News

‘Red’ warning issued over strong winds and rough seas

Published

9 months ago

September 9, 2024

editor

The Department of Meteorology has issued a ‘Red’ warning for strong winds and rough seas for naval and fishermen communities in the deep-sea areas in the Bay of Bengal Sea.

The Depression located over the Northwest and adjoining West-Central Bay of Bengal has intensified into a Deep depression and located near 18.9N and 86.3E at 1800UTC on 08 September, the department added.

Furthermore, the Met. Department warned that it is very likely to move nearly Northwestwards and cross Odisha coast Near Puri at 0600UTC of today (Sep. 09).

Meanwhile, very strong winds 70-75kmph, accompanied with heavy rainfalls and very rough seas are likely over the sea areas bounded by 13N – 20N and 83E – 95E, it added.

Naval and fishing communities are advised not to venture into the sea areas marked by the “Warning” category on the map below, until further notice. Naval and fishing communities are also requested to be attentive to future forecasts issued by the Department of Meteorology in this regard, it added.

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.