News

Harin absent at PMC press yet again

Published

1 year ago

December 8, 2023

editor

It is reported that the journalists had been inconvenienced after Minister Harin Fernando had not turned up for the media briefing at the Presidential Media Centre (PMC) yesterday (Nov.07).

Mr. Fernando, who is the Minister of Tourism, Lands as well as Sports and Youth Affairs, was scheduled to address the press briefing held at the PMC at 2.00pm yesterday.

Although the media had arrived to cover the press, the minister had not turned up, resulting in the media being left to wait over 1.5 hours.

It is reported that although the PMC (which facilitates press briefings for the government), had invited him for 04 media briefings so far in total, he had turned up for just one.

This is in a backdrop where MP Mahindananda Aluthgamage (who is in charge of organizing these media briefings), the PMD staff and the Prime minister had repeatedly urged the minister to attend these media briefings.

Some media also state that Minister Fernando is barely contactable, even via on phone.

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

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.