Colombo (LNW): The Sri Lanka Transport Board (SLTB) will refurbish and reassign 15 double decker buses for the use in tourism, Daily Mirror reported quoting Transport Minister Bandula Gunawardena.
These buses are in need of repairs at the moment, and later will be used for passenger transport between the Anuradhapura Railway Station and the Sacred City, in a bid to break the monopoly of three-wheeler operations, who happen to charge exorbitant rates from the pilgrims, the Minister told Daily Mirror.
The move will also help strengthening the tourism sector.
MUMBAI, Sept 6 (Reuters) – The Indian rupee is likely to weaken more on Wednesday after the dollar index rose to the highest in just under six months on weak risk and rising U.S. Treasury yields.
Non-deliverable forwards indicate rupee will open at around 83.10-83.12 to the U.S. dollar, compared to 83.04 in the previous session which was a two-week low.
U.S. Treasury yields rose on Tuesday with the 10-year yield now about ten basis points shy of the recent high. Expectations that the Federal Reserve will keep rates high for longer have prompted investors to push the 10-year yield to the highest since 2007.
Federal Reserve Governor Christopher Waller said on Tuesday that he felt U.S. treasury yields were about where they should be and cautioned against assumptions about no further Fed tightening.
The dollar index rose to the highest since mid-March.
Resilient U.S. yields will keep the dollar “well-bid” and all eyes today will be on the Reserve Bank of India (RBI), Ritesh Bhansali, vice president at Mecklai Financial, said.
When the rupee dropped below 83 last month, the RBI intervened both in the onshore over-the-counter market and the non-deliverable forwards market to prevent it from hitting a record low.
The rupee’s fell to 83.16 last month, just shy of the lifetime low of 83.29.
Poor risk appetite further boosted demand for the safe-haven dollar. U.S. equities dropped overnight and most Asian gauges were lower.
A few analysts reckon that the dollar was over-valued at current levels.
“We suspect a deterioration in the economic outlook remains the only real path for the mis-valuation gap to close,” ING Bank said in a note.
“What this gap is telling us now is that the dollar correction, once the U.S. data turns, can be quite rapid and substantial.”
KEY INDICATORS: ** One-month non-deliverable rupee forward at 83.17; onshore one-month forward premium at 9.5 paisa ** USD/INR NSE September futures settled at 83.1275 on Tuesday ** USD/INR September forward premium at 6.25 paisa ** Dollar index up at 104.78 ** Brent crude futures up 0.1% at $90.1 per barrel ** Ten-year U.S. note yield at 4.26% ** As per NSDL data, foreign investors sold a net $287.1mln worth of Indian shares on Sep. 4 ** NSDL data shows foreign investors sold a net $3.2mln worth of Indian bonds on Sep. 4
Colombo (LNW): In an effort to enhance the inclusion of differently-abled persons in the Parliament of Sri Lanka, a few selected groups of the staff and Members of Parliament went through basic sensitisation sessions from Aug 18 to 23, 2023.
Parliamentary Task Force for Disability Inclusion, the Media Division and Public Outreach Division of the Communications Department of Parliament, and the Select Committee of Parliament to look into and report to Parliament its recommendations to ensure gender equity and equality with special emphasis on looking into gender-based discrimination and violations of women’s rights in Sri Lanka participated in this.
This series of sensitisation sessions is the very first step in the long-term process of strengthening the capacity of parliament on the inclusion of differently-abled.
The Parliament of Sri Lanka is taking steps to make the whole of parliament – including physical, digital and social spaces – friendly for the differently-abled. In the beginning of this year, a comprehensive assessment of parliament’s accessibility to persons who are differently-abled was conducted. The report recommended a number of areas for improvement including physical constructions, making the parliament website and digital spaces friendly for the differently-abled and capacity development of the staff and Members of Parliament.
