Possible sets of drugs for coronavirus treatment

A group of scientists led by Dr. Sameera R. Samarakoon at the Institute of Biochemistry Molecular Biology and Biotechnology, University of Colombo has recently discovered a possible sets of United States’ Food and Drug Administration (FDA) approved drugs which can be used as prophylactic treatment for COVID-19 by using computer-based drug designing methods.



Iraj’s appointment to Sri Lanka Tourism still pending

The appointment of popular artiste Iraj Weeraratne as Digital Marketing Consultant to Sri Lanka Tourism is still pending, with Cabinet awaiting approval from respective agencies.



UN Human Rights Chief raises concerns regarding Sri Lanka

In an advanced version of a report on Sri Lanka presented to the UN Human Rights Council (UNHRC) in Geneva ahead of its 43rd session, United Nation’s High Commissioner for Human Rights Michelle Bachelet has raised concerns regarding the island nation.



Sri Lanka to withdraw from co-sponsorship of UNHRC resolution – PM

Prime Minister Mahinda Rajapaksa says that the Sri Lankan government has decided to withdraw from the process of co-sponsorship in relation to United Nations Human Rights Council (UNHRC) Resolution 30/1, which was co-sponsored by the previous Good Governance Government.



Ex-SriLankan CEO Kapila Chandrasena and wife further remanded

Former SriLankan Airlines CEO Kapila Chandrasena and wife Priyanka Wijeynayaka who were arrested on money laundering charges after they surrendered to the CID this morning, were further remanded until March 4 by Colombo Fort Magistrate Ranga Dissanayake today.



Chinese patient who contracted Coronavirus / COVID-19 discharged from IDH

The 43-year-old Chinese national who tested positive for the coronavirus (COVID-19) in January, was released from the National Institute of Infectious Diseases after 25 days this morning.



Train tickets to be made available free of charge for retirees

Retired persons will be able to obtain train tickets free of charge by submitting their National Identity Cards (NICs) to the railway stations.



Batticaloa Campus had acquired 15 acres illegally – CID

The Criminal Investigation Department (CID) has uncovered details of an illegal acquisition of Government land for the controversial Batticaloa campus owned by former Eastern Province Governor , M.L.A.M. Hizbullah. CID sources said the owners of the campus had allegedly acquired 15 acres illegally to build the Campus in addition to the land given by the government.



Parliament dissolution between 2 and 6 March

President Gotabaya Rajapaksa will dissolve Parliament between 2 and 6 March, Information and Communication Technology State Minister Lakshman Yapa Abeywardena said yesterday.



‘Ranjan’s voice clips might lead to serious issues if released’

There was no agreement among party leaders on releasing all the phone recordings that were tabled by UNP MP Ranjan Ramanayake to MPs as it might create serious issues, Parliament was told yesterday.



Ranil, Sajith consensus to contest under swan symbol

United National Party (UNP) Leader Ranil Wickremesinghe and Opposition Leader Sajith Premadasa have agreed to contest the upcoming general election from the Samagi Jana Balawegaya under the swan symbol, UNP MP Navin Dissanayake said.



Police and intelligence units to raid illegal weapons

Those who possess illegal weapons would be charged Rs. 10,000 fine and or five-year rigorous imprisonment if it is the first offence, the Defence Ministry said.



Final decision on alliance symbol tomorrow

The United National Party says a final decision will be reached on the symbol of the Samagi Jana Balawegaya tomorrow.



COVID-19 could damage global growth in 2020 – IMF

The coronavirus epidemic could damage global economic growth this year, the IMF head said on Sunday (Feb 16), but a sharp and rapid economic rebound could follow.



Preliminary report on MCC presented to President

The preliminary report of the 4-member Committee appointed to review the proposed Millennium Challenge Corporation Compact (MCC) was handed over to President Gotabaya Rajapaksa at the Presidential Secretariat yesterday (17).



SLPP and SLFP to contest general election under new alliance with Mahinda as leader

The Sri Lanka Podujana Peramuna (SLPP) and the Sri Lanka Freedom Party (SLFP) will contest the upcoming general election under the alliance – “Sri Lanka Nidahas Podujana Sandanaya”.