Maximum price set for Antigen and PCR tests

The Health Ministry has decided to set a maximum price for Rapid Antigen Tests and PCR tests carried out by private healthcare services, Minister Pavithra Wanniarachchi said.

A ton of gas in world market increased by more than 80% compared to 2019: State Minister

The world market price of a ton of gas has increased by more than 80 percent compared to 2019, Cooperative Services, Marketing Development and Consumer Protection State Minister Lasantha Alagiyawanna said.

Covid deaths increasing; country at risk: Fernandopulle

Claiming that the Covid-19 deaths have increased by 48.8%, State Minister of Primary Health Care, Epidemics, and COVID-19 Disease Control Dr. Sudarshini Fernandopulle said the country was at risk at the moment.

Land area to bury 2,400 COVID victims at Irakkamam: Dr. Hamdani

A new land area has been selected at Irakkamam in the Ampara District of the Eastern Province for the burial of COVID victims, Medical Technical Services Director Dr. Anwar Hamdani said.

Inoculating unvaccinated senior citizens in WP underway

The three-day vaccination drive for People over 60 years of age, who have not received their first dose of the Covid vaccine got underway at three vaccination centres in Colombo, Gampaha and Kalutara Districts today.

Cabinet Reshuffle - Key ministers to change including Health

A cabinet reshuffle is likely to take place next week with several key portfolios likely to change heads, the Daily Mirror learns.

TikTok named as the most downloaded app of 2020

TikTok was the world’s most downloaded app in 2020 as it took the top spot from Facebook Messenger, according to digital analytics company App Annie.

Kandy Esala Perahera to be held sans public participation

SSP Kandy Division said steps had already been taken to provide adequate protection to the Perahera

SL receives 15,000 doses of Sputnik V vaccine

A consignment of 15,000 vials of second dose of the Russian-made Sputnik V COVID-19 vaccines was brought to the country this morning,State Pharmaceuticals Corporation (SPC) General Manager Dinusha Dassanayake said.

A nation in crisis

Sri Lanka’s entire medical sector has been plunged into a crisis as even an immediate countrywide lock-down will not be able to change the fate of the coming 10 days due to the spread of the COVID-19 virus already predicted to be vast, leading medical experts told Daily Mirror yesterday.

Hurriedly produced COVID vaccines not perfect : Tissa Vitharana

COVID- 19 vaccines are not perfect in general terms as they have been produced hurriedly when the globe was suddenly hit by the pandemic whilst some vaccines such as Moderna and Pfizer may not be effective specifically, Member of Parliament Professor Tissa Vitharana, a Virologist by profession, told Daily Mirror yesterday.

Rajitha agrees with Ranil on COVID task force

What former Prime Minister Ranil Wickremesinghe has said about the COVID-19 task force is correct as it has been a failure, an SJB MP said yesterday.

Duminda Silva assumes duties

Former MP Duminda Silva, who was released on a special presidential pardon over the killing of Bharatha Lakshman Premachandra, assumed duties as the Chairman of the National Housing Development Authority.

Patient testing negative in Antigen test dies of COVID-19

A patient tested negative in the Antigen test at the OPD in the Karapitiya Teaching Hospital has died of COVID-19 within hours.

AG requests CJ to appoint Trial-at-Bar to hear cases against 25 suspects

The Attorney General has sent indictments to the Chief Justice to constitute a Trial-at-Bar to hear the cases against 25 suspects indicted for conspiracy over the Easter Sunday attacks.

Covid deaths exceed 100 for second consecutive day

A total of 118 more COVID-19 related deaths that occurred yesterday (09) were confirmed by the Director-General of Health Services today pushing the death toll to 5,340.

No vaccine certificate needed for Sri Lankan expats flying to Dubai

People travelling to Dubai from India, Pakistan, Sri Lanka, Nepal, Uganda, and Nigeria do not need to produce a COVID-19 vaccination certificate on arrival, but need to register for pre-entry approval before arrival.

Rishad Bathiudeen remanded

Former Minister Rishad Bathiudeen, who was arrested and detained under the Prevention of Terrorism Act for aiding and abetting the suicide bombers of the Easter Sunday attack, was remanded by Fort Magistrate Priyantha Liyanage, till the case against him was concluded .

Do not opt out of online education: Minister requests teachers

The Education Minister also requested teachers and principals not to opt out of online education as the online education is essential for our children as there is an inability to open schools in the country today.

Japan immigration agency says ’lack of crisis awareness’ behind SL woman’s death

The Immigration Services Agency of Japan on Aug. 10 released a final report on the death of a Sri Lankan woman at a regional detention center in central Japan, pointing to the lack of a proper medical response after she said she was feeling unwell and stating that the facility ’’lacked a sense of crisis and failed to accurately grasp the circumstances as an organization.’’

Solution for teachers, principals’ issues within three months: GL

Following the cabinet meeting held yesterday, the ministers claimed that it is not practical to provide an instant solution to the salary anomalies of teachers and principals, which have remained unresolved for the past 24 years, Education Minister Prof. G.L. Peiris said.

Writ petition seeks an order to detain Captain and crew of MV X-Press Pearl

The Centre for Environmental Justice yesterday filed a writ petition in Court of Appeal seeking an Interim Order directing the authorities to take necessary steps to detain the Captain and the crew of MV X-Press Pearl to institute necessary criminal and civil actions against them.

Inter Province travel restriction to be strictly monitored from today - Army Chief

The inter province travel restriction will be strictly monitored from today and no one will be allowed to cross provinces other than essential and health workers, Army Commander General Shavendra Silva told Daily Mirror a short while ago.

Detained Rishard produced in court

Former Minister Rishard Bathiudeen who was arrested and detained under the Prevention of Terrorism Act for aiding and abetting the suicide bombers of the Easter Sunday attack has been produced before the Fort Magistrate Court today.

Sharp spike in COVID cases, deaths toll could rise in coming weeks: PHI Head

No matter what could be done in the next two weeks, the number of COVID positive cases and COVID-related deaths will rise sharply, Public Health Inspectors’ (PHI) Union President Upul Rohana said.

This government is too stubborn - Sajith

Whilst expressing his willingness to support the government to overcome the current medical crisis, Leader of Opposition Sajith Premadasa today questioned the government’s delay in calling for an All Party Conference.

Guinea records West Africa’s first Marburg virus death: WHO

Health authorities in Guinea have confirmed one death from Marburg virus, a highly infectious hemorrhagic fever similar to Ebola, the World Health Organization said on Monday.

Justice Nawaz declines to hear Azath Salley’s petition

Supreme Court Judge A.H.M.D. Nawaz today recused himself from hearing the Fundamental Rights petition filed by former Western Province Governor Azath Salley.

Possible travel restrictions to be imposed

Possible travel restrictions, restricting the movement of people is likely to be imposed today or tomorrow following discussions with President Gotabaya Rajapaksa, the Daily Mirror learns.

Cabinet approval to import organic fertilizer for Maha Season

Cabinet approval has been granted to import organic fertilizer required for the Maha season (2020/21) as the local fertilizer producers were unable to supply the required volume.