News

People who bailed out underworld figures in hot water!

Published

2 months ago

July 12, 2023

editor

Sixteen underworld figures involved in large-scale drug trafficking and were detained in the Boossa High Security Prison have fled the country once granted bail, an investigation conducted by the intelligence agencies has revealed.

Twenty-five people who were accused of drug trafficking and were detained in the prison have been released on bail.

It has been revealed that 16 out of the 25 have fled the country including Ganemulle Sanjeewa, Kawuma, Kanjipani Imran and Army Sampath.

The investigating officers said that maintaining cases against them has become an issue since these smugglers fail to appear in court.

It has been revealed that these suspects have obtained bail within two years and after obtaining bail, majority of them have fled the country with fake passports and by boats.

The officers pointed out that the majority of those who obtained bail were represented by the President’s Counsel.

A senior official said that steps will be taken to instruct the police to locate and arrest the guarantors who provided bail to these suspects.

Investigating officers also said that after leaving the country once given bail, these suspects settle in UAE and other countries and continue to operate drug trafficking and crimes without any hindrance.

Meanwhile, it was reported that honest prison officials including those at Boossa have received undue influence by the criminals who fled the country.

There have been instances where some prison officials and their family members have been threatened by the accomplices of criminals visiting homes of the officials.

News

Number of rabies deaths on the rise

Published

2 hours ago

September 21, 2023

editor

The Ministry of Health said that the number of people who have died from rabies has increased in the last few years.

Dr. Heshan Guruge, medical officer of the Anti-Rabies Division, said that the lack of knowledge about rabies as well as the bites of animals other than dogs have led to the increase in these deaths.

Dr. Guruge expressed these views while attending a discussion held yesterday (20) at the Health Promotion Bureau in conjunction with the World Rabies Day on September 28.

“When studying the human deaths that happened in the last few years due to rabies, we can see that a number of animals other than dogs have bit them. In some cases, it is not even possible to know who the animal is. Several people who had passed out after being drunk had been bitten by some animal. After a few days, the symptoms of rabies develop. Several such incidents were reported in the last two or three years. Proper first aid should be given in case of any animal bite. Wash the wound with soap and water. If you have alcohol at home, an iodine solution like betadine, surgical spirit, or an antiseptic liquid like hydrogen peroxide, you can use it. Then go to a hospital. If we do this, we can eliminate rabies from Sri Lanka,” he said.

Don’t get closer to new pets for two weeks

Meanwhile, Dr. Athula Liyanapathirana, community specialist of the Epidemiology Unit, said that 12 people have died due to rabies in 2023 so far.

He said that there is a risk of contracting rabies from the bites of all mammals.

The Anti-rabies Unit said that 25 to 30 people die from rabies every year.

The Epidemiology Unit requested the people not to get closer to pets such as dogs and cats for 14 days after bringing them home.

Arrangements should be made to vaccine the dogs against rabies before a period of four weeks has passed.

When bitten by a dog, the area should be washed and cleaned with soap for ten minutes, and after that it is important to seek medical treatment immediately.