News

Kasun Rajitha set to make Essex debut tomorrow

Published

1 month ago

April 17, 2025

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Sri Lankan seamer Kasun Rajitha has joined Essex on a five-match deal for the Rothesay County Championship.

Chris Silverwood, former Sri Lanka head coach and current Essex director of cricket, played a key role in signing Kasun Rajitha.

“We are delighted to welcome Kasun to Essex and very much look forward to watching him perform in the County Championship,” said Silverwood. “I know his experience and skill set will certainly help strengthen our already superb bowling attack.”

In a statement released by Essex, Rajitha added: “It is a really proud moment for me to be joining Essex. I have followed the team over the years, and they have always produced excellent and entertaining first-class cricket.

“I am joining a strong bowling unit and look forward to contributing on the field and helping the team win matches. I would like to thank Chris Silverwood for giving me this opportunity and Sri Lanka Cricket for allowing me to further hone my skills.”

Rajitha joins Essex after fast bowler Sam Cook’s injury. Rajitha’s addition is also seen as a solution to the loss of Shardul Thakur, who was called up for the IPL, according to the Essex management.

The 31-year-old The right-armer has 18 Test caps, with 55 wickets at 29.58, and returned a career-best 5 for 56 in the last of those appearances, in March 2024 against Bangladesh.

He is scheduled to make his debut tomorrow (April 18) against Worcestershire at Chelmsford.

News

COVID subvariants spreading in Asia detected in Sri Lanka

Published

9 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.