Parliamentarian Rishad Bathiudeen’s wife, the broker & another person arrested by police over the incident of the death of a 16 year old domestic worker saya Police Spokesman
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USJP proposal selected WHO grants awarded for Antigen detection rapid diagnostic tests
The COVID-19 pandemic has created a need to rapidly scale-up testing services and provide diagnoses to implement test-trace-isolate strategies which are essential to effectively treat, and care for patients and to control the spread of the virus. Hundreds of diagnostic products are now available on the market, targeting detection of viral RNA, viral antigens and host antibodies against SARS-CoV-2. Tests vary in their complexity and speed and countries have faced challenges in selection and effective deployment of the reference standard, nucleic acid amplification testing (NAAT). Services for SARS-CoV-2 NAAT testing have often been unavailable, or backlogged for several days, precluding the clinical utility of the results.
Lateral flow antigen-detecting rapid diagnostic tests (Ag-RDTs) which are easy to perform and provide results within 15-30 minutes have recently been commercialized and have the potential to fill at least a portion of the ‘testing gap’. Under certain conditions Ag-RDTs that meet minimum performance requirements are recommended for use and some have WHO Emergency Use Listing authorization. These simple-to-use tests offer the possibility of rapid case detection, especially of the most infectious patients, at or near the point of care.
In view of this WHO designed a protocol for monitored implementation of SARS-CoV-2 Ag-RDT and called for proposals in December 2020. Allergy Immunology and Cell Biology Unit under the leadership of Dr Chandima Jeewandara and Prof Neelika Malavige submitted an application with the partnership of the Ministry of Health as a collaborator.
After a competitive application process AICBU secured funding for the Sri Lankan protocol. AICBU secured funding for this proposal and became a one of the five countries selected by WHO under this scheme.
WHO will fund maximum of $199,999 USD and additionally will provide up to 200,000 WHO EUL approved Ag-RDTs for Sri Lanka. The proposed conditions and settings for Ag-RDT use are aligned with WHO interim guidance on the use of antigen detection for COVID-19 using rapid immunoassays.
Data collected using this protocol will be crucial for optimizing the delivery and use of Ag-RDTs and maximizing public health impact in programmatic settings.
Activist Joseph Stalin and 15 others released. Struggle to continue against Kotelawala University Bill
Activist and General Secretary of the Ceylon Teachers’ Union CTU Joseph Stalin and 15 others who were taken away for quarantine in Mullaithivu released short while ago. Several protestors including Joseph Stalin arrested on July 8th over protest violating quarantine rules which launched against the proposed General Sir John Kotelawala National Defence University Bill.
The struggle to free protestors won and the struggle against the Kotelawala University Bill continues says Student-People’s Movement for Free Education.
Kotelawala Defence University will be brought under the UGC
President Gotabaya Rajapaksa says the current obstructions in the University Act will be removed and the Kotelawala Defence University will be brought under the UGC purview, President Media Division.
President briefs Maha Sangha on vaccination drive and Kotelawala University Act.
President Rajapaksa said that the Kotelawala Defence University has produced a large number of scholars to the country over the past 40 years and that even students who pass the GCE Advanced Level examination with high marks are also eager to choose the Kotelawala Defence University for their higher education.
The President also pointed out the need for the establishment of such high quality universities in the country in order to save the large amount of money lost to the country and to the parents when sending their children abroad for higher education.
The President also stated that the obstacles existed in the University Grants Commission Act will be removed and the Kotelawala Defence University will be brought under its purview.
The Maha Sangha commended the President and the government for their efforts to control the COVID-19 from the outset and pointed out the need to educate the public about the objectives of the Kotelawala Defence University and to take steps to prevent the spread of misconceptions in the society regarding this University.
Related News –
- Withdraw Kotelawala National Defence University (KNDU) Bill students are protesting.
- Kotelawala National Defence University Bill Present Parliament for the second reading.
- Students are protesting against KNDU bill, request all forces to line up against it, Anthare says more protests are planned.
- Police arrested student protestors including CTU Gen Sec those who stage a protest against the proposed KNDU bill.
