Mar 20 (AD) An island-wide curfew will be imposed from 6.00 pm today (20) until 6.00 am on Monday (23), says the President’s Office. In the meantime, the police curfew imposed within the Ja-Ela and Wattala Police Divisions from 10 pm yesterday (19) was lifted at 9.00 am this morning and will be in force again starting from 12 noon until further notice. EconomyNext that the curfew is being imposed to contain the spread of COVID-19. more..

Mar 20 (DM) At a time when COVID 19 is threatening to destabilise the country the various ways in which Sri Lanka’s citizens have responded to this pandemic have become topics of much discussion. This is a nation where the literacy rate is over 90% (the calculation in 2017 was 92.98%). And when one considers the eagerness of the islanders to educate themselves and compete for slots in state universities it is obvious that Sri Lankans are obsessed with education. more..

Mar 20 (DM) Prez while addressing the nation on Tuesday in view of the current panic over the sudden upsurge in the number of COVID-19 patients in the country said that Royal-Thomian Big Match organisers had gone ahead with the cricket encounter, ignoring his suggestion not to hold it. He said this in the wake of a SriLankan First Officer, who attended the match having been tested positive for the disease and subsequently several other attendees also had gone into self-quarantine. more..

Mar 20 (DM) As the coronavirus pandemic spreads in all directions putting govts into a spin, the crisis is as much a time for reflection as it is for concerted efforts to find treatments, vaccines and ways and means to control the disease. As the saying goes, we must not let a serious crisis go to waste. The coronavirus epidemic should have made the world’s superpowers realise how helpless they are against a virus so nanoscale that more..

Mar 20 (ST) The remains of an ancient monastery will be dismantled and restored inside an elephant corridor under plans to dam the Kivul Oya and irrigate 2,400 hectares of land in the Vavuniya and Mullaitivu districts. The Mahaweli Ministry project proposes creating a reservoir by damming Kivul Oya, the main tributary of Ma Oya, which originates in East Vavuniya and runs into Kokkilai lagoon in the Mullaitivu district. more..

Mar 20 (EN) Calling for a total lockdown of the country to contain the ongoing COVID-19 outbreak, former Health Minister Rajitha Senaratne said the pandemic can only be defeated through medical science and not by deploying the military. He said that the novel coronavirus cannot be defeated like terrorists by relying solely on the tri-forces. Referring to a statement attributed to the GMOA yesterday, more..

Mar 20 (Island) Former Deputy Speaker Tilanga Sumathipala, yesterday told a media conference that Education Minister Dullas Alahapperuma should initiate an inquiry immediately to ascertain why Royal and S. Thomas’ had played their annual 114th Battle of the Blues at the SSC grounds despite the rapid spread of corona-virus. A SriLankan pilot, who had been in the Turf Club tent tested positive for corona-virus. more..

Mar 20 (EN) Sri Lanka has set up a hotline for with a the short number 1912 for tourists in the island, the island’s tourism promotion agency has said. Sri Lanka has slapped a curfew baring movement until Monday March 23. Police DIG Ajith Rohana told reporters Thursday that hotel keepers should not make tourists in the island feel unwelcome. Sri Lanka started quarantining arrivals from chosen countries on March 10 and more..

Mar 20 (NR) The Police have requested the public to ensure that they remain within their residences during the extended curfew that will be imposed as of 6pm today till Monday the 23rd. Issuing a statement the Police said essential services only, will be allowed during this period. The Police Headquarters said stern action will be taken against persons who violate the curfew imposed during this period. more..

Mar 20 (AD) The govt has banned leisure trips, pilgrimages and tours within the country with immediate effect until further notice. PMD stated that this decision is coming into effect as a preventive measure to protect the general public from the risks of coronavirus outbreak in the country. Despite the advisories issued by the govt that public congregation can lead to the further spread of the virus, reports have been received that more..

Mar 20 (DN) Puttalam District Secretary Chandrasiri Bandara told the media that 1,411 Sri Lankans had returned to Sri Lanka from different countries during the past two weeks and all of them living in the Puttalam District at present are found not to have been medically checked up to verify whether they are vectors of the COVID-19 coronavirus. Meanwhile, Nikaweratiya SSP Upul Abeysinghe said that search operations. more..

Mar 20 (NF) A number of doctors and staff attached to the Ragama Hospital were directed to self-quarantine. Deputy Director of the Ragama Hospital said the decision was taken as a COVID-19 case was receiving treatment in the men’s ward. He said a person from Ja-Ela visited the Ragama Hospital complaining of a chest pain, and despite many inquiries from the staff on possible contact with COVID-19 cases or those who more..

