News

Showery conditions to enhance today

Published

10 months ago

August 16, 2024

editor

Prevailing showery conditions over the South Western parts of Sri Lanka is expected to temporarily enhance today (Aug. 16) and tomorrow, according to the Department of Meteorology.

Accordingly, showers or thundershowers will occur at times in the Western, Sabaragamuwa and North-western provinces and Kandy, Nuwara-Eliya, Galle and Matara districts today.

Heavy showers above 100 mm are likely at some places in the Western, Sabaragamuwa provinces and Galle and Matara districts. Showers or thundershowers will occur at several places in the Eastern and Uva provinces during the evening or night.

Meanwhile, showers will occur at times in the sea areas off the coast extending from Puttalam to Hambantota via Colombo and Galle. Showers or thundershowers will occur at a few places in the other sea areas around the island during the afternoon or night.

Winds will be south-westerly and wind speed will be 30-40 kmph. Wind speed can increase up to 50-55 kmph at times in the sea areas off the coasts extending from Galle to Batticaloa via Matara, Hambantota and Pottuvil and from Chilaw to Mannar via Puttalam.

The sea areas off the coasts extending from Galle to Batticaloa via Matara, Hambantota and Pottuvil and from Chilaw to Mannar via Puttalam may be fairly rough at times. Temporarily strong gusty winds and very rough seas can be expected during thundershowers.

News

COVID subvariants spreading in Asia detected in Sri Lanka

Published

10 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

10 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.