News

Applications called for “Asidisi” Media Scholarship

Published

1 week ago

September 11, 2023

editor

The applications have been called for the “Asidisi Media Scholarship Programme-2023” which is aimed at improving professionalism of Sri Lankan journalists.

Accordingly, the applications will be accepted until October 11.

Journalists can benefit from this scheme of scholarships twice. After the first Scholarship is awarded, they can reapply in five years after successful completion of the course.

Under this Scholarship Programme, Rs.200,000 would be offered for a graduate or undergraduate programme and Rs.100,000 would be offered for long term or short term certificate courses conducted by recognized institutions.

The journalists who are eligible for this Scholarship Programme will receive 50% of the total course fee at the beginning of the course as the 1st installments, the next 25% as the 2nd installment, and the balance when submitting the certificate after the successful completion of the course.

The journalists between the age of 18-55 who are employed in recognized Media institutions having completed three years of service on a permanent or part-time basis, freelance journalists, provincial journalists, web journalists, and media technicians are eligible for applying to this Scholarship programme.

The intended course should directly be related to the field of mass media and the applicants should possess the media identity card issued by the Department of Information.

The beneficiaries will be selected after an interview conducted by a committee nominated by the secretary, Ministry of Mass Media.

All the applications should be sent via registered post to Director (Media), Ministry of Mass Media, No. 163, Kirulapone Mawatha, Polhengoda, Colombo 05 on or before 11 October 2023.

Further details of “Asidisi Media Scholarship Programme 2021” can be obtained by contacting 011-2513645/ 011-2514632 and the application can be downloaded from https://www.media.gov.lk.

News

Number of rabies deaths on the rise

Published

35 mins ago

September 21, 2023

editor

The Ministry of Health said that the number of people who have died from rabies has increased in the last few years.

Dr. Heshan Guruge, medical officer of the Anti-Rabies Division, said that the lack of knowledge about rabies as well as the bites of animals other than dogs have led to the increase in these deaths.

Dr. Guruge expressed these views while attending a discussion held yesterday (20) at the Health Promotion Bureau in conjunction with the World Rabies Day on September 28.

“When studying the human deaths that happened in the last few years due to rabies, we can see that a number of animals other than dogs have bit them. In some cases, it is not even possible to know who the animal is. Several people who had passed out after being drunk had been bitten by some animal. After a few days, the symptoms of rabies develop. Several such incidents were reported in the last two or three years. Proper first aid should be given in case of any animal bite. Wash the wound with soap and water. If you have alcohol at home, an iodine solution like betadine, surgical spirit, or an antiseptic liquid like hydrogen peroxide, you can use it. Then go to a hospital. If we do this, we can eliminate rabies from Sri Lanka,” he said.

Don’t get closer to new pets for two weeks

Meanwhile, Dr. Athula Liyanapathirana, community specialist of the Epidemiology Unit, said that 12 people have died due to rabies in 2023 so far.

He said that there is a risk of contracting rabies from the bites of all mammals.

The Anti-rabies Unit said that 25 to 30 people die from rabies every year.

The Epidemiology Unit requested the people not to get closer to pets such as dogs and cats for 14 days after bringing them home.

Arrangements should be made to vaccine the dogs against rabies before a period of four weeks has passed.

When bitten by a dog, the area should be washed and cleaned with soap for ten minutes, and after that it is important to seek medical treatment immediately.