Thursday, November 27, 2014

Phillip Hughes dead: Australian cricketer dies after bouncer at SCG

Phillip Hughes

Phillip Hughes

Australian cricketer Phillip Hughes has died in hospital, two days after he was struck on the head by a cricket ball while playing in a Sheffield Shield match at the Sydney Cricket Ground.
Australian team doctor Peter Brukner said in a statement released by Cricket Australia on Thursday afternoon that Hughes had died at St Vincent's Hospital.
Peter Brukner, Australia team doctor, said he never regained consciousness and died in hospital in Sydney.
"He was not in pain before he passed and was surrounded by his family and close friends," he said in a statement.
"As a cricket community we mourn his loss and extend our deepest sympathies to Phillip's family and friends at this incredibly sad time. Cricket Australia kindly asks that the privacy of the Hughes family, players and staff be respected."
In an incident that has stunned the cricketing community in Australia and abroad, Hughes, 25, was hit on side of the head while attempting to hook a ball during an inter-state Sheffield Shield match at the Sydney Cricket Ground on Tuesday.
Hughes, who was wearing a helmet, appeared to compose himself but then leant forward and collapsed face first onto the pitch. The batsman, who played 26 Tests for Australia, was taken to hospital and remained in an induced coma.
Tony Abbott, Australian Prime Minister, led tributes.
"His death is a very sad day for cricket and a heartbreaking day for his family. What happened has touched millions of Australians," he said.

"For a young life to be cut short playing our national game seems a shocking aberration. He was loved, admired and respected by his teammates and by legions of cricket fans."
Australian cricketers past and present took to Twitter to express their sorrow.

Australian cricketers have gathered at the Sydney Cricket Ground and wandered out one-by-one to pay tribute to Phillip Hughes on the pitch where he was killed.
Those seen making their way to the centre of the empty ground included Michael Clarke, the Australian captain.
The death of Hughes, a former Test batsman, has devastated Australia’s tight-knit cricketing community. In the past two days, players have been seen crying as they have come and gone from St Vincent’s hospital, where Hughes was in intensive care.

Australia has been preparing to play a test against India but it is not clear whether it will go ahead.
“The game will go on – it has to – but it is a sad loss for the game of cricket,” former Australian captain Mark Taylor told Channel Nine. “He [Hughes] was a good country lad. He was really the quintessential Australian cricketer. You don’t expect this to happen and even when he got hit, you think he will bounce back.”
Taylor expressed sympathy for Sean Abbott, who bowled the bouncer which struck Hughes.
“I hope Sean Abbott can forgive himself because the cricket community doesn’t blame him at all.”
A tribute to Hughes in Sydney's Daily Telegraph said the day "will forever be remembered as one the most sorrowful days in Australian cricket's 138-year history".
"Cricket's saddest day is upon us," wrote Robert Craddock and Peter Badel.
"For deep-seated shock and sadness it is doubtful whether any incident has caused more widespread grief than this heartbreaking tale of a strong-willed young cricketer playing an innings, expecting to see him recalled to the Test team and suddenly losing his life... The devastation of Hughes' death is deep and widespread and stretches far beyond the boundary of cricket and even sport."

Read more ...

Thursday, November 13, 2014

Rohit Sharma smashes highest ever ODI score with 264 for India against Sri Lanka

  • Rohit Sharma is the first player to score two ODI double centuries 
  • His 264 at Eden Gardens, Kolkata, came off just 173 balls
  • The innings overtakes Virender Sehwag's 219 against West Indies 
  • India set Sri Lanka 405 for victory at 8.10 an over to win their fourth ODI 
  • Sharma's score alone beat the 251 Sri Lanka managed before being all out
Rohit Sharma scored the highest ever individual score in a one-day international and became the first player to score two career double centuries in a 50-over match with 264 against Sri Lanka. 
The sensational innings on a batsman-friendly Kolkata came off 173 balls with 33 fours and nine sixes, and only ended on the last ball of India's innings as Sharma holed out in the deep.
Sharma said he was 'ready to bat another 50 overs' after walking off the Eden Gardens with his side on a formidable 404 for five after winning the toss and batting first. His score alone would have won the match by 13 runs after the visitors were all out in the 44th over for 251.

Sri Lanka were made to pay for dropping the destructive 27-year-old in the fifth over with his tally just four runs at the time.  
Sharma's innings demolishes Virender Sehwag's previous record of a 149-ball 219 against the West Indies in 2011. Sharma also has the third top score in ODIs with his 209 off 158 balls against Australia in November last year.
Sharma's knock got off to a modest start with the opener reaching his hundred in even time, with his first 50 off 72 balls and his second 50 in a swift 28 deliveries.
From then it was a procession for the right-hander. His third 50 took 25 balls and the 50 up to his 200 took just 26 deliveries. With the end in sight, and Sharma looking to cash in knowing 350 is an achievable target at this ground, he reached 250 in a further 15 balls. 

