Nepal reported its first two cases of the omicron variant of coronavirus, the health ministry informed on Monday.&nbsp;

Two individuals are foreign nations who had come to Nepal for business purpose. The health ministry said their nationalities will not be revealed due to security reasons.&nbsp;

"A 66-year-old foreigner, who had entered Nepal from a country with confirmed Omicron variant on November 19, and another 71-year-old person who was in close contact with him tested positive for omicron on Sunday, the ministry said in a statement,” Dr Samir Kumar Adhikari, health ministry spokesperson told WION.&nbsp;

<a href="https://www.wionews.com/videos/india-achieves-new-covid-19-vaccine-milestone-50-of-adults-fully-vaccinated-434675">WATCH |</a>

<div class="videoWrapper trancodeVideo"><iframe allowfullscreen="" autoplay="1" class="includeVideo" frameborder="0" height="350" src="https://www.wionews.com/videos/india-achieves-new-covid-19-vaccine-milestone-50-of-adults-fully-vaccinated-434675/embed" style="width:100%;max-width:560px;" width="560"></iframe></div>

Both individuals are in isolation and under surveillance of health workers, he added. &nbsp;

Adhikari confirmed that in the process of contact tracing, it was found that 66 people had come in contact with infected individuals and all tested negative.&nbsp;

Speaking on the ways to further contain the spread of the variant, Adhikari said, "Our priority is to speed up vaccination process across the country and identify people who have not received their doses."

The health ministry spokesperson informed that discussions are underway to administer booster doses in the country but is yet to take a concrete decision on it.&nbsp;

Nepal government had earlier banned the entry of travelers coming from eight African nations and Hong Kong.&nbsp;

Nepal reported its first two cases of the omicron variant of coronavirus, the health ministry informed on Monday. Two individuals are foreign nations who had come to Nepal for business purpose.

Nepal reported its first two cases of the omicron variant of coronavirus, the health ministry informed on Monday. Two individuals are foreign nations who had come to Nepal for business purpose. The health ministry said their nationalities will not be revealed due to security reasons. "A 66-year-old foreigner, who had entered Nepal from a country with confirmed Omicron variant on November 19, and another 71-year-old person who was in close contact with him tested positive for omicron on Sunday, the ministry said in a statement,” Dr Samir Kumar Adhikari, health ministry spokesperson told WION. WATCH | Both individuals are in isolation and under surveillance of health workers, he added. Adhikari confirmed that in the process of contact tracing, it was found that 66 people had come in contact with infected individuals and all tested negative. Speaking on the ways to further contain the spread of the variant, Adhikari said, "Our priority is to speed up vaccination process across the country and identify people who have not received their doses." The health ministry spokesperson informed that discussions are underway to administer booster doses in the country but is yet to take a concrete decision on it. Nepal government had earlier banned the entry of travelers coming from eight African nations and Hong Kong.

Nepal reports its first two Omicron variant cases, to speed up vaccine process

Sri Lanka`s Health Minister Keheliya Rambukwella said the nationwide quarantine curfew came into effect late August, has been extended till October 1 in an effort to curb the furtherspread of COVID-19.

Following a meeting between the Presidential Task Force on COVID-19 with President Gotabaya Rajapaksa on Friday, Rambukwella said the latter had decided to extend the quarantine curfew till 4 am&nbsp;on October 1, reports Xinhua news agency.

Rambukwella however said government essential services impacting the economy will be allowed to function during the curfew.

<a href="https://www.wionews.com/videos/sri-lanka-covid-19-pandemic-plunging-economy-leads-to-crisis-413394">WATCH |</a>

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"As per President Gotabaya Rajapaksa, I will be consulting with Finance Minister Basil Rajapaksa to decide which government institutions will be kept open as essential services that contribute to the economy," the Health Minister said.

"While the lockdown is in progress, I urge all citizens to get the available vaccines as soon as possible," he added.

Sri Lanka was to lift the ongoing quarantine curfew on September 21 but extended it following a recommendation from the health experts.

According to health experts, Sri Lanka is facing a rapid spread of the Delta variant.

Since March last year, the island nation has reported a total of 498,694 COVID-19 cases and 11,817 deaths.

Sri Lanka`s Health Minister Keheliya Rambukwella said the nationwide quarantine curfew came into effect late August, has been extended till October 1 in an effort to curb the furtherspread of COVID-19.

Sri Lanka`s Health Minister Keheliya Rambukwella said the nationwide quarantine curfew came into effect late August, has been extended till October 1 in an effort to curb the furtherspread of COVID-19. Following a meeting between the Presidential Task Force on COVID-19 with President Gotabaya Rajapaksa on Friday, Rambukwella said the latter had decided to extend the quarantine curfew till 4 am on October 1, reports Xinhua news agency. Rambukwella however said government essential services impacting the economy will be allowed to function during the curfew. WATCH | "As per President Gotabaya Rajapaksa, I will be consulting with Finance Minister Basil Rajapaksa to decide which government institutions will be kept open as essential services that contribute to the economy," the Health Minister said. "While the lockdown is in progress, I urge all citizens to get the available vaccines as soon as possible," he added. Sri Lanka was to lift the ongoing quarantine curfew on September 21 but extended it following a recommendation from the health experts. According to health experts, Sri Lanka is facing a rapid spread of the Delta variant. Since March last year, the island nation has reported a total of 498,694 COVID-19 cases and 11,817 deaths.

Sri Lanka extends nationwide quarantine curfew till October 1

Sri Lanka has begun mass cremations to clear a backlog of dead bodies from COVID-19 as cases surge across the island, officials said Monday.

Daily virus infections in the country have doubled in a month to more than 2,500 with nearly 100 deaths&nbsp;putting huge strain on hospitals.

On Sunday evening Colombo Municipality began mass cremations, disposing of 15 corpses at the Colombo General Cemetery after the island's main hospital said it had no more freezer space.

It was the first mass cremation since December when the government overruled religious objections and cremated 15 members of the Muslim minority, including a 20-day-old baby.

Following local and international protests, the government then allowed Muslims to be buried in a remote corner of the island's east, in accordance with Islamic traditions.

The Public Health Inspectors (PHI) union said bodies of COVID-19 patients piled up at hospitals over the weekend as crematoriums working round the clock were unable to cope with a rapid rise in deaths.

"At this rate, we may have to build new crematoriums," PHI union chief Upul Rohana told reporters in Colombo.

At the Colombo North hospital there were 20 bodies without refrigeration while the number at the Panadura hospital south of the capital was over 50.

At the Colombo National hospital's mortuary, all 66 freezers were filled and bodies were piling up on trollies and tables, hospital sources said.

Throughout the pandemic&nbsp;the state has disposed of bodies and not released them to families.&nbsp;

Rohana said the surge in infections also meant contact tracing of patients was no longer practical.

Coronavirus restrictions were tightened on Friday as reports emerged of Covid patients dying while awaiting admission to overcrowded hospitals.

The government said state ceremonies and public gatherings were banned until September 1.

Just over 11 million people out of the population of 21 million have been given at least one vaccine jab, while 2.93 million had received both as of Sunday.

Sri Lanka has recorded 5,107 deaths to date and almost 330,000 infections, according to official data. But experts say the true figure is much higher.

The new wave comes after the government relaxed restrictions in April to allow celebrations for the traditional Sinhala and Tamil New Year. Regulations were tightened once more in May and eased again on July 10.

Sri Lanka has begun mass cremations to clear a backlog of dead bodies from COVID-19 as cases surge across the island, officials said Monday. Daily virus infections in the country have doubled in a month to more than 2,500 with nearly 100 deaths putting huge strain on hospitals.

Sri Lanka has begun mass cremations to clear a backlog of dead bodies from COVID-19 as cases surge across the island, officials said Monday. Daily virus infections in the country have doubled in a month to more than 2,500 with nearly 100 deaths putting huge strain on hospitals. On Sunday evening Colombo Municipality began mass cremations, disposing of 15 corpses at the Colombo General Cemetery after the island's main hospital said it had no more freezer space. It was the first mass cremation since December when the government overruled religious objections and cremated 15 members of the Muslim minority, including a 20-day-old baby. Following local and international protests, the government then allowed Muslims to be buried in a remote corner of the island's east, in accordance with Islamic traditions. The Public Health Inspectors (PHI) union said bodies of COVID-19 patients piled up at hospitals over the weekend as crematoriums working round the clock were unable to cope with a rapid rise in deaths. "At this rate, we may have to build new crematoriums," PHI union chief Upul Rohana told reporters in Colombo. At the Colombo North hospital there were 20 bodies without refrigeration while the number at the Panadura hospital south of the capital was over 50. At the Colombo National hospital's mortuary, all 66 freezers were filled and bodies were piling up on trollies and tables, hospital sources said. Throughout the pandemic the state has disposed of bodies and not released them to families. Rohana said the surge in infections also meant contact tracing of patients was no longer practical. Coronavirus restrictions were tightened on Friday as reports emerged of Covid patients dying while awaiting admission to overcrowded hospitals. The government said state ceremonies and public gatherings were banned until September 1. Just over 11 million people out of the population of 21 million have been given at least one vaccine jab, while 2.93 million had received both as of Sunday. Sri Lanka has recorded 5,107 deaths to date and almost 330,000 infections, according to official data. But experts say the true figure is much higher. The new wave comes after the government relaxed restrictions in April to allow celebrations for the traditional Sinhala and Tamil New Year. Regulations were tightened once more in May and eased again on July 10.

Sri Lanka holds mass cremations amid surge in coronavirus cases

Sri Lanka on Saturday approved Pfizer's COVID-19 vaccine for emergency use in Sri Lanka, as the island nation battles a third wave of the virus, while suffering a restricted supply of vaccines from neighboring India.

Dr. Sudharshani Fernandopulle, the minister overseeing the fight against the epidemic, said in a statement the government would order 5 million doses of the Pfizer vaccine.

Also read |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/south-asia/pandemic-political-instability-economic-crisis-rattles-nepal-383631" hreflang="en">Pandemic, political instability, economic crisis rattles Nepal &nbsp;</a>

Sri Lanka is seeking to secure other vaccines as the Serum Institute of India, the world's largest vaccine manufacturer, has suspended the delivery of AstraZeneca's Covishield vaccine due to spiraling coronavirus infections in India.

Sri Lanka is the first country in South Asia to approve the Pfizer vaccine. It has also approved Russia's Sputnik and China's Sinopharm vaccines for emergency use.

