Red notice issued on 24 wanted criminals

Red notice issued on 24 persons through the Interpol who are hiding in foreign countries and manipulating various criminal activities in this country.

Philippines extends ban on travelers from SL, 6 other countries up to June 30

The Philippine government has extended restrictions on travelers from India, Pakistan, Bangladesh, Sri Lanka, Nepal, United Arab Emirates, and Oman up to June 30, Presidential Spokesperson Harry Roque announced.

Sri Lanka ship fire caused ’significant damage to planet’, says UN office

The United Nations representative in Sri Lanka said the sinking of a container ship that caught fire while transporting chemicals off the capital Colombo has caused “significant damage to the planet” by releasing hazardous substances into the ecosystem.

Soldiers suspended over alleged harassment on public in Eravur

Several soldiers, who were involved in an alleged harassment of a group of individuals in Eravur, have been suspended on the directive from the Chief of Defence Staff and Army Commander General Shavendra Silva.

Criminal complaint filed over Sri Lankan’s death at immigration facility

A criminal complaint has been filed with prosecutors over the death in March of a Sri Lankan woman who was being held at an immigration facility in Nagoya.

Conspiracy behind inaccurate COVID-19 figures?

The concerns have been raised to such an extent over the contradictory figures on COVID-19 deaths and cases in the country that medical experts claim that to be a conspiracy.

SLMA urges Govt. not to lift lockdown on 21

While urging the President to continue with the current lockdown measures uninterrupted, Sri Lanka Medical Association (SLMA) said lifting the lockdown even for a few days would escalate the COVID-19 situation increasing numbers of cases and causing unacceptable mortality.

54 more individuals fall prey to COVID-19

A total of 54 more COVID-19 related deaths that occurred yesterday (18) were confirmed by the Director-General of Health Services today pushing the death toll to 2,534.

UN-EU experts to assess environmental impact of MV X-press Pearl disaster

A UN team of oil spill and chemical experts, provided by the European Union (EU), is working with the Sri Lankan Government to assess the impact on the environment caused by the MV X-press Pearl disaster.

2,134 more COVID-19 patients discharged from hospitals

A total of 2,134 more COVID-19 patients recovered and were discharged from hospitals increasing the total number of recoveries in Sri Lanka to 199,393, the Health Ministry said.

Ranjan directed to Karapitiya Hospital

Ranjan Ramanayake, who is serving a four-year rigorous imprisonment at the Angunukolapalassa Prison, has been directed to the Karapitiya hospital, the Prisons Department said.

Chinese presence in SL could pose a threat, keeping close watch: Indian Navy

With the Chinese Navy getting new port projects in Sri Lanka, a top Indian Navy officer said that it ’could pose a threat’ to Indian interests in the region and there is a need to keep a close watch on such activities.

Gazette issued declaring Postal services as essential

An Extraordinary Gazette has been issued declaring Postal services as an essential service considering the current COVID-19 situation in the country.

STF raids cannabis chenas; seized over 800kgs of cannabis plants

Eleven cannabis growing chenas were raided during an operation carried out in Hambegamuwa, Sooriyawewa and Thanamalwila areas by the Special Task Force of Police (STF).

Four Vandalur zoo lions in Chennai positive for Delta variant

Four lions of Vandalur Arignar Anna Zoological Park infected by SARS-CoV-2 have now tested positive for the highly contagious Delta variant.

Maximum retail price imposed on coconuts removed

The Consumer Affairs Authority (CAA) has issued an extraordinary gazette removing the maximum retail price imposed on coconuts based on the circumference.

COVID vaccination rollout to continue at 51 centres in 10 districts

The COVID-19 vaccination drive will continue today at 51 vaccination centres in ten districts, the National Operations Centre for Prevention of COVID-19 Outbreak (NOCPCO) said.

Three including SI arrested while transporting 50kg heroin

Three persons including a Sub Inspector of Police were arrested by the Police Organized Crime Prevention Unit at the Athurugiriya Expressway entrance while transporting 52kg of heroin worth over Rs.50 million.

SJB refutes UNP’S claims

Although UNP General Secretary Palitha Range Bandara said that the details on SJB MPS who will support former Prime Minister Ranil Wickremesinghe will be revealed shortly, Samagi Jana Balawegaya (SJB) General Secretary Ranjith Madduma Bandara said none from his party will support Mr. Wickremesinghe.

China, the most powerful country in the world under CPC leadership: Ranil

Former Prime Minister Ranil Wickremesinghe said that under the leadership of the Communist Party, China had become the most powerful country in the world economy today and it was important for Sri Lanka to understand how the development of the future cyber age applies to Sri Lanka and how it progresses.

Douglas slams Indian experts, fishermen for calling Sri Lanka ‘irresponsible’

Fisheries Minister Douglas Devananda yesterday slammed Indian experts and Indian fishermen who have called Sri Lanka ‘irresponsible’ over a project to submerge discarded vehicles in the sea to create an artificial reef.

Chief Epidemiologist Dr. Sudath Samaraweera transferred

Chief Epidemiologist Dr. Sudath Samaraweera has been transfered

CMC says fresh vaccine stocks for first doses not received

The Colombo Municipal Council (CMC) said today that they were presently administering only the second doses of the COVID-19 vaccines on persons who received their first jabs last month and the first week of June.

Latest map of COVID-19 high-risk areas issued

The Epidemiology Unit has issued the high-risk areas where covid cases were reported within the last 14 days.

55 more COVID-19 fatalities reported

A total of 55 more COVID-19 related fatalities that occurred yesterday were confirmed by the Director-General of Health Services today bringing the death toll to 2,480.

Risk of Indian variant spreading to other districts: PHIs warn

There is a high risk that the Indian variant which was originally detected in the Dematagoda area yesterday could spread to the other parts of the country, Public Health Inspectors’ Union warned.

Dehiwala zoo lion contracts COVID-19

A lion aged 11 at the Dehiwala Zoo was confirmed to have been infected with COVID-19, the Department of Zoological Gardens said today.

Detection of Indian variant: Health officials ask people not to panic

Regarding what has transpired in the aftermath of the detection of the Indian variant in Sri Lanka, Prof. Neelika Malavige of the Department of Immunology and Molecular Medicine at the University of Sri Jayewardenepura said inoculation of any kind of COVID-19 vaccine is the key to get full protection from any variants of COVID-19 including the Delta, the Indian variant.

Ajith Rohana promoted as SDIG

Police Spokesman and Western Province (North) DIG Ajith Rohana has been promoted to the post of Acting Senior DIG.

Inaccurate figures on Covid death toll on June 11 led to extension of travel restrictions: Prez

President Gotabaya Rajapaksa said today inaccurate figures on Covid death toll reported on June 11 led to the extension of travel restrictions and stressed that it was vital to provide accurate and updated information to make correct decisions.