SRI LANKA NEWS
(FEBRUARY 2025)
Compiled by Victor Melder
More than 200 cases of child suicide were reported in 2024, according to the College of Community Physicians of Sri Lanka (CCPSL), which links the rise to the impact of social media. CCPSL Chairperson, Consultant Community Physician Dr. Kapila Jayaratne, highlighted that in 2022, 133 children, under the age of 18, died by suicide, and unofficial data suggests this figure increased to 270 in 2023. “There are multiple reasons behind these incidents. One possible intervention could be restricting social media use in some form. We have gathered information on potential actions and plan to release more details within the next week or two,” Dr. Jayaratne said. He added that while social media brings both benefits and risks, the CCPSL is currently working on recommendations to help better regulate its usage among children and reduce its harmful effects. (Daily Island, 1.2.2025)
Environmentalists have warned that low lands and abandoned paddy fields in the Western Province are under threat of being encroached upon by the invasive plant Yoda Nidikumba soon. The aggressive invasive plant known as the Giant Mimosa (Mimosa pigra) has been identified as a significant threat, with the potential to spread across low-lying areas, including paddy fields in the Western Province over the next few years. This plant causes severe impact on biodiversity, agriculture, and human activities. It was previously concentrated in the Central Province, particularly around the Mahaweli River and other waterways. However, it is now rapidly spreading into the Western Province, according to environmentalists. The Giant Mimosa is taking over abandoned sections of the Central Expressway, particularly in the Kadawatha-Mirigama stretch. Unlike other Mimosa species found in Sri Lanka, such as Mimosa pudica (Medicinal Mimosa) and Mimosa invisa, the Giant Mimosa (Mimosa pigra) is an exotic, highly invasive species. It has been listed among the top 20 invasive plants in Sri Lanka. First identified in 1995 at Tennekumbura in Kandy by agricultural scientists Senior Prof Buddhi Marambe of the Agricultural Faculty of the Peradeniya University and Dr. Lakshman Amarasinha, former Director of the Field Crops Research and Development Institute at the Department of Agriculture, the plant has since become a growing concern. When asked about the rapid spread of the Giant Mimosa in the Western Province, Professor Marambe said that the Ministry of Environment, the Central Environmental Authority, and provincial agricultural and environmental institutions had to take urgent action to neutralise the threat. “In 2002, our survey in the Central Province revealed that 474 acres were infested with this plant. The current situation may be even worse. The issue is that even if we eradicate all existing plants, the seeds of this species can remain viable for 23 to 50 years, meaning the plant could re-emerge anywhere in Sri Lanka. Additionally, the seeds spread through water, posing a significant risk to paddy fields and wetlands,” Prof. Marambe said.He warned that the extensive wetlands along the Attanagalu Oya, including areas in Gampaha-Daraluwa, which are frequently flooded, could soon fall victim to the Giant Mimosa invasion. (Daily Island, 3.2.2025)
The Minister of Women and Child Affairs has issued an Extraordinary Gazette notification limiting the number of adoption orders that may be made by all courts in Sri Lanka for foreign applicants during the calendar year 2025 to 100. The subject Minister, Saroja Savithri Paulraj, issued a Gazette notification under Paragraph (b)(i) of Subsection (5A) of Section 3 of the Adoption of Children Ordinance. According to Paragraph (b)(i) of Subsection (5A) of Section 3 of the Adoption of Children Ordinance, it states that the number of adoption orders that can be made in a calendar year for non-Sri Lankan applicants who are not resident or domiciled in Sri Lanka is limited and must be prescribed by regulation. Each year, the government issues a Gazette notification setting a limit on foreign adoptions, similar to the amount prescribed for this year.
