News
Shortage of chlorine hampers cleansing of water sources in flood-hit areas
By Rathindra Kuruwita
There is a severe shortage of chlorine in the country and this can pose a lot of problems for grassroots health officials, government servants and people who have to cleanse water sources like wells that were exposed to flood water, Upul Rohana, the head of the Public Health Inspectors Union told The Island.
“We urge health officials to do something about this soon,” he said.
Rohana said people must be more vigilant and prevent the rapid spread of communicable diseases following the floods.
“We usually see a rapid spread of various ailments that are caused by consuming contaminated food and water as well as rat fever following floods. Rat fever is usually caused by travelling through or playing in contaminated flood water. Please avoid these practices,” he said.
Rohana said that people must not consume any produce that was exposed to flood water without washing and cooking them properly. “It’s best if you don’t eat such food at all. If your house or well was flooded, please cleanse them. You need chlorine to clean wells,” he said.
Floods in all parts of the country are receding, the irrigation department said on Wednesday (05).
The water levels of most rivers have dropped noticeably, the department said.
“We are expecting the rains to reduce in the coming days. However, the lowlands remain submerged,” Ajith Wijemanna, Deputy Director at the Department of Meteorology said.
Meanwhile, the Disaster Management Centre (DMC) said that 247,406 people in 13 districts had been affected by the floods as at 6 am on Wednesday.
News
Ceylon College of Physicians’ 59th Anniversary Academic Sessions this week
The 59th Anniversary Academic Sessions of the Ceylon College of Physicians will be held from 16th to 19th of September 2026 at Shangri-La, Colombo. Professor Namal Wijesinghe, the president of the college and the council of the Ceylon College of physicians said that the sessions bring together experienced physicians, academics, researchers, postgraduate trainees and other healthcare professionals from all over the globe. The programme provides opportunities to discuss recent advances in medicine, emerging challenges in healthcare and developments that have the potential to improve patient care.
An important feature of the College’s academic vision is the strengthening of relationships with international professional colleges and medical institutions. The Royal College of Physicians of London, Royal College of Physicians of Edinburgh, Royal College of Physicians and Surgeons of Glasgow, European Federation of Internal Medicine, College of Physicians of Malaysia, Association of Physicians of India, Pakistan Society of Internal Medicine, Association of Physicians of Bangladesh and Society of Internal Medicine of Nepal are officially collaborating with the Ceylon College of Physicians in organising 59th Anniversary Academic Sessions.
These international collaborations provide opportunities for the exchange of expertise, collaborative research, professional development and exposure to different approaches to healthcare and medical education. Interaction with international colleagues can broaden professional perspectives, encourage research collaboration and create opportunities for academic and career development.
At the same time, Sri Lankan physicians have much to contribute to the international medical community through their clinical experience, research and expertise.
The Anniversary Academic Sessions also highlight the importance of research in advancing healthcare. The presentation and discussion of research findings encourage evidence-based practice and provide researchers with opportunities to establish new academic collaborations. Encouraging young physicians to engage in research and scholarship remains an important investment in the future of the profession.
News
Airmen who killed deer up a gum tree
Five Air Force personnel, including a junior officer, have been arrested for allegedly killing a deer in the Mattala area. Air Force headquarters confirmed the arrest of the group attached to the Mattala detachment.
According to Mattala Police, the Airmen allegedly shot the deer, within the premises of the Mattala Rajapaksa International Airport, and sold the meat to civilians in the area. Police have also arrested two civilians who allegedly bought the venison.
An Air Force vehicle, allegedly used to transport the meat, and a motorcycle used by the officer, have also been taken into police custody. Police have reportedly recovered the venison, a deer skull and firearms allegedly used in the shooting.
News
Rotary board for the year 2026-2027
President Chathuri Ranasinghe, and members of the Board are: Sriyantha Senaratne, Lasika Jayamaha, Shanta Gunaratne, Jayendra Pinidiyapathirag, Anjali Walisundara, Amjath Yusoof, Ranjini Goonetilleke, Asif Shukri Asoka Peiris, Justin Meegod Dayani Panagoda, Anthea Senaratne, Ariya Wcirema, Shewantha Rodrigo, Tusitha Kumarakulasinhm, Marshad Barry, Lucien Pereira, Haneekah Rahil, Dahara de Costa.
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