- Sri Lankan teachers to withdraw from online teaching in protest of illegal detention of union leaders
- FUTA condemns the brutal police action against the peaceful protest held by IUSF over Kotelawala University bill
- Trade unions and students are protesting against the Kotelawala University Bill and demand release of union leaders including Joseph Stalin.
- Activist Joseph Stalin and 15 others released. Struggle to continue against Kotelawala University Bill
- Kotelawala Defence University will be brought under the UGC purview.
Interested In Becoming A Childhood Psychologist? Here’s what it takes
Childhood psychologists do crucial, irreplaceable, and life-changing work. Whether you’re exploring your career options for the future or have known what you want to do for a long time, if you’re interested in working in the field as a child psychologist, you’re likely wondering what it takes to get there.
Becoming A Child Psychologist
Here’s what you’ll need to do to start your journey as a childhood psychologist:
- Complete your Bachelor’s degree
To become a psychologist, therapist, or counselor, including one that works with kids, you must complete the appropriate amount of schooling. Your first step will be to complete an undergraduate degree, which will generally take about four years. You may decide to obtain an Associate’s degree at a community college first and transfer to a four-year college as a Junior to lower the cost. Scholarships and grants may also help you complete your degree at a lower cost.
- Complete your Master’s degree
After you complete your Bachelor’s degree, it will be time to attend graduate school for a Master’s program. Graduate school can be competitive, so don’t get discouraged if it takes some time or if you have to apply for a school twice! Seeing a guidance counselor during your undergraduate years can help you prepare for success in entering graduate school. A Master’s degree typically takes two years to complete. Some people take some time off between their Bachelor’s and Master’s degree, where others start graduate school directly after undergraduate school.
- Complete a Doctorate’s degree
Note that if you choose to become a therapist or counselor, including one who works with kids and teens, you don’t necessarily need to complete a Doctorate degree. However, if you would like to take the path to become a PsyD or obtain your Ph.D., you will, of course, have to complete a doctorate’s degree. The time a person spends on completing their Doctorate’s degree varies, but statistics indicate that, on average, a person spends about eight years completing their Doctorate’s.
Many people choose to get their Master’s degree, work in the field, and obtain a Doctorate degree later on. Your path is yours! To decide what you want to do, it can be helpful to look into the job market, requirements for positions you’d like, and opportunities open to you in the area you’d like to practice in.
- Complete the necessary hands-on experience
Internships are one of the most important parts of preparing to be a psychologist or therapist for many people. They help you get hands-on experience and allow you to gain insight into what you do and don’t like in terms of the work that you do and the work environment(s) you prefer to be in. Additionally, you will be able to network and get the chance to obtain work references for the future during internships. Note that internships won’t always reflect the exact position you’ll enter later on. For example, even if you intend to work with children in a private practice or another similar setting later on, you may complete an internship in a hospital or another similar environment. Make sure to check on the requirements for internships and the number of required supervised hours of practice in your area, as they vary significantly from state to state in the USA and across the globe.
- Obtain licensure
Once you’re ready, it will be time to take the Examination for Professional Practice in Psychology (EPPP). Requirements for licensure, like requirements for internship or practicum completion, vary based on your location. You can learn more about the EPPP and how to prepare for it here on the APA website.
As for board certification, you can check out the ABPP website here to learn about specialty boards. If you’re becoming a childhood psychologist or child psychologist, you will likely want to look at the American Board of Clinical Child and Adolescent Psychology (ABCCAP) specifically. It can’t be stressed enough how vital it is to look into the exact requirements to become a licensed psychologist, therapist, social worker, or counselor in your area. Should you run into difficulty along the way, make sure to reach out to someone who can help. It is crucial to speak up and ask any questions that you have. Although it may seem overwhelming right now, this is a step-by-step process. Whether you decide to work as a psychologist, counselor, therapist, or social worker who works with kids, you are doing vital work that will make a difference in the world.
Find Support
Childhood psychologist or not, we all need help from time to time. Whether you’re facing life stressors such as those related to your career and schooling, difficulty in interpersonal relationships, familial issues, a mental health condition, or anything else that’s going on in your life, seeing a counselor, psychologist, social worker, or therapist can help. There are a number of different ways to find quality mental health support. You can ask your doctor for a referral to someone to see for talk therapy, utilize on-campus mental health resources at your college or university, contact your insurance company to see who they cover, search the web, or use an online therapy platform like BetterHelp. All of the providers on the BetterHelp platform are licensed, and it’s often more affordable than traditional in-person counseling or therapy is without insurance. Regardless of how you find a provider, you deserve to get the support that you need, so don’t hesitate to reach out and get started today.
