News

US Ambassador meets Speaker (Pics)

Published

4 months ago

January 29, 2025

editor

U.S. Ambassador to Sri Lanka – Julie Chung, met with the Speaker of the Parliament of Sri Lanka – Dr. Jagath Wickramaratne, at the Parliamentary premises on January 24.

Secretary General of Parliament, Mrs. Kushani Rohanadeera, was also present on the occasion.

The ambassador expressed her warm congratulations to the Speaker, who in return, extended his felicitations to the newly elected President of the United States.

She also welcomed the revival of the Sri Lanka – United States of America Parliamentary Friendship Association in the Tenth Parliament, emphasizing its importance in strengthening bilateral ties.

During the discussion, Dr. Wickramaratne expressed his deep appreciation for the United States’ steadfast support during critical times, including the COVID-19 pandemic and Sri Lanka’s recent economic challenges. He acknowledged the U.S. government’s continued assistance to the Parliament and highlighted the importance of furthering cooperation between the two nations.

Ambassador Chung emphasized the shared democratic values between the United States and Sri Lanka. She noted the potential for deeper collaboration through initiatives such as the Open Government Partnership, which fosters transparency, accountability, and citizen engagement in governance. The Ambassador also commended the notable increase in women representation within the Parliament of Sri Lanka and reiterated U.S. support for the Women Parliamentarians’ Caucus.

Further discussions focused on topics such as deepen parliamentary collaboration, enhance institutional capacities, and exchange best practices to strengthen democratic governance.

News

COVID subvariants spreading in Asia detected in Sri Lanka

Published

9 hours ago

May 31, 2025

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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

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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.