TOP 10 ODI INNINGS OF ALL TIME 

1) ROHIT SHARMA (India) 264 (173 balls) v Sri Lanka, November 13, 2014
2) VIRENDER SEHWAG (India) 219 (149 ball) v West Indies, December 8, 2011
3) ROHIT SHARMA (India) 209 (158 balls) v Australia, November 2, 2013
4) SACHIN TENDULKAR (India) 200* (147 balls) v South Africa, February 24, 2010
5) CHARLES COVENTRY (Zimbabwe) 194* (156 balls) v Bangladesh, August 16, 2009
6) SAEED ANWAR (Pakistan) 194 (146 balls) v India, May 21, 1997
7) VIV RICHARDS (West Indies) 189* (170 balls) v England, May 31, 1984
8) MARTIN GUPTILL (New Zealand) 189* (155 balls) v England, June 2, 2013
9) SANATH JAYASURIYA (Sri Lanka) 189 (161 balls) v India, October 29, 2000
10) GARY KIRSTEN (South Africa) 188* (159 balls) v UAE February 16, 1996

'Once I got to 50 I knew I had to make a century because it was a good batting wicket and we knew 350 was easily chaseable. That made me stay there as long as possible,' Sharma said on Sky Sports 2. 
'It is important to look at the team score as that is how you build an innings.' 
Had opening bowler Nuwan Kulasekara been given his full allocation of 10 overs he could have made a century of his own after going for 89 runs off nine overs at a rate of 9.88. 
His only consolation was that it was off his bowling that Sharma's wicket fell, with the rampant 27-year-old finding the safe hands of Mahela Jayawardene instead of the middle of his bat.
Coming into this match, Sharma had scored 142 for an India A side ina  warm-up against the Sri Lankans - his last knock before that was in August against England in Cardiff where he injured his hand.
Sehwag and Sachin Tendulkar are the only other players to have reached 200 in an ODI.
One record Sharma fell short of was for the highest score for a limited-overs match, falling a single shot along the ground short of Alistair Brown's 268 for Surrey in 2002.
India got off to the perfect start with the ball, removing Sri Lankan opener Kusal Perera without scoring with the third ball of their first over.
Despite a mid-innings fightback from Angelo Mathews (75) and Lahiru Thiramine (59) the target proved a task too great and India took a 4-0 series lead with one match remaining.

Read more ...

Monday, October 27, 2014

Hiru Golden Film Awards 2014

Hiru Golden Film Awards 2014

The Hiru Golden Film Awards was held on a grand scale at the Sugathadasa Indoor Stadium yesterday leaving a golden note in the history of Sri Lankan cinema as the largest local cinema awards ceremony held ever in Sri Lanka.

Hiru Golden Film Awards organized to international standards was held with the participation of a galaxy of Bollywood and local superstars.

Several Bollywood superstars including Bipasha Basu, Neha Dupia, Anil Kapoor, Sunil Shetti and Vivek Oberoi joined this historic cinematic experience.

In addition, super vocalist Alka Yagnik who thrilled the hearts of Bollywood fans also joined her fellow film stars.

State of the art technology and most modern lighting systems never used in a Sri Lankan awards ceremony were used to provide lighting for Hiru Golden Film Awards.

In addition, the most sophisticated sound control system and most advanced camera system in the country were used to cover this spectacular event leaving a lasting memory of the ceremony.

Sri Lankan film industry which began 67 years ago has passed its golden era where film personnel were appreciated.

But no quality productions were screened afterward thereby making it one of the causes to collapse the industry.

In order to fill the vacuum, Hiru Golden Film Awards, was organized according to a concept by Asia Broadcasting Corporation Chairman Rayynor Silva, taking a revolutionary profile in the local cinema industry.

16 years ago, the local radio industry was also given new perspective following a concept given by Asia Broadcasting Corporation Chairman Rayynor Silva.

As a result, a family of radio channels such as Hiru FM, Sha FM, Sun FM, Gold FM and Sooriyan FM were introduced.

Leading in the arena, Asia Broadcasting Corporation later introduced its first Television channel Hiru TV which has already left its musing in the hearts of its viewers.

Chairman Rayynor Silva championed both Radio and Television and the latest endeavour of Asia Broadcasting Corporation was Hiru Golden Film Awards.

Hiru Golden Film Awards, the first of its kind, awarded films that were screened in 2012 and 2013 and another 100 short films produced during the same period.

Hiru Golden Film Award was held at a time where there is a large vacuum in the local film industry.

Awards for Most popular Actor, actress and the most popular song were presented according to an opinion poll carried out through S M S’s and awards ceremony web site.

Accordingly the award for the best film direction was presented to Ashoka Handagama for “Iniyawan” while “Siri Parakum” received the award for the most popular film.

Akila Dhanuddara who featured in “Siri Parakum” was awarded most popular actor and Yashoda Wimaladharma was awarded most popular actress for her role in “Samala Sandwaniya”.

The Best Actor award went to Darshan Dharmaraj for “Iniyawan”.

Chandani Seneviratne who acted in “Nikini Wassa” was presented with the best actress award.

Veteran artists from Sri Lanka as well as Bollywood stars Bipasha Basu, Anil Kapoor, Sunil Shetti, Vivek Oberoi, Neha Dhupia and super vocalist Alka Yagnik who participated in the Hiru Golden Film Awards, presented the awards.

The Best Supporting actor award was presented to Ashan Dias for his role in “Siri Parakum” while Niranjani Shanmugaraja was awarded Best Supporting actress for her role in “Iniyawan”.

The best upcoming actor award went to “Jagath Manuwarna” for his roles in “Nikini Wassa” and “Karma”.

Sulochana Weerasinghe became the best upcoming actress for her role in Nikini Wessa.

Pramuditha Udaya Kumara was awarded “Best child actor” for his role in Siri Parakum.

Amila Thenuwara was awarded “best film songwriter” for the song “Ikigasa handana” from Samala Sandwaniya while Amarasiri Peiris was awarded best male background singer for the same song. The song Ikigasa handana was also selected as the most popular song.

Uresha Rawihari was awarded best female background singer for the “jala dhara” in Kusa Paba.

The best film editor award was presented to Ajith Ramanayake for Iniyawan while Palitha Perera received the award for best camera direction for the film “Karma”.

The award for the best Scriptwriter was won by Aruna Jayawardena for Nikini Wessa.

“Hiru Jeewana Pranama special award” at the Hiru Golden Film awards was presented to Swarna Mallawarachchi.

