News

Sigiriya to be developed from USD 15mn loan

Published

3 weeks ago

August 28, 2023

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The Ministry of Urban Development and Housing said that steps will be taken to develop Sigiriya as a fully-fledged tourist zone under nine sub-projects.

These nine sub-projects are; establishment of new car park, providing sanitary facilities and preparation of Sigiriya entrance road, establishment of Sigiriya information center, conservation of Mapagala archaeological site, rehabilitation of Sigiri lake, establishment of heritage route from Ramakele to Pidurangala, conservation of archaeological sites around Kaludiya Pokuna, development of infrastructure for tourism and recreational activities focusing on Inamaluwa Lake, development of infrastructure for tourism and recreational activities focusing on Galewela Lake, and the development of the solid waste management system in Digampathana.

Minister Prasanna Ranatunga said that this project will be implemented at the cost of USD 15 million to be received under the loan assistance of the Asian Development Bank (ADB).

In the implementation of this project, the areas identified in and around Sigiriya will be developed into an eco-friendly tourist zone without the use of plastic. Initial plans are being implemented by all the relevant institutions.

In developing Sigiriya as a tourist destination, the minister has instructed to improve the livelihood of the local people and to encourage private investment necessary for development.

He has also instructed the ministry officials to inform the Matale District Coordinating Committee and the Dambulla Regional Coordinating Committee about the project.

News

Number of rabies deaths on the rise

Published

2 hours ago

September 21, 2023

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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.