Only COVID-19 can decide 20 June poll – Mahinda Deshapriya

The COVID-19 spread and fear has curtailed the freedom to hold the General Election. Holding a series of discussions and cancelling the date fixed for the polls earlier, the Election Commission has declared 20 June as the next best date.



Tourism industry will recommence under protective measures – Prime Minister

The Sri Lankan Government will enable people around the world to visit cultural and heritage sites and see scenic beauty of Sri Lanka once the country’s international airports are opened, said Prime Minister Mahinda Rajapaksa.



If not for COVID-19, opposition would have been trounced this weekend – Wijeyadasa

Former Justice Minister, Dr. Wijeyadasa Rajapakse, PC, yesterday, (23), alleged that those opposed to the Election Commission (EC) fixing parliamentary polls, on June 20, feared to face the electorate in the wake of the drubbing they suffered at the last presidential election, comfortably won by Gotabaya Rajapaksa, in Nov 2019.



29 Navy personnel infected with coronavirus

29 Navy personnel at the Sri Lanka Navy base in Welisara have been confirmed to have contracted COVID-19, Army Commander Lieutenant General Shavendra Silva said.



No intention of convening Parliament

The Constitutional Council today met under the Chairmanship of former Speaker Karu Jayasuriya.



337 COVID-19 cases confirmed in Sri Lanka

Two more patients have tested positive for COVID-19 in Sri Lanka increasing the total cases tally to 337, says the Ministry of Health.



335 COVID-19 cases confirmed in Sri Lanka

One more patient has tested positive for COVID-19 in Sri Lanka increasing the total cases tally to 335, says the Ministry of Health.



Private hospitals to be involved in PCR testing

The Ministry of Health has decided to involve private hospitals in the process of carrying out Polymerase chain reaction (PCR) testing in the country to increase the number of PCR tests carried out daily.



334 COVID-19 cases confirmed in Sri Lanka

Seven more patients have tested positive for COVID-19 in Sri Lanka increasing the total cases tally to 334, says the Ministry of Health.



Presidential Task Force on Economic Revival and Poverty Eradication established

President Gotabaya Rajapaksa has appointed a Presidential Task Force in charge of Economic Revival and Poverty Eradication.



Harsha laments absence of facilities to take advantage of plummeting oil prices

Former State Minister Dr. Harsha de Silva, yesterday, said that Sri Lanka was not in a position to take advantage of extremely low fuel prices due to lack of storage facilities.



330 COVID-19 cases confirmed in Sri Lanka

Seven more patients have tested positive for COVID-19 in Sri Lanka increasing the total cases tally to 330, says the Ministry of Health.



323 COVID-19 cases confirmed in Sri Lanka

One more patient has tested positive for COVID-19 in Sri Lanka increasing the total cases tally to 323, says the Ministry of Health.



Ex-Speaker can reconvene the previous Parliament – Kiriella

Former Leader of the House Lakshman Kiriella has deemed the 2nd of March Presidential Proclamation issued to dissolve the Eighth Parliament, invalid, and has requested Former Speaker of House Karu Jayasuriya to reconvene the previous Parliament.



322 COVID-19 cases confirmed in Sri Lanka

One more patient has tested positive for COVID-19 in Sri Lanka increasing the total cases tally to 322, says the Ministry of Health.



321 COVID-19 cases confirmed in Sri Lanka

11 more patients have tested positive for COVID-19 in Sri Lanka increasing the total cases tally to 321, says the Ministry of Health.