News

New chairmen appointed for several Parliamentary Committees

Published

4 months ago

January 28, 2025

editor

The first meeting of the Committee on Public Petitions for the first session of the Tenth Parliament was held in Parliament on Jan. 23rd.

Accordingly, the Chair was elected to the Committee in accordance with the provisions set out in Standing Orders 130 (1) of Parliament.
MP R.M. Gamini Ratnayake was proposed as the Chair of the Committee by MP Manoj Rajapaksa and seconded by MP Ajith Gihan. As no other name was proposed, it was announced that MP R.M. Gamini Ratnayake was elected as the Chair of the Committee on Public Petitions. He then chaired the meeting and expressed his gratitude to all the members present for electing him as the Chair.

Accordingly, the Committee focused its attention on how to expedite the petition investigation process to provide relief to petitioners in the future.

Meanwhile, Deputy Minister Dr. Harshana Suriyapperuma was elected as the new Chair of the Committee on Ways and Means of Parliament when the Committee met for the first session of the Tenth Parliament on Jan. 24th.

His name was proposed and seconded by MPs Ruwan Mapalagama and Champika Hettiarachchi respectively. Addressing the gathering, the New Chair said that he hopes to continue the work of the committee successfully and expects the support of all members, including officers in regard. The Chair further stated that the committee will do its utmost to fulfill the aspirations of the people of the country.

Meanwhile, the Committee on Ethics and Privileges also met for the first time in Parliament on Jan. 24th. During the meeting, Minister Chrishantha Abeysena was elected as the new Chair of the Committee on Ethics and Privileges for the first session of the Tenth Parliament. His name was proposed and seconded by MPs Thushari Jayasinghe and Krishnan Kalaichelvi respectively.

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.