Apr 7 (EN) The Centre for Monitoring Election Violence (CMEV) has complained to the National Elections Commission about packets of spices being distributed by Sathosa which bears the election symbol of the SL Podujana Peramuna, a spokesman for the election watchdog said. CMEV Convener Manjula Gajanayake said that the packets of chili powder and curry powder were being given out as part of the relief measures more..

Apr 7 (CT) Secretary to the Ministry of Buddha Sasana, Culture and Religious Affairs, Bandula Harischandra, says the Govt has decided to suspend the staging of the National Vesak Festival this year, in light of the situation in the country. He said that due to this reason, the public should engage in both Amisa and Prathipatti Poojas at homes. The 2020 National Vesak Festival was earlier slated to be held at the Olaboduwa Raja Maha Vihara in the Kalutara District. more..

Apr 7 (HT) Four men from Sri Lanka, who had allegedly attended the Tablighi Jamaat Markaz in Delhi�s Nizamuddin last month, tested positive for Covid-19, in the Nuh district on Sunday. Eight people have been confirmed to have Covid-19 from Nuh and seven of them had visited the congregation in Nizamuddin, held mid-March. Virender Yadav, CMO, Nuh, said: �Two of the patients were found near the Palwal border on March 31 while entering Nuh and the other two were traced to Umra village. more..

Apr 7 (CT) GMOA has warned that if the Govt fails to take prompt preventive measures to curtail the spread of the COVID-19 pandemic, at its peak the fatal illness could infect some 2,500 people in the country. The GMOA has observed that the health officials must specifically monitor the situation of the pandemic in the Kalutara District. They have stressed that if the health authorities fail to address this alarming situation forthwith, more..

Apr 7 (EN) Colombo tea auction which went online due to a Coronavirus curfew ending a 126 year old tradition doing the job, but the digital sales process is still slower than human outcry system it replaced as market market participant learn the ropes, brokers said. An auction due to take place on March 24 had to be abandoned as curfews were slapped on district which had been defined a high risk areas for Covid-19. For 126 year, Colombo�s tea brokers have met an auction floor to sell tea. more..

Apr 7 (Island) The govt has urged the people to drink more hot black tea, which, it says, would help in combating the spread of the novel coronavirus disease. Minister Ramesh Pathirana, said that even though it has not been proven, medically, that tea could kill the coronavirus, there was circumstantial evidence to say that it could act as a cure. Recent studies done, in Taiwan, he said indicated that black tea has properties that could potentially inhibit SARS-CoV2, which is bio-structural more..

Apr 7 (NR) The Police has introduced four new methods of obtaining curfew passes. President�s Media Division said the public gathering in large numbers to obtain passes during curfew, has hampered govt efforts in containing the spread of the coronavirus. Accordingly, the Police will issue curfew permits under four methods. The passes will be issued by Police Headquarters, office of Senior DIG, more..

Apr 7 (PMD) A contribution of Rs. 66 million was made to the COVID � 19 Healthcare and Social Security Fund within two days. The latest donations had increased the balance of the Fund to Rs. 380 million. Minister Dullas Alahapperuma donated his Cabinet Minister�s salary for the month of April and Minister Gamini Lokuge donated Rs. 10 million. These donations were received by Prez Gotabaya Rajapaksa today (6). The balance of the Fund had gone up with the contributions of Rs. 25 mil more..

Apr 7 (EN) DIG Ajith Rohana is warning people who are fear-mongering about minority communities and distracting the authorities from the fight against the spread of the COVID 19 virus. Referring to a sound clip purported to be from an employee who has been advised by his managers against Muslims which is being shared widely, Rohana said that the CID is probing the origins of the tape. The police have identified the individuals involved in spreading audio clip and action would be taken against them. more..

Apr 7 (AD) Sri Lanka confirmed its 6th death due to COVID-19 as an 80-year-old male succumbed to the virus today. The death is reported from the IDH in Angoda, Director General of Health Services Dr. Anil Jasinghe stated. The deceased is said to be a resident of Dehiwala area. The country has reported 178 positive cases so far while 38 of them were discharged from hospitals after recovering completely. 137 patients continue to be under medical care while over 250 suspected more..

Apr 7 (EN) Holders of valid student or work visa can still travel to Korea and enter the country after being quarantined but the embassy in Colombo said it is halting consular services. Qatar Airways still travels to Korea. After arriving in Korea, a quarantine fee of 100,000 Korean Won a day has to be paid for 14 days. The full statement is reproduced below: Due to the curfew order implemented by the Govt of SL, Consular Section of the Embassy of Korea has closed services until further notice. more..

Apr 7 (EN) The current COVID-19 lockdown should be reviewed after the coming traditional new year, while increasing testing capacity and encouraging continued social-distancing and self-isolation practices, chair professors of medicine in six SL state universities said today. The academics, who are also specialist physicians, made this remark in a joint-statement issued this morning recommending an exit strategy for Sri Lanka more..

