News

President pardons two life-sentenced LTTE activists

Published

1 year ago

January 14, 2024

editor

President Ranil Wickremesinghe has pardoned two prisoners who had been serving life sentences for LTTE activities after being convicted under the Prevention of Terrorism Act (PTA) and Emergency Regulations.

The prisoners, Nagalingam Madansekar and Selvathurai Kirubakaran have been pardoned on the recommendation of Justice Minister Wijeyadasa Rajapakshe. The Department of Prisons had also notified that the prisoners had displayed good behaviour while in prison.

The prisoners have been pardoned by the President under powers vested with him under Article 34(1) of the Constitution.

Both men had been convicted after being indicted in the Colombo High Court. Madansekar had been convicted of charges filed under the Emergency (Miscellaneous Provisions and Powers) Regulations on March 29, 2023 and sentenced to life in prison.

Kirubakaran meanwhile, had been found guilty of charges filed under the PTA. He had filed an appeal against his conviction but on July 20, 2022, the Court of Appeal had affirmed the ruling and sentence given by the Colombo High Court.

(sundaytimes.lk)

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.