News

Captive elephants in SL facing Filariasis risk?

Published

2 years ago

August 28, 2023

editor

There is a risk of Filariasis being spread among Elephants in captivity in Sri Lanka, Senior Professor Ashoka Dangolla says.

Senior Prof. Dangolla of the Veterinary Medicine and Animal Science Faculty at the Peradeniya University, has said this during a special veterinary clinic held yesterday (27) to check the health of the elephants participating in the Esala Perahara festival in Kandy.

He has said that these elephants will be examined due to this risk.

Speaking, he has said that they have begun to see signs of Filariasis after some time, which is treatable and can be controlled. However, older elephants are more susceptible to the disease.

In addition, Prof. Dangolla has also said that for the first time, they have observed a parasite in elephant blood similar to human malaria patients. He said they are also awaiting to do tests.

Meanwhile, Prof. Dangolla has also said that it is believed that 60% – 70% of captive elephants in the country are being afflicted by an eye disease as well.

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

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.