Stock market closed for trading as S&P SL20 drops over 10 %

The Colombo Stock Exchange (CSE), which resumed trading today after a shutdown spanning for seven weeks, closed soon after reopening as the S&P SL20 Index dropped over 10 % from the previous close.

7 FR petitions against election date fixed for support on May 18, 19

Seven Fundamental Right petitions filed challenging the dissolution of Parliament and fixing the General Election date for June 20, have been fixed for support on May 18 and 19 by the Supreme Court.

FR petitions: Not in position to appear for EC, AG informs court

Attorney General Dappula de Livera has informed the Supreme Court that he is not in a position to appear for the Elections Commission and its members in the Fundamental Right petitions filed challenging the date of the Election, AG’s co-ordinating officer, State Counsel Nishara Jayaratne said.

Iranian navy ship ’sunk by friendly fire

An Iranian navy ’’friendly fire’’ incident in which a ship was sunk has killed dozens of sailors, unofficial reports say.

Those who stigmatize china on covid-19 have failed their own people - Chinese Envoy

China has reacted strongly against some countries who have called for an international investigation into the origins of the Covid-19 and China’s early response to the outbreak, stating that while China was open to international co-operation, these politicians who have made such calls do not represent the mainstream opinions of the global community.

Country will face crisis if lockdown lifted sans adequate testing: Ranil

Sri Lanka would be plunged into a worse crisis if the government goes ahead with the partial lifting of the current lockdown without focusing on adequate testing, former Prime Minister Ranil Wickremesinghe said yesterday.

35,323 PCR tests conducted so far: Dr. Jasinghe

The Director-general of Health Services (DGHS) Dr Anil Jasinghe said the Medical Research Institute (MRI) in Borella, teaching hospitals and university laboratories have conducted a total of 35,323 PCR tests since March 18

Poll observers ready to cooperate with EC to conduct polls despite Covid-19

An election monitoring body said today that it was ready to cooperate with the Election Commission in evolving guidelines to conduct the parliamentary elections amidst the coronavirus threat.

Sri Lanka on right track to contain Covid-19: WHO

Sri Lanka is on the right track to contain the Covid-19 through the increased tracking, testing, isolation, and treatment strategy, the World Health Organization said.

Work to commence in Colombo, Gampha whilst curfew in force

Curfew in the high risk districts of Colombo and Gampha will remain, however work will commence from tomorrow(11) and both public and private sector employees can travel to work by showing their office identification, an email, sms or Whatsapp message on their mobile phones, showing their proof of employment to the thousands of military and police personnel who will be deployed on the roads to maintain the health guidelines.

Curfew in Colombo, Gampaha to continue; Kalutara, Puttalam to be relaxed

Curfew in Colombo and Gampaha districts would continue until further notice while curfew in all other districts including Kalutara, Puttalam would be lifted at 5 am tomorrow(11) & re-imposed at 8 pm and will continue daily until further notice, the Government said.

Toll of COVID-19 cases rises 855

Eight more Covid-19 infected patients were reported increasing the total cases to 855, the Health Ministry said.

178 Lankans brought to the country from Malaysia

A total of 178 Sri Lankans who were stranded in Malaysia had reached the Katunayake International Airport this evening, Airport Duty Manager said.

Sixty-one more COVID-19 patients recover

Sixty-one more Covid-19 infected patients have recovered and discharged from the hospital increasing the total number of recovered cases to 321, the Health Ministry said.

Public transport not available for regular passengers for another two weeks

Director General of Health Services, Dr Anil Jasinghe, has informed Transport Minister Mahinda Amaraweera not to facilitate public transport for regular passengers for another two weeks.

Not interested in being promoted for ICC big post: Sanga

Commenting on reports which said the SLC to promote Kumar Sangakkara for the ICC big post, Sangakkara said today that he is not keen or interested in being promoted.

272 Lankans brought to the country from Australia

A total of 272 Sri Lankans who were stranded to in Australia had reached the Katunayake International Airport this morning, Airport Duty Manager said.

100% made in Sri Lanka cars by next year: Dilantha Malagamuwa

Sri Lanka’s first-ever hundred per cent locally manufactured petrol and electric prototype cars would be launched by next year, Sri Lanka’s racing legend Dilantha Malagamuwa said, yesterday.

Buddha’s teachings relevant in times of COVID-19: UNDG

United Nations Director General (UNDG) in Geneva, Tatiana Valovaya has noted the particular relevance of the teachings of the Buddha such as compassion, solidarity and mindfulness, in times of global emergencies such as the current COVID-19 crisis.

Long-distance buses operate on Monday after Govt.’s authorisation: SLTB Chairman

Long-distance buses would operate on Monday (11) after the Government granted authorisation to cross the districts, Sri Lanka Transport Board (SLTB) Chairman Kingsley Ranawaka said today.

Total Covid-19 cases now at 847

Three more persons have tested positive for COVID-19 increasing the total number of cases to 847, the health ministry said.

Ranawaka, Welgama file petition against election on June 20

Former MPs Kumara Welgama and Jathika Hela Urumaya (JHU) Leader Patali Champika Ranawaka filed a petition in the Supreme Court today challenging the Gazette notification issued by the Elections Commission declaring the General Elections on June 20.

Immigration Dept. will open on Monday

The Immigration and Emigration Department will re-open for the public on Monday (11) to provide services in terms of the provisions of Immigrants and Emigrants Act, except on Public holidays.

Reopening of schools will decide within next week: Edu. Minister

The decision to re-open schools could be taken within the next week, Education Minister Dallas Alahapperuma said.

Do not use OTPs receive from local private numbers: CERT|CC

A ‘High category threat’ warning had been issued by CERT over receiving of One Time Password (OTP) from a local private number, instead of from ANY authenticated service provider.

All types of visas of foreigners extended for another 30 days: Immigration Dept.

The validity period of all types of Visas of foreigners in Sri Lanka had been extended up to June 11, the Immigration Department said.

NPC approves proposal to deploy security personnel for retired IGPs

The National Police Commission (NPC) has approved a request made by the Acting IGP to deploy security personnel for retired IGPs and Senior DIGs.

Covid-19: Total recoveries rise to 255

Fifteen more Covid-19 infected patients recovered and were discharged increasing the total recovered cases in Sri Lanka to 255, the Health Ministry said.

Covid-19; Sri Lankan approach

As the spread of the COVID-19 pandemic continues worldwide, various countries have employed different means and methods to combat the spread of this disease, Sri Lanka too adopted its own way focusing mainly on prevention, containment and management.

Govt aims at total relaxation of curfew by next month

The government aims at total relaxation of the curfew restrictions imposed in view of the COVID-19 outbreak by next month , a Minister said yesterday.