A new economic package by the President as a result of COVID-19

Based on an investigation by a committee of experts on the impact of the COVID-19 Virus to the basic economy Cabinet approval has been granted for the President to introduce a new economic package.



All trips or tours banned

All trips and tours including educational trips or recreational tours will be banned from yesterday (18), said DIG Ajith Rohana.He said this at the National Operation Centre for the Prevention of Covid-19.



Chinese province of Wuhan reports NO new coronavirus cases

China’s health ministry today claimed the coronavirus epicentre of Wuhan and its surrounding Hubei province had no new cases of the deadly contagion which has ripped across the globe.



Italy coronavirus deaths rise by record 475 in a day

The number of people dying from coronavirus in Italy has risen by 475 in one day to nearly 3,000 – the biggest increase since the outbreak and the highest one-day official toll of any nation.



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.