The adoption of children in Sri Lanka by foreigners is governed by the Adoption of Children Ordinance and involves a lengthy structured legal process to ensure the child’s welfare and compliance with Sri Lankan laws. The foreign applicants who desire to adopt Sri Lankan children are required to forward their joint applications to the Commissioner of Probation and Child Care Services. Each of the applicants must be over the age of 25 years and not less than 21 years older than the child in respect of whom the application is made. They must apply through their country’s central adoption authority or a recognized adoption agency. All applications for adoption of a Sri Lankan child by persons not resident and domiciled in Sri Lanka shall be made to the District Court of Colombo and District Court of Colombo South or such other District Court as may be confirmed jurisdiction for such purpose by regulation which may be formed from time to time. Every application for adoption of a child must be in conformity with the provisions of the Adoption of Children Ordinance (Chapter 6) as amended and rules framed there under.The maximum number of adoptions that can be allowed during each calendar year will be gazetted by the subject Minister and the Sri Lankan Missions abroad will be kept informed every year of such ceiling.(Daily Mirror, 3.2.2025)
The government is set to conduct its first island-wide census of the monkey population, aiming to address the alarming destruction of coconut crops caused by these primates. The census is scheduled to take place on either February 15 or February 22, with a coordinated effort across all districts, Chairman of the Coconut Cultivation Board Dr. Sunimal Jayakody said yesterday. The urgency for this census has been underscored by recent reports indicating that millions of coconuts were destroyed in 2024 due to monkey interventions, significantly impacting the nation’s economy. In response to this pressing issue, multiple government entities—including the Ministry of Plantation Industries, the Ministry of Environment, the Ministry of Agriculture, and the Sri Lanka Police Department—are collaborating to ensure the success of the census. Dr. Jayakody emphasized the importance of gathering accurate data through this census, which will inform future programs aimed at managing the monkey population and mitigating their impact on coconut cultivation. (Daily Mirror, 4.2.2025)
Sri Lanka’s tourism industry has achieved a record-breaking start to 2025, welcoming 252,761 visitors in January, surpassing the previous high of 238,924 registered in 2018. This surge in arrivals reflects a strong recovery for the sector, with expectations rising for continued momentum throughout the year. The latest figures mark a 21.4% year-on-year (YoY) increase compared to the same period last year and a 6% improvement over the 2018 benchmark year. The latest data showed that the average arrivals also climbed to 8,154, up from 6,718 last year, and higher than the 7,707 registered in January 2018. On a weekly basis, the month saw a steady influx in visitor numbers, with the first week registering 54,851 tourists, 57,560 in the second week, 57,473 in the third week, and the final week recording a notable 82,877 travelers.
India emerged as the single biggest source market, contributing 43,375 tourists, followed by Russia with 34,096 travelers, from France, Australia, Poland, the US, and Netherlands were also welcomed during the month. Industry suggests improved air connectivity, global accolades, and renewed confidence in the country’s stability aided the boost in the destination’s appeal. The extension of tax concessions for airlines operating into the country’s three key airports – the Jaffna International Airport, Colombo International Airport (Ratmalana), and Mattala Rajapaksa International Airport – were seen as assisting the steady increase of international tourist footfall during January. On 6 January, the Cabinet of Ministers extended a 50% waiver on deviation tax for airlines operating scheduled flights to Jaffna International Airport till 30 January 2026, airlines servicing Colombo International Airport (Ratmalana) got a 50% waiver for one year starting 27 March 2025, and expanded full deviation tax concession to the Mattala Rajapaksa International Airport for another year from 29 December 2024. For 2025, Sri Lanka Tourism is expecting to draw 3 million tourists and generate $ 5 billion in revenue. In 2024, the country welcomed 2.05 million visitors, generating over $ 3.2 billion in revenue, registering a substantial 52.38% YoY increase. Last week, Tourism Deputy Minister Prof. Ruwan Ranasinghe said the Government is set for a major shake-up in its tourism industry with the establishment of a National Tourism Commission, a move aimed at streamlining decision-making and boosting efficiency – which is part of broader reforms including a newly approved Tourism Act – to modernise regulations and enhance governance in the industry. (Financial Times, 7.2.2025).
