Ukraine – Russia current conditions: Visa and MasterCard announced that they will suspend operations in Russia
Visa and MasterCard, two international payment systems, have announced that they will suspend operations in Russia from the night of March 6. The companies have announced that they have decided to withdraw from the Visa and MasterCard payment system in Russia due to the military operation in Ukraine. Previously, Visa and MasterCard had stopped working with banks under US SDN sanctions (VTB, Otkritie, Promsvyazbank, Sovcombank and Novikombank) and the new decision would affect all banks in the country as well as all credit card holders. However, inside Russia, Visa and MasterCard cards can still be used to pay for local transactions until their expiration date. People will also be able to withdraw money and pay for goods and services on Russian websites.
Sri Lanka lost by an innings and 222 runs to India
India won the first match of the Test series against Sri Lanka by an innings and 222 runs yesterday (06). Batting first, India were bowled out for 174 in reply to Sri Lanka’s 574 for eight. Batting again to avoid an innings defeat, the touring Sri Lankans were all out for just 178 runs. Niroshan Dikwella was the top scorer in the innings with 51 not out.
Today power cut schedule
The Public Utilities Commission (PUCSL) has announced a two-hour power cut for P, Q, R, S, T, U, V, W areas from 9.00 am to 5.00 pm and from 1 pm to 9 pm today (March 7) Meanwhile, power cuts will be imposed in E&F areas from 8 am to 6 pm for 5 hours and from 6 pm to 11 pm for two and a half hours.
Russia- Europe conflict: Supply of gas from Russia to Europe through the main pipeline to the west has been stopped
Foreign media reports that the supply of gas from Russia to Europe through the main pipeline to the west has been stopped since Thursday. Russia’s state-owned energy company meets more than 40% of Europe’s gas demand. The supply of gas will continue to be very slow and in this situation European countries will have to look for other suppliers at higher prices instead of Russian low cost gas.
People organized Dan Sal in fuel queues
There was a long queue of vehicles on the Galle Road from Waskaduwa to Pothupitiya yesterday to obtain fuel. Residents of the area had organized a milk rice and soft drink dansal for those waiting in line. Residents gathered in front of the Pothupitiya Poojarama Temple, prepared milk rice and chilli on the road and distributed it to those in line. If there is such a queue, the milk rice dansala will be held continuously, the organizers said.
Power cut schedules changed
The Public Utilities Commission stated that a change in the power cut is likely from today if sufficient stocks of fuel are received. Accordingly, action will be taken to suspend or reduce the planned power cuts based on the fuel received, said its chairman Janaka Ratnayake. However, the Ceylon Electricity Board has announced that the current power cut will be effective over the weekend as well. Power cuts so far Permission has been granted for Colombo city limits as well.
Former Australian cricketer Shane Warne died
Former Australian cricketer Shane Warne has passed away. Shane Warne was 52 years old at the time of his death. Foreign media have reported that he has died due to a sudden heart attack. Shane Warne is one of the greatest cricketers in the world who has amazed the world of cricket with his spin ball. Shane Warne has taken 708 wickets in 145 Tests for Australia. He has taken 293 wickets in 194 ODIs.
Ukraine – Russia current situation:Sri Lankan Students in Belarus were informed that they can come back through Moscow
The Ministry of External Affairs says that in the current situation in Ukraine, Sri Lankan students studying in Belarus have been facilitated to come to the island through Moscow. The Ministry of External Affairs stated that it is continuing to monitor the current progress of the situation in Ukraine in conjunction with the Sri Lankan Embassy in Moscow. About 1,561 Sri Lankan students are pursuing higher education in Belarus. The Ministry of External Affairs has been in touch with all the universities in Belarus to facilitate temporary visits to Sri Lanka via Moscow, as agreed in discussions with the administrative divisions of those universities, student union representatives and parents’ groups.
Health professionals suspend the strike for 10 days
The strike by health professionals has been suspended for 10 days from 8.00 am today (04). Ravi Kumudesh, the convener of the Federation of Health Professionals, said the decision was based on responses from an emergency meeting with the Health Secretary. Ravi Kumudesh also said that the decision to suspend the strike was taken given the suffering of the people due to the power and fuel crisis.
Another fuel tanker arrives in Sri Lanka today
Another ship carrying 28,300 metric tons of diesel will arrive in Sri Lanka this afternoon (04), the Ministry of Energy said. Its additional spokesman, Chaminda Hettiarachchi, said the ship also carried 9,000 metric tons of jet fuel. The letter of credit required to free up fuel from the ship would cost close to $ 40 million. The payment for that is due today (04).