SLPP to throw out PS member arrested over alleged rape of minor

The Sri Lanka Podujana Peramuna is to terminate the membership of a Pradeshiya Sabha member from the Moneragala District R. A. Ranaweera, after he, along with five others was arrested over the alleged rape of a minor girl, the Daily Mirror learns.

Open letter from Chinese Embassy

The following is a letter sent by Luo Chong the Spokesperson and Chief of Political Section of the Embassy of the People’s Republic of China in Sri Lanka addressed to Chairman, Wijeya Newspapers Limited with reference to two articles that appeared in the newspaper.we have reproduced the letter while editing out references not relevant to the Daily Mirror.

GMOA writes to Prez against circular on quarantining of high risk persons

The Government Medical Officers Association (GMOA) has raised concerns to President Gotabaya Rajapaksa regarding a circular issued by Director General of Health Services, on quarantining of high risk individuals.

Former MP Mastan instructed to self-quarantine

Former UPFA Wanni District MP Cadar Mastan has been instructed by the Public Health Inspectors to self-quarantine after he had attended a funeral held at Tharapuram in Mannar which was also attended by a patient who had tested positive for the COVID-19.

COVID-19 Fund balance surpasses Rs.585mn with public donations

The balance of the COVID-19 Healthcare and Social Security Fund has surpassed over Rs.585 million with the public donations made by today, the President’s Media Division said.

President seeks medical experts’ opinion on defeating COVID-19

A meeting between President Gotabaya Rajapaksa and medical experts representing various fields was held at the Presidential Secretariat, today (09) with the aim of obtaining much needed expert medical opinion on how to prevent the spread of coronavirus in the country promptly.

Bhutan to send 2nd flight to repatriate Bhutanese nationals in SL

The Royal Government of Bhutan (RGoB) has arranged for a 2nd relief flight to repatriate Bhutanese nationals in Sri Lanka.

No need to consult SC, date for fixing poll is NEC’s responsibility – Pres.Sec

President’s Secretary P.B.Jayasundara in a reply to the Chairman of Election Commission said that the date for fixing the poll is the responsibility of the Election Commission and therefore the question of reference to the Supreme Court in terms of Article 129 of the Constitution does not arise.

AG formulates guidelines to reduce prison overcrowding

After considering the COVID-19 situation and the prison overcrowding in the country, Attorney General Dappula de Livera has issued a set of guidelines to the Acting IGP on granting bail to the detainees.

U.S grants USD1.3mn to protect healthcare workers and improve COVID-19 testing

The United States Government, through the United States Agency for International Development (USAID) has committed $1.3 million USD to help protect healthcare workers and slow the spread of the virus with infection prevention and control support, the US embassy in Colombo said.

‘MyHealth Sri Lanka’ mobile app launched to consult doctors

The Ministry of Health together with the Information and Communication Technology Agency (ICTA) has introduced a mobile app to consult doctors and receive prescriptions, the President’s Media Division said.

PS member and 4 others remanded over alleged rape

Sri Lanka Podujana Peramuna (SLPP) Thanamalwila Pradeshiya Sabha member R.A. Ranaweera and four others have been arrested and remanded in connection with the alleged rape of a 13-year-old mentally challenged girl.

Three more patients recover from COVID-19

Three more patients have been recovered from COVID-19 and discharged from hospital, the Health Ministry said today.

67 from Ratnapura and Pelmadulla sent to quarantine centre

At least 67 people from the Ratnapura and Pelmadulla areas have been sent to the Diyatalawa Quarantine Centre.

Global coronavirus cases top 1.5 million

More than 1.5 million cases of the novel coronavirus have been registered worldwide, according to a tally compiled by AFP from official sources.

Cabinet approves to bring down 33 Lankans stranded overseas

Cabinet approved to bring back 33 Sri Lankans stranded at airports overseas due to coronavirus pandemic, Co-Cabinet Spokesman Minister Ramesh Pathirana said today.

EU provides EUR 22 million grant to Sri Lanka

The European Union (EU) said it will provide a EUR 22 million grant to support Sri Lanka’s COVID19 response.

1,724 curfew violators arrested within 24 hours

A total of 1,724 individuals have been arrested and 496 vehicles seized within a 24-hour period which ended 6.a.m today for curfew violation, the Police said.

Envoys of EU countries commend measures taken to manage COVID-19 situ in SL

A group of European Union (EU) ambassadors met with the Chairman of the Special Task Force on Providing Essential Services, Basil Rajapaksa, yesterday and commended the measures taken by Sri Lanka to manage the COVID-19 situation in the country.

Raja Goonaratne appointed DG, National Secretariat for NGOs

Humanitarian law expert Raja Goonaratne was appointed as the Director General at the National Secretariat for Non-governmental Organizations today (08).

Curfew in Ratnapura, Pelmadulla will not be lifted

The curfew within Ratnapura and Pelmadulla police areas will not be lifted tomorrow morning (9), the Police spokesman said.

Navy develops remote-controlled smart appliance to treat COVID-19 patients

A remote-controlled smart appliance called ‘Medi Mate’ developed by Navy’s Research and Development Unit in a bid to treat and test COVID-19 patients, allowing healthcare workers to remain at a safe distance from the highly infectious virus, was handed over for the use of Dr. Neville Fernando Teaching Hospital today.

Seventh death due to Covid-19 reported from Sri Lanka

A 48-year-old male has died at the Infectious Disease Hospital (IDH) due to Coronavirus, reporting the 7th COVID-19 death in Sri Lanka, the Health Ministry said.

Toll of Covid-19 cases rises to 188

Three more Covid-19 positive cases were reported today raising the total of cases to 188 in Sri Lanka, the Health Ministry said.

Send request letter before April 30: CBSL

The Central Bank of Sri Lanka (CBSL) said banks and financial institutions should be informed before April 30 to obtain deferment credit facilities.

Ensure families of the missing included in relief measures: OMP

The Office on Missing Persons (OMP) today requested President Gotabaya Rajapaksa, Prime Minister Mahinda Rajapaksa and Presidential Task Force Chairman Basil Rajapaksa to ensure that the families of the missing and disappeared are included in any proposed COVID-19 relief measures.

SL rupee hits Rs. 200 against US Dollar

Sri Lankan Rupee has further depreciated against the US Dollar making the selling rate to Rs.200.46, the Central Bank of Sri Lanka said.

China accused of negligence

With individuals and groups in the US and the UK initiating legal action against the Chinese Government over the spread of the coronavirus, local groups in Sri Lanka are now preparing to do the same.

Move a resolution in Parliament to raise borrowing limit-Mangala to gvt

While claiming that due to legal complications, there may also be delays in drawing down the USD 128 million (Rs. 24.4 billion) soft-loan granted by the World Bank Group for fighting COVID-19, former finance minister Mangala Samaraweera urged the government to immediately move a resolution in Parliament to raise the borrowing limit.

Covid-19: Global death toll passes 80,000

Researchers at Johns Hopkins University say at least 81,250 people have now died worldwide, while more than 1.4 million have been infected since the outbreak began.