Bowser operators to stay away from work if transport formula not amended this week: SLPPTOA

The Sri Lanka Petroleum Private Tanker Owners’ Association (SLPPTOA) today said that they had decided not to report for duty if the Ceylon Petroleum Storage Terminals Limited (CPSTL) and the Ceylon Petroleum Corporation (CEYPETCO) did not take action to change the transport formula according to the recent diesel price hike.

2,098 coronavirus cases reported within today

A total of 2,098 more COVID-19 patients have been detected so far today increasing the number of patients reported in Sri Lanka to 241,820, the Government Information Department said.

J’apura University establishes rapid, low cost nanopore sequencing for the first time in SL

The genomic sequencing facility of the Allergy Immunology and Cell Biology Unit (AICBU) at the Department of Immunology and Molecular Medicine in the University of Sri Jayewardenepura, has added nanopore sequencing technology to their sequencing facility

Communication facilities, internet access throughout the country within two years: Namal

The government is targeting providing integrated communication facilities and internet access throughout the country while erecting communication towers that comply with a national plan within two years, Digital Technology and Enterprise Development State Minister Namal Rajapaksa said.

52 more die of COVID-19

A total of 52 more COVID-19 related deaths that occurred yesterday (20) were confirmed by the Director-General of Health Services today pushing the death toll to 2,633.

Cop attached to security details of State Minister shoots tipper driver to death

A tipper truck driver died after he was shot by a Police Constable attached to the security details of State Minister S. Viyalendran in Batticaloa this evening.

Govt. to facilitate teachers get mobile phones, tabs: Piyal Nishantha

The government is developing a system to provide mobile phones and tab computers to teachers who are committed to online teaching during the pandemic. Primary Education, School Infrastructure and Education Services the online education system, State Minister Piyal Nishantha De Silva said.

SL Embassy in Doha donates 125 Oxygen Cylinders,10 Oxygen Regulators

The Embassy of Sri Lanka in Doha facilitated the second air shipment of 125 Oxygen Cylinders and 10 Oxygen Regulators to Sri Lanka in a move to strengthen the capacity of the health sector to overcome the COVID-19 pandemic.

Health guidelines revised on workforce capacity in Western Province

The Health Ministry has issued updated health guidelines regarding workplace capacity for Government, semi-Government, and private institutions in the Western Province.

Construction of 4th car park commences in Colombo

The construction of the fourth car park has commenced at Abdul Kader Mawatha in Colombo 11 as part of a programme to construct 12 new car parks to ease traffic congestion in Colombo, Ministry of Urban Development and Housing said.

Galle Bishop, eight priests contract COVID-19

Bishop of Galle Rt. Rev. Raymond Wickramasinghe and eight other priests in the Bishop’s house in Galle have been tested COVID 19 positive, Galle MOH office said.

Anusha Pelpita appointed DLB Chairman

Anusha Pelpita, who resigned from the post of Secretary to the Ministry of Industries, has been appointed as the Chairman of the Development Lotteries Board (DLB).

Ugandan Olympic coach tests positive for Covid after arriving in Japan

A coach in Uganda’s Olympic team tested positive for Covid-19 upon arrival in Tokyo on Saturday night, according to Japanese officials.

Suspected Delta variant COVID case detected in Madiwala

The Indian variant of COVID-19 known as Delta is reportedly found in the Pragathipura area in Madiwela, health officials said.

Parliament to convene tomorrow

The Committee on Parliamentary Business has decided to convene Parliament sessions on June 22 and 23.

Price of LP Gas will not be increased: Amaraweera

The members of the committee which was appointed to investigate the price of LP gas today decided not to increase the domestic gas prices, Environment Minister Mahinda Amaraweera said.

Sri Lanka opens up today, only two people allowed to leave home

Army Commander General Shavendra Silva yesterday said although the country has opened up for three days from today, only two people should leave their homes to prevent a further spread of the new variants of COVID-19.

Rice import the only solution to bring down prices

The Trade Ministry insisted yesterday that the import of 100,000 tonnes of rice was the only solution to reduce prices in the local market, a Minister said.

Many influenced me to go to Parliament: Ranil

Former Prime Minister Ranil Wickremesinghe said he was influenced by many to go to Parliament though he did not have any intention to do so.

“Sri Lanka values its ties with China’’

Sri Lanka values its relationship with China and would like to have a productive relationship with that nation just as it wants to with India, Leader of Opposition Sajith Premadasa said responding to a question posed to him in an interview with WION TV as to whether Sri Lanka is sinking further into China’s grip through the Belt and Road Initiative.

Seven including UC Chairman arrested for hosting party in Talawakele

The Chairman of the Talawakelle-Lindula Urban Council and six others have been arrested for hosting a party at a private banquet hall near the Upper Kotmale Reservoir in Talawakele today

Police probe 17 incidents related to Easter Sunday attack

The Criminal Investigations Department (CID) and the Terrorism Investigation Division are currently investigating 17 incidents related to the Easter Sunday attack, the police said.

Limited number of buses, trains to operate tomorrow

A limited number of buses and trains will resume operations within provinces, tomorrow after the lifting of the currently-imposed island-wide travel restrictions from 4.00 am.

New health guidelines issued; special restrictions for WP

The Health Ministry has issued new health guidelines applicable from June 21 to July 05 while giving special attention to the Western Province.

Liquor outlets to re-open tomorrow

Licensed liquor sales outlets will be opened from tomorrow in full compliance with the guidelines issued by the health authorities to control the spread of Covid-19, the Excise Department said.

Thankful to Gammanpila for unveiling country’s precarious economic status - Harsha

One should be thankful to Minister Udaya Gammanpila for telling the truth about Sri Lanka’s economy, as he had openly stated that the Country’s banking sector is in crisis, SJB MP Dr. Harsha de Silva said today.

Removal of Epidemiology Chief: Health Minister non-committal

Health Minister Pavithra Wanniarachchi declined to comment when reporters asked as to why the Epidemiology Unit Chief was removed.

Chinese President extends birthday wishes to President Rajapaksa

Extending birthday wishes to President Gotabaya Rajapaksa, Chinese President Xi Jinping said China and Sri Lanka have been looking out for each other and working closely with each other in face of major challenges in the world.

Travel restrictions to be lifted under certain restrictions

People should act according to certain restrictions and health guidelines even after the island-wide travel restrictions are lifted from 4.00 am tomorrow, Police Spokesman Senior DIG Ajith Rohana said.

New disease spreading among children: Medical specialists warn

Medical specialists have warned that a new disease called “Multisystem inflammatory syndrome in children’ was spreading throughout the country and requested parents to take extra care of their children.