News

Night navigation system for Trinco port handed over (Pics)

Published

2 years ago

February 17, 2023

editor

Ambassador of Japan to Sri Lanka – Mr. Mizukoshi Hideaki, attended the handing over ceremony of the Night Navigation System of the Port of Trincomalee supported by the Government of Japan under the Trincomalee development Programme in the Eastern Province today (17).

Minister of Ports, Shipping and Aviation – Nimal Siripala de Silva, along with other officials of the Sri Lanka Ports Authority joined to grace this occasion.

The Government of Japan assisted the Night Navigation System of the Port of Trincomalee in Eastern Province with Rs. 2.63 Billion under the Trincomalee Port Development Programme of the Economic and Social Development Project.

The agreement was signed in April 2017, as a result of the Japan – Sri Lanka summit held in 2016, which recognized the port development in Sri Lanka as a significant hub in the Indian Ocean. The main aim of this project is to ensure smooth port management enhancing safety for night-time navigation and 24-hour operation of the Port of Trincomalee.

Previously, the port of Trincomalee was unable to navigate in the night, as lighthouses and other navigational aids were destroyed during the civil war. Mooring buoys, Navigation signs, Automatic Identification System (AIS) and other port equipment, manufactured by Japanese companies, were handed over under this programme.

The Government of Japan hopes that the significant outcome of this project will enhance the growth of the regional connectivity and rehabilitation of conflict-affected areas will improve the overall Socio- economic development in Sri Lanka while enabling it to become economic, trade and logistics hub for the South Asian region, utilizing its geographical advantage.

News

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.