Aug 18 (DM) The Health Ministry today issued a set of new health guidelines to be followed by the general public until August 31. According to the revised guidelines, the shopping malls will remain closed while only one person per household is permitted to go outside unless engaged in essential services. The public transport is only allowed to transport seated passengers of the bus/train within the provincial limits. Private sector offices can be operated with a minimum number of staff more..

Aug 18 (AD) SL has registered 170 more COVID-19 related fatalities confirmed by the Director-General of Health Services on Tuesday (17). This marks the tenth consecutive day that the daily count of COVID-19 deaths surpassed 100. The new development has pushed the official death toll from the virus outbreak in SL to 6,604. The latest victims include 84 males and 86 females. None among the victims are aged below 30 years while 40 of them are aged between 30-59 years and more..

Aug 18 (EN) Trade associations have put up shutters in several town centres to control soaring Coronavirus cases while trade unions have issued a lockdown ultimatum after authorities rejected calls by doctors for an official one. The self-imposed lockdown by local business associations in Ambalangoda, Gampaha, Kegalle, Anuradhapura, Trincomalee, Matale, Puttalum and part of Colombo came amid more..

Aug 18 (EN) Sri Lanka has failed to sell 54.8% of a 53.5 billion rupees Treasury bill auction despite a ceiling rate, which is operating as a de facto policy rate being raised 05 basis points to 5.38 percent, data from the debt office showed. 23.3 billion rupees of 3-month bills were sold at 5.33 percent up 05 basis points from a week earlier after offering 17.5 billion. 932 million rupees of 6-month bills were sold at 5.34 percent up 07 basis points. There were no sales of 12-month bills. more..

Aug 18 (TM) Consulate General of SL in Melbourne coordinated the shipment of two tons of medical equipment in nine consignments by SriLankan airlines direct flights from Melbourne to Colombo, between 09 June and 07 August, 2021. These equipment were donated by the SL community associations and well-wishers in Victoria, South Australia and Western Australia, the Consulate General of SL in Melbourne stated. Some of the lifesaving equipment donated were more..

Aug 19 (DM) The pall of gloom hovering over our Island brings with it a feeling of trepidation when reflecting on what is in store for Sri Lankans in the coming days and weeks. It is unnerving to say the least. We begin this column with last week�s concluding paragraph: �Where do we go from here? Amid the COVID crisis intensifying even further, resulting in a growing number of patients requiring hospital treatment and a hard-pressed healthcare system stretched to breaking point, more..

Aug 19 (DM) The Coronavirus has changed the world. It has transformed lifestyles. It has forced a re-think on a wide range of activities and things we have taken for granted. It has also spawned epidemiologists to the tune of millions. Yes, tongue-in-cheek, but just look around you, talk to people, and you�ll be strained to find anyone who knows nothing about the virus. In fact, many would not feel constrained to wax eloquent on the origin, spread, remedy, and even extrapolate several months more..

Aug 19 (DM) Historically in Sri Lanka animals have always coexisted with humanity and a companionship and understanding developed between each other. However, in the status quo the animal kingdom has suffered significant harm and loss of life, purely due to the negligence and ignorance of the society at large. As a result of man, the legislature, which was built to protect the welfare of domestic and wildlife creatures, more..

Aug 19 (CT) The three responsibilities of Govts are to protect, provide and invest in its citizens. � World Economic Forum Fatalities caused by COVID-19 terror virtually kept on climbing to record high levels on a daily basis in the past consecutive nine days beginning last Sunday (8) to Monday (16) since the first COVID death was recorded in Sri Lanka on 29 March 2020, according to immediately available official figures. Monday, with 171 deaths, is so far the highest; more..

Aug 19 (ST) There is considerable confusion and uncertainty as to whether the ban on chemical fertiliser was lifted or not. Is it or is it not? The Finance Minister issued a statement that was widely interpreted as a removal of the ban on chemical fertiliser. This was immediately contradicted by the Secretary to the Finance Ministry and Secretary to the Treasury that there was no change in the fertiliser import policy. Soon after, a statement from the Prez�s office stated categorically that more..

