Colombage Melani Manel Perera

They divide the country, says the Archbishop of Colombo. Religious extremism was behind last year's Easter attacks. Criticism of the authorities’ failure to identify those responsible. Christians do not need a sectarian party to obtain their rights.

Centrally located on the island, the Kandakadu Rehab Centre has become a COVID-19 cluster, with 629 people infected. About 50,000 Sri Lankans have lost their jobs abroad from lockdowns and plan to come home.

The cabinet plans to scrap the 19th amendment to the constitution adopted in 2015. The Rajapaksa brothers appear keen on eliminating term limits on the president as well as other restrictions on the office. This has alarmed the opposition. The reforms that have modernised the country should not be abolished.

The area is the last virgin tropical forest left in the country, a World Heritage Site since 1988. Army engineers began work on 10 August. The UN agency blocked the same project in 2013.

Large number of worshippers took part in the Mass co-celebrated at the shrine by the bishops of Kandy, Mannar, Galle and Anuradhapura. The service was in Sinhala and Tamil. For Bishop Fernando, Our Lady’s protection is needed during the coronavirus emergency. He also urged action against the evil of drugs and support for families.

Amid anti-coronavirus measures, 16.3 million voters are called to choose 225 MPs. Card Ranjith urges voters to cast their ballot in a peaceful and conscientious manner. By and large, Christians support the political alliance that opposes the Rajapaksa brothers.

Fr Reid Shelton Fernando released a statement and an ‘election prayer’ to underscore the great responsibility Christians have, as voters, to pick people who possess the qualities that will keep the people united and the country free.

The National Peace Council marks the 37th anniversary of the start of the country’s civil war, just a few days before the 5 August national election by calling for unity between Sri Lanka’s various communities. The goal is to achieve a shared future and peaceful coexistence in a devolved political system that respects Sri Lanka’s pluralistic society.

Heavy rains with up to 100 mm are likely in some places. Kegalle and Galle saw accumulations of 219 mm and 160 mm respectively between 8 am Sunday and 8 am today. Landslide warnings have been issued for Colombo, Gampaha, Kalutara, Galle, Ratnapura and Kegalle.

Mahinda Rajapaksa, the current health situation does not justify a full lockdown. There are 2,687 cases of contagion in the country; estimated ten dead. Authority: The spread of the coronavirus has been stopped. Public health inspectors go on strike: they want legal protection to deal with the pandemic emergency.

"Students and staff must be able to go to school with confidence. That's why the government has decided to close schools," said the statement from the Ministry of Education. The concern of the population grew after hundreds of detainees and staff from a drug rehabilitation center in the north central province tested positive for the virus in the past few days.

The Sri Lanka Medical Association criticised the lifting of restrictions on public gatherings, uncontrolled public transport, the opening of recreational activities, and many other questionable activities. So far, 2,454 COVID-19 cases have been reported in the country. Yesterday saw the highest number of infections in a single day with 300 new cases.