Body of first Covid-19 victim cremated

The body of the country’s first coronavirus victim, Elangampedige Dharmasiri Janananda, was cremated under tight security and under international health specifications at the Kotikawatta crematorium a short while ago.

Total of Covid-19 patients rises to 110

Total number of COVID-19 patients in Sri Lanka has increased to 110, the Ministry of Health said.

Over 300 quarantined individuals leave for home

Over 300 returnees from overseas today left for home after undergoing their quarantine period at several centres, the Army Spokesman said.

Robot to assist treatment of suspected Covid patients

The treatment of two suspected Covid-19 patients at the Homagama Base Hospital will be carried out with the assistance of a robot, Hospital Director Dr. Janith Hettiarachchi said.

Police to act tough on curfew violators

The acting IGP has directed the police to strictly implement curfew regulations and ask people to remain indoors because steps had been taken to distribute essential commodities and medicines to their doorstep.

Over 500 quarantined individuals leave for home

A total of 501 individuals, quarantined in Kandakadu, Punani and Diyathalawa quarantine centres left for their homes this morning, as the fourth batch to leave for the fourth consecutive day, the Army said.

Cabinet nod for more relief to people

The cabinet met today with President Gotabaya Rajapaksa at the chair has given the green light to offer a range of relief measures aimed in particular at Samurdhi beneficiary and low income families, self-employed and those live on daily wages, cabinet spokesman, Higher Education, Information, Communication Technology and New Inventions Minister Bandula Gunawardana said.

No new COVID-19 positive cases so far today: Minister

No new COVID-19 positive cases were reported in Sri Lanka within the day as at 4.30 p.m., Health Minister Pavithra Wanniarachchi said.

Symptoms and Signs of Corona virus

Remembering D R Wijewardene

Govt. declares one week as ‘work from home’

The Government has declared one week from March 20 to27 for Public and Private Sector as a period to work from home, President’s Media Unit said.

Govt. to maintain flat rate for fuel for one year

The Government has decided to maintain fuel price under a flat rate for at least one year irrespective of the world market price cabinet spokesman Minister Bandula Gunawardana said today.

Arjuna to consider refraining from contesting at polls

Former MP Arujna Ranatunga yesterday said he will refrain from contesting the general election because of the crisis brought on by CORVID-19.

CCD probe into statements by Rajitha & SF over COVID-19

The Colombo Crimes Division (CCD) has launched an investigation into several misleading statements made by former MPs Rajitha Senaratna and Field Marshal Sarath Fonseka over the COVID-19 situation in the country, police said.

Private hospitals permitted to conduct PCR test

The government has decided to permit private hospitals to conduct the Polymerase Chain Reaction (PCR) test under strict conditions, Health Services Director Anil Jasinghe said.

Number of COVID-19 patients rises to 50

The number of patients infected by COVID-19 has increased to 50, Health Minister Pavithra Wanniarachchi said. Speaking at the National Operation Centre for the Prevention of COVID-19- Outbreak, she said eight more individuals have tested positive for the virus today.

Harsha resigns as UNP Treasurer

Former UNP MP Dr. Harsha De Silva today said that he resigned from the position of Treasurer of the United National Party (UNP). In a tweet, Dr. De Silva said he also met UNP Leader Ranil Wickremesinghe today.

$500mn from CDB for development efforts

Sri Lanka has signed an agreement with the China Development Bank for a financing facility of USD 500 million for development efforts in the country, the Finance Ministry said.

Police curfew in Puttalam, Kochchikade from 4.30 pm today

Police curfew will be imposed in the Puttalam District and Kochchikade in Negombo from 4.30 pm today to assist in the measures being adopted to prevent the spread of COVID-19 in the country, Police said.

A complete lock-down essential: Sajith

The government should not act like Nero, who played the fiddle when Rome was burning or beat about the bush but should announce a complete lock-down to prevent the spread of COVID-19, Samagi Jana Balawegaya (SJB) Leader Sajith Premadasa told a news conference today.

Six more tests positive for COVID-19: Total rises to 34

Six more individuals have tested positive for coronavirus thereby bringing the total number of confirmed cases to 34, Health Services Director-General Dr. Anil Jasinghe said.

All passenger arrivals to be suspended from midnight tomorrow

All passenger arrivals at Bandaranaike International Airport (BIA), Katunayake have been suspended with effect from midnight tomorrow for two weeks, the Government said.

Until eleventh hour, UNP will strive to contest together

Talks are ongoing to get all factions of the UNP to contest the general election together before nominations close on Thursday, UNP General Secretary Akila Viraj Kariyawasam told a press conference held yesterday.

General Elections should be postponed: Rathana Thera

While deciding to contest the upcoming General Election under the political party ’Ape Jana Bala Pakshaya’, former MP Athuraliye Rathana Thera, Bodu Bala Sena (BBS) General Secretary Ven. Galagodaaththe Gnanasara Thera and several other Buddhist monks requested the government to postpone the elections considering the COVID epidemic.

COVID-19 syndrome; NPP to meet EC Chairman

While claiming that the prevailing situation in the country is not conducive to hold the General Election due to the COVID-19 outbreak, the National Peoples’ Power (NPP) Party said today it is planning to meet the Elections Commission Chairman to discuss the current situation.

Two arrested over spreading false info on COVID-19

Two individuals have been arrested by the Criminal Investigations Department (CID) for spreading false information on Coronavirus via social media, Police said.

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.

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.

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.

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.