News

UK grants USD1 mn. for food security of marginal fishing communities

Published

3 years ago

November 25, 2022

editor

The United Kingdom has decided to grant over USD 1 million to strengthen food and nutrition security of marginal fishing communities in the country.

The funds are allocated through the Food and Agriculture Organization of the United Nations (FAO) to the affected fishers in Tangalle, Negombo, Colombo, Kalutara, Galle, Matara, Puttalam, Chilaw, and Mannar.

Eligible fishers will receive 47 USD per month for a period of 3 months in unconditional cash transfers to help affected households meet their essential needs, including immediate food and livelihood requirements, the statement said.

British High Commissioner in Sri Lanka Sarah Hulton has announced that the UK through the Food and Agriculture Organization of the United Nations will contribute GBP 880,000 to help address some of the challenges faced by those in the fisheries industry.

The UK High Commissioner added the UK recognizes the fisheries sector in Sri Lanka has been going through a very difficult period and therefore the contribution will focus on increasing access to nutritious food and other essentials for families.

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.