News

Landslide warnings remain due to inclement weather

Published

2 years ago

October 5, 2023

editor

The flood situation in Attanagalu Oya, Ging, Kalu and Nilwala Rivers remains unchanged, the Irrigation Department said.

Its Hydrology Department Director S. P. C. Sugeeshwara said it may develop into a high-risk flood situation if heavy rains continue.

The landslide warnings issued for 7 districts continue to remain in effect due to prevailing heavy rains.

According to the National Building Research Organization (NBRO), the warnings have been issued for several Divisional Secretariat Divisions in Colombo, Galle, Hambantota, Kalutara, Kandy, Ratnapura, Kegalle and Matara Districts.

The number of people affected by heavy rains has also increased to 47,963 in 12 districts and 38,208 people have been affected in the Western Province.

Also, 930 people have been given shelter in 10 safe houses. Three houses have been completely destroyed and 644 houses have been damaged.

Meanwhile, the Department of Meteorology said that showers or thundershowers will occur at times in Western, Sabaragamuwa, Southern and North-western Provinces and in Kandy and Nuwara-Eliya Districts.

Showers or thundershowers will occur at several places in Eastern and Uva provinces, and in Polonnaruwa and Mullaitivu Districts during the evening or night.

Meanwhile, Agriculture and Agrarian Insurance Board Chairman Maddumabandara Weerasekera said the process of giving compensations to farmers for the crops damaged due to floods would be commenced soon.

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.