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Prof. Vitharana says recent protests did not contribute to rapid spread of virus

Published

2 years ago

2021/08/26

By Rathindra Kuruwita

There was no evidence to prove that the recent protests had contributed to the rapid spread of COVID-19, SLPP MP, Prof. Tissa Vitharana said yesterday.

He made the statement when asked whether there was a close connection between the anti-government protests and the rise in COVID-19 cases. Prof. Vitharana said that there had not been a scientific study on the matter, but he said he believed that the protests had little impact on the pandemic after analysing the data at hand and the geographical distribution of protests.

“I think that this is not the time to do and say things that divide people more. When Pavithra Wanniarachchi was the Minister of Health, I proposed that we establish a mechanism with the participation of party leaders. This would have allowed us to get their opinions and expand the anti-COVID initiatives. I think everyone knows what happened to my proposal. However, we need to have a COVID committee in each village. These committees must have capable people from all parties to monitor the COVID-19 guidelines and take action.”

Prof. Vitharana said that despite constant warnings a large number of people were taking the pandemic lightly. People went about their activities without much concern for COVID-19 guidelines and policemen do not act against those individuals, he said.

“Those responsible must ensure that people follow health guidelines. Now we have imposed a lockdown but there are still many people on roads. Why did we impose a lockdown? We did it to prevent those infected with COVID-19 from meeting others. Given the rapid spread of the virus, the government had to go for a lockdown. My proposal was for 14 days but even 10 days is enough if we do this right. Requesting people to behave has not worked,” he said.

The SLPP MP said that garment factories and other establishments could follow COVID-19 guidelines while maintaining optimal productivity. Sri Lanka’s largest garment factory network had approached him and now they had rearranged their factory floors to match the guidelines, he said.

Prof. Vitharana said some understood that the unchecked spread of the virus among the workforce was bad for business and they had taken necessary steps.

“Some employers don’t seem to care about what happens to their workers. These are people who can’t think of sustainability. The government has to make them understand the gravity of the situation,” he said.

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South Korean airline bans emergency seats after plane door opens

Published

4 hours ago

2023/05/28

Priyan

South Korea’s Asiana Airlines has stopped selling some emergency exit row seats following an accident in which a passenger opened an emergency exit door midair causing panic on board.

The incident took place on an A321-200 plane, which was carrying nearly 200 passengers, as it approached the runway at Daegu International Airport, about 240km (150 miles) southeast of Seoul. The plane landed safely but several passengers were hospitalised. There were no serious injuries or damage.

The airline told the AFP news agency on Sunday the emergency exit seats – 31A and 26A – on its 14 A321-200 jets would no longer be offered for sale. “As a safety precaution, this measure will apply even if the flights are full,” it added. It is however unclear how the move might stop passengers seated elsewhere on the plane from attempting to open the emergency door.

The man, in his 30s, was arrested by authorities in Daegu for allegedly breaking aviation security laws. He faces up to 10 years in prison if convicted. He told Daegu police that he had been under a lot of stress after losing his job recently and that he opened the door because he wanted to get off quickly after feeling suffocated, South Korea’s Yonhap news agency reported on Saturday.

Video footage apparently taken by a person on board and posted on social media showed passengers’ hair being whipped about by air rushing into the cabin when the emergency door opened.

It is still unclear how Lee was able to open the emergency exit door mid-flight.

Jin Seong-hyun, a former Korean Air cabin safety official, said as far as he knew, this case was unprecedented, although passengers have opened emergency exits without authorisation while planes were on the ground.

A South Korean transport ministry official said it was possible to open emergency exits at or near ground level because the pressures inside and outside the cabin were similar.

(Aljazeera)

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Heat Index at Caution level in Northern, North-Central, North-western and Eastern provinces and Monaragala and Hambanthota districts

Published

8 hours ago

2023/05/28

Priyan

Heat index Advisory Issued by the Natural Hazards Early Warning Centre At 07.30 a.m. 28 May 2023, valid for 28 May 2023

Heat index, the temperature felt on the human body is expected to increase up to ‘Caution’ level at some places in Northern, North-Central, North-western and Eastern provinces and Monaragala and Hambanthota districts.