According to reports, the Sri Lankan government has made it mandatory for citizens to obtain "security clearance" if a person intends to marry a foreigner.

The guideline has reportedly been issued after&nbsp;instructions from Sri Lanka's defence ministry. Earlier, a Sri Lankan citizen had to show a passport, confirmation of civil status and a birth certificate, however, under the new rule a person will now also have to declare their health status.

<a href="https://www.wionews.com/south-asia/tea-for-oil-sri-lanka-plans-to-use-tea-to-repay-iran-for-a-251-million-oil-debt-439229">Also Read:&nbsp;'Tea-for-oil': Sri Lanka plans to use tea to repay Iran for a $251 million oil debt</a>

A person will also have to show proof that there is no criminal offence committed in the last six months.&nbsp;

Reports say a "security clearance report" will be required from the defence ministry&nbsp;and it will be handed over to the district registrar who will then proceed to register the marriage.

Watch |&nbsp;Gravitas: Foreigners need "security clearance" before marrying locals in Sri Lanka

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Reports claim the move to register the marriage after security clearance has been done due to "national security"&nbsp;reasons.

<a href="https://www.wionews.com/south-asia/sri-lanka-hikes-fuel-prices-again-amid-depleting-foreign-reserves-438858">Also Read:&nbsp;Sri Lanka hikes fuel prices again amid depleting foreign reserves</a>

The new rule will come into effect from January 1, 2022. The move has however been criticised by the country's opposition.

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Hope this is the last time Sri Lankans get ridiculed for the year 2021. How about Secuirity clearance for foreign nationals to hold cabinet ministerial portfolios and to be First Lady ? <a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/onecountry100laws?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#onecountry100laws</a> <a href="https://t.co/sB7QVelOzB">https://t.co/sB7QVelOzB</a>
— Shanakiyan Rajaputhiran Rasamanickam (@ShanakiyanR) <a href="https://twitter.com/ShanakiyanR/status/1475324551672205313?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">December 27, 2021</a></blockquote>
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Lawmaker Shanakiyan&nbsp;Rajaputhiran Rasamanickam in a tweet said: "How about security clearance for foreign nationals to hold cabinet ministerial portfolios and to be First Lady?"

Reports claim the government put the new rule in place to prevent foreigners duping locals into marriage and to stop them&nbsp;from marrying innocent citizens involved in the drug racket.

(With inputs from Agencies)

According to reports, the Sri Lankan government has made it mandatory for citizens to obtain "security clearance" if a person intends to marry a foreigner. The guideline has reportedly been issued after instructions from Sri Lanka's defence ministry.

According to reports, the Sri Lankan government has made it mandatory for citizens to obtain "security clearance" if a person intends to marry a foreigner. The guideline has reportedly been issued after instructions from Sri Lanka's defence ministry. Earlier, a Sri Lankan citizen had to show a passport, confirmation of civil status and a birth certificate, however, under the new rule a person will now also have to declare their health status. Also Read: 'Tea-for-oil': Sri Lanka plans to use tea to repay Iran for a $251 million oil debt A person will also have to show proof that there is no criminal offence committed in the last six months. Reports say a "security clearance report" will be required from the defence ministry and it will be handed over to the district registrar who will then proceed to register the marriage. Watch | Gravitas: Foreigners need "security clearance" before marrying locals in Sri Lanka Reports claim the move to register the marriage after security clearance has been done due to "national security" reasons. Also Read: Sri Lanka hikes fuel prices again amid depleting foreign reserves The new rule will come into effect from January 1, 2022. The move has however been criticised by the country's opposition. Hope this is the last time Sri Lankans get ridiculed for the year 2021. How about Secuirity clearance for foreign nationals to hold cabinet ministerial portfolios and to be First Lady ? #onecountry100laws https://t.co/sB7QVelOzB — Shanakiyan Rajaputhiran Rasamanickam (@ShanakiyanR) December 27, 2021 × Lawmaker Shanakiyan Rajaputhiran Rasamanickam in a tweet said: "How about security clearance for foreign nationals to hold cabinet ministerial portfolios and to be First Lady?" Reports claim the government put the new rule in place to prevent foreigners duping locals into marriage and to stop them from marrying innocent citizens involved in the drug racket. (With inputs from Agencies)

Foreigners marrying Lankan nationals need clearance from defence ministry; opposition slams move

The Sri Lankan health authorities have said that a new COVID-19 variant is spreading in the island nation, which is highly transmissible.

According to Neelika Malavige, the head of the Department of Immunology and Molecular Sciences of the Sri Jayawardenapura University, the new variant can remain airborne for nearly an hour and is spreading fast.

