The World Health Organization (WHO) yesterday (May 28) posted an outbreak notice about a rise in Covid-19 activity in three of its regions, driven by the new variant NB.1.8.1.

“Since mid-February 2025, according to data available from sentinel sites, global SARS-CoV-2 activity has been increasing, with the test positivity rate reaching 11%, levels that have not been observed since July 2024. This rise is primarily observed in countries in the Eastern Mediterranean, South-East Asia, and Western Pacific regions,” the notice has said.

“Continued monitoring is essential. WHO advises all Member States to continue applying a risk-based, integrated approach to managing Covid-19 as outlined in the Director-General’s Standing Recommendations,” it adds.

“WHO recommends that countries remain vigilant, adapt to evolving epidemiological trends, and leverage COVID-19 management strategies to strengthen systems for all respiratory disease threats. Member States should continue offering COVID-19 vaccines in line with WHO recommendations.”

“Based on the current risk assessment of this event, WHO advises against imposing travel or trade restrictions,” the report adds.

Foreign media reports indicate that the new Covid-19 variant is currently spreading rapidly in countries including China and India.

Amid the global threat of a new Covid-19 variant, the Health Ministry has ramped up PCR testing in some hospitals, which are now prepared to detect infections, said Secretary Dr. Anil Jasinghe.

Speaking at a media briefing yesterday, Dr. Anil Jasinghe said hospitals have been instructed to step up monitoring of patients with fever-related symptoms amid the global Covid-19 threat.

He also assured that while Sri Lanka is closely monitoring the resurgence of Covid-19 globally, there is no immediate need for new restrictions.

The Bar Association of Sri Lanka (BASL) has filed a fundamental rights petition before the Supreme Court, calling for strict legal action against those responsible for the alleged ragging and subsequent suicide of Charith Dilshan, a 23-year-old second-year student at the Faculty of Technology, Sabaragamuwa University.
The petition, filed by BASL President Rajiv Amarasuriya and Secretary Chathura Galhena.

The petition names several respondents, including the Vice Chancellor of Sabaragamuwa University, the university’s disciplinary committee, the University Grants Commission, the Ministers of Education and Justice, the Inspector General of Police, the Ministers of Public Security and Defence, and the Attorney General.

According to the petitioners, Charith Dilshan was subjected to prolonged and degrading ragging by senior students, leading to severe psychological trauma.

The incident reportedly occurred on April 26, 2025.

The BASL argues that the failure of university authorities, law enforcement, and regulatory bodies to enforce anti-ragging laws and protect students directly contributed to the tragedy.

The petition cites violations of fundamental rights under Articles 11 and 12(1) of the Constitution, which guarantee protection from torture and cruel, inhuman, or degrading treatment, and the right to equality before the law.

(News1st)

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

Chinese Commerce Minister Wang Wentao arrived in Sri Lanka yesterday (May 28)  and was received by the Trade, Commerce, Food Security and Co-operative Development Deputy Minister – R.M.Jayawardena at the Bandaranaike International Airport in Katunayake.

He is accompanied by a 115-member business delegation drawn from 77 companies. The visiting delegates will represent four major chambers in China: the China Chamber of Commerce for Import and Export of Machinery and Electronic Products, the China Chamber of Commerce of Import and Export of Foodstuffs, Native Produce and Animal By-Products (CFNA), the China International Chamber of Commerce for the Private Sector (CICCPS), and the China Chamber of Commerce for Import and Export of Textiles.

The delegation will participate in the Sri Lanka-China Trade and Investment Forum to be held in Colombo tomorrow (May 30), hosted by the Department of Commerce of Sri Lanka, the Sri Lanka–China Business Council of the chamber, and the China Chamber of Commerce for Import and Export of Machinery and Electronic Products.