News

Basil – Ranil at loggerheads over elections!

Published

1 year ago

March 24, 2024

nipuni

Although President Ranil Wickremesinghe has informed the Cabinet last week to prepare for a Presidential election first, Sri Lanka Podujana Peramuna founder – Basil Rajapaksa has informed the President that a General Election should be held soon in the prevailing political backdrop.

He had said this during talks with the President on Thursday night (March 21).

Noting that they had no intention to cause a commotion, Mr. Rajapaksa has said that the SLPP’s sole intention is to hold a General Election soon and that he hoped for a favourable response from the President in this regard.

He has added that the final decision should be taken while considering the mandate and well-being of the country.

Mr. Rajapaksa has also stated that a public opinion is being spread citing that the government is attempting to postpone elections due to the proposed change to the voting. In response, the President had stated that he has no intention of postponing elections.

The SLPP founder has also pointed out that many administrative issues had risen due to the postponement of LG and Provincial Council Polls. He has further pointed out to the President that decisions taken regarding the privatization of government institutions should be discussed with the Maha Sangha and the nationalist camps first.

News

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.