News

SJB replies to NPP’s request on public debate

Published

1 year ago

April 24, 2024

editor

The Samagi Jana Balavegaya (SJB) leader Sajith Premadasa yesterday (23) has said he cannot join a debate with the National People’s Power (NPP) leader – Anura Kumara Dissanayake on the dates proposed by the NPP due to prior commitments.

Speaking at a public event in Weeraketiya, Mr. Premadasa has expressed his readiness not only for a debate between the two party leaders, but also for one between the economic committees of the two parties.

Previously, in a letter dated 22nd April, the NPP had said it was prepared for a debate between the two party leaders on either 07, 09, 13, or 14 May.

Replying, the SJB has said it had initially proposed a public debate between the Economic Councils of the two parties, to which the NPP has not responded in its latest letter.

Urging the NPP to confirm whether or not the debate between the Economic Councils of the two parties will take place, the SJB has further invited the NPP for a discussion on either on April 25th or 26th to finalise the dates for both public debates.

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

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.