News

Several officers of Yala National Park suspended

Published

3 years ago

October 25, 2022

editor

The service of several tourist guides and wildlife officers at the Yala National Park have been suspended for failing to prevent an incident of reckless driving inside the Park, Wildlife and Forest Resources Conservation Ministry said.

Ministry Secretary Chandra Herath said that these officers have been suspended pending an investigation. She said the wildlife officers could have intervened or informed their supervisors if tourists are harassing wild animals, but they have failed to do so.

Meanwhile, Wildlife and Forest Conservation Minister Mahinda Amaraweera said that the group of tourists has committed a serious misconduct under the Fauna and Flora Protection Ordinance and therefore, the law should be strictly implemented in this regard.

The Minister had earlier instructed the Director General of Wildlife to take steps to file a court case against the group of tourists.

The Minister has also instructed the Ministry Secretary to send a letter to the Inspector General of Police asking him to arrest the tourists, irrespective of their status, for driving in a reckless manner inside the Yala National Park harassing the wild animals.

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

8 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.