News

Japan expresses commitment to supporting new govt’s anti-corruption program

Published

8 months ago

September 27, 2024

editor

The Japanese Ambassador to Sri Lanka – Mizukoshi Hideaki, affirmed that the Japanese government is committed to fully supporting efforts to combat corruption and irregularities, a key priority of President Anura Kumara Dissanayake’s administration.

He expressed readiness to continue close collaboration with Sri Lanka.
Ambassador Mizukoshi made these remarks during a meeting with the Secretary to the President, Dr. Nandika Sanath Kumanayake, at the Presidential Secretariat yesterday (Sep. 26).

He further announced that work on 11 stalled projects funded by the Japanese government will resume promptly.

Accordingly, these projects include the Kandy City Water Management Project, Phase II of the Bandaranaike International Airport (BIA) Development Project, the Terrestrial Television Broadcast Digitization Project, the National Transmission and Distribution Network Development Project, Phase II of the Anuradhapura North Water Supply Project, the Rural Infrastructure Development Project, the Kalu Ganga Water Supply Project, and improvements to health and medical services.

The Japanese Ambassador, Mr. Mizukoshi, stated that the agreement encompasses the swift completion of the first phase of the Habarana-Veyangoda transmission line project and the Anuradhapura North water supply project, both of which are nearing completion with Japanese assistance. He also highlighted the payments related to the recently finished Kelani Ganga new bridge construction project.

The meeting was attended by Deputy Head of the Embassy of Japan in Sri Lanka Nayoki Kamoshida, First Secretary of the Embassy of Japan Ohashi Kenji and Senior Additional Secretary to the President Roshan Gamage.

(PMD)

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

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.