As a result, the Secretary General of Parliament appointed a special Task Force on the inclusion of the differently-abled to work on this in a consistent and sustainable manner. The Task Force comprises Heads of Departments and is chaired by the Assistant Secretary General of Parliament. Further, in response to the recommendations of the assessment report, a training manual is developed with modules focused on different aspects of the inclusion the differently-abled in the context of parliament and the parliament secretariat. This manual will be vernacularised and will be used for capacity strengthening in future.
It was emphasised that a person with impairment coupled with environmental, attitudinal and institutional barriers will experience being differently-abled, thereby allowing them to in society as equal citizens.
Therefore, if we remove the barriers, we will not have to draw a line between those who are differently-abled and those who are not. As society and institutions, what we need to strive for is to remove these barriers so that persons who are differently-abled can participate in society like any other person without impairments.
During the sessions, the participants engaged in practical activities to help them experience and hence better understand the realities of persons who are differently-abled. An international consultant with years of experience on the subject conducted the sensitisation sessions while a pool of local trainers joined the training session as observers. These efforts of parliament are supported by the National Democratic Institute and funded by USAID.
Scientists have grown an entity that closely resembles an early human embryo, without using sperm, eggs or a womb.
BBC: The Weizmann Institute team say their “embryo model”, made using stem cells, looks like a textbook example of a real 14-day-old embryo.
It even released hormones that turned a pregnancy test positive in the lab.
The ambition for embryo models is to provide an ethical way of understanding the earliest moments of our lives.
The first weeks after a sperm fertilises an egg is a period of dramatic change – from a collection of indistinct cells to something that eventually becomes recognisable on a baby scan.
This crucial time is a major source of miscarriage and birth defects but poorly understood.
“It’s a black box and that’s not a cliche – our knowledge is very limited,” Prof Jacob Hanna, from the Weizmann Institute of Science, tells me.
Starting material
Embryo research is legally, ethically and technically fraught. But there is now a rapidly developing field mimicking natural embryo development.
This research, published in the journal Nature, is described by the Israeli team as the first “complete” embryo model for mimicking all the key structures that emerge in the early embryo.
“This is really a textbook image of a human day-14 embryo,” Prof Hanna says, which “hasn’t been done before”.
Instead of a sperm and egg, the starting material was naive stem cells which were reprogrammed to gain the potential to become any type of tissue in the body.
Chemicals were then used to coax these stem cells into becoming four types of cell found in the earliest stages of the human embryo:
epiblast cells, which become the embryo proper (or foetus)
trophoblast cells, which become the placenta
hypoblast cells, which become the supportive yolk sac
extraembryonic mesoderm cells
A total of 120 of these cells were mixed in a precise ratio – and then, the scientists step back and watch.
About 1% of the mixture began the journey of spontaneously assembling themselves into a structure that resembles, but is not identical to, a human embryo.
“I give great credit to the cells – you have to bring the right mix and have the right environment and it just takes off,” Prof Hanna says. “That’s an amazing phenomenon.”
The embryo models were allowed to grow and develop until they were comparable to an embryo 14 days after fertilisation. In many countries, this is the legal cut-off for normal embryo research.
Despite the late-night video call, I can hear the passion as Prof Hanna gives me a 3D tour of the “exquisitely fine architecture” of the embryo model.
I can see the trophoblast, which would normally become the placenta, enveloping the embryo. And it includes the cavities – called lacuna – that fill with the mother’s blood to transfer nutrients to the baby.
There is a yolk sac, which has some of the roles of the liver and kidneys, and a bilaminar embryonic disc – one of the key hallmarks of this stage of embryo development.
‘Making sense’
The hope is embryo models can help scientists explain how different types of cell emerge, witness the earliest steps in building the body’s organs or understand inherited or genetic diseases.
Already, this study shows other parts of the embryo will not form unless the early placenta cells can surround it.
There is even talk of improving in vitro fertilisation (IVF) success rates by helping to understand why some embryos fail or using the models to test whether medicines are safe during pregnancy.
