March 31, Colombo (LNW): The Ministry of Health has initiated an investigation following the unfortunate demise of a 50-year-old patient at Ragama Teaching Hospital shortly after receiving a vaccine.
The patient, who was admitted to the hospital for treatment related to an ear condition, passed away after reportedly receiving the ‘co-amoxiclav’ vaccine, commonly used as an antibiotic for bacterial infections.
Dr. Sampath Ranaweera, the hospital’s director, confirmed the commencement of a comprehensive internal probe at the hospital level to understand the circumstances surrounding the incident.
Although the exact cause of death remains undetermined, authorities are considering the possibility of an allergic reaction to the vaccine.
The incident has raised concerns, prompting authorities to delve deeper into the sequence of events leading to the patient’s unfortunate demise.
March 31, Colombo (LNW): The 219th Session of UNESCO’s Executive Board unanimously adopted a Decision to commemorate the International Day of Vesak at UNESCO, aligning with the organisation’s core mission of fostering global peace, intercultural dialogue, and cultural heritage preservation.
This significant decision, rooted in the historic UN General Assembly Resolution 54/115 of 1999, was championed by Sri Lanka’s former Foreign Minister, Lakshman Kadirgamar.
It was formally adopted on March 26, 2024, at UNESCO Headquarters in Paris, marking the 25th anniversary of Vesak’s international recognition at the United Nations.
Led by Sri Lanka’s Permanent Delegation to UNESCO and co-sponsored by a cross-regional coalition of 38 member states, including 16 Executive Board members, the Decision mandates the UNESCO Director-General to issue an annual message on the International Day of Vesak.
Additionally, arrangements will be made to commemorate Vesak annually at UNESCO Headquarters starting this year (2024), with plans to present the Decision to UNESCO’s General Conference in November 2025 for formal adoption.
In presenting the Decision, Sri Lanka’s Ambassador to France and Permanent Delegate to UNESCO, Manisha Gunasekera, emphasised the universal significance of Vesak and its embodiment of cultural diversity.
She highlighted the resonance between Vesak’s teachings and UNESCO’s key objectives, particularly in promoting inclusive education and combating discrimination.
Supporting the Decision, India’s Ambassador and Permanent Delegate to UNESCO, Vishal Sharma, lauded the enduring relevance of the Four Noble Truths and congratulated the initiative led by Sri Lanka.
During deliberations, the Decision garnered endorsement from UNESCO’s Assistant Directors-General for Social and Human Sciences, Culture, and Priority Africa and External Relations, along with the Assistant Director-General for Priority Africa and External Relations, underscoring UNESCO’s commitment to the commemoration.
The Decision’s co-sponsors include a diverse array of nations, reflecting widespread international support for the recognition of Vesak’s significance.
March 31, Colombo (LNW): The primary water tank and other water storage facilities have not been cleaned in the last two decades, Daily Mirror disclosed.
According to Hospital Deputy Director Dr. Rukshan Bellana, the hospital currently manages approximately 161 water storage tanks, inclusive of the main water tank tower.
Astonishingly, there exists no documented record detailing the cleaning schedules or installation dates of these tanks, a departure from standard protocols mandating tank cleaning at least once every three months, he emphasised.
Dr. Bellana underscored the apparent neglect of water quality oversight by health inspectors at the hospital.
While annual water samples are routinely dispatched to the Medical Research Institute (MRI) for bacterial level assessments, he cautioned that this practice alone does not ensure water purity, leaving room for potential harmful contaminants that could jeopardise the well-being of patients and staff.
Dr. Bellana emphasised the critical nature of the issue, noting that the water in question is utilised by patients and sensitive equipment within operating theatres and laboratories, heightening the risk of equipment damage and compromising hygiene standards.
Furthermore, Dr. Bellana stressed that the utilisation of water from uncleansed storage tanks poses substantial public health hazards and threatens sensitive medical equipment, warranting immediate corrective measures.
He added, “It raises the question of accountability. It appears that the public health unit within the Health Ministry is unaware of the situation, and the sanitation staff are neglecting their duties, including their traditional responsibilities. They are even refusing to clean critical care units.”
March 31, Colombo (LNW): Prime Minister Dinesh Gunawardena advocated for enhanced economic collaboration with China during an official visit to Shanghai on Friday.
The two nations took a significant step towards this goal as China’s national Quality Certification Center and Sri Lanka’s Bureau of Standards signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MOU) aimed at aligning trade standards.
