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Opposition asks government to raise issue of travel ban on Army Chief with US Secretary of State

Oct 24, Colombo: The Foreign Ministry has taken steps to inform all relevant sectors that decision by the United States to impose a travel ban on Army Commander Lieutenant General Shavendra Silva was not justified, Foreign Minister Dinesh Gunawardena said in Parliament yesterday (23).

The Minister said that even the US State Department has been informed about this and that it was the members of the previous government who created such a situation for the brave war commanders. Minister Dinesh Gunawardena stated this in response to a question raised by the Leader of the Opposition Sajith Premadasa in parliament Friday.

Government Announcement Officers appointed to resolve curfew permit issues:
	Oct 25, Colombo: Government Announcement Officers will be appointed to investigate the issues related to curfew permits in the police divisions that are under quarantine curfew, Sri Lanka Police announced on Saturday (24).

Health Ministry assures Coronavirus not transmitted through cooked fish, no need to close fish markets:
	Oct 25, Colombo: The Ministry of Health today reaffirmed that there is no scientific evidence that Corona Virus is transmitted through well-cooked fish and said closing fish markets is not necessary if they follow health guidelines.

Madhush’s drug money of Rs 1 billion in seven other people’s accounts:
	Oct 25, Colombo: Security units say they have received information that nearly Rs. 1 billion earned from various rackets by Makandure Madush, a leader of an organized crime gang and a drug dealer, while in Dubai are in the accounts of seven other people.

Former President ordered to submit medical reports to Presidential Commission on Easter Sunday attacks:
	Oct 25, Colombo: The Presidential Commission of Inquiry into the Easter Sunday attack Saturday ordered former President Maithripala Sirisena to submit to the commission medical reports of receiving treatment at a Singapore hospital during the Easter Sunday attack on 21

Shangri-La Hotel confirms team member positive for COVID-19:
	Oct 24, Colombo: Shangri-La Hotel, Colombo confirming that one of their team members has been diagnosed with COVID-19 said in a statement that they were notified of the staff member on 23 October 2020.

Hilton Colombo confirms diagnosis of team member with COVID-19:
	Oct 24, Colombo: The Hilton Hotel in Colombo Saturday confirmed that a staff member of the hotel was confirmed to have been infected with COVID-19.

Fisherman arrested for refusing PCR test and verbally abusing health officials:
	Oct 24, Colombo: A fisherman was arrested this afternoon (24) for scolding the health staff and the public health inspector who were collecting biological samples for the PCR tests of the fishermen at Rathgama Wella, Bala Daksha Mawatha, Galle Fort and protesting against the PCR tests, the Galle Police said.

Health Minister advises to implement health guidelines for fishing harbors expeditiously:
	Oct 24, Colombo: Minister of Health Pavithra Wanniarachchi has instructed health officials to expedite the implementation of health guidelines for the fishing harbors to maintain the fishing industry in the face of the resurging corona epidemic in the country.

Valaichchenai police area isolated, another 75 COVID-19 cases identified:
	Oct 24, Colombo: The Valaichchenai Police Division has been declared an isolated area with immediate effect, Army Commander Shavendra Silva said.

15 acres in Sinharaja forest reserve cleared for cardamom cultivation:
	Oct 24, Colombo: The Ministry of Wildlife and Forest Conservation has received information that 15 acres in the Sinharaja forest reserve, which is a UNESCO-designated Biosphere Reserve and World Heritage Site, has been cleared for cardamom cultivation.

No curfew in Wellawatta and Bambalapitiya - Police Spokesman:
	Oct 24, Colombo: Police Media Spokesman DIG Ajith Rohana stated that the rumors circulating that a curfew has been imposed on the Wellawatte and Bambalapitiya police areas are false.

Quarantine curfew imposed in five police divisions in Colombo including Maligawatte:
	Oct 24, Colombo: A quarantine curfew has been imposed in five police divisions in Colombo with immediate effect.

National Identity Card is mandatory for visitors to Dalada Maligawa:
	Oct 24, Colombo: Devotees visiting the Temple of the Tooth in Kandy are required to produce their National Identity Card to enter the premises of the temple, the management has announced.

