Despite pandemic, Govt. provides public transport responsibly: Dilum

The Government bears the full responsibility of providing public transportation in the country, despite the pandemic situation, Transport State Minister Dilum Amunugama said.

Legal action against companies violate by producing goods made of plastic, polythene: Env. Ministry

The Environment Ministry had decided to take legal action against companies that have violated the gazette notification issued by the Ministry regarding the use of disposable single-use plastics and polythene.

AG concludes action in 27,206 criminal cases

The Attorney General has concluded action in 27,206 criminal cases during his tenure from May, 2019 to May, 2021, AG’s Coordinating Officer said.

No legal impediment in facilitating Bathiudeen from attending Parliament, says AG

The Attorney General today announced that there is no legal impediment in facilitating MP Rishad Bathiudeen from attending parliamentary sessions, AG’s Coordinating Officer said.

President attends Parliament sitting

President Gotabaya Rajapaksa arrived in Parliament today. He was accorded a warm welcome by the Chief Government Whip Johnston Fernando along with State Ministers Kanaka Herath and D. V. Chanaka at the main Parliament entrance.

SL ranked 69th in National Cyber Security Index

Among 160 countries, Sri Lanka has been ranked 69th in the National Cyber Security Index (NCSI), the Sri Lanka Computer Emergency Readiness Team (SLCERT) said.

COVID funds will not be used for any other projects: Namal

Sports and Youth Affairs Minister Namal Rajapaksa today stressed that the government would not direct funds allocated to fight the COVID-19 to be used for any other projects.

COVID-19 cases at CFHC surge to 39

The number of Covid-19 positive cases identified in the Ceylon Fishery Harbours Corporation (CFHC) in Colombo increased to 39 following PCR tests conducted in recent days.

Don’t allow Bathiudeen to attend Parliament until probes are completed: Minister

Public Security Minister Sarath Weerasekara today requested the Speaker not to allow MP Rishard Bathiudeen, who was detained under Prevention of Terrorism Act (PTA), to attend Parliament until the investigations against him are completed.

Over 1,000 COVID-19 cases reported in WP

The total number of COVID-19 cases identified in the Western Province surpassed the 1,000 mark yesterday, the National Operation Centre for Prevention of Covid-19 Outbreak said.

Don’t hide indoors in fear of facing quarantine formalities: WPC Chief Secy.

The people who contracted coronavirus in the Colombo district are being requested not to hide in their houses in fear of being taken out of the province to serve quarantine formalities, Western Provincial Council Chief Secretary W.P. Pradeep Yasarathne requested yesterday.

12 GN divisions in four districts isolated

Some 12 Grama Nilladhari (GN) Divisions in Colombo, Gampaha, Ratnapura and Vavuniya Districts have been brought under isolation with immediate effect, the National Operation Centre for Prevention of COVID-19 Outbreak (NOCPCO) said.

75 arrested in clubs, gaming centres, Spa in WP

Seventy-five people have been taken into custody by the police during raids conducted yesterday at night clubs, gaming centres and spa centres in the Western Province for violating quarantine regulations issued by the Director-General of Health Services.

Mission to Dartmoor

US Marines have been pictured practising manoeuvres on Dartmoor after arriving from a warship anchored off the coast of Ireland. (Daily Mail)

Less crowded...

Very few people are seen on the roads in Piliyandala and Panadura town areas as certain Grama Niladhari divisions in those areas have been isolated. Pix by Waruna Wanniarachchi

WHO sounds alarm over surge

The World Health Organisation (WHO) has urged Sri Lankans to take the latest coronavirus surge seriously as daily infections continue to rise rapidly.

Govt.contemplating to use different brand

The government will explore the possibility of giving the second jab of anti-Covid- 19 vaccine using a different brand from the one used for the first dose, to accelerate the inoculation process, Co-Cabinet spokesman, Plantation Minister Dr. Ramesh Pathirana said yesterday.

Buddhist shrine of SL features to be constructed in China

It has been proposed to construct a Buddhist shrine related to the traditional features of Sri Lanka at the White Horse Temple premises of the People’s Republic of China that is respected by the global Buddhist community.

Prioritise COVID treatment instead of purchasing choppers:Sajith

Leader of the Opposition Sajith Premadasa today urged the government to get its priorities correct and halt the order placed for the purchase of new helicopters from Russia.

Cocktail of COVID vaccine; a possibility based on results of research: Sudarshani

It will be possible to give the COVID-19 vaccine as a cocktail, based on the results of the research which is in progress to ascertain the possibility of vaccinating the second dose with an alternate brand of vaccine, State Health Minister Sudarshani Fernandopulle said today.

Daily count of COVID-19 cases increases to 1860

A total of 710 more COVID-19 patients have been detected increasing the daily count of COVID-19 cases to 1860, the Government Information Department said.

63% of country’s population to be vaccinated within this year: Health Minister

Health Minister Pavithra Wanniarachchi today assured that the Government will be able to vaccinate 63 per cent of the population against COVID-19 within this year.

Navy stop 11 Indian fishing vessels entering Lankan waters

The Sri Lanka Navy today halted at least 86 men who were on board eleven Indian fishing vessels from entering the Sri Lankan waters in the seas off Mannar.

1,150 fresh COVID-19 cases reported so far today

A total of 1,150 new COVID-19 patients were detected so far today, the National Operations Centre for Prevention of COVID-19 Outbreak (NOCPCO) said.

Approval on Pfizer vaccine usage soon: Medical Expert

The approval on the usage of Pfizer vaccines in the country will be delivered soon, after considering the relevant details, Dr. Rajeeva De Silva, a member of the Panel of Experts on COVID vaccines said today.

Nearly 15,000 people lost their jobs during corona: Labour Minister

Following the records received by the Ministry of Labour, nearly 15,000 people have lost their jobs due to the coronavirus pandemic and the government is responsible for ensuring their welfare, Labour Minister Nimal Siripala de Silva said.

SLAF to procure four MI-17 Choppers and repay through UN peacekeeping mission revenue

The Sri Lanka Air Force to procure four MI - 17 Helicopters under the Russian Military Credit Facility as a result of years of negotiations between the Government of Russia and Sri Lanka.

Spike in COVID patients goes high and beyond control, says SLMC

The trend of identifying COVID patients in the country seemed to be going out of hand at present, Sri Lanka Medical Association (SLMA) President Dr. Padma Gunaratne said.

A/L results available online

The results of the GCE Advanced Level (A/L) Examination 2020 was released a short while ago, the Examinations Department said.

Cabinet approves proposal to appoint rehabilitation facilitator for North, East

The Cabinet, has approved a proposal to appoint a Rehabilitation Facilitation Officer for the north and east, in order to strengthen the rehabilitation programs among the war affected. As a result, Prime Minister Mahinda Rajapaksa’s Coordinating Secretary, Geethanath Kassilingam will be appointed to the post.