"This variant of coronavirus is more highly transmissible than all found so far in the island. The new strain is airborne, the droplets can remain airborne for nearly an hour," Malavige said. 
 
Watch:&nbsp;

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Health authorities feared that the new variant is spreading rapidly after last week's New Year celebrations with more younger people getting infected.

"In the next two incubation periods, the disease can progress to a third wave," Upul Rohana, of the Public Health Inspectors said, adding that the real situation would emerge only in the coming 2-3 weeks.

Meanwhile, the ministry of COVID prevention issued new guidelines which would remain in force until May 31.

The guidelines dictate a 50 per cent capacity operation for most institutions with all forms of revelry being banned.

The country-wide cases which were around 150 before the mid-April New Year have now shot up to over 600 a day.

Sri Lanka is also running out of its health care capacity, officials said.

So far, the coronavirus has claimed 642 lives in Sri Lanka, along with 100,586 confirmed infections, according to Johns Hopkins University.

The government has urged the people to restrict their movement and stay indoors, though a lockdown is not being enforced.

(With inputs from agencies)

The Sri Lankan health authorities have said that a new COVID-19 variant is spreading in the island nation, which is highly transmissible. According to Neelika Malavige, the head of the Department of Immunology and Molecular Sciences of the Sri Jayawardenapura University, the new variant can remain airborne for nearly an hour and is spreading fast.

The Sri Lankan health authorities have said that a new COVID-19 variant is spreading in the island nation, which is highly transmissible. According to Neelika Malavige, the head of the Department of Immunology and Molecular Sciences of the Sri Jayawardenapura University, the new variant can remain airborne for nearly an hour and is spreading fast. "This variant of coronavirus is more highly transmissible than all found so far in the island. The new strain is airborne, the droplets can remain airborne for nearly an hour," Malavige said. Watch: Health authorities feared that the new variant is spreading rapidly after last week's New Year celebrations with more younger people getting infected. "In the next two incubation periods, the disease can progress to a third wave," Upul Rohana, of the Public Health Inspectors said, adding that the real situation would emerge only in the coming 2-3 weeks. Meanwhile, the ministry of COVID prevention issued new guidelines which would remain in force until May 31. The guidelines dictate a 50 per cent capacity operation for most institutions with all forms of revelry being banned. The country-wide cases which were around 150 before the mid-April New Year have now shot up to over 600 a day. Sri Lanka is also running out of its health care capacity, officials said. So far, the coronavirus has claimed 642 lives in Sri Lanka, along with 100,586 confirmed infections, according to Johns Hopkins University. The government has urged the people to restrict their movement and stay indoors, though a lockdown is not being enforced. (With inputs from agencies)

Watch: Ultra-infectious new COVID-19 strain detected in Sri Lanka, can remain airborne for up to 60 minutes

In Sri Lanka pandemic deaths have triggered a massive controversy. The government insists on cremating all the dead - Hindu, Buddhist, Muslim, Christian whatever be the religion.

Muslims and Christians bury their dead and they do not cremate, but the government insists: if you have died because of the Wuhan virus in Sri Lanka, you shall be cremated.

The government's orders have gone against their religious beliefs as the government apparently feels that bodies of Wuhan virus victims will contaminate the groundwater.

The order has been in place since April. The administration has been cremating all victims. &nbsp;The outrage began as the latest victim was just 20 days old - a newborn baby who died due to the virus and was cremated despite the objections from his parents. He has become the face of the campaign.

Baby Shaykh is the youngest victim of the virus in Sri Lanka even before his family could process the devastating news of his death the authorities were "ready to hand over the baby's ashes to them".

At least 15 Muslims have been cremated in Sri Lanka and their families say that the cremations were carried out against their will. There is anger against the government. Muslims in Sri Lanka are being denied a burial.

Colombo doesn't want their bodies to be flown back home. President Gotabaya Rajapaksa has made a special request to the Maldives. The Maldivian president's office has responded and they are holding consultations to bury Sri Lankan Muslims in the Maldives.

The order to cremate all came after influential Buddhist monks raised an alarm. They said burying Wuhan virus victims could contaminate the groundwater. They said buried bodies could spread the virus.

However, no such claim has been found in science. Activists have slammed the argument even as global health bodies have said victims can be buried or cremated but the Lankan government has not paid heed to these voices.

Earlier this month, it found support in the Supreme Court. Sri Lanka's highest court turned down all petitions against compulsory cremations emboldened by the Supreme Court's decision the Sri Lankan government rejected demands from 19 Muslim families.

Reports say they refused to claim the bodies because they wanted a burial and not a cremation, however, the Sri Lankan attorney general ordered the local authorities to go ahead with the cremations.