Marie Miguel Biography – Marie Miguel has been a writing and research expert for nearly a decade, covering a variety of health- related topics. Currently, she is contributing to the expansion and growth of a free online mental health resource with BetterHelp.com. With an interest and dedication to addressing stigmas associated with mental health, she continues to specifically target subjects related to anxiety and depression.
Kotelawala University Bill KNDU to Present Parliament for the second reading today
The Consultative Committee on Defence recently agreed to present the General Sir John Kotelawala National Defence University Bill to Parliament for the second reading. Accordingly this bill is to be presented in the Parliament on 8th July. Meanwhile Political parties, civil society, lecturers, students, trade unions and other groups in Sri Lanka have called on the government to withdraw the proposed Kotelawala University Bill which they fear could pave the way for privatisation of the higher education sector and militarisation of universities.
The Committee was held under the chairmanship of State Minister of National Security & Disaster Management and State Minister of Home Affairs Chamal Rajapaksa and the participation of Secretary to the Ministry of Defence Major General (retd) Kamal Gunaratne. Former President Maithripala Sirisena, Parliamentarians Anura Priyadharshana Yapa, Tiran Alles, President’s Counsel Jayantha Weerasinghe, Vice Chancellor of the General Sir John Kotelawala National Defence University were also present at this meeting.
Addressing the meeting, the Secretary to the Ministry of Defence said that the University, which was initially intended to provide University education to members of the security forces, was expanded to provide education to civilian children as instructed by H.E. the President Gotabaya Rajapaksa during his tenure as the Secretary of Defense.
The Secretary to the Ministry of Defence said that the University, which is currently producing a disciplined generation of students suitable for the job market, is highly regarded and in high demand in the society including parents and students with the completion of courses within a specified period being one main reason for this.
Major General (retd) Kamal Gunaratne also said that all these courses are organized with the highest quality and that the University will continue to work towards the realization of H.E. the President’s policy of providing university education to all students who pass their Advanced Level.
“The Act on this University was initiated in the year 2009. This Bill has a history of 12 years. It was to be presented to Parliament in 2018 post having it prepared under the involvement of many scholars having it referred to the legal draftsman and to the Attorney General after conducting number of studies on it. Although the then Minister of Defense Maithripala Sirisena tried to do so, due to various reasons it was not possible at that time,” Major General (retd) Kamal Gunaratne further added.
Vice Chancellor of the General Sir John Kotelawala National Defence University, Major General Milinda Peiris addressing the committee stated that the Universities Act, which was established by an Act of Parliament in 1981 has been amended on several occasions but the university has not been given the required structure.
The Vice Chancellor said that the university, which currently has 11 faculties, was once ranked 4th among military universities. Therefore, he pointed out to the Committee that this Act is important to further develop the activities of this University and to elevate it to a higher level.
Speaking at the committee meeting, the Parliamentarians present said that the country is losing a lot of money as many talented children who do not have access to university education are tempted to study at universities in other countries. Therefore, it is very important to have the opportunity to study more quality courses at a lower cost through this university, the MP’s further stated.
On 21 June IUSF staged a protest in the capital Colombo demanding the withdrawal of the bill. During the protest a tense situation arose between police and students as police tried to disperse students, as public gatherings are banned during the current COVID-19 third wave.
IUSF Convener Wasantha Mudalige said that with the bill, the government was “moving towards military dictatorship”.
“If this bill passes, this will be the greatest risk for free education,” he told University World News, adding that more protests were planned.
“Under the guise of an epidemic, government is trying to pass the bill which is destroying free education. The government has obstructed a peaceful protest organised by students against the bill. If the government is trying to pass this, all forces must line up against it,” Amila Sandaruwan, national committee member of the Teachers’ Service Union, told University World News.
