The Lankapura Divisional Secretariat office in Pollonnaruwa has been temporarily closed from today (30) after a staff member tested positive for COVID-19, Pollonnaruwa Regional Director of Health Services Dr. W. K. W. S. Kumarawansa said.

Two officials from the Kelaniya and Kolonnawa district secretariats have been arrested while transporting 250 grams of crystal methamphetamine, also known as ‘ice’.

Leader of the United National Party Ranil Wickremesinghe says only the UNP is capable of reviving the country’s economy, which has been left in dire straits in the wake of the COVID-19 crisis.

Transport Services Management Minister Mahinda Amaraweera says that the transport sector will be developed in such a way that the government will be able to scrap the duty-free vehicle scheme for MPs.

The UNP faction led by Ranil Wickremesinghe is trying to scare and mislead UNP Local Government members who are supporting the Samagi Jana Balawegaya (SJB) at the General Election, former Minister Ranjith Maddumabandara said yesterday.

Although the United National Party (UNP) Working Committee suspended the Party membership of 54 of its former MPs, former Deputy Leader Sajith Premadasa’s name does not appear on the list of suspended MPs.

A separate date will not be allocated for those undergoing quarantine to cast their ballot, the National Elections Commission said.

Former State Intelligence Service (SIS) Director SDIG Nilantha Jayawardena yesterday informed the PCoI probing Easter Sunday attacks that mastermind of the Easter Sunday bombings was not Zaharan, but his mentor Nawfar Moulavi.

President Gotabaya Rajapaksa says Colombo will be developed under a well-designed plan while addressing main issues faced by the people.

An individual who had been illegally transporting ethanol to a private company has been arrested in the area of Pamunugama.

Prime Minister Mahinda Rajapaksa has urged the public to look at the past before believing promises made by candidates during election periods.

The Working Committee of the United National Party (UNP) has approved the removal of party memberships of 115 members, according party sources.

Prime Minister Mahinda Rajapaksa claims the underworld activities increased sharply during the term of the previous good governance government.

United National Party Leader Ranil Wickremesinghe said the present electoral system has to be amended urgently, as it is a costly and foolish exercise.

Following corporate and individual donations and direct deposits, the ‘Itukama’ COVID-19 Healthcare and Social Security Fund balance has now surpassed Rs.1,526 million.