May 22 (DN) Galle Additional Magistrate Pavithra Sanjeewani Pathirana on Thursday remanded until May 31, a garment factory manager in the Koggala Free Trade Zone who was produced before Court with alleged charges of violating the quarantine rules by not producing accurate details of close associates of COVID-19 affected persons of his factory and thereby allowing the pandemic to be transmitted. Producing the suspect in Court, the Public Health Inspectors (PHIs) said that more..

May 22 (Island) The best way to address misinformation about SARS-CoV-2 is by being transparent, Public Health Inspectors’ Union (PHIU) head Upul Rohana said yesterday commenting on the Health Ministry’s attempts to deter health professionals from commenting on COVID-19 related matters. Rohana said that the WHO insisted that public communication played an important role in addressing the challenge of public health more..

May 22 (ST) Pyramid schemes operated illegally in Sri Lanka are prohibited under the Banking Act of Sri Lanka and it’s an offence to facilitate, market or promote any kind of involvement in it – but still these schemes exist. “From time to time we receive information of such schemes and we look into it whether such schemes contain features of a pyramid scheme that warrants action against its perpetrators,” said Ms. T.M.J.Y.P. Fernando, Deputy Governor of the Central Bank of SL, more..

May 22 (DM) President Gotabaya Rajapaksa said it was more important for state officials and those responsible to directly inform him if there were any matters regarding COVID situation instead of making statements to media and creating fear among people. He said the decisions were made so far on the advice of experts and stressed that he would continue to do so in the future. The President said he would not hesitate to take any decision for the well-being of the people. more..

May 22 (DN) SL National Cricket players have vehemently condemned the Sri Lanka Cricket (SLC) management Committee’s decision to publicly reveal the specific payment details of contract fees paid to specific players. Attorney-at-Law Nishan Sydney Premathiratne, the official representative appointed by members of the SL Cricket team had issued a press release in this regard. Premathiratne had issued this press more..

May 22 (FT) The SJB on Thursday (20) expressed grave concern about the renewed violence between Israel and Hamas, calling on both parties to heed the UN Secretary-General’s call for a ceasefire. “We are particularly concerned by the escalating humanitarian crisis in the Gaza Strip, where hundreds of civilians, including dozens of innocent children, have died, and thousands have lost their homes due to aerial bombings and shelling,” the main Opposition party said in a statement, more..

May 22 (FT) PM and Finance Minister Mahinda Rajapaksa yesterday held a meeting with the Central Bank to review the status of the economy. CB Governor Prof. W.D. Lakshman briefed the Premier on the latest developments in the external and domestic sectors. PM advised the Central Bank to continue with its policy measures to strengthen the economy despite the COVID pandemic. State Minister Nivard Cabraal, PM’s Chief of Staff Yoshitha Rajapaksa, CB Deputy Governors more..

May 22 (AD) Prez Rajapaksa has taken a number of decisions to avoid impact on the people and the economy when imposing travel restrictions from 11 pm today (21) as a step to contain the spread of COVID-19. During a discussion with the Presidential Task Force on COVID-19 held at the Presidential Secretariat this morning, Prez has briefed the ministers and relevant officials on steps to be taken in this regard. more..

May 22 (Island) Lady Ridgeway Hospital for Children (LRH) Consultant Paediatrician Dr. Deepal Perera said that there were over 1,000 children infected with COVID-19 and urged the govt to consider vaccinating those above the age of 12. During the first two waves of Covid-19 only a limited number of children were infected. However, now the number of infections among children were very high. “If people want to protect their children, it’s not enough to keep them at home. We mustn’t take virus home. more..

May 22 (FT) Health Ministry yesterday rejected claims made online on vaccine sales carried out by Health Ministry officials and Health Minister Pavithra Wanniarachchi’s associates, saying investigations have been launched into websites publishing such claims. In a statement issued by the Ministry, the claims were described as baseless and an attempt at bringing disrepute to the vaccination program being carried out in the island. “We hereby inform the public that there is no room for selling more..

