News

Covid-19 JN.1 sub variant, already in SL?

Published

1 year ago

December 22, 2023

editor

Prof. Chandima Jeewandara, Head of the Department of Immunology and Molecular Medicine and Director Allergy Immunology and Cell Biology Unit, Faculty of Medical Sciences, University of Sri Jayewardenepura has said the JN.1 sub variant of Covid-19, which is already seen in many countries, could already be in Sri Lanka.

In a X thread, Prof. Jeewandara points out that “In India (Kochi) 30% of all patients with influenza-like illnesses (ILI) who were tested have turned out to be Covid positive in a span of about 24 hours.”

Sri Lanka too, has seen a spate of patients with ILI symptoms of late but as Prof. Jeewandara also states, testing is ‘close to zero.’

“In Sri Lanka , testing is quite low, close to zero. So we don’t know where we stand. But like in the past this JN.1 sub variant will emerge and it may have already with the observation of increased in ILI cases in Sri Lanka. My guess is it’s in the community.”

He also says that “Our health system is not at a risk as we have successfully managed previous waves and the country is prepared if there is an increase in cases.”

“Symptoms of JN.1 are fever, cough, loss of smell and loss of taste. Persistent high fever, breathing difficulties, fatigue, inability to eat and a tendency to vomit can be warning signs as observed in other parts of the world. Seek medical advice if these are present,” he adds.

6. In Sri Lanka , testing is quite low, close to zero. So we don’t know where we stand. But like in the past this JN.1 sub variant will emerge and it may have already with the observation of increased in ILI cases in Sri Lanka. My guess is it’s in the community !!!
— Chandima Jeewandara (@chandi2012) December 21, 2023

1. In India (Kochi) 30% of all patients with influenza-like illnesses (ILI) who were tested have turned out to be Covid positive in a span of about 24 hours.
— Chandima Jeewandara (@chandi2012) December 21, 2023

News

Measures to formulate national road safety plan

Published

56 minutes ago

April 30, 2025

editor

A discussion on preparing a national-level road safety plan under the “Clean Sri Lanka” programme was held today (April 30) at the Presidential Secretariat.

The incidence of road accidents in Sri Lanka is on the rise, leading to a growing number of fatalities and injuries.

Recognizing the urgent need to raise public awareness on accident prevention and promote discipline in road use, this national plan is being formulated as a key initiative under the “Clean Sri Lanka” programme.

The programme aims to uplift society by fostering social, environmental and moral consciousness. A central focus is placed on building a disciplined society and responsible citizens.

The discussion was attended by the senior officials representing the Insurance Regulatory Commission of Sri Lanka, the National Council on Road Safety, the Independent Television Network (ITN), representatives from the Ministry of Health and Mass Media (Social and Ethics Divisions), Dr. Indika Jagoda, Director of the National Hospital (Accident and Emergency Department), Prof. Sivakumar and Prof. H.R. Pasidu from the University of Moratuwa, the Deputy Inspector General of Police (Traffic) and other relevant officials.

(President’s Media Division (PMD)
30. 04.2025

News

Fuel prices slashed

Published

1 hour ago

April 30, 2025

editor

The CPC has reduced fuel prices with effect from midnight today (April 30).

The price reductions of a litre of fuel are as follows :
Octane 92 Petrol – reduced by Rs.06 to Rs.293
Octane 95 Petrol – reduced by Rs.20 to Rs.341
Auto Diesel – reduced by Rs.12 to Rs.274
Super Diesel – reduced by Rs. 06 to Rs.325
Kerosene – reduced by Rs.05 to 178

BIZ

Laugfs Gas says no price revision in May

Published

1 hour ago

April 30, 2025

editor

Laugfs Gas PLC, one of the two largest liquefied petroleum (LP) gas suppliers in the country, announced that the company will not revise domestic LP gas prices for the month of May 2025.

This was communicated by the Cluster Director/CEO of Laugfs Gas PLC, Dr. Niroshan J Peiris.