Env. Ministry identifies new sensitive ecological zones

Four new sensitive ecosystems have been identified in the country and they have been designated as Sensitive Ecological Zones, the Environment Ministry said.

SL probing implications of new identified delta mutations and what lies ahead

Sri Lanka’s health experts have launched a probe to identify the implications of the three new mutations of the Delta variant found mainly from Colombo and if it is more contagious than the original Delta variant which itself is fast spreading in the country.

$250M currency swap with Bangladesh: Sri Lanka gets first tranche of $50m this week

The central bank of Bangladesh will lend $50 million to under-pressure Sri Lanka this week as part of Bangladesh’s efforts to support the Island nation suffering from a foreign exchange crisis.

SL monitoring Afghan situation in terms of immediate, mid and long term implications

Sri Lanka is closely monitoring the development in Afghanistan in terms of immediate, mid and long term implications and to bring down a group of 65 Sri Lankans now in Kabul, a day after the Taliban seized power of Afghanistan after 20 years, a senior defence official said.

Women to have rights ’within Islamic law: Taliban in first presser since Afghanistan takeover

In their first official press briefing since the Kabul seizure, the Taliban vowed to protect women’s rights ’’within the limits’’ of Islamic law.

171 COVID-19 deaths reported: Death toll surges to 6,434

A total of 171 more COVID-19 related deaths that occurred yesterday (16) were confirmed by the Director-General of Health Services today pushing the death toll to 6,434.

Sri Lankan retailer sells firewood online

A Sri Lankan online retailer is selling firewood online and reportedly had sold more than 1000 bundles of firewood, as the country was facing an acute scarcity of domestic gas.

Use fuel wisely to save foreign currency to get down medicines, vaccines: Gammanpila

Energy Minister Udaya Gammanpila today requested the public to use fuel economically in view to save foreign currency to bring in the much-needed medicines and vaccines.

Two die in shootout with police in Sooriyawewa

Two men were killed in a shootout between two robbers and the police in Sooriyawewa this evening, police said.

Cabinet not scientific; allocate Ministries on scientific basis:Rathana Thera

Claiming that there was no scientific basis in the allocation of Cabinet of Ministers, Parliamentarian Ven. Athuraliye Rathana Thera said today what was needed not a Cabinet reshuffle, but to allocate Ministries on a scientific basis immediately.

Over 30 cities suspend business operations

Business operations of at least 31 cities across the country have been suspended as of today while another 15 cities have suspended operations today due to the spread of COVID-19.

12 Parliament staff members test Covid positive

A total of 12 staff members of Parliament tested positive to Covid-19 following Rapid Antigen Tests carried out today, Sergeant-at-Arms Narendra Fernando said.

SL signs Rs.61.5 billion loan with China Development Bank

China Development Bank and Sri Lankan Government has entered into an agreement of RMB 2 billion - approximately Rs. 61.5 billion Term Facility today, the Chinese Embassy in Colombo said.

Booster doses halt or minimize spread, prevent mutant variant: GMOA

By administering a booster dose, it will halt or minimize the spread of the disease and prevent further mutation, thereby preventing a mutant variant, the Government Medical Officers’ Association today said.

Rear Admiral Jayarathne appointed Navy Chief of Staff

Rear Admiral YN Jayarathne has been appointed as the Chief of Staff of the Sri Lanka Navy with effect from today by President Gotabaya Rajapaksa.

Emergence of new COVID variant at end 2021, could bypass immunity created by current vaccination: GMOA

The most dangerous threat that Sri Lanka may face is the potential for an emergence new severe COVID virus strain by the end of 2021, that would bypass the immunity created by the current vaccination programme, the Government Medical Officers’ Association (GMOA) said.

Delta Variant mutates into three different variants and spreading in SL: Jayasumana

The Delta Variant of COVID 19 which has mutated into three different variants is spreading all over the nation, State Minister Channa Jaysumana told Parliament today.

New Zealand locked down over single COVID-19 case

New Zealand’s Prime Minister Jacinda Ardern put the nation under strict lockdown on Tuesday after one new case of the coronavirus was reported in its largest city of Auckland, the country’s first in six months.

Govt.should be flexible and heed to medical experts: Maithri

While stressing the need to consider the recommendations and predictions of the local medical specialists and foreign experts on the pandemic situation in the country, former President Maithripala Sirisena said today the government should be flexible in making decisions and act during this pandemic crisis.

Stringent action against banks, leasing companies levying late interest, vehicle seizure: NMCRP

The National Movement for Consumer Rights Protection (NMCRP) said some banks and financial institutions have continued to ignore the Central Bank circular and insisted their customers to pay the interest.

Positive response from President for Ranil’s all party meeting

President Gotabaya Rajapaksa has responded positively to a request made by former Prime Minister Ranil Wickremesinghe to call for an all party meeting when the two leaders met today, an official statement from the UNP said.

Gampaha Lawyers’ Association decides to refrain from court work

Taking into account the rapid spread of Covid-19 in Gampaha town, the Gampaha Lawyers’ Association has taken a unanimous decision not to attend court proceedings until August 23.

ICC Men’s T20 World Cup 2021 fixtures revealed

The ICC Men’s T20 World Cup 2021 in UAE and Oman will get underway from 17 October, with the final to be played in Dubai on 14 November.

Gazette issued detailing functions under Namal’s new ministry

A special gazette notification signed by the President has been issued with regard to institutional and legal framework of the Development Coordination and Supervision Ministry of Minister Namal Rajapaksa.

Tangible action to resolve teachers’ principals’ TU action: Dinesh

Necessary steps will be taken to resolve the trade union action initiated by the teachers through discussions, new Education Minister Dinesh Gunawardena said.

Confession made to a police officer by an accused inadmissible - CA

The Court of Appeal in its recent judgment held that an accused who made a confession to a police officer would be inadmissible and no confession made to a police officer should be proved as against a person accused of any offence.

Marine Drive extension project nearing completion: Highways Minister

The Marine Drive extension project from Wellawatte to Dehiwala is nearing completion and it will be open for traffic later this year, Minister of Highways Johnston Fernando said yesterday.

Economic development at the cost of human lives no use: Rajitha

Samagi Jana Balawegaya (SJB) Dr. Rajitha Senaratne said prioritisation of national economic development in line with the neo-liberal model at the cost of human lives would not bode well for Sri Lanka.

COVID-19: Death rate to come down once calculations addressed: Ministry

The hiccups and shortcomings that occurred in calculations related COVID-19 figures are being addressed and rectified and once it is done, the death rate will slow down, Health Promotion Bureau Director Dr. Ranjith Batuwanthudawa said.

167 more die of COVID-19

A total of 167 more COVID-19 related deaths that occurred yesterday (15) were confirmed by the Director-General of Health Services today pushing the death toll to 6,263.