News

Wanted ex-minister Prasanna had even visited the passport office!

Published

2 months ago

April 10, 2025

editor

The Criminal Investigation Department (CID) informed Mahara Magistrate Kanchana N. Silva yesterday (April 09) that former Minister Prasanna Ranaweera, had recently visited the Department of Immigration and Emigration to renew his passport and had also participated in political meetings at his party’s headquarters.

The passport office is located at the ‘Suhurupaya’ complex in Battaramulla, which also houses the Ministry of Public Security.

Law enforcement authorities are seeking to arrest Ranaweera over allegedly selling a plot of state-owned land in Kiribathgoda to a private party by forging documents.

Taking this into account, the court issued warrants to seize properties of Ranaweera and another suspect still at large.

Meanwhile, the Mahara Magistrate’s Court yesterday (April 09) rejected a bail application for former MP Mervyn Silva remanding 04 suspects including Silva until April 21.

During the hearing, suspects currently in remand – former Minister – Mervyn Silva, former Deputy Chairman of the Kelaniya Pradeshiya Sabha – Dr. Jayantha Singhabahu Cabraal, Naveen Weerakoon and Silva’s then secretary – Don Sarath Kumara Edirisinghe alias “Singapore Sarath,” were not physically produced before court.

The Public Security Ministry, which oversees the DI&E, is located in the same building where passports are issued.

(Source: Aruna)

News

COVID subvariants spreading in Asia detected in Sri Lanka

Published

8 hours ago

May 31, 2025

editor

The Medical Research Institute of Sri Lanka has confirmed that the COVID-19 variant currently spreading in the Asian region has also been identified in the country.

Dr. Jude Jayamaha, a specialist in viral diseases at the Medical Research Institute, stated that patients infected with the Omicron subvariants LF.7 and XFG are being reported locally.

Dr. Jayamaha explained that this finding was confirmed through research conducted on biological samples collected from several hospitals across the island.

However, he emphasized that there is no need for undue fear regarding these COVID-19 variants.

Health authorities have also stressed the importance of vulnerable groups—such as pregnant mothers, the elderly, and those with chronic illnesses—following health guidelines, including wearing face masks and avoiding crowded places.

Dr. Jayamaha reiterated that new COVID-19 variants emerge periodically, and health authorities are continuously monitoring the situation, so the public should remain calm.

(newswire.lk)

(This story, originally published by newswire.lk has not been edited by SLM staff)

News

Anudi misses out from Miss World Quarter-Finals

Published

9 hours ago

May 31, 2025

editor

The Miss World organization has announced its quarter-finalists, selecting 40 contestants from across Asia, Europe, Africa, and the Americas.

Sri Lanka’s Anudi Gunasekara, was not selected in the top 40, despite being recognized for her impressive performances in the Multimedia and Head-to-Head challenges.

The top 40 consisted of 10 contestants each from Asia & Oceania, Europe, Africa and the Americas.