Category: Local News

Janatha Vimukthi Peramuna (JVP) MP Vijitha Herath told journalists in Colombo yesterday (10) that the decision to use organic fertilizer instead of chemical fertilizer was a good one but added it had a hidden agenda and what appears on the surface is not on the inside.

Another batch of Sputnik V COVID-19 vaccine, developed by Moscow-based Gamaleya Research Institute, has arrived on the island early this morning (June 11).

Travel restrictions will be lifted at 04:00 a.m on 14 June as scheduled previously, Army Commander General Shavendra Silva said.

Patients with an infection of the highly transmissible B.1.1.7 (Alpha) UK variant of the coronavirus have been reported from multiple areas of the island.

With the likelihood of partial lockdown being extended in tandem with rising COVID-19 cases, State Minister Nivard Cabraal called for a finer balance between meeting health emergencies and economic development.

President Gotabaya Rajapaksa’s request to Prime Minister of Japan, Yoshihide Suga for  600,000 doses of AstraZeneca vaccine has been met with a positive response.

A Gazette Extraordinary has been issued prohibiting traders from refusing to sell or compelling consumers not to buy 12.5 kg cylinders of domestic Liquefied Petroleum Gas (LPG).

Sri Lanka began injecting pregnant women with a Chinese coronavirus vaccine on Wednesday and Nepal resumed inoculations with a China-made jab as India’s neighbours turn to Beijing and Moscow for help with supplies.

Sri Lanka Prime Minister Mahinda Rajapaksa has directed Health Minister Pavithra Wanniarachchi to obtain the services of retired nurses on contract basis as required.

State Minister of Digital Technology and Entrepreneur Development Namal Rajapaksa says an application for school children to engage in online classes from their homes will be introduced in the next few weeks.

Switzerland said it expresses solidarity with Sri Lanka in its fight against the COVID-19 pandemic and yesterday delivered over half a million antigen tests, 50 ventilators, 150 oxygen concentrators as well as other medical examination materials worth of Rs. 800 million.

Chief Opposition Whip Kandy District MP Lakshman Kiriella told Parliament yesterday that the excuse given by the government for its failure to get vaccines from India was a lie.

President Gotabaya Rajapaksa told people’s representatives to move forward and implement the decision to use organic fertilizer despite challenges posed during the transition period.

The Government has decided to implement a program to beautify 100 Cities across the country.

A major economic crisis is faced by both small-medium scale and large scale farmers over the inability to transport and trade as normal due to the travel restrictions.

Secretary to the President Dr. P.B. Jayasundera yesterday assured global investors that Sri Lanka has put in place policies and strategies to unleash its next wave of high yet sustainable growth, despite challenges such as the pandemic.