Mar 20 (AD) The Ministry of Health announced that six more patients have tested positive for Coronavirus bringing the total number of confirmed cases in the country to 65. The Epidemiology Unit of the Ministry of Health stated that a total of 218 patients are under medical observation at selected hospitals treating suspected Covid-19 patients. “Everyone should remain in their homes during this period,” more..

Mar 20 (FT) Who would have thought that something sounding like a brand of one of those sleek fuel-efficient Japanese cars would pose such an existential threat to the entire human race!? Ebola was a threat in faraway West Africa, SARS mainly a problem for the omnivorous Asians (Chinese!), dengue strikes those who cannot keep a clean backyard, but this virus, COVID-19, is not discriminating; striking all colours, sizes and ages, with no respect for power or wealth. more..

Mar 20 (CT) The Covid-19 pandemic as announced by the World Health Organisation (WHO) continues to dominate the global media space. There is nothing else being talked of or about at this point in time, and now even a suggestion is being made about speedy and widespread testing being one of the make or mar measures to stop the transmission of Coronavirus from converting itself into an acute and unmanageable disease. The degree of scare is such that nations are in lockdown mode; more..

Mar 20 (DM) A police investigation has revealed that the naked woman who appeared in a video that went viral on social media, had undressed herself before obstructing the police from arresting a suspect wanted over drug trafficking. The incident is reported to have taken place in Thotalanga. A Senior police officer said a group of police officers attempted to arrest a male suspect wanted over possession of heroin. However, the woman who appeared in the video had undressed herself more..

Mar 20 (SLN) In accordance with the govt’s initiatives to arrest the spread of the coronavirus in the country, police curfew had been imposed in Puttalam and Kochchikade, Negombo Police Divisions from 2.30 p.m. on 19th March 2020. Though the police curfew was in effect 20 people were found violating the same and they were taken into naval custody accordingly. In the event of such a catastrophic situation in the country, the govt is strictly enforcing the law on persons who more..

Mar 20 (EN) Police today arrested the Mayor of the ancient city of Dambulla and produced him before a Magistrate for organizing a public event violating the ban on such events imposed by the govt to prevent the spread of the COVID19 virus. This comes as the police enforce a tough crackdown on people who break the rules laid out in multiple directives issued by the govt. The Mayor, Jaliya Opatha, a supporter of the ruling SLPP more..

Mar 20 (NR) All postal services have been suspended until further notice. Issuing a statement, Postmaster General Ranjith Ariyarathne said with the increase in COVID-19 cases in the country, a decision has been taken to suspend the services temporarily. The mail and packages that arrive in the country will be held at the Colombo Central Mail Exchange. The statement noted that the date on the resumption of all services will be notified after holding talks with relevant officials. more..

Mar 20 (DM) As SL is witnessing its economy coming to an almost stagnant state due to the unavoidable measures taken by the govt to contain the coronavirus outbreak, a leading economist in the country stressed the priorities of the political leadership should be ensuring the best for the people over all other things. The govt was quick to take precautionary measures which included closing of schools Island wide and declaring public holidays, which were requested to be extended to more..

Mar 20 (DN) Cabinet has approved Rs.8 billion to the National Election Commission for the expenses of holding the General Election. Minister Bandula Gunawardena said the allocation has been made to make sure the Commission has sufficient funds to hold the election in time. He said that this was a special allocation and that more funds would be approved in the future as necessary. more..

Mar 20 (AD) Former MPs Rajitha Senaratne and Sarath Fonseka have said that the statements they had made with regard to the Covid-19 outbreak in the country were received from unofficial sources. The duo stated this calling a media briefing today. Commenting on the probes that are to be launched into the statements made by them, Senaratne called on the National Police Commission to follow the example set by Election Commission on how independent commissions should function. more..

Mar 20 (DM) Several SL nationals who have returned from Italy but are now absconding the quarantine procedures, are those who had fled to Italy illegally and do not have the necessary documentation, military sources said. However authorities are making an appeal to these returnees to register with the police and get themselves admitted to the hospital if they have been infected or undergo the necessary quarantine procedures stating that they will face no legal action more..

Mar 20 (TM) PM Mahinda Rajapaksa addressing the nation today (20) said that the govt will not in anyway hide anything from the public about the coronavirus situation in the country. “The govt will not hesitate to provide vital information at all times about the nature of the virus and the number of the COVID-19 patients.” We have taken all necessary measures to curb the spread of the virus including subjecting many persons to the quarantine process and closing entry to foreigners. more..

Mar 20 (TM) Total number of coronavirus cases in SL has risen to 70, according to the Health Ministry. 2738 persons are currently undergoing a 14-day quarantine in 17 quarantine centres across the country. The National Operation Center for Prevention of COVID- 19 Outbreak has called all those who have come from abroad and evaded quarantine procedures to immediately register to be quarantined. Meanwhile, 97 Buddagaya pilgrims who arrived in UL-122 Sri Lankan aircraft more..

