Brother-in-law arrested for sexual abuse on 14-year old girl

A 37-year old man has been arrested over sexually abusing a 14-year-old girl in Colombo, National Child Protection Authority (NCPA) said.

Local research finds Sinopharm gives protection against Delta variant

A research carried out by a group of local scientists have fundamentally found out that the Chinese Sinopharm COVID-19 vaccine provides adequate protection against the dreaded Indian variant known as Delta, State Minister Channa Jayasumana said today.

No change in stance on dual citizenship: Wimal

While claiming that silence itself was a voice, Industry Minister Wimal Weerawansa said there was no change in their stance in allowing dual citizens to enter Parliament.

Former bank manager & police officer arrested over sexual exploitation of minor

A former bank manager and a police officer have been arrested over the incident of alleged exploitation of a 15-year-old girl, police said.

Restrictions shouldn’t go beyond legitimate protection of public health: Hanaa Singer

UN resident coordinator in Sri Lanka, Hanaa Singer-Hamdy said the right of assembly includes the right to hold peaceful demonstrations and that restrictions imposed as measures against the pandemic should not go beyond the legitimate protection of public health.

BASL urges IGP not to arrest and detain persons engaged in peaceful protests

Expressing its grave concern at the arrests and detention of protestors by the Sri Lanka Police apparently for violating Health Regulations relating to COVID-19, the Bar Association of Sri Lanka (BASL) has urged Inspector General of Police to refrain from arresting and detaining persons who are exercising their peaceful right to protest.

Two million Sinopharm vaccines arrive in SL

Another two million doses of China’s Sinopharm vaccine has arrived in Sri Lanka from Beijing this morning. Accordingly, two SriLankan charter flight carrying the consignment of one million each doses of Sinopharm vaccines arrived at the Bandaranaike International Airport (BIA) in Katunayake.

Man and his twin grandsons drowned while practising swimming

A 62-year old man and his six-year-old twin grandsons drowned while practising swimming in the Duwe Modara River in Kosgoda.

1,515 fresh COVID-19 cases reported today

A total of 1,515 more COVID-19 patients have been detected so far today, the Government Information Department said.

33 more die of COVID-19

A total of 33 more COVID-19 related deaths that occurred yesterday (09) were confirmed by the Director-General of Health Services today increasing the death toll in Sri Lanka to 3,467.

Sri Lankan cricketer Sandun Weerakkody tests positive for Covid-19

The 27-year-old wicketkeeper batsman was one among the other players training in Sri Lanka and was in a separate bio-bubble in the team hotel.

Inter-provincial movement restrictions remain unchanged for another 14 days

While issuing an updated notice on relaxation of existing travel restrictions, the inter-provincial movement restrictions will remain unchanged for another 14 days, Director-General of Health Services, Dr. Asela Gunawardena said.

SL should be vigilant on visitors from India with Zika virus: Paediatrician

Sri Lanka should be vigilant on inbound visitors from India who are infected with the ’Zika’ virus as there are many possibilities that the virus could spread among the locals, Consultant Pediatrician of the Lady Ridgeway Hospital for Children (LRH) Dr. Deepal Perera said.

Zika virus: India’s Kerala state on alert after 14 cases reported

Health authorities in the Indian state of Kerala have declared a state of alert in all districts after identifying 14 cases of Zika virus.

No decision to reverse ban on import of chemical fertilizer, pesticides: Govt.

While condemning false media reports, the Government Information’s Department said no decision has been taken by Finance Minister Basil Rajapaksa to resume the importation of chemical fertilizer and pesticides despite the decision taken by the President.

Former model Kaushi Wedikkara appointed as PM’s Coordinating Secretary (Volunteer)

Former model and artist Kaushi Wedikkara Arachchi has been appointed as a coordinating secretary (volunteer) to Prime Minister Mahinda Rajapaksa.

Around 85,000 consumers affected due to adverse weather: CEB

Some 85,000 consumers have been affected by power breakdowns due to the extreme weather conditions prevailing in the country, Power and Energy Development Director and Media Spokesperson Sulakshana Jayawardena said.

Two gangsters arrested with over Rs. 13.5Mn in cash

Two persons including the brother of an organized criminal known as ’’ Minatuwangoda Hinatiyana Neil’’ have been arrested by the STF with over Rs. 13.5 million in cash in Athurugiriya.

Man arrested with over 11 kg of hashish in Malabe

A 28-year-old man from Malabe has been arrested for possession of hashish worth over Rs.3 million at Malabe in Talangama last night by the STF.

Medical officers, Dental Surgeons, nursing staff’s retirement age extended to 63

Through an extra ordinary gazette notification, the age limit for compulsory retirement of Medical officers, Dental Surgeons, nursing staff’s in the Public Service has been extended to 63 years.

Restrictions further relaxed: Green light for weddings

The Health Ministry has further relaxed restrictions where it has allowed to conduct weddings with the maximum of 150 participants or limited to 25 percent of the seating capacity.

Minor flood threat forecast in Kelani, Kalu, Gin, Nilwala river Basins

Significant rainfall exceeding 150mm in upstream and middle catchment areas this morning, rose the water levels of Kelani, Kalu, Gin and Nilwala Rivers and thereby could cause minor flood threat in those areas around the river basins, the Irrigation Department said.

Police should uphold people’s rights: SJB

Police should read the constitution and uphold the people’s right to association and expression and should refrain from acting as a puppet of the government, Leader of Opposition Sajith Premadasa said yesterday.

No secret discussion between Ranil and MR: UNP

The UNP which commented on the pictures that are being circulated on social media said there was no secret political discussion between MP Ranil Wickremesinghe and Prime Minister Mahinda Rajapaksa on Thursday night.

Rs. 420Mn from first interim claim allocated as compensation to fisherfolk in WP: Rohitha

Ports and Shipping Minister Rohitha Abeygunawardena said yesterday a sum of Rs. 420 million has been allocated from the first interim claim of the X-press Pearl container ship to be distributed among the fisherfolk who were affected by the disaster in Colombo, Gampaha and Kalutara Districts.

176 turtles, 4 whales and 20 dolphins died up to July 7: Minister

It was revealed in Parliament that 176 turtles, four whales and 20 dolphins have died and washed ashore up to July 7 as a result of the X-Press Pearl tragedy.

COVID-19 cases force SLC to delay start of ODI series vs India

India’s limited overs series against Sri Lanka has been rescheduled owing to COVID-19 cases in home team camp.

Lanka Premier League rescheduled

The Lanka Premier League 2021, which was expected to commence on July 29, has been rescheduled to be held from 19th November to 12th December 2021, the Sri Lanka Cricket said

Sri Lanka faces threat from highly contagious new Lambda variant - Health Ministry

The Health Ministry said there is a possibility that COVID-19 patients of the new Lambda variant, could be found in the country at any time.

Teachers to refrain from online teaching from Monday

The Ceylon Teacher Services Union (CTSU) today decided to refrain from conducting online teaching practices from Monday (12)against the Government’s move to direct Ceylon Teachers’ Union (CTU) General Secretary Joseph Stalin and 15 others for forcible quarantine after being released on bail and until providing a solution for online teaching, CTSU Chief Secretary Mahinda Jayasinghe said.