Around 45,000 police personnel deployed for churches’ security

Published

5 months ago

December 25, 2024

editor

Sri Lanka Police has announced that around 45,000 police officers will be deployed to ensure security at Catholic churches across the island on Christmas Day.

Police Media Spokesperson SSP Buddhika Manatunga stated that military personnel will also be stationed at key locations as part of the security measures.

Meanwhile, a total of 389 prisoners have been granted special Presidential pardons from 29 correctional facilities across the country, in celebration of Christmas.

Of the prisoners released today, four are women. The largest number of pardoned prisoners, 48, are from the Mahara Prison, followed by 45 from the Wariyapola Prison and 41 from the Welikada Prison.

Additionally, 33 prisoners will be released from the Anuradhapura Prison, 20 from the Kuruwita Prison, 17 each from the Galle, Bogambara, and Jaffna Prisons, and 13 from the Polonnaruwa Prison.

Also, the Prisons Department notes that inmates will be allowed to receive open visitors on Christmas Day.

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.