Hi @Nj2,
Unfortunately, no, this is not ready for paint. You are going to have to deal with those cracks before you can paint.
You're going to have to secure the plasterboard sheet that is cracking from the corner of the manhole, before anything else. If you push the manhole cover up and out of place, you will be able to see if there is any framing in this corner. If there is, happy days, you'll just have to secure the plasterboard by screwing through it into the framing with some plasterboard screws.
If there is no framing, grab a piece of timber such as this 89 x 19mm and sit it on the back of the crack, then screw through the plasterboard into it. This will help secure the plasterboard so that it does not crack again.
Once it is secure, you'll want to apply some mesh tape over any of the cracks in the ceiling and any screws used to secure the plasterboard. You'd then apply a coat of topping compound over the tape with a plaster knife, allow it to dry, then sand it smooth with a sanding sponge before priming and painting.
Let me know what you think and if you have further questions, please don't hesitate to ask.
Jacob