Mar 20 (MFA) Arrangements are being made for the smooth return of foreign nationals who are presently in Sri Lanka on tourist and other visa categories. This will be done using both regular flight movements operating through SL and also charter flights that may be deployed, as the airport remains open for outbound passenger movements. Modalities to facilitate these movements were discussed today at a meeting chaired by more..

Mar 20 (AD) A total of 113 SL pilgrims who arrived in the country from India have been directed to the quarantine centre in Anuradhapura. In the meantime, National Operation Centre for Prevention of Covid-19 said that 97 SL pilgrims who returned to the country from India this morning were sent for quarantining. They were repatriated in a flight belonging to SriLankan Airlines that had departed from Chennai, India. 2,738 individuals including 30 foreigners are being quarantined at 17 more..

Mar 20 (NR) General Secretary of the UNP Akila Viraj Kariyawasam says the govt must implement a more stringent programme to mitigate the threat of the coronavirus. Speaking at a media briefing he said the situation pertaining to COVID-19 has worsened over several days adding that at present people are afraid to have visitors while those expecting daily wages haven’t received any income over several days. The former MP therefore requested the govt to expedite the process more..

Mar 20 (DM) Govt today requested the public to strictly adhere to the social distancing policy of one metre at public places. In a statement, Prez's Media Division (PMD) said this should be adhered to while travelling in public transport as well. "In order to observe the social distancing in buses and trains must carry only half of the number of passengers that they normally transport," it said. The statement further said, more..

Mar 21 (CT) Sajith Premadasa, leader of the newly-formed Samagi Jana Balawegaya, taking the heritage of the JVP following Janatha Vimukthi Peramuna and Desapremi Janatha Viyaparaya. Janatha, the pet word of the JVP, actually means majorities' power in Sinhala, as proved during the 88/89 black uprising. As opposed, national and united national represent the eagerness for unity of all nationalities. However, the deputy leader of UNP, will contest the upcoming General Elections more..

Mar 21 (CT) The Power of the People is manifested in an electoral process where the sovereign people hand over their sovereignty to the governance they choose to have and contribute. This makes the election and the process a vehicle for democratic values of a society. The most important aspect of it is the process and not the result of the election itself as there would be those who had preferred one form of governance against the others who choose a different form and the acceptance more..

Mar 21 (CT) Convener of the Voice against Corruption and JVP Central Committee Member Wasantha Samarasinghe says Sajith Premadasa is preparing to strengthen his hands, together with Gotabaya Rajapaksa. Q: What is the political situation these days? A: The political situation is good. We are preparing for the General Election. Once acceptance of nominations end on 19, everything is ready for the election more..

Mar 21 (CT) COVID-19 is a monster knocking at the door. It has already affected many countries in the world. Its epicentre has shifted by now from Wuhan, China to the European Union, Italy, Spain, France and Germany being the worst hit EU countries. Various explanations are circulating with regard to its origin. Is it a man-made virus? Or is it contracted through meat of wild animals, that Chinese in the region used to eat for generations? These questions are to be answered by experts in relevant more..

Mar 21 (CT) The history of epidemic diseases that have adversely affected human race has taught us that the understanding and fighting against an epidemic is not merely a fight through scientific rationality but a battle against many socio-political and cultural catastrophes. The recent COVID-19 pandemic has been widespread all over the world including many developed countries. The elderly generation of the contemporary societies is at risk of being infected more..

Mar 21 (ST) You don’t need to have studied music to be able to make it. Just ask Hirushan Maddumaarachchi. Unassuming and unorthodox, Hirushan is an example of what it means to really follow your dream on your own path. We sit down with the 28-year-old to find out about his journey; taking a risk and leaving his 9 to 5 job to create music which would find its way into motion picture advertising for movies like more..

Mar 21 (GV) Last year at Easter, sudden acts of violence spread immense fear, injury and death, within a matter of moments. A small group of extremists was to become the face behind the horror. Some admirable interventions to prevent communal disintegration were overshadowed by a rise of racism, overnight. When it was most necessary to do so, we failed to hold the country together. Prominent among this mix of sane and shocking reactions, was the demand for more..

Mar 21 (FT) Worldwide stock markets are crashing. Arbitrary travel bans are being imposed. Huge queues before supermarkets are a daily experience. Most of the airports are empty. The future of airlines is in a stalemate state. Scepticism among general public is higher than ever. Science has been replaced with panic. One wonders whether we are travelling towards another Great Depression. Thanks to social media owners and breaking news engineers are mounting profits by selling more..