Apr 7 (NR) Dambulla Economic Centre has been closed until further notice. Chairman of the Dambulla Economic Centre Traders Association Channa Arawwala said the decision to close the Centre was reached after taking into account the safety of farmers, traders and the public. The Chairman stated that extensive talks were held with Basil Rajapaksa and Minister Janaka Bandara Tennakoon, over the risk of the virus spreading and poor health practices observed by the public more..

Apr 7 (DM) India gifted a 10 tonne consignment of essential life saving medicines to SL, in view of the ongoing COVID-19 crisis. These medicines have been requested by Govt of SL. The consignment was brought to Sl by an Air India Special Charter flight today. This is yet another manifestation of India�s unwavering commitment to stand with SL, in rain and in shine. Despite its own domestic challenges and constraints, India has always believed in sharing its resources & expertise more..

Apr 7 (AD) Two more patients have been confirmed to have contracted the novel coronavirus earlier this evening (07), said the Epidemiology Unit of the Health Ministry. Seven new patients have tested positive for the COVID-19 virus as of 7 pm today. Accordingly, the confirmed COVID-19 case count in Sri Lanka rises to 185. A total of 147 COVID-19 patients are currently under medical care while 42 patients have recovered from more..

Apr 7 (DM) Four more coronavirus patients have recovered and have been discharged from hospital today. This brings the total number of Covid-19 patients who have recovered in the country to 42. The number of confirmed cases of Covid-19 in Sri Lanka is at 180 while 132 patients (active cases) are currently under medical care. Meanwhile some 255 suspected patients are also under observation at selected hospitals in the country. There have been 06 deaths due to coronavirus in the country. more..

Apr 7 (MFA) Foreign Secretary Ravinatha Aryasinha has outlined the role and preparations of the Ministry of Foreign Relations and its missions across the world, in helping Sri Lanka tackle the COVID-19 pandemic and addressing concerns of Sri Lankan nationals overseas. Referring to Sri Lankan citizens abroad, he said �parents here in Sri Lanka, should rest a little bit more comfortably about their children, knowing that the Embassy is a phone call away and if there are issues on the ground, more..

Apr 8 (CT) The bird sings not because it has an answer. The bird sings because it has a song. I did not vote for this president. That said, since a majority decided to pluck lemon, in this season I am reconciled to drink lemonade. In this hour of existential crisis, we must not blur the thin line between solidarity and stupidity. No epidemiologist, no immunologist, no virologist told us or the President that we should not hold elections in April. No one knew. more..

Apr 8 (CT) The battle against the COVID virus is becoming more protracted and requiring of greater sacrifice than originally envisaged. This is leading to correspondingly increasing tensions in society, especially in the hotspot districts including Colombo, as the curfew gets extended and daily wage earners find it more and more difficult to sustain their families. So far there has been little or no manifestation of dissent against the serial extension of the curfew. more..

Apr 8 (CT) The Coronavirus has resulted in five deaths in Sri Lanka so far, with the number of patients increasing daily and the Govt taking a slew of strict measures to address the issue. While these efforts should be appreciated, a number of incidents reported over the past few days have cast doubt on the Govt's ability to meet citizens' day-to-day needs in the face of such a crisis. Although the precautionary measures more..

Apr 8 (ST) The trio had gathered near Kussi Amma Sera�s gate on this sunny Thursday morning, in a V-shape formation, keeping a safe distance of more than one metre between each other in line with physical distancing recommendations. It was the first time in many days they were meeting and over mugs of tea, they were engaged in deep conversation. �Apey lamai-ge rassawata monowa weida (What will happen to our children�s jobs)?� asked Mabel Rasthiyadu. more..

Apr 8 (DM) The post Coronavirus or COVID-19 world is likely to see a paradigm shift in the global order. With the pandemic exposing the vulnerability of the world despite its much hyped technological advancement, health promotion is tipped to top the development agenda of the govts as well as the international agencies. After all human race should first survive to enjoy the perks of the advancement in other spheres. Hence it�s quite timely to explore how prepared Sri Lanka is for this evolution. more..

Apr 8 (ST) The Advocata Institute, an independent policy think tank based in Colombo, recently launched a report titled Barriers to Micro and Small Enterprises in Sri Lanka, based on a survey. The barriers � commonly known as Red Rape- , often results in officials enforcing regulations through bribery and corruption. However this story is not about the Advocata or barriers or failures, but about a courageous and determined youth more..

Apr 8 (CT) At the time of writing on Monday (6), Epidemiology Unit reports, in the last three days to the 24 hours ending at 10 am on Monday, on a 24 hourly basis beginning at 10 am on Saturday and ending at 10 am on Monday, the number of new COVID-19 cases diagnosed within the 24 hour parameter levels outnumbered recoveries,. For instance, as at 10 am Saturday (4), over 10 am the previous day Friday (3), it was five, with eight new cases reported as opposed to 3 recoveries more..

Apr 8 (Island) The govt has drawn heavy criticism for the manner in which the bodies of some Covid-19 victims were disposed of, recently. There are two schools of thought anent this issue; one insists that the families of the deceased be allowed to perform last rites while the other opines that health guidelines should be strictly adhered, in order protect others, at the expense of funerary rituals. Attempts are being made, in some quarters, to give this sensitive issue an ethno-religious twist. more..

