75th Indian Republic Day celebrated in Colombo (Pics)

Published

1 year ago

January 26, 2024

editor

The Indian High Commission of Sri Lanka celebrated the 75th Republic Day at the India House today (Jan. 26), with members of Indian diaspora in Sri Lanka.

The Indian High Commissioner – Mr. Santosh Jha unfurled the Indian flag to mark the event.

Patriotic tunes were performed by the Sri Lanka Navy band, followed by the students of Swami Vivekananda Cultural Centre, who staged vibrant folk dances, including Garba, Kummi, Bhangra and Southali.

Earlier in the day, the High Commissioner had paid his tribute at the IPKF memorial.

Photos of this event are shown below.

Meanwhile, India ushered in its 75th Republic Day celebrations in New Delhi today with French President Emmanuel Macron gracing the occasion as the chief guest.

The theme of this year’s Republic Day is ‘Viksit Bharat’ and ‘Bharat: Loktantra ki Matruka’, symbolizing India’s aspirations and its role as a nurturer of democracy.

Despite gaining Independence in 1947, India celebrates Republic Day on Jan. 26, marking the adoption of the constitution on this day in 1950.

(Pics : X feed of Indian HC in Colombo)

COVID subvariants spreading in Asia detected in Sri Lanka

Published

8 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

8 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.