A probe is underway after a Hindu religious gathering was held in a temple in Batticaloa today after pictures of the commemoration circulated online sparking anger as to why it was held amidst a rapidly spreading COVID-19 pandemic.

As the Delta variant of SARS-CoV-2 continues to spread in Sri Lanka at an alarmingly rapid speed, the number of oxygen-dependent patients has soared by 75% within the past 10 days, Health Ministry’s data showed.

The Opposition claims the arrival of a group of Russian tourists contributed to the spread of the Delta virus variant in the country. Parliamentarian Patali Champika Ranawaka said the Criminal Investigation Department must conduct an investigation pertaining to the matter.

The Government last week assured the public that there would be no shortage of milk powder in the market as it had bought time for price revision, but importers contested the claim and said if a price increase was not sanctioned, they would be compelled to discontinue the supplies.

The Government urges the general public to get vaccinated against COVID-19 without delay.

In an attempt to reduce congestion in hospital morgues, all crematoriums in the Kalutara District are to be operated round the clock. Kalutara Regional Director of Health Services, Dr. Udaya Rathnayake, said the number of patients dying of COVID-19 has increased rapidly, overcrowding hospital morgues.

SJB MP Field Marshal Sarath Fonseka yesterday said he is not against the proposed Kotelawala Defence University but he would not approve charging fees for courses.

A News circulating on social media platforms claiming that there is a bomb threat in two leading five-star hotels in Colombo and in places in Bambalapitiya, Wellawatta, Mirihana, Nugegoda, Mount Lavinia and Dehiwala are completely false and people have been urged not to panic, the Police said.

The government has decided to once again revise the procedure to be followed in recalling employees in the public sector back to work.

Sri Lanka has announced revised health guidelines for wedding ceremonies, funerals in light of the prevailing COVID-19 situation in the country.

Former Parliamentarian Ranjan Ramanayake who is currently serving a prison sentence at the Angunukolapelessa Prison, has tested positive for COVID-19.

Matale District SLPP MP Rohana Dissanayake, Badulla District SLPP MP Tissa Kuttiarachchi and Hambantota District SJB MP Dilip Wedaarachchi have tested positive for COVID-19.

Leader of the Opposition Sajith Premadasa says the Samagi Jana Balawegaya will fight against forces that oppose free education.

The Delta variant of COVID-19 has been found to be spreading ultrafast in the Colombo area, Director of the Department of Immunology and Molecular Medicine of the Sri Jayawardenapura University Dr. Chandima Jeewandara stated.

Medical officers raised serious concerns about the surging numbers of COVID-19 patients and deaths, with statistics showing at least three to four patients dying every hour.

Health Minister Pavithra Wanniarachchi yesterday said that an integral home based care programme for the treatment of asymptomatic COVID-19 patients will commence from Monday and over 300 experts in the medical field will provide medical advice to such patients voluntarily.