The Long-Term Impacts Of Bullying: What they are and how to find help
If you’ve been bullied, you are not alone. Unfortunately, statistics indicate that 20% of students between the ages of 12 and 18 have been bullied. Even with its prevalence, bullying is not something to perceive as normal or okay. Childhood bullying has a number of long-term impacts that can last deep into adulthood, and as a society, it is crucial that we put a stop to bullying in all environments. So, what are the long-term impacts of bullying, and how can you find help if it’s something that you’ve been through on a personal level?
What Are The Long-Term Impacts Of Bullying?
Bullying is serious. It’s recognized as a major health risk. When you experience bullying in any form, it can make you feel isolated or rejected, and it has the potential to impact one’s self-esteem in painful, stark ways. In the short term, bullying can lead to lower academic performance, headaches, and trouble sleeping. Long-term impacts of bullying may include but aren’t limited to:
- An increased risk of depression
- An increased risk of anxiety
- An increased risk of smoking, alcohol or drug use, and the development of substance use disorders
- An increased risk of physical health consequences such as a lowered immune system
- Trouble forming social relationships with others
- An increased risk of suicide*
Statistically, it has even been found that those who faced childhood bullying have a lower socioeconomic status. A large body of research has been conducted on the impacts of bullying listed above. The good news is that, like with many adversities in life, while what you went through is not okay or excusable in any form, it is possible to move forward and live a happy, healthy life.
*If you are experiencing thoughts of suicide, contact the National Suicide Prevention Lifeline at 1-800-273-TALK (8255) or go to the nearest emergency room.
Bullying Prevention
When we think of bullying, we often think of children in schools. However, bullying can happen anywhere. Here are some things that can you help to prevent bullying:
- Bullying intervention programs and similar efforts. Research shows that bullying intervention programs in schools reduce bullying by about 20% to 23%.
- Let people know that they can come to you. If you are in a position to do so (for example, if you are a teacher, professor, or supervisor in your workplace), let students or employees know that they can come to you if they encounter bullying or notice it happening to others.
- Speak up when you see it. If you see someone getting bullied, extend a hand to them, and if you can, let the appropriate party know what’s going on.
What we know about bullying is that, at the core of it all, the actions of the bully aren’t about any flaw that the victim has. Often, those who bully are encountering problems in their life. This doesn’t make it okay, but what is abundantly true and vital to acknowledge is that no one who is being bullied is the one to blame for what they’re facing. If you have been a victim of bullying personally and could benefit from talking to someone about these occurrences, it is important to find support. Therapy is an excellent way to address bullying you’ve encountered, whether it transpired as a child or adult.
How To Find Support
Whether you’re hoping to discuss and overcome the impacts of bullying, improve interpersonal relationships, address a mental health condition, or find help coping with something else, such as life stressors and grief, a counselor or therapist can help. There are a number of different ways to find a mental health counselor or therapist. You can make an appointment with your primary care provider and ask for a referral, contact your insurance company to see who they cover, search the web, use an online therapist directory, or sign up for an online therapy platform like BetterHelp. All of the providers on the BetterHelp platform are licensed, and online therapy is often more affordable than traditional in-person counseling or therapy is in the absence of insurance. Regardless of how you find a provider, you deserve to get the care that you need, so don’t hesitate to reach out today.
Marie Miguel Biography – Marie Miguel has been a writing and research expert for nearly a decade, covering a variety of health- related topics. Currently, she is contributing to the expansion and growth of a free online mental health resource with BetterHelp.com. With an interest and dedication to addressing stigmas associated with mental health, she continues to specifically target subjects related to anxiety and depression.
Sri Lanka to vaccinate school Principals Teachers and Non-academic staff ahead schools reopening
Sri Lanka to begin vaccinating school principals, teachers and non-academic staff ahead opening schools. Government has taken decision to prioritize school teachers for vaccination against COVID 19. Director General of Health Services issued a special circular and informed the decision to Provincial Directors of Health Services and Regional Directors of Health Services. Accordingly, all school teachers in each district should be vaccinated in the week, starting from 12.07.2021, irrespective of their age.
Sri Lanka is considering to reopen schools below 100 students capacity on July month. Government has taken steps to vaccinate teachers and other staff prior to reopening schools. There are nearly 3000 schools in Sri Lanka which have less than 100 students. Minister of Education says that the government’s plan is to re-open remaining schools under several phases.
