Colombo (LNW): Dr. Sabesan Sithamparanathan, a trailblazer in location-tracking technology and founder of Cambridge-based company PervasID, has been appointed Officer of the Order of the British Empire (OBE) in the King’s New Year Honours in the United Kingdom, BBC reported.

Recognised for his exceptional contributions to innovation technology and the advancement of Science, Technology, Engineering, and Mathematics (STEM) subjects in education, Dr. Sithamparanathan’s real-time location tracking system has been widely adopted by NHS trusts, hospitals, aircraft manufacturers, and retailers.

The system, employing electromagnetic fields, is utilised in hospitals to track surgical instruments, ensuring proper decontamination and sterilisation.

It guarantees their availability in the right place at the right time. Retailers have also embraced the technology to monitor stock and enhance click-and-collect services.

Originally from Sri Lanka, Dr. Sithamparanathan studied at the University of Sheffield and pursued a PhD at Corpus Christi College, Cambridge, where he developed his innovative tracking system.

Elected a research fellow at Girton College in 2011, he expresses gratitude for the educational opportunities provided by Cambridge, emphasising that his achievements are a result of the mentoring and support he received.

Other notable recipients in Cambridgeshire from the King’s New Year Honours List include:

• Lorna Woor (69, Cambridge): Awarded the British Empire Medal (BEM) for services to the community as the founder of a village stitches group.
• Sheila Betts (72, Cambridge): Receives the BEM for services to young people as the chair and volunteer with the Jarman Centre for Girlguiding.
• Sharon Livermore (42, Ely): Appointed Member of the Order of the British Empire (MBE) for services to the victims of domestic abuse.
• Helen Pain (54, Great Chishill): Appointed MBE for services to science.
• Maxine Purdie (54, Ely): Appointed MBE for services to knowledge exchange.
• Julia Fentem (57, Huntingdon): Appointed MBE for services to human health and animal welfare.
• Joan Winterkorn (74, Cambridge): Appointed MBE for services to heritage and culture.
• Michael Frankl (75, Cambridge): Appointed MBE for services to charity, homeless people, and the Jewish community in Cambridge.

Colombo (LNW): A 54-year-old inmate from Matara Prison, who was undergoing critical medical care in the intensive care unit of Matara General Hospital, has passed away due to suspected brain fever, Director of Health Services at the Prison Dr. Hemantha Ranasinghe confirmed.

This unfortunate incident marks the second fatality within the prison.

Expressing concern, Dr. Ranasinghe highlighted the heightened risk of disease outbreaks within Sri Lankan prisons, citing issues related to overcrowding.

He emphasised the urgent need for immediate attention to address and mitigate the persistent challenges associated with prison overcrowding.

Colombo (LNW): An event has occurred wherein all sluice gates of the Victoria Reservoir automatically opened last night (30) in response to heavy rainfall.

Similarly, the sluice gates of the Randenigala and Rantambe reservoirs have been in operation since yesterday evening.

Consequently, a substantial volume of water is being discharged into the Mahaweli River, leading to the potential for a rapid rise in the river’s water level.

In light of this situation, the Mahiyangana Divisional Secretariat has issued a precautionary advisory to residents residing in low-lying areas around the Mahiyangana Divisional Secretariat, urging them to be vigilant regarding the risk of flooding.

1. Bakery Owners’ Assn President N K Jayawardena says the sale of cakes has decreased by a staggering 75% during this festive season: also says there is a difficulty in procuring ingredients required for the production of cakes including eggs, at reasonable prices and therefore it’s not possible to provide cake products to the customers at a low prices.
   
2. Major Telephone Services Provider Dialog GSM says total taxes applicable on Telecommunications Services will be increased from 1st Jan’24: explains that total tax on Local Calls, SMS, VAS and PayTV services will be 42.0%, while total tax on Data, Wi-Fi Services and IDD Calls will be 23.5%: further says in the case of Prepaid Data Cards, the data quota will be reduced proportionately while the “tax inclusive price” of the Card will remain unchanged.
   
3. Dramatic spike of a further 10% expected in fuel prices from 1st Jan’24 with the introduction of the new VAT on petroleum products: petrol projected to rise to approximately Rs.372 per lotre: diesel to rise to approximately Rs.359 per litre: massive “ripple effect” increase in prices anticipated across all services and goods, as a result: in March’22, petrol was at Rs.177 per litre, while diesel was Rs.121 per litre, with consumption of fuel being 50% higher than at present.
   
4. UNP Colombo District Manager and Working Committee Member Lasantha Gunawardena says the UNP had “saved the country” every time it collapsed: asserts President Ranil Wickremesinghe would save the bankrupt country, this time too.
   
5. CB Governor Nandalal Weerasinghe summarily dismisses Anti-“Parate” activists: says the banking sector has recovered less than 0.5% of total loans with the help of “Parate” executions: also says a new ruling by the Supreme Court now enables properties mortgaged to a bank not only by an actual borrower but also by a 3rd party for the loan granted to the actual borrower, could be “sold” by a bank, in case of non-payment of the loan.
   
6. Tourism Minister Harin Fernando says Tourist arrivals have passed 200,000 in Dec’23, the highest monthly arrival in the last 4 years: asserts the total arrivals will be almost 1.5mn this year, which was the original target set in Jan’23.
   
