News

Lanka hit by deadly African swine fever for the first time

Published

2 years ago

2024/11/2

Thilina Walpola

African swine fever

… possibly from illegally imported pork

By Rathindra Kuruwita

African swine fever has been reported for the first time among Sri Lankan pigs, hogs, and boars, according to Dr. K.K. Sarath, Director of the Western Province Animal Production and Health Department. He noted that thousands of pigs across the country had been dying in recent weeks. Initially, officials assumed that the cause was Porcine Reproductive and Respiratory Syndrome (PRRS).

“PRRS and African swine fever present with many similar symptoms. Since PRRS has been previously reported in Sri Lanka, we initially treated the animals for that disease, though we did not see the expected results. Reports from other parts of South Asia suggested that PRRS and African swine fever could spread concurrently among pigs, so we tested some of the deceased animals for African swine fever as well, and confirmed that a number had both diseases,” he said.

Dr. Sarath explained that fever and a loss of appetite are symptoms of both PRRS and African swine fever. However, the latter has an almost 100 percent mortality rate, unlike PRRS, which can be managed through vaccination and other methods. “There is currently no vaccine or medical means of controlling African swine fever,” he said.

As of earlier this week, African swine fever had been detected in four farms in the Western Province, located in Beruwala, Welisara, and Padukka, with additional cases reported from farms in the Uva, North Central, and North-Western provinces.

Dr. K.K. Sarath

“When pigs contract African swine fever, they carry a large viral load. The virus is present in their excreta, saliva, and other bodily fluids. Often, a farmer might not take immediate action if one or two animals die. If they leave the farm in boots or clothing that has caome into contact with these fluids, they can unknowingly spread the virus. For instance, if a lorry driver transporting animals comes into contact with the infected farmer, the virus can easily be carried from one area to another. This virus can survive at room temperature, allowing it to spread swiftly,” he explained.

The virus is only destroyed at temperatures exceeding 50°C. “Another scenario involves farmers slaughtering a pig carrying the virus but not yet showing symptoms. Meat from an infected animal, for example, could be transported from a farm in the Western Province to Anuradhapura, and the virus could spread through the meat, as it can remain viable in frozen meat for days,” he added.

According to the Director, there are approximately 70,000 pigs in the Western Province, of which around 5,000 had died by the fourth week of October. Symptoms of African swine fever appear within nine to 15 days of infection. “Pig farming is facing severe challenges. We had an export market for pork, but now we can’t export until the outbreak is under control,” he said.

Dr. Sarath stated that the first priority is to isolate infected animals. In some countries, infected animals are culled, but this would require compensation, with each pig valued at around 100,000 rupees. Thousands of people rely on pig farms for their livelihood. Consequently, pig movements and pork products are currently halted, bringing the industry to a standstill.

He also highlighted the risk of wild boars contracting the disease from infected village pigs, as these animals often come into villages in search of food. “This could lead to mutations in the virus,” he said.

Efforts are underway to investigate how African swine fever entered the country, as imports are only permitted from disease-free nations. “Legally imported meat should not have introduced the disease into the country,” he noted.

In December 2023, approximately 3,000 kilos of African swine fever-infected meat was found in cold storage in Welisara. This meat, imported without Health Department approval, was intended for the festive season. “I’m unable to confirm how the consignment was destroyed, as it falls outside my Department’s remit,” Dr. Sarath concluded.

All News Advertisement

News

Pakistan naval trio leaves Colombo after goodwill visit

Published

6 hours ago

2026/06/6

Priyan

Wrapping up their goodwill and replenishment visit, the Pakistan Navy ships ‘PNS Taimur’ and ‘PNS Aslat’, along with the submarine ‘PNS/M Hangor’, departed the island on 04 Jun 26. The naval units, which arrived in Sri Lanka on 01 June, were accorded a traditional naval send-off by the Sri Lanka Navy at the Port of Colombo, upon their departure.

