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.

Sajith, wife test positive for COVID-19

Opposition Leader Sajith Premadasa and his wife Jalani Premadasa have tested positive for COVID-19.

Decision to extend islandwide travel restriction to be taken

A decision will be taken mid this week on whether the islandwide travel restriction will be extended beyond Friday, May 28, Army Commander and Head of the National Operations Center for the Prevention of COVID19 Outbreak, General Shavendra Silva told Daily Mirror.

Prepare with antibiotics to face Indian black fungus infections: GMOA

Our country needs to prepare by storing antibiotics in case of the dangerous Indian black fungus infection spreads here, the Government Medical Officers Association (GMOA) said.

Update: Vaas, Udana test negative for COVID-19

Only one player in the Sri Lankan squad, Shiran Fernando tested positive for COVID-19 following the second PCR tests conducted yesterday.

Drone Cameras to spot quarantine law violators

A special surveillance mission will be executed in the Colombo City and suburbs today to monitor those who violate quarantine rules and regulation.

Pfizer, AstraZeneca jabs effective against Indian variant: study

The Pfizer and AstraZeneca coronavirus vaccines are highly effective against the variant identified in India after two doses, a study has found.

46 more fall prey to COVID-19; highest single-day tally so far

A total of 46 more COVID-19 fatalities were reported yesterday recording the highest single-day tally in Sri Lanka so far

Central Bank insists on fuel price hike

The Central Bank has inspired that fuel prices should be revised to conform to spikes in the world market, a Minister said today.

Liquor outlets will remain closed on May 25

Despite the island-wide travel restrictions will be lifted for limited period next Tuesday, all licensed liquor sales outlets should be kept closed on May 25 as well, the Excise Department said.

2,145 fresh COVID-19 cases detected so far today

A total of 2,145 more COVID-19 patients have been detected so far today, the Government Information Department said.

PCR and RATs: Guidelines issued to private hospitals

The Health Ministry has issued guidelines to be adhered by Private hospitals when conducting Polymerase Chain Reaction (PCR) tests and Rapid Antigen Tests (RATs).

1,635 more Covid-19 recoveries reported

A total of 1,635 more Covid-19 patients recovered and were discharged from hospitals increasing the total number of recoveries in Sri Lanka to 126,995, the Health Ministry said.

US undecided on AstraZeneca, other vaccines for Sri Lanka

The United States has not yet decided if Sri Lanka will be among the beneficiaries of Covid vaccines it hopes to share with the world. The State Pharmaceuticals Corporation of Sri Lanka (SPC) had said earlier that the US State Department is to give 2-5 million doses of AstraZeneca out of which 600,000 doses are expected to arrive by June.

Grace period granted to pay traffic fines

The Postal Department today said a grace period would be granted to pay traffic fines delayed due to COVID situation.

Naval, fishing communities advised not to venture into sea until further notice

The Meteorology Department advised Naval and fishing communities not to venture into the East Central Bay of Bengal and adjoining area (08N-20N, 83E-100E) from May 22, and sea areas around the island from May 23, until further notice.