Garlic Scam: Police initiate inquiry on CID officers who interrogated journalists

Sri Lanka Police said an inquiry has been initiated with regard to the officers attached to the Criminal Investigations Department (CID) who acted irresponsibly by summoning newspaper editors and journalists, to record statements for an investigation.



Prime Minister directs to CBSL to relax import curbs

Prime Minister Mahinda Rajapaksa yesterday instructed the Governor of the Central Bank of Sri Lanka Ajith Nivard Cabraal to provide relief as far as possible to curb the current import restrictions on non-essential items and equipment.



Trains & inter provincial buses won’t operate for two weeks

State Minister of Transport Dilum Amunugama says although the quarantine curfew will be lifted tomorrow, trains will not operate for two weeks.



Five persons arrested with sharp weapons

Five individuals who were in possession of sharp weapons have been arrested by the officers of the Colombo Crimes Division.



Validity period of expiring driving licenses extended

The validity period of all driving licenses that expire between April 1, 2021 and September 30, 2021 has been extended by one year.



Indian Foreign Secretary scheduled to visit Colombo soon

Foreign Secretary Harsh Vardhan Shringla is scheduled to visit Colombo in early October, official sources in New Delhi told The Hindu, as India and Sri Lanka seek to engage at high levels amid a perceived strain in ties.



Ministry of Defence refutes church attacks claims

The Ministry of Defence (MoD) yesterday (29) refuted claims that have been circulated on social and electronic media, pertaining to a possible terrorist attack on Sri Lankan churches.



Approval granted to administer Pfizer as third dose in Sri Lanka

The Director-General of Health, Dr. Asela Gunawardena says that approval has been granted to administer the Pfizer vaccine as a third dose and as a booster dose in Sri Lanka.



President instructs to lift islandwide quarantine curfew on October 1

President Gotabaya Rajapaksa has instructed to lift the ongoing quarantine curfew on October 1, Army Commander General Shavendra Silva said.



Sri Lanka suspends importing organic fertilizer from Chinese company

Sri Lanka has suspended importing organic nitrogen fertilizer from a Chinese company for the Maha Season, says Agriculture Minister Mahindananda Aluthgamage.



Updated quarantine measures for travellers arriving in Sri Lanka issued

The Ministry of Health has issued the updated quarantine measures for travellers arriving in Sri Lanka during the prevalent COVID-19 pandemic.



Threats to the Media unacceptable – Sajith

Opposition Leader Sajith Premadasa condemned the alleged threats made to the Media and Media freedom in Sri Lanka recently.



CBSL releases USD 50 million to clear essential food items held at Colombo Port

The Central Bank of Sri Lanka has released approximately USD 50 million to two state banks for clearance of essential food items held up at the Colombo Port, according to its governor Ajith Nivard Cabraal.



Pfizer begins large trial to test its anti-COVID pill

Pfizer said Monday it had begun a middle-to-late stage clinical trial of a pill to stave off COVID-19 in people who are exposed to infection.



Sri Lanka appeals to exporters to repatriate earnings quickly

Sri Lanka on Tuesday appealed to exporters to speed up repatriation of earnings as a foreign exchange shortages bites and authorities scramble to source U.S. dollars to release food containers from ports and fund imports.



Health Budget allocation will exceed Defence for 2022 – Minister

The allocation for the Health sector in the upcoming Budget will exceed the allocation for Defence, and it will be the highest allocation for next year, Health Minister Keheliya Rambukwella said.