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.”
Although the Central Bank of Sri Lanka (CBSL) has banned 22 institutions operating illegal pyramid schemes, no legal action has been taken against any of them so far, according to reports.
This was disclosed during a workshop held at the CBSL yesterday (July 08) on the dangers of pyramid schemes.
According to CBSL officials, after initial investigations, the files were handed over to the Criminal Investigation Department (CID) for further inquiry.
The CID’s Financial Crimes Unit has reportedly completed its investigations and submitted findings to the Attorney General’s Department, which is responsible for filing cases.
However, it was noted that not a single case has been filed to date.
The CBSL states that investigations will be continued against companies engaged in these illegal practices and hopes at least one or two such cases would be filed by the end of this year or early next year (2026).
U. D. Nishantha Jayaweera was sworn in as a National People’s Power (NPP) National List Member of Parliament before the Speaker of the House – Dr. Jagath Wickramaratne, today (July 09).
He fills the Parliamentary seat left vacant following the resignation of Dr. Harshana Suriyapperuma last month.
