Breaking News 148

COLOMBO (News 1st); Everyone over the age of 20 in Sri Lanka will be fully vaccinated by the end of October 2021, said President Gotabaya Rajapaksa addressing the 76th Session of the United Nations General Assembly in New York.

“Although being a developing nation, Sri Lanka has been successful in its vaccination program,” the President told the UNGA.

The President said that almost all those over the age of 30 have been fully vaccinated against COVID-19.

“Sri Lanka will start vaccinating children over the age of 15 in the near future,” he said.

The rapid progress of vaccination was enabled by coordinated efforts between heath care workers, armed forces, police personnel, government servants and elected officials, said the Head of State.

COLOMBO (News 1st); Two teachers were summoned to the Criminal Investigations Department on Tuesday (21) for allegedly threatening teachers engaged in online education.

Several Teacher Trade Unions were present opposite the CID premises as a mark of support to the two teachers who were summoned.

National Principals Association President Mohan Weerasinghe said upon their inquiries no incident of threatening another teacher had taken place.

General Secretary of the Ceylon Teachers’ Union Joseph Stalin alleged this is another drama production by Minister Sarath Weerasekera, using the police to suppress their struggles.

General Secretary of the Ceylon Teachers Service Union Mahinda Jayasinghe alleged these are attempts to disgrace the trade unions in the eyes of the people.

COLOMBO (News 1st); President Gotabaya Rajapaksa met with Prime Minister of Kuwait Sheikh Sabah Al-Hamad Al-Sabah in Manhattan, New York on the sidelines of the United Nations General Assembly.

Recalling the fifty years of close and friendly diplomatic relations between the two countries, the two leaders noted the need to further strengthen relations.

President Rajapaksa pointed out that a large number of Sri Lankans work in Kuwait and called for further opportunities for skilled workers.

The President informed the Prime Minister of Kuwait of the control measures taken to prevent the spread of COVI-19 and the vaccination program being carried out in the country, and pointed out the possibility of strengthening bilateral relations when the pandemic ends and the world returns to normalcy.

The President also drew the attention of the Kuwaiti Prime Minister to the investment opportunities available to the State of Kuwait in the port city, solar and wind energy and oil refining sectors.

The meeting also saw food security, education, information technology and cyber security, being discussed.

COLOMBO (News 1st); Sri Lanka Police said action will be taken on complaints that are made on the basis of threatening or obstructing the duties of public officers.

Issuing a statement, Sri Lanka Police on Friday (17) said if any person threatens teachers to refrain from teaching using via online methods, a complaint can be filed directly with the Criminal Investigations Department or by calling 119 or by visiting the nearest Police Station.

Minister of Public Security Rear Admiral (Retired) Dr. Sarath Weerasekera has instructed the IGP and the DIG in charge of the CID to enforce strict action with respect to those complaints.

COLOMBO (News 1st); 144 COVID-19 deaths were confirmed for Saturday (11), said the Department of Government Information. The total number of fatalities increased to 11,296.

COLOMBO (News 1st); 175 COVID-19 deaths were confirmed for Wednesday (8), said the Director-General of Health Services. Total fatalities in Sri Lanka increased to 10,864.