The Health and Mass Media Ministry has announced that there is currently no threat of spreading the new XEC COVID variant in Sri Lanka and urges the public to refrain from unnecessary panic.

This was announced by Ministry Secretary Dr. Anil Jasinghe based on data from the Epidemiology Unit.

Recent media reports have noted rising infections in some Asian countries, but Dr. Jasinghe explained this could be due to reduced immunity and other factors, not necessarily a new variant.

Nevertheless, the Health Ministry has taken steps to strengthen preparedness and safeguard public health at the national level.

Dr.Jasinghe further said clinical sample testing for COVID-19 is continuously conducted across a network of selected hospitals as part of an integrated respiratory surveillance system.

These tests have not indicated any notable increase in COVID-19 cases at present.

“While minor increases in respiratory illnesses like influenza or COVID-19 may occur from time to time, the overall risk to the public remains low,” the Ministry added.

Sports Minister Sunil Kumara Gamage has issued a Gazette notification suspending the registration of Sri Lanka Rugby with immediate effect.

The suspension, announced under Sections 32 and 33 of the Sports Law No. 25 of 1973, also revokes the appointment of Prof. (Rear Admiral) Shemal Fernando as the Competent Authority for Sri Lanka Rugby. He had been appointed under a previous Gazette (No. 2386/08) dated 29 May 2024.

In place of the Competent Authority, the Minister has appointed a five-member Working Task Force with the limited mandate of adopting the new Constitution of Sri Lanka Rugby. The constitution was prepared by a Constitutional Review Group set up by World Rugby and agreed upon by all stakeholders.

The Task Force includes:
– Mr. Priyantha Ekanayake (Chairman, National Sports Council) – Chairman
– Mr. Suresh Subramaniam (Chairman, National Olympic Committee)
– Mr. M. R. Latiff (Retired Senior DIG)
– Mr. Dinal Phillips (President’s Counsel)
– Mr. Rohan Abayakoon (Member, National Sports Council)

An election to appoint office bearers is to be held within 90 days after the registration of the new Constitution. Until then, the Task Force is authorised to manage all affairs of Sri Lanka Rugby.

The Constitutional Council (CC) yesterday (May 22) unanimously approved President Anura Kumara Dissanayake’s request to extend Auditor General W.P.C. Dharmapala Gammanpila’s term by six months, government sources confirmed.  

The request was approved by all members of the CC according to sources.