Covid-19 cases in Sri Lanka now at 630

The toll of Covid-19 cases in Sri Lanka has risen to 630 with three more Covid-19 infected patients being reported this evening, the Health Ministry said.

Converting schools as quarantine centers for Military baseless: Defence Secretary

No directive was issued to establish quarantine centres in schools for Tri-Forces personnel to undergo 14-day quarantine process, Defence Secretary Maj.Gen. (Retd) Kamal Gunaratne said.

Validity of curfew passes extended till May 31

The validity period granted to use the service identity card as a curfew pass for those engaged in essential services has been extended till May 31, DIG Ajith Rohana said.

Chinese PCR kits: Officials play down concerns

The Ministry of Health today played down concerns raised over antibody testing kits from China after India suspended use of the testing kits.

FB fights COVID misinformation in Sri Lanka

Facebook is taking on misinformation being spread via its social media network on the coronavirus, officials said.

226 Navy personnel test positive for COVID-19 so far

A total of 226 Navy personnel have tested positive for COVID-19 as of today, Army Commander Shavendra Silva said.

143 Sri Lankan students arrive from India

A SriLankan Airlines flight carrying 143 Sri Lankan students who were stranded in India due to COVID-19 pandemic, arrived at the Bandaranaike International Airport, Katunayake from New Delhi this evening.

Don’t belittle Navy personnel: Defence Secretary

Defence Secretary Maj.Gen. (Rtd) Kamal Gunaratne today requested people not to belittle Navy personnel who were infected with COVID-19 while being engaged in rounding up virus-infected drug addicts and taking them to quarantine centres.

Shops closed in Nawalapitiya, Kuliyapitiya, Polgahawela

Despite the Police curfew has been relaxed in 21 districts except for Colombo, Kalutara, Gampaha and Puttalam, shops were closed in Nawalapitiya, Polgahawela and Kuliyapitiya after several Covid-19 patients were reported in those areas.

Drugs used for PETSCAN can be manufactured in SL: SLAEB

The Sri Lanka Atomic Energy Board (SLAEB) said that they have the technology to manufacture Fluorodeoxyglucose (FDG) drugs, radiopharmaceutical used in the PETSCAN machines to treat cancer patients.

US shouldn’t use COVID-19 to intervene in sovereign countries affairs: SLCFA

The Sri Lanka - China Friendship Association (SLCFA) condemned what it called ’the efforts of the United States to intervene into internal affairs of sovereign states’ under the pretext of investigating COVID-19.

President cannot spend from consolidated funds from tomorrow: Mangala

Claiming that the President cannot spend from the consolidated funds from tomorrow as per the constitution, former Finance Minister Mangala Samaraweera in a letter addressed to President Gotabaya Rajapakse informed him that anyone who was held guilty of violating the law could be subjected to civic disability for seven years while his movable and immovable could be forfeited.

Three more test positive for COVID-19

Three more individuals have tested positive for coronavirus bringing the total number of confirmed cases to 622, the Health Ministry said.

All post offices to open on May 4

Postmaster General Ranjith Ariyaratne has announced that all post offices will be opened on May 4 for regular services, Director General of Government Information Nalaka Kaluwewa said.

Bollywood actor Irrfan Khan dies at 54

Irrfan Khan, the Indian-born actor who achieved considerable success in both Bollywood and the west, has died aged 53.

No COVID-19 patients at ICU right now: Dr. Jasinghe

There were no COVID-19 infected patients being treated at the Intensive Care Units (ICU) at present, Heath Services Director General Dr. Anil Jasinghe said today.

Covid-19 brews trouble for tea amid disrupted supply

The coronavirus outbreak is causing a rare stir in the usually staid global tea market, with labour lockdowns stifling supplies just as millions in lockdown drive up demand for the beverage known for its immunity-boosting properties.

Five people from Agalawatta confirmed positive for Covid-19

Five people from Dapiligoda in Agalawatta, who had contacts with a COVID-19 positive sailor, have contracted with the virus.

CAA removes maximum retail price on sugar

The Consumer Affairs Authority (CAA) has issued a gazette notification removing the maximum retail price imposed for sugar.

Veteran actor Alexander Fernando passes away

A veteran action-film actor Alexander Fernando has passed away at the age of 80 while receiving treatment at the Colombo National Hospital.

Another flight sent to India to bring 143 students

Another SriLankan flight was sent to New Delhi in India this morning to bring back 143 Sri Lankan students who were stranded and unable to come to the country, the Katunayake airport duty manager said.

Curfew can be gradually relaxed in coming weeks: President

President Gotabaya Rajapaksa has said that he was confident that the curfew could be gradually relaxed in coming weeks, the President’s Media Division said.

President considers changing useless & expensive poll campaigns: PMD

President Gotabaya Rajapaksa has said that he has given thought to change the current practice of useless and expensive election campaigns, the President’s Media Division said.

Number of COVID-19 patients increased to 611

The number of COVID-19 infected patients has increased to 611 in the country, along with the 12 patients who were identified a short while ago, the Health Ministry said.

Objectives of a suicide attack go beyond just killing people: President

Commenting on the Easter Sunday attacks, President Gotabaya Rajapaksa said today that the objectives of a suicide attack go beyond just killing scores of people.

Met Dept. warns of thundershowers and severe lightning

Thundershowers with severe lightning have been forecast by the Meteorological Department in several provinces across Sri Lanka this evening.

Eight COVID-19 patients identified today

Eight COVID-19 patients were identified today increasing the number of confirmed cases to 596, Health Service Director General Dr. Anil Jasinghe said.

Havelock Lane, Dabare Mw, Torrington 60 watta isolated

Health authorities yesterday declared Torrington 60 watta in Colombo 7, Dabare Mawatha in Narahenpita and Havelock Lane, as isolated areas after COVID-19 positive patients were found from those areas, officials said.

Labour Department conducts survey

The Department of Labour has taken steps to undertake a survey on private sector establishments affected due to COVID-19.

Webinar over sustainability after COVID-19

The Green Growth Knowledge Partnership (GGKP) will hold a webinar today over sustainability after COVID-19.