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Dengue challenge in Galle
By Lalith Chaminda and S.K. Kaluarachchi Director of Karapitiya National Hospital, Specialist Dr. S.D.U.M. Ranga, has revealed that approximately 74 members of the hospital staff have contracted dengue fever over the past month.He said that doctors, nurses, and junior staff members who fell ill with dengue were treated at the hospital itself.
He noted that the infections were likely contracted within the hospital premises. In response, the Galle Municipal Council, the Galle Medical Officer of Health, and the hospital staff have collaborated to implement dengue eradication programmes within the hospital.
While no very recent cases had been reported among staff, the director explained that the onset of the rainy season has exacerbated the spread of the disease, making it difficult to control.
Dr Venura K. Singarachchi, the Regional Epidemiologist for the Galle District, reported that 162 suspected dengue cases have been recorded in the district over the past three weeks. Compared to the same period last year, there has been a notable rise in the number of cases.
He also confirmed that 26 suspected dengue cases have been reported from the Galle Medical Officer of Health area, 20 from the Bope-Poddala MOH area, and 17 from the Akmeemana MOH area during the past three weeks.
He added that the rainy season has significantly increased the spread of dengue and announced that special eradication programmes are planned for the coming week in these MOH divisions.
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“Improve the quality of infrastructure and services provided to tourists visiting the country.” – President
President Anura Kumara Disanayake emphasized the necessity of providing high-quality infrastructure and services for tourists visiting Sri Lanka, as the country has gained significant international recognition as an attractive tourist destination.
Accordingly, the President instructed officials to pay special attention to this matter and take necessary actions.
President Disanayake issued these instructions during a discussion held today (17) at the Presidential Secretariat with officials from the Ministry of Tourism.
During the discussion, officials briefed the President on the budgetary allocations designated for the Ministry of Tourism and the projects being implemented under those funds.
With the tourism sector taking a new step forward, Sri Lanka aims to attract three million tourists this year. The discussion also extensively covered the utilization of these budgetary allocations for the development of essential infrastructure to support this goal.
Minister of Foreign Affairs, Tourism and Foreign Employment Vijitha Herath, Deputy Minister of Tourism Dr. Ruwan Ranasinghe, Secretary to the President Dr. Nandika Sanath Kumanayake, Senior Additional Secretary to the President Roshan Gamage, Secretary to the Ministry of Foreign Affairs, Foreign Employment and Tourism Aruni Ranaraja, along with a group of senior officials from the Ministry of Tourism, attended this discussion.
The French Navy Ship PROVENCE arrived at the Port of Colombo on a formal visit on Sunday (16 Mar 25) morning.
She was welcomed by the Sri Lanka Navy in compliance with the time-honoured naval traditions.
The 142.20m long Destroyer is Commanded by Captain Lionel SIEGFRIED and manned by a crew of 160 members.
During the stay in the island, crew members of PROVENCE will visit some tourist hotspots in the country and the ship is scheduled to depart the island on 20 Mar.
The Court of Appeal this [17] morning dismissed the writ petition filed by former Inspector General of Police (IGP) Deshabandu Tennakoon, seeking an interim injunction to prevent the execution of the arrest order issued by the Matara Magistrate’s Court against him.
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“Improve the quality of infrastructure and services provided to tourists visiting the country.” – President
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