News

5000 hectares in Monaragala, Kotiagala & Kabilitta temporarily given for farming

Published

2 years ago

December 2, 2022

editor

A discussion was held at the Presidential Secretariat yesterday (01) under the patronage of President’s Senior Adviser on National Security and Chief of Presidential Staff Sagala Rathnayake on the utilization of land in Monaragala, Kotiyagala and Kabilitta areas for farming to face the food crisis in the future. These lands were previously reserved for reforestation.

Currently, around 8000 hectares of land in the Monaragala, Kotiyagala and Kabilitta areas owned by the Forest Department has been reserved for reforestation.It was decided to commence the afforestation activities immediately in the 3000 hectares where saplings have been prepared for afforestation.

The issue of the remaining 5000 hectares of land to be distributed among farmers temporarily for cultivation until the necessary facilities for reforestation were prepared was also discussed at length.

It was also focussed, during the discussion on the possibilities of releasing a certain extent of land for cattle rearing on a temporary basis.

President’s Senior Adviser on National Security and Chief of Presidential Staff Sagala Ratnayake advised the Forest Conservation Department to seek the advice of the Attorney General to resolve the legal issues that may arise in carrying out these activities and instructed heads of all related line institutions accordingly.

Presidential Adviser on Food Security Dr Suren Batagoda, Secretary to the Ministry of Wildlife and Forest Resources Conservation R.M.C.M. A. Herath and a group of heads of line institutions and officers also participated.

News

COVID subvariants spreading in Asia detected in Sri Lanka

Published

10 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

10 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.