News

Physicians call to ban social media for children

Published

3 months ago

January 31, 2025

editor

The College of Community Physicians of Sri Lanka (CCPSL) President Dr. Kapila Jayaratne said that policymakers will be informed to bring a law banning or restricting the use of social media by children under 18, as has been done in some countries.

According to unofficial data, it is reported that nearly 200 children under 18 have committed suicide last year, and that the use of social media may be a reason for these suicides, he said. That is why CCPSL has decided to inform policymakers in this regard,” he added.

He stated this while participating in a Press Briefing held at the Sri Lanka Medical Association Auditorium yesterday.

He said that about 313,000 women in the country become pregnant every year and about 250,000 out of them are reported as live births, but not all of them later become healthy adults.

He said that about 3,300 children under five die annually due to various causes and about 30 percent of children in the country are obese. Dr.Jayaratne further said that community medical specialists are working together to implement the Colombo Declaration to prevent stillbirths.

He said that the implementation of the Colombo Declaration will enable abortion of fetuses with fatal birth defects. Eventhough, efforts have been made to implement this declaration for about 20 years, it has still not been possible so far.

(dailynews.lk)

(Except for the headline, this story, originally published by dailynews.lk has not been edited by SLM staff)

News

Special security measures implemented for Easter

Published

3 hours ago

April 17, 2025

editor

Sri Lanka Police Headquarters has announced that steps have been taken to implement a special security program in view of the upcoming Easter celebrations.

As Easter services are scheduled to be held on April 18 and April 20, 2025, special police security will be deployed to ensure the safety of devotees on those dates.

Acting IGP Priyantha Weerasooriya has issued instructions to all Senior Deputy Inspectors General of Police (Senior DIGs) in charge of all provinces, Senior Superintendents of Police (SSPs), and Officers-in-Charge (OICs) in this regard.

Accordingly, the Acting IGP has further instructed officers to identify churches expected to attract large crowds as well churches where major religious services are held, to ensure security in and around those locations.

The Police, Special Task Force (STF), and tri-forces personnel are to be deployed to ensure security during the Easter celebrations.

News

Hot weather to continue

Published

4 hours ago

April 17, 2025

editor

A warm weather advisory has been issued for residents of the Northern, North-central, North-western, Western, Southern and Eastern provinces and in Rathnapura and Monaragala districts.

The heat index – the temperature felt by the human body — is expected to rise to the ‘Caution Level’ in several areas tomorrow (April 18), according to the Department of Meteorology.

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News

5 including a police officer, arrested with Rs. 30 Mn.

Published

4 hours ago

April 17, 2025

editor

Sri Lanka Police has arrested five individuals, including a constable from the Western Province Intelligence Division, in Dondra Head.

The arrests were made early this morning, and the suspects were found in possession of approximately Rs. 30 million.

According to the police, the Special Task Force (STF) acted on a tip-off and conducted a search of a vehicle, leading to the arrests.

The five individuals, including the police constable, were taken into custody by the STF.

Investigations are currently being conducted under the supervision of the Police Narcotics Bureau to determine the source and intended use of the large sum of money.

(News1st)

(Except for the headline, this story, originally published by News1st has not been edited by SLM staff)