About 3,477 wild elephants and 1,190 people have died in Sri Lanka between 2015 and 2024 due to the human-elephant conflict, says Minister of Environment Dammika Patabendi. Minister Patabendi told Parliament yesterday that 1,466 wild elephants had died between 2015 and 2019, while 2,011 more jumbo fatalities had been recorded from 2020 to 2024. About 456 people died between 2015 and 2019, and 734 between 2020 and 2024 due to the human-elephant conflict. Acknowledging that resolving the human-elephant conflict would take time, Dr. Patabendi assured Parliament that adequate funds would be allocated in the upcoming budget for resolving the conflict. As part of the government’s plan, measures under consideration included constructing electric fences, reopening elephant corridors, and increasing the availability of food in the forests where elephants are, he said. (Daily Island, 7.2.2025)
Foreign Minister Vijitha Herath said today that 59 Sri Lankans who enlisted in the Russian army had died as of January 20, 2025. Speaking in Parliament, Herath cited data from the Foreign Ministry’s Consular Affairs Division, revealing that 554 Sri Lankans had joined the Russian military. The minister was responding to a query from Opposition lawmaker S. Shridaran. (Daily Mirror, 7.2.2025)
Workers’ remittances inflow in January increased by 17.5% year-on-year to $ 573 million, the latest Central Bank data revealed. However, January experienced a slight decrease of 7.12% when compared month-to-month. Worker remittances hit the highest in four years in 2024, after a record number of people left the country searching for foreign jobs following an unprecedented economic crisis. In 2023, workers’ remittances grew by 57% to $ 6 billion. This was after inflows in 2022 fell by 31% to $ 3.78 billion – the lowest in 12 years. Highest-ever workers’ remittances were in 2016 at $ 7.24 billion whilst between 2014 and 2018, the annual average was $ 7 billion, suggesting a monthly inflow of around $ 600 million. (Financial Times, 11.2.2025)
The number of new child and adolescent cancer patients diagnosed in Sri Lanka annually exceeds 1,000, according to Consultant. Addressing the media at the Health Promotion Bureau (HPB) in view of International Childhood Cancer Day on Saturday (15), Dr. Suraj Perera stated that, according to the 2021 National Cancer Registry, 1,032 child cancer cases were diagnosed that year. “Even based on incomplete reports, the number of newly-detected child cancer cases in Sri Lanka varies between 1,000 and 1,200 per year,” he said. Dr. Perera explained yesterday (12) that while childhood cancers cannot be prevented, they are more curable than adult cancers. Early detection and proper treatment are essential. Childhood cancers include malignancies diagnosed from infancy to adolescence (from birth up to the age of 19). The most common childhood cancers are leukaemia, lymphoma, and brain tumours. According to statistics from the Registrar General’s Department, approximately 220 children and adolescents died from cancer in 2019. While the 2020 report is still being finalised, it is estimated that 200 to 250 child and adolescent cancer deaths occur each year. Dr. Perera emphasised that some of these deaths could have been prevented with timely diagnosis and treatment. He stressed the urgent need to further reduce child cancer mortality through early detection and effective medical intervention. Specialist in Paediatric and Adolescent Clinical Oncology at Apeksha Hospital, Maharagama, Dr. Sanjeeva Gunasekera, reiterated that while childhood cancers cannot be prevented, early detection and appropriate treatment in line with medical recommendations are crucial. treatment is incomplete, the disease may only be suppressed temporarily and could resurface later,” he cautioned, highlighting the importance of proper treatment adherence. Dr. Gunasekera also emphasised the significance of follow-up examinations after a child has been cured of cancer. Essential post-treatment tests include blood tests, CT scans, MRI scans, and radiological assessments to ensure long-term recovery. (Ceylon Today, 13.2.2025)
