News

Rise in autism cases among Sri Lankan children

Published

2 months ago

April 3, 2025

editor

Consultant Child and Adolescent Psychiatrist at Lady Ridgeway Hospital for Children (LRH), Dr. Swarna Wijethunga stated that the number of reported cases of children with Autism Spectrum Disorder in Sri Lanka appears to be rising daily.

She said this during a press conference held at the Health Promotion Bureau in view of the World Autism Awareness Day.

Dr. Wijethunga highlighted that a survey conducted in Sri Lanka in 2009 showed that one in 93 children was identified to have been diagnosed with autism.

“A survey conducted in 2009 showed that one in 93 children in Sri Lanka had this condition. Afterwards, the survey was not conducted systematically. Now it has been restarted, and we will get a different result… Autism cases are on the rise globally… We feel it is the same in Sri Lanka and that the number of cases are increasing day by day.”

Dr. Wijethunga also emphasized that early detection between 2.5 to 5 years can lead to significant improvement in 90% of cases.

Meanwhile, Community Health Specialist at the Child and Family Health Bureau, Dr. Asiri Hewamalage pointed out that the contribution of parents is crucial in identifying children with autism and other neurological medical conditions.

News

03 vehicles collide at railway crossing

Published

11 hours ago

May 21, 2025

editor

03 vehicles have collided at the Merawala railway crossing on the Chilaw-Colombo main road.

The accident occurred at around 6.25 a.m. this morning (May 21) when a van, which had stopped behind a fuel bowser at the Chilaw Marawala railway crossing while it was closed for train traffic, was rear-ended by a prime mover transporting cement.

The prime mover had been unable to stop due to brake failure.

The van involved in the accident sustained significant damage and Chilaw Police are currently conducting further investigations.

(Pic: Accident 1st)

News

Ramith Rambukwella arrives before CIABOC

Published

11 hours ago

May 21, 2025

editor

Ramith Rambukwella – son of former Minister Keheliya Rambukwella arrived at the Commission to Investigate Allegations of Bribery or Corruption (CIABOC) earlier today (May 21) to record a statement.

Colombo Chief Magistrate Thanuja Lakmali yesterday (May 20) ordered the further remand of Keheliya Rambukwella until June 03, following his arrest by the CIABOC over 03 complaints related to alleged corruption.

The court also granted permission to name Ramith Rambukwella as a suspect in the case.

News

Mahindananda seeks permission for home cooked meals

Published

11 hours ago

May 21, 2025

editor

Former Minister Mahindananda Aluthgamage, who is currently in remand custody, has submitted a written request to prison authorities seeking permission to receive food from his home.

He is currently being held at the “M 2” ward of the Colombo Remand Prison along with around 10 other prisoners, according to reports.

It is also reported that former minister Keheliya Rambukwella is being detained in the same ward.