Category: Local News

China’s PLA to send Sinopharm jabs to Sri Lankan Armed Forces

The People’s Liberation Army (PLA) of China has donated 300,000 doses of Sinopharm vaccines to Sri Lankan Armed Forces, says Army Commander General Shavendra Silva.



Sri Lanka produces cardboard coffins amid COVID surge

This box factory in Sri Lanka is now making a special product – cardboard coffins.



Children’s oxygen levels can drop suddenly – Health officials

Health officials say a child infected with the coronavirus may experience a sudden drop in oxygen levels, while engaged in day to day activities, without any prior symptoms.



‘Waste, corruption and irregularities as devastating as corona’

SLFP General Secretary Dayasiri Jayasekera says the government lacked the wherewithal to provide those struggling to make ends meet sufficient financial assistance.



No pay cuts envisaged – Minister

The government has no intention of slashing salaries of public or private sector employees amidst the COVID-19 crisis, Co-Cabinet Spokesman Mass Media Minister Dullas Alahapperuma assured yesterday.



Ajith Rohana tests positive for COVID-19

Former Police Media Spokesman and Senior DIG Traffic and Crimes, SDIG Ajith Rohana has tested positive for COVID-19.



190 COVID-19 deaths confirmed for Monday (23)

190 COVID-19 deaths were confirmed for August 23, increasing the death toll to 7,750.



Health workers are overworked due to COVID – Kodituwakku

The Government Midwives’ Association says health workers are increasingly at risk owing to the rise in the number of coronavirus cases and deaths daily.



Former Minister Mangala Samaraweera passes away from COVID-19

Former Minister Mangala Samaraweera has passed away while being treated for COVID-19 infection at a private hospital in Colombo.



Government to import 300,000 liters of liquid medical oxygen weekly

The Sri Lankan Cabinet of Ministers on Monday (23) approved importing 300,000 liters of liquid medical oxygen weekly which is required to treat COVID-19 patients who are in critical condition.



GMOA: Failure to inoculate those over 60 years first, led to high death toll, lockdown

The fact that those aged over 60 had not been fully vaccinated by now reflected a flaw in the inoculation programme, Government Medical Officers Association (GMOA) Secretary, Dr. Senal Fernando said.



Sri Lanka receives US$ 780 million from IMF

Sri Lanka’s foreign reserves were strengthened by US$ 780 million yesterday (23) upon the receipt of its 0.12 per cent special drawing rights (SDR) allocation from a total sum of $ 650 billion disbursed by the International Monetary Fund (IMF) for distressed countries like Sri Lanka impacted by the COVID-19 Pandemic.



Lockdown proponents have no practical solutions to revive economy – Johnston

None of those who espoused the lockdown have practical solutions to revive the economy hard hit by the pandemic, said Chief Government Whip and Highways Minister Johnston Fernando yesterday.



One million doses of Sinopharm vaccines arrive in Sri Lanka

Another shipment of Sinopharm COVID-19 vaccines purchased by the government of Sri Lanka arrived on the island this morning (August 24).



194 COVID-19 deaths confirmed for Sunday (22)

194 COVID-19 deaths were confirmed for August 22, increasing the death toll to 7,560.



Cabinet Ministers decide to donate August salary to the COVID-19 fund

Sri Lanka’s Cabinet of Ministers today (23) decided to donate the salaries of all Cabinet Ministers for the Month of August to the COVID-19 fund.