A total of 2,000 doctors have already left the health services and 5,000 more are set to leave the country, according to the Government Medical Officers’ Association (GMOA). The GMOA’s Dr. Chamil Wijesiri stated that many problems may arise due to the shortage of drug suppliers. He stated that these doctors have already met all the necessary qualifications to work abroad. Meanwhile, Wijesiri stated that the medical staff in the country should be protected, the economy should be stable, the government should implement short-term solutions and he believes that the budget proposal will bring about necessary change. (Daily Mirror, 13.2.2025)
Sri Lanka’s coconut auction volumes dropped to 21,569 nuts, with 89,687 nuts offered, recording an all-time low at this week’s auction, Coconut Development Authority data showed. The auction was conducted at a fixed price of 140,000 rupees for a thousand nuts for the fourth straight week on February 13. It is uncertain why all the nuts offered were not bought at the auction. Last week 177,362 nuts were offered, down and 173,007 nuts were sold. Volumes offered at the auction have moved down after a fixed price of 140 per nut was agreed. Wholesale prices of a nut were listed at 200-210 rupees for a large nut and 180-190 rupees for a small nut in the local market on January 13. Coconut oil local wholesale price was 830,000 to 850,000.00 rupees per metric ton. Coconut shells were 50,000 to 51,000 rupees per metric ton. Coconut shell charcoal was 178,000 per metric ton. (Sunday Island, 16.2.2025)
During 2024, tea production recorded an overall year-on-year increase, with the rebound in production during the third and fourth quarters owing to improved weather conditions. Rubber production improved in 2024, rebounding from the negative growth in the second quarter, caused by adverse weather conditions that disrupted tapping operations, and achieving a notable year-on-year increase in December. Coconut production continued to trend downwards throughout 2024, experiencing a significant year-on-year decline in December as well. The Index of Industrial Production (IIP) in December 2024 increased by 8.8 per cent to 94.9 compared to December 2023, mainly contributed by the increases reported in the manufacture of Food products (16.1 per cent), Wearing apparel (10.1 per cent) and Other non-metallic mineral products (14.3 per cent). Daily Island, 17.2.2025)
Sri Lanka’s budgeted expenditure for 2025 will likely lead to a wider fiscal deficit and slower-than-expected fiscal consolidation, Moody’s Ratings said on Tuesday, a day after the island nation unveiled its budget. Sri Lanka aims to transform its crisis-hit economy to prepare to resume debt repayments from 2028, President Anura Kumara Dissanayake said on Monday while announcing the budget which is seen as a key step towards returning the country to durable, long-term growth.
The budget is mostly in line with targets set under a $2.9 billion International Monetary Fund (IMF) programme, including a key 2.3% primary account surplus goal. Expenditure is estimated at 21.8% of GDP as Sri Lanka directs more resources towards welfare and infrastructure development, analysts said, while revenue will be 15.1% of GDP. The budget has set a deficit target of 6.7% of GDP, which falls short of a 5.2% goal for 2025 preferred by the IMF. “The budget underscores the challenge that Sri Lanka’s fiscal authorities will continue to face because of its still weak debt affordability, still narrow revenue base, and underlying social constraints,” said Christian Fang, vice president – senior analyst at Moody’s Ratings. Sri Lanka is aiming to grow 5% this year, Dissanayake told parliament, emphasising the need to support small businesses and key economic sectors such as tourism and tea to put the island nation’s economy on a sustainable recovery. Sri Lanka’s economy went into freefall three years ago after running precariously low on dollar reserves, leaving it unable to afford essentials such as fuel, medicine and cooking gas. Helped by the IMF bailout secured in March 2023, the island’s economy has partly recovered and completed a $25 billion debt restructuring with bilateral creditors and bondholders last December. (Reuters, 18.2.2025)
