News

Suspect in killing of Buddhist monk shot dead by police

Published

1 year ago

March 12, 2024

nipuni

The suspect arrested in connection with the murder of a Buddhist monk at a temple in Malwathuhiripitiya has been shot dead by police while attempting to escape custody.

The incident occurred when officers were escorting the suspect to recover hidden weapons in the Yatawaka area in Attanagalla.

The suspect, a 32-year-old individual, had been arrested in the Hambegama area in Moneragala and was believed to be the gunman responsible for the shooting death of Buddhist monk Ven. Kalapaluwawe Dhammarathana Thero in January.

On January 23, a group of four assailants arrived in a car and shot the 45-year-old Buddhist monk inside a temple in Malwathuhiripitiya.

The monk, Ven. Kalapaluwawe Dhammarathana Thero, sustained critical injuries and was rushed to Gampaha Hospital, where he later succumbed to his injuries.

Investigating officers have arrested a total of seven suspects allegedly involved in the murder.

The T-56 rifle believed to have been used in the crime and the remote switch of the car used by the assailants were recovered from the possession of the fourth suspect.

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.