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Docs urge public to get jabbed as Covid spreads fast

Published

3 years ago

2022/02/7

By Chaminda Silva

Warning that the omicron variant of coronavirus was spreading rapidly in the country, medical professionals have urged the public to get vaccinated.College of Internal Medicine President and Colombo National Hospital (NHSL) Physician Dr Harsha Satischandra said that there were 325 COVID-19 patients receiving treatment at the NHSL and of them 75 patients were on oxygen support.

Dr. Satischandra said that the majority of patients dependent on intensive care were not fully vaccinated; they had received either one or two doses each.”Sri Lanka has 2.8 million persons over 60 years. Of them, only 1.5 million have received the booster dose. That is 1.3 million persons over 60 years are not fully vaccinated,” Dr Satischandra said.

Sri Lanka Medical Association, Vice President and paediatrician, Dr Surantha Perera said that measures like a lockdown or closing of schools were not practical and it was the vaccine that helped control the spread of COVID-19 effectively. He said that there was a drop in the number of persons in the 16-19 age group getting vaccinated. “This could be due to the ongoing A/L examinations. However, students can get vaccinated after the examination. It was with great difficulty that we reopened schools.”

Dr Perera said that 1.3 million persons between 16 to 19 years had received the first dose of a COVID-19 vaccine and administration of the second dose for this age group had begun. Discussions were also being held on the second dose for children between 12 and 15 years.

Medical Research Institute Consultant Immunologist Dr Rajiva de Silva said that protection provided by COVID-19 vaccines against the BA.1 and BA.2 sub-lineages of Omicron were the same.”Omicron has divided into BA.1 and BA.2. BA.2, which has been detected in the country as well as other countries, is 50% more transmissible than BA.1. However, it is said that BA.2 is not as severe as BA.1,” Dr de Silva said.

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Severe traffic reported on Ella-Wellawaya road due to inclement weather

Published

10 hours ago

2025/04/16

Priyan

Police urge motorists who intend to use the Ella – Wellawaya Road to use alternative roads as there is a severe vehicle congestion due to inclement weather condition.

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We should start working collectively to rebuild the country -PM

Published

13 hours ago

2025/04/16

Priyan

The oil anointing ceremony for the Sinhala and Tamil New Year was held on April 16 at the historic Rajamaha Viharaya in Kolonnawa, with the participation of Prime Minister Dr. Harini Amarasuriya.

Following the chanting of pirith, the oil anointing ritual was carried out at the auspicious time of 9:04 a.m., by the Chief Incumbent of the temple, Venerable Kolonnawa Dhammika Thero.

Speaking after the ceremony the Prime Minister said that:

“The Sinhala and Tamil New Year is one of the most important festivities in our country. It is a celebration with our families, reflecting our traditions and customs while strengthening the ties.

This festival leads the path for renewing unity, love, and bonds stronger. These values enrich a country. Development of a country is not limited by one-dimensional; a true development includes spirituality, relationships, and connections. The reason why we uphold these customs in such ceremonies is to remind ourselves of the significance and to pass on their value to future generations.

Therefore, today marks a significant day. Throughout this week, we came together and engaged in various activities. Followed by, the next event will mark the leaving for employment at the auspicious time and we should start working collectively to rebuild the country.

I wish everyone a New Year that is prosperous, peaceful, joyful, full of strengthened relationships, and most importantly, safe for all.”

The ceremony was graced by the presence of the Maha Sangha, and attended by the Deputy Minister of Youth Affairs Eranga Gunasekara, Divisional Secretary to Kolonnawa Priyanath Perera, Municipal Secretary Nelum Kumari Gamage, and the residents of the area.

[Prime Minister’s Media Division]

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Heat Index at ‘Caution Level’ at some places in Northern, North-central, North-western, Western, Southern and Eastern provinces and in Rathnapura and Monaragala districts today [16]

Published

21 hours ago

2025/04/16

Priyan

Warm Weather Advisory Issued by the Natural Hazards Early Warning Centre of the Department of Meteorology for 16 April 2025

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

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 table below 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.