The health authorities said 82 Gramaseva divisions in 13 remain isolated at the moment for the prevention of Covid-19.
Sri Lankan Vannamei Prawns captures the Jordanian market
The Sri Lanka Embassy in Jordan in its efforts to drive high value aquaculture commodities from Sri Lanka into Jordan under its economic diplomacy initiative, has been successful in obtaining an order of 5.6 metric tonnes for Sri Lankan Vannamei prawns from one of the largest Jordanian Seafood chains.
The 5.6 metric tonnes of Vannamei prawns sea freighted to Jordan by HTCey Aquaculture (Pvt) Ltd is the first time Sri Lankan Vannamei prawns of such a quantity is entering the Jordan market subsequent to discussions held by Sri Lanka’s Ambassador Shanika Dissanayake with the Jordanian Management to introduce this product. Currently Vannamei prawns marketed in Jordan are of Vietnamese origin.
The Sri Lankan Embassy has been vigorously networking to further advance trade and business opportunities for Sri Lankan Seafood companies to garner larger export volumes of the demand for quality seafood in Jordan.
War Heroes Commemoration Flag pinned on President declaring War Heroes Commemoration Month
The National War Heroes Flag was pinned on President Gotabaya Rajapaksa at the Presidential Secretariat today , declaring the War Heroes Commemoration Month, a statement from the President’s Media Division said .Acting Chairperson of the Ranaviru Seva Authority Sonia Kottegoda pinned the War Heroes Flag on the President. The War Heroes’ Month commemorates the brave war heroes who sacrificed their lives for a free and independent country by putting an end to the terrorism that ravaged the country for more than three decades.The War Heroes’ Month commences in the first week of May from the day National War Heroes Flag was pinned on the President.Defence Secretary (Retired) General Kamal Gunaratne was also present on the occasion.
63% of population to be vaccinated within this year: Pavithra
Health Minister Pavithra Wanniarachchi told Parliament that the government would be able to vaccinate 63 per cent of the population against COVID-19 this year. The government has ordered different brands of Covid-19 vaccines to be used .
PCR testing to be increased
The Cabinet decided to increase the PCR testing capacity to cope with the present surge of Covid cases, a minister said. Co-Cabinet spokesman Dr. Ramesh Pathirane told the Cabinet press conference today that the government had identified the need to do it.
O/L , A/L exam syllabuses structured
The government decided to restructure the syllabuses of G.C.E. Ordinary Level and Advanced Level Examinations .
According to the approval given ,the O/L exam will be conducted in August instead of in December . The A/L exam will be conducted in December.It had been done as an exercise for students to save time and complete their graduate studies at an early stage of their lives.
1913 Covid cases, 13 deaths reported today
As many as 1913 Covid-19 cases were reported today according to the health authorities.
Bedsides , 13 fatalities were also reported
PMD Director-General Sudewa Hettiarachchi and President’s Spokesman Kingsly Rathnayaka assume duties
Veteran journalist Sudewa Hettiarachchi, who was appointed as the Director General of the President’s Media Division (PMD), and President’s Spokesman Kingsly Rathnayaka assumed duties in their new posts this morning .The ceremony to assume duties was held at the President’s Media Division in Colombo Fort, giving priority to religious observances. A limited number of people attended the ceremony due to the current situation.The members of the Maha Sangha including Mirisawetiya Chief Incumbent Ven. Ethalawetunuwewe Gnanatilake Thero, Ven. Dr. Kirinde Assaji Thero, Ven. Prof. Induragare Dhammaratana Thero, Ven. Prof. Medagoda Abhayatissa Thero and Ven. Uduwe Dhammaloka Thero chanted Pirith and invoked blessings.
Navy steps up security in SL waters
The Sri Lanka Navy said beefed up security in Sri Lankan waters to prevent illegal migrants entering the shores of Sri Lanka.The Navy said it deployed more naval units to patrol the northern and northwestern waters of the island round the clock.The Navy said that steps were taken to deploy more ships (OPV & FGBS) and Fast Attack Craft to raise surveillance in the International Maritime Boundary Line (IMBL) as well as Inshore Patrol Craft to patrol the coastal waters of the island.