May 22 (DM) The State Pharmaceuticals Corporation of Sri Lanka (SPC) has been able to secure 32 million doses of COVID-19 vaccines for Sri Lanka, SPC Chairman Dr Prasanna Gunasena said. According to the Epidemiology Unit, a total of 29 million doses are required to vaccinate population above 20 years of age. "Accordingly, 13 million doses of Sputnik-V, 5 million doses of Pfizer and 14 million doses more..

May 22 (FT) Dept of Govt Information (DGI) issued a statement on the 38 deaths that occurred between 7 May and 20 May that were confirmed as COVID-19-related by health authorities on Thursday. The main causes of death were complications associated with COVID pneumonia and chronic diseases like diabetes and heart disease. The majority of the individuals were above the age of 61 years. According to the DGI, two persons between 31 and 40 years, one person between 41-50 years, more..

May 22 (CT) The SJB criticised the Govt’s behaviour during the Parliamentary debate on the Colombo Port City Economic Commission Bill, saying it was a clear example of arrogance. They claimed that using the Govt’s majority in Parliament to pass the Bill is not a victory of the people but a victory of crony politics and the economy. In a communiqué released by SJB General Secretary Ranjith Maddumabandara, it was noted that the Minister of Justice rejecting Opposition’s amendments more..

May 22 (FT) The country recorded over 3,000 daily COVID-19 detections for the third consecutive day with health authorities stating 3,547 persons tested positive for the virus yesterday. Travel restrictions akin to quarantine curfew came into place last night and will be in effect until 4 a.m. Tuesday (25 May), when restrictions will be lifted until 11 p.m. the same day. Travel restrictions will once again be enforced until 4 a.m. Fri (28). more..

May 22 (FT) It seems we are continuing a facts light approach to tackling the pandemic. Virologists have pointed out that global data on transmission confirms it is heightened in homes and an airborne virus needs open not closed swimming pools, parks, and encouragement for people to get exercise and enjoy the flow of germicidal air and virus killing UV rays and Vitamin D from the sun. Lock up is so outdated, when we know that personal transmission is not the primary vector except in more..

May 22 (FT) Everything in life is about perspective. That’s to be expected, because what we believe is conditioned by what we know and that is naturally, our point of view. That makes perspective a little dangerous, for some who lack the humility to question or refresh their perspective, can become convinced by their point of view. In January this year, tea growers were dismayed to read a flurry of reports announcing the demise of black tea. The source was the head of one of the world’s more..

May 22 (DN) Minister Keheliya Rambukwella said that the Govt has the funds required to obtain the COVID-19 vaccines and the problem at present was that global vaccine production was not able to meet the existing demand. He said that 193 countries are currently trying to obtain the required number of vaccines while 51 of these countries have not yet received even a single vaccine dose. He was speaking to the media after a meeting on COVID control measures held at more..

May 22 (EN) CID has arrested an Assistant Land Settlement Commissioner in Kotmale for various Facebook posts on deforestation that police claimed were fake news. DIG Ajith Rohana said in a statement on May 22 that the computer crimes unit of the CID has analysed the 42-year-old public servant’s Facebook page and found various fake news posts pertaining to deforestation, which Rohana said was an offence as per Section 120 of the Penal Code. Section 120 reads: more..

May 22 (EN) SL has been brought under the dominance of a foreign nation and is in the process of becoming a Chinese colony, former president Chandrika Kumaratunga said. Kumaratunga accused SL’s govt of rushing the controversial Colombo Port City Economic Commission Act through parliament. “After enduring European colonialism for 450 years, our ancestors shed blood and sweat to secure more..

May 22 (Island) As we mark the fifth anniversary of Professor Halpe’s passing, we remember him with gratitude and continue to celebrate his life and work. He was a teacher for over 50 years both at home and overseas. He also enriched us by his research, poetry, paintings and translations; as well as by his labours as a chorister, actor, director of plays and administrator. In addition, he was a guide, philosopher and friend to generations of students, many of whom have distinguished more..

