News
WHO calls upon world to expect more pandemics if …
… stresses need to pay attention to Climate Emergency, animal welfare
… frowns on practice of throwing money at the problem
The World Health Organisation (WHO) has warned that COVID-19 will not be the last pandemic to trouble the world, and attempts to improve human health are bound to fail unless action is taken to address burning issues such as the Climate Emergency and to ensure animal welfare.
WHO chief Tedros Adhanom Ghebreyesus has frowned on the practice of what he calls “dangerously short-sighted” cycle of throwing cash at outbreaks without making preparations for tackling the next one.
Dr. Ghebreyesus said so in a video message marking Sunday’s first International Day of Epidemic Preparedness. He stressed the need for the nations to learn the lessons from the pandemic.
“For too long, the world has operated on a cycle of panic and neglect … “We throw money at an outbreak, and when it’s over, we forget about it and do nothing to prevent the next one. This is dangerously short-sighted, and frankly difficult to understand.
“History tells us that this will not be the last pandemic, and epidemics are a fact of life … The pandemic has highlighted the intimate links between the health of humans, animals and planet.
“Any efforts to improve human health are doomed unless they address the critical interface between humans and animals, and the existential threat of climate change that’s making our earth less habitable.
“In the past 12 months, our world has been turned upside-down. The impacts of the pandemic go far beyond the disease itself, with far-reaching consequences for societies and economies.”
The International Day of Epidemic Preparedness was called for by the United Nations General Assembly to promote the importance of prevention, preparedness and partnership in tackling epidemics.
Victor Ivan, former editor of the Raavaya newspaper has passed away . He was 75 at the time of his demise.
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Landslide early warnings issued to the district of Badulla , Kandy , Kurunegala and Matale
The National Building Research Organization [NBRO] has issued landslide early warnings to the districts of Badulla, Kandy, Kurunegala and Matale at 0800 hrs today valid until 0800hrs on Monday 20th January 2025.
Accordingly,
Level II [Amber] landslide early warnings have been issued to the Divisional Secretaries Divisions and surrounding areas of Ududumbara in the Kandy district and Rattota, Yatawatta, Ukuwela and Wilgamuwa in the Matale district.
Level I [Yellow] landslide early warnings have been issued to the Divisional Secretaries Divisions and surrounding areas of Badulla, Passara and Hali Ela in the Badulla district, Meda Dumbara, Phatha Dumbara and Doluwa in the Kandy district and Laggala Pallegama, Ambanganga Korale, Pallepola, Naula and Matale in the Matale district
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It is the Government’s intention to provide justice to the grieving people – Prime Minister
Prime Minister Dr. Harini Amarasuriya said that it is the Government’s intention to provide justice to the people who are deprived of the same due to rewards and sponsorships.
The Premier made this statement at the occasion of handing over the renovated Court of Appeal building to the public on Saturday (18). The renovations was a donation from the People’s Republic of China.
Further she mentioned that the investment made in a country’s judicial system and in the provision of facilities for the delivery of justice to the people is a reflection of the commitment made towards the country and its people. “This is not just a building, but a symbol of the delivery of justice, fairness of law, equality and dignity. Our country has suffered for decades because many were denied justice under systems of rewards and sponsorships. Our intention is to resolve those deficiencies, bring forth fairness and ensure that everyone has access to justice”, she added.
“The people must be able to keep trust and rely on the judicial system by exemplifying that the legal powers granted to judges by the Constitution are exercised fairly and providing independent and fair judgment to the parties concerned. Everyone, including women, children and the disabled community, expects justice. Their aspiration is that such a system will ensure that no one faces hardships, an attention will be paid to their mental conditions, protection from the consequences they may face when seeking justice for them or defending their rights. All actors in this process must be treated with respect. There are people who have faced hardships for years in the pursuit of justice. We ensure that they are treated fairly. They should not be subjected to intimidation, harassment or threat in the pursuit of justice”, the Premier highlighted.
The Prime Minister further expressed her gratitude to the People’s Republic of China for their generosity and support.
A group of invitees including the Ambassador of the People’s Republic of China to Sri Lanka, Qi Zhenhong, Chief Justice Murdu Fernando and many others participated in this event.
[Prime Minister’s Media Division]
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