The move has now triggered public anger over the weekend citizens reached the cremation centre and they tied white ribbons to the gates of the cemetery that houses the crematorium. It was removed on Monday.

The protest then moved online with several citizens claiming that the Rajapaksas are using the pandemic to marginalise the Muslims. One user on Twitter claimed that Muslims are being cremated without tests or a positive report, however, it hasn't been independently verified.

The outrage against the government is quite visible now. Sri Lanka largely contained the first wave of cases but, now there is a second wave and the focus is back on the government's response to the pandemic.

The Rajapaksas known for ruthlessly crushing the civil war have been using the same military textbook to defeat the virus. Reports say officials from the military are being given prominence over experienced civil servants even those who have a record in health services.

Earlier this year, a report claimed that key decisions on the pandemic were communicated by Shavendra Silva, the army commander who is the head of Sri Lanka's national operation center for the prevention of COVID-19 outbreak.

Shavendra Silva was called the "public face" of the response. While the pandemic needs a tough response and military precision in managing affairs, the enforced cremations without any scientific basis damage Colombo's record on the pandemic.

In Sri Lanka pandemic deaths have triggered a massive controversy. The government insists on cremating all the dead - Hindu, Buddhist, Muslim, Christian whatever be the religion.

In Sri Lanka pandemic deaths have triggered a massive controversy. The government insists on cremating all the dead - Hindu, Buddhist, Muslim, Christian whatever be the religion. Muslims and Christians bury their dead and they do not cremate, but the government insists: if you have died because of the Wuhan virus in Sri Lanka, you shall be cremated. The government's orders have gone against their religious beliefs as the government apparently feels that bodies of Wuhan virus victims will contaminate the groundwater. The order has been in place since April. The administration has been cremating all victims. The outrage began as the latest victim was just 20 days old - a newborn baby who died due to the virus and was cremated despite the objections from his parents. He has become the face of the campaign. Baby Shaykh is the youngest victim of the virus in Sri Lanka even before his family could process the devastating news of his death the authorities were "ready to hand over the baby's ashes to them". At least 15 Muslims have been cremated in Sri Lanka and their families say that the cremations were carried out against their will. There is anger against the government. Muslims in Sri Lanka are being denied a burial. Colombo doesn't want their bodies to be flown back home. President Gotabaya Rajapaksa has made a special request to the Maldives. The Maldivian president's office has responded and they are holding consultations to bury Sri Lankan Muslims in the Maldives. The order to cremate all came after influential Buddhist monks raised an alarm. They said burying Wuhan virus victims could contaminate the groundwater. They said buried bodies could spread the virus. However, no such claim has been found in science. Activists have slammed the argument even as global health bodies have said victims can be buried or cremated but the Lankan government has not paid heed to these voices. Earlier this month, it found support in the Supreme Court. Sri Lanka's highest court turned down all petitions against compulsory cremations emboldened by the Supreme Court's decision the Sri Lankan government rejected demands from 19 Muslim families. Reports say they refused to claim the bodies because they wanted a burial and not a cremation, however, the Sri Lankan attorney general ordered the local authorities to go ahead with the cremations. The move has now triggered public anger over the weekend citizens reached the cremation centre and they tied white ribbons to the gates of the cemetery that houses the crematorium. It was removed on Monday. The protest then moved online with several citizens claiming that the Rajapaksas are using the pandemic to marginalise the Muslims. One user on Twitter claimed that Muslims are being cremated without tests or a positive report, however, it hasn't been independently verified. The outrage against the government is quite visible now. Sri Lanka largely contained the first wave of cases but, now there is a second wave and the focus is back on the government's response to the pandemic. The Rajapaksas known for ruthlessly crushing the civil war have been using the same military textbook to defeat the virus. Reports say officials from the military are being given prominence over experienced civil servants even those who have a record in health services. Earlier this year, a report claimed that key decisions on the pandemic were communicated by Shavendra Silva, the army commander who is the head of Sri Lanka's national operation center for the prevention of COVID-19 outbreak. Shavendra Silva was called the "public face" of the response. While the pandemic needs a tough response and military precision in managing affairs, the enforced cremations without any scientific basis damage Colombo's record on the pandemic.

Sri Lanka debates: Does burying coronavirus victims contaminate ground water?

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.

Also read:&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/south-asia/sri-lanka-police-seize-journalists-laptop-over-swiss-kidnap-claim-306256" hreflang="en">Sri Lanka police seize journalist's laptop over Swiss kidnap claim</a>

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.

Also read:&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/sri-lanka/sri-lanka-conducts-second-mock-poll-election-commission-satisfied-with-preparations-305799" hreflang="en">Sri Lanka conducts second mock poll; election commission satisfied with preparations</a>

"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

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 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