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Ex-Health Minister slams LGBTIQ tourism project
Former Health Minister Dr. Channa Jayasumana has urged the government to suspend a recently endorsed project by Sri Lanka Tourism to promote LGBTIQ tourism, warning that it could compromise the country’s cultural integrity, public health, and international image.
In a letter addressed to President Anura Kumara Dissanayake, Dr. Jayasumana said that while he respects the dignity and personal orientation of all individuals, the implications of the initiative had not been adequately considered.
He argued that Sri Lanka’s national identity, shaped over two millennia by Buddhist values and enriched by Hindu, Christian, and Islamic traditions, should guide state policy. “Tourism is not merely an economic activity—it is also a reflection of our nation’s image and identity in the eyes of the world,” he said, cautioning that compromising cultural and religious foundations for short-term economic gain could weaken trust in national leadership and foster social division.
Raising health concerns, Dr. Jayasumana pointed to an “alarming upward trend” in HIV cases among youth, with reported cases in the 15–24 age group rising from 13 in 2010 to more than 100 annually by 2023 and 2024. He warned that expanding tourism “linked with sexuality without safeguards” risked accelerating transmission and undermining Sri Lanka’s low-prevalence status.
He said that the country’s health system was already burdened by non-communicable diseases such as diabetes, hypertension, and cancer, as well as under-resourced mental health services. Introducing a new tourism niche associated with higher risks of HIV, substance use, and mental health pressures, he said, could stretch resources beyond sustainability.
Highlighting Sri Lanka’s international recognition for eliminating mother-to-child transmission of HIV and syphilis, and for pandemic management, Dr. Jayasumana cautioned that poorly regulated tourism branding could tarnish the nation’s reputation as a safe destination.
Calling for the immediate suspension of the initiative, the former Minister urged the government to redirect tourism promotion towards wellness, traditional medicine, eco-tourism, heritage, and spirituality. He further questioned whether the move was part of “a coordinated project of promoting adolescent sex by certain Cabinet Ministers.”
“Tourism should enrich Sri Lanka and strengthen its identity, not compromise its health security, cultural integrity, or global image,” he said.
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Heat Index at Caution Level in the Northern, North-central, North-western, Western and Southern provinces and in Trincomalee district.
Warm Weather Advisory
Issued by the Natural Hazards Early Warning Centre
Issued at 3.30 p.m. on 13 April 2026, valid for 14 April 2026.
The 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.
Latest News
Heat Index at Caution level’ in the Northern, North-central, North-western, Western and Southern provinces and in Trincomalee district.
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.
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.
Heat Index at Caution Level in the Northern, North-central, North-western, Western and Southern provinces and in Trincomalee district.
Showers or thundershowers will occur at most places of the island after 1.00 pm
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Heat Index at Caution level’ in the Northern, North-central, North-western, Western and Southern provinces and in Trincomalee district.
Showers above 75 mm are likely at some places in the Western, Sabaragamuwa, Central, Southern and North-western provinces.
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