Hiru Uththamachaara award was won by late Andrew Jayamaanna who has provided a yeoman service to the tele and cinema industry as a director and a camera director.

Read more ...

Friday, October 24, 2014

Watch the Canadian Parliament Attack



Canadian police have released new videos showing the moments before the deadly attack on the country's parliament in Ottawa, saying that the slain suspect is likely to have acted alone.
Authorities also said on Thursday that they believed 32-year old Michael Zehaf-Bibeau was planning to travel to Syria.
The grainy surveillance camera video showed a man rushing out of a vehicle, brandishing a firearm, as several people in the nearby street scrambled for cover.
Earlier on Thursday, Canadian Prime Minister Stephen Harper told parliament members that his government would speed up plans to bolster laws on "surveillance and arrest" following the attack.
Zehaf-Bibeau was shot dead after storming into the main parliament building shortly after killing Nathan Cirillo, a soldier guarding the nearby national war memorial.
Parliament opened with applause for the sergeant who shot Zehaf-Bibeau, and a moment's silence for the dead soldier.
"The objective of these attacks was to instill fear and panic in our country," Harper said. "Canadians will not be intimidated. We will be vigilant, but we will not run scared. We will be prudent but we will not panic."

Mother 'crying for victims'
According to family members and friends, the suspect's past included robbery and drug offenses.
The mother of the attacker said she was crying for the victims of the shooting, not her son.
"Can you ever explain something like this?'' Susan Bibeau said in an interview with the Associated Press. "We are sorry.''
"If I'm crying it's for the people. Not for my son."
"I am mad at my son," she said in a separate email to the agency. "I, his mother, spoke with him last week over lunch, I had not seen him for over five years before that,'' the email said. "So I have very little insight to offer."
She said that no words could express the sadness she and her husband were feeling over the death of the soldier
"We are so sad that a man lost his life. He ... leaves behind a family that must feel nothing but pain and sorrow. We send our deepest condolences to them although words seem pretty useless. We are both crying for them."
"We also wish to apologise for all the pain, fright and chaos he [Zehaf-Bibeau] created. We have no explanation to offer."
The Ottawa attack came two days after another man, whom Harper described as an "ISIL-inspired terrorist" ran over two soldiers in a car park in Quebec, killing one and injuring another before being shot and killed by police.

Read more ...

Friday, October 17, 2014

Watch Michelle Obama Dance With a Turnip

Michelle Obama Dance With a Turnip
Michelle Obama Dance With a Turnip

 

The First Lady Michelle Obama posts a Vine showing her throwing some moves with a turnip to promote her healthy living campaign.

This could be the epitome of mum dancing.
During a Vine Q & A session to promote her healthy living Let's Move! campaign, Michelle Obama was asked how many calories she burned "when you turn up."




Cue the First Lady recording a clip of her dancing to Lil Jon's 'Turn Down for What?' and giving it a foody twist.
The cringe-worthy clip is irresistible and has gone viral since it was posted late on Tuesday.

Read more ...

Saturday, October 11, 2014

Nobel Peace Prize 2014: Pakistani Malala Yousafzai, Indian Kailash Satyarthi Honored For Fighting For Children's Rights


The 2014 Nobel Peace Prize was awarded on Friday to Pakistani Malala Yousafzai and Indian Kailash Satyarthi for "their struggle against the suppression of children and young people and for the right of all children to education."

"Children must go to school and not be financially exploited," The Norwegian Nobel Committee stated in a press release. "In the poor countries of the world, 60% of the present population is under 25 years of age. It is a prerequisite for peaceful global development that the rights of children and young people be respected."
Yousafzai, 17, was shot in the head by Taliban militants in 2012 for having the temerity to seek an education. The Islamist militant group also took issue with her for publishing a blog in 2009 that promoted the right to education.
"I think of it often and imagine the scene clearly. Even if they come to kill me, I will tell them what they are doing is wrong, that education is our basic right," Yousafzai said on her website.
After receiving treatment for her injuries in a British hospital, Yousafzai dedicated herself to the cause of education for all. She said being shot had only strengthened her resolve.
"They can only shoot a body, they cannot shoot my dreams," Yousafzai said. "They shot me because they wanted to tell me that, 'we want to kill you and to stop you campaigning', but they did the biggest mistake: they injured me, and they told me through that attack, that even death is supporting me, even death does not want to kill me."
Yousafzai penned the bestselling book, "I Am Malala: The Girl Who Stood Up For Education And Was Shot By The Taliban," and launched The Malala Fund, a nonprofit organization focused on helping girls go to school and promoting their right of education. For her efforts, she has received the Sakharov Prize for Freedom of Thought, the European Union's annual human rights award. Previous winners include Nobel Peace Prize laureates Aung San Suu Kyi and Nelson Mandela.
To date, only 15 women have been awarded the Nobel Peace Prize. Yousafzai is the youngest Nobel laureate ever.



Satyarthi, 60, is a children's rights activist who has dedicated his life to helping the millions of youths in India and around the world that have been forced into slavery.
A former electrical engineer, Satyarthi has participated in countless peaceful demonstrations and protests against the exploitation of children. He has mounted raids on factories where children were forced to work, and helped free and rehabilitate thousands. Satyarthi also established Rugmark (now known as Goodweave), a group that aims to "stop child labor in the carpet industry and to replicate its market-based approach in other sectors," and currently heads the Global March Against Child Labor, a conglomeration of 2,000 social-minded organizations and trade unions in 140 countries.
Satyarthi's contributions have received many honors, including the Aachener International Peace Award, the Robert F. Kennedy Human Rights Award, the Wallenberg Medal and the Defenders of Democracy Award.
"This is an honor for all my fellow Indians, as well as an honor for all those children in the world whose voices were never heard before properly," Satyarthi told India's NDTV network.