Over 48% of Sri Lanka people resort to borrowing from non-banking or unsolicited channels, disclosed Deputy Chairman / Managing Director at Alliance Finance Company PLC Romani de Silva. He said that most of them borrow from friend’s relatives or friends or relatives from overseas. “Some also pawn their harvest/ crop in advance and take credit. In addition, others go to money exchanges and unlicensed pawning shops.” These are not registered with banking channels.” He said in a bid to get them to banking channels and provide them credit with minimum collaterals, Alliance Finance Company has been providing credit to the masses at very competitive rates. “We look at areas where other licensed banking and financial institutions don’t look at and hence we were the first institution to offer leasing facilitating for three wheelers in the 1980’s.” He also said that they have also been providing agro loans as well mainly targeting the SME sector. De Silva said that they have also observed that most of the unbanked loan transitions are happening outside the Western province and they now reach people outside the WP via their strong branch outlets. “Around 8% of our profits go back to fund sustainable CSR initiatives and we have already planted over 7500 trees and have not claimed carbon credit for it.” (Daily News, 19.2.2025)
Health Minister Dr. Nalinda Jayatissa revealed today that some 184,926 people had obtained treatment for dog bites last year from January 1 to December 31. He told Parliament that the government had spent Rs. 850 to Rs. 1,000 million on treatments for dog bites. Responding to a question by MP Imran Maharoof, the Minister said the Gampaha District had reported the most number of dog bite cases last year. (Daily Mirror, 230.2.2025)
Sri Lanka’s tea exports for January 2025 amounted to 19.37 million kilograms, reflecting a growth of 0.61 million kilograms compared to the same period in 2024 when exports totaled 18.76 million kilograms. The increase was mainly driven by strong performances in the Tea Packets, Tea Bags, and Instant Tea categories, while exports of Tea in Bulk and Green Tea experienced a decline. On the value front, the Free On Board (FOB) price recorded for January 2025 was Rs. 1,722.78 per kilogram, down by Rs. 26.14 compared to Rs. 1,748.92 in January 2024. In US$ terms, however, the month saw a slight increase, with the FOB price rising by US$ 0.38 year-on-year. Iraq maintained its lead as the top importer of Ceylon Tea, with imports reaching 3.02 million kilograms, a 21 percent increase from 2.50 million kilograms in January 2024. Russia, in second place, saw a slight decline of 11 percent, importing 1.77 million kilograms compared to 1.98 million kilograms in the previous year. Libya has emerged as a strong player in the Ceylon Tea market, climbing to third place with a staggering 406 percent YoY increase, totalling 1.68 million kilograms in January 2025. Other notable importers include the U.A.E. (1.27 million kilograms, a 36 percent decrease YoY), Türkiye (1.08 million kilograms, a 37 percent decrease YoY), and Chile (0.78 million kilograms, a 24 percent increase YoY). Saudi Arabia, in seventh place with 0.89 million kilograms, edged ahead of China, which recorded 0.80 million kilograms, marking a 5 percent YoY increase. These shifts in key markets underline the evolving dynamics of global tea trade and Sri Lanka’s position in meeting changing international demand. (Daily Mirror, 21.2.2025)
Acting IGP Priyantha Weerasooriya said today that 58 gangs engaged in organised crimes and 1,400 of their associates have been identified across the country. He reported that, so far this year, 22 individuals have been killed, with 17 shot and five hacked to death. The Acting IGP also revealed that members of the police and armed forces are linked to some of these incidents, with 11 personnel arrested so far. The arrested suspects include two policemen, one soldier, one airman and seven army deserters. In addition, he disclosed that following investigations since the current government took office, police have seized a variety of firearms, including 13 T56 rifles, 15 revolvers, 21 pistols, 75 12-bore firearms, 7 repeaters, 805 shotguns and 4 other firearms. To further combat crime, the Acting IGP announced a reward programme, offering Rs. 1 million for information leading to the recovery of T56 firearms. A dedicated hotline, 1997 has also been set up for the public to report weapons and criminal activities. (Daily Mirror, 22.2.2025)