Aug 19 (DM) Prez Rajapaksa and former Prez Sirisena inaugurated the China � SL Friendship National Hospital of Nephrology on May 11. Kidney patients heaved a sigh of relief with the hope that treatments and transplantations for kidney patients would begin soon. It has been more than one month since the hospital was inaugurated, but treating patients is yet to begin. Giving hopes to kidney patients Polonnaruwa General Hospital more..

Aug 19 (TM) There is only so much a govt can do to protect its citizens. Whether the incumbent Govt has done the bare minimum or not is a matter for debate, and the answer is likely to be strongly divided along political lines. Govt has conducted itself in an exemplary manner at times, while at other times displaying astounding levels of shortsightedness and obstinance, and these qualities have rightfully made govt either wildly popular or extremely unpopular, with common voters not blinded by loyalties. more..

Aug 19 (GV) About 10 days ago, a video surfaced online of an unmasked and ungloved policeman stopping and arresting some men in a trishaw on a road in the dead of night. Among these men was none other than IUSF convener and speaker Wasantha Mudalige, well-known student activist and figure that the author has seen and heard speak while covering protests related to the Kotelawala National Defense Uni (KNDU) Bill. Mudalige and seven other student activists were arrested more..

Aug 19 (FT) Govt has decided to expand the Ceylon Tea Global Promotion Program offering financial support to include private brands as well. A decision to this effect was made by the Cabinet of Ministers at its meeting on Tuesday. The scheme for financial assistance for Brand Promotion of Ceylon Tea Brands which carry the Lion logo, by providing matching grants, has been in existence since 2015. The scheme provides a 50% adjustment grant on the cost incurred to promote Pure Ceylon Tea more..

Aug 19 (Island) COVID-19 is a highly critical issue which we are currently facing. However, economic crisis we are facing too is critical. According to media reports the country�s foreign exchange reserves have dwindled to very low levels. Minister Udaya Gammapilla, recently said SL lacked enough cash to pay for oil imports. In the near future, it is likely that import of many items will be curtailed due to lack of foreign exchange. The present economic crisis can be attributed to many factors. more..

Aug 19 (Island) SL�s junior athletes will commence their World Under-20 Championship campaign when they make the country�s debut in mixed relay on day one of the event in Nairobi today. Ananda Sastralaya Matugama sprinter Isuru Kaushalya, Wekada MV, Chilaw sprinter Dilshan Bandara, Ratnayaka Central, Walala runner Tharushi Karunaratne and Holy Cross College, Gampaha athlete Lakshima Mendis will form more..

Aug 19 (FT) On the back of a bullish market dominated by local investors, the logistics-rich but young diversified conglomerate Expolanka Holdings PLC yesterday dislodged John Keells Holdings (JKH) and Ceylon Tobacco (CTC) to become the second-most valuable listed company in SL. The much sought after and heavily traded Expolanka share yesterday continued its rise further by 16%, or Rs. 14, to close at Rs. 99.60. This propelled Expo's market capitalisation to Rs. 194.7 billion, more..

Aug 19 (Island) The govt finds itself in a dilemma. To close or not to close is the question that troubles it. The pandemic is raging with infections and the death toll rising steadily; public health experts are calling for a lockdown to halt the runaway transmission of the virus, ease strain on the hospital network, which is already faced with a capacity crunch, and isolate the infected while vaccination is ramped up. A lockdown is the most effective way of curbing the spread of the pandemic, more..

Aug 19 (EN) Central Bank has raised an overnight rate by 50 basis points to 6% at its monetary policy meeting in August, as it runs out of foreign reserves due to liquidity injected through ceiling Treasuries yields which act as de facto policy rate. The statutory reserve ratio has also been raised by 2% to 4% from Sept 1. The interbank market is already short due to reserve outflows. SL�s central bank which is running a pegged more..