The island nation reported 1,914 new cases and 19 deaths in the past 24 hours, according to federal health data, and its total number of active cases is higher than any point since the pandemic began. Infections surged after crowded celebrations for traditional New Year last month.

Sri Lanka on Saturday approved Pfizer's COVID-19 vaccine for emergency use in Sri Lanka, as the island nation battles a third wave of the virus, while suffering a restricted supply of vaccines from neighboring India.

Sri Lanka on Saturday approved Pfizer's COVID-19 vaccine for emergency use in Sri Lanka, as the island nation battles a third wave of the virus, while suffering a restricted supply of vaccines from neighboring India. Dr. Sudharshani Fernandopulle, the minister overseeing the fight against the epidemic, said in a statement the government would order 5 million doses of the Pfizer vaccine. Also read | Pandemic, political instability, economic crisis rattles Nepal Sri Lanka is seeking to secure other vaccines as the Serum Institute of India, the world's largest vaccine manufacturer, has suspended the delivery of AstraZeneca's Covishield vaccine due to spiraling coronavirus infections in India. Sri Lanka is the first country in South Asia to approve the Pfizer vaccine. It has also approved Russia's Sputnik and China's Sinopharm vaccines for emergency use. The island nation reported 1,914 new cases and 19 deaths in the past 24 hours, according to federal health data, and its total number of active cases is higher than any point since the pandemic began. Infections surged after crowded celebrations for traditional New Year last month.

Sri Lanka approves Pfizer COVID vaccine for emergency use

Sri Lanka on Wednesday faced criticism over its plan to bury Muslim coronavirus victims on a remote islet.

Colombo banned burials of Covid victims in April, despite evidence they would not spread the virus. This resulted in forced cremations.

Sri Lanka's majority Buddhists, strong backers of the current government, are typically cremated, as are Hindus.

Muslims, who make up 10 per cent of Sri Lanka's 21 million people, challenged the policy, pointing out that cremations are forbidden under Islamic law.

The policy was revoked last week after a visit from Pakistani Prime Minister Imran Khan, who urged Colombo to respect Muslims' religious funeral rites.

However, in an apparent U-turn on Tuesday, officials proposed burying Muslim&nbsp;victims of the pandemic on the remote islet of Iranaitivu, 8.6 miles (13 kilometres) off the country's northern coast, sparking protests from locals as well as from Muslim leaders.

They held banners saying the one-square-kilometre (0.4-square-mile) island should not be used as a "graveyard" for the pandemic.

Ahead of Khan's visit to Colombo in February, the 57-member Organisation of Islamic Cooperation criticised the cremations policy at the United Nations Human Rights Council in Geneva, citing similar religious concerns.

By Wednesday, Sri Lanka had recorded more than 83,000 coronavirus infections, with 483 related deaths.

Sri Lanka on Wednesday faced criticism over its plan to bury Muslim coronavirus victims on a remote islet. Colombo banned burials of Covid victims in April, despite evidence they would not spread the virus.

Sri Lanka on Wednesday faced criticism over its plan to bury Muslim coronavirus victims on a remote islet. Colombo banned burials of Covid victims in April, despite evidence they would not spread the virus. This resulted in forced cremations. Sri Lanka's majority Buddhists, strong backers of the current government, are typically cremated, as are Hindus. Muslims, who make up 10 per cent of Sri Lanka's 21 million people, challenged the policy, pointing out that cremations are forbidden under Islamic law. The policy was revoked last week after a visit from Pakistani Prime Minister Imran Khan, who urged Colombo to respect Muslims' religious funeral rites. However, in an apparent U-turn on Tuesday, officials proposed burying Muslim victims of the pandemic on the remote islet of Iranaitivu, 8.6 miles (13 kilometres) off the country's northern coast, sparking protests from locals as well as from Muslim leaders. They held banners saying the one-square-kilometre (0.4-square-mile) island should not be used as a "graveyard" for the pandemic. Ahead of Khan's visit to Colombo in February, the 57-member Organisation of Islamic Cooperation criticised the cremations policy at the United Nations Human Rights Council in Geneva, citing similar religious concerns. By Wednesday, Sri Lanka had recorded more than 83,000 coronavirus infections, with 483 related deaths.

Sri Lanka's plan to bury Muslim Covid-19 victims on islet sparks outcry

Sri Lanka's health minister, who publically endorsed sorcery and magic potions to stop surging coronavirus infections in the island, has tested positive for Covid-19.

She will now self-isolate, officials said Saturday. All her immediate contacts have been quarantined.

Pavithra Wanniarachchi had publically consumed and endorsed a magic potion, later revealed to contain honey and nutmeg, manufactured by a sorcerer who claimed it worked as a life-long inoculation against the virus.

She also poured a pot of "blessed" water into a river in November after a self-styled god-man told her that it would end the pandemic.

Doctors in the island nation have said there is no scientific basis for the syrup, and there is no known cure for Covid-19.

But thousands defied public gathering restrictions to swamp a village in central Sri Lanka last month to obtain the elixir, made by carpenter Dhammika Bandara.

A junior minister who had also taken the potion made popular by Wanniarachchi tested positive for the virus earlier this week.

Family members of another politician, who hailed from Bandara's village, have also been infected after taking the syrup.

Pro-government media gave widespread publicity to the holy man, who claimed the formula was revealed to him by Kali, a Hindu goddess of death and destruction.

But the government has since scrambled to distance itself from Bandara, whose preparation was approved as a food supplement by the official indigenous medicine unit.

Sri Lanka is in the grip of a coronavirus surge, with the number of cases and deaths soaring from 3,300 and 13 in early October to nearly 57,000 infections and 278 dead this week.

The island nation of 21 million on Friday approved the emergency use of the vaccine developed by AstraZeneca and Oxford University only hours after Wanniarachchi tested positive.

Sri Lanka's health minister, who publically endorsed sorcery and magic potions to stop surging coronavirus infections in the island, has tested positive for Covid-19.

Sri Lanka's health minister, who publically endorsed sorcery and magic potions to stop surging coronavirus infections in the island, has tested positive for Covid-19. She will now self-isolate, officials said Saturday. All her immediate contacts have been quarantined. Pavithra Wanniarachchi had publically consumed and endorsed a magic potion, later revealed to contain honey and nutmeg, manufactured by a sorcerer who claimed it worked as a life-long inoculation against the virus. She also poured a pot of "blessed" water into a river in November after a self-styled god-man told her that it would end the pandemic. Doctors in the island nation have said there is no scientific basis for the syrup, and there is no known cure for Covid-19. But thousands defied public gathering restrictions to swamp a village in central Sri Lanka last month to obtain the elixir, made by carpenter Dhammika Bandara. A junior minister who had also taken the potion made popular by Wanniarachchi tested positive for the virus earlier this week. Family members of another politician, who hailed from Bandara's village, have also been infected after taking the syrup. Pro-government media gave widespread publicity to the holy man, who claimed the formula was revealed to him by Kali, a Hindu goddess of death and destruction. But the government has since scrambled to distance itself from Bandara, whose preparation was approved as a food supplement by the official indigenous medicine unit. Sri Lanka is in the grip of a coronavirus surge, with the number of cases and deaths soaring from 3,300 and 13 in early October to nearly 57,000 infections and 278 dead this week. The island nation of 21 million on Friday approved the emergency use of the vaccine developed by AstraZeneca and Oxford University only hours after Wanniarachchi tested positive.

Sri Lankan health minister, who once endorsed sorcery, tests positive for Covid-19

Sri Lanka's government has insisted on the cremation of all coronavirus victims, rejecting international pleas and recommendations from its own experts to allow the Muslim minority to bury their dead.

The announcement came despite a government-appointed expert committee noting this week that while it felt cremations were safest, burials could be allowed under strict conditions.

The government first banned burials in April amid concerns that burying bodies could contaminate groundwater and spread the virus. Experts have said these claims are baseless.

The World Health Organisation has also said that there is no such risk, recommending both burials and cremations of virus victims, but the Sri Lankan government has refused.

"This decision will not be changed for social, religious, political or any other personal reason," Health Minister Pavithra Wanniarachchi said, according to ministry officials.

Traditionally and in line with the Islamic custom, Muslims bury their dead facing Mecca. Sri Lanka's majority Buddhists, who are strong backers of the current government, are typically cremated, as are Hindus.

Last month, authorities ordered the forced cremation of at least 19 Muslim Covid-19 victims, including a baby, after their families refused to claim their bodies from a hospital morgue.

This stoked dismay and anger among the Muslim community, moderates and abroad, with the 57-member Organisation of Islamic Cooperation repeatedly expressing concern.

Sri Lanka's Muslim Council (SLMC) had earlier accused the government of trying to provoke Muslim youths into doing "something rash" with its decision on cremations, a claim echoed by Justice Minister Ali Sabry, a Muslim.

There have been ongoing tensions between Muslims and the majority Sinhalese -- who are mostly Buddhists -- since the deadly 2019 Easter bombings carried out by local jihadists.

The SLMC said more than half of Sri Lanka's 222 Covid-19 victims were from the Muslim minority which accounts for just 10 per cent of the 21 million population.

Sri Lanka's government has insisted on the cremation of all coronavirus victims, rejecting international pleas and recommendations from its own experts to allow the Muslim minority to bury their dead.

Sri Lanka's government has insisted on the cremation of all coronavirus victims, rejecting international pleas and recommendations from its own experts to allow the Muslim minority to bury their dead. The announcement came despite a government-appointed expert committee noting this week that while it felt cremations were safest, burials could be allowed under strict conditions. The government first banned burials in April amid concerns that burying bodies could contaminate groundwater and spread the virus. Experts have said these claims are baseless. The World Health Organisation has also said that there is no such risk, recommending both burials and cremations of virus victims, but the Sri Lankan government has refused. "This decision will not be changed for social, religious, political or any other personal reason," Health Minister Pavithra Wanniarachchi said, according to ministry officials. Traditionally and in line with the Islamic custom, Muslims bury their dead facing Mecca. Sri Lanka's majority Buddhists, who are strong backers of the current government, are typically cremated, as are Hindus. Last month, authorities ordered the forced cremation of at least 19 Muslim Covid-19 victims, including a baby, after their families refused to claim their bodies from a hospital morgue. This stoked dismay and anger among the Muslim community, moderates and abroad, with the 57-member Organisation of Islamic Cooperation repeatedly expressing concern. Sri Lanka's Muslim Council (SLMC) had earlier accused the government of trying to provoke Muslim youths into doing "something rash" with its decision on cremations, a claim echoed by Justice Minister Ali Sabry, a Muslim. There have been ongoing tensions between Muslims and the majority Sinhalese -- who are mostly Buddhists -- since the deadly 2019 Easter bombings carried out by local jihadists. The SLMC said more than half of Sri Lanka's 222 Covid-19 victims were from the Muslim minority which accounts for just 10 per cent of the 21 million population.

