Death of four students: Five teachers interdicted

The Principal in Haliela Vidya Vidyalaya was removed from the post on compulsory retirement, and five teachers including the deputy principal were interdicted on the findings of the preliminary inquiry into the neglect of their responsibility that resulted in the death of four students who drowned in the Medawachchiya tank in Gomarankadawala in Trincomalee during an education tour.

Gihan Pilapitiya’s writ petition to be taken up on May 4

The Court of Appeal today decided to consider the writ petition filed by interdicted High Court Judge Gihan Pilapitiya on May 4 seeking an interim order prohibiting the Acting IGP and his agents from arresting him over the controversial telephone conversations with former Deputy Minister Ranjan Ramanayake.

COVID19: JVP urges govt. to implement national action plan

The Janatha Vimukthi Peramuna (JVP) today urged the government to introduce a national action plan to rescue the country and the people from the COVID19 virus considering it a national concern.

Aitken Spence denies reports, says building not on lockdown

The Management of Aitken Spence PLC today denied reports that the chauffeur guide tested positive for COVID-19 was an employee of Aitken Spence and that the company building has been on lockdown.

75kgs of heroin found in container of potatoes

Over 75 kilograms of heroin packed along with potatoes have been found from a freight container at Kochchikade, Negombo today, the Police Narcotics Bureau (PNB) said.

Welgama joins Samagi Jana Balawegaya

The New Lanka Freedom Party led by former MP Kumara Welgama joined with Samagi Jana Balawegaya (SJB) led by former Opposition Leader Sajith Premadasa today.

SLFP expels Vijith Wijayamuni Zoysa

The Central Working Committee of the SLFP has expelled former MP Vijith Wijayamuni Zoysa and several local government members, party spokesman Weerakumara Dissanayake said.

Maithri signs nominations to contest for Polonnaruwa

Former President Maithripala Sirisena today signed nomination papers to contest the upcoming General Elections from the Sri Lanka Podujana Peramuna for Polonnaruwa District.

Gyms ’high-risk’ locations for spreading COVID-19, experts

Gyms have been identified as ’’high risk’’ locations for catching coronavirus due to sweat and dampness heightening the spread of germs, Sky News reported.

Fuel price reduction within next few days: Minister

The government would pass the benefit of fuel price reduction in the global market to the consumer in the next few days after deciding the way it should be done, Power and Energy Minister Mahinda Amaraweera said today.

Private tuition classes cancelled until March 27

All Island Professional Lecturers’ Association had decided not to hold any tuition classes until March 27 in line with the Education Minister’s decision to close schools until April 20 from tomorrow.

Six students arrested over throwing tyre at J’pura student remanded

Six students of the Sri Jayawardenepura University, who were arrested over the incident where a first-year student was injured in an alleged ragging incident, were remanded until March 23 by Nugegoda Magistrate Mohammed Mihal today.

Second coronavirus patient in SL

A 44-year-old man, who had stayed with the first coronavirus patient, was tested positive to the coronavirus infection.

Covid-19 - Ananda Principal rejects rumors of any infected students

Referring to rumors about an Ananda College student whose father who is suspected of being infected by COVID-19, Principal S.M. Keerthiratna said the student was not suffering from any such infection.

Private and Int’l Catholic schools to be closed March 13 to April 20

All Private and International Catholic schools under the Archbishop will also be closed from March 13 to April 20, General Manager of Catholic Schools said.

All Govt. schools closed till April 20: Minister

All government schools in the country will be closed from tomorrow to April 20 to avoid spreading unnecessary fears of COVID-19 among school children and their parents, Education Minister Dullas Alahaperuma said.

Don’t be misled by false rumours about COVID-19: Police

Police have advised the general public not to be misled by false information circulating on social media regarding COVID-19 (Coronavirus).

All school excursions suspended due to Coronavirus threat

All school educational trips have been temporarily suspended due to Coronavirus threat in the country, the Education Ministry said.

Son of COVID-19 patient not infected with virus : Health Ministry

Referring to the false rumors that the son of the first Sri Lankan COVID-19 infected patient has also been infected with the virus, Director General of Health Services Dr. Anil Jasinghe said today that the rumors were utterly false.

Two COVID-19 suspected person transferred to IDH

Another two patients aged 43 and 50 who are suspected of being infected with COVID-19 virus were transferred to the Infectious Diseases Hospital (IDH), Colombo this morning, Polonnaruwa District Hospital Director said.

Army requests arrivals to comply with quarantine

While asserting that all facilities had been provided to the passengers who are being sent directly to quarantine centres as they arrive in the country, the army yesterday said, those who refuse to undergo the 14-day quarantine have the option of returning to the country they came from and if not, facing legal action which will be taken against them.

Saudi Arabia expands travel ban to 12 more countries including SL

Saudi Arabia on Thursday temporarily stopped all travel to and from almost all of Europe and 12 more countries including Sri Lanka as the number of coronavirus cases in the Kingdom jumped to 45, Arab News reported.

EC invites foreign observers

The National Elections Commission (EC) has invited foreign observers for the upcoming Parliamentary election.

India suspends all tourist visas until April 15

Amid the novel coronavirus outbreak, the cabinet secretary on Wednesday said all states and Union Territories should invoke provisions of Section 2 of the Epidemic Diseases Act, 1897 by means of which all advisories issued by the Union health ministry and state governments from time to time are enforceable.

Trump suspends travel from Europe to US

US President Donald Trump has announced sweeping new travel restrictions on Europe in a bid to combat the spread of the coronavirus.

Don’t use COVID-19 epidemic for political gain: GMOA

The Government Medical Officers’ Association (GMOA) yesterday requested the politicians not to use the COVID-19 epidemic situation for mere political gain, ahead of the General Election.

Only support candidates who contest under elephant

United National Party (UNP) General Secretary Akila Viraj Kariyawasam has requested all members attached to provincial councils and local bodies of the party to only support candidates who contest the general election under the elephant symbol.

Govt keeps close tab on development: Minister

Admitting that COVID 19 infection has hit Sri Lanka, Health Minister Pavithra Wanniarachci said it was still premature to declare restrictions on election rallies, public gatherings, free food offerings (Dan Sal) or mass religious or political events.

PCoI secretary surrenders to Court

Pearl. K. Weerasinghe, Secretary of the Presidential Commission of Inquiry (PCoI) that probed the alleged incidents of political victimization during ‘Yahapalana’ government, surrendered to the Colombo Permanent High Court Trial-at-Bar yesterday through a lawyer following a warrant issued for her arrest.

SLFP not jolted by SLPP’s adverse remarks

The SLFP’s Central Committee (CC) is to meet this afternoon (12) to discuss the election campaign and the negative remarks made by certain SLPP politicians against the SLFP and its leaders, party spokesman former State Minister Weerakumara Dissanayaka said yesterday.