Gunawardena emphasised the importance of adhering to quality requirements for exports, highlighting the need for cooperation between the two countries to meet China’s advanced quality standards.
He expressed optimism that through ongoing discussions and collaboration, Sri Lankan products could gain access to the Chinese market based on approved agreements and standards.
Xie Zhaoxun, Managing Director of China Quality Certification Centre, underscored the significance of conformity assessment as a globally recognised quality management tool and facilitator of trade.
He expressed confidence that the partnership between China and Sri Lanka would foster technical exchange on conformity assessment and further facilitate economic and trade interactions between the two nations.
March 31, Colombo (LNW): Showers or thundershowers will occur at several places in Western, Southern, Sabaragamuwa, North-western and Central provinces after 2.00 p.m, with showers or thundershowers being expected at a few places in Northern, North-central, Uva and Eastern provinces after 2.00 p.m.
Fairly heavy showers about 75mm are likely at some places in Sabaragamuwa and Western provinces and in Galle and Matara districts.
Misty conditions can be expected at some places in Central, Sabaragamuwa and Uva provinces and in Kalutara, Galle and Matara districts during the morning.
General public is kindly requested to take adequate precautions to minimise damages caused by temporary localised strong winds and lightning during thundershowers.
Marine Weather:
Condition of Rain:
Showers or thundershowers may occur at several places in the sea areas off the coast extending from Puttalam to Hambantota via Colombo and Galle during the afternoon or night.
Winds:
Winds will be easterly or variable and wind speed will be (20-30)kmph.
State of Sea:
Sea areas around the island will be slight to moderate. Increase of swell waves(about2.5 – 3.0 m) can be expected in the sea areasoff the coast extending from Mannarto Pottuvil via Colombo, Galle and Hambanthota.Temporarily strong gusty winds and very rough seas can be expected during thundershowers.
Meanwhile, heat index, the temperature felt on human body is expected to increase up to ‘Caution level’ at some places in Western, North-western, North-Central, Northern and Southern provinces and in Ratnapura, Monaragala and Trincomalee districts.
The public is urged to stay hydrated and take breaks in the shade as often as possible, check up on the elderly and the sick, never leave children unattended, limit strenuous outdoor activities, find shade and stay hydrated, wear lightweight and white or light-colored clothing.
Dune is originally the beloved book series by Frank Herbert written in 1965 and one of the best-selling novel series up to date. Over the course of time it was adapted into many different variations to explore the world that Herbert has built and the most recent adaptation is at the hands of the well-known director and Filmmaker Denis Villeneuve who has received multiple Academy Award nominations and a four time recipient of Genie Award in Canada.
This novel adaptation of Dune was first released in 2021 with the association of Legendary Pictures and is a screenplay by John Spaihts; Eric Roth and Villeneuve himself. It is associated with Warner Bros. Pictures and is consisted of the brilliant music score by the hands of Academy Award Winning composer Hans Zimmer.
The production is massive with a cost of 165 million US Dollars as it portrays an alternate world; a world in the fantastical future. This massive set of the unknown universe was led by the amazing young talent Timothee Chalamet who rose to prominence with his indie film ‘Call me by your Name’ and is the recipient of many accolades including nomination for an Academy Award; 3 Golden Globe Awards; 3 BAFTAs; 5 Screen Actors’ Guild Awards and 5 Critics Choice Awards cementing his status as a leading actor in Hollywood.
He is supported by the brilliantly talented cast of Rebecca Ferguson; Oscar Isaac; Josh Brolin; Stellan Skarsgard; Dave Bautista; Stephen M. Henderson; Zendaya; Chang Chen; Sharon Duncan-Brewster; Charlotte Rampling; Jason Momoa and Javier Bardem all high profile actors with many honors to their names.
The plot of the movie was that the House of Atreides in the mythical Planet of Caladan are forced to the planet of Arrakis by the jealous governor of the universe Emperor Shaddam IV as a means to get rid of them and their rising power and popularity amongst people by secretly employing the House of Harkonnen another noble house in charge of a planet and had been previously in charge of Arrakis to get rid of the Atreides blood line. But the catch was this. This Arrakis almost has inhospitable environment and danger lurking around. Shaped like a desert. But is the ultimate possessor of mélange ‘Spice’ used in universal transportation. And the natural inhibitors of Arrakis call themselves the ‘Fremen’ and are waiting on their prophesied savior.
