News

Met Dept. warns of gusty winds & rough seas

Published

2 years ago

December 7, 2022

editor

The depression over Southeast Bay of Bengal (500km east of Trincomalee) has concentrated into a deep depression and located near latitude 8.7N and longitude 85.7E today morning, the Department of Meteorology said in an advisory issued earlier.

It is very likely to move west-northwestwards, gradually intensifying into a cyclonic storm around this evening.

The system is likely to approach the coast of northern Tamil-Nadu, Puducherry and southern Andhra Pradesh over Southwest Bay of Bengal 08th December morning.

Wind speeds will be 60-70 kmph and can increase up to 80 kmph in sea areas between 02N – 15N and 80E – 95E.

Heavy showers or thundershowers and rough to very rough seas can be expected in aforementioned sea areas.

The naval and fishing communities are advised not to venture into the deep and shallow sea areas off the coast extending from Mannar to Pottuvil via Kankesanturai, Trincomalee and Batticaloa and southwest Bay of Bengal (02N – 15N, 80E – 95E) until further notice.

Meanwhile, those who are out at aforementioned sea regions are advised to return to coasts or to move to safer areas immediately.

The fishing and naval communities are requested to be attentive to future forecasts issued by the Meteorology Department in this regard.

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.