Twenty two of the Iranian naval personnel receiving treatment at the Karapitiya National Hospital were discharged from hospital on Saturday (7), hospital Director S.D.U.M. Ranga said.

Thirty two Iranian Navy personnel who were injured in an attack on a vessel belonging to the Iranian Navy had been admitted to the Karapitiya National Hospital.

The Hospital Director said 22 of the injured sailors had recovered and were discharged, while 10 others were still receiving treatment.

He also said that one critically injured sailor had been transferred to a ward.

The post-mortem examinations of the 84 deceased sailors have been completed, and the bodies have been placed inside two refrigerated containers within the hospital premises, he added.

The Sri Lanka Bonsai Association (SLBA) will host its annual bonsai exhibition, “Reflections 2026 – Living Images,” on March 13 and 14 at the All Ceylon Buddhist Congress Hall, Bauddhaloka Mawatha, Colombo 7, the orgnizers announced.

They promised “a serene visual journey into the living art of bonsai, showcasing meticulously trained miniature trees created by their members.”

The event will include live bonsai demonstrations for enthusiasts and beginners alike. A demonstration is scheduled for 3 pm on March 14 followed by another at 11 am on March 15.

“This will give visitors an opportunity to observe techniques, ask questions, and gain practical insight into this ancient art form. They will also be able to purchase bonsai pots and related materials,” the organizers said.

Bonsai is believed to have originated in China over a thousand years ago before being refined and popularized in Japan and then spreading to the rest of the world. The art involves cultivating and shaping trees in containers to reflect the beauty, balance, and spirit of nature in miniature form.

More than horticulture, bonsai is considered a meditative practice that blends patience, aesthetics, and a deep respect for natural growth.

The Sri Lanka Bonsai Association founded in 1989 has played a pioneering role in promoting and developing bonsai art in Sri Lanka. Since its inception, SLBA has brought together enthusiasts from across the island.

Stringent measures have to be taken to ensure importers of food products and food ingredients adhered to shelf-life standards, those familiar with the import procedures said.

Responding to The Island queries, sources said that the government should direct relevant importers that food consignments arriving at the Colombo Port must have the required shelf life remaining, while all proper handling and storage practices are adhered to in order to maintain freshness and ensure the products remain free from contamination.

Due to recent global conflicts, ocean going vessels have faced delays, impacting the timely arrival of food shipments. Consequently, authorities, customs and food regulators have heightened their monitoring efforts. Importers must be exceptionally cautious: any product failing to meet the shelf-life standards will be rejected.

Additionally, some consignments, originally bound for conflict zones, are being diverted to Sri Lanka. However, these products may also fail to meet local shelf-life requirements. Importers must not, under any circumstances, bring in items that do not comply with these regulations.

Sources said that importers must exercise the utmost caution. They must not import food items lacking proper shelf life. Strict compliance is not just a recommendation—it’s a necessity, sources said.