News

Pavitra at last finalises covid-19 gazette

Published

5 years ago

2020/10/16

New spokesman appointed, other officials told not to deal with media; Brandix cluster 1,770

The Government Medical Officers’ Association (GMOA) yesterday (15) discussed with Health Ministry Pavithra Wanniarachchi ways and means of bringing the Minuwangoda Covid-19 cluster under control.

Health sources said that 13 Brandix workers were among 49 more persons who tested positive yesterday. Sources said the others were relatives, friends and associates of Brandix workers attached to their apparel manufacturing facility. With yesterday’s cases, the total number of covid-19 patients rose to 1,770.

The government has ordered the closure of all cinemas till Oct 31 as Minister Wanniarachchi approved the issuance of new gazette to curb the resurgence of Covid-19. In terms of the new gazette, a person found guilty of violating rules and regulations can be fined up to Rs 10,000 or sentenced to six months imprisonment or made to undergo both. Besides, those entering work places should always wear masks, maintain one-meter distance between two persons, temperature tests should be conducted on workers before they enter workplaces, sufficient facilities and sanitizers should be made available, registers of all persons entering work places should be maintained.

Meanwhile, Director General of Health Services Dr. S. Sridharan has advised Provincial Directors and Regional Directors of Health Services and Directors/Medical superintendents of hospitals on how they should deal with print, electronic and social media. Dr. Sridharan said that Chief Epidemiologist Dr. Sudath Samaraweera would function as the official spokesman and others should refrain from talking to the media. (SF)

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Heat Index at Caution level’ in the Northern, North-central, North-western, Western and Southern provinces and in Trincomalee district.

Published

11 hours ago

2026/04/13

Priyan

Warm Weather Advisory
Issued by the Natural Hazards Early Warning Centre
Issued at 3.30 p.m. on 12 April 2026, valid for 13 April 2026.

Heat index, the temperature felt on human body is likely to increase up to ‘Caution level’ at some places in the Northern, North-central, North-western, Western and Southern provinces and in Trincomalee district.

The Heat Index Forecast is calculated by using relative humidity and maximum temperature and this is the condition that is felt on your body. This is not the forecast of maximum temperature. It is generated by the Department of Meteorology for the next day period and prepared by using global numerical weather prediction model data.

Effect of the heat index on human body is mentioned in the above table and it is prepared on the advice of the Ministry of Health and Indigenous Medical Services.

ACTION REQUIRED
Job sites: Stay hydrated and takes breaks in the shade as often as possible.
Indoors: Check up on the elderly and the sick.
Vehicles: Never leave children unattended.
Outdoors: Limit strenuous outdoor activities, find shade and stay hydrated.
Dress: Wear lightweight and white or light-colored clothing.

Note:
In addition, please refer to advisories issued by the Disaster Preparedness & Response Division, Ministry of Health in this regard as well. For further clarifications please contact 011-7446491.

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Sun directly overhead Pesalai, Mankulam and Nedunkerny about 12:11 noon

Published

12 hours ago

2026/04/13

Priyan

On the apparent northward relative motion of the sun, it is going to be directly over the latitudes of Sri Lanka from 05th to 15th of April in this year.

The nearest areas of Sri Lanka over which the sun is overhead today (13th) are Pesalai, Mankulam and Nedunkerny about 12:11 noon.