DMT offices in Narahenpita, Werahera closed for a week

The Transport Ministry has advised closing the Motor Traffic Department (DMT) offices in Narahenpita and Werahera branch for one week from Monday (3), Transport State Minister Dilum Amunugama said today.

Harin thanks for giving him another shot at life

While publishing a Facebook post, Samagi Jana Balawegaya (SJB) MP Harin Fernando today thanked cardiologist Dr Gotabaya Ranasinghe and his team for giving him another shot at life.

Cinemas, children parks to remain closed: Health Ministry

According to the new COVID-19 health guidelines issued by the Ministry of Health, all cinema halls and children parks have been advised to remain closed until further notice, the National Operations Centre for Prevention of COVID-19 Outbreak (NOCPCO) said.

All Sunday Schools closed until further notice

Considering the prevaling pandemic situation in the country the Government has decided to close all Sunday Schools (Dahamma Schools) until further notice, Commissioner General of Buddhist Affairs Sunanda Kariyapperuma said.

Singapore bans entry of visitors with travel history to SL within last 14 days

Singapore has banned, until further notice, the entry of all long-term pass holders and short-term visitors with recent travel history (including transit) to Sri Lanka, Bangladesh, Nepal and Pakistan within the last 14 days.

No islandwide curfew; Police respond to false news

The police today denied news reports circulated on social media and on YouTube over imposing an islandwide curfew from today 12 midnight till May 17.

SL has adopted balanced policies on sustainability of biodiversity, forest cover: Prez

The Government of Sri Lanka has adopted balanced policies that promote the sustainability of biodiversity, forest cover, waterways and oceanic resources alongside the socioeconomic requirements of the citizens, President Gotabaya Rajapaksa said.

Kurunegala records highest COVID positive cases yesterday: NOCPCO

After recording the highest number of new COVID cases yesterday, Kurunegala District recorded the highest number of positive cases during the past 24-hours, the National Operations Centre for Prevention of COVID-19 Outbreak (NOCPCO) said.

Schools reopening postponed to May 10: Minister

Considering the current pandemic situation in the country, the Education Ministry has decided to extend the closure of schools until May 7, Education Minister G.L. Peiris said.

WHO approves Moderna’s COVID-19 vaccine for emergency use

The World Health Organization has listed Moderna’s (MRNA.O) COVID-19 vaccine for emergency use, the agency said on yesterday, the fifth to be given the status meant to expedite countries’ own approval of shots.

All parties, events at hotels, night clubs prohibited

All daily activities such as parties, meetings and gatherings organized in hotels, restaurants pubs and nightclubs are prohibited after 10 p.m tonight.

Govt braces for further spike of Covid-19 cases

With the percentage of ICU (Intensive Care Unit) admissions doubling, the government decided yesterday to increase emergency beds dedicated for Covid-19 patients to 200, a state minister said yesterday.

13 COVID positive prisoners detected in Angunakolapelessa Prison

Following Random Rapid Antigen Tests (RATs) conducted within the Angunakolapelessa Prison, a total number of 13 prisoners were found to have been infected with COVID-19 virus yesterday, COVID Operations Centre Coordinating Officer Chamara Mahagamage said.

Seven more GN Divisions in Piliyandala, Ambalangoda, Dehiatthakandiya, Kalawana isolated

Seven more Grama Niladhari (GN) Divisions in Piliyandala, Ambalangoda, Dehiatthakandiya and Kalawana have been isolated with effect from this morning, the National Operation Centre for Prevention of Covid-19 said.

China agrees to send more Covid-19 vaccines

Foreign Minister Dinesh Gunawardane said yesterday China agreed to supply a further contingent of its Covid-19 vaccines if Sri Lanka asked for them.

May Day message from President Gotabaya Rajapaksa

President Gotabaya Rajapaksa, in his May Day message, said the working community is one of the most adversely affected groups in the world due to the COVID-19 pandemic and the government has clearly understood that reality faced by our working masses.

A worker pulling a hand-cart laden with goods

Ahead of May Day, a masked worker pulls a hand-cart laden with goods. May Day activities are marred by the pandemic. It seems there is no respite for these workers toiling daily.

The time has come for everyone to help each other - Opposition Leader

Samagi Jana Balawegaya will come forward against every move to betray people’s sovereignty, well-being, their pride under the cover of the current COVID-19 pandemic, Leader of Opposition Sajith Premadasa said yesterday.

Eleven COVID-19 deaths reported; toll surges to 83

Eleven individuals succumbed to the COVID-19 today raising the death toll to 678, the Government Information Department said.

Lakshman Kiriella requests Speaker to allow Rishad to attend Parliament

Chief Opposition Whip Lakshman Kiriella requested Speaker Mahinda Yapa Abeywardane to allow MP Rishad Bathiudeen to attend Parliament next week.

SL reports highest number of COVID-19 cases in a single day

Sri Lanka recorded its highest number of new cases today since the coronavirus pandemic began.

Main political parties to hold online May Day rallies tomorrow

The main political parties have decided to hold online May Day rallies tomorrow (May 1) while the usual processions and large rallies have been banned because of the current pandemic situation.

Justice for Rishad Bathiudeen...

A protest was held in Colombo today urging the authorities to mete out justice for Rishad Bathiudeen. SJB MP Mujibur Rahman was also present at the protest.

Several more GN Divisions placed under isolation

Sixteen Grama Niladhari Divisions were isolated with immediate effect, Army Commander Shavendra Silva said.

922 fresh COVID-19 cases reported so far today

A total of 922 new COVID-19 patients were detected so far today, the Government Information Department said.

Two GN Divisions in Polonnaruwa isolated

Elahera and Sarubima GN Divisions in Polonnaruwa have been placed under isolation with immediate effect, Army Commander Shavendra Silva said.

Passenger, airport janitor nabbed with Gold worth over Rs. 317 Mn

A passenger and an airport maintenance worker were arrested by the Customs Narcotic Control unit at the Bandaranaike International Airport (BIA) with 26 kg of Gold Biscuits and Jewellery valued at over Rs. 317 million, Customs Department said.

Korean language to be added as A/L subject from this year: Minister

The Ministry of Education has decided to include the Korean language as a foreign language for the Advanced Level (A/L) curriculum from this year.

Man arrested for obstructing Chinese Defence Minister’s motorcade released

The 31-year-old man arrested over obstructing the police officer who was on duty at Borella junction during the motorcade provided to the Chinese Defence Minister on April 27 was released on Rs. 50,000 bail by the Colombo Chief Magistrate today.

CID to probe fake notice published in social media with police symbol

The Computer Crime Unit of the Criminal Investigation Department (CID) has initiated investigations into a fake notice published in social media with the police symbol.