Provident Fund benefit applications accepted only by the nearest Labor Office:
	Oct 24, Colombo: In order to provide safe health service under the current COVID-19 epidemic situation, it has been decided to accept the Employees Provident Fund benefit applications at the nearest Labor Office, Department of Labor announced.

Defense advisers of foreign missions in Sri Lanka apprised of COVID-19 situation:
	Oct 24, Colombo: The National Operations Centre for Prevention of COVID-19 Outbreak (NOCPCO) has apprised the defense advisers and attachés of foreign missions in Sri Lanka on the current situation of the coronavirus in the country.

Coronavirus update: Another 201 COVID-19 cases from Divulapitiya and Peliyagoda clusters, total rises to 7,354:
	Oct 24, Colombo: According to the Department of Government Information, 201 new Covid-19 patients were reported from Divulapitiya and Peliyagoda COVID clusters so far on Saturday.

Trains on main line to run without stopping at some stations:
	Oct 24, Colombo: Deputy General Manager of the Railway Department VS Polwattage said due to the prevailing COVID-19 situation in the country trains will run without stopping at several stations on the main line.

15th COVID-19 death reported in Sri Lanka:
	Oct 24, Colombo: A 56-year-old man who was diagnosed as a patient infected with COVID-19 has died Saturday while receiving treatment at the Intensive Care Unit of the Kuliyapitiya Hospital, reporting the 15th death from the coronavirus infection in Sri Lanka, health authorities confirmed.

Opposition asks government to raise issue of travel ban on Army Chief with US Secretary of State:
	Oct 24, Colombo: The Foreign Ministry has taken steps to inform all relevant sectors that decision by the United States to impose a travel ban on Army Commander Lieutenant General Shavendra Silva was not justified, Foreign Minister Dinesh Gunawardena said in Parliament yesterday (23).

SLTPB teams up with foreign missions to upsurge Post COVID Tourism via webinars:
	Oct 24, Colombo: Sri Lanka Tourism Promotions Bureau (SLTPB) conducted a series of Webinars for key markets in collaboration with the Sri Lanka High Commissions overseas, main associations of Sri Lanka and the private sector

‘Need for social protection has never been greater’ Sri Lanka tells the UNESCAP Committee on Social Development :
	Oct 24, Colombo: Sri Lanka’s Ambassador to Thailand Samantha K. Jayasuriya has told the UNESCAP Committee on Social Development (CSD) that the ongoing COVID 19 pandemic proved the need for social protection than ever before.

Sri Lanka Participates at the ‘e-Connect’ online B2B Platform in India:
	Oct 24, Colombo: The Sri Lanka Deputy High Commission in Chennai organized Sri Lankan electronic and electrical manufacturers participation

Development assistance from Norwegian Investment Fund to Sri Lanka:
	Oct 24, Colombo: Sri Lanka’s Ambassador to Norway Godfrey Cooray had a zoom meeting with the Chief Executive Officer of the Norwegian Investment Fund (Norfund), Tellef Thorleifsson recently

Indian Coast Guard arrests six Sri Lankan men for fishing in Indian waters :
	Oct 24, Colombo: The Indian Coast Guard on Thursday has seized a Sri Lankan fishing boat and detained six fishermen for crossing the international maritime border and fishing in Indian waters.

Leasing concessions given for private bus owners extended :
	Oct 23, Colombo: The Ministry of Transport has instructed the relevant authorities to extend the leasing concession granted for private bus owners for another six months, said State Minister of Transport Dilum Amunugama.

Prime Minister reaffirms Sri Lanka’s commitment to achieving SDGs:
	Oct 23, Colombo: Sri Lanka’s Prime Minister Mahinda Rajapaksa wishing the United Nations for its 75th anniversary and for the work done across the globe, reaffirmed Sri Lanka’s commitment to achieving Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) by 2030 amidst challenges.

Ambassador Invites Korean Investors to explore opportunities in Sri Lanka :
	Oct 23, Colombo: Calling on Prime Minister Mahinda Rajapaksa at Temple Trees this evening, Ambassador of the Republic of Korea Woonjin Jeong called Sri Lanka “one of the safest countries,” and said he is actively encouraging Korean investors to explore opportunities in Sri Lanka.