Sri Lanka to continue to cremate Muslim Covid-19 victims despite uproar

Sri Lanka is facing a challenging time due to the delay in receiving COVID-19 test results, following the breakdown of a key testing machine amid a surge in the coronavirus cases, officials said.

The island nation has so far recorded 10,663 COVID-19 cases and 20 deaths due to the disease.

Health Ministry spokesman Dr Jayaruwan Bandara on Saturday said the main PCR testing machine at the Base Hospital in Mulleriyawa that can test 500-1,000 samples daily broke down earlier this week. Foreign technical experts are rectifying the fault of the malfunctioning machine and it would resume operation soon.

Sri Lanka possesses 25 PCR (Polymerase chain reaction) test machines, which can test 8,000 samples daily.

However, the breakdown of the PCR machine at the Base Hospital has hindered the detection of COVID-19 patients.

Over 26,000 tests have been carried out so far in this laboratory. The laboratory, dedicated for COVID-19 testing, was built at a cost Rs 246 million with assistance from the Asian Development Bank (ADB).

The breakdown has resulted in the backlog of 20,000 PCR tests by Thursday, with a delay of about five days to release test results.

"There is a delay in test reports, but it does not mean that the process has come to a halt,"&nbsp;Bandara said.

He said the country lacks a fully automated testing system.

"All tests are being done manually, virus separation takes about three hours and it takes another two hours to analyse the report. Then the printing -- all these take time," he said, explaining the reason for the delay.

Meanwhile, the Chinese embassy here said on Saturday that technical experts, who were rushed to Lanka from China, have identified the technical fault of the malfunctioning PCR testing machine after a 10-hour operation. The experts concluded that the machine would able to resume operation on Monday.

Bandara said the nationwide coronavirus tally crossing the 10,000-mark is an indicator that public needs to be more aware to practice health safety measures to avoid the pandemic being spread further.

Two big clusters, detected last month, have reported over 7,000 cases so far, he said.

Bandara ruled out a nationwide lockdown again and said the public must help themselves and others by restricting their movements. The 72-hour quarantine curfew imposed on Western province -- which is also home to the capital, Colombo -- will also end on Monday, he said.

Sri Lanka imposed a three-month lockdown until the end of June, with authorities lifting the restrictions after declaring that there was no community transmission of the virus.

Sri Lanka is facing a challenging time due to the delay in receiving COVID-19 test results, following the breakdown of a key testing machine amid a surge in the coronavirus cases, officials said.

Sri Lanka is facing a challenging time due to the delay in receiving COVID-19 test results, following the breakdown of a key testing machine amid a surge in the coronavirus cases, officials said. The island nation has so far recorded 10,663 COVID-19 cases and 20 deaths due to the disease. Health Ministry spokesman Dr Jayaruwan Bandara on Saturday said the main PCR testing machine at the Base Hospital in Mulleriyawa that can test 500-1,000 samples daily broke down earlier this week. Foreign technical experts are rectifying the fault of the malfunctioning machine and it would resume operation soon. Sri Lanka possesses 25 PCR (Polymerase chain reaction) test machines, which can test 8,000 samples daily. However, the breakdown of the PCR machine at the Base Hospital has hindered the detection of COVID-19 patients. Over 26,000 tests have been carried out so far in this laboratory. The laboratory, dedicated for COVID-19 testing, was built at a cost Rs 246 million with assistance from the Asian Development Bank (ADB). The breakdown has resulted in the backlog of 20,000 PCR tests by Thursday, with a delay of about five days to release test results. "There is a delay in test reports, but it does not mean that the process has come to a halt," Bandara said. He said the country lacks a fully automated testing system. "All tests are being done manually, virus separation takes about three hours and it takes another two hours to analyse the report. Then the printing -- all these take time," he said, explaining the reason for the delay. Meanwhile, the Chinese embassy here said on Saturday that technical experts, who were rushed to Lanka from China, have identified the technical fault of the malfunctioning PCR testing machine after a 10-hour operation. The experts concluded that the machine would able to resume operation on Monday. Bandara said the nationwide coronavirus tally crossing the 10,000-mark is an indicator that public needs to be more aware to practice health safety measures to avoid the pandemic being spread further. Two big clusters, detected last month, have reported over 7,000 cases so far, he said. Bandara ruled out a nationwide lockdown again and said the public must help themselves and others by restricting their movements. The 72-hour quarantine curfew imposed on Western province -- which is also home to the capital, Colombo -- will also end on Monday, he said. Sri Lanka imposed a three-month lockdown until the end of June, with authorities lifting the restrictions after declaring that there was no community transmission of the virus.

Sri Lanka faces challenging times due to breakdown of key PCR machine

Sri Lanka has issued a new gazette on coronavirus quarantine regulation, making not wearing of masks and failure in maintaining of social distance a punishable offence with six months of imprisonment or Rs 10,000 fine.

Under the new norms gazetted on Thursday, wearing of masks is compulsory all time and maintaining social distance of not less than one metre between two persons

"Among the foremost of new regulations are that every person in public must wear a face mask at all times and maintain social distancing of not less than one metre between two persons," the Gazette said.

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Police said anybody violating the regulation would be subject to a 10, 000 rupees fine or a six month's imprisonment. 
The regulations extend to cover supermarkets, retail shops and public transport.

All institutions are compelled to make a register of persons entering the premises, according to the Gazette.

The new gazette follows the ongoing spike where since October 4 some 19 areas in the Western province's Gampaha district were placed under police curfew due to the latest cluster involving a garment export factory.

<a href="https://www.wionews.com/south-asia/pakistan-foils-attempt-to-smuggle-endangered-falcons-336041">Also read:&nbsp;Pakistan foils attempt to smuggle endangered falcons</a>

The curfew was later extended to the locality around the international airport where export promotion zone employees tens of thousands of factory workers.

Till Thursday, Sri Lanka had recorded 5,244 cases out of which 3,380 had recovered with only 13 deaths since mid March.

The garment export factory as the biggest cluster had provided 1,720 cases by Thursday .&nbsp;

Sri Lanka has issued a new gazette on coronavirus quarantine regulation, making not wearing of masks and failure in maintaining of social distance a punishable offence with six months of imprisonment or Rs 10,000 fine.

Sri Lanka has issued a new gazette on coronavirus quarantine regulation, making not wearing of masks and failure in maintaining of social distance a punishable offence with six months of imprisonment or Rs 10,000 fine. Under the new norms gazetted on Thursday, wearing of masks is compulsory all time and maintaining social distance of not less than one metre between two persons "Among the foremost of new regulations are that every person in public must wear a face mask at all times and maintain social distancing of not less than one metre between two persons," the Gazette said. Also read: Imran Khan slams Nawaz Sharif for accusing army chief of rigging elections Police said anybody violating the regulation would be subject to a 10, 000 rupees fine or a six month's imprisonment. The regulations extend to cover supermarkets, retail shops and public transport. All institutions are compelled to make a register of persons entering the premises, according to the Gazette. The new gazette follows the ongoing spike where since October 4 some 19 areas in the Western province's Gampaha district were placed under police curfew due to the latest cluster involving a garment export factory. Also read: Pakistan foils attempt to smuggle endangered falcons The curfew was later extended to the locality around the international airport where export promotion zone employees tens of thousands of factory workers. Till Thursday, Sri Lanka had recorded 5,244 cases out of which 3,380 had recovered with only 13 deaths since mid March. The garment export factory as the biggest cluster had provided 1,720 cases by Thursday .

Sri Lanka makes masks mandatory under new quarantine laws; to impose fine if rule violated

Sri Lanka on Sunday imposed an indefinite curfew on two western provincial towns to contain the spread of the coronavirus following the detection of a community case after a gap of nearly six months, officials said.

The island nation has so far recorded 3,395 coronavirus cases and 13 fatalities due to the disease.

An indefinite curfew has been imposed on Divulapitiya and Minwangoda towns in the suburbs of Colombo after a COVID-19 positive patient was detected on Sunday, Army Commander and COVID-19 prevention task force head Shavendra Silva said.

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He said a female from Divulapitiya who works in an apparel factory was found positive for coronavirus after she was admitted to a hospital in Gampaha for fever. Nearly 50 people from her workplace and the hospital have been sent for home quarantine after she was detected positive for COVID-19.

According to officials, this is likely the first COVID-19 community case detected since April. Recent infections have come from foreign returnees.

The Sri Lankan government on June 28 completely lifted the curfew imposed to contain the spread of the coronavirus after no new case of community infection was recorded for nearly two months.

<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/solomon-islands-reports-first-covid-19-case-332384">Also read:&nbsp;Solomon Islands reports first COVID-19 case</a>

However, international flights are yet to be resumed.

The island nation was under a continuous lockdown since March 20. Initially, a nationwide blanket curfew was imposed but it was later eased for about two-thirds of the country and was mostly confined to nighttime. The government had ordered partial opening of offices and businesses mid-May. From early June, the restrictions were further relaxed with public transport being allowed.

The government further relaxed the COVID-19 curfew, which was in force from 11 pm to 4 am, to only four hours from midnight to 4 am daily from June 14 onwards.&nbsp;

Sri Lanka on Sunday imposed an indefinite curfew on two western provincial towns to contain the spread of the coronavirus following the detection of a community case after a gap of nearly six months, officials said.

