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Risk of malnutrition crisis due to rising food inflation!

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President of the Doctors’ Trade Union Alliance for Medical and Civil Rights – Dr. Chamal Sanjeewa, has warned of an impending malnutrition crisis in Sri Lanka due to rising food inflation. 

Speaking at a news conference held in Colombo yesterday (Feb. 26), Dr. Sanjeewa highlighted that the increasing cost of essential food items is placing significant strain on households, particularly in rural and plantation communities.

He noted that since Sri Lanka is in the early stages of economic recovery, the prevailing economic crisis and growing food insecurity could lead to severe nutritional challenges, especially in rural, semi-urban, and plantation sectors. 

He emphasized that the livelihoods of farmers, fishermen, laborers, and plantation workers remain unstable, making it difficult for families to afford basic meals.

Regions such as Colombo, Gampaha, Kalutara, Hambantota, Matara, Anuradhapura, Monaragala, Polonnaruwa, as well as the northern and eastern provinces, are particularly affected. 

The high cost of essential food items, coupled with limited income opportunities, has forced many households to allocate a large portion of their earnings to daily sustenance, Dr. Sanjeewa stated.

He further cautioned that if this situation persists as well as adverse dry weather conditions in agricultural areas may further reduce crop yields, exacerbating food shortages and inflation, vulnerable groups such as young children, pregnant mothers, and the elderly could face severe nutritional deficiencies.

Dr. Sanjeewa stressed the need for effective nutrition programs targeting young children and pregnant mothers. 

While the government has previously allocated funds for such initiatives, he lamented that these resources have not been efficiently utilized or made accessible to those in need.

To mitigate the crisis, he urged authorities to implement sustainable policies that ensure food security, stabilize incomes, and provide direct nutritional support to at-risk communities. 

Without urgent intervention, Sri Lanka could face a widespread malnutrition crisis, impacting public health and overall national well-being.

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3 dead in Dunhinda bus accident 

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Three persons have died from the bus accident at Dunhinda in Badulla today (June 21), according to hospital sources.

A total of 34 individuals were injured when the bus toppled down a precipice this evening (June 21) at the 4th Mile Post area, near the Dunhinda bends on the Badulla–Mahiyanganaya road.

According to reports, the passengers were a group of pilgrims travelling from Badulla to Anuradhapura.

The injured persons have been admitted to the Badulla General Hospital. 

Police are conducting further investigations.

(Pic : Accident1st)

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11th International Day of Yoga celebrated in Colombo (Pics)

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The 11th International Day of Yoga (IDY) was celebrated with great enthusiasm by the High Commission of India in Colombo and its cultural arm, the Swami Vivekananda Cultural Centre (SVCC) in collaboration with the Ministry of Health and Ministry of Public Administration, Provincial Councils and Local Government Sri Lanka at the historic Independence Square in Colombo today (June 21).

This year’s theme, “Yoga for One Earth, One Health”, highlighted the universal relevance of yoga in fostering harmony between humans and nature.

The High Commissioner of India to Sri Lanka, H.E. Santosh Jha, joined the celebrations along with distinguished guests including Minister of Science and Technology – Dr. Chrishantha Abeysena, Minister of Labour and the Deputy Minister of Economic Development – Prof. Anil Jayantha Fernando, Deputy Speaker of the Parliament of Sri Lanka – Dr. Rizvie Salih, Deputy Minister of Defence – Major General K. P. Aruna Jayasekara, Deputy Minister of Buddhasasana, Religious and Cultural Affairs – Gamagedara Dissanayake Deputy Minister of Sports – Sugath Thilakaratna, and other senior dignitaries.
The event began with a spiritual invocation through prayers by Most Ven. Dr. Maitipe Wimalasara Nayaka Thera and the Maha Sangha, who offered blessings for peace and well-being. A dynamic and refreshing yoga and meditation session followed, conducted by experts from renowned yoga institutions in India and Sri Lanka. The event brought together hundreds of yoga enthusiasts, dignitaries, and students in a shared spirit of wellness and unity. As part of the celebrations, a specially curated Yoga Pendrive and a Sinhala translation of the Hatha Yoga Pradeepika were launched, aiming to make authentic yoga knowledge more accessible. Complementing the main event in Colombo, the Consulates in Hambantota and Jaffna, along with the Assistant High Commission in Kandy, also organized special events – reflecting the enthusiastic and widespread participation in the 11th International Day of Yoga across Sri Lanka.

In a significant prelude to the main event, the Department of Ayurveda, Ministry of Health, Government of Sri Lanka and Swami Vivekananda Cultural Centre jointly organized a landmark, island-wide celebration of the International Day of Yoga on 19 June 2025, with simultaneous yoga sessions held in 113 Ayurveda hospitals and four universities across all nine provinces – marking the first time such a nationwide initiative has been undertaken in Sri Lanka in a unified fashion.
It may be recalled that the United Nations General Assembly adopted a resolution piloted by India in 2014, proclaiming June 21 each year as the International Day of Yoga. The resolution was supported by more than 170 countries, with Sri Lanka being one of its proud co-sponsors.

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Mathews bows out of Test cricket

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Angelo Mathews ended his final Test innings today (June 21) after being dismissed during the Test match between Sri Lanka and Bangladesh at Galle International Stadium.

Mathews was dismissed after scoring just 8 runs off 45 balls after being caught by Mominul Haque. The match also ended as a draw.

Mathews retires from the longest format of the game as he made 8,214 runs from 119 Tests at an average of 44.4, with 16 centuries and 49 half-centuries to his name. 

In 2013, Angelo Mathews was handed the leadership of the Test side for the first time in his career. He also became historic as the youngest Sri Lanka player to become Test captain. 

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