News

Working with BRICS nations are economically important for SL – CBSL

Published

2 years ago

September 7, 2023

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41% of the world’s population lives, 24% of the world’s gross domestic product (GDP) and 16% of world trade activities are carried out in the BRICS countries, the Central Bank of Sri Lanka stated before the Sectoral Oversight Committee on International Relations.

Furthermore, 10.3% of Sri Lanka’s exports and 47.3% of imports in the year 2022 are made from BRICS countries and for these reasons it is economically important to work with BRICS countries, the Central Bank officials further stated.

The said discussions were held at the Sectoral Oversight Committee on International Relations held in Parliament on the Sep. 05, 2023 Chaired by MP Namal Rajapaksa.

Accordingly, the Committee Chair recommended that a special discussion be held with the Central Bank of Sri Lanka and the Ministry of Finance under the initiative of the Ministry of Foreign Affairs to inquire about the social, economic and political benefits that can be obtained through working with the BRICS countries and submit a report to the Committee.

Moreover, the Chair also instructed the relevant officials to pay attention to the recruitment of foreign students, including Sri Lankan students who are studying abroad, as volunteers for the vacancies of employees in foreign embassies.

Members of the Sectoral Oversight Committee Prof. G. L. Peiris, Akila Ellawala, Madhura Withanage, Members of Parliament Officials of the Ministry of Foreign Affairs and a group of officials representing the Central Bank of Sri Lanka participated and the Chandima Weerakkody, Member of Parliament participated with the permission of the Chair of the Committee.

News

COVID subvariants spreading in Asia detected in Sri Lanka

Published

8 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.