May 22 (TM) This year’s National Vesak Festival will not be held due to the prevailing pandemic situation in the country, Commissioner General of Buddhist Affairs Sunanda Kariyapperuma stated. He made this statement yesterday at a special media briefing on the Vesak festival held at the Department of Govt Information. Due to the current Covid-19 situation in the country, the government’s plans to organize the National Vesak festival in Nagadeepa Purana Viharaya have been cancelled. more..

May 22 (DM) The US has not yet decided if Sri Lanka will be among the beneficiaries of Covid vaccines it hopes to share with the world. US Embassy spokesperson Nancy VanHorn told Daily Mirror, the US hopes to share about 13% of the vaccines produced for the United States by the end of June—the most of any nation. “We will work with COVAX and other partners to ensure these vaccines are delivered in a way that is equitable and more..

May 22 (TM) Former ACMC MP Ishak Rahuman says that despite the announcement by the ACMC that his Party membership has been suspended, he has not received any official communication with regard to it as yet. This comes after the ACMC today announced that the Party memberships of MPs Ishak Rahuman and Ali Sabri Raheem have been suspended due to their votes in favour of the Colombo Port City Economic Commission Bill. Rahuman said that he voted in favour of more..

May 22 (AD) Meteorology Dept says showers or thundershowers will occur at times in Western, Sabaragamuwa, Central, North-western and Southern provinces as the south-west monsoon condition is gradually establishing over the country. In its weather forecast for the next 36 hours, the Meteorology Dept cautioned that nearly 100 mm rainfall can be expected at some places in Western and Sabaragamuwa provinces and in Galle and Matara districts. more..

May 22 (Island) Movement for Land & Agricultural Reform (MONLAR) alleged that the proposed National Agricultural Policy put forth by the Ministry of Agriculture had failed to address the concerns of SL small scale farmers, which amounts to 90% of the country’s food producers. Moderator of MONLAR, Chinthaka Rajapakshe said that the policy did not focus on livestock development. It was a serious concern as livestock was more..

May 22 (AD) The controversial plaque at the newly-declared open Smart Library of the Attorney General’s Department has been removed, says State Counsel Nishara Jayaratne. The Coordinating Officer of the Attorney General stated that the plaque was taken down as it inadvertently did not contain the script in Tamil. She noted that the AG’s Dept is now taking steps to install a new plaque to replace the one that sparked debate over non-inclusion of Tamil language. more..

May 22 (EAF) Anti-Muslim rhetoric in Sri Lanka has steadily increased over the last decade. But the wave of coordinated suicide bombings that ripped through Colombo and Batticaloa on Easter Sunday in April 2019 opened a new chapter in the campaigns against Sri Lanka’s Muslim community. Two years later, the Rajapaksa administration is considering banning the wearing of the burqa and closing more than 1000 Islamic schools, known as madrasas, citing national security concerns. more..

May 22 (AD) MP Rishad Bathiudeen’s ACMC has suspended the party membership of two of its MPs. Thereby, Anuradhapura District MP Ishak Rahuman and Puttalam District MP Ali Sabri Raheem have been ousted from the party, Senior Deputy Leader of ACMC N.M. Shaheed stated. The duo had supported the Colombo Port City Economic Commission Bill vote held in parliament on Thursday. more..

May 22 (AD) A driver and nurse working for 1990 Suwa Seriya ambulance service have been assaulted in the area of Hatton. Dimbula Police stated that two individuals were taken into custody on suspicion of the assault. At around 2 am this morning, the Suwa Seriya ambulance service had received a report claiming that a worker of a resort under construction in Kudagama area had fallen off a balcony. The relevant driver and the nurse, who arrived at the scene responding to more..

