News

World Sanskrit Day to be celebrated in SL today

Published

2 years ago

August 31, 2023

editor

The cultural arm of the High Commission of India in Colombo, Swami Vivekananda Cultural Centre (SVCC), will observe the World Sanskrit Day for the first time in Colombo today (Aug. 31).

An academic and cultural event will be held at the Bandaranaike Centre for International Studies, BMICH, Colombo on 31 August at 2 pm.

On the occasion of the silver jubilee of SVCC, the event is being organised in collaboration with University of Kelaniya, University of Sri Jayewardenepura, Faculty of Indigenous Medicine of the University of Colombo, Buddhist and Pali University, Gampaha Wickramarachchi University of Indigenous Medicine, Bhiksu University, Units of Pirivena, National Institute of Education, University of Jaffna, University of Peradeniya, Eastern University and Bandaranaike Centre for International Studies.

The event will be inaugurated by the High Commissioner of India – Mr. Gopal Baglay and the State Minister for Higher Education Dr. Suren Raghavan will attend as the Chief Guest.

The students and scholars of Sanskrit from across the country will participate in the event. Veteran Sanskrit scholars of Sri Lanka will also be felicitated on the occasion of World Sanskrit Day.

Sanskrit is among the oldest surviving languages and is a sacred language in several traditions. It is a repository of ancient knowledge including the Vedas and other renowned literary works such as the Yoga Shastra. Sanskrit is also known as the mother of many present day languages such as Hindi and Sinhala. The celebration of World Sanskrit Day will underscore the centuries old shared heritage of India and Sri Lanka.

News

COVID subvariants spreading in Asia detected in Sri Lanka

Published

10 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

10 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.