Nearly 5% of Sri Lanka’s population is suffering from glaucoma, Secretary to the Ministry of Health – Dr. Palitha Mahipala says.
Noting that glaucoma is one of the main causes of blindness in the world, Dr. Mahipala stated that there is a significant rise in glaucoma cases not only in Sri Lanka, but also across the world.
“If you take the world, 3.54% are suffering from glaucoma, but if you take Sri Lanka, it’s almost 5%. This may also be because of our increased elderly population”, the Health Secretary explained, emphasising the importance of going for regular eye check-ups, and making use of the programmes in place within the country’s health system to detect eye illnesses early.
The World Glaucoma Week for 2024 is held from March 10-16 and a host of public awareness programmes as well as a series of eye clinics are to be held in several districts.
Sri Lanka’s Foreign Minister Vijitha Herath today (May 14) met with the Canadian High Commissioner in Colomno to formally object to Canada’s approval and inauguration of a Tamil Genocide Monument in Brampton, Ontario.
Minister Herath had reiterated the Government of Sri Lanka’s strong objections regarding the unfounded genocide allegations and the approval of constructing such a monument, which complicates and undermines the government’s efforts toward reconciliation and national unity.The MFA statement issued in this regard is as follows :
Notorious underworld figure – Nadun Chinthaka Wickremeratne, alias Harak Kata, has claimed that he is being detained in Tangalle over his refusal to pay a Rs. 300 million bribe allegedly demanded by former Public Security Minister – Tiran Alles and suspended IGP Deshabandu Tennakoon. He levelled the allegations before reporters today (May 14) while he was being escorted by police from the Colombo Court Complex following a court hearing.
“There are so many things to say… I will reveal them then,” he had said before being taken back into custody.
Popular tuition teacher Hayeshika Fernando, widely known as ‘Teacher Amma,’ was granted bail by the Negombo Magistrate’s Court today (May 14) over allegedly assaulting a young man.
Her husband and the manager affiliated to her institute, who were previously arrested over the incident, have also been granted bail.
Hayeshika, who had been missing afterwards, had surrendered to the Negombo Magistrate’s Court today.
(Previous News on 14th May, 2025 at 3:33pm)
Tutor Hayeshika surrenders to court
Popular tutor – Hayeshika Fernando, who had been evading arrest, has surrendered to the Negombo Magistrate’s Court.
President’s Counsel Anuja Premaratne, appearing on behalf of the accused, informed the court that his client had voluntarily surrendered.
Hayeshika’s husband and the manager of the institution she is affiliated with were recently arrested over the alleged assault of a young man.
However, Hayeshika had remained at large until her court appearance today. Three police teams were also appointed to arrest her.