In the wake of reports that the famous tusker called ‘Sando’ in the Yala National Park has not been spotted for days, the Wildlife Conservation Department has initiated investigations to determine whether it is dead or not. Environmental conservationists are alarmed especially after the carcass of a tusker was found, triggering speculation that Sando is no more. Asked about its plight, a top official of the Department said the tusker commonly known by people as Sando is not always visible in Block 1 of the Yala National Park which is mostly frequented by foreign and local tourists. “The Wildlife Conservation Department does not name elephants. Only environmentalists and animal lovers have given such names. However, it is not yet confirmed whether the tusker named ‘Sando’ is dead or alive. It does not always roam in the same block. It moves to other blocks which are not visited by tourists as such,” he said. Asked about the carcass of a tusker found recently, he said the veterinary surgeon who conducts investigations has not yet confirmed it. “It has to be conducted after comparing the physical details of Sando with that of the carcass. It is a tedious process. We have to compare Sando’s photo with that of the carcass found,” he said. Sando was the centre of attraction. There are videos of the tusker chasing after Safari jeeps much to the excitement of tourists. According to the World Wildlife Fund (WWF) Sri Lankan elephants are the largest and the darkest of the Asian elephants. Their herd size ranges from 12-20 individuals and the oldest female typically leads the herd. Last year, more than 170 people and nearly 500 elephants were killed in human-elephant encounters overall – and around 20 elephants are killed by trains annually. (Daily Mirror, 22.2.2025)
Sri Lanka’s export sector kicked off 2025 on a positive note, with total exports crossing US$ 1.3 billion in January, marking a 7.5 percent year-on-year (YoY) increase, data from the Export Development Board (EDB) showed. Merchandise exports rose 3.5 percent to US$ 1 billion, led by a 15 percent surge in agricultural shipments to US$ 258.9 million, while industrial exports remained largely flat, inching up 0.08 percent to US$ 745.9 million. Services exports jumped 37.9 percent YoY to US$ 329.4 million. Apparel and textiles, Sri Lanka’s largest export category, saw a sharp 21.1 percent increase, bringing in US$ 460.2 million. Tea exports, which made up 12 percent of total merchandise shipments, rose 2.6 percent YoY to US$ 112.7 million, buoyed by a 29.8 percent jump in packaged tea sales. Strong demand for coconut-based products also contributed with coconut oil, cream, and fiber shipments recording gains. Among agriculture exports, spices and essential oils saw a robust 32.9 percent increase to US$ 39 million, largely due to higher pepper and clove shipments to India and Saudi Arabia. Diamonds, gems, and jewelry also performed well, rising 28.2 percent to US$ 42.3 million, benefiting from improved demand in the US and European markets. However, not all sectors fared well. Rubber product exports fell 8.2 percent YoY to US$ 75.1 million, while seafood exports plunged 23.2 percent, hit by weaker demand for fresh fish and shrimp. Exports of electrical and electronic components also declined, slipping nearly 9 percent YoY. The US remained Sri Lanka’s top export market, accounting for 23 percent of total merchandise exports, with shipments rising 18 percent to US$ 260.2 million. India emerged as the second-largest buyer, with exports surging 43.9 percent to US$ 81.9 million, driven by strong pepper sales. Exports to the European Union, which makes up nearly a quarter of total exports, increased 16.3 percent to US$ 227.2 million. Sri Lanka is targeting an ambitious export revenue target of US$ 19 billion for 2025. Merchandise exports are projected to grow from US$ 12.7 billion in 2024 to US$ 14 billion in 2025, while services exports are expected to rise from US$ 3.5 billion to US$ 4.2 billion. The targets align with a five-year plan aimed at increasing export earnings to US$ 36 billion by 2030, with US$ 25 billion from goods and US$ 11 billion from services. (Daily Mirror, 26.2.2025)
