15,000 Sputnik V vaccines to arrive in SL on May 4

Fifteen thousand doses of Russia’s Sputnik V vaccines will arrive in Sri Lanka on May 4, and it will be administered to the public in the Western Province immediately, a senior government source told Daily Mirror yesterday.

Ruwan visits Chief Sanghanayake Theras

UNP Deputy Leader Ruwan Wijewardene called on the Chief Sanghanayaka for Japan and South East Asia Ven. Pelpola Vipassi Thera and Ulapane Sumangala Thera in Colombo yesterday. Pix by Pradeep Pathirana

Six more COVID-19 fatalities reported: Death toll mounts to 667

Six more COVID-19 patients died of the virus today bringing the death toll in the country to 667, the Government Information Department said.

Fmr. IGP Mahinda Balasuriya passes away

Former Inspector General of Police (IGP) Mahinda Balasuriya has died at the age of 68 this afternoon at a private hospital in Colombo, Police Spokesman DIG Ajith Rohana said.

Health officials not present at exit points to conduct RATs in WP

Despite it being announced earlier today that the Random Rapid Antigen Tests (RATs) would be conducted at all entry and exit points from and to the Western Province on individuals, health officials were not present at some points, although police officers were present.

Over 1,000 daily Covid-19 cases for third consecutive day

The total number of Covid-19 cases reported in the country exceeded 1,000 mark for the third consecutive day today.

Concerns raised in court over Shani’s health

Concerns were raised in court today over the health of the former Director of the Criminal Investigations Department, Shani Abeysekara.

Woman run over by lorry tests COVID-19 positive

A 35-year old woman from Moratuwa, who was run over by a lorry at a pedestrian crossing at Katukurunda in Moratuwa last night, had been tested positive with Covid-19.

Another bus plunges down precipice

At least 15 passengers had sustained injuries when a bus veered off the road at Mahatudugala on Ragala- High Forest road and fell down into a precipice this morning, the Police said.

Tense situation at State Engineering Corporation office

A tense situation was reported at the State Engineering Corporation office today after its Chairman was held hostage in his office by employees over salary issue

Spread in COVID-19 virus in offices on the rise: Epidemiology Chief

While saying that the spread of COVID-19 in companies in the country is on the rise, Chief Epidemiologist Dr Sudath Samaraweera said today the risk of infection was quite dramatic in closed and air-conditioned spaces.

Banks closed half day tomorrow

The Central Bank of Sri Lanka has announced tomorrow (30) as a special half-day holiday for banks instead of May Day which falls on a Saturday (May 1).

Tense situation reported at State Engineering Corporation office

A tense situation arose at State Engineering Corporation this morning as the chairman of the institution was held hostage by the workers.

CAA removes N-Joy coconut oil from market

The Consumer Affairs Authority (CAA) announced to withdraw all coconut oil stock under the brand ’N-Joy’ from the market, the CAA Information Department said.

Chinese Defence Minister leaves SL

Chinese Defence Minister Gen. Wei Fenghe left Sri Lanka a short while ago after a two-day official visit. He left the country for Beijing at 8.55 a.m. He toured the country with a 37-member delegation.

Six GN divisions in Trincomalee district isolated

Six Grama Niladhari divisions in Trincomalee district have been isolated with effect from 7.00 this morning, Army Chief and Head of the National Operations Centre for the Prevention of COVID-19, General Shavendra Silva said.

Long queues for PCR test

Emergency PCR tests were conducted at the Dedicated Economic Centre at Welisara yesterday considering the prevailing pandemic situation at Dambulla and Thambuththegama. The vendors were seen in long queues to undergo PCR tests. Pix by Nimalsiri Edirisinghe.

Youth arrested for spreading fake news on social media

Police have arrested a 19-year old youth from Kahatapitiya in Gampola for spreading false news on social media.

RATs at 12 entry, exit points in WP from today

Random Rapid Antigen Tests (RATs) will be performed at 12 entry and exit points from and to the Western Province on individuals from 12.00 noon today until further notice.

Apollo 11 astronaut Michael Collins dies at 90

Michael Collins, the NASA astronaut and retired Air Force general who piloted Apollo 11’s mission to the moon, died early Wednesday, according to a statement from his family. He was 90.

Indian community in SL want jab

The Indian community in Sri Lanka has requested the Indian High Commission in Colombo to provide them with the Coronavirus vaccine, Daily Mirror learns.

Public cannot choose which vaccine to get: Sudarshini

The public cannot choose the Coronavirus vaccine they want and instead must go with what is given to them, State Minister of Primary Health Care, Epidemics and COVID Disease Control, Sudarshini Fernandopulle told Daily Mirror yesterday.

SL-China agree to enhance defence cooperation

Sri Lanka and China agreed to enhance defence cooperation, particularly in terms of high level exchanges and training, informed sources said.

More ICU beds reserved for COVID patients: Channa Jayasumana

The health authorities today reserved 45 more ICU (Intensive Care Unit) beds from KDU hospital, Colombo North, Colombo South and Negombo hospitals for the benefit of COVID patients, Minister Channa Jayasumana said today.

Daily COVID-19 cases exceed 1,000 for second consecutive day

The number of daily COVID-19 cases surpassed the 1,000 mark today for the second consecutive day.

No move for complete lockdown: Army Chief

Despite the large number of COVID cases being reported in various parts of the country, Army Commander Gen. Shavendra Silva said that there is no move to go for a complete lockdown of the country and only some areas such as certain Grama Niladhari Divisions in the respective areas which are identified as high-risk zones would be isolated.

Customs seize Rs.21mn worth illegal imports

Officers of the Customs Revenue Supervision Division seized more than Rs.9 million worth of cosmetics and women’s and children’s footwear to the value of Rs.12 million while attempting to smuggle into the country.

Six more succumb to Covid-19: Death toll climbs to 661

Six more COVID-19 deaths were reported today increasing the death toll in the country to 661, the Government Information Department said.

Motorists protest for stopping to allow VIP movement

A video is circulating on social media where motorists in the vicinity of Town Hall, Colombo expressed their anger and protested by continuously honking on their horns on Tuesday night after rush hour traffic was brought to a standstill to make way for a VIP movement.

988 fresh COVID-19 cases detected so far today

A total of 988 more COVID-19 patients were reported so far today, the National Operations Centre for Prevention of COVID-19 Outbreak (NOCPCO) said.