News

National Environment Week announced to fight plastic pollution

Published

3 days ago

May 29, 2025

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Environment Minister – Dr. Dhammika Patabendi has announced that National Environment Week will be observed from May 30 – June 05, in line with World Environment Day on June 05.

This year’s global theme, “Let’s End Plastic Pollution,” will guide nationwide efforts to promote sustainable environmental practices.

At a media briefing held yesterday (May 28) at the Department of Government Information, the minister outlined the week-long campaign’s key objectives, aligning with the government’s flagship Clean Sri Lanka initiative.

The program aims to foster a culture of environmental stewardship and sustainable living and each day of the week will highlight a specific environmental challenge:
May 30 – Plastic Waste Management Day
May 31 – Air Pollution Reduction Day
June 1 – Environmental Cleanliness Awareness Day
June 2 – Biodiversity Conservation Day
June 3 – Water Conservation Day
June 4 – Coastal Cleanup Day
June 5 – Tree Plantation & National Environment Day Celebration

The national ceremony will be held on June 05 at Nidahas Mawatha, Kegalle District, under the patronage of President Anura Kumara Disanayake.

Dr. Patabendi highlighted alarming statistics regarding plastic pollution: between 2012 and 2018, Sri Lanka imported over 3.3 billion kilograms of plastic, with only 30% being recycled annually. In 2020 alone, the country generated 938 MT of plastic waste per day, of which a staggering 638 tons went uncollected, with over 8.45 tons ending up in natural water sources daily.

The Minister also emphasized the serious health and infrastructural impacts of poor plastic waste management, including rising dengue cases, blocked drainage systems, and frequent urban flooding.

News

COVID subvariants spreading in Asia detected in Sri Lanka

Published

9 hours ago

May 31, 2025

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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

10 hours ago

May 31, 2025

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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.