News

Heavy rains continue; landslide warnings issued for 5 districts

Published

2 years ago

September 7, 2023

editor

Heavy rains will occur at times in Western, Sabaragamuwa and North-western Provinces and in Kandy, Nuwara-Eliya, Galle and Matara Districts today (7), the Department of Meteorology said.

It said fairly heavy showers above 50mm are likely at some places in Western and Sabaragamuwa Provinces and in Puttalam, Galle and Matara Districts.

A few showers may occur in Mannar and Hambantota Districts and in North-central Province.

Fairly strong winds about 40-45 kmph can be expected at times in western slopes of the central hills, Northern, North-central and North-western Provinces and in Trincomalee and Hambantota Districts.

Meanwhile, the National Building Research Organization (NBRO) said that due to the prevailing weather, the landslide warning notices were further extended for several areas belonging to five districts.

The warnings are valid until 4.00 pm today (07) and the NBRO announcement is as follows.

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.