Another 256 COVID-19 cases from Divulapitiya cluster reported today :
	Oct 23, Colombo: Another 256 persons positive for COVID-19 coronavirus from Divulapitiya cluster have been identified today, in addition to the 609 cases identified earlier.

Quarantine curfew imposed in Dematagoda, Maradana in Colombo, 5 villages in Kalutara district isolated:
	Oct 23, Colombo: A quarantine curfew has been imposed in the Dematagoda and Maradana areas until further notice, the Government Information Department has said.

Samagi Jana Balawegaya MPs oppose Hakeem & Rishad:
	Oct 23, Colombo: The young members of the Samagi Jana Balawegaya (SJB) are requesting the party leaders to remove the parliamentarians representing All Ceylon Muslim Congress (ACMC) led by Rishad Bathiudeen and Sri Lanka Muslim Congress led by Rauf Hakeem, for voting in favor of the 20th Amendment while the alliance has made a decision to vote against it.

‘Podi Lassi’ requests court to ensure his safety in prison:
	Oct 23, Colombo: The Court of Appeal today (23) issued notice to the authorities of Boosa High Security Prison to appear before the court on November 10 in response to a petition filed by the underworld leader ‘Podi Lassi’.

Decision on Appeal filed by Lalith Weeratunga and Anusha Pelpita against verdict on ‘Sil Redi’ on 13th November:
	Oct 23, Colombo: The Court of Appeal Friday concluded the hearing of the appeals filed by the Former Secretary to the President Lalith Weeratunga and former Director General of the Telecommunications Regulatory Commission Anusha Palpita challenging their sentence by a lower court in the ‘Sil Redi’ case.

Corona patient escaped from hospital located:
	Oct 23, Colombo: A 26-year-old man infected with the coronavirus who escaped from the Kosgama Hospital at around 6 this morning has been found in the Borella area, police spokesman DIG Ajith Rohana said.

Coronavirus update: 609 new COVID-19 cases reported from Divulapitiya cluster, total rises to 6,896:
	Oct 23, Colombo: According to the Department of Government Information, 609 new Covid-19 patients were reported from Divulapitiya COVID cluster so far on Friday.

SJB, TPA expel MPs who supported 20th Amendment:
	Oct 23, Colombo: The Opposition parties Friday took disciplinary action against their members who voted for the 20th Amendment to the Constitution yesterday.

India’s ICICI Bank exits Sri Lanka :
	Oct 23, Colombo: India’s ICICI Bank has requested to close down its business operations ICICI Bank Limited in Sri Lanka.

Welioya School receives IT Lab via ComBank and Sri Lanka Army initiative:
	Oct 23, Colombo: The Commercial Bank of Ceylon has funded the construction of an IT lab at the Paranagamawewa Vidyalaya, Welioya, in collaboration with the Security Forces Headquarters Wanni.

Beruwela Fisheries Harbor, Fish market in Hatton and Homagama closed indefinitely:
	Oct 23, Colombo: With the identification of 10 people infected with the COVID-19 coronavirus, it has been decided to close the Beruwala fisheries harbor until further notice, its management said.

Coronavirus patient escapes from Kosgama hospital:
	Oct 23, Colombo: A 26-year-old man infected with the COVID-19 coronavirus admitted to the Kosgama Hospital has escaped from the hospital at around 6.00 am today (23), the National Operation Center for Prevention of COVID-19 Outbreak (NOCPCO) said.

Bringing a dual citizen to power is a great danger to sovereignty of the country- Ruwan:
	Oct 23, Colombo: The Deputy Leader of the United National Party Ruwan Wijewardene says that the modern Prime Minister Mahinda Rajapaksa is preparing to cut off the head of the country’s democracy and give it to Gotabhaya Malli as King Siri Sangabo gave his head to Gotabhaya Malli during the Anuradhapura era.

CSE, LSEG Academy sign agreement to conduct accredited training programs in Sri Lanka:
	Oct 23, Colombo: The Colombo Stock Exchange (CSE) has partnered with London Stock Exchange Group (LSEG) Academy to announce the signing of a Master Services Agreement to deliver various professional training programs to delegates in Sri Lanka.

U.S. urges Sri Lanka to make “difficult but necessary” decisions to secure economic independence:
	Oct 23, Washington, DC: The United States urging Sri Lanka to make “difficult but necessary” decisions to secure its economic independence for long-term prosperity, said the superpower stands ready to partner with Sri Lanka for its economic development and growth.