Finding Careers In Mental Health
If you’re exploring career options and have an interest in mental health, you might be wondering what’s out there in terms of career options. Maybe, you’re preparing to enter college and are starting to make plans for the future, or perhaps, you have completed an undergraduate degree and are looking into long-term career options.
Mental Health Careers
The work options in the mental health field are nearly endless. While they all require varying levels of education and different types of training, they’re all incredibly valuable. Here are some common mental health careers that you may consider:
- Mental health therapist or counselor
There are a wide range of things that a licensed professional counselor or therapist can do. Therapists and counselors can work remotely, in private practice settings, community centers, schools, hospitals, and more. They may conduct group therapy, family therapy, individual therapy, or couple’s therapy, and the modalities one may use as a therapist or counselor are vast. For example, art therapy will look quite a bit different from EMDR. As a therapist or counselor, you can also work with various populations and groups, such as children, teens, adults, people with specific conditions or concerns, and more.
- Social worker or caseworker
Social workers work in a variety of settings. Depending on their role, what a social worker does may look very different from professional to professional. Social workers or caseworkers often attend to or provide initial care during a crisis, refer clients to resources, work with a client to help them find treatment or develop a plan to meet their goals and needs, advocate for clients, follow up with clients, and more. Note that some social workers provide talk therapy and have their own practice or work in a community center to provide talk therapy or counseling like a licensed professional therapist or counselor would. As a result, you may come across people with a title such as LCSW (licensed clinical social worker) who offers therapy through a private practice, community center, or online therapy website.
- Psychiatrist
A psychiatrist has the ability to prescribe medication as well as the ability to evaluate for and diagnose mental health conditions or disorders. Much like a counselor, therapist, psychologist, or social worker, they may work in various settings, including community or healthcare centers and more. However, psychiatrists are medical doctors, meaning that you must complete a Doctorate degree to become a psychiatrist. Psychiatrists often collaborate with a person’s therapist or other relevant healthcare providers to help people find the right treatment plan.
- Peer support specialist
Peer specialists are typically individuals who have lived experience similar to those who they’re working with, hence why they’re called peer specialists, peer support specialists, or peer coaches. As a peer support specialist, you may work with those living with substance use disorders, eating disorders, or those facing other similar concerns. This will typically involve special training and preparation, but it does not involve the extensive education that becoming a therapist, psychologist, social worker, counselor, or psychiatrist does.
Other Career Options
Since the world of mental health is so vast, it’s crucial to know that this is not an extensive list by any means. Other potential mental health careers to consider include but are not at all limited to working in an office setting, a research setting, working for a relevant nonprofit, as a social services assistant, a forensic psychologist, a psychiatric nurse, and so on. You may also consider working as an educator or as someone who educates people on mental health topics.
Finding The Right Path
If you’re exploring your career options, one of the best things you can do is get introspective. Look at your strengths and consider the kind of environment you’d like to work in. What kind or schedule do you need at work? How much schooling are you prepared to go through? What makes you feel fulfilled? What job will allow you to maintain a work-life balance and take care of yourself? These are all important questions to ask yourself.
Remember that to become a therapist, counselor, psychologist, or enter any other similar role, you’ll have to complete an internship or several. Internships are an amazing way to gain experience, meet others in the field, obtain future work references, and feel out what you truly enjoy (or don’t enjoy) in the workplace. During an internship, or even a class in school, you might find a new passion or learn something new about yourself and your work preferences. You could find that you really enjoy working with a particular group or modality, or you may find that you prefer a different work environment or position than you initially thought you’d go after post-graduation.
Additionally, remember that it’s okay to pave your own path. Some take years off in between undergraduate and graduate school, where some don’t. Some go after multiple callings in their lifetime, where others stick with one dominant profession. Talk with your guidance counselor or another relevant individual who is there to help you along your educational and professional path when you have a question, and never be afraid to reach out for help when you need it.
