News
Stick to existing preventive measures instead of worrying about Omicron, says Prof. Malavige
By Ifham Nizam
Sri Lankans should not worry about the new COVID-19 variant Omicron but instead should continue with immunisation, and those already double jabbed should go for the booster dose, as that would certainly minimise fatalities and hospitilisations, says prominent Sri Lankan scientist. At the same time people should follow strict health guidelines recommended by the World Health Organisation as they were of vital importance, a world renowned academic said yesterday.
Professor Neelika Malavige, Head of the Department of Immunology and Molecular Medicine of the Sri Jayewardenepura University, responding to queries, at the Presidential Media Centre (PMC) organised Webnex, said according to the WHO and scientists worldwide, the new variant had been in existence for 30 days or so in several countries.
Prof. Malavige said there were no data anywhere about the new variant. “We know the spreading methods and what should be done,” she said, adding it would be difficult to stop a variant entering a country, but adopting preventive methods was the way out.
Health Ministry Secretary, Dr. S.H. Munasinghe said the government had spent to date (December 02) Rs. 113 billion for hospital needs/tests; medicine, research and vaccines.
He said the government’s expenses on importing COVID vaccines stood at Rs. 66.39 billion.
Responding to queries, the Health Secretary said the country was not in a position to go for another lockdown.
Deputy Director General of Health Services Dr. Hemantha Herath expressed concern about 700 newly infected people being reported a day.
The Indian Naval Ship (INS) Sahyadri which arrived at the Port of Colombo on a formal visit on 04 Apr 25, departed the island today (07 Apr). The Sri Lanka Navy bade customary farewell to the departing ship at the Port of Colombo, following naval traditions.
During the ship’s stay in Colombo, crew members of INS Sahyadri took part in several programmes organized by the Sri Lanka Navy, aimed at enhancing mutual cooperation. In addition, they also explored some tourist attractions in the country. Further, personnel of Sri Lanka Navy had the opportunity to visit INS Sahyadri, gaining insights into her operational capabilities.
Latest News
Advisory for severe lightning issued for Sabaragamuwa, Central and Uva provinces and in Hambanthota district
The Natural Hazards Early Warning Centre has issued an Advisory for Severe Lightning for the Sabaragamuwa, Central and Uva provinces and in Hambanthota district.
The advisory issued at 02.00 p.m. today [07 April 2025] is valid for the period until 11.00 p.m. 07 April 2025
The public are warned that thundershowers accompanied by severe lightning are likely to occur at several places in for Sabaragamuwa, Central and Uva provinces and in Hambantota district. There may be temporary localized strong winds during thundershowers. General public is kindly requested to take adequate precautions to minimize damages caused by lightning activity.
ACTION REQUIRED:
The Department of Meteorology advises that people should:
Seek shelter, preferably indoors and never under trees.
• Avoid open areas such as paddy fields, tea plantations and open water bodies during thunderstorms.
• Avoid using wired telephones and connected electric appliances during thunderstorms.
• Avoid using open vehicles, such as bicycles, tractors and boats etc.
• Beware of fallen trees and power lines.
• For emergency assistance contact the local disaster management authorities.
The report of the “Census of Population and Housing 2024,” conducted by the Department of Census and Statistics, was officially handed over to President Anura Kumara Disanayake this morning (07) at the Presidential Secretariat.
This preliminary report has been prepared based on island wide data collected between October and December 2024.
The report provides details on Sri Lanka’s population, its growth and the distribution of the population across districts.
The information gathered through the census is vital not only for the government but also for other institutions in formulating policies and development plans essential for the country’s progress. Significantly, for the first time in the history of census-collecting in Sri Lanka, data collection was carried out using tablet computers and user-friendly mobile devices.
The event was attended by Deputy Minister of Finance & Planning, Harshana Suriyapperuma, Secretary to the President Dr. Nandika Sanath Kumanayake, Secretary to the Ministry of Finance Mahinda Siriwardana, Director General of the Department of Census and Statistics D.D.G.A. Senevirathne and several other officials.
INS Sahyadri sets sail from Colombo
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Advisory for severe lightning issued for Sabaragamuwa, Central and Uva provinces and in Hambanthota district
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