7. Health Minister Ramesh Pathirana requests a report from Colombo National Hospital in response to the death of a woman, 61, from an alleged intake of carbon dioxide during the administration of oxygen.
   
8. SL born Dr Sabesan Sithamparanathan, founder of Cambridge company PervasID, honoured in UK for his “exceptional contribution” to his community through the “real-time location tracking system” devised by him: in hospitals, his system uses electromagnetic fields to track surgical instruments, while retailers adopt the technology to track stocks and enhance “click-and-collect” services.
   
9. New Indian High Commissioner to SL, Santosh Jha, affirms the Indian Govt’s “unwavering support” for the advancement of the maritime and aviation sectors, and the development of the “Northern Region” of SL.
   
10. SL Cricket announces the squad for the ODI’s and T20’s against Zimbabwe:
    Kusal Mendis appointed as ODI Captain & Wanidu Hasaranga as T20 Captain.

By: Isuru Parakrama

Colombo (LNW): Showers or thundershowers will occur at times in Eastern and Uva provinces and in Polonnaruwa, Matale, Nuwara-Eliya and Hambantota districts with several spells of showers being expected in Northern province and in Anuradhapura and Kandy districts, the Department of Meteorology said in its year-end weather forecast today (31).

Showers or thundershowers may occur at several places elsewhere of the island after 2.00 p.m, and fairly heavy showers above 75 mm are likely at some places in Western, Sabaragamuwa, Southern and Uva provinces and in Ampara and Batticaloa districts, the statement added.

Fairly strong winds about (30-40) kmph can be expected at times in Eastern slopes of the Central hills and in Northern, North-Central, North-western, Eastern,Uva and Southern provinces.

Misty conditions can be expected at some places in Western, Sabaragamuwa and Central provinces during the morning.

The public is kindly requested to take adequate precautions to minimise damages caused by temporary localised strong winds and lightning during thundershowers.

Marine Weather:

Colombo (LNW): Health Minister Ramesh Pathirana has formally requested a comprehensive report from Colombo National Hospital in response to the unforeseen death resulting from a substantial intake of carbon dioxide during the administration of oxygen at the facility.

This directive has been communicated to the Director of the National Hospital, with a specific emphasis on conducting a thorough investigation into the procedural aspects of the care service provided to the deceased patient.

The individual in question had undergone successful breast surgery and was in the process of receiving oxygen for post-surgical recovery when the unexpected fatality occurred.

Reports indicate a significant ingestion of carbon dioxide during the oxygen administration, leading to the unfortunate demise of the patient.

As a result, internal sources have confirmed that the hospital is actively investigating whether there was a substitution of carbon dioxide for oxygen, any inadvertent mixing of these gases, or potential contamination of the oxygen supply.

The deceased, a sixty-one-year-old unmarried woman residing in the Nugegoda area, passed away under circumstances prompting a comprehensive inquiry into the events leading to this tragic outcome.

The Health Minister’s call for a detailed report underscores the gravity of the situation and the need for a transparent investigation to determine the precise causes of the incident.

Related News:

• A Unified Front Against the Drug Menace
• ⁠Drug mafia goes into hiding

By: Staff Writer

Colombo (LNW): In a remarkable shift in the fight against narcotics, Sri Lanka’s ‘Yukthiya’ program has emerged as a formidable force, driving the once rampant drug mafia into seclusion. This success, a beacon of hope for the nation, is attributed to the collaborative efforts led by the current Acting Inspector General of Police (IGP) and the minister at the helm of this initiative. People across the country sit glued to their TV sets to watch the program with amazing interest.

What makes ‘Yukthiya’ particularly noteworthy is its transcendence beyond the confines of political and personal identities. Regardless of who holds the offices it is important for our future generations to be free of this menace to society and the underworld that comes with it. It’s a national imperative, not a political one.

Our country, still reeling from an economic crisis, faces a critical juncture. The widespread drug problem, which alarmingly extends its grip to the youth, threatens the fabric of our society. The ‘Yukthiya’ initiative, therefore, is not just a law enforcement campaign; it’s a societal rejuvenation project.

While the program has garnered widespread praise, there are concerning efforts by certain elements to undermine this progress. These attempts, possibly motivated by narrow political agendas or hidden interests, pose a significant threat to the nation’s collective wellbeing.

Moreover, the financial underpinnings of the drug trade demand scrutiny. It’s imperative to investigate and expose those who benefit financially from the narcotics trade. Such revelations are crucial in dismantling the entire ecosystem that sustains this illegal industry.

Sri Lanka, at this critical juncture, needs a unified stance against the drug menace. The ‘Yukthiya’ program’s continued vigor and impartiality are essential. It’s not just about law enforcement; it’s about securing a future where our youth are free from the clutches of narcotics, and our society can thrive in health and prosperity.

Colombo (LNW): In a move that is likely to impact consumers, the National Water Supply & Drainage Board (NWSDB) has unveiled plans to implement a 3 per cent increase in water tariffs effective January 2024, coinciding with the simultaneous Value Added Tax (VAT) hike.

This decision by the government has raised eyebrows, as citizens are already grappling with the economic challenges posed by multiple price hikes.

The timing of this tariff increase, coupled with the parallel VAT adjustment, has sparked concerns among the public about the cumulative financial burden being imposed on households.

Critics argue that such measures disproportionately affect the ordinary citizens who are already facing the brunt of economic uncertainties.