Sharp rise in COVID cases; hospitals overcrowding: PHI Union

A sharp increase in COVID-19 cases was being reported daily at present exceeding the hospital capacity, Public Health Inspectors Union President Upul Rohana said.

Decision on power cuts this evening; PUCSL to recommend using power sparingly

A decision will be taken this evening whether to go ahead with power cuts or not, and recommendations will be given to all institutions and consumers to use electricity sparingly, Public Utilities Commission of Sri Lanka (PUCSL) Chairman Janaka Ratnayake said.

Ambulance shot at in Panadura

An ambulance driver came under gun shot attack in front of the Kethumathi Hospital in Panadura this morning, Police said.

Special unit formed to thwart corruption and misconduct in Prisons

‘Sri Lanka Prisons Emergency Action and Tactical Force’ (SPEAT Force) was introduced to thwart corruption and misconduct in Prisons and to control such issues in a more transparent approach the Defence Secretary Gen. Kamal Gunaratne said yesterday.

China to donate new seismic stations

The Chinese government has pledged to provide three more fully equipped seismic centres and one of them to be establish at the Western and North-Western Provincial boundaries, the Environment Ministry said.

SL exceeds administering 5 Mn booster doses: Prof. Jayasumana

The number of people who recieved the Covid-19 booster dose in Sri Lanka exceeded five million with a total of 30,253 doses being administered yesterday, State Minister Prof Channa Jayasumana said.

Hela Apparel IPO oversubscribed by 5.4 times on opening day

Hela Apparel Holdings, the holding company of Hela Clothing Group, made history this month with the successful oversubscription of the largest initial public offering (IPO) in the past decade.

Moderna starts trial for Omicron-specific booster shot

Moderna Inc (MRNA.O) said on Wednesday it had started a mid-stage study, testing a booster dose of its COVID-19 vaccine specifically designed to target the Omicron coronavirus variant, a day after rival Pfizer Inc (PFE.N) launched a similar trial.

Ratmalana aiport road to be completed in 20 days

Chief Government Whip and Highways Minister Johnston Fernando has instructed the Director General of the Road Development Authority to complete upgrading the access road to the Ratmalana airport within 20 days, a statement from the ministry said.

Unnecessary fuss on Pushpika and the audio clip: Rosy

Controversy has arisen with regard to the claim that Pushpika de Silva who represented Sri Lanka at the Mrs.World 2022 pageant had become fourth runner up and with an audio clip being aired over social media involving Ms.De Silva and Mayor of Colombo Rosy Senanayake.

SL addresses drug shortage despite forex crisis

Despite speculations that Sri Lanka would plunge into a drug shortage in about two months, the Treasury has released adequate funds enabling commercial banks to open Letters of Credit (LCs) in a bid to overcome the impending drug shortage.

Colombo, Gampaha identified as COVID hotspots

A drastic rise in the spread of COVID-19 has been noticed in the Gampaha and Colombo districts in recent time, State Minister of Primary Health Care, Epidemics, and COVID-19 Disease Control Dr. Sudarshini Fernandopulle said.

Govt. Declares war on cement black market

Government has decided to carry out an operation to raid cement suppliers and recover hidden stocks, State Ministry of Rural Housing Construction and Building Materials Industries Promotion said today.

Lasith Malinga appointed as Bowling Strategy Coach

Sri Lanka Cricket has appointed fast bowling legend Lasith Malinga as the ‘Bowling Strategy Coach’ of the National Team for the upcoming Tour of Australia.

Govt. to promote use of bicycles to reduce air pollution

The Environment Minister has said that the Ministry will take steps to promote the use of bicycles as one of the steps to reduce air pollution.

COVID cases reach 6,000 mark in one week

Nearly 6,000 COVID-19 infections have been reported within seven days showcasing the higher transmissibility of the Omicron variant which is spreading rapidly across the country.

SJB goes to SC against new Tax Bill

Samagi Jana Balawegaya (SJB) today filed a Special Determination petition in Supreme Court challenging the constitutionality of the bill titled “Special Goods and Services Tax”.

Stealing money from PM’s account proves escalation of thefts, frauds in SL :Vijitha

Stealing money from Prime Minister Mahinda Rajapaksa’s account clearly show the escalation of thefts, frauds and corruption in the country, JVP MP Vijitha Herath said today.

SC suspends operation of Deradicalization Regulations; granted leave to proceed with petitions

The Supreme Court today issued an Interim Order suspending the operation of Prevention of Terrorism (De-radicalization from holding violent extremist religious ideology) Regulations No. 01 of 2021, which was published by way of gazette notification on March 12, 2021.

Sapugaskanda to reopen on Jan. 30: Energy Ministry

The Sapugaskanda oil refinery will be late in resuming its operations due to a delay in opening Letters of Credit (LCs) to procure the required crude oil, Energy Ministry Secretary K. D. R. Olga said.

Rumesh Ratnayake appointed as interim coach of National Cricket Team

Rumesh Ratnayake was appointed as the interim coach of the National Cricket Team for the upcoming Sri Lanka Tour of Australia.

Stop Sri Lanka from auctioning boats: Tamil Nadu CM urges Modi

Tamil Nadu Chief Minister MK Stalin on Tuesday urged the Union government to prevail upon the Sri Lankan government to stop the auctioning of boats seized by it and end the attacks on Tamil Nadu fishermen.

CAA advises gas companies collect partially used suspected gas cylinders from consumers

The Consumer Affairs Authority (CAA) today informed court that it has advised the LPG gas cylinder supplying companies namely Litro Gas and Laughs Gas Companies to accept partially used suspected gas cylinders returned by consumers.

SLC announces 20-member squad for Australia T20 tour

The Sri Lanka Cricket today announced the 20-member squad for the ‘Sri Lanka Tour of Australia 2022.’

CEB Chairman resigns

Chairman of the Ceylon Electricity Board (CEB) M.M.C Ferdinando has tendered his resignation to President Gotabaya Rajapaksa citing personal reasons.

No quality checks done on cement shipments when importing: Builders’ Assn.

There is no inspection carried out in Sri Lanka about the quality of cement while being imported into the country, the National Construction Association of Sri Lanka (NCASL) said.

Internal battle puts Wildlife at risk - Probe ordered over harassment of elephant

Wildlife in Sri Lanka is at risk owing to an internal battle with some senior officials even refusing to take instructions from the subject Minister, Daily Mirror learns.

Chinese company takes fight against Sri Lanka to UN

A Chinese company embroiled in a dispute with Sri Lanka over organic fertilizer, has made a formal complaint with the Food and Agriculture Organization of the United Nations.

Fort-Badulla train cancelled last night: Station Masters’ Union

To show the inefficiency of the railway department, it suddenly cancelled the Colombo Fort-Badulla night mail train, which was scheduled to leave Fort station at 10.00 pm yesterday, Railway Station Masters’ Union (RSMU) President Sumedha Somaratne said.

One of PM’s Secretaries sacked after massive financial fraud

One of Prime Minister Mahinda Rajapaksa’s Secretaries, who was appointed last year to office, has been sacked from his position for allegedly committing financial fraud amounting to millions of rupees from the Prime Minister’s bank account, the Daily Mirror learns.