During their stay, the Commanding Officers of Pakistan Navy ships and submarine called on the Commander Western Naval Area and the Flag Officer Commanding Naval Fleet at the Western Naval Command Headquarters, where discussions were held on several matters of mutual interest.

Meanwhile, Sri Lanka Navy personnel had the opportunity to visit the visiting Pakistan Navy ships and submarine. Furthermore, the crews of the visiting vessels explored the rich heritage of Sri Lanka, taking time to tour several culturally significant landmarks across the island.

News

China, Lanka intensify cooperation to fight cross-border crimes spreading across Asia and beyond

Published

11 hours ago

2026/06/6

Thilina Walpola

China and Sri Lanka have intensified joint law enforcement efforts to combat cross-border online gambling and telecom fraud, crimes that authorities warn are increasingly spreading across Asia and beyond.

The Chinese Embassy in Colombo said both countries are working closely to dismantle scam centres and fraud networks that have relocated to Sri Lanka from other parts of Southeast Asia. The Embassy noted that such operations often intertwine with human trafficking and other serious crimes, posing grave risks to public security and social stability.

China’s position on cross-border gambling remains firm: Chinese capital is prohibited from investing in overseas casinos, citizens are barred from operating them, and foreign casinos are forbidden from soliciting Chinese nationals. The Embassy stressed that gambling “almost invariably leads to financial ruin,” with tens of thousands of Chinese citizens suffering losses and harm. Recent amendments to China’s Criminal Law have criminalised cross-border gambling activities.

The Embassy pointed out that Sri Lankan authorities have carried out multiple raids in recent months, dismantling gambling and fraud dens and arresting suspects from several countries. Several Chinese nationals, involved in fraud-related crimes, have been handed over to Chinese authorities, producing what officials described as a strong deterrent effect.

The Chinese Embassy praised the efforts of Sri Lanka’s ministries of Foreign Affairs, Finance, and Public Security, particularly immigration and police officials, for their cooperation.

It warned that without firm and immediate measures, the spread of illegal gambling and fraud could damage Sri Lanka’s international image, undermine social stability, and harm the safety and security of its people.

China has already conducted similar law enforcement cooperation with countries including Spain, the UAE, Myanmar, and Cambodia, leading to arrests and repatriations of overseas fraud suspects. It has also proposed the creation of an international alliance against telecom and online fraud to coordinate global efforts, it said.

Going forward, China pledged to actively implement the Global Security Initiative and Global Civilization Initiative, while continuing to deepen law enforcement and security cooperation with Sri Lanka.

The Embassy said these efforts aim to safeguard lives and property, protect financial security, and build a “clean, safe, and beautiful Sri Lanka,” while contributing to a new global framework for combating transnational crime.

News

Asst. Manager, security officer arrested over Rs 30 mn snatch at Horana PB branch

Published

11 hours ago

2026/06/6

Thilina Walpola

An assistant manager and a security officer, attached to a state bank branch in Horana, have been arrested in connection with the robbery of more than Rs. 30 million that was being transported to replenish automated teller machines (ATMs), Police said.

The two suspects were taken into custody on Friday after statements were recorded from them regarding the incident, which occurred on Wednesday afternoon at the Horana branch of the People’s Bank.

According to Police, a bank employee was carrying two bags containing cash through the rear entrance of the bank at around 2.45 p.m. when an individual, who had arrived on foot, allegedly snatched the bags and fled the scene.

The stolen money, amounting to approximately Rs. 30.5 million, had been prepared for distribution to ATM machines and transportation to other bank branches. Earlier reports had estimated the loss at around Rs. 35 million.

Investigators subsequently arrested a suspect believed to have been directly involved in the robbery and recovered Rs. 17 million of the stolen cash.

Police have not disclosed the exact circumstances that led to the arrest of the assistant manager and security officer but said investigations uncovered information linking them to the incident.

The Western Province North Crime Division is conducting further investigations to determine whether additional suspects were involved and to recover the remaining stolen money.

The daring daylight robbery has raised concerns over security procedures employed during transportation of large sums of cash to/from banking institutions.Further investigations are continuing.

by Norman Palihawadane