News

My son not involved in Yala incident: Amaraweera!

Published

3 years ago

October 28, 2022

editor

Wildlife and Forest Resources Conservation Minister Mahinda Amaraweera said that his son did not go to either Yala or Galle last Saturday (22) when a group of people arriving in jeeps behaved recklessly in Yala National Park.
Speaking at a news conference held at the Ministry of Agriculture yesterday (27), the minister said there were reports on social media sites that his son was also involved in the Yala incident.
“This is completely false. He had only gone to a relative’s house in Mathugama. Many people ask whether my son is involved in this incident. I told them that if there is any proof that he is involved in this, to even say that he had gone beyond Galle that day, I would take full responsibility and resign,” he said.
He said that information has revealed that 32 jeeps were involved in the Yala incident, and that these vehicles were travelling on the highway at high speed.
He said it is suspected that most of the jeeps that drove towards Kurunegala during the fuel crisis may have arrived at Yala. The minister said this group has spent Rs. 6 million for hotels alone.
The minister said that the law will be implemented against the people who drove vehicles recklessly harassing the wild animals, regardless of their status.

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News

COVID subvariants spreading in Asia detected in Sri Lanka

Published

10 hours ago

May 31, 2025

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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

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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.