News

Captive elephants in SL facing Filariasis risk?

Published

9 months 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

Mujibur Rahuman sworn in as MP

Published

2 hours ago

May 10, 2024

nipuni

Mujibur Rahuman was sworn in as a Member of Parliament today (May 10) morning.

He took oath as an MP in the presence of Speaker Mahinda Yapa Abeywardana.

Issuing an extraordinary gazette on Thursday (09), the Elections Commission announced that Mujibur Rahuman was Declared Elected as a Member of Parliament to fill the vacancy created due to the determination of the Supreme Court canceling the Parliamentary membership of Diana Gamage.

However, in a letter to the Samagi Jana Balawegaya, the Women Parliamentarians’ Caucus had urged to appoint a suitable female to the parliamentary seat of Diana Gamage.

News

Telecommunications Regulatory Act to be amended after 28 years

Published

2 hours ago

May 10, 2024

nipuni

State Minister for Technology, Mr. Kanaka Herath, announced that the amended bill to amend the Telecommunications Regulatory Act after 28 years will be presented to the Parliament today (May 10).

He said this yesterday during a press conference conducted today (09) at the Presidential Media Centre (PMC) under the theme “Collective Path to a Stable Country.”

Noting that regulations concerning undersea cables were non-existent previously, the State Minister said that legislation addressing this matter has become feasible now.

He also highlighted plans for the drafting of the National Cyber Security Act in May.

The user base across all social networks has surged from 60 million to 74 million. However, there is an imperative for a National Cyber Security Act. Consequently, plans are underway to draft the pertinent legislation by May 2024. Additionally, collaborative efforts involving 29 government agencies, alongside Sri Lanka Computer Emergency Readiness Team (SL CERT), have been undertaken to strengthen cyber security, resulting in the implementation of five projects, he added.

News

No SLPP MPs at fmr. MP’s death commemoration

Published

2 hours ago

May 10, 2024

nipuni

The death anniversary of former MP of the Sri Lanka Podujana Peramuna (SLPP) and his security personnel, was held in Nittambuwa yesterday (May 09).

Former SLPP MP – Amarakeerthi Athukorale and his security personnel sergeant Jayantha Gunawardena died during a series of violent events that erupted in 2022 May 09.

However, it was notable that no public representative, even from the SLPP, was present at the commemoration.