News

Sabry to attend Maritime Security conference in Mauritius

Published

2 years ago

November 15, 2023

editor

At the invitation of Minister of Foreign Affairs, Regional Integration and International Trade of Mauritius Maneesh Gobin, Foreign Minister Ali Sabry will participate at the 3rd Ministerial Conference on Maritime Security and Safety in the Western Indian Ocean in Mauritius tomorrow (Nov. 16).

The West Indian Ocean is an important global trade and commercial hub with multiple inter connections with the global ocean space. The region faces a series of threats to maritime security such as illicit traffic and smuggling, illegal, unreported and unregulated fishing, human trafficking, and marine pollution, among other things.

In this context, Mauritius has taken the initiative to convene a Ministerial Conference on Maritime Security and Safety in the Western Indian Ocean, 2 editions of which have been held in 2018 and 2019. It serves as a platform for a high-level dialogue which will lead to concrete actions for improving maritime capability in the region.

During his stay in Mauritius, Minister Sabry will also engage in a bilateral meeting with Minister Gobin aiming at fostering the close ties between the two countries and visit the Indian Ocean Rim Association (IORA) Secretariat in Mauritius in his capacity as the Chair of the IORA Council of Ministers to discuss the future direction of IORA, with the focus on implementing of the decisions made at the 25th Committee of Senior Officials and the 23rd Council of Ministers meetings which Sri Lanka hosted from 9-11 October 2023 at which Sri Lanka assumed the Chairmanship of IORA.

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.