News

Govt. apologizes for forced cremation policy during COVID-19

Published

9 months ago

July 23, 2024

editor

The government has issued an apology for the decision to forcefully cremate COVID-19 victims during the pandemic, following new research that shows the virus did not spread through surface water.

A cabinet paper released today disclosed that a study conducted by the Ministry of Water Supply with the University of Jayawardenapura in July 2021 investigated the presence of the SARS-CoV-2 virus in aquatic environments in Colombo and Kandy. The study found no traces of the virus in surface water.

Additionally, a second study completed in March 2024 by the China-Sri Lanka joint research and demonstration center for water technology confirmed that the virus was transmitted through faeces and urine, not through safe burial practices.

In light of these findings, the cabinet of ministers has approved a joint proposal from the Minister of Justice, Prison Affairs, and Constitutional Reforms, the Minister of Foreign Affairs, and the Minister of Water Supply and Estate Infrastructure Development. The government has issued an apology to all communities affected by the compulsory cremation policy implemented during the COVID-19 pandemic.

News

“Reports of Wijepala – Nissanka meeting, fake”

Published

8 hours ago

April 18, 2025

editor

The Public Security Ministry has denied media reports claiming that the Public Security minister – Ananda Wijepala had met Nissanka Senadhipathi.

The Minister’s media secretary had clarified this in a letter to Acting IGP Priyantha Weerasuriya.
Adding that the neither the Minister or a representative had ever met Senadhipathi as claimed, the letter calls for proper investigations into the fake news and legal action against those responsible.

News

Special allowance for policemen on duty at ‘Siri Dalada Vandanawa’

Published

13 hours ago

April 18, 2025

editor

A special transport allowance and a combined allowance will be provided to police personnel assigned to ensure the safety of devotees attending the exposition of the Sacred Tooth Relic (Siri Dalada Vandanawa) in Kandy, the police said.

The measure has been taken over the instructions of the Acting IGP, in consideration of the fact that these police personnel will be on continuous day and night duty for over 10 days, away from their regular stations and incurring additional personal expenses.

News

Ravi K’s Bill to repeal Online Safety Act, gazetted

Published

13 hours ago

April 18, 2025

editor

The Bill to repeal the Online Safety Act, No. 9 of 2024, and other regulations concerning the Act, has been gazetted.

The Online Safety Bill was passed by a majority vote in Parliament on Jan. 24, 2024.

The Bill that has been gazetted was submitted by opposition MP Ravi Karunanayake.

On Feb. 28, 2025, MP Karunanayake submitted a private member’s Bill to the Parliament Secretary-General, aiming to repeal the controversial Online Safety Act.