China extends US$ 500 million assistance package

China has extended a US$ 500 million financial arrangement on concessional terms on both interest and tenure.



Seetha Arambepola resigns as Western Province governor

Western Province Governor Dr Seetha Arambepola resigns from her post after she has been nominated in the SLPP national list.



Maximum retail price for Big Onions

A gazette notification issued setting a Maximum Retail Price of Rs.150 per kg for Big Onions from today (18), Consumer Affairs Authority said.



Investigations into Rajitha and Fonseka’s statements on COVID-19

The Colombo Crimes Division (CCD) has launched an investigation into several misleading statements made by former MPs Rajitha Senaratna and Field Marshal Sarath Fonseka over the COVID-19 situation in the country, police said.



Eight more tested positive for COVID-19 in Sri Lanka – Total cases climb to 51

Eight more persons have tested positive for coronavirus in Sri Lanka bringing the total number of patient to 51, the National Operation Centre for Prevention of Covid-19 has announced.



Taxes on imported face masks, sanitizers waived off

All taxes on imported face masks and sanitizers have been waived off, stated the Ministry of Finance.



COVI19 crisis trumps the economy – Tilvin

The JVP says it is the responsibility of the government to prioritise the lives of the people over pondering on the country’s economy in the wake of the threat of the coronavirus.



Police curfew in Puttalam & Negombo until further notice

Police curfew would be imposed in Puttalam District and Kochchikade in Negombo with effect from 4.30 pm today (18) until further notice.



Quarantine centre set up at Boossa naval premises

In the backdrop where COVID-19 outbreak has turned out to be pandemic across the world, Sri Lanka Navy shouldering the national responsibility has swiftly set up a quarantine centre at the Boossa naval premises on 16th March 2020 to accommodate the influx of passengers from affected countries.



Validity of all issued visas extended for 30 days

Due to the spread of the Covid-19 virus, the Department of Immigration and Emigration has decided to extend the validity of all types of visas currently issued to foreigners in Sri Lanka.



TNA calls for postponement of election

The Tamil National Alliance has called for the postponement of the April 25 parliamentary election.



Responsibility, discipline key to combating COVID-19

President Gotabaya Rajapaksa addressing the Special Task Force to combat the global pandemic COVID-19 sternly said stringent measures must be put in place, including restriction of all arrivals at Bandaranaike International Airport (BIA) for the next two weeks, over concerns that many passengers from COVID-19 affected countries might be unaccounted for.



Validity period of driving and riding licenses extended

The validity period of driving licences expiring between March 16 and April 15 has been extended, says the Minister of Transport.



COVID-19 cases in Sri Lanka climb to 43

Nine more persons have tested positive for coronavirus in Sri Lanka bringing the total number of patient to 43, the National Operation Centre for Prevention of Covid-19 has announced.



COVID-19 cases in Sri Lanka climb to 34

The number of COVID-19 positive cases in Sri Lanka has climbed to 34, says Minister of Health Pavithra Wanniarachchi.



Sri Lanka halts passenger arrivals at Katunayake Airport

All passenger arrivals at Bandaranaike International Airport (BIA), Katunayake would be suspended with effect from today for two weeks, the Government said.