News

Bandula loses cool over Channel Eye issue (Video)

Published

2 years ago

August 23, 2023

editor

In response to a question posed by National People’s Power Leader Anura Kumara Dissanayake under Standing Order 27/2 over the leasing out of Channel Eye, Mass Media Minister Bandula Gunawardana appeared to be at a loss of words in Parliament yesterday (22).

Instead of answering the question, Dr. Gunawardana was talking about other issues and finally ended up talking about the events of 88/89 in an impulsive manner.

Initially, the minister said that the channel has not been leased out and that it was given on the basis of rent. He threw the ministry secretary under the bus by stating that the Cabinet paper had been prepared without a proper understanding of rent and lease.

However, MP Dissanayake highlighted the fact that the ministry secretary was not responsible for the Cabinet paper, and it was ultimately signed by Minister Gunawardana.

The MP further said that it is clearly stated in the Cabinet paper that there is no transparency in the leasing out of the channel.

Minister Gunawardana resorted to various tactics and avoided giving a clear answer to the questions asked by the MP.

Bandula’s Cabinet Paper is shown below..

cabinet-paper-eye-channel

What happened in Parliament (Video)

News

COVID subvariants spreading in Asia detected in Sri Lanka

Published

9 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.