All the while the plot thickens with the involvement of Bene Gesserit an exclusive sisterhood trained to access enhanced mind capabilities which provide them ammunition to manipulate people according to their wishes using ‘The Voice’ and other mental and physical capabilities. They are employing their best members in creating the perfect super human – the prophesied man of the Fremen- a part of their centuries’ long breeding program interfusing one noble blood line with another to create a Bene Gesserit and messianic with the clairvoyance necessary to guide humanity to a better future called Kwisatz Haderach. And the protagonists’ mother Lady Jessica an acolyte from the same sisterhood disobeys a direct order from the Bene Gesserit and bears a son for his father which she wasn’t supposed to and then trains him on their ways in the hope of Paul becoming the Kwisatz Haderach. In his path to be a Messiah Lady Jessica remains an avid supporter throughout the story.
The story at large deals with the danger of faith and the power it holds as religious figures’ influence grows by the minute. Although Paul initially refuses any participation his path to being their Kwisatz Haderach depends on the fear and power and jealousy among the nobility; all those weaknesses paving way to a blind faith.
The first part of Dune released in 2021 deals with the first part of the story where the House of Atreides burns down and Lady Jessica and Paul narrowly escape the catastrophe and become one with Fremen. The audience is also introduced to Chani the prophesied lover of the Kwisatz Haderach who will complete his journey of being their savior.
The first movie became such a sensational hit among the public and crated a name as one of the best science fiction as well as book-to-screen science fiction of all time. It was received so well by the audience as well as was rich in its cinematography that it was nominated for 11 Academy Awards eventually taking 6 of them home from the major categories of Best Original Score for Hans Zimmer; Best Sound; Best Film Editing; Best Cinematography; Best Production Design and Best Visual Effects. It was also nominated for three Golden Globes winning one and eleven BAFTAs and winning five and ten Critics’ Choice Awards winning three.
It also made such a huge profit in reception by making a home run of 434.8million in US dollars. And the cast did a truly spectacular job in bringing forth the fantasy world of Arrakis and though young Chalamet strongly established himself a leading actor by leading this massive production. Out of all actors though Ferguson and Bardem made the most prominent impact in a personal level with such subtle; in depth acting.
Considering all this the hype for Dune sequel was immeasurable especially given how the new members of the cast also held such a high profile as actors. The legendary Christopher Walken; Academy Award winner Austin Butler and Academy Award nominee Florence Pugh who has also previously being a sensational hit alongside Chalemet in Little Women (2019) by Greta Gerwig as Amy March and Theodore Laurence- the excitement was very well justified even by a personal standard.
Now that the hype is overflowing for Dune part two it can be summarized as a much anticipated film of the year and the crew of Dune did not disappoint.
It was released this month (March 2024) and follows Pauls’ tale from the moment the first movie dropped until his emergence as a messianic figure of the Fremen and eventually marrying into the Emeprors’ (Walken) Corrino family by marrying Princess Irulan (Pugh). It turned out to be a global success grossing over 512 million in US dollars in Box Office with a budget of 190 million US dollars.
The second movie was definitely fantastic and is a worth esperience. The stunning visual effects and Cinematography aside the brilliant capturing at each urn reminds the audience of the dark narrative it unfolds and all the talents associated was brilliant. There was never a dull moment but it also depended heavily on the knowledge of the books and the first film thus is definitely not a stand alone.
Zendaya portraying Chani was specifically stunning with her almost no effort acting which delivered such a muanced performance and Ferguson as always was possessed by the spirit of Lady Jessica. She delivered such a dark fantastical perspective that had the audience wiggling at the edge of their seats. And the new members of the cast especially Butler was terrifying perfect as the psychotic Feyd- Rautha that got the audience in a chilling chokehold and Pugh and Walken also delivered their roles stunningly. Most of all it showed Cahlamets own growth as an actor fresh off of leading Wonka (2024) to this deeply dark fantasy. He managed to convey a sole crushing performance on the part of Paul that should certainly be appreciated.
All in all the sounds; the effects and most importantly the hauntingly mystical music was a blast to witness as an audience member. The movie had me on the edge of my seat all the time and it is a must-watch recommendation.
Although P.S. it will be much more majestic to enjoy in a theatre so do give it a shot.
March 30, Colombo (LNW): The much-needed legal reforms for a system change have been compiled by a panel of reputed legal experts in order to strengthen the present legal system in Sri Lanka.