Prof Robin Lovell Badge, who researches embryo development at the Francis Crick Institute, tells me these embryo models “do look pretty good” and “do look pretty normal”.
“I think it’s good, I thinks it’s done very well, it’s all making sense and I’m pretty impressed with it,” he says.
But the current 99% failure rate would need to be improved, he adds. It would be hard to understand what was going wrong in miscarriage or infertility if the model failed to assemble itself most of the time.
Legally distinct
The work also raises the question of whether embryo development could be mimicked past the 14-day stage.
This would not be illegal, even in the UK, as embryo models are legally distinct from embryos.
“Some will welcome this – but others won’t like it,” Prof Lovell-Badge says.
And the closer these models come to an actual embryo, the more ethical questions they raise.
They are not normal human embryos, they’re embryo models, but they’re very close to them.
“So should you regulate them in the same way as a normal human embryo or can you be a bit more relaxed about how they’re treated?”
Prof Alfonso Martinez Arias, from the department of experimental and health sciences at Pompeu Fabra University, said it was “a most important piece of research”.
“The work has, for the first time, achieved a faithful construction of the complete structure [of a human embryo] from stem cells” in the lab, “thus opening the door for studies of the events that lead to the formation of the human body plan,” he said.
The researchers stress it would be unethical, illegal and actually impossible to achieve a pregnancy using these embryo models – assembling the 120 cells together goes beyond the point an embryo could successfully implant into the lining of the womb.
Colombo (LNW): The inauguration ceremony for the “Bachelor in Arts in Applied Police Studies” course jointly initiated and provided by the National Police Training Academy and the University of Sri Jayawardenapura for the development of professional knowledge and capacities of the Sri Lanka Police officers was held on September 04, 2023 at the Auditorium of the Crimes Reporting Division, under the patronage of Public Security Minister Tiran Alles.
The registration of the first batch of Police officers for the course has also taken place during the event.
This educational project was attended by 150 course followers and aims the preparation of the required pool of human resources backed by a proper plan for the provision of a professional and quality Police service to the society of Sri Lanka.
Secretary to the Ministry of Public Security Viyani Gunathilaka, Chairman of the University Grants Commission Sr. Prof. Sampath Amaratunga, the Vice Chancellor and other lecturers of the University of Sri Jayawardenapura and many senior Police officers took participation in the event.
PMD: President Ranil Wickremesinghe outlined an ambitious vision for Sri Lanka’s economic future during his address at the centenary celebration of Al Mubarak Central College in Malwana. He emphasised the replication of the Biyagama Free Trade Zone’s success as a blueprint for modern commercial industrialisation to be implemented nationwide. This strategy aims to propel the country towards rapid development within the next 15-20 years.
President Wickremesinghe noted the significant progress made in the Biyagama region since the establishment of the trade zone and highlighted the nation’s potential to become a thriving investment hub. He unveiled plans to open up several new investment opportunities on a global scale, paving the way for Sri Lanka to emerge as a prominent investment destination.
The President’s remarks were delivered during the centenary celebration ceremony, where he also revealed that several areas, including Bingiriya, Hambantota, Kandy, Trincomalee, and the Northern Province, have been earmarked for the establishment of industrial estates. These areas are set to undergo rapid development, transforming into vibrant commercial cities.
Furthermore, President Wickremesinghe stressed the commitment of local representatives to attract investment opportunities for the advancement of their respective districts. He cited the example of the Biyagama investment zone, which has evolved into the premier trade zone in South Asia. President Wickremesinghe asserted that replicating the success of industrialisation seen in Biyagama and Katunayake across all provinces is crucial for alleviating economic pressures.
President Wickremesinghe also highlighted the government’s dedication to strengthening the country’s economy while simultaneously creating employment opportunities for the nation’s youth.