"The Nobel Committee regards it as an important point for a Hindu and a Muslim, an Indian and a Pakistani, to join in a common struggle for education and against extremism," the Committee stated in a press release. "Many other individuals and institutions in the international community have also contributed. It has been calculated that there are 168 million child laborers around the world today. In 2000, the figure was 78 million higher. The world has come closer to the goal of eliminating child labor."
The two will split the Nobel award of $1.1 million.
The committee awards the Nobel Peace Prize annually to the person who shall have done the most or the best work for fraternity between nations, the abolition or reduction of standing armies and for the holding and promotion of peace congresses." It is one of five Nobel Prizes established by Alfred Nobel, inventor of dynamite, in his will in 1895.
Read more ...

Friday, September 19, 2014

Scotland rejects independence with No winning 55% of vote

Scotland Independence
Scotland  independence

Scotland has voted against ending its 307-year-old union with England and Wales, with the Scottish National party conceding defeat in the historic referendum.
The result was mathematically certain to be a victory for the Better Together campaign after 30 of Scotland's 32 local authorities declared, including the major cities of Glasgow, Edinburgh and Aberdeen. An estimated 55% of voters are expected to reject First Minister Alex Salmond's prospectus for independence when all the results are declared.
The yes campaign scored four big successes, winning 53% in the largest city of Glasgow, 54% in West Dunbartonshire, 57% in Dundee and 51% in North Lanarkshire.
However, the no camp was victorious in 26 authorities. It won overwhelmingly in areas where it was expected to do well, including Edinburgh, Aberdeenshire and Borders, but also in areas that could have gone to the yes campaign, including Falkirk, Inverclyde, Eilean Siar and Clackmannanshire.

Awaking to a likely victory for Better Together, David Cameron, the prime minister, tweeted that he had spoken to Labour former chancellor Alistair Darling, leader of the no campaign, and congratulated him on a "well-fought campaign".


The outcome was a deep disappointment to the vocal, enthusiastic pro-independence movement led by the Scottish first minister, Alex Salmond, who had seen an opportunity to turn a centuries-old nationalist dream into reality, and forced the three main British parties into panicked promises to grant substantial new power to the Scottish Parliament.

The decision spared Prime Minister David Cameron of Britain a shattering defeat that would have raised questions about his ability to continue in office and diminished his nation’s standing in the world.


But while the result preserved a union molded in 1707, it left Mr. Cameron facing a backlash among some of his Conservative Party lawmakers. They were angered by the promises of greater Scottish autonomy that he and other party leaders made just days before the vote, when it appeared that the independence campaign might win. Some lawmakers called for similar autonomy for England itself, and even the creation of a separate English Parliament.
The outcome headed off the huge economic, political and military imponderables that would have flowed from a vote for independence. But it also presaged a looser, more federal United Kingdom. And it was unlikely to deter Scottish nationalists from trying again.
The passion of the campaign also left Scots divided, and Mr. Salmond was expected to call later on Friday for reconciliation after a vibrant exercise in democracy that had episodes of harshness and even intimidation.
President Obama had made little secret of his desire that the United Kingdom remain intact. Indeed, Britain had long prided itself on a so-called special relationship with the United States, and Britain’s allies had been concerned by, among other things, Mr. Salmond’s vow to evict Britain’s nuclear submarine bases from Scotland, threatening London’s role in Western defenses.
As the vote approached, the margin between the two camps narrowed to a few percentage points, and at one point, the “yes” campaign seemed to have the momentum.
That was enough to alarm Britain’s political leaders from the three main parties in the Westminster Parliament in London. In a rare show of unity, they promised to extend significant new powers of taxation to Scotland, while maintaining a formula for public spending that many English voters saw as favoring Scots with a higher per-capita contribution.
Voters remained divided to the very end.
Read more ...

Friday, September 12, 2014

5 Million Online Passwords Leaked, Check Yours Now





Almost 5 million Gmail addresses and their passwords have been compromised and leaked on a Russian Bitcoin forum. Admins on the forum have removed the passwords from the text file, but the Internet is forever, so if your username is among those that have been hacked, you should change your password immediately.
Luckily, there’s a quick tool you can use to figure out if your account information was leaked. Just head to http://isleaked.com/en.php and input your email address. [Edit: If you're wary of inputting your email address on a site you're not familiar with, the best course of action is simply to change your password as a precaution. Update: For added assurance, we reached out to isleaked.com via email, and they pointed out again that you can substitute a few asterisks so as not to give up your full email address and assured us that they aren't collecting the email addresses entered.] It’ll tell you whether or not you need to change your password and then helpfully remind you that you probably should do that regularly anyway, which you totally do, right? (Yeah, neither do we.)
According to The Daily Dot, Google representatives told Russian media a lot of the data is outdated, and the user who posted it claims that around 60% of the passwords are current. Also leaked were accounts for Russian services Mail.ru and Yandex, and it appears the data was collected over years of phishing efforts and other hacks without actually compromising any of the companies’ databases.

Read more ...

Wednesday, September 10, 2014

President opens Weras Ganga Development Project






President Mahinda Rajapaksa yesterday vested with the public the Weras Ganga Development Project - Bellanwila Section which includes a recreation park similar to Diyatha Uyana located near the Parliament round-about.

The recreation park built on a marshy land on the banks of the Weras Ganga and close to the historic Bellanwila Rajamaha Viharaya is located in an environment with a breathtaking landscape and setting.

The park consists of walking paths and is a perfect setting for a walk in the evenings for the young and the old alike and those who want to relax in the serene environment. Food outlets are also available to cater to the needs of the visitors. The visitors can refresh themselves with a snack and drink in a healthy, relaxed and an environmentally rich atmosphere.

