168 underage girls raped within a month in SL

Published

2 years ago

October 26, 2023

editor

168 girls under the age of 16 were raped within a month, revealed Sri Lanka’s State Minister of Women and Child Affairs, Geetha Kumarasinghe.

“From 1st September 2023 to 30th September 2023, a total of 168 girls below the age of 16 were raped, and 22 of them are currently pregnant,” she told reporters.

She also revealed that a majority of these rapes were committed by close relatives of the victims.

“There 15 incidents of underage pregnancies that were the result of relationships,” she added.

How to Report Child Abuse:

“1929” can be contacted free of charge through any telecom provider, from anywhere in the country, at any time of the day, any day of the week, in Sinhala / Tamil / English languages.

1929 responds not only to the emergency needs of children, but also links them to appropriate services, ensuring their long-term care and rehabilitation.

(News 1st)

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

8 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.