News

New mushroom species discovered from SL

Published

2 years ago

May 2, 2023

editor

Two new mushroom species and a new record of a mushroom species have been identified from Sri Lanka.

The new species of mushroom were discovered by Dr. Aseni Navoda Ediriweera from the Mae Fah Luang University in Thailand, and the Chinese Academy of Sciences and her research team.

The research was guided by Professor Samantha C. Karunarathna.

The new species from Sri Lanka have been named as Candolleomyces ruhunensis and Termitomyces srilankensis.

A new record of Crepidotus striatus was reported from the wet zone of Sri Lanka, mainly in Kanneliya, and it previously only recorded in China.

“In 2023, we discovered two new mushroom species and a new record of a species. Sri Lanka’s records on mushrooms date back to the 1700s. It was only after the year 2000, that a proper research on mushrooms was carried out. This is also the first time that a mushroom species was named after a university. This was the first record of a Candolleomyces species. In addition, we also discovered Termitomyces srilankensis. The other record was of Crepidotus striatus from the Kanneliya forest. This is the second ever record of this species. It was identified as a new species in China,” elaborated Dr. Aseni Navoda Ediriweera.

(News 1st)

News

12-hr water cut in several areas of Colombo

Published

22 hours ago

May 23, 2025

editor

The National Water Supply and Drainage Board (NWSDB) has announced a 12-hour water cut from 8:00 a.m. to 8:00 p.m. on Sunday (May 25) in several areas, including Colombo, due to essential maintenance work at the Ambatale Water Treatment Plant.

Due to this, the public is urged to make prior arrangements and store an adequate supply of water to avoid inconvenience during the period of the suspension.

Accordingly, the water cut will affect the following areas:

Colombo 01 to Colombo 15
Sri Jayawardenepura Kotte
Kaduwela
Battaramulla
Kolonnawa
Kotikawatta
Mulleriyawa
IDH (Infectious Diseases Hospital) area
Maharagama
Dehiwala
Mount Lavinia
Ratmalana and Moratuwa

News

Investigations underway to arrest 20 criminals hiding overseas

Published

22 hours ago

May 23, 2025

editor

The Ministry of Public Security states that investigations are underway to arrest 20 members of major organized crime gangs currently hiding overseas.

Minister Ananda Wijepala stated that Interpol has already issued red notices for their arrest and that the countries where these criminals are hiding have been identified.

He added that investigations into the group have been expanded in coordination with the Ministry of Foreign Affairs.

Since the new government came to power, 11 members of organized crime gangs hiding abroad have been brought back to the island and produced before courts.

Meanwhile, operations to arrest members of organized crime gangs involved in various criminal activities, including murder and drug trafficking, within the country are also ongoing.

The Minister added that the Police Special Task Force and the Criminal Investigation Department (CID) are jointly conducting investigations into the allegations against them.

News

Ex-Minister Duminda Dissanayake arrested

Published

22 hours ago

May 23, 2025

editor

Former Minister and Anuradhapura District Organiser of the Sri Lanka Freedom Party (SLFP) – Duminda Dissanayake, has been arrested in connection with the ongoing investigation into the discovery of a gold-colored T-56 assault rifle at a luxury apartment complex in Havelock Town, Wellawatte.

The firearm, found earlier this week, led to the arrest of 03 suspects, based on information revealed during interrogations conducted in connection with the incident.