The President yesterday declared open the facility amidst the chanting of Pirith by the Maha Sangha led by Chief Incumbent of the Bellanwila Rajamaha Viharaya Professor Ven. Bellanwila Wimalarathna Thera.

Later, the President visited some of the stalls and also went round the walk way amidst applause by the large crowd present. He was accompanied by Defence and Urban Development Ministry Secretary Gotabhaya Rajapaksa, Government Ministers and other dignitaries.

The President with other invitees and the public also enjoyed a cultural show which followed.

The Weras Ganga Basin plays an important role as a center of economic and social activity in the Colombo Metropolitan Region. Also, the development of Weras Ganga has helped mitigate the effects of floods in Colombo and the suburbs.

The newly developed infrastructure facilities under the project are expected to attract new business and investments.

Tourism based ventures are expected to create new employment opportunities.In addition local flora and fauna has also been protected. Plans are afoot to utilize the improved waterways as alternative modes of transport. Improved recreational facilities will allow families and others to spend quality time away from the hustle and bustle of the city.

The project covers the Municipal Council areas of Sri Jayawardenapura Kotte, Dehiwala - Mt. Lavinia, Maharagama, Boralesgamuwa, Kesbewa and Moratuwa. The project is implemented by the Urban Development Authority in collaboration with other state entities and the Sri Lanka Land Reclamation and Development Corporation.

Construction work was handled by the Sri Lanka Army and the Navy. The work has been carried out under the guidance of Defence and Urban Development Ministry Secretary Gotabhaya Rajapaksa.

The Government within a short period of time has completed a number of similar initiatives such as the Nawala Canal, Diyatha Uyana Park, Nawala Wetland Park and Diyawanna Lake Development projects.


President Mahinda Rajapaksa yesterday vested with the public the Weras Ganga Development Project - Bellanwila Section which includes a recreation park similar to Diyatha Uyana located near the Parliament round-about.
The recreation park built on a marshy land on the banks of the Weras Ganga and close to the historic Bellanwila Rajamaha Viharaya is located in an environment with a breathtaking landscape and setting.
The park consists of walking paths and is a perfect setting for a walk in the evenings for the young and the old alike and those who want to relax in the serene environment. Food outlets are also available to cater to the needs of the visitors. The visitors can refresh themselves with a snack and drink in a healthy, relaxed and an environmentally rich atmosphere.
The President yesterday declared open the facility amidst the chanting of Pirith by the Maha Sangha led by Chief Incumbent of the Bellanwila Rajamaha Viharaya Professor Ven. Bellanwila Wimalarathna Thera.
Later, the President visited some of the stalls and also went round the walk way amidst applause by the large crowd present. He was accompanied by Defence and Urban Development Ministry Secretary Gotabhaya Rajapaksa, Government Ministers and other dignitaries.
The President with other invitees and the public also enjoyed a cultural show which followed.
The Weras Ganga Basin plays an important role as a center of economic and social activity in the Colombo Metropolitan Region. Also, the development of Weras Ganga has helped mitigate the effects of floods in Colombo and the suburbs.
The newly developed infrastructure facilities under the project are expected to attract new business and investments.
Tourism based ventures are expected to create new employment opportunities.In addition local flora and fauna has also been protected. Plans are afoot to utilize the improved waterways as alternative modes of transport. Improved recreational facilities will allow families and others to spend quality time away from the hustle and bustle of the city.
The project covers the Municipal Council areas of Sri Jayawardenapura Kotte, Dehiwala - Mt. Lavinia, Maharagama, Boralesgamuwa, Kesbewa and Moratuwa. The project is implemented by the Urban Development Authority in collaboration with other state entities and the Sri Lanka Land Reclamation and Development Corporation.
Construction work was handled by the Sri Lanka Army and the Navy. The work has been carried out under the guidance of Defence and Urban Development Ministry Secretary Gotabhaya Rajapaksa.
The Government within a short period of time has completed a number of similar initiatives such as the Nawala Canal, Diyatha Uyana Park, Nawala Wetland Park and Diyawanna Lake Development projects.
- See more at: http://www.dailynews.lk:8082/?q=local/president-opens-weras-ganga-development-project#sthash.R9TrwZHC.dpuf

