Most of London returnees quarantine at Luxury hotels

Most of the Sri Lankans who returned from London this morning had checked-in to three luxury hotels for quarantine at their own cost.

Sumanthiran seeks HRC to advise govt. to legalise curfew

President’s Counsel, former TNA MP M.A. Sumanthiran has sought the intervention of the Human Rights Commission of Sri Lanka to advise the government on the need to rectify and regularise curfew imposed without any further delay.

EC should follow procedure established by law: AG

The Attorney General has informed the Election Commission that it is required to follow the procedure established by law for the conduct of Parliamentary Elections 2020, AG’s Coordinating Secretary said.

Another group of 40 stranded Pakistanis repatriated

Another group of 40 stranded Pakistanis repatriated to Pakistan via Sri Lankan Airlines flight UL-1185 that left Colombo today morning, the Pakistan High Commission in Colombo said.

Australia extends support to Sri Lanka to fight COVID-19

Australia has extended its support to Sri Lanka prepare for, and prevent, the spread of COVID-19, and to manage the social and economic impacts to come.

First batch of students stranded in London returns

A SriLankan flight carrying 208 students who were stranded in London, UK, arrived at the Bandaranaike International Airport (BIA) early this morning.

Former MPs meeting underway

Former MPs meeting convened by Prime Minister Mahinda Rajapaksa to discuss the current situation in the country is underway at Temple Trees.

NIC last digit directive applicable only for curfew areas - PMD

The government yesterday announced the National Identity Card (NIC) numerical system, which had been introduced for the public to be adhered whilst stepping out of the house for essential purpose, will only be applicable for the areas where the curfew is in force.

Returnees could self-quarantine in hotels and bear the cost : Army chief

The government has arranged quarantine for returning Sri Lankans from abroad to spend their mandatory quarantine spell at a hotel at a cost and as they pleased, acting Chief of Defence Staff and Commander of the Army Shavendra Silva said.

718 Covid-19 cases in Sri Lanka

Ten more persons tested positive for the Covid-19, increasing the total number of patients to 718 today, the Ministry of Health confirmed.

Training centre operator who promoted extremism with Zahran arrested from Kalpitiya

The trustee of an organisation in Kalpitiya was arrested by the police today for allegedly maintaining links with Easter Sunday attacks mastermind Zahran Hashim.

President has power to allocate funds for any purpose: PM

Prime Minister Mahinda Rajapaksa today rejected the allegations made by the Opposition parties and said the President has complete authority to allocate funds for any purpose for which funds had not been allocated by Parliament.

UNP changes stance, decides to boycott meeting with PM

The United National Party ( UNP) has changed its original stand to attend the meeting of all former MPs called by Prime Minister Mahinda Rajapakse tomorrow and decided to boycot it today.

204 sailors at Welisara camp among COVID-19 patients

A total of 204 sailors of the Welisara Navy Camp were among those 705 tested positive for COVID-19 as of today.

Akuressa PS Chairman arrested

Akuressa Pradeshiya Sabha Chairman and four others who went on pilgrimage to Sri Pada without a curfew pass were arrested in Maskeliya today.

Over 25,000 PCR tests so far: HPB

A total of 25,206 Polymerase Chain Reaction (PCR) tests have been conducted so far in Sri Lanka, Health Promotion Bureau (HPB) said.

Isolated areas in Beruwala, Akurana re-opened

The Isolated areas in Beruwala and Akurana in Kandy have been re-opened from today, Army Commander Shavendra Silva said.

Let’s celebrate Vesak in line with health guidelines: PM

Prime Minister Mahinda Rajapaksa requested everyone to limit the Vesak celebrations to homes as much as possible by maintaining social distancing and following other health instructions to prevent the spread of COVID-19.

10 more recoveries, Toll rises to 182

The toll of patients who recovered from Covid-19 in Sri Lanka has risen to 182 as ten more patients have recovered and been discharged from the hospital, the Health Ministry said.

Boeing carrying 230 passengers from Netherlands arrives at Mattala

The special aircraft, Boeing 767-300ER, carrying around 230 passengers from Netherlands, arrived at the Mattala International Airport today.

Inmate dies while attempting to escape Mahara Prison

An inmate of the Mahara prison was killed and another six were captured when they attempted to escape early this morning.

Maximum retail price removed on dhal and canned fish

The Consumer Affairs Authority has issued a gazette removing the maximum retail price imposed for dhal and canned fish.

New Android malware could steal your sensitive information: CERT|CC

A ‘High’ category threat warning had been issued by CERT over a new android malware, which the watchdog said had the capability of capturing sensitive financial data from android devices in the form of a legitimate mobile application.

Covid-19 patients now at 702

Twelve more COVID-19 infected cases have been identified today, bringing the total number of Covid-19 patients in the country to 702.

Met. Dept. issues heat warnings to several districts

The temperature felt on the human body is expected to increase up to ‘Danger’ level at some places in Puttalam, Anuradhapura, Mannar, Vavuniya, Mullaitivu districts, the Meteorology Department warned.

Conduct dengue eradication programmes before reopening academic institutions: Ministry

The Education Ministry has instructed the relevant officials to conduct a countrywide dengue prevention campaign at all academic institutions, which were closed due to COVID-19 pandemic, before reopening.

FR petition filed against election on June 20

A Fundamental Rights (FR) petition has been filed by Attorney-at-Law Charitha Gunarathne in the Supreme Court challenging the Election Commission’s (EC) decision to hold the General Election on June 20.

SriLankan to bring Lankan students in UK, Australia

SriLankan Airlines would operate repatriation flights to bring Sri Lankan students from London, UK and Melbourne, Australia, the Airlines said.

Total recoveries from Covid-19 rise to 172

The toll of patients who recovered from Covid-19 in Sri Lanka has risen to 172 as ten more patients have recovered and been discharged from the hospital, the Health Ministry said.

COVID-19: India extends lockdown for another two weeks

The Indian Ministry of Home Affairs issued an order under the Disaster Management Act, 2005, to further extend the Lockdown in the country for another two weeks.