India Converted Trains into COVID-19 Hospitals
A 21 Coach train stationed at platform number 3 of Nandubar railway station has been converted into a COVID-19 hospital.
Parliament Minister Harin Fernando Filed a Fundamental Rights petitions
Parliament Minister Harin Fernando filed a Fundamental Rights application with the Supreme Court seeking an order to prevent his arrest today(April 27). Also it is reported that the Criminal Investigations Department (CID) is currently questioning MP Harin Fernando’s sister in connection to the 2019 Easter attacks on ongoing investigations. MP Harin Fernando informed the CID that he is unable to report for the investigation as he is currently receiving treatment over a heart problems last Friday.
Pre-schools and Schools are going to close temporarily
The government has decided to temporarily close pre-schools and Schools islandwide until April 30 due to the increasing COVID 19 infections. Minister of Education Prof. G.S. L. Mr. Peiris said this while addressing a media briefing today.
Cabinet approves proposed ban on face coverings
The Ministerial Cabinet has agreed to ban coverings of face and head, including burqa and niqab. Sarath Weerasekara, Minister of Public Security, said it was decided to prohibit the Burqa and Niqab on issues of national security. Minister Weerasekara announced on 13 March that he signed a cabinet paper on the proposed prohibition.He also said the paper was submitted for approval to the Cabinet. Then, the government said that only after proper consultation with the stakeholders involved will a decision on this issue be taken. (Translation) (NewsWire)
Prime Minister says that Sri Lanka has made significant progress in controlling the spread of COVID-19.
Prime Minister Mahinda Rajapaksa Addresses the 77th Session of UNESCAP Prime Minister Mahinda Rajapaksa, yesterday via a video message, addressed the opening segment of the 77th Session of the United Nations Economic and Social Commission for Asia and the Pacific (UNESCAP). This year’s meeting was conducted virtually from April 26—29, 2021, under the theme “Building Back Better from Crises Through Regional Cooperation in Asia and the Pacific.” While the COVID-19 pandemic dominated the discussions this year, other issues such as climate change, debt relief, investments, equitable health access, sustainable development and regional cooperation were also discussed. Full Text of Prime Minister Mahinda Rajapaksa’s Speech Madam Executive Secretary,Chairperson,Excellencies, Ayobowan! I am pleased to be able to address you at the 77th Session of UNESCAP. Despite the current challenges, it is very important for us to gather at this forum. This year’s theme is significant and timely as we work on strategies to overcome this pandemic, and start rebuilding our economies and societies. Sri Lanka has made remarkable progress in controlling the spread of COVID-19, recording a very low death rate and a high recovery rate through case detection, contact tracing, quarantining and patient treatment. Sri Lanka’s robust public healthcare system provided free access to health and helped control the pandemic. The Government also repatriated nearly 100,000 Sri Lankans and started our vaccination program in February. Even during the pandemic, economic activities continued in several sectors. The export sector continued to function, and tourism restarted in January. The Central Bank reduced policy rates and implemented several concessionary refinancing programs.Excellencies, Our Government is deeply committed to achieving the Sustainable Development Goals. For this purpose, an Inter-ministerial Steering Committee on Sustainable Development has been formed under my leadership. Our youth are also an important component of our development agenda. That is why decade 2021 to 2030 has been declared the Decade of Skills Development in our country.We are also keen on strengthening our regional ties and emphasize the need to accelerate the “South-South” cooperation. Towards that end, we believe UNESCAP should commit itself to being relevant and responsive with measures such as • Assisting small countries with pandemic recovery and vaccination programs. • Encouraging growth of foreign employment opportunities. • Promoting Eco-tourism and Health-tourism • And• Encouraging investments into and find markets for emerging nations. In conclusion, let me state that we deeply appreciate the timely efforts taken by UNESCAP to bring the Member States together for a constructive and interactive regional discussion on the COVID-19 pandemic. I wish your forthcoming sessions, every success. Thank you.
All schools in the Trincomalee Education Zone will be closed
All schools in the Trincomalee Education Zone will be closed until further notice; Eastern Province Governor Anuradha Yahampath has ordered The decision was made taking the existing COVID 19 risk.
Indian Government Decided to Close New Delhi for one more week
The Indian government has decided to close New Delhi completely for another week. Earlier, New Delhi was completely closed and was scheduled to close at 5 am today (April 26). However, the highest number of deaths due to COVID 19 infection was reported from New Delhi was reported few days ago and the number of daily infected people in the city is also on the rise in the highest levels Accordingly, the authorities have decided to close New Delhi completely till May 3.
NoMadLand became the best movie in Oscar award ceremony 2021
Oscar award ceremony held today in Los Angeles USA today. Chloe Zhao, who directed the United States in Nomadland, became the first Asian woman and only the second woman ever to win best director at the Academy Awards on yesterday. The Best Actor award went to Anthony Hopkins for his role in ‘The Father’ film. Meanwhile, ‘Frances McDormand’, who acted in the film ‘Nomadland’, won the Oscar for Best Actress in 2021. Yu-Jun-Yun won Best Supporting Actress for Minari film, while Daniel Kaluya won Best Supporting Actor for Judas & the Black Messiah.
Department of Motor and Transport had issued a special announcement
The Werahera office of the Department of Motor Transport has decided to restrict the services provided in connection with driving licenses; Commissioner General of Motor Traffic Sumith CK Alahakoon said. Accordingly, the official statement is following;
Many countries had issued travel advisories on Sri Lanka
Few countries including UK, USA and Australia have issued travel advisories on Sri Lanka after the Sri lanka was issued a coronavirus alert last week. The UK noted that Sri Lanka has been reached to Risk Alert Level 3 due to an increase in coronavirus cases while US states the country is in the Level 2. The authorities in UK informed that there is a high risk of changes to flights and airport operations at short notice. Australia informed there citizens to not to travel Sri lanka untill further notice.