Aug 19 (Island) There is something special about those from the south. Apart from being able to hang in there no matter how desperate the situation is, they are also able to think out of the box. Richmond College, Galle has produced some rare talents in recent years while going onto dominate school cricket. Their former skipper Kamindu Mendis is one of those special talents. Kamindu is ambidextrous. In an over, he�s able to bowl off-spin and then without any fuss he is able to switch to bowl left-arm more..

Aug 19 (CT) A brilliant spell of bowling by Himesh Ramanayake, and a captain�s innings from Dinesh Chandimal, guided SLC Reds to a 6 wicket win over SLC Blues in the Dialog - SLC Invitational T20 League on day four yesterday. Batting first, SLC Blues were restricted to 146 runs in their allotted 20 overs with left hander Dhananjaya Lakshan top scoring with a magnificent 55 runs off 47 deliveries including 6 boundaries. Dhananjaya along with Nishan Madhushka (25) steadied the ship more..

Aug 19 (DN) The three suspended cricketers Kusal Mendis, Danushka Gunathilaka and Niroshan Dickwella are set to leave for the US to continue their career, according to reliable sources at Sri Lanka Cricket (SLC). All three cricketers are planning to play in the US under the coordination of a former captain of the SL Cricket Team. �We have received information regarding this move and if that�s the case, we are unable to prevent them from travelling to the US,� the source said. more..

Aug 19 (Island) The Island is deeply saddened to announce the demise of one of its veteran journalists. Suresh Perera, 59, was a colossus when it came to both his size and the quality of his work. He was unarguably a heavyweight in journalism. Close to six feet in height and easily weighing over 100 kilos, he was a man of few words, who jealously guarded his private life. Suresh joined The Island in the mid-80s, having worked elsewhere as a journalist, soon became a versatile reporter, more..

Aug 19 (FT) Colombo Stock Exchange (CSE) said that it had showcased a strong growth trajectory in capital raised by SL corporates of all scales during first 7 months of 2021. It said SL corporates are increasingly recognising the exchange as a platform to achieve greater financial freedom, improved access to capital, enhanced global profile, access to liquidity and an attractive proposition to tap into global capital. more..

Aug 19 (CT) Sri Lanka made it to the finals and finished 7th in the Mix 4x400m relay at the World U-20 Championship 2021 held in Nairobi, Kenya yesterday. Running from lane 1, they finished ahead of Czech Republic. The race was won by Nigeria with a championship record, followed by Poland and India. The quartet clocked 3:26.39 seconds in the final, which is a Sri Lanka record, as this is the first instance Sri Lanka competed in the mix relay event. SL changed the lap order in the finals, more..

Aug 19 (TM) The contract dispute between the national cricketers and the cricket board, that had been running on for almost first half of the year, ended on Monday with the two parties settled for a solution following successful intervention by Sri Lanka Cricket (SLC) President Shammi Silva and one of its Vice Presidents Jayantha Dharmadasa. As a result, SLC has agreed to offer contracts to 21 players for five months from August on a tour-by-tour basis. more..

Aug 19 (FT) Health authorities stated that 3,676 persons tested positive for COVID-19 yesterday, raising the country�s total detections to 369,359. This is the highest number of COVID-19 patients detected in a day, with 3,623 cases detected on 19 May and 3,609 cases detected on Tuesday. The patients detected yesterday include 3,660 persons from the New Year cluster and 16 overseas arrivals. In total, 262,918 patients more..

Aug 19 (FT) SLT-Mobitel, in support of the nation�s battle against the COVID-19 pandemic, has joined forces with the Sri Lanka Medical Association (SLMA) to provide 24/7 free medical advice on COVID-19 through the Doc Call 247 service. This crucial service is being carried out in partnership with the Health Ministry, SLMA, and Suwaseriya. SLT-Mobitel has extended the facility to other telecom service providers namely Dialog, Airtel and Hutch, enabling all SLns to avail this service. more..

