News

Public proposals sought to eradicate drug menace

Published

6 days ago

September 15, 2023

editor

It has been called for by the Select Committee of Parliament to look into and identify the mechanisms to be implemented in order to immediately control and eradicate the rapidly spreading drug menace in the country and to submit observations and recommendations to Parliament in that regard has been appointed by a motion passed by the Parliament on 08th June 2023.

This Select Committee has been appointed by the Speaker under the Chairmanship of Tiran Alles, the Minister of Public Security with other 11 members of Parliament. The Assistant Secretary General of Parliament Mr. Hansa Abeyratne is the Secretary to the said Select Committee.

Organizations who are desirous to submit their proposals and views on the mechanisms to be implemented in order to Immediately Control and Eradicate the Rapidly Spreading Drug Menace in the Country, may submit their proposals and views to reach the address : The Secretary, The Select Committee of Parliament, Parliament of Sri Lanka, Sri Jayawardenepura Kotte or via e-mail :[email protected] on or before the 12th October 2023.

If the Committee is desirous of taking oral evidence from those who make representations, the relevant parties along with documents will be called upon to appear before the Committees in due course.

News

Number of rabies deaths on the rise

Published

1 hour 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.