These reforms have been applauded by a group of local and foreign legal luminaries who visited Sri Lanka for the presentation of the reforms.
Senior Indian Advocate and President LAWASIA Shyam Divan, President Bar Association of India Prashant Kumar and President Commonwealth Law Association R. Santhankrishnan are amongst those who commended these proposed reforms.
According to Upul Jayasuriya PC, who headed the panel that compiled the proposed legal reforms, if these modifications are not implemented, there is no way the country can go forward with a refined legal framework for the much needed system change.
“Opposition Leader Sajith Premadasa has shown a keen interest on these proposed legal reforms and he promised to name them in his upcoming election manifesto,” Jayasuriya PC said.
Jayasuriya PC is also planning to present these reforms to the leaders of the UNP, SLPP, NPP and also to the members of the Aragalaya who also campaigned for much-needed reforms.
“Parties that really want to bring legal reforms to revive the ongoing legal system and implement change can adopt these proposals,” added Jayasuriya PC.
Amongst the proposed reforms are the establishment of a Constitutional Court with powers to re-examine the laws that are in force on the basis of post legislative analysis that deals primarily with constitutional issues and interpretations.
Some of the other proposed reforms are: All appointments made to this Constitutional Court, the Supreme Court (SC), Court of Appeal (CA) and to the Judicial Service Commission, other than its Chairman, shall be made by the President on the recommendation of the Constitutional Council (CC).
“In the recent past it has become apparent that such a court (Constitutional Court) would be necessary and must be manned by judges who have excelled in constitutional law to focus and improve their inputs in the field of constitutional interpretations,” Jayasuriya PC said.
If any allegation is levelled against any judge, they shall be inquired into by a panel consisting of three retired Judges of the Constitutional Court or the SC.
Such a panel shall be appointed by the Speaker on the recommendation of the CC. Parliament shall, by law, provide for all matters including the procedure for the passing of such a resolution, the investigation and proof of the alleged misbehaviour or incapability and the right of such a Judge to appear and to be heard in person or by a representative.
In the wake of Sri lanka’s struggle to claim compensation for US $40 million as damages for X- Press Pearl disaster, Singaporean authority has made a serious accusation against Colombo Port over the X- Press Pearl disaster saying that to assist was deemed limited and there was no follow-up after a team of firemen had assessed the situation onboard XP.
The report which has been released to the public domain has been compiled by the Transport Safety Investigation Bureau (TSIB) which is the air, marine and rail accidents and incidents investigation authority in Singapore.
It says the tugs sent for firefighting had various limitations which did not offer continuous firefighting support.
“The Master did not receive answer from Colombo Port Control on the several requests made for urgent berthing before the fire went out of control,” the report says.
It also says, “The instruction for the ship to be towed away from the port, citing pollution risk, was contrary to the intention of the salvors to manage the incident closer into the port rather than to fight the fire at the anchorage where the weather conditions were not favourable.
There was a lack of coordination among the stakeholders ashore to find a common solution in the handling of this emergency to ensure the safety of the crew onboard and to prevent the vessel’s condition from deteriorating.
When the salvors boarded the ship, they had limited time to assess the situation while coordinating the firefighting efforts with tugs which had limited ability.
The salvors were unable to orientate XP’s bow to a position that minimised the fanning of the fire by the prevailing winds, causing the fire to spread aft and towards the accommodation and engine room.
The Singapore registered container ship X-Press Pearl (XP), which was carrying 1,486 containers, encountered a fire that started in the cargo area while at anchor about nine nautical miles from the Port of Colombo, Sri Lanka on May 20, 2021.
“Sri Lanka Treasury has received $890,000 and 16 million Sri Lankan rupees (around $49,200 dollars) as interim payment for costs incurred by the Maritime Environment Protection Authority (MEPA) and for the affected fisherfolks,” Justice Minister Wijeyadasa Rajapakshe disclosed.
Since the disaster happened, Sri Lanka has received payments totaling $7.85 million. Its government received the first payment of $3.6 million in July 2021. Another $1.75 million followed in January 2022, and a third payment of $2.5 million arrived in September 2022. .
Sri Lanka initially filed for a compensation claim of $40 million shortly after the vessel sank off Colombo in June 2021.
The Sri Lankan construction industry is expected to register an average annual growth of 5.9% from 2024 to 2026, supported by investment in transport, renewable energy, housing, industrial zone, and tourism projects, finance ministry sources revealed .
