Drug trafficking case: Tamil Nadu Q-Branch nabs three Sri Lankans

The Tamil Nadu Q-Branch in coordination with the state’s Anti-Terrorist Squad (ATS) on Saturday nabbed three Sri Lankan nationals from Angamaly in connection with an international drug trafficking case.

Suspected ’Delta variant’ reported from Wellampitiya

A COVID-19 patient suspected to have been infected with dreaded Indian variant known as Delta has been detected in Kittampahuwa, Wellampitiya, the Health officials said.

PHIs also to begin TU action from Monday

The Public Health Inspectors’ Union has decided to resort to trade union action from Monday (05) in order to show displeasure over the Government’ decision to fulfil demands in favour of one trade union ignoring other affiliated trade unions.

Delta variant is growing threat to unvaccinated people: Expert

Delta variant, the most transmissible variant poses a major threat to unvaccinated or partially vaccinated people, Dr Chandima Jeewandara, the Director at Allergy, Immunology and Cell Biology Unit of the University of Sri Jayewardenapura said.

Nurses to resort to TU action on July 9 if two Cabinet papers not approved on Monday

While claiming that they were not satisfied with promises alone, Nurses’ Trade Unions said today they would resort to an island-wide trade union action on Friday (9) if the two Cabinet papers pertaining to promotions and staff status were not approved on Monday (5) as promised by the President.

Why is Batticaloa Airport being hyped up again?

Tourism and Civil Aviation Minister, Prasanna Ranatunga, on Thursday visited the Batticaloa domestic airport and pledged to re-develop and upgrade it and give it a much-needed facelift for the convenience of tourists, both local and foreign.

Champika Ranawaka says he is now ready to give leadership

SJB MP Patali Champika Ranawaka yesterday said the ‘43rd brigade’, the movement led by him, is ready to give leadership to a common political platform against the ruling party.

Seven SDIGs, DIG transferred with immediate effect

Seven Senior DIGs including Police Spokesman Ajith Rohana and a DIG have been transferred with immediate effect on service requirements, police said.

UNP invites Sajith to re-join the fold

The UNP yesterday tendered an open invitation to SJB Leader and Leader of the Opposition Sajith Premadasa to re-join the fold.

Fmr STF Commandant Lattif appointed to SLC disciplinary committee

Former STF Commandant Senior DIG (Rtd.)M.R. Lattif has been appointed to the disciplinary committee of the Sri Lanka Cricket Board.

President provides solutions to five out of seven demands of nurses

President Gotabaya Rajapaksa has taken steps to provide immediate solutions to five out of seven demands made by the Public Services United Nurses Union, President’s Media Division (PMD) said.

37 more succumb to COVID-19

A total of 37 more COVID-19 related deaths that occurred yesterday (01) were confirmed by the Director-General of Health Services today pushing the death toll to 3,157.

Permission granted to operate Aloysius-owned Mendis brewery

The licence of arrack distillery W.M. Mendis & Co. Ltd owned by Arjun Aloysius, which was annulled by the Excise Department for non-payment of taxes, has been granted approval to operate again, the Excise Department said.

Book date, number to obtain NICs; DRP Commissioner General

The Department of Registration of Persons (DRP) today said the department will be opened for public services from July 5 for a limited number of people, and for those who have reserved a prior date and a number to obtain their National Identity Cards (NICs), DRP Commissioner General Viyani Gunathilaka said.

What’s happened to SL cricket, asks Kevin Pietersen

The Sri Lanka cricket team which is currently touring England has been going through a very rough time as they have failed to put up a fight against the English team in the limited-overs series.

COVID cases found in three buses travelling violating inter province restriction

Three COVID-19 positive cases were reported from three buses travelling from Colombo to Batticaloa violating the inter province travel ban, the police said.

Prez approves giving COVID vaccine to teachers next week: GL

President Gotabaya Rajapaksa has approved providing the COVID vaccine for teachers next week, Education Minister, Professor GL Peiris said.

Schools with less than 100 children to reopen in July: Minister

The Education Ministry is hoping to launch a practical program to open schools with less than 100 children in July following recommendations from the health sector, Education Minister, Professor GL Peiris said.

Vaccinate all above 30 in Western Province before July 31: Prez tells health officials

President Gotabaya Rajapaksa has instructed the health sector official to vaccinate all the people aged over 30 in the Western Province before July 31, the President’s Media Division said.

Delta variant may have spread, says Deputy Health DG

Responding to the claims made by the Public Health Inspectors’ Union that the Delta variant has spread to many areas in the country, Deputy Director General of Health Services Dr. Hemantha Herath said today that the Delta variant may have spread in the country.

Govt rules out plan with IMF for debt restructuring

The government today ruled out any arrangement with the International Monetary Fund (IMF) for restructuring its debt servicing criterion, but asserted that there were alternatives for it.

Vaccination for people engaged in tourism sector: Minister

A special programme will soon be implemented to provide vaccines against COVID-19 to people working in the tourism industry, Tourism Minister Prasanna Ranatunga said.

Nurses’ TU action continues for second day

The 48-hour sick leave campaign launched by nurses in state hospitals is continuing for the second day today.

Six accused released from D.A. Rajapaksa Museum case

Colombo Permanent High Court-at-Bar today ordered to release six accused from the D.A. Rajapaksa Museum case filed by Attorney General.

Sri Lanka sets record; loses most number of ODIs

After losing the second ODI against England, Sri Lanka set a new record having lost most number of One Day International (ODI) matches in the history of ODIs.

If crew provided accurate info, catastrophe could have been averted: Minister

If the crew on board the cargo freighter MV X-Press Pearl had given accurate information about the fire at the initial stages, it would have been possible to prevent such a calamity, Environment Minister Mahinda Amaraweera said.

Police to conduct special operations to net quarantine law violators at weekend

Police will conduct special operations across the country at the weekend to apprehend the persons who host parties and events violating the quarantine rules and regulations, police said.

Another 1mn Sinopharm vaccines arrive

One million more Chinese Sinopharm COVID-19 vaccines have been brought into the country this morning to control the spread of COVID-19.

Europe risks new wave, WHO warns

Covid-19 infections have risen by 10% in a week in Europe after two months in decline and the risk of a new wave of cases is growing, says the World Health Organization.

Sinopharm 1st dose for 30 plus

The first dose of Chinese Sinopharm COVID-19 Vaccine will be given today for the people who are over 30 years of age at the Colombo Municipal Council’s (CMC) vaccination centres.