The Maha Nayaka Theros of the Asgiriya and Malwatta Chapters have sent a letter to the President requesting to close the country for at least a week to control the rapid spread of COVID-19 virus.

The price of a loaf of bread will be increased by Rs. 5 with effect from Monday, the 23rd of August, The All Island Bakery Owners Association said.

Leaders of 10 Political Parties have forwarded a special letter to President Gotabaya Rajapaksa urging him to impose a lockdown in the country for at least three weeks.

A new system has been introduced to direct COVID-19 patients within the Western Province to treatment centres to be managed, from today.

The Monetary Board of the Central Bank of Sri Lanka (CBSL) has decided to increase the Standing Deposit Facility Rate (SDFR) and the Standing Lending Facility Rate (SLFR) of the Central Bank by 50 basis points each, to 5.00 per cent and 6.00 per cent, respectively.

Trade Associations in several more towns have decided to close down all shops and business establishments on a temporary basis as a result of the fast spreading COVID-19 risk.

Medical Superintendent of the Homagama Hospital, Dr. Janitha Hettiarachchi, said eight doctors of the hospital and another 26 staffers had contracted COVID-19.

170 COVID-19 deaths were confirmed for August 17, increasing the death toll to 6,604.

Sri Lanka has issued new health guidelines with immediate effect until the 31st of August as measures to prevent the spread of the COVID-19 virus within the country.

The Central Bank of Sri Lanka (CBSL) refutes the claims that it has requested licensed banks to ‘devalue’ the Sri Lankan Rupee.

Parliamentarian Rishad Bathiudeen who was arrested by the Criminal Investigations Department under the provisions of the Prevention of Terrorism Act, was remanded until the 01st of September.

Sri Lanka’s Cabinet of Minister has approved a proposal to import 6,000 metric tonnes of rice as per the provisions of the Sri Lanka – Pakistan Free Trade Agreement.

Chief News Editor of the ‘Sunday Island’ Suresh Perera succumbed to Covid-19 last evening while receiving treatment at the Colombo South Teaching Hospital.

The GMOA has warned that by the end of this year the country will probably face a dangerous and uncontrollable situation with regard to the spread of COVID-19…

The government should initiate a programme to provide masks, disinfectants and quarantine kits free of charge to those who cannot afford them Karu Jayasuriya, Chairman, National Movement for a Just Society said yesterday issuing a press release.