News

Sri Lanka takes stand, votes against UN resolution on Iran’s human rights

Published

1 year ago

December 24, 2023

editor

Sri Lanka was among the thirty nations that voted against a UN resolution that expressed serious concerns about the human rights situation in Iran at the UN General Assembly this week.

Along with Sri Lanka, fellow South Asian countries India and Pakistan voted against the resolution titled “Situation of Human Rights in the Islamic Republic of Iran”, while Bangladesh, Nepal, Bhutan, and the Maldives abstained from voting.

The resolution was adopted by a recorded vote of 78 in favour, 30 against, with 68 abstentions by the Assembly.

The Assembly condemned the targeted repression of women and girls by Iran, both online and offline, and strongly urged Iran to eliminate all forms of systemic discrimination and harassment as well as related human rights violations in public and private life against women and girls.

The Assembly also called on the Iranian government to release unjustly detained human rights defenders and protesters, as well as journalists and lawyers who defend or seek to defend those persons, according to the UN resolution text, which expressed concern at the bill proposed by the government on the use of firearms during protests and called for its withdrawal.

Source – Sunday Times

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.