Some 43 elephants died due to human-elephant conflicts in January, 2025 while three persons were killed during the same period, Minister of Environment. Dr. Dhammika Patabandi said today. He told Parliament that some 3,527 elephants died during the last ten years and some 1,195 persons were killed during the same period due to human-elephant conflicts. The Minister said this while responding to a question raised by SJB MP Nalin Bandara. The MP said the Wildlife Department bears the cost of Rs. one million for the death of each elephant and human. (Daily Mirror, 27.2.2025)
A total of 2.5 million people have started to focus on donating their eye corneas after their death, marking a significant step in supporting eye donation efforts, the Sri Lanka Eye Donation Society (SLEDS) said. SLEDS Senior Manager, Janath Saman Matara Arachchi, told the Daily Mirror that 114 cities in 57 countries have been sending eye corneas, which help people suffering from blindness. He said that, from the beginning until now, a total of 95,203 eye corneas have been sent overseas. However, the most eye corneas have been donated to Pakistan, followed by Egypt gaining second place in receiving eye corneas. Meanwhile, the process within Sri Lanka’s healthcare system is providing worldwide medical services where anyone can help for better access to eye care. In Sri Lanka, 59,202 eye corneas have been donated for the local patients, improving the lives of many individuals suffering from loss of vision. Furthermore, SLEDS continues raising public awareness on the importance of eye donation, with hopes to restore vision for many more individuals in the future.(Daily Mirror, 27.2.2025)
The Land Valuation Indicator (LVI) for Colombo District recorded 236.8 during the second half of 2024, with a year-on-year increase of 7.7 percent. All sub-indicators of the LVI, namely, Residential, Commercial and Industrial LVIs, contributed to this increase, recording annual increases of 9.9 percent, 9.4 percent and 3.9 percent, respectively. On a semi-annual basis, the LVI and its sub-indicators increased at a slower pace during the second half of 2024 compared to the values recorded in the first half of 2024. The highest increase was observed in the Residential LVI, followed by the Commercial and Industrial LVIs. (Daily Mirror, 28.2.2025)
The Batticaloa District has emerged as the second-highest leprosy-affected district in Sri Lanka, with 140 new cases recorded last month. About 700 patients attend clinics a month, according to Regional Director of Health Services Dr. S. Muralitharan. to address the rising number of cases, the Batticaloa District Regional Health Services Office, under the guidance of the Ministry of Health and the Department of Health, organised an awareness walk near Kallady Bridge. Led by Dr. Muralitharan, the walk was aimed at educating the public on leprosy prevention and control. The walk saw the participation of representatives from the Batticaloa Teaching Hospital, Batticaloa Traders’ Association, Batticaloa Nursing Training School, Batticaloa Municipal Council, Batticaloa Regional Health Services Office, and the Batticaloa Medical Officer of Health Office. Medical professionals, including doctors, nurses, and public health inspectors, also joined the initiative. Awareness leaflets were distributed along the route, while participants carried banners displaying key messages on leprosy, underscoring the urgency of public engagement in controlling the disease. (Daily Island, 28.2.2025)
Prevailing high dust levels had led to a noticeable increase in children suffering from asthma, with a considerable number of them being admitted to hospitals, Paediatric Pulmonologist Dr Deepal Perera of the Lady Ridgeway Hospital for Children in Borella told The Island yesterday (27). He said that the hospital had seen a significant rise in asthma cases and advised parents to seek medical attention if their child experiences persistent coughing or difficulty breathing, particularly at night.Dr Perera emphasised that the most effective treatment for childhood asthma was the use of inhalers and steaming. He urged parents not to be apprehensive about administering them. Ongoing sports meets and school cricket matches could expose children to high dust levels, increasing their risk of respiratory issues, he warned. Dr Perera recommended that children bathe for at least 20 minutes in the morning and evening to prevent skin dryness. He also emphasised on the importance of keeping children indoors as much as possible during the current dry spell to protect their health. (Daily Island, 28.2.2025)
