Constitutional protection should be afforded to Sri Lanka’s flora if the ecosystem is to be protected, His Eminence Malcolm Cardinal Ranjith said.

Operations to curb illegal drug ring in the island would be further strengthened during next year (2021), Defence Secretary Major General (Retd) Kamal Gunaratne said yesterday.

The United Nations has assured Sri Lanka its support in procuring, distributing and administering of the vaccine against COVID-19.

While clarifying that State sponsorship has not been given to the alleged cure for COVID-19, made by shaman Dhammika Bandara from Kegalle, Co-Cabinet Spokesman Dr. Ramesh Pathirana noted the Government cannot stop people from consuming it since the Pharmacology Unit of the Ayurveda Department has approved the syrup as a food supplement.

The JVP yesterday alleged that the government had chosen to muscle Facebook and social media instead of controlling the prices of essential food items.

Two more COVID-19 related deaths have been reported in Sri Lanka, the Department of Government Information confirmed a short while ago.

The Cabinet of Ministers has granted approval to waive landing and parking fees from international flight operators in order to encourage airlines to operate flights to Sri Lanka.

Five more COVID-19 related deaths have been reported in Sri Lanka, the Department of Government Information confirmed a short while ago.

The Deputy Director General of Health Services, Dr. Hemantha Herath says Rapid Antigen Tests will be carried out on individuals leaving the Western Province, at random.

The JVP was planning to conduct a countrywide seminar series to inform the public of what it calls the looming danger to the national economy and people’s lives due to the government’s failure

The Government Medical Officers Association (GMOA) yesterday warned that the spread of COVID-19 could increase if people continue to act irresponsibly during the upcoming holidays.

Minister of Media Keheliya Rambukwella says the government has been considering registering foreign digital operators and not social media and digital platform users.

Education Minister Professor G.L. Peiris has stated that all schools from Grade 01 to Grade 05 will reopen on 11 January 2021 for academic activities except in Western Province and in isolated areas.

State Minister of Primary Health Care, Epidemics and COVID Disease Control Sudarshini Fernandopulle says despite reopening airports, tourists will be allowed into the country only if they have tested negative for COVID-19 and after completing 14 days in quarantine.

Chief Opposition Whip Lakshman Kiriella said that today there is no control on the prices of goods because the Government has lost control and people are suffering immensely as a result.

More than 630 COVID-19 cases had been detected in the Southern Province in Sri Lanka, the Provincial anti-COVID-19 coordination office said yesterday.