Sarath battles with Sarath in Parliament

Sarath vs Sarath showdown was witnessed in Parliament yesterday when Minister of Public Security and Field Marshal Sarath Fonseka were engaged in a show down with regard to the recent release of Military officer Sunil Ratnayake.

Ruhuna University lashes out at critics, explains why students remain in hostels amidst COVID-19

The University of Ruhuna, has dismissed allegations that it was forcefully keeping students in hostels despite the government’s decision to close all universities and said it would take legal action against those who had launched a mud slinging campaign against the University.

'Dhammika paniya' not a cure to COVID-19, clinical tests confirm

Clinical tests have confirmed that the syrup introduced by Ayurvedic practitioner Dhammika Bandara is not a cure to the COVID-19 virus.

PCR tests at Sugathadasa Stadium

PCR tests were carried out near the Sugathadasa Outdoor Stadium, Colombo by health officials. People are seen cooperating with health officials. Pix by Waruna Wanniarachchi

Vaccination: People live in worst-hit areas will be given priority

The government will start the vaccination programme for the people living in Madinnagoda area of the Gothatuwa Health Division in Colombo tomorrow with Russia’s ’Sputnik V’ vaccine, State Minister Channa Jayasumana said.

Channa Jayasumana blames Rajitha for airing negative opinion on Sinopharm

State Minister of Production, Supply and Regulation of Pharmaceuticals Prof.Channa Jayasumana accused SJB MP Dr. Rajitha Senaratne for creating a baseless public opinion against the use of the Chinese Sinopharm vaccine.

SL records first death of pregnant woman from COVID-19: PHIU

Sri Lanka has witnessed the first-ever death of a pregnant woman today from the COVID-19 virus, the Public Health Inspectors’ Union said.

Talks with Indonesia underway to get 600,000 vials of AstraZeneca vaccine for second dose: Jayasumana

While claiming that the Government is into every effort to provide the second dose with the same vaccine for those who were inoculated with the AstraZeneca vaccine to shield against COVID-19, State Health Minister Channa Jayasumana said today that the government is in discussion with Indonesia and several other countries to get down the 600,000 doses of the Astrazeneca vaccine for the purpose of giving as the second dose.

Urgent action and steadfast leadership vital to stop catastrophe: UNICEF Regional Director

While claiming that urgent action and steadfast leadership are indispensable to stopping the catastrophe,UNICEF Regional Director for South Asia George Laryea-Adjei said the Governments must do everything within their power to stop the devastation.

Health workers jabbed!

The programme to administer the second dose of the AstraZeneca Covishield vaccination was given to the Health Workers of the Municipal Council yesterday at the Campbell Park Ground. Pic by Nimalsiri Edirisinghe

Convert all Ayurvedic hospitals to COVID treatment centres: EP Governor

The Eastern Province Governor Anuradha Yahampath today advised the Provincial Ayurvedic Commissioner to convert all Ayurvedic hospitals in the Province as COVID treatment centres with immediate effect.

11 more die of COVID-19: Death toll climbs to 720

Eleven more COVID-19 related deaths were reported today bringing the death toll in Sri Lanka to 720, the Health Ministry said.

Announcement of 1st, 2nd rank annulled this year: Commissioner-General

The students who obtained the first and second places and the island ranks during the recently announced 2020 GCE Advanced Level (A/L) examination results will not be published this year, the Examination Commissioner General Sanath B. Pujitha said.

Virus-hit India to help move Australian IPL cohort to Sri Lanka or Maldives

The cricket board (BCCI) in coronavirus-hit India will help to move Australia’s entire Indian Premier League (IPL) cohort to the Maldives or Sri Lanka, Cricket Australia boss Nick Hockley said on Wednesday.

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.