Health authorities on alert as influenza cases rise

Influenza cases have increased across Sri Lanka over the past three to four weeks, prompting health authorities to urge the public to take precautions against the spread of the viral respiratory illness.

Chief Epidemiologist Dr. Palitha Karunapema said last Wedensday that surveillance systems had detected a noticeable increase in influenza cases in recent weeks.

Speaking at a media briefing at the Health Promotion Bureau, he said influenza commonly causes fever, cough, cold, sore throat and body aches.

Most patients recover within three to four days with appropriate treatment and without serious complications, Dr. Karunapema said.

However, he warned that pregnant women, young children, elderly people and those suffering from non-communicable diseases such as diabetes, heart disease and kidney disease face a greater risk of developing severe illness.

People experiencing symptoms have been advised to seek medical attention at a government hospital or from their nearest healthcare provider.

Dr. Karunapema said influenza spreads mainly through respiratory droplets released when infected people cough or sneeze, but can also spread through contaminated surfaces.

Schoolchildren and working adults who develop symptoms have been advised to stay home for several days, rest adequately and avoid spreading the virus to others.

Rubies and other precious stones from Sri Lanka are among the extraordinary treasures discovered more than a century ago in London’s famous Cheapside Hoard, which is set to go on permanent display next month at the London Museum’s new Goldsmiths’ Gallery.

The hoard, comprising nearly 500 jewels and precious objects, was accidentally discovered in 1912 when a workman’s pickaxe broke through the floor of a cellar at 30–32 Cheapside, near St Paul’s Cathedral, said a news report published by the Noosa Today.

The cellar had reportedly remained unopened for nearly 300 years. The discovery included sapphires, spinels, diamonds and rubies from India and Sri Lanka, an emerald-set gold watch made with a large Colombian emerald,

nephrite jade from China, Persian turquoise, pearls and opals.Among the more unusual pieces is an antique gem depicting the head of a Ptolemaic queen, carved in Egypt in the second or first century BC.

The collection, known as the Cheapside Hoard, consists largely of Elizabethan and Jacobean jewellery and is regarded as one of the most important discoveries of its kind.

Its story and the significance of the jewellery to international trade will be discussed by art curator and lecturer Amanda Herries at an ArtsNational Noosa meeting in Australia on October 24.

Herries studied archaeology and anthropology at Cambridge University and was a curator at the London Museum from 1978 to 1988.

The hoard was discovered during the demolition of adjoining buildings. Some of the jewels were initially taken by workers, but antiquities dealer George Fabian Lawrence, known as “Stony Jack”, acquired many of the pieces and helped preserve the collection.

The circumstances of the burial remain uncertain, although scholars believe the jewellery was deliberately hidden by someone intending to recover it later.

Researchers have also found evidence suggesting that many pearls originally set in the jewellery had disappeared after the container deteriorated and the contents became embedded in the surrounding soil.

Sri Lankan racing driver Yevan David has signed with Van Amersfoort Racing (VAR) for the 2027 FIA Formula 3 Championship, securing a second consecutive season on the grid.

The 19-year-old said joining VAR was the right step in his career, praising the team’s experience, leadership and competitive approach.

VAR Team Principal Brad Joyce welcomed David to the team, highlighting his potential and performance at Silverstone.

Joyce said the team hoped to build on David’s experience and work towards stronger results during the 2027 season.