News

HIV patient numbers, deaths on the rise

Published

3 months ago

June 18, 2023

editor

The number of HIV patients in the country has increased, with some 620 new patients and 81 deaths reported within a year, according to HIV/AIDS surveillance data from the National STD/AIDS Control Programme of the Health Services Department.

The 13 percent spike from the first quarter of total cumulative cases reported last year increased from 4,556 to 5,176 this quarter (January-March).

During the first quarter of this year, 165 new patients and 15 deaths were reported. A total number of 1,520 HIV-related deaths have been reported by 2022.

Meanwhile, the Health Ministry has called for expressions of interest to conduct a study on integrated bio-behavioural surveillance (IBBS) and population size estimation on key populations for HIV in Sri Lanka. The study is carried out every 4-5 years.

The last IBBS study carried out in 2018 noted that the prevalence of HIV and STDs remained very low across all population groups in Sri Lanka, but stated that “the presence of risk behaviour including inconsistent condom usage, poor HIV health-seeking behaviour, and poor knowledge of HIV, combined with poor coverage of HIV prevention programmes, could result in increases in prevalence”.

News

Landslide warnings extended

Published

7 hours ago

September 30, 2023

editor

The Department of Irrigation says that the water levels in the Kelani River and Attanagalu Oya are rising to levels that requires attention.

Director of the Hydrology and Disaster Management Division of the Irrigation Department S. P. C. Sugeeshwara says that the Gin, Nilwala and Kalu Ganga remain at the flood level.

Many roads in the vicinity of the rivers have been inundated.

S. P. C Sugeeshwara warns that people should refrain from further using the rivers.

The landslide warnings issued to seven districts have also been extended, due to the prevailing weather conditions.

The Met Department predicts that the heavy showers in the South West will continue.

Heavy showers of about 75 mm can be expected in some areas.

News

“SLPP Leadership can change if needed”

Published

9 hours ago

September 30, 2023

editor

Former President Mahinda Rajapaska yesterday said that there should be a change in the leadership of Sri Lanka Podujana Peramuna (SLPP), if the need arises.

When the former President was asked about the veracity of the news on social media about imminent change of the SLPP leadership, said that he is not aware of any change in the leadership.

The President was speaking to the media after calling on Mahanayake Thera of the Rammanya Maha Nikaya Most Ven. Makulewe Sri Wimala Thera at the Vidyawasa Pirivena in Meerigama yesterday.

Commenting on the impending regulations on social media, the former President said that there are pros and cons in the social media. “I don’t have any issue with the social media,” he said.

Former President Mahinda Rajapaksa also visited the Sacred Kelaniya Rajamaha Viharaya and participated in religious activities. The Former President also met Chief incumbent of the Kelaniya Rajamaha Viharaya Ven. Kollupitiye Mahinda Sangharakkitha Thera and received his blessings.

Speaking to the media on the occasion, the former President said that he is physically fit despite social media reports to the contrary.

(dailynews.lk)