News

India to provide training & capacity-building programs for new MPs & Parliament staff

Published

5 months ago

January 10, 2025

editor

The High Commissioner of India to Sri Lanka, Mr. Santosh Jha, called on the Speaker of the Parliament, Dr. Jagath Wickramaratne, at the Parliamentary premises on Jan. 06).

The Secretary General of Parliament, Mrs. Kushani Rohanadeera also participated in the meeting.

During the meeting, High Commissioner Mr. Santosh Jha extended his New Year wishes to the Speaker and reaffirmed the strong bilateral relationship between India and Sri Lanka. He invited the Speaker to undertake an official visit to India, emphasizing the importance of fostering inter-parliamentary collaboration.

The High Commissioner also highlighted India’s plans to support the Parliament of Sri Lanka through training and capacity-building programs for the newly elected Members and Parliamentary staff. He expressed hope for the Speaker’s guidance in reviving the Sri Lanka – India Parliamentary Friendship Association in the Tenth Parliament.

Furthermore, High Commissioner emphasized the importance of fostering closer interactions between the Women Parliamentarians’ groups of the two Parliaments to strengthen collaboration and enhance the role of women in effective policy-making.

Speaker Dr. Jagath Wickramaratne, reflecting on the historical ties and cultural bonds between the two nations, expressed deep gratitude for India’s continuous support to Sri Lanka across various sectors.

The discussion between both parties focused on many important matters including economic development, digitalization and Regional Cooperation.

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.