The construction industry in Sri Lanka is expected to contract by 7% in real terms in 2022/2023 -down from GlobalData’s prior estimate of a 4.6% decline.
True to this finance ministry projection, Sri Lanka Purchasing Managers’ Index for Construction (PMI – Construction) computed by the Central Bank indicates an expansion in construction activities in February 2024, as reflected by the Total Activity Index,which recorded an index value of 57.1.
Many firms attributed the growth in construction activities to the current conducive environment and the resumption of several temporarily suspended projects.
New Orders continued to increase for the second consecutive month, reflecting the improved demand conditions in the industry.
The respondents mentioned that large-scale infrastructure projects, particularly foreign-funded ones, are also among the available tender opportunities.
However, Employment remained contracted in February,yet at a slower rate than the previous month.
Several survey respondents cautioned about the shortage of skilled and experienced construction workers.
Further, Quantity of Purchases improved due to the increased pipeline projects. The price levels of construction materials denoted a downward adjustment during the month. Meanwhile, Suppliers’ Delivery Time further lengthened in February
The National Construction Association of Sri Lanka reported that activity in the construction industry had collapsed, with 90% of work across the country coming to a standstill, mainly due to the shortage of cement, iron, and other raw materials; this is expected to result in a possible loss of 75% of the industry’s workforce.
The association also reported that more than 1,000 building material suppliers had suspended operations, amid the unavailability of construction materials.
According to the Ministry of Finance, the total cement production in the country fell by 21.5% year-on-year (YoY) in 2023, while the total cement imports fell by 38.7% YoY over the same period.
To encourage foreign investment, the government appointed a committee to establish an investment promotion agency, by bringing the Board of Investment (BOI), the Export Development Board (EDB), and the Sri Lanka Export Credit Insurance Corporation (SLECIC) together onto one platform
March 30, Colombo (LNW):The China Quality Certification Center and the Sri Lanka Bureau of Standards signed a Memorandum of Understanding on Friday on mutual recognition of conformity assessment results at a ceremony held in Shanghai.
Prime Minister of Sri Lanka Dinesh Gunawardena,, hailed the signing of the agreement as a milestone in China-Sri Lanka cooperation, facilitated by the two countries’ joint efforts to establish closer ties.
It will help promote mutual recognition of quality certification systems between the two nations, providing more convenient services for bilateral trade and investment, said Gunawardena.
“This will elevate product quality and competitiveness in both nations, fostering economic prosperity while deepening friendship and welfare for our peoples,” he added.
The prime minister also awarded Du Chao, general manager of Hualan Inspection Company Sri Lanka, as ambassador for investment promotion.
Xie Zhaoxu, CQC managing director, said that conformity assessment plays a crucial role in quality management and trade facilitation for Sino-Sri Lanka economic and trade cooperation.
“This cooperation signifies a deepening of our conformity assessment collaboration which will further smooth technical exchanges and economic and trade flows between our two countries,” Xie said, adding that CQC is committed to facilitating international trade through certification, inspection and other professional services.
Witnessed by the prime minister, an unveiling ceremony also took place to inaugurate the Anhui Chamber of Commerce in Sri Lanka.
Li Ping, chairman of the chamber, said it aims to promote bilateral cooperation as more people from Anhui province work and live in Sri Lanka, actively contributing to its socio-economic development.
The signing of nine new agreements between China and Sri Lanka took place today (26.03.2024) under the patronage of Chinese Prime Minister Li Qiang and Prime Minister Dinesh Gunawardena.
The Prime Minister today paid floral tributes to the martyred war heroes at the Monument to the People’s Heroes at Tiananmen Square, and after receiving the guard of honour from the Chinese military, bilateral discussions were commenced.
Later, in the bilateral talks held in Great Hall in Beijing, more attention was paid to increasing overall cooperation in the social, cultural, educational, and agricultural sectors in addition to economic cooperation.
The Prime Ministers of the two countries confirmed that a new chapter in the long-term friendship and cooperation between Sri Lanka and China will begin through the nine memoranda of understanding signed between the two countries.
Secretary to the Prime Minister Anura Dissanayake signed the agreements on behalf of Sri Lanka, and the secretaries of nine ministries signed on behalf of China.
A group including Ministers of the People’s Republic of China, Sri Lankan State Ministers Shehan Semasinghe and Ashoka Priyantha, and MP Yadamini Gunawardena participated in this event