May 22 (CT) Steps will be taken by the UDA and Housing to beautify the city of Colombo and provide more facilities to local and foreign tourists to improve the tourism industry. UDA stated that steps were being taken to develop hotel facilities in order to enhance the beauty of Colombo City so as to attract local and foreign tourists. While COVID-19 control programmes are being implemented, development activities too will be carried out in accordance with health safety guidelines, it emphasised. more..

May 22 (Island) Court of Appeal will take up the high profile case of convicted prisoner Samantha Kumara alias Wele Suda’s legal bid to prevent him being handed over to the police on Monday (24). Wele Suda recently moved the court, successfully, through his mother, Rajagalgoda Gamage Malani, in the wake of two killings in police custody. Referring to the killing of Dineth Melon Mabula alias Uru Juwa & Tharaka Perera more..

May 22 (ST) “We are exhausted to the maximum, the condition of patients being admitted to the hospital is taking a deadly turn. The death rate is increasing and causing mental distress among nurses. I continue to console many nurses who weep when they fail to save the life of a person whom they have looked after for weeks.” These were the heart-rending words of D.W. Chintha, Chief Nursing Officer of the Homagama Base Hospital, as the world marked Nurses Day on May 12, more..

May 22 (FT) All Ceylon Jamiyyathul Ulama (ACJU) in a statement said it was praying for a permanent solution and establishment of peace and justice in the Palestinian region. Following is the full statement: “The ACJU welcomes the ceasefire which has taken place in the Palestine region after two weeks of inhuman attacks on the lives of the innocent civilians in the region. We greatly appreciate the efforts of various parties especially Govt of Egypt for advocating of this ceasefire. more..

May 22 (ST) With the health system sending all hands on deck to fight the COVID pandemic raging throughout the country, the annual dengue fever eradication programme has suffered just as monsoon showers signal the worst months for dengue. The health system is using all health workers to contain COVID-19, leaving dengue eradication programmes starved of resources, NDCU Director Aruna Jayasekera said. more..

May 22 (CT) National Development Bank PLC rose up in the ranks to place in the Top 20 at number 16 of the world’s leading independent brand valuation consultancy, according to Brand Finance Lanka’s annual index of Most Valuable Brands. Leaping in the rankings from number 20 in 2020 to number 16 in 2021, NDB has maintained its brand at the very top becoming the highest gainer in the Most Valuable Consumer Brands of the Movers and Shakers list in spite of the challenging year more..

May 22 (DM) Health Ministry has issued guidelines to be adhered by Private hospitals when conducting Polymerase Chain Reaction (PCR) tests and Rapid Antigen Tests (RATs). Director General of Health Services Dr. Asela Gunawardana has sent the guidelines in writing to the heads of the laboratories in private hospitals. Accordingly, the tests should be conducted only on recommendation of specialist doctors or medical officials and also the patient should be advised to remain indoors or more..

May 22 (ST) With India witnessing the worst phase of the global COVID-19 pandemic amidst life-threatening shortages of drugs, vaccines, oxygen, hospital beds and medical equipment, more and more SL refugees are fleeing or want to flee the southern Indian state of Tamil Nadu by taking the illegal sea route to reach SL. The Sunday Times last week reported how a SL refugee woman left her husband in Tamil Nadu and more..

May 23 (TM) Two of the most used and abused words in SL’s political lexicon, at least in the recent past, has been the metaphor national security. It has been used to intimidate and subjugate political opposition and minority communities, to enact draconian legislation, to procure arms and equipment, to win elections, to accrue undue benefits to political entities, to engage and disengage from regional geopolitical interventions, to provide undue importance to places and more..

May 23 (CT) The govt may have wanted to change the political channel from gloomy pandemic news to hopefully sunshine Port City news. Instead, the govt is stuck on a split screen with double-whammy news stories. On the left half, you can see a botched-up Port City Bill, heavily bandaged by the Supreme Court, limping through parliament with as many amendments as there are commas. On the right half, is the daily and depressing news of rising Covid-19 infections, mounting deaths, more..