During his visit to Al Mubarak Central College, President Wickremesinghe was warmly welcomed by students. He inaugurated a new three-story building at the college and issued a commemorative stamp to mark the centenary celebration. This historic visit marked the first time a sitting President had visited Al Mubarak Central College. The President also left a commemorative note in the special guest book and inaugurated the college’s centenary memorial. Additionally, he recognised students who exhibited exceptional skills with awards and certificates.
Minister of State for Education Aravinda Kumar also addressed the ceremony, while State Ministers Prasanna Ranaweera and Kader Mastan, along with Principal of Al Mubarak Central College Malwana Mr. S.H.M. Naim, staff, students past and present and other officials were present to mark this significant occasion.
Colombo (LNW): Showers or thundershowers will occur at times in Western, Sabaragamuwa and North-western provinces and in Kandy, Nuwara-Eliya, Galle and Matara districts, and fairly heavy showers above 50mm are likely at some places in Western and Sabaragamuwa provinces and in Puttalam, Galle and Matara districts, announced the Department of Meteorology in its daily weather forecast today (07).
A few showers may occur in Mannar and Hambantota districts and in North-central province, the statement added.
Fairly strong winds about (40-45) kmph can be expected at times in western slopes of the central hills, Northern, North-central and North-western provinces and in Trincomalee and Hambantota districts.
On the apparent southward relative motion of the sun, it is going to be directly over the latitudes of Sri Lanka during 28th of August to 07th of September in this year. The nearest towns of Sri Lanka over which the sun is overhead today are Hikkaduwa, Deyyandara and Walasmulla about 12.08 noon.
Marine Weather:
Condition of Rain:
Showers or thundershowers will occur at times in the sea areas off the coast extending from Puttalam to Hambantota via Colombo, Galle and Matara.
Winds:
Winds will be south-westerly and speed will be (30-40) kmph. Wind speed may increase up to (55-65) kmph at times in the sea areas off the coast extending from Hambantota to Pottuvil and in the sea areas off the coast extending from Puttalam to Trincomalee via Mannar and Kankasanthurai. Wind speed may increase up to 50 kmph at times in the sea areas off the coast extending from Puttalam to Hambantota via Colombo and Galle.
State of Sea:
The sea areas off the coast extending from Hambantota to Pottuvil and in the sea areas off the coast extending from Puttalam to Trincomalee via Mannar and Kankasanthurai can be very rough at times. The sea areas off the coast extending from Puttalam to Hambantota via Colombo and Galle can be rough at times. Temporarily strong gusty winds and very rough seas can be expected during thundershowers.
Colombo (LNW): Efforts are being made to provide effective service to Sri Lanka by modernising the Civil Security Force, said Defence State Minister Premitha Bandara Tennakoon, addressing the Ministerial Consultative Committee on Defence held recently.
There was a discussion at length regarding the Civil Security Force and the MPs present held that they will receive high support from the officials of the Civil Security Force to alleviate the human-elephant conflict.
The provision of fuel facilities and other facilities required by the said officials was also discussed at the Committee meeting held.
Forest fires were reported in large numbers during the past and a programme will be initiated to prevent such occurrences, Tennakoon commented.
Moreover, there was a discussion regarding the security faculty and the hospital in Kotalawala.
Deputy Speaker Ajith Rajapakse, MPs Buddhika Pathirana, Kins Nelson, Dr. Maj. Pradeep Undugoda, Sanjeeva Edirimanna, Isuru Dodangoda, M.W.D. Sahan Pradeep Withana, Premnath C. Dolawatte, Upul Mahendra Rajapaksa were present at the Committee meeting.
Colombo (LNW): Endorsing the recent ‘Channel 4’ disclosure on the 2019 Easter Sunday Massacre, Archbishop of Colombo, His Eminence Malcolm Cardinal Ranjith making an exclusive statement with the media this (06) evening urged Sri Lankan President Ranil Wickremesinghe and the government of Sri Lanka to immediately commence a thorough international probe regarding the speculated conspiracy behind the attacks.
