6 GN divisions isolated, 7 GN division lifted

Six Grama Niladhari (GN) divisions in Ratnapura, Galle, Gampaha and Nuwara-Eliya districts have been isolated from 4.00 p.m with immediate effect, the National Operation Centre for Prevention of COVID-19 Outbreak (NOCPCO) said.

Only one member from family can go out, vehicles not allowed: Police

Only one member from a family would be allowed to go out to buy essentials from any outlet within walking distance when the travel restrictions are relaxed, Police Spokesman DIG Ajith Rohana said.

PHIs slam Govt.’s move to vaccinate only relatives of GMOA members

The Public Health Inspectors’ Union today showed their dismay over the decision by the Health Ministry to vaccinate relatives of Government Medical Officer’s Association (GMOA) members ignoring other health workers, who also face the same risk in the fight against COVID-19.

Islandwide travel restriction to continue till June 7

The government today decided to proceed with the islandwide travel restriction till June 7, relaxing it three days in between for people to purchase essentials, Minister Johnston Fernando said.

More COVID deaths due to long-term non-communicable diseases: Dr. Kumarapeli

Highest percentage of COVID deaths occurred due to long-term non-communicable diseases and it has been found that the virus had spread among all age groups, Consultant Community Physician and Non-Communicable Diseases Director Dr. Vindya Kumarapeli said.

Hospitals can’t reject admission of COVID-19 patients: Health DG

The management of any hospital cannot reject to admit COVID-19 patients whatsoever, Director General of Health Services Dr. Asela Gunawardena said.

Hotline introduced for inquiries on essential services

A hotline number 1965 has been introduced for the public to inquire about essential services that are in operation during the travel restrictions.

Over 20K COVID-19 cases within 7 days; 15,211 patients at home

More than 20,000 COVID-19 patients have been reported from all districts in the country within last seven days, of which nearly 10,000 patients were from the Western Province alone.

Threat sent to Japan immigration center over Sri Lankan’s death

A threatening letter has been sent to an immigration facility in central Japan over the death of a Sri Lankan woman while being held there, investigative sources said Monday.

Three arrested over Puttalam UC Chairman’s death

Three persons including the driver of the cab have been arrested over the death of Puttalam Urban Council Chairman Abdul Baiz in a road accident in Puttalam yesterday.

Health Ministry launches probe over female COVID patients asked to change diapers

The Ministry of Health has launched an investigation and requested for a report from the Panadura Base Hospital management after allegations were raised that several female patients at the Covid-19 ward had been asked by the ward staff to change diapers of elderly patients.

Bahrain suspends entry for travellers from Sri Lanka

Bahrain’s Civil Aviation Affairs has announced the suspension of entry for travellers arriving from red list countries such as Sri Lanka,India, Pakistan,Bangladesh and Nepal, on all flights starting today (May 24).

Met. Dept. warns of a cyclonic storm

Strong winds (50-60 kmph, up to 70-80 kmph gusty wind at times) during thundershowers are expected over the North Andaman sea and adjoining east central Bay of Bengal and deep sea area of southwest Bay of Bengal during next few days

Police arrest over 600 quarantine violators during travel restrictions

Police have arrested 636 persons for violating quarantine laws yesterday despite the travel restrictions is in force, Police Spokesman DIG Ajith Rohana said.

Cabinet approval sought to vaccinate all public servants

Minister of Public Services, Provincial Councils and Local Government Janaka Bandara said he sought Cabinet approval for the vaccination of all public servants against Covid-19.

Hospitals unable to meet demand caused by COVID-19

The spike in the number of people infected with the coronavirus has resulted in some hospitals being unable to meet the demand.

COVID-19 death toll climbs to 1,210 with 32 more deaths

The COVID-19 death toll in the country soared to 1,210 after 32 more deaths were confirmed by the Director-General of Health Services, the Government Information Department said.

Drive through PCR tests suspended

The Ministry of Health has suspended drive through PCR tests at private hospitals.

No ‘black fungus’ in Sri Lanka

The government has denied claims that the ‘black fungus’ was detected in Sri Lanka.

Puttalam UC Chairman dies in accident

Former MP and Puttalam Urban Council Chairman Abdul Baiz had reportedly died in an accident today.

37 trainees at Kalutara Police College contract COVID-19

A total number of 37 trainees at the Sri Lanka Police College in Kalutara tested positive for COVID-19, health officials said.

Asia Cup 2021 postponed to 2023

The Executive Board of the Asain Cricket Council (ACC) on Sunday officially postponed the 2021 edition of the Asia Cup to 2023, the dates of which will be confirmed by the committee later.

2,254 fresh COVID-19 cases detected so far today

A total of 2, 254 more COVID-19 patients have been detected so far today, the Government Information Department said.

SLAF prepares 9 helicopters for possible disaster

The Sri Lanka Air Force (SLAF) said that nine helicopters have been prepared and are on stand by for relief and rescue operations in the event of a disaster due to inclement weather.

Landslide warnings issued for five districts

The National Building Research Organization (NBRO) today issued landslide warnings for Galle, Kalutara, Nuwara Eliya, Ratnapura and Kegalle districts.

Railways to resume essential service operations after travel restrictions on May 25

Several trains have been scheduled to operate on May 25 after travel restrictions were relaxed to facilitate essential services, the Sri Lanka Railway Station Masters’ Union (SLRSMU) said.

Fifty Ayurvedic Hospitals to be used as Intermediate COVID Treatment Centres

Following the instructions of the President, the Health Ministry will move to convert 50 Ayurvedic Hospitals to intermediate COVID Treatment centres.

Parliament authorities trace contacts of Sajith Premadasa

Sergeant-at-Arms Narendra Fernando said the parliamentary authorities have begun tracing the contacts of Opposition Leader Sajith Premadasa, who tested positive for COVID-19.

Dutch experts probe fire on cargo vessel

A team of Dutch experts are in the island to conduct an investigation into the fire that broke out on the Singapore flag cargo vessel in the sea near the Colombo harbour.

17 hospitalised due to lightning strike

Seventeen plantation workers were admitted to the Kotagala Hospital after sustaining minor injuries due to lightning strike.