Government’s attempts to procure AstraZeneca vaccines: Positive word from UK
Owing to the situation in India, the Institute has not been able to deliver the order placed by Sri Lanka, and therefore, Sri Lanka has had to look elsewhere for stocks of the same. The Minister told The Sunday Morning that a positive response was received from the UK to supply one million doses of Covishield Covid-19 vaccines and that presently, negotiations are ongoing between the two governments. Rambukwella noted that in addition to having discussions with the agents of the respective countries, the Government is looking for the required vaccines in open markets. Owing to the situation in India, the Institute has not been able to deliver the order placed by Sri Lanka. Further, Sri Lanka would receive 185,000 doses of the Russian Sputnik V vaccine from 20 to 25 May.
Source:The Nation
May 15, 2021 22:41 UTC
Exports sector: Industry resilience put to test
He explained that this lack of analysis is due to unpredictable situations in both Sri Lanka and its export markets, making it difficult to make an accurate calculation. “Sri Lanka and our export markets are going through a challenging situation, and it will take us some time to understand the actual effects of this. At the time, he stated that the target was fairly achievable thanks to the industry’s resilience, as well as the new initiatives put forth by the industry and the overall resilience of its stakeholders. Excluding the markets of the US, the UK, and Germany, other countries among Sri Lanka’s top 10 export markets showed an increase in exports towards the end of the year. Instead, he suggested that the sector focus on exports that have developed a competitive advantage over the years, such as tea, apparel, and spices.
Source:The Nation
May 15, 2021 22:41 UTC
Growing pains: Covid-19, social isolation, and child psychology
Also, children are now more active on social media, which results in cyberbullying, engaging with predators online, and social media addiction. We are looking at children growing up with minimal social interactions, and perhaps learning the unhealthy coping mechanisms of parents. Could strict/authoritarian parenting and lack of social exposure, apart from social media, lead to self-esteem and unhealthy attachment styles? There could be unhealthy attachment issues, self-esteem issues, and more psychological issues, especially if parents are stringent. Especially with the level of social media usage, there could be issues where children growing up are unable to maintain healthy boundaries.
Source:The Nation
May 15, 2021 22:41 UTC
PETER HITCHENS: How long before common sense is actually illegal?
For years, many have assumed that a reasonable, conservative, Christian view of life was still upheld in several important places. The Long March of the Left through the institutions of Britain has included almost all such places. Dr Randall, a plainly reasonable, well-educated and tolerant person, did no more than deliver a sermon calling for more tolerance. Do they really think that a man who hunts his own children with bloodhounds has no sense of humour? Fifty years of supposedly seeking a peace deal have made life for Arab men, women and children vastly worse.
Source:The Nation
May 15, 2021 22:30 UTC
Repatriations to resume soon
By Yumiko PereraThe Government of Sri Lanka is hoping to recommence the repatriation of Sri Lankans who are seeking to return to the country, including those who are currently stranded in India, The Sunday Morning learnt. Sri Lanka in early May, barred the entry of Indian travellers with immediate effect due to the rise in Covid-19 cases in India. The travel restrictions had been imposed upon the instructions of the health authorities of Sri Lanka. While this is only temporary, we would resume the repatriation process soon.”Kandeepan further added that approximately 120,000 Sri Lankans have been repatriated so far from various parts of the world, and that once conditions improve, they wished to resume the repatriation process as soon as possible. Efforts made by The Sunday Morning to contact Foreign Minister Dinesh Gunawardena, State Minister of Regional Co-operation Tharaka Balasuriya, and Foreign Secretary Admiral (Retd.)
Source:The Nation
May 15, 2021 22:18 UTC
How concerned should we be about the Indian variant?
On Friday, the Prime Minister warned his plans to end all Covid curbs were in jeopardy due to the rapid spread of the Indian variant of Covid-19. However data suggests that, once it gets outside of these communities, the Indian variant does not spread quite as rapidly. The same could be true of the Indian variant. Crucially, at present, there is no evidence to suggest Covid vaccines are ineffective against the Indian variant. Some have suggested the rise of the Indian variant calls into question the fourth and final step out of lockdown, on June 21.
Source:The Nation
May 15, 2021 22:07 UTC
Doctors are told to see patients face to face
Notices on GP surgery entrances warning patients not to come in under any circumstances. Pictured: Stock imageTelephone and online appointments – popular with many patients, who find them more efficient – will remain. Valerie Thorne Before Christmas I phoned my GP surgery to tell them my blood pressure was high (I took my own test). Eventually, my GP told me she couldn't tell what the problem was so sent me to a specialist. 'While there are some advantages for routine issues like repeat prescriptions, it is absolutely essential that the majority of GP appointments take place face to face.
Source:The Nation
May 15, 2021 21:45 UTC
Zara Tindall's half-sister Stephanie Phillips, 23, reveals she's engaged
Zara Tindall's secret half-sister Stephanie Phillips has revealed she's engaged to long-term boyfriend William Hosier. The Worcester-based Eventing pro seems particularly close to Peter, describing him in an Instagram post as 'the best big brother out there' in an Instagram post. In official photos from the day she's pictured in front of Princess Anne an her second husband Sir Timothy Laurence. As well as Olympics success, Captain Phillips won the Badminton Horse Trials in 1971 and 1972 riding Great Ovation, in 1974 on Colombus, and in 1981 on Lincoln. After he retired from the Army, he continued to style himself Captain Mark Phillips - which was allowed because junior cavalry officers whose civilian work involves equestrianism may continue to use their rank.
