Sri Lankan arrested in India for trafficking in drugs and weapons: NIA

The NIA investigation into the seizure of five AK47 rifles and 300kg of heroin from a Sri Lankan boat off the Kerala coast has revealed that agents from the island nation are operating on Indian soil facilitating drugs and arms trade.

New Zealand mall terror attacker was a Sri Lanka national with ISIS ideology

New Zealand Prime Minister Jacinda Ardern has said an ’Isis-inspried lone wolf’ who had caused the supermarket terror attack in Auckland was a Sri Lankan national who had arrived in New Zealand in 2011.

Young Jaffna journalist dies from Covid

A young Tamil journalist based in Jaffna has died after contracting the coronavirus, hours after he tweeted saying he had been refused the Covid vaccine.

Future SJB Govt. will lift chemical manure ban

A future SJB government will make arrengements to import chemical fertilizer, SJB MP J. C. Alawathuwala said today.

A brigadier dies of Covid-19

Brigadier S.D Udayasena, the Director of Army Research Analysis, Projection and Development Branch has died due to COVID-19.

Sinopharm to deliver 4Mn vaccines to SL on Sept. 4: Chinese Embassy

Sinopharm has confirmed to deliver four million doses of Sinopharm vaccines to Sri Lanka on September 4, which is the largest reception on a single day,the Chinese Embassy in Sri Lanka said.

Don’t allow tourists from countries where deadly COVID variant is rampant: NRC Chairman

The National Research Council of Sri Lanka (NRC) requested the President to stop allowing tourists from the countries where the world’s deadliest COVID virus variant-C.1.2 is found, including South Africa, NRC Chairman Prof. Hemantha Dodampahala said.

State of Emergency should be in force only for a limited period of time: CPA

While explaining the legal basis regarding the declaration of a state of emergency and specifically Emergency (Provision of Essential Food) Regulation, the Centre for Policy Alternatives (CPA) observed that the State of Emergency should be in force only for a limited period of time.

Govt. should show positive results within one week: UNP Dy. Leader

Government should show effective results of the emergency within a week by stabilising the distribution of essential goods, UNP Deputy Leader Ruwan Wijewardene said yesterday.

European study says no urgent need for booster shots for fully vaccinated people

A new study based on current evidence has ruled out any urgent need for booster shots for people fully vaccinated against Covid .

Lockdown needs to be extended by two more weeks to witness positive results: DG Health

Director General of Health Services Dr. Asela Gunawardane said yesterday the current lockdown would have to be extended by at least two more weeks to witness the outcome of the current travel restrictions.

Endangering democracy through imposition of emergency: Sajith

The real objective of the government imposing an emergency is to form a dictatorial administration leading to the burial of democracy, Leader of Opposition Sajith Premadasa said yesterday.

Maximum retail price for sugar and rice gazetted

The Consumer Affairs Authority (CAA) has issued the gazette notification declaring the maximum retail price for sugar and rice with effect from today.

UK to maintain ban on LTTE: Foreign Ministry

Sri Lankan Government has been informed that the UK Home Secretary has decided to maintain the proscription of the Liberation Tigers of Tamil Eelam (LTTE) as a terrorist organization under the UK Terrorism Act No. 7 of 2000, the Foreign Ministry said.

Wear two facemasks if possible: Fernandopulle

State Minister Dr. Sudarshani Fernandopulle today advised people to wear two facemasks if possible as the Coronavirus is spreading fast.

204 more die of Covid-19: Death toll surges to 9,604

A total of 204 more COVID-19 related deaths that occurred yesterday (01) were confirmed by the Director-General of Health Services today pushing the death toll to 9,604.

20 to 30 age group vaccination drive begins in district level

Army Commander General Shavendra Silva said authorities had today commenced administering the COVID-19 vaccines for the 20 to 30 age group at the district levels.

Jeewan Thondaman talks with Tamil Nadu CM on proposed university for estate sector

State Minister Jeewan Thondaman, who is also the son of late CWC leader Arumugan Thondaman, held talks with Tamil Nadu Chief Minister on the matters pertaining to Tamils of Indian origin in Sri Lanka.

75% of the above 30 age group now fully vaccinated - Army Chief

More than 75 per cent of the population, who are above 30 years of age, have now been fully vaccinated in Sri Lanka, Army Commander General Shavendra Silva said.

Considerable decline in Covid infected children at LRH: Director

The number of children who were under treatment for Covid-19 at the Lady Ridgeway Hospital (LRH) has decreased to 95 by now, LRH director G. Wijesuriya said.

2021 A/L, grade 5 exam application deadline extended to Sept 15: Education Ministry

Taking into consideration the prevailing situation in the country, the Education Ministry has decided to extend the call for applications for the 2021 G.C.E. Advanced Level (A/L) and the Grade Five Scholarship examinations to September 15.

CID arrests couple involved in pornographic video at Pahanthudawa waterfall

The Criminal Investigations Department (CID) has arrested the couple who were involved in a pornographic video at the Pahanthudawa waterfall in Balangoda, which is now widely circulated on social media.

Emergency proclamation on essential goods to be debated on Sept. 6

Party Leaders today decided to take up the debate on emergency proclamation issued on essential goods on September 6, Serjeant-at-Arms Narendra Fernando said today.

SMS 1904 to manage home quarantined COVID patients in SP from today

The 1904 SMS facility, which was started in the Western Province (WP) to manage and provide information on COVID infected patients treated under home quarantined procedure, has been introduced to the Southern Province as well (SP) from today (2).

Maximum retail price set for oximeter

A maximum retail price of Rs 3000 has been declared for a Pulse Oximeter, State Minister Prof. Channa Jayasumana said.

Jailors found mobile phone in Rishad Bathiudeen’s possession

The prisons officers found a mobile phone in the possession of former Minister Rishad Bathiudeen who is currently in remand custody at the Magazine Prison.

Police act to protect health authorities in Weligama

Responding to a video being circulated on social media in which a police officer was seen using his baton on Weligama residents during a vaccination programme on Wednesday, the police said they had to remove the residents to prevent health authorities from being attacked.

Organize public transportation before re-opening country: Dr. Herath

Before re-opening the country, plans should be submitted to organize how public transportation would operate, Health Services Deputy Director General Dr. Hemantha Herath said.

Bus operations in provinces after COVID committee decision tomorrow: Dilum

Though the inter provincial bus services are suspended, transport within the provinces could be resumed following the decision taken by the COVID-19 committee tomorrow, Transport State Minister Dilum Amunugama said.

Decision on quarantine curfew tomorrow: Army Chief

The Presidential Task Force on COVID-19 headed by President Gotabaya Rajapaksa will meet tomorrow morning to take a decision whether the quarantine curfew imposed in the country will be further extended or lifted after Monday, Army Commander General Shavendra Silva said.