News
Over 6 mn facemasks disposed daily: country faces a new threat
By Ifham Nizam
The next environmental crisis in the country could be due to the dumping of face masks as more than six million face masks were released to the environment every day, Environment Minister Mahinda Amaraweera said yesterday.
Amaraweera said he believed that social responsibility was of utmost importance at a time when the country was struggling to tackle a pandemic.
“Everyone in our country is to wear a face mask. It is mandatory to wear rubber gloves in some institutions. According to information received by the Ministry of Environment, about five million surgical face masks and one million KN 95 face masks are being discharged into the environment daily.”
Although the health sector has advised people to wear masks, the public has not yet received proper advice on how to dispose of them in a proper manner, he added.
At present, there are three categories people using masks. First is the infected people; the second group is those who are quarantined after having associated with the infected, and the third consist of those who wear masks to protect themselves.
The Environment Minister said that some people disposed of their masks without following any safety precautions.
Last week, nearly 100 water samples were tested in a river in Ecuador. All those samples were found to be infected with the Covid-19 virus, said the minister.
“Therefore, if this virus spreads in the river system of our country too, we will have to face a serious health crisis. Therefore, local authorities should be instructed to strictly implement the guidelines for the prevention of Covid-19.”
Guidelines are currently being prepared by the Central Environmental Authority. Face masks add up to six million a day, which means 180 million a month.
News
“Sri Lanka’s Economic Revival – Reflection on the Journey from Crisis to Recovery” by Mahinda Siriwardana presented to the President
The book “Sri Lanka’s Economic Revival – Reflection on the Journey from Crisis to Recovery” ,authored by Secretary to the Ministry of Finance, Mr. Mahinda Siriwardana, was officially launched this morning (08) at the Galle Face Hotel, Colombo, with the participation of President Anura Kumara Disanayake.
The first copy of the publication was formally presented to President Disanayake by Mr. Siriwardana during the event.
It has been reported that former State Minister Sivanesathurai Chandrakanthan alias ‘Pilleyan’ has been arrested by the Criminal Investigation Department (CID).
A meeting between President Anura Kumara Disanayake and senior officials of SriLankan Airlines was held this afternoon (April 8) at the Presidential Secretariat.
The discussions mainly focused on proposals to transform SriLankan Airlines into a more profitable state-owned enterprise. Special attention was also given to possible short-term and long-term solutions for the airline’s debt management.
The talks further explored new investment opportunities for the airline. The President instructed the officials to take all necessary steps to transform SriLankan Airlines into a profit-making entity.
Although the airline has recorded operational profits, due to past mismanagement and poor decision-making, it remains one of the leading loss-making state enterprises. The current government has decided to reverse the previous administration’s decision to privatize the airline. Instead, it plans to continue operating it as the national carrier while introducing a new management structure to ensure its profitability moving forward.
Minister of Labour and Deputy Minister of Economic Development Dr. Anil Jayantha Fernando, President’s Senior Advisor Duminda Hulangamuwa, Chairman of SriLankan Airlines Sarath Ganegoda along with several senior officials of SriLankan Airlines, were present at the meeting.
“Sri Lanka’s Economic Revival – Reflection on the Journey from Crisis to Recovery” by Mahinda Siriwardana presented to the President
Former state minister arrested by CID
President meets with senior officials of SriLankan Airlines
-
Business2 days agoColombo Coffee wins coveted management awards
-
Features3 days agoStarlink in the Global South
-
Business4 days agoDaraz Sri Lanka ushers in the New Year with 4.4 Avurudu Wasi Pro Max – Sri Lanka’s biggest online Avurudu sale
-
Business5 days agoStrengthening SDG integration into provincial planning and development process
-
Business4 days agoNew SL Sovereign Bonds win foreign investor confidence
-
Sports6 days agoTo play or not to play is Richmond’s decision
-
Features3 days agoModi’s Sri Lanka Sojourn
-
Sports5 days agoNew Zealand under 85kg rugby team set for historic tour of Sri Lanka