Zoological gardens, safari parks closed
All the Zoological Gardens, the Elephant Orphanage and Safari Parks in the country will be closed for public until further notice, Director General of the Department of National Zoological Gardens said. He said it had been done as a measure for the prevention of Covid-19.
Dilum receives more responsibilities
Transport State Minister Dilum Amunugma was sworn in as the State Minister of Community Police Services before the President a short while ago, in addition to his current portfolios.
Eight more GN Divisions isolated with immediate effect
Eight more Grama Niladhari Divisions in Kalutara, Colombo, Batticaloa, Nuwara Eliya and Gampha districts isolated with immediate effect , Army Commander Gen. Shavendra Silva said .
Today is the Press Freedom Day!
World Press Freedom Day is an important occasion to celebrate the fundamental principles of press freedom, to evaluate press freedom around the world, to defend the media from attacks on their independence and to pay tribute to journalists for their efforts and struggle in the exercise of their profession
This year’s World Press Freedom Day theme “Information as a Public Good” serves as a call to affirm the importance of cherishing information as a public good, and exploring what can be done in the production, distribution and reception of content to strengthen journalism, and to advance transparency and empowerment while leaving no one behind. The theme is of urgent relevance to all countries across the world including Sri Lanka. It recognizes the changing communications system that is impacting on our health, our human rights, democracies and sustainable development.
During the complete month of May in Sri Lanka, UNESCO and its partners over social media will organize a series of events to recognize the vital role that journalists play in our society and to generate discussions on the importance of free and independent media in providing the public with reliable, timely and trustworthy information.
UNESCO Director General, Audrey Azulay in her message stated that “The theme of this year’s World Press Freedom Day, Information as a Public Good, underlines the indisputable importance of verified and reliable information. It calls attention to the essential role of free and professional journalists in producing and disseminating this information, by tackling misinformation and other harmful content”.
This year’s World Press Freedom Day, marks the 30th Anniversary of the UNESCO Windhoek Declaration for the Development of a Free, Independent and Pluralistic Press. That declaration led to the recognition by the UN of the World Press Freedom Day to be celebrated every 3rd of May. After 30 years, the historic connection made between the freedom to seek, impart and receive information and the public good remains as relevant as it was at the time of its signing. The importance of freely accessing reliable information, particularly through journalism, has been demonstrated by the COVID-19 pandemic: in times of crisis such as this, information can be a matter of life or death. The COVID-19 crisis has placed journalists and quality journalism and public interest media once again at the center of the global discourse. Reporting on the crisis, through initiatives such as the popularization of scientific facts, the compilation and frequent updating of data, fact-checking or monitoring spending, has proved vital. Around the world the covid-19 pandemic has forced the closure of media houses around the world, reporters have been harassed and attacked for their reporting on the handling of the pandemic, and the public has struggled to discern verified information from the falsehoods that have flooded the internet.
UNESCO calls on all partners, to renew their commitment to the fundamental right to freedom of expression, to defend media workers, and to ensure that information remains a public good.
Nine more Covid deaths reported today
Nine more Covid-19 deaths were announced by the health authorities today increasing the total number of fatalities to 696 in Sri Lanka, a statement from the Government Information Department said.
Also, the daily Covid cases exceeded 1000 for the consecutive day today.
Airlines requested board passengers up to 75 percent of seating capacity
All airlines have been requested to fill only 75 percent of seating capacity in their flights operating to and from Sri Lanka.
The Civil Aviation Authority said it would impose this restriction for two weeks.
Johnston asks Sajith and the team to learn from other democracies
Chief Government Whip Highways Minister Johnston Fernando yesterday said that Opposition Leader and his group of the Samagi Jana Balawegaya (SJB) should learn from the examples of their counterparts in other democracies to support the investigations into the Easter Sunday carnage rather than acting like a headless chicken.
