News

Stalin appeals for release of detained fishermen in Sri Lanka

Published

1 year ago

March 23, 2024

editor

Tamil Nadu Chief Minister MK Stalin on Friday wrote to India’s External Affairs Minister Dr. S. Jaishankar, urging him to secure the immediate release of all detained fishermen and their fishing boats in Sri Lanka and ensure necessary legal assistance for them.

In a letter to Jaishankar, Stalin said there were multiple occurrences of fishermen from India being detained by Sri Lankan authorities, which caused distress and uncertainty among their families.

He said 32 fishermen from Tamil Nadu were caught by the Sri Lankan Navy on March 21 and their five mechanised boats were seized.

“Decisive action must be taken without any further delay to address this festering issue and to ensure the safety and well-being of the affected fishermen. Further legal assistance needs to be provided for the fishermen who have been sentenced by Sri Lankan courts,” he said.

“Therefore, I urge you to secure the immediate release of all our fishermen and their boats and also to ensure necessary legal assistance to the fishermen arrested by Sri Lanka,” he said.

There have been periodic instances of Indian fishermen being detained by Sri Lankan authorities for allegedly crossing the International Maritime Boundary Line and fishing in Sri Lankan waters.

The majority of these detentions take place in the Palk Strait, a narrow strip of water between Tamil Nadu and northern Sri Lanka. The strait is a rich fishing ground for fishermen from both countries.

According to the Centre, 240 Indian fishermen were arrested in Sri Lankan waters and 35 trawlers were seized last year.

Source: India Today

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.