Heavy rains in several areas today as well

Published

2 weeks ago

September 6, 2023

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Showers or thundershowers are expected in Western, Sabaragamuwa and North-western Provinces and in Kandy, Nuwara-Eliya, Galle and Matara Districts, the Department of Meteorology said.

It said fairly heavy showers above 50mm are likely at some places in Western and Sabaragamuwa Provinces and in Puttalam, Galle and Matara Districts. A few showers are likely in Mannar District.

Fairly strong winds about 40-45 kmph can be expected at times in western slopes of the central hills, North-western, Northern and North-central Provinces and in Trincomalee and Hambantota Districts.

On the apparent southward relative motion of the sun, it would be directly over the latitudes of Sri Lanka during August 28 to September 07.

The nearest towns of Sri Lanka over which the sun is overhead today are Maggona, Badureliya , Godakawela , Kitulkote and Meegahaveraliya about 12.09 noon.

Test kits ordered to detect ‘Nipah’ virus

Published

1 hour ago

September 22, 2023

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Steps have been taken to import special test kits needed for the detection of ‘Nipah’ virus, the Health Ministry said.

Special test kits recommended by the World Health Organization have been ordered to detect the virus and they are expected to arrive in Sri Lanka in a few days.

Commenting further, Virologist Dr. Janaki Abeynayake said that no specific treatment or vaccine has been developed globally for patients infected with Nipah virus.

However, Chief Epidemiologist Dr. Samitha Ginige said that there is no high risk of the virus spreading among countries since the virus spreading pace is slower.

The Ministry requested the public not panic over the virus that has been reported in several countries including India.

Keheliya & ministry officials undertake 50 foreign tours

Published

2 hours ago

September 22, 2023

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Health Minister Keheliya Rambukwella and the officials of his Ministry had undertaken 50 foreign tours in one year, a report prepared by the International Health Division of the Ministry revealed.

These reports have been compiled by Deputy Director General (Planning) of the Health Ministry Dr. S. Sri Dharan.

It was prepared following a Right to Information (RTI) request made by an organisation called ‘Citizens Power Against Bribery and Corruption.’

Accordingly, Health Minister Rambukwella has made five foreign trips, Health Secretary Janaka Sri Chandragupta has made two foreign trips and Health Services Director General Asela Gunawardena has made four foreign trips.

These foreign trips have taken place as per the invitations made by representative organizations including the World Health Organization, and those organizations have provided expenses for air tickets, food and accommodation facilities.

Furthermore, the International Health Division of the Ministry of Health has approved foreign duty leave for these doctors and has also given them a casual allowance.

Interestingly, the deputy director general who prepared the report has engaged in the highest number of foreign trips.

Source – Aruna

News

Health workers to protest demanding solutions

Published

2 hours ago

September 22, 2023

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The Collective of United Health Service Trade Unions and the United People’s Movement are scheduled to launch protests outside health institutions today (22) demanding immediate solutions to several issues in the health sector.

This series of protests has been named as the National Health Protest Day.

Several civil organizations and people are expected to join the protest which will be held from 12 noon to 1 pm along with health trade unions.

The protest will also force the government to solve the issue of health professionals leaving the country, All Ceylon Nurses’ Union President S. B. Madiwatta said.