Speaking to the media after attending a meeting to review the measures in place against Covid-19 in the Kurunegala District at Wilgoda SLPP office, the minister said that opposition parties in other countries have placed the national interests above their party agendas and politics. “That could be seen in all democracies. Take a look at our opposition, it looks only for opportunities to raise wild allegations against investigations into the Easter Sunday terror attacks. Their latest is describing the arrest of Rishad Bathiudeen as a media circus to please Cardinal Malcom Ranjith,” the minister said.
He asked people to recall how the same political leaders had been mocking the military operations during the times of war thinking that the LTTE was undefeatable. It is the very same people now demanding the release of Bathiudeen. The opposition leader and his men should be ashamed of their actions. The Easter Sunday carnage was their mistake. Now they try to derail the ongoing investigations by various means. Recently religious and civil organizations exposed one of their plots to drag Catholic people in their protests. Do not they have an idea of concerns of the national security of this country,” the Chief Whip said.
He said that in and out of parliament he had called numerous times on opposition to support the government at least in the Easter Sunday carnage investigations. We extended our hands in good faith, but there seems to be no way for the sanity to prevail,” the minister said.
“We have let the law take its own course. There would be more arrests. That is up to the law-enforcing agencies and investigators to decide whom to be arrested. Those guilty and responsible for the heinous crime will be punished. The government does not operate on the laws of Ranjan Ramanayake or Sajith Premadasa. We do not have the need of putting up a circus. Investigations were never been this fast. Except for Gotabaya Rajapaksa which president sent a presidential commission of inquiry report to parliament? What happened to the commission reports on killings of Lalith Athulathmudali and Denzil Kobbekaduwa,” the minister asked.
He said that the Yahapalana regime was a government which sacrificed the lives of people to maintain their electoral base. “It seems that our opposition leader is ready to the lives of all people in this country in exchange of the power to rule it,” Minister Fernando added.
Met Department forecasts showers all over
Showers or thundershowers will occur in the most part of the island during the evening or at night, the Meteorological Department said.
“Fairly heavy rainfalls above 100 mm can be expected at some places in Western, Sabaragamuwa, Central and North-western provinces and in Galle and Matara districts.
Showers or thundershowers can be expected in Northern and Eastern provinces during the morning too.
General public is kindly requested to take adequate precautions to minimize damages caused by temporary localized strong winds and lightning during thundershowers,” it said in its forecast for the day.
Sri Lanka condemns terrorist attack targeting civilians in Afghanistan
Sri Lanka strongly condemns the terror attack on civilians that took place on April 30, 2021 in Pul-Alam city of Logar Province in Afghanistan., a statement from the Foreign Ministry said.The statement said indiscriminate violence against civilians, particularly students and children, demonstrates the cruelty of the perpetrators who intend to bring anarchy. “Sri Lanka stands firmly with the Government of Afghanistan in its fight against terrorism to bring durable peace to the country,” the statement said.
Colombo Animal Save
Colombo is budding with various grassroots activist groups for different social movements. We hear about human rights groups, feminist groups, environmental and ocean protection groups taking action to change society for the better. Colombo Animal Save (CAS) is no different, except that it is taking action on behalf of the most oppressed segments of our society who cannot voice their pain and suffering, the non-human animals.
CAS is amongst the few grassroot movements that take action to create awareness about animal rights. The group was initiated by a handful of vegans who were passionate about animal rights, following a workshop conducted by The Animal Save Movement back in January 2020. The Animal Save Movement was founded by Anita Krajnc in December 2010 in Toronto, Canada, and now encompasses Animal Save, Climate Save and Heath Save, with close to a 1000 chapters around the world.
CAS which has been in operation amid the pandemic, has conducted a number of documentary screenings, bringing a much needed spotlight to animal rights, and the impacts of animal agriculture on our planet and our health. The group also organizes vigils to bear witness to the animals that are sent to slaughter and show them compassion and kindness during their final moments. They capture the pain and suffering of these animals through the lense of their camera and share their stories with the public on social media, in an attempt to reduce the gap between what we see on our plate and what happens to these innocent animals before they become a meal.
