AstraZeneca admits its COVID vaccine can cause rare side effect

 Pharmaceutical giant AstraZeneca has for the first time admitted that its Covid-19 vaccine could cause a rare side effect that could lead to blood clots and death, according to court documents.

The company is fighting a class action lawsuit alleging that its inoculation, which was developed in collaboration with the University of Oxford, can result in death and serious injury.

"CBK Acknowledges Historic Error: Supporting Maithri in 2015"

Former President Chandrika Bandaranaike Kumaratunga reflected on her past decision-making, acknowledging what she described as a "historical error" in nominating former President Maithripala Sirisena as a Presidential candidate in 2015.

Highlighting the current state of the Sri Lanka Freedom Party (SLFP), Kumaratunga pointed fingers at two individuals whom she believes bear responsibility for the party's plight, noting her own removal from the party alongside another figure. Yet, she emphasized her belief in the leadership of Acting President Minister Nimal Siripala De Silva, affirming his stewardship as emblematic of the genuine SLFP.

Aluthgamage Cleared of Money Laundering Allegations

Former Agriculture Minister Mahindananda Aluthgamage breathed a sigh of relief today as the Colombo High Court acquitted and released him from the long-standing case involving the alleged purchase of a house worth Rs.27 million at Kynsey Road.

 After a protracted trial, the Colombo High Court Judge delivered a verdict, stating that the prosecution had failed to substantiate the allegations against Aluthgamage beyond a reasonable doubt.

Four Injured in Sri Lanka Parachute Mishap

Four Sri Lankan military paratroopers have suffered minor injuries due to a mid-air accident during Independence Day rehearsals this morning (30)
According to Sri Lanka Air Force (SLAF) spokesman Group Captain Dushan Wijesinghe, two paratroopers belong to the SLAF, while the other two are attached to the Sri Lanka Army.

The four paratroopers reportedly suffered minor injuries after their parachutes had gotten entangled mid-air near the Galle Face Green, while landing, during the ongoing Independence Day rehearsals which commenced earlier today.

Final rites of late State Minister Sanath Nishantha at Rajakadalu

The remains of State Minister of Water Supply, Sanath Nishantha, who died in a car accident on the Colombo-Katunayake expressway, was cremated today (28) at the Roman Catholic Cemetery in Rajakadalu. Pix by Hiran Priyankara Jayasinghe

ICC lifts suspension on Sri Lanka Cricket

The International Cricket Council (ICC) has lifted the ban imposed on Sri Lanka Cricket with immediate effect, Sports Minister Harin Fernando revealed.

He said an official statement from the ICC will follow shortly.

On 10 November, the ICC suspended SLC’s membership, with immediate effect, on the grounds that the governing body is in serious breach of its obligations as a Member, in particular, the requirement to manage its affairs autonomously and ensure that there is no government interference in the governance, regulation and/or administration of cricket in Sri Lanka.

Online Safety Bill passed in Parliament

 Sri Lanka’s Online Safety Bill, which seeks to regulate online content, was passed in Parliament with amendments on Wednesday (24), amidst objectios from opposition politicians and activists who allege the new law will muzzle free speech.

Accordingly, the Speaker of Parliament Mahinda Yapa Abeywardena informed the House that the Online Safety Bill was passed in the Committee Stage with amendments.

Supreme Court Declares Duminda Silva Pardon Unlawful

 Sri Lanka's Supreme Court has unanimously ruled that the presidential pardon granted to former MP Duminda Silva by ex-President Gotabaya Rajapaksa was unlawful.

Silva, alongside four others, was convicted in 2016 by the High Court for the 2011 murder of politician Bharatha Lakshman Premachandra.