News

Gota still under protection of 226 VIP security personnel

Published

3 years ago

October 28, 2022

editor

MP Thalatha Athukorala said that 226 security personnel from the VIP Security Division have been deployed to provide security to former President Gotabaya Rajapaksa.

Speaking at a news conference held in Colombo yesterday (27), she said there are about 6,000 police officers in the VIP Security Division.

“Out of these 6,000, a large number of people have been deployed for the protection of former presidents. The former president who is responsible for many current plights in this country has been provided with a security detail of 226 personnel,” she said.

Apart from this 226 VIP security personnel, MP Athukorala said Mr.Rajapaksa has also been given military and Special Task Forces protection.

“On one hand, the Inspector General of Police says that 4,000 police personnel are suffering from illnesses. On the other hand, he says 16,000 more are retiring. We are not certain if these police personnel were already sick when they were recruited, if they became disabled during a police duty, or if the stress increased after joining the police. These 4,000 should not be removed from the police force. They should be given the opportunity to work in their selected fields,” she said.

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

10 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.