Winners of the annual Emirates Labour Market Award spoke about how they plan to use the money to build their dream houses, start businesses
uae9 hours ago
The visiting Australian cricket team on Thursday threw their support behind a United Nations appeal to buy urgently needed food and life-saving medicines for Sri Lanka, which is currently undergoing a spiralling economic crisis.
The South Asian island nation has been experiencing shortages of food, fuel, medicine and other essential goods, a crisis sparked by dwindling foreign currency reserves and government mismanagement that has left its residents suffering. The Australian cricket team are currently in Sri Lanka for a tournament that involves all three formats of the game.
In a video put out Thursday by the Australian High Commission in Colombo, cricketers Mitchell Starc and Steve Smith said they are encouraging friends to “assist in any way they can” in the UN’s appeal for $47.2 million of emergency funds.
“The UN has launched a flash appeal in Sri Lanka to support poor communities affected by the crisis,” Starc said.
“We are proud that Australia is doing its bit,” added Smith. “Together, we can help Sri Lanka hit this crisis for six.”
Australia have already won the first two T20 games to secure the three-match T20 series played at the start of five ODIs and two Tests.
The tournament is going ahead despite severe fuel shortages and blackouts across the country and daily protests demanding President Gotabaya Rajapaksa’s resignation over the mismanagement of the economy.
Sri Lankan authorities — as well as fans — had pleaded with the Aussies to go ahead with the cricket series, as it is expected to bring in much-needed foreign exchange to the island.
So far, 1.7 million people in the nation of 22 million are in need of “life-saving assistance,” the UN said, while more than three-quarters of the population have reduced their food intake due to severe food shortages across the country.
“Sri Lanka’s once-strong healthcare system is now in jeopardy, livelihoods are suffering and the most vulnerable are facing the greatest impact,” the agency said in a statement.
“Now is the time for the international community to show solidarity with the people of Sri Lanka.”
Sri Lanka defaulted on its $51 billion foreign debt in April, and is in talks with the International Monetary Fund for a bailout.
Winners of the annual Emirates Labour Market Award spoke about how they plan to use the money to build their dream houses, start businesses
uae9 hours ago
10 lucky fans will have the once-in-a-lifetime chance to meet the eight-division world champion
uae attractions9 hours ago
ASAS 2024 brought together over 1,000 young talents from 50 nationalities under the theme 'Art and Innovation'
kt network10 hours ago
While President-elect Trump's administration originally filed the search case against Google during his first term, he indicated he might not break up the company
tech10 hours ago
The gathering explored the cutting edge of cinema, new media, PR and marketing, IT technologies, eSports, and game development
kt network10 hours ago
Passengers were currently being prevented from entering the building
world10 hours ago
Users will be able to select transcript language, too; here's how the new smart tool works
tech10 hours ago
With the new tariff, Yango Ride users can expect comfortable, modern limo vehicles starting from a minimum fare of Dh15.6
kt network11 hours ago