News

Probe whether organized scheme behind flight delays: SOC

Published

2 years ago

October 5, 2023

editor

The officials of the Civil Aviation Authority (CAA) should probe whether an organized scheme is behind SriLankan flight delays when the tourism industry is slowly recovering, Sectoral Oversight Committee (SOC) on Energy & Transport Chairman Nalaka Bandara Kottegoda said.

The SOC on Energy & Transport met yesterday (04) in Parliament.

Furthermore, it was discussed that the constant delay in flights is concerning especially when there is a peak of tourist arrivals into the country, despite the various challenges faced and in the midst of an economic crisis.

CAA Officials said that there are many trade unions within the ambit of Sri Lanka Airlines, and various trade unions are not fulfilling their respective duties on time praying for various demands. As a result, the said context is prevailing, the officials present said.

The discussion held mainly took into consideration the constant flight delays and unexpected flight cancellations.

MP Kottegoda, the Chair of the SOC said that all parties should work to resolve the existing problems, and that it should not develop into a level that affects the country or the country’s economy.

Moreover, the Civil Aviation (Amendment) Bill was also considered to which the Sectoral Oversight Committee agreed.

SOC members MPs Kumarasiri Rathnayaka, Udayakantha Gunathilaka and a group of officials representing the CAA were present.

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

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.