Sri Lanka on Sunday imposed an indefinite curfew on two western provincial towns to contain the spread of the coronavirus following the detection of a community case after a gap of nearly six months, officials said. The island nation has so far recorded 3,395 coronavirus cases and 13 fatalities due to the disease. An indefinite curfew has been imposed on Divulapitiya and Minwangoda towns in the suburbs of Colombo after a COVID-19 positive patient was detected on Sunday, Army Commander and COVID-19 prevention task force head Shavendra Silva said. Also read: Nepal Prime Minister's advisers test positive for COVID-19 He said a female from Divulapitiya who works in an apparel factory was found positive for coronavirus after she was admitted to a hospital in Gampaha for fever. Nearly 50 people from her workplace and the hospital have been sent for home quarantine after she was detected positive for COVID-19. According to officials, this is likely the first COVID-19 community case detected since April. Recent infections have come from foreign returnees. The Sri Lankan government on June 28 completely lifted the curfew imposed to contain the spread of the coronavirus after no new case of community infection was recorded for nearly two months. Also read: Solomon Islands reports first COVID-19 case However, international flights are yet to be resumed. The island nation was under a continuous lockdown since March 20. Initially, a nationwide blanket curfew was imposed but it was later eased for about two-thirds of the country and was mostly confined to nighttime. The government had ordered partial opening of offices and businesses mid-May. From early June, the restrictions were further relaxed with public transport being allowed. The government further relaxed the COVID-19 curfew, which was in force from 11 pm to 4 am, to only four hours from midnight to 4 am daily from June 14 onwards.

Sri Lanka imposes indefinite curfew in 2 towns after detection of new COVID-19 cases

The Sri Lankan government has issued strict health guidelines for the campaigning for the August 5 parliamentary elections, days after the country's top poll body said it would be "extremely difficult" to conduct the polls as political leaders were defying safety measures to contain the spread of the COVID-19.

The two-page guidelines were issued through a special gazette notification on Friday night, stating that election rallies must be limited to 300 people, which could be expanded to allow 500 people for events attended by party leaders.

According to the guidelines, organisers of political rallies must inform the health authorities 24 hours in advance and meeting arrangements should facilitate washing of hands and maintaining one metre distance. All are required to wear face masks at all times.

The gazette notification came days after the election commission urged the government to legalise the health guidelines, saying that the political leaders were not adhering to the health measures while campaigning, jeopardising the lives of the people attending the campaign.

"It will be extremely difficult to conduct the election unless the legal effect is given to the health guidelines," Mahinda Deshapriya, the chief of Sri Lanka's Election Commission, said on Wednesday.

The guidelines for conducting the elections were announced on June 2 but they were not been legalised through a gazette notification.

However, sources in the opposition accused the ruling party of watering down the guidelines to make way for a more relaxed campaigning despite a spike in the cases.

Campaigning for the elections, which will continue till August 2, has been low key due to the pandemic and the sudden spike of over 500 cases reported from the north central region last week has led to fears of the spread of the virus.

According to Johns Hopkins university data, the country has 2,697 coronavirus cases with 11 deaths.

The role of the public health inspectors (PHI) has been excluded from the guidelines.

The PHIs had on Friday said they were withdrawing from COVID-19 related activities due to the government's reluctance to provide them with legal cover for their work.

The parliamentary polls were initially to be held on April 25, but had to be postponed due to the outbreak of the COVID-19 pandemic which prompted the authorities to announce a nationwide lockdown from March 20.

Later, the election commission shifted the date to June 20. It was again deemed not suitable in view of the raging pandemic. Finally, August 5 has been selected for the poll process.

With the latest spike, it was feared that the election would be further put off and the country might return to the lockdown phase. The country was earlier under lockdown from March 20-June 13.

The election commission has declined the opposition's call to postpone the elections amid a surge in the number of cases.

Over 16 million voters are eligible to vote to elect a 225-member parliament for a five-year term.

The Sri Lankan government has issued strict health guidelines for the campaigning for the August 5 parliamentary elections, days after the country's top poll body said it would be "extremely difficult" to conduct the polls as political leaders were defying safety measures to contain the spread of the COVID-19.

The Sri Lankan government has issued strict health guidelines for the campaigning for the August 5 parliamentary elections, days after the country's top poll body said it would be "extremely difficult" to conduct the polls as political leaders were defying safety measures to contain the spread of the COVID-19. The two-page guidelines were issued through a special gazette notification on Friday night, stating that election rallies must be limited to 300 people, which could be expanded to allow 500 people for events attended by party leaders. According to the guidelines, organisers of political rallies must inform the health authorities 24 hours in advance and meeting arrangements should facilitate washing of hands and maintaining one metre distance. All are required to wear face masks at all times. The gazette notification came days after the election commission urged the government to legalise the health guidelines, saying that the political leaders were not adhering to the health measures while campaigning, jeopardising the lives of the people attending the campaign. "It will be extremely difficult to conduct the election unless the legal effect is given to the health guidelines," Mahinda Deshapriya, the chief of Sri Lanka's Election Commission, said on Wednesday. The guidelines for conducting the elections were announced on June 2 but they were not been legalised through a gazette notification. However, sources in the opposition accused the ruling party of watering down the guidelines to make way for a more relaxed campaigning despite a spike in the cases. Campaigning for the elections, which will continue till August 2, has been low key due to the pandemic and the sudden spike of over 500 cases reported from the north central region last week has led to fears of the spread of the virus. According to Johns Hopkins university data, the country has 2,697 coronavirus cases with 11 deaths. The role of the public health inspectors (PHI) has been excluded from the guidelines. The PHIs had on Friday said they were withdrawing from COVID-19 related activities due to the government's reluctance to provide them with legal cover for their work. The parliamentary polls were initially to be held on April 25, but had to be postponed due to the outbreak of the COVID-19 pandemic which prompted the authorities to announce a nationwide lockdown from March 20. Later, the election commission shifted the date to June 20. It was again deemed not suitable in view of the raging pandemic. Finally, August 5 has been selected for the poll process. With the latest spike, it was feared that the election would be further put off and the country might return to the lockdown phase. The country was earlier under lockdown from March 20-June 13. The election commission has declined the opposition's call to postpone the elections amid a surge in the number of cases. Over 16 million voters are eligible to vote to elect a 225-member parliament for a five-year term.

Sri Lanka issues strict health guidelines for election campaigning

Sri Lanka's nationwide lockdown was lifted Sunday after a selective curfew a month ago was reimposed during a surge in coronavirus infections, the country's president said.

The island nation imposed the lockdown on March 20 and lifted it gradually over the past two months, although a nighttime curfew remained in place.

It reintroduced tighter restrictions in late May and early June to curb large gatherings for the funeral of a popular government minister and for a religious festival.

"The curfew has completely been lifted effective from today,"&nbsp;President Gotabaya Rajapaksa's office said in a statement.

Health officials said new infections reported since April 30 were from Sri Lankans stranded in the Middle East who were brought home on special flights and quarantined.

A cluster in a navy camp was controlled with the facility still in lock down, they said.

"There has been no community spread of the virus and the infections at the Welisara navy camp are now contained," a health official told AFP.

Air and sea borders remained closed, with international flights suspended.

Authorities plan to reopen Sri Lanka's borders on August 1, but the date could be reviewed due to the imported cases, the official added.

Sri Lanka will also hold its parliamentary elections at the start of August after they were postponed due to the pandemic.

Around 2,000 infections including 11 deaths have been recorded in the South Asian nation so far, according to government figures.

&nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp;&nbsp;

Sri Lanka's nationwide lockdown was lifted Sunday after a selective curfew a month ago was reimposed during a surge in coronavirus infections, the country's president said.

Sri Lanka's nationwide lockdown was lifted Sunday after a selective curfew a month ago was reimposed during a surge in coronavirus infections, the country's president said. The island nation imposed the lockdown on March 20 and lifted it gradually over the past two months, although a nighttime curfew remained in place. It reintroduced tighter restrictions in late May and early June to curb large gatherings for the funeral of a popular government minister and for a religious festival. "The curfew has completely been lifted effective from today," President Gotabaya Rajapaksa's office said in a statement. Health officials said new infections reported since April 30 were from Sri Lankans stranded in the Middle East who were brought home on special flights and quarantined. A cluster in a navy camp was controlled with the facility still in lock down, they said. "There has been no community spread of the virus and the infections at the Welisara navy camp are now contained," a health official told AFP. Air and sea borders remained closed, with international flights suspended. Authorities plan to reopen Sri Lanka's borders on August 1, but the date could be reviewed due to the imported cases, the official added. Sri Lanka will also hold its parliamentary elections at the start of August after they were postponed due to the pandemic. Around 2,000 infections including 11 deaths have been recorded in the South Asian nation so far, according to government figures.

Sri Lanka lifts virus lockdown, says 'no community spread'

Sri Lankan Navy (SLN) launched a number of special sea operations around the country from the beginning of the novel Coronavirus pandemic to thwart asylum seekers fleeing from coronavirus-hit countries into Sri Lanka, Navy Spokesman Lt. Com. Isuru Sooriyabandara said today.

He said the&nbsp;Sri Lankan Navy&nbsp;had taken several measures to prevent people illegally entering Sri Lanka. " We have tightened our sea operations to thwart such illegal migrants entering into the country from foreign states at the time the government decided to cease the passenger arrivals through all the ports and airports," he said.

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According to Sooriyabandara, the operations at sea were conducted at a juncture, where all inward and outward passenger arrivals were banned, the possibility to intrude via sea routes illegally could be increased.

He said the Sri Lankan Navy&nbsp;had&nbsp;deliberately strengthened its sea operations along the seas off North and North-Western parts of the island, where a high density of fishing clusters are visible, since it would be an advantage for the racketeers to be involved in smuggling to perform under the guise of fishermen.

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"Deployments were also vigilant on human and drug smuggling attempts into the country and Naval assets were positioned not only in the surrounding seas, but also at the international waters under the directives of the Navy Commander Vice Admiral Piyal De Silva," he stressed.

Explaining the mutual support received from the friendly forces he said, Sri Lanka Army, Sri Lanka Air Force, Sri Lanka Police and Sri Lanka Coast Guard extended their fullest support for the Navy-run operations to spoil unlawful arrivals.

Sri Lankan Navy (SLN) launched a number of special sea operations around the country from the beginning of the novel Coronavirus pandemic to thwart asylum seekers fleeing from coronavirus-hit countries into Sri Lanka, Navy Spokesman Lt.

