News

Welikada police custodial death : BASL calls for immediate, impartial probe

Published

2 months ago

April 6, 2025

editor

Raising concerns over the recent death of a youth while in the custody of the Welikada Police, the Bar Association of Sri Lanka (BASL) has called upon the Acting Inspector General of Police to ensure the conduct of an immediate and impartial investigation into the incident.

“In the early hours of 02nd April 2025 a youth died while in the custody of the Welikada Police, due to fatal injuries. It has been reported that the said injuries were self-inflicted and that the youth was not in a proper mental state. It is also reported that the youth was taken to the Mulleriyawa Hospital where he succumbed to the said injuries,” the statement said.

The BASL also criticized the slow response of authorities in taking meaningful action to prevent such incidents and urged the adoption of a zero-tolerance policy toward custodial deaths. It further pledged support for capacity-building measures within the Police Department to improve accountability and prevent abuse.

“The BASL will closely monitor the developments in this respect, and would take whatever measures that may be necessary to ensure due process is followed and that the rule of law is ensured,” it adds.

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.