President Mahinda Rajapaksa yesterday vested with the public the Weras Ganga Development Project - Bellanwila Section which includes a recreation park similar to Diyatha Uyana located near the Parliament round-about.
The recreation park built on a marshy land on the banks of the Weras Ganga and close to the historic Bellanwila Rajamaha Viharaya is located in an environment with a breathtaking landscape and setting.
The park consists of walking paths and is a perfect setting for a walk in the evenings for the young and the old alike and those who want to relax in the serene environment. Food outlets are also available to cater to the needs of the visitors. The visitors can refresh themselves with a snack and drink in a healthy, relaxed and an environmentally rich atmosphere.
The President yesterday declared open the facility amidst the chanting of Pirith by the Maha Sangha led by Chief Incumbent of the Bellanwila Rajamaha Viharaya Professor Ven. Bellanwila Wimalarathna Thera.
Later, the President visited some of the stalls and also went round the walk way amidst applause by the large crowd present. He was accompanied by Defence and Urban Development Ministry Secretary Gotabhaya Rajapaksa, Government Ministers and other dignitaries.
The President with other invitees and the public also enjoyed a cultural show which followed.
The Weras Ganga Basin plays an important role as a center of economic and social activity in the Colombo Metropolitan Region. Also, the development of Weras Ganga has helped mitigate the effects of floods in Colombo and the suburbs.
The newly developed infrastructure facilities under the project are expected to attract new business and investments.
Tourism based ventures are expected to create new employment opportunities.In addition local flora and fauna has also been protected. Plans are afoot to utilize the improved waterways as alternative modes of transport. Improved recreational facilities will allow families and others to spend quality time away from the hustle and bustle of the city.
The project covers the Municipal Council areas of Sri Jayawardenapura Kotte, Dehiwala - Mt. Lavinia, Maharagama, Boralesgamuwa, Kesbewa and Moratuwa. The project is implemented by the Urban Development Authority in collaboration with other state entities and the Sri Lanka Land Reclamation and Development Corporation.
Construction work was handled by the Sri Lanka Army and the Navy. The work has been carried out under the guidance of Defence and Urban Development Ministry Secretary Gotabhaya Rajapaksa.
The Government within a short period of time has completed a number of similar initiatives such as the Nawala Canal, Diyatha Uyana Park, Nawala Wetland Park and Diyawanna Lake Development projects.
- See more at: http://www.dailynews.lk:8082/?q=local/president-opens-weras-ganga-development-project#sthash.R9TrwZHC.dpuf
President Mahinda Rajapaksa yesterday vested with the public the Weras Ganga Development Project - Bellanwila Section which includes a recreation park similar to Diyatha Uyana located near the Parliament round-about.
The recreation park built on a marshy land on the banks of the Weras Ganga and close to the historic Bellanwila Rajamaha Viharaya is located in an environment with a breathtaking landscape and setting.
The park consists of walking paths and is a perfect setting for a walk in the evenings for the young and the old alike and those who want to relax in the serene environment. Food outlets are also available to cater to the needs of the visitors. The visitors can refresh themselves with a snack and drink in a healthy, relaxed and an environmentally rich atmosphere.
The President yesterday declared open the facility amidst the chanting of Pirith by the Maha Sangha led by Chief Incumbent of the Bellanwila Rajamaha Viharaya Professor Ven. Bellanwila Wimalarathna Thera.
Later, the President visited some of the stalls and also went round the walk way amidst applause by the large crowd present. He was accompanied by Defence and Urban Development Ministry Secretary Gotabhaya Rajapaksa, Government Ministers and other dignitaries.
The President with other invitees and the public also enjoyed a cultural show which followed.
The Weras Ganga Basin plays an important role as a center of economic and social activity in the Colombo Metropolitan Region. Also, the development of Weras Ganga has helped mitigate the effects of floods in Colombo and the suburbs.
The newly developed infrastructure facilities under the project are expected to attract new business and investments.
Tourism based ventures are expected to create new employment opportunities.In addition local flora and fauna has also been protected. Plans are afoot to utilize the improved waterways as alternative modes of transport. Improved recreational facilities will allow families and others to spend quality time away from the hustle and bustle of the city.
The project covers the Municipal Council areas of Sri Jayawardenapura Kotte, Dehiwala - Mt. Lavinia, Maharagama, Boralesgamuwa, Kesbewa and Moratuwa. The project is implemented by the Urban Development Authority in collaboration with other state entities and the Sri Lanka Land Reclamation and Development Corporation.
Construction work was handled by the Sri Lanka Army and the Navy. The work has been carried out under the guidance of Defence and Urban Development Ministry Secretary Gotabhaya Rajapaksa.
The Government within a short period of time has completed a number of similar initiatives such as the Nawala Canal, Diyatha Uyana Park, Nawala Wetland Park and Diyawanna Lake Development projects.
- See more at: http://www.dailynews.lk:8082/?q=local/president-opens-weras-ganga-development-project#sthash.R9TrwZHC.dpuf
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Saturday, August 9, 2014

WHO declares Ebola outbreak an international public health emergency







The Ebola outbreak which has resulted in over 930 deaths in West Africa has officially been declared a global health emergency by the World Health Organisation.
The outbreak has been placed in the category of "public health emergencies of international concern" at an emergency meeting in Geneva.
WHO officials called the spread of the disease an "extraordinary event" and said the possible global consequences were "particularly serious", the BBC reports.
The announcement will trigger a "coordinated international response" which will aim to contain and control the deadly outbreak. However, action would stop short of a widespread ban on travel or trade.
Containment of the disease is becoming "impossible for these governments to handle themselves", Stephen Morrison, the director of the Global Health Policy Centre at the Centre for Strategic and International Studies.
While health officials at the WHO said the threat was serious, they also said "it is an infection which can be controlled". Much of the blame of the spread of the disease has been placed on the region's poor public health infrastructure.

Ebola virus factfile 

What is the Ebola virus and what are the symptoms? 
The World Health Organization describes Ebola as "a severe acute viral illness". Early symptoms are similar to malaria and include the sudden onset of fever, intense weakness, muscle pain, diarrhoea, vomiting and both internal and external bleeding.
Is there a cure? 
There is no known cure or vaccine for the virus and the disease kills between 25 and 90 per cent of its victims. The only treatment doctors can offer is "supportive intensive care" such as rehydration of infected patients under strict quarantine.
Where did it come from? 
Scientists believe it was initially present in wild animals such as fruit bats living in tropical rainforests in equatorial Africa. The disease spread to humans when they came into contact with the organs, blood or other bodily fluids from infected animals through hunting.
How is it spread? 
Ebola is highly infectious. It can be transmitted through contact with the blood, bodily fluids and organs, including skin, of sufferers or through indirect contact with environments contaminated by the disease. The disease can also have a long incubation period, up to three weeks, which allows it to spread rapidly before diagnosis and quarantine can take place.

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Thursday, July 17, 2014

Germany wins 2014 World Cup

Mario Gotze scores game-winning goal in 113th minute of extra time 

Gotze scored on a volley after controlling the call off his chest to beat Sergio Romero. The win is Germany’s first as a united country. West Germany won the World Cup in 1954, 1974 and 1990.