Elaborating further the Cardinal underscored the importance of an inquiry that is ‘unbiased, transparent, comprehensive and fair,’ spearheaded by an independent international group, with the backing of all the Criminal Investigation Department (CID) officials who had previously been thrown out of the picture due to political interference.
The Cardinal made this appeal in response to a recent controversial documentary aired on Britain’s Channel 4 supposedly revealing the master plan behind the terrorist attack that took away more than 250 lives in April, 2019, which stirred controversy.
The documentary quoting statements from witnesses and high-ranking whistleblowers of the Sri Lankan government proposes that the 2019 Easter Sunday Massacre was carried out as part of a political conspiracy, paving the way for a certain candidate to win the subsequent Presidential Election.
GENEVA (6 September 2023) – Sri Lanka suffers from a continuing accountability deficit – be it for war crime atrocities, more recent human rights violations, corruption, or abuse of power – which must be addressed for the country to move forward, according to a UN Human Rights Office report published on Wednesday.
“More than a year ago mass protests demanded better governance and an inclusive vision for Sri Lanka – in short, a renewal of the social contract. But the potential for a historic transformation that would address long-standing challenges is far from being realised,” said UN High Commissioner for Human Rights Volker Türk.
Fourteen years since the end of the war, tens of thousands of victims and their families continue to experience the pain and agony of seeking truth, justice, and remedy. While the Government has proposed a new truth-seeking mechanism, the report stresses that the groundwork needs to be laid by genuine efforts to create the enabling environment for any transitional justice process to succeed.
This starts through meaningful and transparent consultations with victims and civil society on the current truth-seeking proposal and includes an end to all forms of harassment and unlawful and arbitrary surveillance against human rights defenders and victims’ groups, as well as support for initiatives to acknowledge and memorialize the experience of victims.
“Truth-seeking alone will not suffice. It must also be accompanied by a clear commitment to accountability and the political will to implement far-reaching change,” Türk said.
Among other recommendations, the report calls on the authorities to accelerate investigations and prosecutions into emblematic cases of human rights violations, as well as the 2019 Easter Sunday bombings. The High Commissioner has previously urged an independent investigation with international assistance to pursue further lines of inquiry into the full circumstances of the 2019 Easter Sunday attacks.
The report provides an update on the work of the accountability project established by the UN Human Rights Office pursuant to resolutions 46/1 and 51/1. The High Commissioner repeated his call for the international community to support accountability initiatives, notably through investigations and prosecutions using universal or extra-territorial jurisdiction, with other complementary measures.
The report also details a number of concerns with proposed new laws, including a new Anti-Terrorism Bill and legislation to regulate broadcasting.
The report notes that the President has set a different tone in advancing reconciliation initiatives and has promised to stop land acquisition for archaeological, or security purposes, which has been an increasing source of local conflicts and tension. At the same time, the UN Human Rights Office continued to receive reports of disputes over land, particularly in the North and East of the country.
The continuing impact of the economic crisis of 2022 and the global downturn on people’s human rights and well-being is highlighted in the report, including a dramatic increase in Sri Lanka’s poverty rate which doubled from 13% in 2021 to 25% in 2022. Food insecurity is affecting a significant proportion of the population, in turn impacting the right to health and increasing the risk of school dropouts.
The High Commissioner said the international community, including international financial institutions, should support Sri Lanka in its economic recovery and in meeting its international obligations, while pressing for genuine progress in governance, transparency, and accountability.
“I urge the Government and Sri Lankan political parties to strive for and deliver on the urgent need for renewal, deeper institutional reforms and tangible progress on accountability, reconciliation and human rights,” Türk said. “This would be particularly appropriate in this year that marks both the 75th anniversary of Sri Lanka’s independence and the 75th anniversary of the Universal Declaration of Human Rights.”