Sri Lankan Navy (SLN) launched a number of special sea operations around the country from the beginning of the novel Coronavirus pandemic to thwart asylum seekers fleeing from coronavirus-hit countries into Sri Lanka, Navy Spokesman Lt. Com. Isuru Sooriyabandara said today. He said the Sri Lankan Navy had taken several measures to prevent people illegally entering Sri Lanka. " We have tightened our sea operations to thwart such illegal migrants entering into the country from foreign states at the time the government decided to cease the passenger arrivals through all the ports and airports," he said. Also read: Sri Lanka police seize journalist's laptop over Swiss kidnap claim According to Sooriyabandara, the operations at sea were conducted at a juncture, where all inward and outward passenger arrivals were banned, the possibility to intrude via sea routes illegally could be increased. He said the Sri Lankan Navy had deliberately strengthened its sea operations along the seas off North and North-Western parts of the island, where a high density of fishing clusters are visible, since it would be an advantage for the racketeers to be involved in smuggling to perform under the guise of fishermen. Also read: Sri Lanka conducts second mock poll; election commission satisfied with preparations "Deployments were also vigilant on human and drug smuggling attempts into the country and Naval assets were positioned not only in the surrounding seas, but also at the international waters under the directives of the Navy Commander Vice Admiral Piyal De Silva," he stressed. Explaining the mutual support received from the friendly forces he said, Sri Lanka Army, Sri Lanka Air Force, Sri Lanka Police and Sri Lanka Coast Guard extended their fullest support for the Navy-run operations to spoil unlawful arrivals.

Sri Lankan Navy on high alert to thwart asylum seekers from COVID-19 hit countries

Sri Lanka on Saturday announced further relaxation of the curfew, imposed as part of the COVID-19 lockdown, from next week.

Sri Lanka has so far recorded 1,880 coronavirus cases, 11 deaths due to the disease and 1,196 recoveries. 
The COVID-19 curfew, currently in force from 11 pm to 4 am daily, will be relaxed and enforced for only four hours from midnight to 4 am daily from June 14 onwards, President Gotabaya Rajapaksa's office said.

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Sri Lanka has been under a continuous lockdown since March 20, a week after the first local victim of the pandemic was reported. Initially, a nationwide blanket curfew was imposed but it was later eased for about two-thirds of the country.

The government had ordered partial opening of offices and businesses mid-May. From early June, the restrictions were further relaxed with public transport being allowed.

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The lockdown relaxations were mostly due to the need to hold the election for a new Parliament. Sri Lanka's twice-postponed parliamentary polls will be held on August 5.

President Rajapaksa on March 2 dissolved the Parliament, six months ahead of schedule, and called for snap polls on April 25. However, the election commission in mid-April postponed the elections by nearly two months to June 20 due to the coronavirus outbreak in the island nation.

The commission last month informed the apex court that the polls cannot be held on June 20 because of the raging coronavirus pandemic. The new date, announced on Wednesday, was decided following a unanimous decision reached between the members of the election commission.

Meanwhile, the government plans to resume operation of international airports from August 1. 
Religious places have been allowed to re-open for services. All zoological gardens and national parks would be reopened from June 15.

According to health authorities, since April 30 no new COVID-19 case from the community has been detected. All the patients tested positive for the coronavirus from April 30 onwards were either those who were in the quarantine centres, Navy personnel or their close contacts.

Sri Lanka on Saturday announced further relaxation of the curfew, imposed as part of the COVID-19 lockdown, from next week. Sri Lanka has so far recorded 1,880 coronavirus cases, 11 deaths due to the disease and 1,196 recoveries.

Sri Lanka on Saturday announced further relaxation of the curfew, imposed as part of the COVID-19 lockdown, from next week. Sri Lanka has so far recorded 1,880 coronavirus cases, 11 deaths due to the disease and 1,196 recoveries. The COVID-19 curfew, currently in force from 11 pm to 4 am daily, will be relaxed and enforced for only four hours from midnight to 4 am daily from June 14 onwards, President Gotabaya Rajapaksa's office said. Have a look| Colombo embraces new normal as people attend drive-in open-air concert Sri Lanka has been under a continuous lockdown since March 20, a week after the first local victim of the pandemic was reported. Initially, a nationwide blanket curfew was imposed but it was later eased for about two-thirds of the country. The government had ordered partial opening of offices and businesses mid-May. From early June, the restrictions were further relaxed with public transport being allowed. Also read| COVID-19: India's tour of Sri Lanka and Zimbabwe called off The lockdown relaxations were mostly due to the need to hold the election for a new Parliament. Sri Lanka's twice-postponed parliamentary polls will be held on August 5. President Rajapaksa on March 2 dissolved the Parliament, six months ahead of schedule, and called for snap polls on April 25. However, the election commission in mid-April postponed the elections by nearly two months to June 20 due to the coronavirus outbreak in the island nation. The commission last month informed the apex court that the polls cannot be held on June 20 because of the raging coronavirus pandemic. The new date, announced on Wednesday, was decided following a unanimous decision reached between the members of the election commission. Meanwhile, the government plans to resume operation of international airports from August 1. Religious places have been allowed to re-open for services. All zoological gardens and national parks would be reopened from June 15. According to health authorities, since April 30 no new COVID-19 case from the community has been detected. All the patients tested positive for the coronavirus from April 30 onwards were either those who were in the quarantine centres, Navy personnel or their close contacts.

Sri Lanka further relaxes COVID-19 curfew

Sri Lanka has revealed its plans to revive the&nbsp;tourism sector in mid-June by allowing small groups of visitors, as per a local newspaper's report that quoted a senior tourism ministry official as saying.

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According to a report in the Sunday Times, Tourism Ministry Secretary S&nbsp;Hettiaarachchi said that small groups that will consist of people of other countries will be allowed to visit Sri Lanka and stay in approved five-star hotels that follow coronavirus guidelines strictly.&nbsp;

He said: “The tourists will be required to carry a COVID-19-free certificate issued either by their governments or a reputed agency." If the plan gets approved, &nbsp;Bandaranaike International Airport and Mattala International Airport will partially reopen after being shut due to virus restrictions. The Secretary also added that these tourists will have to wait at the airport on arrival for coronavirus testing.&nbsp;

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According to the report, individual travellers will not be allowed in the country as of now and the number of people in one group has not yet been decided by the government.&nbsp;

“The tourists will not be allowed to get off buses midway (between journeys) and will be able only to visit selected destinations where they could avoid crowds,” Hettiaarachchi said.

Among Sri Lanka's tourist spots, Yala national park, Udawalawe, Arugam Bay, Trincomalee and selected beach areas would be among those open for the tourists.&nbsp;

Lanka's tourism sector has a great impact on the nation's GDP as it constitutes 11 per cent of it. Sri Lanka hosts more than 2 million tourists every year. Due to the coronavirus, the tourism sector has faced massive losses.&nbsp;

Sri Lanka reported another 20 cases of the virus on Saturday, taking the total number of cases so far to 1,613, including 10 deaths.

Sri Lanka has revealed its plans to revive the tourism sector in mid-June by allowing small groups of visitors, as per a local newspaper's report that quoted a senior tourism ministry official as saying.

Sri Lanka has revealed its plans to revive the tourism sector in mid-June by allowing small groups of visitors, as per a local newspaper's report that quoted a senior tourism ministry official as saying. Also read: Pakistan: Investigators to start decoding black box of crashed craft from June 02 in France According to a report in the Sunday Times, Tourism Ministry Secretary S Hettiaarachchi said that small groups that will consist of people of other countries will be allowed to visit Sri Lanka and stay in approved five-star hotels that follow coronavirus guidelines strictly. He said: “The tourists will be required to carry a COVID-19-free certificate issued either by their governments or a reputed agency." If the plan gets approved, Bandaranaike International Airport and Mattala International Airport will partially reopen after being shut due to virus restrictions. The Secretary also added that these tourists will have to wait at the airport on arrival for coronavirus testing. Also read: New Nepal map constitutional amendment placed in Lower house of Nepali Parliament According to the report, individual travellers will not be allowed in the country as of now and the number of people in one group has not yet been decided by the government. “The tourists will not be allowed to get off buses midway (between journeys) and will be able only to visit selected destinations where they could avoid crowds,” Hettiaarachchi said. Among Sri Lanka's tourist spots, Yala national park, Udawalawe, Arugam Bay, Trincomalee and selected beach areas would be among those open for the tourists. Lanka's tourism sector has a great impact on the nation's GDP as it constitutes 11 per cent of it. Sri Lanka hosts more than 2 million tourists every year. Due to the coronavirus, the tourism sector has faced massive losses. Sri Lanka reported another 20 cases of the virus on Saturday, taking the total number of cases so far to 1,613, including 10 deaths.

Sri Lanka to partially resume tourism by mid-June: Reports

Sri Lanka will ease the coronavirus lockdown restrictions from May 26, limiting the curfew hours from 10.00 pm to 4.00 am among other relaxations.

The curfew will be lifted during the day across the country, including hot-spot districts of Colombo and Gampaha, President Gotabaya Rajapaksa's said in a statement. The two districts were identified as coronavirus hot-spots and placed under round-the-clock curfew since March 20.

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Inter-district movement will be permitted from Tuesday, except to Colombo and Gamapaha.

Though the curfew will be lifted during the day, social-distancing and other practices to check the spread of COVID-19 will be implemented strictly, officials said.

The coronavirus has claimed nine lives in the island nation with 1,068 confirmed cases.

This is the second round of curfew relaxations in the island-nation after certain changes were effected on May 11 to revive economic activity, as part of which employees of state and public sector companies were allowed to travel to work.

Senior police official Ajith Rohana said the curfew will be strictly enforced on Sunday and Monday. Id will held in Sri Lanka on Monday.

"There will be over 900 roadblocks during the curfew on both days," Rohana said.

Sri Lanka will ease the coronavirus lockdown restrictions from May 26, limiting the curfew hours from 10.00 pm to 4.00 am among other relaxations. The curfew will be lifted during the day across the country, including hot-spot districts of Colombo and Gampaha, President Gotabaya Rajapaksa's said in a statement.

Sri Lanka will ease the coronavirus lockdown restrictions from May 26, limiting the curfew hours from 10.00 pm to 4.00 am among other relaxations. The curfew will be lifted during the day across the country, including hot-spot districts of Colombo and Gampaha, President Gotabaya Rajapaksa's said in a statement. The two districts were identified as coronavirus hot-spots and placed under round-the-clock curfew since March 20. Also read: Indian envoy to Sri Lanka Gopal Baglay visits church hit by terror attack in first engagement Inter-district movement will be permitted from Tuesday, except to Colombo and Gamapaha. Though the curfew will be lifted during the day, social-distancing and other practices to check the spread of COVID-19 will be implemented strictly, officials said. The coronavirus has claimed nine lives in the island nation with 1,068 confirmed cases. This is the second round of curfew relaxations in the island-nation after certain changes were effected on May 11 to revive economic activity, as part of which employees of state and public sector companies were allowed to travel to work. Senior police official Ajith Rohana said the curfew will be strictly enforced on Sunday and Monday. Id will held in Sri Lanka on Monday. "There will be over 900 roadblocks during the curfew on both days," Rohana said.

