News

Obtaining first NIC: Fine increased for citizens over 40

Published

2 years ago

August 31, 2023

editor

A citizen over the age of 40 who has not obtained a National Identity Card (NIC) will have to pay a fine of Rs.2,500.

Earlier, only Rs.250 was charged if a citizen failed to obtain a NIC within the stipulated time.

This has been communicated to all Divisional Secretaries in a letter signed by Commissioner General of Registration of Persons, Pradeep Saputhanthri.

However, the department will continue to charge the previous fine of Rs.250 from the citizens with lower income. To be eligible to pay this fine, a recommendation from the Grama Niladhari Officer is required.

Accordingly, the Commissioner General said the recommendation of the Grama Niladhari Officer and the receipt of paying the fine of Rs.250 should be sent to his department immediately along with the NIC application.

He also requested the citizens over the age of 40 to send NIC applications before December 31, 2023.

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.