Gotze demonstrated perfect technique and commendable calm to chest down Andre Schurrle's pass and sweep in a left-foot finish with the prospect of a penalty shootout only seven minutes away.
Argentina, with skipper Lionel Messi looking subdued despite flashes of his talent, could not respond and Germany claimed their first World Cup since they beat the same opponents in Rome 24 years ago.
The success means Joachim Low's side have become the first European team to win the trophy in South America.
Gonzalo Higuain wasted Argentina's best chance in the first half while Germany defender Benedikt Howedes hit the post with a header seconds before half-time.

Germany had to regroup after losing key midfielder Sami Khedira to injury in the warm-up - and his replacement Christoph Kramer to a blow to the head before half-time - but they shrugged off these setbacks to write another triumphant chapter in their sporting history.
Argentina's fans were the vast majority of a crowd that created a vibrant atmosphere inside the Maracana - although Germany were well represented and had the support of many yellow-clad Brazil supporters who still turned up despite seeing their hopes of watching the hosts in the World Cup final dashed by that stunning semi-final beating at the hands of Germany.
German supporters stayed in their places more than an hour after the final whistle as the victorious side indulged in lengthy celebrations of a win that vindicated the rebuilding plan put in place when they suffered the humiliation of going out of Euro 2004 at the group stage, which resulted in then coach Rudi Voller's resignation.
Germany had reached the semi-finals of the previous two World Cups but have now managed the crowning achievement for coach Low, who not only brought the trophy back to Germany, but also ended Europe's grim record in this tournament on South American soil.
Argentina failed to have a shot on target in the entire game and four-time world player of the year Messi looked an increasingly jaded figure as the game went on.

 

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Wednesday, June 25, 2014

Sri Lanka win second Test with one ball left to end England resistance


Sri Lanka won the second Test by 100 runs, and with it the series, shortly after seven o’clock in the evening. It was remarkably tense, given the apparently easy nature of the task at the start of play. There were just two balls of the match remaining when the paceman Shaminda Eranga, banged in a short ball to Jimmy Anderson, and the ball ballooned from his glove to Rangana Herath perched on the leg side. As the ball was caught, the Sri Lankan team engulfed the bowler, a writhing heap of humanity on the floor.
The batsman crouched in dismay. So close. Anderson and Moeen Ali had 122 deliveries to survive to save a match that had seemed a doomed cause for England 24 hours previously, and negotiated all but the final two. Moeen, though, enhanced his reputation with a maiden century that was both steadfast and enchanting, finishing unbeaten on 108; he can really play. Anderson had faced 55 balls without scoring as England were all out for 249.
As Sri Lanka closed in, the cloud descended and the umpires consulted their light meters as the gloom gathered. It made no difference:the pitch was taking spin now. At one end, the rotund little left-armer Herath, not a big spinner of the ball but a cornucopia of clever variations, was twirling away: at the other, Mahela Jayawardene was making some offbreaks turn. Six men, including the wicketkeeper, perched around the last batsmen, as if crows waiting for carrion. Moeen and Anderson resisted where Joe Root, Matt Prior, Chris Jordan and Stuart Broad had before them. The new ball had long since come and gone.
Then the light improved. On came the pacemen Eranga and Dhammika Prasad, five wickets under his belt already, to try and finish things. A quick burst from the latter and back came Herath. Men surrounded Anderson as if he were the altar stone at Stonehenge.
Twenty overs and two balls had remained in the match when Anderson joined Moeen, who had 88. Runs were eked out as Moeen farmed and Anderson pushed diligently forward. Once, Moeen lofted Herath back over the bowler’s head to move to 93, and starting to get torn now between the prospect of a first Test hundred before the last wicket fell, and saving the game. He is a natural strokemaker, who drives delightfully and once stood up and lacerated the ball through extra cover off the back foot as once did Garry Sobers: but now he reined himself in. Maiden overs were played out and Angelo Mathews started to ring his bowling changes. Even the side that had dominated the last two days were beginning to get nervous, straining for the final wicket.
The overs ticked by. Three successive maidens were played out, two of them by Anderson. Herath changed ends as the sun burst through. Moeen advanced down the pitch and took his first run for 15 balls to move to 97. Seven overs left. On came Nuwan Pradeep and Moeen leg-glanced his first ball fine to the boundary to reach his hundred, greeted in understated fashion. It had been beautiful batting over almost six hours from a talented batsman.
Finally, it came down to the last over, just as it had at Lord’s and, for England, a little over a year ago in Auckland.
That Sri Lanka deserved to win the match is without question, but England deserve credit for the manner in which they battled through the day after such an horrendous last session on the penultimate evening. Joe Root stayed with Moeen for the first 30 overs of the day until he was caught in the gully off Pradeep, and Prior was in for 71 minutes before he was caught at short leg, fending off a short ball from Prasad to give the bowler a fifth wicket: twice in three innings Prior has been dismissed in this fashion which is a concern. Next, Jordan lasted for 70 more minutes, before he became the first of two lbw victims for Herath. The second was Broad, who batted half an hour without scoring. There was no need for a review.
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Friday, May 16, 2014

Indian election result: 2014 is Modi's year as BJP secures victory



Eight months after the BJP named him its prime ministerial candidate, Narendra Modi, 63, proved he was worth the opposition the party originally encountered over its decision. Mr Modi has delivered the BJP's best result ever, giving it more than the 272 seats it needs to form a government.  This is the first parliamentary majority by a single party since 1984.

