Category: Other News
Criminal operations by underworld drug mafia from prisons must end: President
Jun 02, 2020 (LBO) – President Gotabaya Rajapaksa has emphasized that crimes operated by underworld kingpins and drug mafia from prisons must be put to an end without delay. Specific information relating to criminal activities and drug peddling operated from prisons have been received. The general public is appalled by this situation, President said. “This […]
Reducing health costs and increasing Government revenue beyond COVID-19: Raising cigarette taxes
Harini Weerasekera and Chamini Thilanka The susceptibility of smokers to contract COVID-19 has been recognised by the World Health Organisation (WHO) and other medical authorities. In Sri Lanka, concerned parties have called for a temporary ban of cigarette sales as a measure to contain the spread of the virus – a commendable move. However, beyond […]
VIDEO: How do virus tests like PCR actually work?
A new virus emerges and spreads like wildfire. In order to contain it, researchers must first collect data about who’s been infected. Two main viral testing techniques are critical: one tells you if you have the virus and the other shows if you’ve already had it. So, how exactly do these tests work? Cella Wright […]
Over 38,000 Sri Lankans in 143 countries seek to return home
May 18, 2020 (LBO) – Over 38,983 Overseas Sri Lankans (OSLs) in 143 countries at present seek to return home, based on information gathered mainly through the ‘Contact Sri Lanka’ Web Portal of the Ministry of Foreign Relations. This comprises 3,078 students, 4,040 short term visa holders, 27,854 Migrant workers, 3527 dependents and 484 duel […]
VIDEO: Coronavirus Herd Immunity – Explained
The world has been put on hold by the Coronavirus Pandemic and until we find a vaccine, we all need to stick to the social distancing, but you may have heard about Herd Immunity, and we are here to explain it in today’s new video. Could this be a real way to overcome Covid-19? Watch […]
Local epidemiology should guide focused action in ‘new normal’ COVID-19 world: WHO
May 15, 2020 (LBO) – Amid rising cases of COVID-19 and as countries in WHO South-East Asia Region ease lockdowns in a graded manner, WHO today said careful assessment of local epidemiology should guide future actions to combat the virus. “Countries in the Region must continue to take evidence-informed action and conduct careful risk assessments […]
| The right way to leave lockdown
Governments are starting to ease restrictions designed to curb Covid-19. But with most of the world still vulnerable to the virus, what’s the right way to leave lockdown?
VIDEO: How coronavirus charts can mislead us
Much of the data about the coronavirus epidemic and covid-19 is flawed. It is collected and reported in different ways by different countries, and almost certainly undercounts the number of cases and deaths. But organizations and journalists still need to report the available data to inform the public and help guide policymakers.Much of that data […]
Sri Lanka COVID cases cross 500 : Island-wide curfew imposed today
Apr 27, 2020 (LBO) – Sri Lanka’s COVID-19 cases rose to 523 as the Government yesterday cancelled leave of all armed forces personnel and extended countrywide curfew. Meanwhile, issung a statement the Presidents office said the curfew is in order to facilitate officers of the security forces who are on leave to report back to […]
Advocata commends increase in testing: Calls on Govt to review purchasing tests
Apr 27, 2020 (LBO) – The Advocata Institute has previously highlighted the importance of expanding testing capacity with the engagement of the private sector. The government’s decision to increase the country’s testing capacity to 1000 tests a day, by utilising the capacity that exists in private hospitals is commendable. On the 22nd of April, the […]
‘s path to resurgence?
The European Union is discussing economic stimulus measures. EU finance ministers are due to meet today for talks on how to stave off a recession. Angela Merkel has pledged Germany’s support and member states battered by the coronavirus are desperate to get the money flowing.But there’s fierce debate over how to do that.