Sri Lanka to ease coronavirus restrictions from May 26

Sri Lanka will mark the 11th anniversary of its victory over the LTTE with a low key state ceremony on Tuesday, amidst the coronavirus pandemic in the country.

Tamil separatist group the Liberation Tigers of Tamil Eelam, which led an armed rebellion for over three decades against the Sri Lankan government to set up a separate Tamil homeland in the northern and eastern province of the island nation was defeated by the Army in May 2009.

"This year the celebrations will be held at a simple scale. The main ceremony is to take place near Parliament tomorrow and the occasion is to be graced by the President Gotabaya Rajapaksa," Lt Gen Shavendra Silva, the Army Commander told reporters here.

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The Sri Lankan Government would be holding a restricted state commemoration ceremony on Tuesday due to the COVID-19 pandemic that would be graced by President Gotabhaya Rajapaksa.

A large number of war heroes would be commemorated during the occasion.

On May 19, 2009, the formal end to the bloody separatist war was signalled with the discovery of the body of the feared LTTE supremo Velupillai Prabakaran.

Lt Gen. Silva headed one of the Army divisions which cornered the LTTE in Army's final victory and President Rajapaksa was the top defense bureaucrat under his brother Mahinda Rajapaksa's then presidency.

Silva said the close relatives of war heroes will attend the restricted commemoration ceremony in view of the COVID-19 pandemic.

Sri Lanka has so far reported 981 infections of coronavirus with 9 deaths.

Silva said the Army is to give its biggest share of promotions to the lower rankers to coincide with the Hero's Day on Tuesday. Some 14,617 of them are to be elevated to their next rank.

The Army chief said that 23,962 soldiers, 1,160 sailors, 440 Air Force men, 2,598 policemen and 456 civil defense force cadres, who were killed during the three decades old conflict, would be commemorated at tomorrow's ceremony.

Meanwhile, the Tamil groups claimed that the military was keeping a close watch on the organisers of commemorations marked for the Tamils who died in the final battle.

They would light candles in their remembrance.

The LTTE was fighting the government troops since the mid 1970s to set up a separate Tamil homeland in the northern and eastern regions of the island nation.

Sri Lanka's human rights record, particularly over the impunity enjoyed by law enforcement officers, has been the subject of international condemnation.

The UN Human Rights Council has called for an international probe into the alleged war crimes during the military conflict with the LTTE.

According to the government figures, around 20,000 people are missing due to various conflicts, including the war with Lankan Tamils which claimed at least 100,000 lives.

Sri Lanka will mark the 11th anniversary of its victory over the LTTE with a low key state ceremony on Tuesday, amidst the coronavirus pandemic in the country. Tamil separatist group the Liberation Tigers of Tamil Eelam, which led an armed rebellion for over three decades against the Sri Lankan government to set up a separate Tamil homeland in the northern and eastern province of the island nation was defeated by the Army in May 2009.

Sri Lanka will mark the 11th anniversary of its victory over the LTTE with a low key state ceremony on Tuesday, amidst the coronavirus pandemic in the country. Tamil separatist group the Liberation Tigers of Tamil Eelam, which led an armed rebellion for over three decades against the Sri Lankan government to set up a separate Tamil homeland in the northern and eastern province of the island nation was defeated by the Army in May 2009. "This year the celebrations will be held at a simple scale. The main ceremony is to take place near Parliament tomorrow and the occasion is to be graced by the President Gotabaya Rajapaksa," Lt Gen Shavendra Silva, the Army Commander told reporters here. Also watch: WION in an exclusive conversation with India's New High Commissioner to Sri Lanka Gopal Baglay The Sri Lankan Government would be holding a restricted state commemoration ceremony on Tuesday due to the COVID-19 pandemic that would be graced by President Gotabhaya Rajapaksa. A large number of war heroes would be commemorated during the occasion. On May 19, 2009, the formal end to the bloody separatist war was signalled with the discovery of the body of the feared LTTE supremo Velupillai Prabakaran. Lt Gen. Silva headed one of the Army divisions which cornered the LTTE in Army's final victory and President Rajapaksa was the top defense bureaucrat under his brother Mahinda Rajapaksa's then presidency. Silva said the close relatives of war heroes will attend the restricted commemoration ceremony in view of the COVID-19 pandemic. Sri Lanka has so far reported 981 infections of coronavirus with 9 deaths. Silva said the Army is to give its biggest share of promotions to the lower rankers to coincide with the Hero's Day on Tuesday. Some 14,617 of them are to be elevated to their next rank. The Army chief said that 23,962 soldiers, 1,160 sailors, 440 Air Force men, 2,598 policemen and 456 civil defense force cadres, who were killed during the three decades old conflict, would be commemorated at tomorrow's ceremony. Meanwhile, the Tamil groups claimed that the military was keeping a close watch on the organisers of commemorations marked for the Tamils who died in the final battle. They would light candles in their remembrance. The LTTE was fighting the government troops since the mid 1970s to set up a separate Tamil homeland in the northern and eastern regions of the island nation. Sri Lanka's human rights record, particularly over the impunity enjoyed by law enforcement officers, has been the subject of international condemnation. The UN Human Rights Council has called for an international probe into the alleged war crimes during the military conflict with the LTTE. According to the government figures, around 20,000 people are missing due to various conflicts, including the war with Lankan Tamils which claimed at least 100,000 lives.

Sri Lanka to keep 11th anniversary of victory over LTTE low key amidst COVID-19

Sri Lanka has asked its 1.5 million government employees to donate their May salary to boost the country's economy amid coronavirus lockdown.&nbsp;

The country has suffered massive setbacks since last year's Easter bombing that killed 279 people with the tourism sector been the worst-hit since the outbreak of the virus.&nbsp;

The Lankan government had imposed a nationwide lockdown on March 20 shutting down all&nbsp;industries, shopping complexes, bars as the coronavirus cases began to rise. Only shops with essential supplies were allowed to stay open.&nbsp;

P.B. Jayasundara, a top civil servant has asked all the government sector employees including the armed forces and the police to give away their monthly income (May) to help the country's economy during the lockdown. He called it a "social responsibility."

In a letter written by Jayasundara and accessed by an agency, he said: "In the past month you could not travel, go shopping. A lot of spending was curtailed."&nbsp;

"While seeking loans and aid from other countries, we must also demonstrate our internal strength... Consider it (the donation) as your social responsibility at this time of crisis."

Jayasundara assured that such mass donations will reduce the budget deficit and will help Sri Lanka manage their national debt by saving some 100 billion rupees ($525 million).

Jayasundra is leading the initiative by donating his May's salary. &nbsp;

According to Prime Minister Mahinda Rajapaksa, Sri Lanka has not received any international financial aid to fight the virus. He rubbished any rumours of his government misusing any financial aid.

The economic growth of the island nation slowed to 2.3 per cent last year compared to an expansion of 3.3 per cent in 2018.

Sri Lanka has 797 positive virus cases and nine deaths, according to government figures.

Sri Lanka has asked its 1.5 million government employees to donate their May salary to boost the country's economy amid coronavirus lockdown. The country has suffered massive setbacks since last year's Easter bombing that killed 279 people with the tourism sector been the worst-hit since the outbreak of the virus.

Sri Lanka has asked its 1.5 million government employees to donate their May salary to boost the country's economy amid coronavirus lockdown. The country has suffered massive setbacks since last year's Easter bombing that killed 279 people with the tourism sector been the worst-hit since the outbreak of the virus. The Lankan government had imposed a nationwide lockdown on March 20 shutting down all industries, shopping complexes, bars as the coronavirus cases began to rise. Only shops with essential supplies were allowed to stay open. P.B. Jayasundara, a top civil servant has asked all the government sector employees including the armed forces and the police to give away their monthly income (May) to help the country's economy during the lockdown. He called it a "social responsibility." In a letter written by Jayasundara and accessed by an agency, he said: "In the past month you could not travel, go shopping. A lot of spending was curtailed." "While seeking loans and aid from other countries, we must also demonstrate our internal strength... Consider it (the donation) as your social responsibility at this time of crisis." Jayasundara assured that such mass donations will reduce the budget deficit and will help Sri Lanka manage their national debt by saving some 100 billion rupees ($525 million). Jayasundra is leading the initiative by donating his May's salary. According to Prime Minister Mahinda Rajapaksa, Sri Lanka has not received any international financial aid to fight the virus. He rubbished any rumours of his government misusing any financial aid. The economic growth of the island nation slowed to 2.3 per cent last year compared to an expansion of 3.3 per cent in 2018. Sri Lanka has 797 positive virus cases and nine deaths, according to government figures.

Sri Lanka asks government employees for May salary to boost economy amid shutdown

Of the 548 active coronavirus cases in Sri Lanka, 327 of them are Navy personnel, officials said on Tuesday.

The virus has killed eight people with 752 positive cases in the island nation.

Also read:&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/south-asia/one-prisoner-dies-in-sri-lanka-after-several-attempt-breakout-296363" hreflang="en">One prisoner dies in Sri Lanka after several attempt breakout</a>

Army chief General Shavendra Silva, who heads the island-nation's COVID-19 prevention mechanism, on Tuesday said, "There were 33 new positive cases found at midnight (Monday), 31 of them are our gallant sailors who are linked to the Welisara camp. The two others are their contacts."

The COVID-19 infection is suspected to have spread in the Welisara Camp near capital Colombo when officers came in contact with drug addicts infected by the virus during a raid. The sailors had gone home on leave, spreading the virus further.

Also read:&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/more-than-250000-die-of-coronavirus-worldwide-confirmed-recoveries-near-12-lakh-296685">Over 250,000 die of coronavirus worldwide; confirmed recoveries near 12 lakh</a>

Silva said 752 positive cases were reported in the country since its first positive case in mid-March, of which 194 patients had been discharged from hospitals after complete recovery.

The Army chief said 1,008 relatives of Navy sailors are presently in quarantine.