Issuing the vehicle revenue licenses temporarily suspended in Colombo District:
	Oct 22, Colombo: In order to contain the spread of coronavirus, the issuing of vehicle revenue licenses will be temporarily suspended in Colombo District from Thursday till 29 October, stated the Chief Secretary of the Western Province.

Dialog Axiata’s Genie Fintech Platform re-certified for PCI DSS for the 4th consecutive year:
	Oct 22, Colombo: Genie platform offered by Dialog Axiata PLC, Sri Lanka’s premier connectivity provider, was re-certified the coveted Payment Card Industry Data Security Standard (PCI DSS) Version 3.2.1 for the 4th consecutive year

Coronavirus has spread to 13 districts, likely to spread to others, Chief Epidemiologist says:
	Oct 22, Colombo: The Director of the Epidemiology Unit of the Ministry of Health, Chief Epidemiologist Dr. Sudath Samaraweera says with the coronavirus cluster identified with the Minuwangoda garment factory, the COVID-19 coronavirus has spread to 13 districts now and the epidemic is likely to spread to other districts as well.

Saharan’s wife and five others remanded until Nov. 4:
	Oct 22, Colombo: Colombo Fort Magistrate Priyantha Liyanage today remanded the wife of suicide bomber Saharan Hashim, Abdul Cader Fatima Qadia, and five others who were detained by the Criminal Investigation Department in connection with the Easter Sunday attacks, until November 4.

20th Amendment to the Sri Lanka Constitution passed granting more powers to the President:
	Oct 22, Colombo: Sri Lanka’s Parliament on Thursday passed the ‘Twentieth Amendment to the Constitution’ with a two-third majority granting more powers to the Executive President.

3rd Reading of the 20th Amendment passed with 2/3 majority:
	Oct 22, Colombo: The 3rd Reading of the 20th Amendment passed with two-third majority with the respective Amendments moved at the Committee Stage.

Sri Lanka has sufficient evidence to prove remnants of the LTTE working to incite violence and destabilize country:
	Oct 22, Colombo: Sri Lanka today said it has sufficient evidence to prove that the remnants of the LTTE and groups aligned with its terrorist ideology are active in foreign countries, working to incite violence and destabilize the country.

Visitors to Peliyagoda Fish Market urged to take a PCR test, Dehiwela Central Market sealed :
	Oct 22, Colombo: Army Commander Lt. Gen. Shavendra Silva has requested all persons who have visited the Peliyagoda fish market during the past seven days to immediately contact the Public Health Inspector of their area for a PCR test and take necessary steps to quarantine themselves.

Quarantine curfew imposed at Kotahena Police area:
	Oct 22, Colombo: Quarantine curfew has been imposed at the Kotahena Police area in Colombo District from 6pm today (Oct 22), the Government Information Department said.

Sri Lanka reports 14th COVID-19 death:
	Oct 22, Colombo: A 50-year-old woman who was diagnosed as a patient infected with COVID-19 has died Thursday while being treated at the Infectious Diseases Hospital (IDH), reporting the 14th death from the coronavirus infection in Sri Lanka, health authorities confirmed.

Sri Lanka parliament passes 2nd reading of 20th Amendment to Constitution :
	Oct 22, Colombo: The 20th Amendment to the Constitution brought by the Government of Sri Lanka passed in the parliament Thursday with a two-third majority.

Remanded MP Rishad Bathiudeen brought to parliament :
	Oct 22, Colombo: Prison officials have brought the remanded Vanni District parliamentarian and Leader of the All Ceylon Makkal Congress (ACMC) Rishad Bathiudeen to parliament this morning for him to attend the parliamentary sittings today.

Consent of the Working Committee alone is not enough to elect the next UNP leader - Navin:
	Oct 22, Colombo: The National Organizer of the United National Party (UNP), former Minister Navin Dissanayake has said that the consent of the Working Committee alone is not enough to select the next leader of the party.

Consular Services at the Foreign Ministry temporarily suspended:
	Oct 22, Colombo: The Foreign Ministry has decided to suspend all services offered by the Consular Affairs Division of the Ministry until further notice, to restrict the congregation of the general public and thereby to prevent the spreading of COVID-19 Virus.