Aug 19 (Island) Environment Ministry Secretary, Dr. Anil Jasinghe, has appointed seven Sub-Committees on Organic Fertiliser Production; Quality Control & Supply Network Management; Underutilised Land Development; Organic Crop Growers and Food Producers & Indigenous Market Creation; Renewable Energy & Electric Transport Promotion; Forest & Pollution Reduction, Wildlife Habitat Restoration & Biodiversity; and Green Finance & Int'l Cooperation. more..

Aug 19 (FT) Amidst the foreign exchange crisis, the Govt has decided to import 164 vehicles claiming they are required for essential services in containing COVID-19. The proposal to this effect submitted by Finance Minister Basil Rajapaksa was approved by the Cabinet of Ministers on Tuesday. The 164 vehicles include 52 water bowsers, 50 ambulances and 62 double cabs. �This latest initiative isn�t linked to more..

Aug 19 (DM) Mayoress of Colombo Rosy Senanayake requested for the closure of all business establishments in Colombo city as a precaution to contain COVID 19 pandemic. "I request all business establishments in Colombo City to be closed for a few days to contain the pandemic. The support given to me by closing business establishments in view to support contain the pandemic spread in the city," she said. She noted that more than 90% of the cases were more..

Aug 19 (FT) Swiss International Airlines, from 4 Nov, will start two weekly flights operated by leading Swiss leisure airline Edelweiss between Colombo and Zurich for business and private travel. Customers departing to Zurich will have access to Lufthansa Group�s vast European network with excellent flight connections to almost every other European country. LX 8065 (operated by Edelweiss) will depart from Colombo at 10:05 am/12:50 pm, with arrival in Zurich at 4:40 pm/7:15 pm more..

Aug 19 (TM) The provision of a booster shot or third dose of a Covid-19 vaccine is currently being evaluated by the experts and a final decision in this regard is to be taken by the Advisory Committee on Communicable Diseases (ACCD) in the coming days, according to the Health Ministry. When contacted by The Morning to inquire into any plans to provide a third dose of Covid-19 vaccines, Health Ministry�s Communications Director, more..

Aug 19 (CT) PM Mahinda Rajapaksa yesterday, phoned former Afghanistan President Karzai Hamid to inquire about the developments in Afghanistan after the Taliban took control of the country after 20 years. In a Tweet, the PM said he called him to inquire about the ongoing developments unfolding in his country and reaffirmed SL�s continued support to the People of Afghanistan. Karzai visited Sri Lanka in March 2014 and spoke of the security situation in Afghanistan at that time. more..

Aug 19 (FT) Govt this week decided on two further steps to strengthen the country�s fight against the COVID-19 pandemic, as they sought to increase the import of vaccines and oxygen. Cabinet of Ministers, at its meeting on Tuesday, cleared a proposal to import 360,000 litres of liquid medicinal oxygen in addition to the previously approved 120,000 litres, as the demand for oxygen has escalated with the soaring COVID-19 cases. The daily need of liquid medical oxygen is 44 tons more..

Aug 19 (EN) Sri Lankans vaccinated with China-made Sinopharm who have concerns about visa approvals from countries that have requested other vaccines for travelers, have no clear solution as yet, a minister said. But authorities are offering a choice of vaccines for those students who are not yet vaccinated and those who have secured jobs abroad. Already 9.48 million Sri Lankans have received Sinopharm as the first dose and more..

Aug 19 (DM) A new research carried out by a team of world renowned scientists including two local scientists and researchers from Ministry of Health has determined that the single dose of Sputnik-V is highly immunogenic. The team has also highlighted that the administration of a second dose of the Sputnik-V is likely to be beneficial. The scientists from the Sri J'pura University investigated the immune responses of the first dose of the Sputnik light, in a SL population, 4 weeks after more..