COVID cases found in three buses travelling violating inter province restriction

Three COVID-19 positive cases were reported from three buses travelling from Colombo to Batticaloa violating the inter province travel ban, the police said.

Prez approves giving COVID vaccine to teachers next week: GL

President Gotabaya Rajapaksa has approved providing the COVID vaccine for teachers next week, Education Minister, Professor GL Peiris said.

Schools with less than 100 children to reopen in July: Minister

The Education Ministry is hoping to launch a practical program to open schools with less than 100 children in July following recommendations from the health sector, Education Minister, Professor GL Peiris said.

Vaccinate all above 30 in Western Province before July 31: Prez tells health officials

President Gotabaya Rajapaksa has instructed the health sector official to vaccinate all the people aged over 30 in the Western Province before July 31, the President’s Media Division said.

Delta variant may have spread, says Deputy Health DG

Responding to the claims made by the Public Health Inspectors’ Union that the Delta variant has spread to many areas in the country, Deputy Director General of Health Services Dr. Hemantha Herath said today that the Delta variant may have spread in the country.

Govt rules out plan with IMF for debt restructuring

The government today ruled out any arrangement with the International Monetary Fund (IMF) for restructuring its debt servicing criterion, but asserted that there were alternatives for it.

Vaccination for people engaged in tourism sector: Minister

A special programme will soon be implemented to provide vaccines against COVID-19 to people working in the tourism industry, Tourism Minister Prasanna Ranatunga said.

Nurses’ TU action continues for second day

The 48-hour sick leave campaign launched by nurses in state hospitals is continuing for the second day today.

Six accused released from D.A. Rajapaksa Museum case

Colombo Permanent High Court-at-Bar today ordered to release six accused from the D.A. Rajapaksa Museum case filed by Attorney General.

Sri Lanka sets record; loses most number of ODIs

After losing the second ODI against England, Sri Lanka set a new record having lost most number of One Day International (ODI) matches in the history of ODIs.

If crew provided accurate info, catastrophe could have been averted: Minister

If the crew on board the cargo freighter MV X-Press Pearl had given accurate information about the fire at the initial stages, it would have been possible to prevent such a calamity, Environment Minister Mahinda Amaraweera said.

Police to conduct special operations to net quarantine law violators at weekend

Police will conduct special operations across the country at the weekend to apprehend the persons who host parties and events violating the quarantine rules and regulations, police said.

Another 1mn Sinopharm vaccines arrive

One million more Chinese Sinopharm COVID-19 vaccines have been brought into the country this morning to control the spread of COVID-19.

Europe risks new wave, WHO warns

Covid-19 infections have risen by 10% in a week in Europe after two months in decline and the risk of a new wave of cases is growing, says the World Health Organization.

Sinopharm 1st dose for 30 plus

The first dose of Chinese Sinopharm COVID-19 Vaccine will be given today for the people who are over 30 years of age at the Colombo Municipal Council’s (CMC) vaccination centres.

Fourth wave likely in 10 weeks if guidelines ignored

Health experts have warned that the new Delta Variant which is spreading across the country, after sporadic cases were found in recent days, will cause a massive outbreak in 8 to 10 weeks if urgent steps are not taken to maintain the health guidelines.

Sri Lanka informs EU of action to review PTA and on progress in reconciliation

Sri Lanka has apprised the European Union (EU) of progress in specific areas of reconciliation, as part of its regular engagement and dialogue with the organization.

Contact CMC to get their vaccine

The Colombo Municipal Council’s (CMC) Public Health Department today requested people above the age of 70 to contact the department to obtain their AstraZeneca Covishield vaccine.

Nurses fall sick: Hospital services crippled

Hospital services throughout the country crippled due to the 48-hour sick leave campaign launched by all the nursing staff attached to the three main trade unions from yesterday morning over several demands.

Arjuna blames cricket administration for players' misbehaviour

Former Minister and cricket captain Arjuna Ranatunge yesterday accused the cricket administration of the indecent behaviour of three Sri Lankan cricketers during the England tour claiming that such a thing would not have happened under his captaincy.

Police given 2,000 trishaws to execute duties efficiently

2,000 new three wheelers were provided to all island police stations to carry out police duties in a more efficient manner,today, the Public Security Ministry said.

Main suspect arrested over nailing and torturing two individuals to cross

The main suspect in connection with the incident of the abduction and torture of two persons in an inhumane manner for sharing a defamation post against an individual on Facebook, was arrested in Balagolla, Kandy today.

Debt restructuring with IMF assistance mandatory to get out of this situation - SJB

Sri Lanka will be compelled to go for a debt restructuring programme with the assistance of the IMF to get out of the present economic deadlock, an SJB MP said today.

43 more succumb to COVID-19

A total of 43 more COVID-19 related deaths that occurred yesterday (30) were confirmed by the Director-General of Health Services today pushing the death toll to 3,120.

Child exploiter remanded till July 15

Three persons including the Deputy Chairman of the Mihintale Pradeshiya Sabha who were arrested for sexually exploiting a 15 -year old girl, were ordered to be remanded till July 15 by the Colombo Chief Magistrate’s Court.

FR filed seeking an order to set up marine environment conservation fund

Environmental scientist Dr. Ajantha Perera and a social activist today filed a Fundamental Rights petition in Supreme Court seeking an order directing the authorities to set up a Restoration and Conservation Fund for the environmental degradation due to the pollution caused by the X-Press Pearl vessel.

AGM of Sea Consortium Lanka (Pvt) Ltd granted bail

An Assistant General Manager attached to the Sea Consortium Lanka (Pvt) Ltd, the Local Agent of X-Press Perl vessel was today ordered to be released on bail after being produced before Colombo High Court.

Batticaloa airport to be developed as complete domestic airport: Tourism Minister

The Batticaloa airport is to be developed as an attractive domestic airport with more facilities, Tourism Minister Prasanna Ranatunga said.

PHIs slam Govt. for turning ’blind eye’ on Indian variant spread

Despite the Health Ministry stressing that they were on high alert on the spreading of Indian variant in the country, the Public Health Inspectors who are in the field slammed the Government for not paying adequate attention to prevent further spreading.

Eight critically wounded in sword attack in Jaffna

Eight persons were seriously injured in an attack by a group of armed men at Kondavil in Kopay, Jaffna last night, police said.