The International Monetary Fund has approved requests for emergency pandemic aid from 50 of its 189 members for a total of about $18 billion and is continuing to work quickly through the remaining more than 50 requests, an IMF spokesman said on Thursday.

The College of Medical Laboratory Science Sri Lanka (CMLSSL) has raised serious concerns on the test results of suspected COVID-19 cases issued by the University of Sri Jayewardenepura, saying that many of the tests that came out positive from the University laboratory later turned out to be negative.

Dr. P. B. Jayasundera, Secretary to the President, has requested all government servants to donate their salary for May, fully or partially, to the government, taking into consideration the crisis faced by the country.

The World Health Organization (WHO) has provided Rs. 151 million worth medical equipment to Sri Lanka to strengthen the country’s fight against COVID-19, a Health Ministry spokesman said.

20 more patients have tested positive for COVID-19 in Sri Lanka increasing the total cases tally to 824, says the Ministry of Health.

Seven more patients have tested positive for COVID-19 in Sri Lanka increasing the total cases tally to 804, says the Ministry of Health.

17 more COVID-19 patients have been discharged from the hospital after recovering from the virus, stated the Ministry of Health.

A group of 197 Sri Lankans stranded in Dubai due to travel restrictions amidst the coronavirus pandemic has arrived in the island this morning, onboard a special SriLankan Airlines flight.

Several Fundamental Rights (FR) petitions were filed at the Supreme Court, on Tuesday, challenging the decision of the President to dissolve Parliament, on March 2, and the decision by the Elections Commission to reschedule elections, on June 20, amidst the Coronavirus (COVID-19) pandemic.

The path preached by the Lord Buddha is the solace in this pandemic situation. The entire world has understood the truthfulness of Lord Buddha’s Dhamma which says life is impermanent and nothing is permanent. The best way to face such a situation is to discipline the mind, body and word, stated Prime Minister Mahinda Rajapaksa in his Vesak Day message.

At this time of calamity, let us determine to save the people and the country by practicing the teachings of the Buddha and adhering to the corona prevention measures, President Gotabaya Rajapaksa stated in his message for Vesak.

Two more patients have tested positive for COVID-19 in Sri Lanka increasing the total cases tally to 797, says the Ministry of Health.

21 more patients have tested positive for COVID-19 in Sri Lanka increasing the total cases tally to 795, says the Ministry of Health.

Three more patients have tested positive for COVID-19 in Sri Lanka increasing the total cases tally to 774, says the Ministry of Health.

A group of Sri Lankan students who were stranded in Singapore due to the outbreak of COVID-19 has been brought back to the island.

The United States announced the commitment of more than $4.5 million to help Sri Lanka in its fight against COVID-19. This brings the total U.S. contribution to $5.8 million.