News

Judiciary independence affected by certain MPs’ statements – BASL

Published

2 years ago

September 12, 2023

editor

A group of members of the Bar Association of Sri Lanka (BASL) including its President – Attorney at Law Kaushalya Navaratne met the Speaker – Mahinda Yapa Abeywardena at Parliament yesterday (11).

During the meeting Mr. Navaratne stated that the Bar Association has identified that the rule of law and the independence of the judiciary are being affected by the statements made by certain Members of Parliament, inside and outside the chamber regarding the judiciary, the cases in the court and the judges, during the recent past. They said that the Bar Association expresses its regret over this situation as it was also seen that statements were issued mentioning the names of currently serving judges.

Therefore, the President of the Bar Association requested the Speaker to pay attention to this matter and handed over a written request to the Speaker.

The speaker Hon. Mahinda Yapa Abeywardena assured that he will always stand to protect the honor of the judiciary including the judges. Therefore, the speaker stated that it is expected to draw the attention of honorable members in this regard.

Deputy President of BASL – Attorney at Law Nalinda Indratissa, Secretary – Attorney at Law Isuru Balapatabedi, Treasurer – Attorney at Law Chamath Jayasekara, Assistant Secretary – Attorney at Law Mehran Karim were also present in this meeting.

News

COVID subvariants spreading in Asia detected in Sri Lanka

Published

8 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

8 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.