Govt. spent Rs. 50bn as relief funds in April

The government has spent Rs.50 billion to pay a stipend of Rs. 5,000 to 7.4 million individuals among poorest of poor in April alone and the financial relief would also be paid in May as well, as they have no other relief, cabinet spokesman, Minister Bandula Gunawardane said last afternoon.

Three identified persons test negative for COVID-19 today

Three persons who were earlier identified as COVID-19 patients have tested negative for the virus today, Health Service Director General Dr Anil Jasinghe said.

Navy denies withdrawal from Covid-19 operations

The Navy today denied several news reports posted on several social media outlets and news websites that the Navy had temporarily withdrawn from Covid-19 operations.

No danger to NSC as infected nurse had followed proper health practices: Jasinghe

Health Services Director General Anil Jasinghe said there have been limited contacts of the COVID-19 infected nurse at the Colombo National Hospital as she and the Hospital had followed proper health practices.

Another batch of students stranded in London returns

A total of 194 Sri Lankans, who were stranded in London, arrived at the Bandaranaike International Airport (BIA) today.

138 from Rajagiriya, Kolonnawa, Kolabissa sent to quarantine centres

A total of 138 persons from Rajagiriya, Kolonnawa & Kolabissa in Kandy had been sent to quarantine centres after one Covid-19 positive case was identified from each area, Army Commander Lieutenant General Shavendra Silva said.

Another woman dies from COVID-19 reporting 9th death in Sri Lanka

A 52-year-old Covid-19 infected woman died at the Infectious Disease Hospital (IDH) today, reporting the 9th COVID-19 death in Sri Lanka, Director Health Services Dr. Anil Jasinghe said.

29 persons in Bandaranayakapura sent to quarantine centre

A group of 29 persons in Bandaranayakapura, Rajagiriya were sent to the Kandakadu quarantine centre after a Covid-19 infected patient was found from the area, health officials said.

23-year-old soldier found dead at Dambulla Bus Terminal

A 23-year-old soldier from Pallepola was found dead outside the public toilet of the Dambulla Bus Terminal today, the Army said.

Eighth Covid-19 death reported from Sri Lanka

A 72-year-old Covid-19 infected woman died at the Homagama hospital this evening, reporting the 8th COVID-19 death in Sri Lanka, Director Health Services Dr. Anil Jasinghe said.

NIC last digit directive with effect from May 11

The National Identity Card (NIC) numerical system, which had been introduced for the public to be adhered whilst stepping out of the house for essential purpose, would come into effect from May 11, the President’s Media Division said.

Another group of 40 stranded Pakistanis repatriated

Another group of 40 stranded Pakistanis repatriated to Pakistan via Sri Lankan Airlines flight UL-1185 that left Colombo today morning, the Pakistan High Commission in Colombo said.

First batch of students stranded in London returns

A SriLankan flight carrying 208 students who were stranded in London, UK, arrived at the Bandaranaike International Airport (BIA) early this morning.

Former MPs meeting underway

Former MPs meeting convened by Prime Minister Mahinda Rajapaksa to discuss the current situation in the country is underway at Temple Trees.

Not a time to play adversarial politics – Ranil Wickremesinghe

As Sri Lanka fights the Coronavirus a different sort of battle is beginning to build. A battle between the Government and the opposition reconvening parliament to pass new laws to address the current crisis in the country.

Training centre operator who promoted extremism with Zahran arrested from Kalpitiya

The trustee of an organisation in Kalpitiya was arrested by the police today for allegedly maintaining links with Easter Sunday attacks mastermind Zahran Hashim.

Akuressa PS Chairman arrested

Akuressa Pradeshiya Sabha Chairman and four others who went on pilgrimage to Sri Pada without a curfew pass were arrested in Maskeliya today.

Isolated areas in Beruwala, Akurana re-opened

The Isolated areas in Beruwala and Akurana in Kandy have been re-opened from today, Army Commander Shavendra Silva said.

Boeing carrying 230 passengers from Netherlands arrives at Mattala

The special aircraft, Boeing 767-300ER, carrying around 230 passengers from Netherlands, arrived at the Mattala International Airport today.

Inmate dies while attempting to escape Mahara Prison

An inmate of the Mahara prison was killed and another six were captured when they attempted to escape early this morning.

Teenage boy taken into custody over anti-social posts on social media

A teenage boy from Pannala has been taken into custody by the police for posting anti-social content on social media platforms, the police spokesman said.

EC stops paying Rs. 20,000 for trainee graduates

The Elections Commission (EC) has stopped paying Rs. 20,000 for trainee graduates, Minister Bandula Gunawardena said today.

Former UNP mayor and 7 others arrested over gambling

Eight people including former UNP mayor of the Nawalapitiya Urban Council have been arrested for gambling at a restaurant in Ginigathhena last night.

Three arrested with 1kg of heroin and 9MM revolver

Three suspects have been arrested with 1 kg of heroin during a raid in Welipenna early this morning, police said.

Coronavirus Test kits validated before use - Dr.Anil Jasinghe

The Health Ministry is at the helm of Sri Lanka’s fights against the coronavirus, a fight which the Government says is moving ahead effectively. Director General of Health Services, Dr. Anil Jasinghe is playing a key role in the efforts to contain the s

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.

180 from Welisara Camp test positive for COVID-19 so far

A total of 180 Navy personnel attached to the Welisara Navy Camp had tested positive for COVID-19 so far, Army Commander Shavendra Silva said today.

44 Navy personnel test positive for COVID-19 today

A total of 44 have tested positive for COVID-19 today increasing the total number of cases to 567, Director General of Health Services Dr. Anil Jasinghe said.

O/L results: 10,346 students obtain 9A passes: Examination Dept.

A total of 10,346 students who sat for the 2019 O/L Examination have obtained ‘9A’ passes and 73.84 per cent of students qualified for the GCE A/L, the examination Department announced

95 Navy personnel of Welisara Camp infected with COVID-19 so far

Ninety-five Navy personnel of the Welisara Navy Camp have been infected with COVID-19 as of today, Army Commander Lieutenant General Shavendra Silva said.