News

Covid-19 JN.1 sub variant, already in SL?

Published

5 months ago

December 22, 2023

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Prof. Chandima Jeewandara, Head of the Department of Immunology and Molecular Medicine and Director Allergy Immunology and Cell Biology Unit, Faculty of Medical Sciences, University of Sri Jayewardenepura has said the JN.1 sub variant of Covid-19, which is already seen in many countries, could already be in Sri Lanka.

In a X thread, Prof. Jeewandara points out that “In India (Kochi) 30% of all patients with influenza-like illnesses (ILI) who were tested have turned out to be Covid positive in a span of about 24 hours.”

Sri Lanka too, has seen a spate of patients with ILI symptoms of late but as Prof. Jeewandara also states, testing is ‘close to zero.’

“In Sri Lanka , testing is quite low, close to zero. So we don’t know where we stand. But like in the past this JN.1 sub variant will emerge and it may have already with the observation of increased in ILI cases in Sri Lanka. My guess is it’s in the community.”

He also says that “Our health system is not at a risk as we have successfully managed previous waves and the country is prepared if there is an increase in cases.”

“Symptoms of JN.1 are fever, cough, loss of smell and loss of taste. Persistent high fever, breathing difficulties, fatigue, inability to eat and a tendency to vomit can be warning signs as observed in other parts of the world. Seek medical advice if these are present,” he adds.

6. In Sri Lanka , testing is quite low, close to zero. So we don’t know where we stand. But like in the past this JN.1 sub variant will emerge and it may have already with the observation of increased in ILI cases in Sri Lanka. My guess is it’s in the community !!!
— Chandima Jeewandara (@chandi2012) December 21, 2023

1. In India (Kochi) 30% of all patients with influenza-like illnesses (ILI) who were tested have turned out to be Covid positive in a span of about 24 hours.
— Chandima Jeewandara (@chandi2012) December 21, 2023

News

China Pledges Full Support for Sri Lanka’s Debt Restructuring

Published

20 hours ago

May 4, 2024

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State Minister of Finance Shehan Semasinghe has met with the Chinese Vice Minister of Finance Liao Min.

This meeting was held on the sidelines of the ADB annual meeting in Georgia.

Minister Semasinghe said on X ”at this discussion China assured its fullest support and cooperation to conclude the debt restructuring process in Sri Lanka.”

Furthermore, he said that China reaffirmed steadfast support to Sri Lanka on all fronts.(news first.lk)

News

Sri Lanka slips down Press Freedom Index

Published

2 days ago

May 3, 2024

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Reporters Without Borders released the 2024 World Press Freedom Index on Friday (03).

According to RFS, Sri Lanka has slipped to the 150th position in the index, from 135th position last year.

Click here to read the RSF Sri Lanka Fact File

News

Companies should be ashamed of not giving workers a raise – Vadivel Suresh

Published

2 days ago

May 3, 2024

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Mr. Vadivel Suresh, General Secretary of the Lanka Jathika Estate Workers’ Union, emphasized that both the Government and the Plantation Employers’ Association bear the responsibility of providing wage increases to plantation workers. These workers, who play a pivotal role in sustaining the esteemed reputation of ‘Ceylon Tea’, contribute significantly to the national economy of Sri Lanka.

MP Vadivel Suresh, made this statement during his participation in today’s (03) news conference at the Presidential Media Centre (PMC), under the theme ‘Collective path to a Stable Country’.

The Member of Parliament noted that plantation companies, benefiting significantly from the fluctuating dollar value, ought to feel ashamed for not providing their workers with a salary raise. He emphasized that the salary increase outlined in the gazette notice issued by the Labour Commissioner General for plantation workers should be implemented.

MP Vadivel Suresh further commented:

“We express gratitude to the President and the government for raising the salary of plantation workers to LKR. 1700. However, the Plantation Employers’ Association is contesting this decision.

The estate companies that profited greatly from the dollar’s value should be ashamed of themselves for not giving their workers a raise. Expressing opposition to the decision to increase wages for their workers, who contribute significantly to strengthening the national economy by upholding the reputation of Ceylon Tea, is regrettable. The decision to raise estate workers’ wages was not made hastily; rather, it followed extensive negotiations over the course of a year involving the Department of Labour, trade unions, and relevant stakeholders.

Employers’ unions persistently refrained from engaging in wage-fixing negotiations. Similarly, they remained silent when a salary increase of LKR 1000 was requested. However, the Labour Commissioner General, utilizing his authority, lawfully issued a gazette notice for a salary hike of LKR 1700. It is unjust for estate companies to procrastinate without providing relief to the workforce amidst fluctuations in the dollar’s value.

Both the government and the plantation Employers’ Association bear responsibility in this matter. Consequently, companies cannot contravene government decisions. Estate companies claim they are in dialogue with the high-level committee for the ultimate verdict. However, all 22 estate companies are owned by five individuals. These owners are involved not only in tea plantations but also in sectors such as tourism, small-scale manufacturing, agriculture, and gems. Additionally, plantation workers and trade unions must unite in support of this wage increase.

(President’s Media Division)

Gazette issued to up estate workers’ daily wage

Unable to increase daily wage – Plantation owners