Sri Lanka’s health authorities are on the alert for the recent spread of Human metapneumovirus (HMPV), but no patients have been confirmed from the island so far, Health Minister Nalinda Jayatissa said.
Speaking in Parliament today (Jan. 09), he said that there was a suspected patient but tests were negative.
“We are keeping watch on 20 locations”, the minister has assured, adding that the epidemiology unit are providing regular updates and taking necessary precautions.
Commenting on a spate of social media posts that had made rounds yesterday, which claimed that a HMPV patient was found in Sri Lanka, the minister explained that these were based on a mainstream media report that had not correctly and completely quoted a statement by Prof. Neelika Malavige.
He explained that Prof. Malavige had correctly stated that Sri Lanka had identified a HMPV patient before the current outbreak and not during the present one. However, the report had been published in a manner that left room to assume that it was during the present outbreak.
He slammed such reports published in a manner to create undue fear in the society.
“I wish to tell these media stations that media is not just about views, ratings or profits. These are sensitive issues affecting the lives of the public and should be dealt with scientific statistics.”
The Court of Appeal has dismissed a writ petition filed by former State Minister Prasanna Ranaweera seeking an order to prevent his arrest in connection with a case against the alleged illegal acquisition of state land under the jurisdiction of the Kelaniya Divisional Secretariat.
The order was issued by a bench comprising the President of the Court of Appeal, Justice Mohammed Laffar Tahir and Justice Priyantha Fernando.
Former Minister Mervyn Silva and several others are currently in remand custody, as ordered by the Mahara Magistrate’s Court, in connection with the same incident.
Former President Chandrika Bandaranaike Kumaratunga has submitted a written complaint to the Chairman of the Election Commission – R.M.A.L. Rathnayake, alleging the unauthorized use of her name and photograph in election campaigning.
In her letter, she claims that UPFA candidates in the Attanagalla electorate are distributing handouts with her photograph without her consent, alongside those of Lasantha Alagiwanna and Sarana Gunawardena,
She also mentioned that she had previously instructed all candidates not to use her name or photograph in any form.
As this constitutes a violation of election laws, she has requested to immediately halt these activities.
President Anura Kumara Dissanayake has stated that legal action will soon be taken against 03 former ministers accused of using vehicles without proper registration.
He made this statement while addressing a public meeting held in Beruwala.
“No village would even drive a motorbike on the roads without registering it. But there was a time when ministers of this country had imported vehicles even when it was forbidden to do so. They use those vehicles without licenses and with fake number plates. They think that the law does not apply to them,” he said.
