Connect with us

News

Vijitha discusses rescue & safe repatriation of trafficked Lankans in Myanmar

Published

on

The Minister of Foreign Affairs, Foreign Employment, and Tourism Vijitha Herath had a telephone conversation with the Deputy Prime Minister and Union Minister of Foreign Affairs of the Republic of the Union of Myanmar, U Than Swe, today (Feb. 03) to discuss strengthening bilateral ties and addressing key concerns related to the rescue of Sri Lankan nationals. 

The Minister requested for the urgent assistance of the Myanmar Government to facilitate the early rescue and safe repatriation of 18 Sri Lankan nationals who have been trafficked to the Myawaddy area in Myanmar to work in Cybercrime centres.

Minister Herath, expressed Sri Lanka’s appreciation to the Government of Myanmar for its continued support in rescuing and repatriating Sri Lankan victims of human trafficking from the Myawaddy region. Between 2022 and 2024, Myanmar assisted in rescuing and repatriating 91 Sri Lankans. Minister Herath urged Myanmar’s urgent cooperation to facilitate the immediate rescue and repatriation of the remaining 18 Sri Lankans who are forcibly detained, and reportedly facing torture and mistreatment by trafficking syndicates in Myawaddy.   

The two Ministers reaffirmed commitment to strengthening bilateral relations rooted in over 75 years of diplomatic ties, and strong people to people links underpinned by Theravada Buddhist heritage. The two Ministers also agreed to seek the possibility of convening the 4th round of the Sri Lanka-Myanmar Joint Commission on Bilateral Cooperation (JCBC) at a mutually convenient time.

The Ministry of Foreign Affairs, Foreign Employment and Tourism will continue to work towards the rescue and repatriation of the remaining Sri Lankans trapped in the Myawaddy area with the support of the Myanmar Government.

(MFA)

News

Postal strike ends

Published

on

By

The Union of Postal and Telecommunications Officers says postal services will operate as usual today (May 31).

Secretary Manjula Jayasundara stated that striking union members returned to work from yesterday (May 30) afternoon, and distribution of over 2,000 delayed mail bags has begun.

This strike, launched over 10 demands including delays in recruitment, has reportedly drawn the attention of the relevant authorities.

Continue Reading

News

“Mask up if feeling unwell”

Published

on

By

Leading expert in Allergy, Immunology and Molecular Medicine – Professor Chandima Jeewandara has recommended handwashing and mask wearing for individuals feeling unwell, stating that it would be key in mitigating the spread of Covid-19.

On a X thread, Prof. Jeewandara had shared this advice as the new COVID-19 variant – NB.1.8.1, is causing a rise in cases worldwide.

“The symptoms associated with NB.1.8.1 are broadly similar to earlier COVID-19 strains, including sore throat, fatigue, fever, mild cough, muscle aches, and nasal congestion. Notably, hoarseness has emerged as a common symptom distinguishing it from earlier variants,” Prof. Jeewandara has said.

“Current data suggests that NB.1.8.1 does not lead to more severe illness compared to previous variants. Most infections are mild, especially among vaccinated individuals,” he adds.

“While the emergence of NB.1.8.1 is notable, there is currently no cause for alarm. Continued vigilance and adhere to public health guidelines MOH,” he further notes.

Continue Reading

BIZ

1st stock of imported coconut milk to undergo clearance, lab testing today

Published

on

By

The first consignment of imported coconut milk under the Government’s raw material importation programme is scheduled to undergo clearance and laboratory testing today (31), as part of a coordinated initiative by the Plantation Industries Ministry.

This initiative, approved by the Cabinet, aims to supply essential raw materials to industries linked to the coconut sector, aiming to reduce domestic coconut prices and support local manufacturers. The consignment currently under clearance includes products equivalent to 200 million coconuts. They are in the forms of frozen coconut milk, coconut milk powder and chunked coconut with testa (non-copra), imported as part of the programme initiated in March 2025. The stock will be used primarily in the coconut milk powder industry, which has been facing raw material shortages. The Plantation Industries Ministry expects this move to reduce the pressure on local coconut supplies and contribute to a drop in retail coconut prices.

(dailynews.lk)

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

Continue Reading

Trending

Copyright © 2024 Sri Lanka Mirror. All Rights Reserved