Here's a summary of a big day in Indian politics:
  • The Hindu nationalist Narendra Modi has swept to power in India after his Bharatiya Janata Party secured an election victory by an unexpectedly wide margin. The BJP is on course to win on a scale not seen since in an Indian election since 1984.
  • Modi declared victory in a tweet which claimed "India has won". He also promised "good days are coming" after a lucratively financed pro-business campaign. The message quickly became India's most retweeted Twitter posting.
  • In his a victory speech Modi sought to dispel fears that he would be a divisive figure. "We have a responsibility to take everyone with us," he told an ecstatic rally in his constituency of Vadodara. The hardline Hindu group, Rashtriya Swayamsevak Sena, which helped Modi to victory said it would not seek to run his government by "remote control".
  • Outgoing prime minister, Manmohan Singh, who had warned that Modi would be a disaster for India, congratulated his anointed successor in a telephone call. Singh's Congress Party slumped to its worst ever election results.
  • The result represents a crushing blow for Congress party leader Rahul Gandhi and has raised questions about the future of the Nehru-Gandhi dynasty. Even in the Amethi constituency, considered a Gandhi stronghold, loyalties were wavering during the campaign. Gandhi said he took responsibility for the defeat. "The Congress has done pretty badly, there is a lot for us to think about. As vice president of the party I hold myself responsible," he told a press conference.
  • There were mixed results for India's female regional leaders. In Tamil Nadu, Jayalalithaa Jayaram's party, All India Anna Dravida Munnetra Kazhagam, was leading in 37 of 39 seats. And in West Bengal, Mamata Banerjee is reported to have won 34 seats so far. But the controversial chief minister of Uttar Pradesh, Mayawati Kumari, was facing a wipe out.
India's anti-corruption champion Arvind Kejriwal failed to win a seat. "It was a good start for us for a first election ... but we are disappointed with the results in Delhi," a visibly disappointed Kejriwal told reporters.
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Tuesday, May 6, 2014

World Youth Conference opens



President Mahinda Rajapaksa will inaugurate the World Conference on Youth (WCF) 2014 at the Magampura Ruhunupura International Conference Centre at 9 a.m. today.

This is the first time that the WYC is being hosted by an Asian country. United Nations General Assembly President Dr. John W. Ashe and UN Secretary General’s Envoy on Youth Ahmad Al Hindawi arrived in Colombo yesterday to participate in the event.

Addressing the media at the Information Department yesterday, National Youth Services Council Chairman and WCY official media spokesman Lalith Piyum Perera said Dr. Ash is the first UN special delegate to visit Sri Lanka after seven years since UN Secretary General Ban Ki Moon visited the country for the assessment of tsunami recovery in 2007.

According to the Chairman, 13 Youth Affairs Ministers representing Fiji, Cuba, Ambon, Algeria, Myanmar, Nepal, Afghanistan, Seychelles, Bangladesh, Nigeria, Donga, Crimea and Bulgaria had arrived yesterday. UN regional directors and deputy directors will also be in Sri Lanka for the conference. Youth delegates numbering 375 from 94 countries had already arrived in Sri Lanka. The first International Conference on Youth was held in 1936. Since then, 14 conferences have been held so far. The last was held in Mexico with the participation of 107 countries.




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Saturday, March 8, 2014

SL win Asia Cup 2014



Sri Lanka today regained the Asia Cup trophy with a comfortable five-wicket victory over defending champions Pakistan, riding on Lasith Malinga's five-wicket haul and opener Lahiru Thrimanne's fluent century, at the Shere Bangla National Stadium Mirpur, Dhaka on Saturday.

Sri Lanka were clinical as they restricted Pakistan to a modest 260 for five and then overhauled the target with 22 balls to spare to lift their fifth Asia Cup title. The last time they won the regional championship was in 2008.

Malinga pegged Pakistan back as he demolished the rival top order with his fierce pace and it was Fawad Alam's magnificent unbeaten 114 that guided the holders to a decent total after deciding to bat.

Pakistan skipper Misbah ul Haq (65) and Umar Akmal (59) too batted with determination with fighting half-centuries as none of other Lankan bowlers could take a wicket.

Alam added 122 runs for the fourth wicket with Misbah and 115 with Akmal for the fifth at Shere Bangla stadium.

The Island nation had started brilliantly but spinner Saeed Ajmal removed Kusla Perera (42) and Kumar Sangakkara (0) off successive balls in the 11th over to take the fight to the rival camp.

However, Mahela Jayawardene (75) perfectly timed his return to form as he joined Thirimanne at the crease and added 156 runs for the third wicket in 27 overs. The partnership pushed Sri Lanka close to win.

Thirimanne scored 101 runs, his third ODI century, and faced 108 balls in his innings which was laced with 13 fours.

The left-handed batsman was bowled by Ajmal when Sri Lanka were just 14 runs away from the win. Bowling his final over, Ajmal beat the defense of Thirimanne with a 'doosra'.

For Jayawardene, it was his first notable contribution for Sri Lanka in this tournament and it could not have come at a better time. He was dropped on 52 by Mohammed Hafeez off Umar Gul but was dismissed when he attempted a big shot off Mohammad Talha and found Sharjeel Khan.

His 75-run knock came off 93 balls with 10 boundaries including a six while Thrimanne
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Friday, February 7, 2014

FOSS4G 2014 - Sri Lanka








Welcome to FOSS4G Sri Lanka 2014

It will be an event where Sri Lanka geo-spatial community share their ideas related to role of open source GIS tools in Sri Lankan GIS context in a simple and informal setting.

Join us and be part of open source GIS community of Sri Lanka!

Date : Sunday 23rd February 2014

Time : 9.00 a.m- 4.00 p.m.

Venue : Hall D202 , Sri Lanka institute of Information Technology, New Kandy road, Malabe

 

Visit official web site

Registration Now Open
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