Apr 8 (DM) Much has been written about the coronavirus and its impact on global communities. Almost every continent in the world has been affected by the viral infection and millions of people have directly or indirectly been affected by the power of the virus. Humanity is indeed facing one of the most dangerous and difficult natural disasters in recent history. Yet the struggle against this natural disaster has brought up unpredicted threats and uncertainties through which the freedom of more..

Apr 8 (Island) Nations Trust Bank (NTB) has appointed Priyantha Talwatte as CEO, succeeding former CEO, Renuka Fernando. Talwatte who has been an integral part of the corporate management team of the Bank for the past 17 years, was appointed Deputy CEO and named CEO designate in Jan 2019. With over 27 years of professional experience in diverse sectors, Priyantha Talwatte energised the consumer banking business at NTB as a transformative business leader. more..

Apr 8 (DM) While the govt�s response to COVID-19 may have shielded SL from a major loss of life, the imminent large-scale economic fallout will be harder to prevent. The country has been struggling with low economic growth in 2019/20, poor export growth, a decline in tourism and high currency depreciation. With many economists predicting an oncoming global recession or depression similar to the 1930s more..

Apr 8 (Island) The so-far well integrated, concerted govt effort to mitigate the menace of the COVID 19 pandemic seemed to take a detour last week, forced by the clamour of Muslim religious groups and politicians, and some NGOs, demanding the right to dispose of dead bodies of Muslims in accordance with Islamic burial rites. The demands for practices that include preference to die in their own homes and collective bathing of the dead body show shocking insensitivity to welfare of others. more..

Apr 8 (CT) This analysis is based on a dialogue the PTF Chairman Basil Rajapaksa had during a TV discussion. In Sri Lanka the COVID-19 battle has not abated and the number of contracted patients diagnosed daily is still on the increase. Basil Rajapaksa, Chairman of the Presidential Task Force (PTF) along with Minister Pavithra Wanniarachchi are significantly contributing their might in combatting the virus and arriving at asignificant modus operandi to cut off its tentacles more..

Apr 8 (Island) The interest for women�s cricket has soared through the skies in the last decade or so. With India becoming a strong force in women�s cricket since the dawn of the new millennium, live telecast of the game has increased the eyeballs that watch girls playing the cover drive or bowling the wrong�un. As a result, ICC has put in place a structure that includes a World Championship and World Cups more..

Apr 8 (Island) It is reported that Prez Rajapaksa has granted a pardon to former Corporal Sunil Rathnayake, who was convicted of murder, unlawful assembly and common intent by a Trial-at-Bar in 2015. On appeal, the judgment was upheld by a five Judge Bench of the Supreme Court. There is considerable reaction from the public both nationally and internationally for the decision taken by the Prez. As part of this reaction Human Rights Commissioner of SL (HRCSL) has written to more..

Apr 8 (FT) Prez Gotabaya Rajapaksa and UNP Leader Ranil Wickremesinghe were among those who sent wishes for a speedy recovery to British PM Boris Johnson who has been moved to intensive care after contracting COVID-19. The President in a Twitter message wished the British PM a speedy recovery, adding, �Our prayers are with you and the people of UK during these trying times.� UNP Leader also wished Johnson a speedy recovery and said his presence in the frontline in the battle more..

Apr 8 (MoD) Healthcare persons are in the frontlines of the danger zone since they act as the first respondents who are directly involved in patient�s care and keep prolonged close contacts with patients who are suspected or confirmed of COVID-19 infection. There is more chance for coronavirus to transmit through exposure to vectors and the places where they had physical contact to which medical and healthcare more..

Apr 8 (AD) All pharmacies across the country will open from 9.00 am to 5.00 pm on Thursday (9). This was decided at the meeting of the Presidential Task Force on Essential Services, headed by its Chairman Basil Rajapaksa and Health Minister Pavithra Wanniarachchi, yesterday. As per the decision, all pharmacies island-wide, even the ones in high-risk zones for COVID-19 where the curfew is in force until further notice, will be open for services. Curfew imposed in other districts, more..

Apr 8 (FT) Sri Lanka�s iconic brand Dilmah�s founder Merrill J Fernando has welcomed the conduct of the tea auctions electronically as unbelievable and a great step. In a live video aired to the industry, Fernando recalled that the tea industry was 151 years old and sadly it remains very traditional and conservative in respect of administration. �To know that the present CTTA and its members have collectively made tea auctions online is unbelievable,� said Fernando. more..

Apr 8 (Island) Former Finance Minister Mangala Samaraweera said that due to legal complications, there might also be delays in drawing down the $128 million (Rs. 24.4 billion) soft-loan granted by the World Bank Group to fight Covid-19. Samaraweera issued the following statement yesterday: �For the period of Jan 1, 2020 to Apr 2, 2020, the Govt has borrowed Rs. 650.15 billion through SL Development Bonds, more..