Govt. has imposed a meaningless lockdown: GMOF

Saying that the government has imposed a meaningless lockdown, the Government Medical Officers Forum (GMOF) yesterday said if the Covid-19 vaccination programme was successful, the country would not have had to face the current situation.

Late Mangala Samaraweera was a great political icon: Ruwan

The late Mangala Samaraweera was a great political icon which Sri Lanka has seen since independence and a leader who spoke fearlessly, said what he had to say no matter it being politically unfavourable to him, UNP Deputy Leader Ruwan Wijewardene said yesterday.

198 Covid deaths reported: Death toll surges to 7,948

A total of 198 more COVID-19 related deaths that occurred yesterday (24) were confirmed by the Director-General of Health Services today pushing the death toll to 7,948.

Decision on extending quarantine curfew on Friday: Health DG

The decision whether to extend the present quarantine curfew would be taken on Friday (27), Director General of Health Services Dr. Asela Gunawardane said today.

Do not give vitamin C to children at the whim of parents: Paediatrician

It is not appropriate to give vitamin C tablets to children at the whim of the parents, consultant paediatric intensivist at the Lady Ridgeway Hospital for Children, Dr Nalin Kitulwatte said.

Statements made by various people on Easter attacks are baseless: IGP

While claiming that investigations conducted into statements made by various people on the Easter Sunday attacks had proved to be baseless, IGP C.D. Wickramaratne said those who make such statements would have to face legal action.

Police clarifies social media post on Ajith Rohana in ICU

The information circulating on social media that former Police Spokesman SDIG Ajith Rohana is being treated in the Intensive Care Unit is false and a photo circulating showing him being critical is not of Ajith Rohana but of another unknown person, police clarified today.

No medication for Covid; beware of misleading social media posts: Medical expert

Claiming that no medication has yet been discovered against Covid-19, a medical expert today warned people not to be deceived by medications guided on social media claiming to cure Covid-19.

Advisory Board appointed to make recommendations on suspects detained under PTA

President Gotabaya Rajapaksa has appointed an Advisory Board to make recommendations and advise the President on the investigation, release, granting of bail and future action related to the persons imprisoned over terrorist activities and detained under detention orders.

Senior officers at 11 prisons transferred

The Department of Prisons has decided to transfer two Superintendent of Prisons and nine Assistant Superintendents of Prisons with effect from September 1 due to service requirements.

LIOC forced dealers to increase sales of premium brands: Petroleum Dealers Association

The Lanka Indian Oil Corporation (LIOC) is forcing several local petroleum dealers to sell their XtraMile Diesel and XtraPremium Petrol up to 15 and 20 per cent more than their normal Petrol and Diesel stocks, the Petroleum Dealers Association (PDA) claimed.

Iraj resigns as NYSC director

Musician Iraj Weeraratne, who was appointed as director of the National Youth Services Council (NYSC), has resigned from the post.

Court quashes Governor’s decision to suspend Balangoda UC Chairman from holding office

The Provincial High Court of Ratnapura has issued a writ of certiorari to quash the decision taken by the Governor of Sabaragamuwa Province to temporarily suspend Chamika Jayamini Wimalasena from holding the office of the Chairman of Balangoda Urban Council.

Sri Lanka could run into trouble as vaccines started late - Fonseka

Sri Lanka’s COVID 19 vaccination program could run into trouble when it comes to providing third jabs or booster injections as the program had started late, SJB Chairman Field Marshal Sarath Fonseka said today.

Only fully vaccinated mobile vendors allowed in Colombo District: Dist. Secy.

Colombo District Secretary Pradeep Yasarathna said today that only those who had been given both the vaccines would be allowed for mobile trading in the Colombo District during the quarantine curfew period.

Russian scientist detained in SL for collecting bugs needs surgery

Russian scientist Nikolai Kilafyan, on trial in Sri Lanka for collecting insects illegally is in dire need of surgery after a serious leg fracture, the Vice-President of Russian division of the International Committee for the Protection of Human Rights, Ivan Melnikov told Russian news agency TASS on Wednesday.

Saudi Arabia mulls FTAs with Sri Lanka 10 other countries

Saudi Arabia is looking forward to more trading partners as it aims at increasing non-oil exports share in its gross domestic product (GDP) and is reportedly resuming free trade agreement (FTA) negotiations with 11 countries including Sri Lanka.

China’s PLA donates 300,000 Sinopharm doses to SL Army

The People’s Liberation Army (PLA) of China has donated 300,000 doses of Sinopharm Covid-19 vaccines for the use of the Sri Lanka Army.

Mass drug trafficker ’’Chandrika’’ arrested with over Rs.2.6Mn cash

The Special Task Force of Police (STF) has arrested a woman who is involved in large scale drug trafficking and peddling in many areas with over Rs. 2.6 million in cash, at Kiribathgoda.

Minister wants politicians, people to emulate ’’Nedungamuwe Raja’’

The exemplary gesture displayed by the elephant ‘Nedungamuwe Raja’ when it carried the casket of the Holy Tooth Relics at the Randoli Perahera on the Esala Poya night (22) is a model to follow by all those including politicians who have been affected by the Covid 19 pandemic, Co-cabinet Spokesman, Mass Media Minister Dullas Alahapperuma said.

705 quarantine law violators arrested within 24 hours

A total of 705 suspects have been arrested in connection with the violation of quarantine rules and regulations during the last 24-hours.

Air Force chief tests positive for COVID-19

Commander of the Air Force, Air Marshal Sudarshana Pathirana has tested positive for COVID-19.

Ajith Rohana tests positive for COVID-19

Former Police Media Spokesman and Senior DIG Traffic and Crimes, SDIG Ajith Rohana has tested positive for COVID-19.

4,446 COVID-19 cases detected today

A total of 4,446 more COVID-19 patients have been detected today increasing the total cases reported in Sri Lanka to 398,801, the Government Information Department said.

190 Covid deaths reported: Death toll surges to 7,750

A total of 190 more COVID-19 related deaths that occurred yesterday (23) were confirmed by the Director-General of Health Services today pushing the death toll to 7,750.

Arrested suspect dies being taken to police station due to COVID-19

A 40-year-old suspect arrested by the Mathugama Police had died while being taken to the Police station, police said. He was infected with the COVID-19.

Travel restrictions should be further tightened to control the virus: GMOA

Travel restrictions should be further tightened up to 80 to 90 per cent and the imposed restrictions should be implemented perfectly, the Government Medical Officers’ Association (GMOA) said.

Mangala’s funeral held in Colombo today

Former Minister Mangala Samaraweera’s funeral was held in Colombo today. SJB MP, Harsha De Silva, in a video post on his Facebook said his colleagues were not allowed in but the video he managed to capture showed Samaraweera’s remains being taken to the crematorium.

State Minister Janaka Wakkumbura tests Covid-19 positive

State Minister Janaka Wakkumbura tested positive to Covid- 19 becoming the eighth member of Parliament to be tested Covid-19 positive within this month.

Tributes pour in for Mangala

Following the death of former minister, Mangala Samaraweera earlier today, tributes have poured in from all parts of the world and from local politicians, with many calling his death a loss to the nation.