News

Did the Archeology DG resign because of the President?

Published

2 years ago

June 12, 2023

editor

Minister of Buddhasasana, Religious and Cultural Affairs – Vidura Wickramanayaka says that Prof. Anura Manatunga had informed the Ministry Secretary that he will be stepping down from his post as Director General of Archeology.

It is said that the resignation comes after the President had recently told Prof. Manatunga at a meeting that the latter should resign if unable to carry out orders given by himself as the President.

After identifying a 200-acre land with archaeological remains belonging to the historical Kurundi Maha Viharaya of Mullaitivu, which depicts the early Anuradhapura era, the Director General of Archeology has requested the Surveyor General to survey the land.

It is said that there are over 05 acres of paddy land in the identified area.

On June 08, during a meeting held by the President at the President’s Secretariat, the President had ordered the release of these paddy fields to the people.

Responding, Prof. Manatunga has pointed out that he is unable to do so according to the laws falling under the Archeology Ordinance.

It is said that while the Department of Archeology was working to separate the ancient ruins after a scientific exploration, ownership was claimed for only 05 acres of the paddy fields.

According to sources, the owner (who is said to be the owner of paddy fields spanning across over 100 acres), had also been initially prepared to donate the said 05 acres to the Archeology Department.

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

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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.