Chinese Ambassador to Sri Lanka Qi Zhenhong says that the Chinese Government is giving priority to providing all assistance to control the COVID-19 pandemic in Sri Lanka.

Sri Lanka yesterday recorded the highest number of COVID-19 deaths in a single day.

Chairman of the State Pharmaceuticals Corporation Dr. Prasanna Gunasena says a third vaccine dose against the coronavirus will be provided if the need arises.

Colombo Magistrate’s Court has rejected the bail applications filed by four suspects including the wife of MP Rishad Bathiudeen and further remanded them until August 23.

The All Ceylon Ports General Employees Union has organized a protest in the Colombo Fort area today (09).

Minister of Education G.L. Peiris says there is no possibility to reopen schools in the first week of September, as planned previously.

It is strange that the Government is blaming protesters for the increase in COVID-19 patients, despite the fact that even MPs have contracted COVID-19, Opposition Leader Sajith Premadasa said.

Finance Minister Basil Rajapaksa expects to save foreign exchange by reducing the import of goods and increasing domestic production.

Both the Government and the people should be held responsible for the present COVID-19 situation, Public Health Inspectors’ Association President Upul Rohana said.

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.