Source:The Nation
May 15, 2021 20:37 UTC
Asus Zenfone 8 could arrive as 8z in India
It's unclear when the Zenfone 8 and 8 Flip will arrive in India, but whenever Asus introduces the duo in the country, the vanilla 8 could be called the 8z. The reason being that the Zenfone 8 Indian variant with model code I006D has appeared in the list of Google Play supported devices as the "ASUS 8Z". The 8 Flip, on the other hand, isn't listed as 8z Flip, but it won't be a surprise if Asus launches the 8 Flip as 8z Flip in India. However, back in 2019, Asus launched the Zenfone 6 as 6z in India following a court ruling that prevents the Taiwanese phone maker from using the "Zenfone" branding in the country, so we may actually see Asus once again drop the Zenfone moniker from its smartphones in India. Asus Zenfone 8 Flip (left) with Zenfone 8 (right)While we wait for more information on the Zenfone 8 lineup's naming, pricing, and availability in India, you can read our detailed written review of the Zenfone 8 here and the Zenfone 8 Flip review here.
Source:The Nation
May 15, 2021 19:07 UTC
20 more COVID-19 deaths pushes toll to 941
The Director-General of Health Services confirmed that Sri Lanka has reported 20 more deaths related to the COVID-19 pandemic on Wednesday (May 15). As per the Department of Government Information, the reported deaths had occurred between May 07 and May 15. Among the deceased are 09 female patients and 11 male patients. They are identified as residents of Panwila, Kelaniya, Bulathsinhala, Gonapola, Gampaha, Kalawana, Polonnaruwa, Ambatenna, Kundasale, Kalutara-North, Nawuththuduwa, Maggona, Colombo 13, Colombo 14, Ruwanwella, Vavuniya, Neboda, Diyatalawa, and Passara. Accordingly, the total number of deaths due to Covid-19 infection in Sri Lanka has risen to 941.
Source:The Nation
May 15, 2021 18:11 UTC
2,371 coronavirus cases reported in Sri Lanka today
May 15, 2021 09:53 pmThe Epidemiology Unit of the Health Ministry reports that another 585 persons have tested positive for COVID-19 in Sri Lanka, moving the daily total of new cases to 2,371. This brings the total number of confirmed cases of coronavirus reported in the country to 140,471. As many as 117,220 recoveries and 921 deaths have been confirmed in Sri Lanka since the outbreak of the pandemic. The Epidemiology Unit’s data showed that 22,330 active cases are currently under medical care.
Source:The Nation
May 15, 2021 16:41 UTC
Janasuwaya Foundation donates medical equipment worth 2.8mn
May 15, 2021 by Aazam Ameen No CommentsLeader of the Opposition MP Sajith Premadasa stated today (15) that the Janasuwaya Foundation donated medical equipment worth 2.8 million LKR to R. Premadasa Hospital, Maligawaththa. This donation was in line with the Wipakshayen Husmak initiative founded by the Samagi Jana Balawegaya (SJB) to assist with Covid-19 mitigation efforts in the country. Premadasa added that Janasuwaya Foundation will further donate more medical equipment worth 2.7 million LKR including High Flow Nasal Oxygen Systems to the Sri Lankan medical services in line with the same initiative.
Source:The Nation
May 15, 2021 15:56 UTC
(VIDEO) “We can’t buy the vaccine, though we have the money” – Dr. Sudarshini
COLOMBO (News 1st); Sri Lanka is facing a crisis in purchasing the COVID-19 vaccine due to high global demand from suppliers, despite the country having the money to fund the purchases, said State Minister of Primary Health Care, Epidemics and COVID Disease Control Dr. Sudarshini Fernandopulle. Sri Lanka commenced the vaccination drive on the 29th of January 2021, and is one of the first to commence vaccination from among the other countries in the world, she told reporters on Saturday (15). The island nation is currently facing a shortage of 600,000 doses of the AstraZeneca COVID-19 vaccine for the second dose of those who already received the jab. “We are appealing to the private sector to source 10 million doses of the vaccine until we can secure the 600,000 doses as the AstraZeneca vaccine is recommended for those above the age of 60,” said the State Minister. The government has made the vaccination drive its top priority, she added.
Source:The Nation
May 15, 2021 15:03 UTC
Media offices destroyed following Israeli air raids on Gaza
Israeli air raids on the Gaza strip have destroyed a high-rise building housing residential apartments and media offices in Gaza City today (15). The Al Jazeera Media Network and The Associated Press news agency had their offices in the building. Al Jazeera’s Safwat al-Kahlout reacted to the destruction of the building housing, among others, the offices of Al Jazeera Media Network in Gaza City:“I have been working here for 11 years. Al Jazeera’s Harry Fawcett, who has extensively reported from Gaza City, added: “This is a very personal moment for all of us. The idea that the place is not there any more is extraordinary to contemplate.”Source: Al Jazeera
Source:The Nation
May 15, 2021 14:03 UTC
Four dead, more than 42,000 affected by adverse weather – DMC
The Disaster Management Centre says four persons died while two others sustained injuries due to the adverse weather condition in the country since May 13. Meanwhile, as many as 42,252 people from 11,074 families have been afflicted by the torrential rains. According to reports, the inclement weather was mainly observed in Kegalle, Colombo, Kalutara, Gampaha, Kurunegala, Galle and Matara districts. Kelani, Gin and many other rivers had overflowed as the low-lying areas were inundated. Peliyagoda, Kelaniya, Kohilawatta and Biyagama areas in Gampaha District, Neluwa and Thawalama areas in Galle District, Badegama-Udugama road, Baddegama-Dodangoda Road and Baddegama-Hikkaduwa old road were also flooded after downpours.
Source:The Nation
May 15, 2021 13:52 UTC