News

WHO warns of rising Covid-19 activity in 3 global regions

Published

2 months ago

May 29, 2025

editor

The World Health Organization (WHO) yesterday (May 28) posted an outbreak notice about a rise in Covid-19 activity in three of its regions, driven by the new variant NB.1.8.1.

“Since mid-February 2025, according to data available from sentinel sites, global SARS-CoV-2 activity has been increasing, with the test positivity rate reaching 11%, levels that have not been observed since July 2024. This rise is primarily observed in countries in the Eastern Mediterranean, South-East Asia, and Western Pacific regions,” the notice has said.

“Continued monitoring is essential. WHO advises all Member States to continue applying a risk-based, integrated approach to managing Covid-19 as outlined in the Director-General’s Standing Recommendations,” it adds.

“WHO recommends that countries remain vigilant, adapt to evolving epidemiological trends, and leverage COVID-19 management strategies to strengthen systems for all respiratory disease threats. Member States should continue offering COVID-19 vaccines in line with WHO recommendations.”

“Based on the current risk assessment of this event, WHO advises against imposing travel or trade restrictions,” the report adds.

Foreign media reports indicate that the new Covid-19 variant is currently spreading rapidly in countries including China and India.

Amid the global threat of a new Covid-19 variant, the Health Ministry has ramped up PCR testing in some hospitals, which are now prepared to detect infections, said Secretary Dr. Anil Jasinghe.

Speaking at a media briefing yesterday, Dr. Anil Jasinghe said hospitals have been instructed to step up monitoring of patients with fever-related symptoms amid the global Covid-19 threat.

He also assured that while Sri Lanka is closely monitoring the resurgence of Covid-19 globally, there is no immediate need for new restrictions.

News

Piumi’s son granted bail

Published

2 minutes ago

July 13, 2025

editor

The son of actress Piumi Hansamali has been granted bail after being produced before the Colombo Chief Magistrate’s Court (No. 07) today (13).

Accordingly, he was ordered to be released on a surety bail of Rs. 500,000.

Hansamali’s son was arrested earlier today by the Welikada Police in connection with the assault on an individual in Kalapaluwawa, Rajagiriya.

He was taken into custody over the alleged assault, which was reportedly carried out along with a group, following a motor accident.

The assaulted individual has been hospitalized.

Further investigations are being conducted by the Welikada Police.

News

Harley Davidsons found in Bird Park hideout

Published

7 hours ago

July 13, 2025

editor

Some twenty illegally imported high-end, high-capacity motorcycles—including eight Harley-Davidsons—were recovered during a raid conducted by the Central Anti-Corruption Task Force at a warehouse inside Bird Park, Hambantota.

Police said investigations are continuing to determine who owned the bikes and why they were hidden in the warehouse.

News

Navy nabs 4 suspects with smuggled spices, medicine & cosmetics

Published

12 hours ago

July 13, 2025

editor

During a search operation conducted in the beach vicinity of Devils Point, Kilinochchi on 11 July 25, the Navy took hold of a stock of spices, medicine and cosmetic products which have been made ready for distribution.

The operation also led to the apprehension of 04 suspects and 02 cabs.

The operation was mounted by SLNS Buwaneka in the North Central Naval Command in Loggannawadi, Devils Point.

After searching 02 suspicious cabs in the locality, naval personnel recovered 300kg of cardamom, 260kg of turmeric powder, 273kg of dried ginger as well as medicine and cosmetic products loaded in the vehicles.

And also, 04 suspects in connection to the incident were also taken into naval custody.

The suspects detained by the Navy in this operation have been identified as residents of Erakkandi, Kalmunaikudi, Trincomalee and Puttalam, aged between 39 and 49.

The suspects together with the vehicles and seized items were handed over to the Customs Preventive Office in Katunayake for onward legal action.