The virus death rose to eight on Monday after a 72-year-old woman in northwestern Kurunegala region died of the disease. The woman was related to one of the infected sailors.

President Gotabaya Rajapaksa on Monday spoke at an online summit of the Non Aligned Movement (NAM), a forum of around 120 developing countries.

Gotabaya said of all the PCR test only 3 per cent gave positive results and that the virus' mortality rate in Sri Lanka was less than 1 per cent.

The president said he intends to ease restriction to revive economic activities, while enforcing health guidelines.

The coronavirus, which first surfaced in China's Wuhan city in November last, has claimed over 250,000 lives and infected 3.5 million people across the world.&nbsp;

Of the 548 active coronavirus cases in Sri Lanka, 327 of them are Navy personnel, officials said on Tuesday. The virus has killed eight people with 752 positive cases in the island nation.

Of the 548 active coronavirus cases in Sri Lanka, 327 of them are Navy personnel, officials said on Tuesday. The virus has killed eight people with 752 positive cases in the island nation. Also read: One prisoner dies in Sri Lanka after several attempt breakout Army chief General Shavendra Silva, who heads the island-nation's COVID-19 prevention mechanism, on Tuesday said, "There were 33 new positive cases found at midnight (Monday), 31 of them are our gallant sailors who are linked to the Welisara camp. The two others are their contacts." The COVID-19 infection is suspected to have spread in the Welisara Camp near capital Colombo when officers came in contact with drug addicts infected by the virus during a raid. The sailors had gone home on leave, spreading the virus further. Also read: Over 250,000 die of coronavirus worldwide; confirmed recoveries near 12 lakh Silva said 752 positive cases were reported in the country since its first positive case in mid-March, of which 194 patients had been discharged from hospitals after complete recovery. The Army chief said 1,008 relatives of Navy sailors are presently in quarantine. The virus death rose to eight on Monday after a 72-year-old woman in northwestern Kurunegala region died of the disease. The woman was related to one of the infected sailors. President Gotabaya Rajapaksa on Monday spoke at an online summit of the Non Aligned Movement (NAM), a forum of around 120 developing countries. Gotabaya said of all the PCR test only 3 per cent gave positive results and that the virus' mortality rate in Sri Lanka was less than 1 per cent. The president said he intends to ease restriction to revive economic activities, while enforcing health guidelines. The coronavirus, which first surfaced in China's Wuhan city in November last, has claimed over 250,000 lives and infected 3.5 million people across the world.

Sri Lanka registers over 750 coronavirus cases, most from Naval facility

Sri Lankan President Gotabaya Rajapaksa on Friday&nbsp;extended the nationwide lockdown in the coronavirus high risk zones of the country till May 11.

This includes capital district of Colombo&nbsp;and three other high risk zones for COVID-19 whose lockdown was due to be lifted on May 4.&nbsp;

Also read:&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/south-asia/coronavirus-under-control-says-sri-lanka-president-gotabaya-rajapaksa-as-sailors-test-positive-295853" hreflang="en">Coronavirus under control, says Sri Lanka President Gotabaya Rajapaksa as sailors test positive</a>

According to&nbsp;the statement issued from President Gotabaya Rajapaksa's office, ''steps are underway to bring life and institutions back to normalcy from May 11."&nbsp;

Sri Lanka has recorded 690 confirmed COVID 19 cases with 7 deaths so far.

Also read:&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/science-tech/novel-coronavirus-may-spread-for-at-least-another-18-months-says-study-296079" hreflang="en">Novel coronavirus may spread for at least another 18 months, says study</a>

All essential services in these areas are to be re-opened by opening the state and private institutions while adhering to health guidelines.

Anil Jasinghe, the country's top health official, said they have taken control of preventing the COVID-19 from spreading in the western province to a large extent. He said efforts are underway to double the current daily PCR test capacity.

 
Sri Lanka has registered a major fall in tourist arrivals due to the coronavirus outbreak, with an over 70 per cent decline in footfalls in March compared to the same period last year.

The island nation stopped all passenger flights and ship services on March 18 in view of the novel coronavirus outbreak.

Till then in March, 71,370 international tourists visited Sri Lanka, according to Sri Lanka Tourist Development Authority's Tourist Arrivals Report for March 2020.

Sri Lankan President Gotabaya Rajapaksa on Friday extended the nationwide lockdown in the coronavirus high risk zones of the country till May 11. This includes capital district of Colombo and three other high risk zones for COVID-19 whose lockdown was due to be lifted on May 4.

Sri Lankan President Gotabaya Rajapaksa on Friday extended the nationwide lockdown in the coronavirus high risk zones of the country till May 11. This includes capital district of Colombo and three other high risk zones for COVID-19 whose lockdown was due to be lifted on May 4. Also read: Coronavirus under control, says Sri Lanka President Gotabaya Rajapaksa as sailors test positive According to the statement issued from President Gotabaya Rajapaksa's office, ''steps are underway to bring life and institutions back to normalcy from May 11." Sri Lanka has recorded 690 confirmed COVID 19 cases with 7 deaths so far. Also read: Novel coronavirus may spread for at least another 18 months, says study All essential services in these areas are to be re-opened by opening the state and private institutions while adhering to health guidelines. Anil Jasinghe, the country's top health official, said they have taken control of preventing the COVID-19 from spreading in the western province to a large extent. He said efforts are underway to double the current daily PCR test capacity. Sri Lanka has registered a major fall in tourist arrivals due to the coronavirus outbreak, with an over 70 per cent decline in footfalls in March compared to the same period last year. The island nation stopped all passenger flights and ship services on March 18 in view of the novel coronavirus outbreak. Till then in March, 71,370 international tourists visited Sri Lanka, according to Sri Lanka Tourist Development Authority's Tourist Arrivals Report for March 2020.

Sri Lanka extends coronavirus lockdown in risk zones till May 11

Sri Lanka President Gotabaya Rajapaksa said today that<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/covid-19-spain-records-lower-death-toll-as-lockdown-measures-set-to-ease-295815"> coronavirus </a>pandemic is under control while asserting that the sudden risen in the number of cases will be dwelt with by authorities.

<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/coronavirus-no-significant-clinical-benefits-of-remdesivir-claims-a-new-lancet-study-295754">Also Read:&nbsp;No significant clinical benefits of remdesivir, claims a new Lancet study</a>

Last week sailors were infected with COVID-19 in a naval base near Colombo with the number of virus cases suddenly&nbsp;increasing to 477 reported cases. At least 68 sailors were infected with the virus at the Welisara naval base, with another 27 who had reportedly gone on leave also testing positive.

Reports said at least 400 sailors were infected but results were not out yet. The naval base which included thousands of sailors and their families was placed under quartine.

Prime Minister Mahinda Rajapaksa has called a meeting of members of the previous Parliament for meeting next week as the country stares at a financial crisis due to the virus.

Meanwhile, authorities said the curfew regulations will be relaxed to open state and private enterprises from May in Colombo. Relaxation in curfew across districts has already been undertaken by local authorities to allow people to move around even as the president's office declared that curfew would be imposed throughout the island from April 30 to May 4.

Despite the gradual relaxation, schools and universities contiue to remain shut with people asked to stay at home with trip s and functions banned for the present moment.

Sri Lanka's doctors' trade union had earlier appealed to the governnent to increase testing to contain the spread of COVID-19.&nbsp;

Sri Lanka President Gotabaya Rajapaksa said today that coronavirus pandemic is under control while asserting that the sudden risen in the number of cases will be dwelt with by authorities.

Sri Lanka President Gotabaya Rajapaksa said today that coronavirus pandemic is under control while asserting that the sudden risen in the number of cases will be dwelt with by authorities. Also Read: No significant clinical benefits of remdesivir, claims a new Lancet study Last week sailors were infected with COVID-19 in a naval base near Colombo with the number of virus cases suddenly increasing to 477 reported cases. At least 68 sailors were infected with the virus at the Welisara naval base, with another 27 who had reportedly gone on leave also testing positive. Reports said at least 400 sailors were infected but results were not out yet. The naval base which included thousands of sailors and their families was placed under quartine. Prime Minister Mahinda Rajapaksa has called a meeting of members of the previous Parliament for meeting next week as the country stares at a financial crisis due to the virus. Meanwhile, authorities said the curfew regulations will be relaxed to open state and private enterprises from May in Colombo. Relaxation in curfew across districts has already been undertaken by local authorities to allow people to move around even as the president's office declared that curfew would be imposed throughout the island from April 30 to May 4. Despite the gradual relaxation, schools and universities contiue to remain shut with people asked to stay at home with trip s and functions banned for the present moment. Sri Lanka's doctors' trade union had earlier appealed to the governnent to increase testing to contain the spread of COVID-19.

Coronavirus under control, says Sri Lanka President Gotabaya Rajapaksa as sailors test positive

Sri Lankan opposition parties on Monday urged President Gotabaya Rajapaksa to reconvene&nbsp;the dissolved parliament while pledging cooperation to tackle the COVID-19 pandemic.

In a joint statement signed by Party Leaders of the Opposition, including United National Party (UNP) Leader Ranil Wickremesinghe, Leader of the Tamil National Alliance (TNA) R. Sampanthan, Sri Lanka Muslim Congress (SLMC) Leader Rauff Hakeem and Leader of the All Ceylon Makkal Congress (ACMC) Rishad Bathiudeen noted that against the backdrop of a public health crisis caused by the COVID-19 pandemic and the steps taken by Governments to control it, a range of new challenges have emerged in Sri Lanka as well.

<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/sewage-new-way-to-deduct-prevalence-of-covid-19-by-scientists-295127">Sewage: New way to deduct prevalence of Covid-19 by scientists</a>

"Getting appropriate and new legislation passed in order to meet the public health crisis and obtaining parliamentary sanction to the utilization of monies from the consolidated fund are some such important and urgent functions of parliament," the statement asserted.

It urged the president to use&nbsp;his discretionary powers under Article 70 (7) of the Constitution in order to tackle the challenges faced by the counrty due to coronavirus and ''respond positively to this offer of responsible cooperation by us at this critical time and revoke the proclamation dated 2 March 2020 dissolving parliament so that all of us can jointly fight to eradicate this virus."

Also read:&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/curb-coronavirus-root-cause-or-bear-worse-pandemics-say-worlds-leading-scientists-295122" hreflang="en">Curb coronavirus' root cause or bear worse pandemics, say top scientists</a>

President Rajapaksa on March 2 dissolved the Parliament, six months ahead of schedule, and called a snap election on April 25 to elect a new 225-member house.

