News

“Elephant Pass saltern to be fully activated”

Published

5 months ago

January 11, 2025

editor

Chairman of National Salt Limited Gayan Wellala has said plans are underway to fully activate the Elephant Pass saltern in the north by March, 2025, in a bid to increase local salt production.
Following a cabinet decision and subsequent gazette notification, the Elephant Pass saltern is currently under the administration of National Salt Limited.

According to ‘Daily Mirror’, Mr. Wellala has pointed out the Northern area salterns including the Elephant Pass that have been inactive since the civil war and is still not completely restored are being developed to help increase production.

The recent salt shortage was attributed to the adverse weather which prevailed in the country of late and Cabinet approval was granted to import 30,000 MT of non-iodised salt before January 31, 2025.

Mr. Wellala has added, “With the inflows of the imports and the restoration of the salterns the shortage is going to be temporary, about three to four months”.

(Source : Daily Mirror)

News

COVID subvariants spreading in Asia detected in Sri Lanka

Published

10 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

11 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.