Preferential numbers of candidates gazetted

The extraordinary gazette with preferential numbers of candidates contesting the General Elections 2020 was published by the Government Printing Department a short while ago.

Cop arrested for aiding suspect shot at Sunshine Sudda

A Police Constable attached to the Thalangama Police was arrested for allegedly aiding and abetting the main suspect who shot at underworld figure ‘Sunshine Sudda’ in Weligama.

SL raises concerns on reference to Sri Lanka in OHCHR release

Sri Lanka has raised concerns regarding the allegations made in a press release issued by the UN Human Rights High Commissioner on June 03 regarding “clampdown” of freedom of expression during COVID-19, in which a reference had been made to Sri Lanka, the Foreign Relations Ministry (FRM) said.

Associate of Zahran and Abubakar arrested in Pulmudai

An associate of the main suspect of Easter Sunday attacks, Zahran Hashim and Abusali Abubakar, has been arrested by the STF in Pulmudai yesterday.

Last rites of Lankan workers died in Korea performed in Korea itself

Final rites of three Sri Lankan migrant workers died last week in South Korea have been conducted in Korea itself due to COVID-19 related health concerns, Sri Lanka Foreign Employment Bureau (SLFEB) confirmed to Daily Mirror.

Night curfew will remain to avoid public gatherings: Official

Curfew from 11:00 p.m. to 04:00 a.m. will continue daily until further notice and will not be lifted this week in order to avoid public gatherings, a government official told Daily Mirror yesterday.

All PCR tests conducted at BIA by Health Ministry

All PCR tests at BIA are conducted by the Health Ministry within minutes after passengers pass the immigration counter, Airport and Aviation Services Chairman G.A. Chandrasiri told Daily Mirror yesterday, adding that the samples are then sent to the Negombo General Hospital within an hour for results to be handed over to the ministry within 24 hours.

Printing of preferential numbers underway: Govt. Printer

The printing of candidates’ preferential numbers is in progress, Government Printer Mrs. Gangani Liyanage said, adding that the printing of preferential numbers in six districts and of dual ballot papers had already been completed.

Attempts of influencing govt. bodies by alleging links to President, must be brought to notice: Prez Sec

The Presidential Secretariat said today that attempts made to influence government institutions by alleging connections to the President, must be brought to notice.

UNP-SLPP main contenders in forthcoming poll: Ranil

There will be only two main political parties to contest this year’s general election, former Prime Minister Ranil Wickremesinghe told several UNP-led trade union members this morning at the party headquarters in Sirikotha.

Burial of COVID-19 dead an environmental prejudice: Professor

The burial of those who succumb to COVID-19 is an environmental prejudice, Professor of Geology Ms. Methika Withanage told the Supreme Court (SC) today while submitting a report.

Court order foils scheduled protest opposite US embassy

The Colombo Fort Magistrate today issued an order preventing a protest organised by the Frontline Socialist Party (FSP), condemning the murder of George Floyd, from taking place outside the US Embassy.

Refrain from engaging in politics: President to State officials

President Gotabaya Rajapaksa said today public sector officials including board members of State corporations and statutory bodies as well as members of director boards appointed by his government should refrain from engaging in propaganda of any political party and not use public assets during the upcoming election.

Decision on General Elections date this week

A decision on the date of the General Elections would be made this week, Elections Commission Chairman Mahinda Deshapriya said today.

Hearing of Pilapitiya case at Magistrate’s Court suspended

The Court of Appeal has issued an interim order suspending the hearing of Magistrate’s Court case filed against interdicted High Court Judge Gihan Pilapitiya.

Covid-19 recoveries rise to 990

Forty-nine more COVID-19 infected patients were recovered and discharged from hospitals today increasing the total number of recovered patients in Sri Lanka to 990, the Health Ministry said.

Govt. suspends bringing stranded Lankans in Middle East until elections end: Harsha

The Government had reportedly suspended repatriating Sri Lankans who were stranded in the Middle East until the General Elections were over, Jathika Samagi Balawegaya Colombo District candidate Dr Harsha de Silva alleged today.

UNP TU-Seniors meeting ends abruptly

The meeting of the representatives of the UNP-led trade unions and party seniors held at Sirikotha was disrupted today when some participants became aggressive, party sources said.

All COVID-19 cases reported yesterday are returnees from foreign countries: Dr. Jasinghe

The all twenty-one COVID-19 patients reported yesterday were Sri Lankan returnees from foreign countries, Director General of Health Services Dr. Anil Jasinghe said.

SLTD issues tourism operational guidelines

Sri Lanka Tourism Development Authority (SLTD) has issued tourism operational guidelines as a move to resume tourism sector.

Suspicion surrounds sightings of UFO

Suspicion surrounds ‘UFO’ sightings in various parts of the country last week with Professor Chandana Jayaratne, a Professor in Physics at the Department of Physics at the University of Colombo saying there is no evidence to prove anything.

St. Mary’s Church Parish Priest contradicts SSP’s statement

Senior Superintendent of Police (SSP) Mount Lavinia Division Muditha Pussella had provided a contradictory statement before the Commission about advising the Parish Priest of St. Mary’s Church in Dehiwala Rev. Fr. Daya Welikada Arachchi before the Easter Sunday bombings, it was revealed to the PCoI into Easter Sunday attacks on Saturday.

Ranil says Govt. not conducting adequate PCR tests

Former Prime Minister and UNP Leader Ranil Wickremesinghe charged that serious problems have arisen regarding the government’s programme to control the spread of Covid-19 especially due to lack of testing.

Cardinal seeks Govt. approval to resume services

Archbishop of Colombo Malcolm Cardinal Ranjith today requested the government and the health authorities to allow all places of worship to resume religious observances with the participation of the public.

Mangala calls for fast-tracking of MCC agreement

Former Minister of Finance Mangala Samaraweera today called for the fast-tracking of signing Millennium Challenge Corporation (MCC) Agreement, establishment of robust fiscal rules, and structural reforms of state-owned enterprises in order to overcome what he called the worst economic crisis since independence.

Polling time does not differ much due to health guidelines-EC

The Election Commission which conducted a mock poll today found out that polling time would not differ much due to the guidelines stipulated by the health authorities in view of Covid-19, an official said.

All trains, buses to operate from tomorrow as usual: Transport authorities

All trains and buses would be deployed from tomorrow as usual to ease the passenger transportation in the country, transport authorities said.

All measures taken to ensure safety of public deposits: CBSL

While dismissing the speculation that Sri Lanka’s financial system is in a weak position and that general public is at risk of losing their deposits, the Central Bank of Sri Lanka assured the general public that it will continue to take all possible measures to ensure the safety of public deposits.

UFO spotted in several areas: Prof. Jayaratne

An object suspected to be an Unidentified Flying Object (UFO) was visible in several areas around the country last night, the Department of Physics, Colombo University said.

COVID-19 recoveries rise to 941

Fifty more COVID-19 infected patients were recovered and discharged from hospitals today increasing the total number of recovered patients in Sri Lanka to 941.