News

Houses given to 51 athletes to be reclaimed?

Published

3 years ago

October 27, 2022

editor

The Urban Development Authority (UDA) says that houses granted by the government to 51 athletes will be reclaimed if violations of the related bilateral agreement are not corrected within 14 days.

51 Sri Lankan athletes who have achieved international success have been granted houses at the “Saurapura” apartment complex in Angulana, Moratuwa. Each house is worth Rs. 1.5 million.

According to this housing transfer agreement, each athlete must complete paying installments within 30 years. The payment has also been exempted from interest.

According to the UDA, the athletes have violated the agreement by failing to pay the installments on time while some houses have been left closed indefinitely. Some have been handed over to third parties, the UDA adds.

In a final reminder sent to these athletes, the UDA has warned that they will terminate the ownership and reclaim the houses since this sort of conduct goes against the relevant Cabinet decisions the Attorney General’s instructions obtained while handing over these houses.

Speaking to ‘Lankadeepa’, an UDA spokesman had pointed out that there are many people in the country without a roof over their heads. “We have given these houses at highly concessional rates and the athletes just have to pay a relatively small amount each month. If they are evading even that payment, then, we are left with no other choice,” the spokesman had said.

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.