The joint statement&nbsp;also noted that if further spreading of the pandemic is not decisively halted in the coming few weeks, the country will face the risk of the prevailing public health crisis being compounded by crisis situations in the economic, social, and political spheres too.

The statement followed Rajapaksa's assertion made at a meeting with the powerful Buddhist clergy on April 25 where the president told the monks that he would not at any cost recall the dissolved parliament.

However, the election commission last week postponed the parliamentary elections by nearly two months to June 20 due to the coronavirus outbreak in the island nation.

The new date clashed with the constitutional imperative that the new parliament has to meet within three months since its dissolution, that is,&nbsp;June 2.

The opposition argues that Rajapaksa has no power to draw public finances after April 30, the date up to which the dismissed parliament had approved expenditure. Therefore, the action to recall parliament would allow the governance proper and lawful in compliance with the constitution.

&nbsp;

Sri Lankan opposition parties on Monday urged President Gotabaya Rajapaksa to reconvene the dissolved parliament while pledging cooperation to tackle the COVID-19 pandemic.

Sri Lankan opposition parties on Monday urged President Gotabaya Rajapaksa to reconvene the dissolved parliament while pledging cooperation to tackle the COVID-19 pandemic. In a joint statement signed by Party Leaders of the Opposition, including United National Party (UNP) Leader Ranil Wickremesinghe, Leader of the Tamil National Alliance (TNA) R. Sampanthan, Sri Lanka Muslim Congress (SLMC) Leader Rauff Hakeem and Leader of the All Ceylon Makkal Congress (ACMC) Rishad Bathiudeen noted that against the backdrop of a public health crisis caused by the COVID-19 pandemic and the steps taken by Governments to control it, a range of new challenges have emerged in Sri Lanka as well. Sewage: New way to deduct prevalence of Covid-19 by scientists "Getting appropriate and new legislation passed in order to meet the public health crisis and obtaining parliamentary sanction to the utilization of monies from the consolidated fund are some such important and urgent functions of parliament," the statement asserted. It urged the president to use his discretionary powers under Article 70 (7) of the Constitution in order to tackle the challenges faced by the counrty due to coronavirus and ''respond positively to this offer of responsible cooperation by us at this critical time and revoke the proclamation dated 2 March 2020 dissolving parliament so that all of us can jointly fight to eradicate this virus." Also read: Curb coronavirus' root cause or bear worse pandemics, say top scientists President Rajapaksa on March 2 dissolved the Parliament, six months ahead of schedule, and called a snap election on April 25 to elect a new 225-member house. The joint statement also noted that if further spreading of the pandemic is not decisively halted in the coming few weeks, the country will face the risk of the prevailing public health crisis being compounded by crisis situations in the economic, social, and political spheres too. The statement followed Rajapaksa's assertion made at a meeting with the powerful Buddhist clergy on April 25 where the president told the monks that he would not at any cost recall the dissolved parliament. However, the election commission last week postponed the parliamentary elections by nearly two months to June 20 due to the coronavirus outbreak in the island nation. The new date clashed with the constitutional imperative that the new parliament has to meet within three months since its dissolution, that is, June 2. The opposition argues that Rajapaksa has no power to draw public finances after April 30, the date up to which the dismissed parliament had approved expenditure. Therefore, the action to recall parliament would allow the governance proper and lawful in compliance with the constitution.

Sri Lankan opposition leaders request Rajapaksa to reconvene dissolved parliament

In a candid conversation, the former Prime Minister of Sri Lanka - Ranil Wickremesinghe spoke to Palki Sharma Upadhyay on the global leadership series on WION, about everything from the COVID-19 pandemic to the dire need of global leadership and on a lighter note about how he keeps himself busy with Hindi movies during the lockdown.

In a candid conversation, the former Prime Minister of Sri Lanka - Ranil Wickremesinghe spoke to Palki Sharma Upadhyay on the global leadership series on WION, about everything from the COVID-19 pandemic to the dire need of global leadership and on a lighter note about how he keeps himself busy with Hindi movies during the lockdown. About how Sri Lanka coping with the pandemic – “The health workers, the military and the police are doing a wonderful job. The private sector and people are cooperating” Ranil Wickremesinghe acknowledged. “However, where the government made a lapse is that the equipment should have been arranged early in January. We should have got more testing kits, more face masks, more ventilators and we delayed on that. I hope they are sufficient now because we have to lift this lockdown partially and bring the economy back on. We need to keep testing like Germany and South Korea” he said. On the outbreak being compared to the second world war and as a leader was it the most challenging period he has seen for the world during his lifetime, he said, “It is the most challenging period. Second world war or any war, you knew who the enemy was, but here we don’t know who was responsible (for the pandemic). As I mentioned in Dubai (citing the WION global summit: Dubai, 2020) we have seen the upside of globalization and now we are going to see the downside of globalization and no one thought it would come so fast. It is undermining all the economies. We are all in a very difficult situation globally and there is no global leadership to guide us that is the other problem.” About the failure of leadership and World Bodies like the U.N Security council and W.H.O having come under a fair bit of criticism he answered, “It is a collective failure of the leaders and the institutions. The IMF, World Bank, W.H.O, the U.N - someone has to come forward & lead the world during a crisis, which is not happening.” The former Prime Minister then went on to cite several examples of people taking the leadership mantle during different crises historically from climate change and World War 2 to the economic downturn in 2008. “It is a global pandemic is not a national issue and a global pandemic needs a global response, he stressed. On the question that Pakistan had sought waivers from lenders including China. Should Sri Lanka too ask China for a loan waiver in the light of these developments? He responded, “We can ask China, but whether it is China or any other country, they will have to take a policy decision. Our problem is that the bulk of our foreign loans, about 50% of our debt is international sovereign bonds. Sri Lanka has to pay a billion dollars in a few months. We take it off our reserves and our reserves will come down. I can’t see any new money coming in. Earlier we balanced it out and now we are on the path to repayment. The government is in conversation with the IMF because they have restored the revenue to the levels that the IMF wanted, but it is going to be difficult. We are all going to be in trouble, if not in this year then by next year. The creditor countries must look favourably on the debtor countries.” Finally, how does he spend his time during the lockdown and what does he recommend? He said, “I have been watching Hindi Bollywood movies. Recently watched Hotel Mumbai.” He goes on to mention watching a Hindi film about 3 friends going to Spain (Zindagi Na Milegi Dobara) and ends by asking a few movie recommendations from Palki.

‘Coronavirus pandemic betrays collective failures of the leaders and institutions' 

A consignment of medicines arrived in Sri Lanka from India on Wednesday, as South Asia battles with the coronavirus outbreak.

Also read:&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/india-news/humanity-in-times-of-covid-19-trump-thanks-india-pm-modi-for-decision-on-hcq-291430" hreflang="en">Humanity in times of COVID-19: Trump thanks India, PM Modi for decision on HCQ</a>

"Another gift consignment of medicines arrives from #India to #SriLanka. Cooperation in these difficult times is a mark of a strong friendship! And a big thank you to @airindiain for undertaking this amazing task," High Commission of India in Colombo said in a tweet.

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Another gift consignment of medicines arrives from <a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/India?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#India</a> to <a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/SriLanka?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#SriLanka</a>. Cooperation in these difficult times is mark of a strong friendship ! And a big thank you to <a href="https://twitter.com/airindiain?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">@airindiain</a> for undertaking this amazing task 
<a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/lka?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#lka</a> <a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/Togetherwestand?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#Togetherwestand</a> <a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/COVID19?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#COVID19</a> <a href="https://t.co/OH9inPtSmS">pic.twitter.com/OH9inPtSmS</a>
— India in Sri Lanka (@IndiainSL) <a href="https://twitter.com/IndiainSL/status/1247821296202690562?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">April 8, 2020</a></blockquote>
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More than 150 cases of coronavirus have been reported from Sri Lanka. Globally, the virus has infected more than a million people.

Also read:&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/india-news/india-gives-green-signal-to-hydroxychloroquine-order-placed-by-spain-291412" hreflang="en">India gives green signal to hydroxychloroquine order placed by Spain</a>

During a video conference, Prime Minister Narendra Modi with leaders from SAARC countries last month had proposed the creation of COVID-19 Emergency Fund based on voluntary contributions from all the countries, with India making an initial offer of USD 10 million for the fund.

The fund can be used by any of the partner countries to meet the cost of immediate actions. The Prime Minister had informed that India is assembling a Rapid Response Team of doctors and specialists, along with testing kits and other equipment, which will be on stand-by, to be placed at the disposal of the countries, if required.

A consignment of medicines arrived in Sri Lanka from India on Wednesday, as South Asia battles with the coronavirus outbreak. Also read: Humanity in times of COVID-19: Trump thanks India, PM Modi for decision on HCQ "Another gift consignment of medicines arrives from #India to #SriLanka.

A consignment of medicines arrived in Sri Lanka from India on Wednesday, as South Asia battles with the coronavirus outbreak. Also read: Humanity in times of COVID-19: Trump thanks India, PM Modi for decision on HCQ "Another gift consignment of medicines arrives from #India to #SriLanka. Cooperation in these difficult times is a mark of a strong friendship! And a big thank you to @airindiain for undertaking this amazing task," High Commission of India in Colombo said in a tweet. Another gift consignment of medicines arrives from #India to #SriLanka. Cooperation in these difficult times is mark of a strong friendship ! And a big thank you to @airindiain for undertaking this amazing task #lka #Togetherwestand #COVID19 pic.twitter.com/OH9inPtSmS — India in Sri Lanka (@IndiainSL) April 8, 2020 × More than 150 cases of coronavirus have been reported from Sri Lanka. Globally, the virus has infected more than a million people. Also read: India gives green signal to hydroxychloroquine order placed by Spain During a video conference, Prime Minister Narendra Modi with leaders from SAARC countries last month had proposed the creation of COVID-19 Emergency Fund based on voluntary contributions from all the countries, with India making an initial offer of USD 10 million for the fund. The fund can be used by any of the partner countries to meet the cost of immediate actions. The Prime Minister had informed that India is assembling a Rapid Response Team of doctors and specialists, along with testing kits and other equipment, which will be on stand-by, to be placed at the disposal of the countries, if required.

COVID-19 outbreak: Consignment of medicines arrives in Sri Lanka from India