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 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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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

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.

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

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.

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

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

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.

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

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

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

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.

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.

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

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

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

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.

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.

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.

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.

The first group of Sri Lankans held at the ‘Tarheel’ deportation camp in Riyadh, Saudi Arabia, will be returning to Sri Lanka today.

Intelligence Bureau and Kerala Police have started to dig into Kerala connections of All Ceylon Makkal Congress leader and parliamentarian Rishad Bathiudeen after he was arrested by Sri Lankan Police on April 24 in connection with April 2019 Easter S

While claiming that the country is heading towards a dangerous situation, the PHI union today charged the authorities have turned a blind eye to their repeated requests to go for a complete lockdown or to impose travel restrictions.