News

Captive elephants in SL facing Filariasis risk?

Published

2 years ago

August 28, 2023

editor

There is a risk of Filariasis being spread among Elephants in captivity in Sri Lanka, Senior Professor Ashoka Dangolla says.

Senior Prof. Dangolla of the Veterinary Medicine and Animal Science Faculty at the Peradeniya University, has said this during a special veterinary clinic held yesterday (27) to check the health of the elephants participating in the Esala Perahara festival in Kandy.

He has said that these elephants will be examined due to this risk.

Speaking, he has said that they have begun to see signs of Filariasis after some time, which is treatable and can be controlled. However, older elephants are more susceptible to the disease.

In addition, Prof. Dangolla has also said that for the first time, they have observed a parasite in elephant blood similar to human malaria patients. He said they are also awaiting to do tests.

Meanwhile, Prof. Dangolla has also said that it is believed that 60% – 70% of captive elephants in the country are being afflicted by an eye disease as well.

News

LG polls to be held on May 06 (Update)

Published

7 minutes ago

March 20, 2025

editor

The Election Commission has announced that the 2025 Local Government (LG) Elections will be held on May 06.

The acceptance of nominations for the LG Elections concluded at 12.00 noon today (March 20).

(Previous news 2025 March 20 – 8.47.a.m.)

2025 LG poll date to be announced today

The Election Commission states that the date for the upcoming Local Government Election will be announced today (March 20).

According to the Election Commission, no nominations will be accepted after 12.00 noon today.

Following the submission, any objections to the nominations will be reviewed accordingly.

The Chairman of the Election Commission also noted that organizing processions or meetings on behalf of parties or candidates is strictly prohibited.

News

Only half of Sri Lankans brush teeth twice a day

Published

3 hours ago

March 20, 2025

editor

Available statistics suggest that only 50% of Sri Lankans brush their teeth twice a day, the Health Ministry has stated.

This was highlighted during a press briefing in Colombo yesterday (March 19) held to mark the World Oral Health Day which falls today (March 20).

Speaking, Consultant Dental Surgeon and vice secretary of the Sri Lanka Dental Association – Dr. Nilantha Ratnayake has stated that this leads to tooth decay, heavily impacting oral health.

He also noted that 3/4 of Sri Lankans inflicted with oral diseases have been identified to be hailing from low income households.

Dr. Ratnayake further stated the high consumption of sugar and not using toothpaste with fluoride as major reasons for oral health issues in Sri Lanka.

News

Gazette revises import export regulations

Published

4 hours ago

March 20, 2025

editor

An extraordinary gazette notification has been issued, revising multiple import and export regulations, including a significant update permitting Bureau Veritas inspection certificates for vehicles imported from all countries.

A Gazette Extraordinary has been issued yesterday (March 19) revising amending multiple import and export regulations.

The revised regulations include a key change allowing Bureau Veritas inspection certificates for vehicles imported from all countries.

Accordingly, Sri Lanka Customs is required to verify the authenticity of documents online before clearing motor vehicles.