The COVID-19 death toll in Sri Lanka climbed to 1,015 with 34 more deaths being confirmed by the Director-General of Health Services today (18), the Government Information Department said.

The Defence Ministry was shifted to the newly constructed Defence Headquarters Complex in Sri Jayawardenepura, Kotte today (May 18).

The Supreme Court has determined that certain clauses of the Colombo Port City Economic Commission Bill are inconsistent with the Constitution of Sri Lanka.

The upcoming Monday (May 24) and Tuesday (May 25) have been declared Special Government Holidays, the Ministry of Public Administration stated.

It has been projected that by September this year more than 20,000 individuals might die of COVID-19, if the Government failed to act efficiently, claimed SJB MP Tissa Attanayake. “According to a recent report published in Washington USA, by September more than 20,000 individuals might die of COVID-19 if adequate measures aren’t taken,” he added.

Former Member of Parliament of Tamil National Alliance (TNA) K. Thurairetnasingam has passed away at the age of 80.

The Government has not yet decided to permit home care for asymptomatic patients, health officials said yesterday, and COVID-19 patients will be directed to the treatment or intermediate care centre closes to them.

Minister Gamini Lokuge says the delay to pass the Colombo Port City Economic Commission Bill in Parliament even by a single day, will be a great loss to the country.

The COVID-19 death toll in Sri Lanka climbed to 981 with 19 more deaths being confirmed by the Director-General of Health Services today (17), the Government Information Department said.

Three police areas in the Mullaitivu District would be placed under isolation with effect from 11.00 p.m. today (17), Army Commander General Shavendra Silva said.

Army Commander General Shavendra Silva says that travel restrictions will be imposed across the island from 11.00 p.m. on Friday (May 21) to 4.00 a.m. on Tuesday (May 25).

Pradeep Gunawardena, the Chairman of Laksala and Salu Sala who was infected COVID-19, has passed away this morning (May 17).

Army Commander General Shavendra Silva announced that 70 Grama Niladhari divisions in 10 districts have been isolated with effect from 6.00 a.m. this morning (17).

The JVP says the government is attempting to direct asymptomatic COVID-19 cases to remain at home, without a stringent plan in place.

Chief Opposition Whip Kandy District MP Lakshman Kiriella yesterday said the government had no funds to buy vaccines for the people as the dollar reserves were extremely low.

Public Security Minister Dr.Sarath Weerasekara said yesterday (16) that a report will be called from the Criminal Investigation Department (CID) regarding the Attorney General’s statement on the incomplete probe into Easter Sunday attack perpetrators.