News

Online Safety Bill approved subject to SC’s amendments

Published

1 year ago

January 22, 2024

editor

The Sectoral Oversight Committee on Media, Youth, Heritage and New Citizen approved the Online Safety Bill, Subject to the amendments determined by the Supreme Court.

The bill was approved when the SOC met in Parliament today (22) under the chairmanship of the Member of Parliament Lalith Warankumara.

Thus, tomorrow (23), this bill will be taken for the second reading debate.

Officials representing the Ministry of Public Security, the Attorney General’s Department, the Legal Draftsman’s Department, Sri Lanka Police and the National Secretariat of Non-Governmental Organizations joined the meeting. Members of the committee – Gayantha Karunathilake, Jayantha Katagoda, Sanjeeva Edirimanna, Jagath Samarawickrama and S. M. M. Musharraf were present at the meeting. Also, with the approval of the Chairman of the Committee, Members of Parliament Iran Wickramaratne and Chandima Weerakkodi also participated.

Further time required
Members of Parliament – Gayantha Karunathileka, Iran Wickramaratne and Chandima Weerakkodi pointed out to the committee that further time is required to make amendments to the draft bill and that there should be policy amendments in this regard. They pointed out that it is important to get more time without passing this bill quickly in the parliament.

Accordingly, the chairman of the committee mentioned that the parliament will be informed about the matter presented by these members.

News

COVID subvariants spreading in Asia detected in Sri Lanka

Published

8 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

8 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.