Curfew imposed in several areas of Colombo:
	Oct 22, Colombo: A quarantine curfew has been imposed in five areas of capital Colombo indefinitely, with immediate effect, the National Operation Center for Prevention of COVID-19 Outbreak (NOCPCO) has informed.

Sri Lanka national inflation rises to 6.4 percent in September 2020:
	Oct 22, Colombo: Sri Lanka’s nationwide inflation in September 2020 determined under the National Consumer Price Index (NCPI) increased to 6.4 percent from 6.2 percent recorded in August 2020 on a year-on-year basis, the Department of Census and Statistics reported Wednesday.

Sri Lanka Central Bank maintains its accommodative policy interest rates:
	Oct 22, Colombo: Sri Lanka’s Central Bank releasing the monetary policy review on Thursday said the Monetary Board has decided to continue the accommodative monetary policy stance.

Coronavirus Update: Divulapitiya COVID-19 cluster grows to 2,508, total cases rise to 5,978:
	Oct 21, Colombo: The total number of COVID-19 patients reported from the Divulapitiya COVID-19 cluster so far on Wednesday rose to 2,508 and the total number of infected people found in the country has increased to 5,978, according to the health authorities.

Secretary Pompeo to underscore commitment to partnership with Sri Lanka during visit:
	Oct 21, Colombo: The U.S. Department of State Wednesday announced that Secretary of State Michael R. Pompeo will travel to New Delhi, India; Colombo, Sri Lanka; Malé, Maldives; and Jakarta, Indonesia October 25 – 30.

Sri Lanka-India joint naval exercise ends on successful note in Trincomalee:
	Oct 21, Colombo: The annual Sri Lanka Navy - Indian Navy bilateral naval exercise popularly known as ‘SLINEX’, held from 19th to 21st October 2020, came to a successful completion off the Eastern Coast of Sri Lanka today, the Navy said.

State Engineering Corporation, INSEE Cement sign agreement on dolomite deposits:
	Oct 21, Colombo: An agreement between the State Engineering Corporation and the premier local cement manufacturer INSEE Cement Sri Lanka was signed in the presence of Prime Minister Mahinda Rajapaksa in Parliament today (21).

Government seeks public opinion for the drafting of a new constitution for Sri Lanka:
	Oct 21, Colombo: Public consultation has been initiated to draft a new constitution to replace the second republican constitution of Sri Lanka, Secretary to the Ministry of Justice MMPK Mayadunne has informed.

Five Grama Niladhari Divisions in the Kalutara District isolated:
	Oct 21, Colombo: Five Grama Niladhari Divisions in the Kalutara District have been designated as isolated villages with immediate effect until further notice, the National Operation Centre for Prevention of COVID-19 Outbreak (NOCPCO) announced.

Debate on COVID-19 in parliament scheduled for Friday :
	Oct 21, Colombo: The Committee on Parliamentary Business chaired by the Speaker Mahinda Yapa Abeywardena decided to hold an Adjournment Debate in Parliament regarding the COVID-19 on Friday, 23rd of October.

Parliament requests to permit MP Rishad Bathiudeen to attend parliament sessions :
	Oct 21, Colombo: Sri Lanka Parliament today has made a request to the prison and health authorities to allow remanded MP Rishad Bathiudeen to attend the parliamentary sessions.

Sri Lanka Railways to cancel several long-distance train services:
	Oct 21, Colombo: Due to the spread of the COVID-19 epidemic, Sri Lanka Railways has decided to cancel several long distance train services until further notice, General Manager of Railways Dilantha Fernando said.

Quarantine curfew imposed in entire Gampaha district from tonight :
	Oct 21, Colombo: A quarantine curfew will be imposed in the Gampaha District from 10 pm today until 5 am on Monday, October 26, National Operation Centre for Prevention of COVID-19 Outbreak (NOCPCO) announced.

British High Commissioner welcomes the appointment of UK PM’s Trade Envoy for Sri Lanka:
	Oct 21, Colombo: UK Prime Minister the Boris Johnson has appointed Lord Davies of Abersoch CBE as the new Prime Minister’s Trade Envoy for Sri Lanka on 5th October 2020, British High Commission in Colombo announced.

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