News

India, Sri Lanka fishers hold frm on fishing rights

Published

1 year ago

March 1, 2024

nipuni

Fishermen from India’s Rameswaram are demanding unrestricted access to harvest fish in the waters near Sri Lanka.

However, the Sri Lankan fishermen have reiterated their stance, asserting that there can be no room for concessions.

The recent sentencing of four Indian fishermen by the Delft court for trespassing in the Sea of Sri Lanka has ignited tensions, prompting protest actions among Tamil Nadu’s fishing community.

In response to the court’s decision, the President of Rameswaram Fishermen’s Association engaged in dialogue with Tamil Nadu Chief Minister MK Stalin.

“The fishermen detained in Sri Lankan prisons must be released. The boats held by the Sri Lanka Navy must also be released. As a permanent solution to the issue, Sri Lankan fishermen in Indian prisons, and Sri Lankan boats must be released,” said P. Jesuraj, the Leader of the Rameswaram Fishermen’s Association.

The fishing community in Jaffna emphasize that there can be no further leniency or accommodation for any actions that violate established norms.

“The fishing community in the North have been very lenient with the fishermen from Tamil Nadu despite the use of Bottom Trawling to pillage our marine resources. Therefore, we will no longer allow them to pillage the Sea of Sri Lanka using illegal methods,” said Annalingam Annarasa, the Secretary of the Delft Fisheries Association.

(newsfirst.lk)

News

COVID subvariants spreading in Asia detected in Sri Lanka

Published

2 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

2 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.