Find A Therapist
Going through college or changing careers can be a challenging time. We all need support from time to time, and at the end of the day, anyone can benefit from seeing a therapist or counselor. Whether you’re facing stress related to work, school, interpersonal relationships, or anything else that’s on your mind, seeing a therapist can help. To find a therapist you can ask your doctor for a referral, contact your insurance company, search the web, use an online directory, or sign up for an online therapy platform like BetterHelp. All of the providers on the BetterHelp platform are licensed, and it’s often more affordable than traditional in-person counseling or therapy is without insurance. Regardless of how you find a therapist, you deserve to find quality care, so don’t hesitate to start the process today.
Marie Miguel Biography – Marie Miguel has been a writing and research expert for nearly a decade, covering a variety of health- related topics. Currently, she is contributing to the expansion and growth of a free online mental health resource with BetterHelp.com. With an interest and dedication to addressing stigmas associated with mental health, she continues to specifically target subjects related to anxiety and depression.
2021 A/L Exam Online Applications for private candidates via www.doenets.lk website
Applications for 2021 Advanced Level examination (A/L Exam ) will only be accepted via online method says Exam Department. The applications will be called from July 05 and ends July 30 says Examinations Commissioner Sanath Pujitha. Private student can submit application via link given https://onlineexams.gov.lk/eic/index.php/clogin/ www.doenets.lk website. Also private candidates can apply through the mobile application mobile App ‘DoE”.
Details in English PDF Download Here via (https://doenets.lk).
User Guide PDF Download Here for G.C.E (A/L) Examination -2021 Application for Private Candidates.
Department of Examinations, Sri Lanka General Certificate of Education (Advanced Level) Examination – 2021
Applications for this examination should be submitted only through online method.
G.C.E. (A/L) EXAMINATION – 2021
TECHNICAL INSTRUCTIONS FOR CANDIDATES TO COMPLETE APPLICATION FORM
- Login-in to the system
1.1. Following paths of the Department of Examinations, Sri Lanka can use to fill the application
Visit the official website https://doenets.lk and click “Online Applications (School Exams)” under “Our Services” or, Visit the official mobile app, “DoE” and click “Online Applications (School Exams)” or, Visit https://onlineexams.gov.lk/eic .
1.2. Private candidates can apply by selecting G.C.E. AL 2021 – Student Registration (Private)
1.3. Enter your name, National Identity Card number, Telephone number for registration
1.4. If you don’t have a National Identity Card, please contact 011-2784537 / 011-2784208 / 011-2786616 and obtain a temporary number.
1.5. When the NIC No. is entered, you will receive a code number (OTP) via SMS. Use the code number to log-in to the system.
1.6. Read the instructions therein and click “instruction” button for more details. Watch and read technical instructions, general instructions and the instruction video, then select “Next” button to initiate completing the application.
1.7. Upon entering and selecting the personal information (sub-number 02), district, town and medium of the examination (sub-number 03), you may enter subjects of the examination (sub-number 04).
Details in English PDF Download Here via (https://doenets.lk).
User Guide PDF Download Here for G.C.E (A/L) Examination -2021 Application for Private Candidates.
Instructions to complete and submit the application are published in the official website of the Department of Examinations (https://doenets.lk) or in the online examination website (https://onlineexams.gov.lk/eic ) or in the official mobile app (“DoE” mobile app).
Applications of private candidates for this examination will be accepted from 05th July 2021 to 12.00 midnight of 30 th July 2021. Each private candidate is advised to read this notification fully and thoroughly understand before filling and submitting the application online. Special attention should be paid in accurately entering the selected Town and Subjects of the examination.
Candidates are allowed only to apply for maximum of 03 main subjects. In addition, the applicants can apply for Subject No.12- Common General Test and Subject No.13- General English as applicable.
Applying for the examinations should be conducted in two main stages in this year.
Stage I – Entering information and receiving the Reference Number. Enter your personal information, examination information, subject details and payment method. You should obtain the reference number to make payment
through post office.
Stage II- Payment of examination fee and downloading the application. Upon submitting the reference number to the post office you may pay the examination fee to the post office and then visit the website by login in or by activating the link you have been sent via SMS and then download the application by clicking “Download AL 2021 Application” of the website. Candidates who paid examination fee through bank cards also can download application by above icon.
2021 A/L Exam will begin from October 4th – 30th. G.C.E. Advanced Level Examination for the year 2021, which was scheduled for August, has been postponed to October. The exam timetable will release to examination department official www.doenets.lk website soon.