News

SC allows naming of ex-President in IGP appointment petition

Published

7 months ago

October 29, 2024

editor

The Supreme Court has granted permission to name former President Ranil Wickremesinghe as a respondent in a petition challenging the appointment of Deshabandu Tennakoon as Inspector General of Police (IGP).

The petition, filed by the Young Journalists’ Association, argues that Tennakoon’s appointment is unconstitutional.

The petition was heard by a bench comprising Justices Preethi Padman Surasena and Janak de Silva.

During the hearing, President’s Counsel Saliya Peiris, representing the petitioners, argued that since Wickremesinghe is no longer the President and does not enjoy immunity, he can be named as a respondent in the case.

The court accepted this argument and granted permission to name Wickremesinghe as a respondent.

Previously, the Supreme Court had reviewed this petition along with seven related petitions.

On July 24, the court issued an interim order preventing Tennakoon from functioning as IGP until the conclusion of the petition hearings.

(News1st)

(Except for the headline, this story, originally published by News1st has not been edited by SLM staff)

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.