Category: Local News

Patali Champika Ranawaka says he is now ready to give leadership

SJB MP Patali Champika Ranawaka yesterday said the ‘43rd brigade’, the movement led by him, is ready to give leadership to a common political platform against the ruling party.



President provides immediate solutions to five demands of nurses

President Gotabaya Rajapaksa has taken steps to provide immediate solutions to five out of the seven demands put forward by the Public Services United Nurses’ Union.



Do not make Sri Lanka a Cuba, Mangala warns government

Sri Lanka can not depend on China alone and follow a confrontational and isolationist policy with the international community, former Foreign Minister Mangala Samaraweera said in a statement yesterday. The Westphalian concept of sovereignty was no longer valid and Sri Lanka must abide by its international obligations for the betterment of its own people, he said.



Another one million Sinopharm vaccines arrive in Sri Lanka

One million doses of Chinese Sinopharm COVID-19 vaccines arrived into the country this morning (02).



Rs.100,000 fine for traders selling rice above Gazetted prices – Minister

The Government has taken a firm decision to fine Rs.100,000 from traders selling rice above the stipulated prices mentioned by the Government effective from July 1.



Prices of bread & bakery products to remain unchanged

The All Island Bakery Owners Association says the price of a loaf of bread including bakery products will not be increased.



Prime Minister advises business owners to secure jobs

The need to protect workers and ensure job security during COVID-19 was highlighted by Prime Minister Mahinda Rajapaksa on 30 June at Temple Trees during a discussion on issues faced by the Sri Lanka Apparel Brands Association (SLABA) and the Sri Lanka Retailers Association (SLRA).



Major General arrested over alleged assault on wildlife officer in Habarana

An Army Major General involved in a clash with a group of wildlife officers on the 23rd of June in Habarana, has been arrested after surrendering to Police.



Ecological devastation of X-Press Pearl disaster revealed in court

Deputy Solicitor General, Madawa Tennakoon yesterday told Colombo Magistrate’s Court that 176 turtles, 20 dolphins and four whales had been killed by the MV X-Press Pearl disaster.



No Chinese soldiers in Tissa says Embassy

The Chinese Embassy in Sri Lanka said that the employees said to be wearing camouflage uniforms at a function in Tissahaharama were not members of the People’s Liberation Army.



Retirement age for medical officers of all grades extended

An Extraordinary Gazette notification has been issued extending the retirement age of medical officers of all grades to 63 years.



Four more areas under isolation orders from today

Four areas in Jaffna, Kandy and Nuwara-Eliya districts have been isolated with effect from this morning (July 01), says the National Operation Centre for Prevention of COVID-19 Outbreak (NOCPCO).



Soft drink producers asked to recycle bottles

The Ministry of Environment has informed three main soft drink manufacturers to formulate a programme in two weeks to recycle plastic drink bottles before banning its usage.



Sri Lanka Government goes for $150 million ADB loan to fund COVID fight

The Government has decided to obtain a $150 million loan from the Asian Development Bank to help finance its fight against the spread of and better management of the COVID-19 pandemic.



Probe into Tissa Wewa dredging project

Co-Cabinet Spokesman and Mass Media and Information Minister Keheliya Rambukwella said a full investigation has been carried out to find out whether the Archaeological Act or any other Act has been violated during the rehabilitation of the Tissamaharama tank in Hambantota.



20 wedding attendees quarantined in Panadura

Twenty persons including eight females who had attended a wedding ceremony at a home at Pallemulla in Panadura in violation of quarantine laws have been quarantined for 14 days at the same place.