Prime Lands are delighted to offer a digital solution that enables prospective investors to secure their participation in the IPO from the safety and security of their households.
Source:The Nation
May 06, 2021 13:52 UTC
The holiday 'green list' of quarantine-free destinations from May 17 will finally be unveiled tomorrow. At that point a risk-based traffic light system will be introduced, with different rules for returning travellers depending on which list their destination is on. People arriving from a green location will not have quarantine, while those returning from somewhere on the amber list must self-isolate for at least five days. The red list requires a 10-night stay in a quarantine hotel at a cost of £1,750 for solo travellers. A formal announcement will be made tomorrowEarlier this week a shift in government travel advice gave an apparent a hint of what destinations could be on the green list.
Source:The Nation
May 06, 2021 13:41 UTC
Up to 810 coronavirus patients were discharged from medical care within the last 24 hours as they have returned to health. Majority of the latest recoveries were reported from Hambantota District General Hospital (61), Embilipitiya Treatment Centre (50) and Panideniya Treatment Centre (44). The total number of novel coronavirus infections registered in Sri Lanka since the outbreak of the pandemic meanwhile stands at 117,529. The daily situation report showed that 15,910 active cases are currently under medical care at hospitals and treatment centres. Meanwhile, 734 people in the country have also succumbed to COVID-19 infection.
Source:The Nation
May 06, 2021 12:02 UTC
Inspired by these customers’ needs and helping them succeed, Singer the nation’s premier consumer durables retailer has partnered with Taiwan-based gaming giant MSI (Miscro-Star International) to usher in a new era for Sri Lanka’s gaming and content creating communities. Together with MSI, Singer is now ideally placed to support Sri Lankan gamers and creators to make the gaming experience more competitive, personalised and accessible. Shanil Perera, Marketing Director, Singer Sri Lanka PLC said, “We are extremely excited in partnering with MSI, recognised as a high-profile and well-respected brand name in the global gaming arena. By introducing MSI laptops with innovative technologies to the local market for the first time we aim to empower gamers and creators. Singer’s enhanced e-commerce platform provides information and details on the available MSI laptops.
Source:The Nation
May 06, 2021 12:02 UTC
In a statement released by the Party’s Central Media Unit today (6) the UNP iterated that they are of the view that Sri Lanka’s involvement in U.N. peacekeeping and peace enforcement operations should not be weakened in any way as there is a scope for further involvement in future contingents. The Party pointed out that the 2015-2019 Government decided to participate in U.N. peacekeeping and peace enforcement operations as part of a higher profile foreign policy. An army battalion with MI-17 helicopters was dispatched to Mali as part of the U.N. contingent facing Al-Qaeda affiliated terrorists. Pointing out the present COVID-19 crisis in Sri Lanka and the need for additional financial resources, the Party stated that the purchase of helicopters should only be made utilising the Russian Export Credit Line for Arms Purchases with a grace period and long-term repayment plans. The UNP also urged that if Sri Lanka is to continue involvement and increase numbers in these missions, then the Government must address the human rights concerns in the UNHRC.
Source:The Nation
May 06, 2021 12:02 UTC
Plans for capacity crowds at cricket grounds from June 21 are being drawn up to deliver full houses for England's mouth-watering schedule against India, Pakistan, New Zealand and Sri Lanka this summer. The key to any increase in the number of fans at sports events rests with the social distancing requirement demanded by government. While on the byelection campaign trail in Hartlepool this week, the Prime Minister said there is a 'good chance' the one-metre social distancing rule can be scrapped from June 21. Cain would like to trial covid certification, masks and the reduction in social distancing. 'We are working hard to ensure fans can safely return to full capacity events as soon as possible.'
Source:The Nation
May 06, 2021 11:01 UTC
The Commission General of the Excise Department has issued health guidelines for all excise licensees in the country including bars, pubs and restaurants serving liquor in line with the guidelines issued by the Director General of Health Services. This is in accordance with Notice No. 409/2021 issued by the Director General of Government Information Department dated 01.05.2021 and the guidelines on Covid-19 control issued by the Director General of Health Services dated 01.05.2021. The following guidelines have been issued by the Commissioner General of Excise for the licensed establishments across the island:Commission General of Excise Department issues guidelines by Adaderana Online on Scribd
Source:The Nation
May 06, 2021 10:07 UTC
May 6, 2021 by Mihi Perera No CommentsThe Railway Department has taken steps to cancel 22 train journeys. The Department of Railways said the move was taken in view of the declining number of passengers with the spread of the Covid-19 pandemic. Accordingly, steps have been taken to cancel 22 office train journeys including the night mail train until further notice.
Source:The Nation
May 06, 2021 09:45 UTC
May 6, 2021 03:15 pmThe Department of Railways has decided to temporarily cancel 22 train journeys due to the prevailing Covid-19 situation. The department said that the decision was taken owing to the significant drop in the number of passengers with the recent spike in Covid-19 cases in the country. Accordingly, twenty-two train journeys including office trains and the night mail train have been cancelled until further notice.
Source:The Nation
May 06, 2021 09:45 UTC