CAS has connected with many youngsters who are passionate about animal rights and the environment. Some of whom have turned vegan as a direct result of their movie screenings and outreach work on how the food we choose has an immediate impact on our environment and the animals. Just in the last year alone there has been a growing interest among the younger generation towards a more compassionate and sustainable lifestyle. They hope to join hands with enthusiastic and passionate activists and inspire more people to choose cruelty free options.
CAS is actively creating awareness about animal rights and veganism on their social media pages. Follow them to learn more about animal rights and veganism and how you can make an impact by your day-to-day choices.
Facebook:
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/colombo.animalsave
If you are interested in volunteering with Colombo Animal Save you can fill an application here: https://forms.gle/HsjLiVZv2cCD5Y647
Schools to be kept closed for another week
The schools will be kept closed for a further week due to the spread of Covid-19, Education Minister Prof. G.L.Peiris said.
He said the education authorities would next Friday again to review the situation and decide on opening of schools for the week starting on May 10.
China become the world’s largest vaccination nation surpassing the U.S.
China had administered 243.91 million doses of vaccines against Covid -19 by April 28 becoming the world’s largest vaccination nation, surpassing 234.6 million in the U.S. China says it need to speed up from 4.4 million doses a day in April to five million doses to inoculate 40 percent of its people by the end of June.
Hotel functions , gatherings prohibited after 10.00 pm from today
All parties, gatherings and events
in hotels, pubs and night clubs will be prohibited after 10 pm effective for a period of two weeks from today , Army Commander Gen. Shavendra Silva said.
Besides , a number of Grama Seva divisions has been isolated as a Covid prevention measure .
Port City Bill to be passed into law on Wednesday
The government intends to pass the Port City Economic Bill in Parliament next Wednesday after a debate in the House.Leader of the House Dinesh Gunawardane said the partyeafers agreed to have the debate on Wednesday.The Supreme Court’s determination on the constitutionality of the bill is expected soon.
Govt well prepared for any Covid -19 related emergency
The government is bracing for a major spike of Covid-19 cases with the increase of emergency beds dedicated to patients behind increased to 200, State Minister Prof.Channa Jayasumana said .He says treatment centres would also be increased similarly.
15 more GS divisions in Kalutara isolated
Fifteen more Grama Niladhari Divisions in the Kalutara District have been isolated with immediate effect, Army Commander General Shavendra Silva said.That has been done to contain the spread of Covid -19.
No weddings for two weeks
All events, including weddings, will be barred for two weeks starting from May 3, to contain the spread of Covid-19 Army Commander Gen. Shavendra Silva said.
This was discussed at a meeting today for a discussion of measures to be taken at this juncture. The government decided to increase treatment facilities for patients since a surge of Covid cases is expected during the next two weeks.
Suspect confessed to be having prior knowledge on plan to carry out bombings on Easter Sunday
L
Razik Raza who is in remand custody in connection with the Easter Sunday bombings confessed to be having information about experimental bomb blast in 2018. According to police spokesman DIG Ajith Rohana, the suspect admitted that he supplied the explosives to Zaharan Hashim’s brother.
More areas are isolated to prevent Covid
The police divisions-Dambulla, Galewela, Matale and Naula police divisions in the Matale district and Pannala police division in the Kurunegala district – have been isolated with immediate effect, Army Commander Gen. Shavendra Silva said.He also said Udubaddawa, Galamuna Grama Niladhari Divisions and Helamulla Grama Niladhari Division of the Moneragala District also isolated.The National Operation Center for Prevention of Covid-19 Outbreak said that these measures were taken to prevent further spread of Covid-19.
Prez sticks to ban on chemical fertilizer imports
President Gotabaya Rajapaksa stressed that he will take up the challenge of making Sri Lanka the first country in the world to eliminate the use of chemical fertilizers, without taking a step back on the decision to end the use of chemical fertilizers in the country.The President said the fact that no country in the world has abandoned the use of chemical fertilizers is not an obstacle to achieve this goal. The President urged everyone to get together to educate the farmers to create a healthy generation by taking it to the field, without limiting it to mere talks.