Isolation orders have been issued on 08 Grama Niladhari divisions in Galle and Colombo districts with effect from 10.00 pm today (May 07), says the National Operation Centre for Prevention of COVID-19 Outbreak (NOCPCO).

President Gotabaya Rajapaksa said today that he was hopeful that the World Health Organization (WHO) would make effort to fulfil Sri Lanka’s need for 600,000 doses of AstraZeneca vaccine for the second dose.

Sri Lanka has approved the emergency use of Pfizer-BioNTech vaccine, says Prof. Channa Jayasumana, the State Minister of Production, Supply and Regulation of Pharmaceuticals.

All schools, pre-schools, universities, piriven institutions, and tuition classes in Sri Lanka will remain closed until further notice, said Education Minister Professor G. L. Peiris today (07).

Acting Solicitor General Sanjay Rajaratnam has been nominated by the President to be appointed as the new Attorney General, Parliament sources said.

The Civil Aviation Authority has decided not to permit passengers with a travel history to India in the past 14 days to disembark in Sri Lanka.

The government should consider vaccinating the 319,000 pregnant women on a priority basis the Sri Lanka College of Obstetricians & Gynaecologists (SLCOG) said yesterday.

Urban Development, Coast Conservation, Waste Disposal and Community Cleanliness State Minister Dr. Nalaka Godahewa highlighted the importance of bringing in necessary amendments to the laws to prevent the environment destruction and urged all citizens to join hands to conserve the ocean and coastal resources.

Twelve more Grama Niladhari Divisions in Kalutara, Gampaha and Colombo districts have been isolated with immediate effect, the National Operation Centre for Prevention of COVID-19 Outbreak (NOCPCO) announced.

The Commissioner-General of the Excise Department has issued a new set of health guidelines to be followed by all excise licence holders in the country including wine stores, pubs and restaurants that serve alcoholic beverages.

While thanking the President for his appointment as High Commissioner to Canada, Attorney General Dappula de Livera has conveyed to the President that he wishes to remain in Sri Lanka to serve the public, AG’s Coordinating Officer said.

Sri Lanka has halted all arrivals from India with immediate effect, says the Chairman of the Civil Aviation Authority (CAA).

Philippines has banned the entry of travellers from Sri Lanka.

A security officer attached to a private bank has sustained injuries in a shooting incident that unfolded during an attempted robbery in Anuradhapura this morning (May 05), the police said.

Isolation orders have been imposed in two more Grama Niladhari areas, with immediate effect, Commander of Army General Shavendra Silva said.

Ruling out claims made by the Opposition to go for a complete lockdown, Health Minister Pavithra Wanniarachchi said yesterday that the policy of the government was to combat the COVID-19 pandemic while securing the economy.