News
Vaccination of undergrads going at snail’s pace
By Rathindra Kuruwita
The vaccination of undergraduates was taking place at a slow pace, Deputy Director General of Health Services, Dr. Hemantha Herath complained yesterday.
Dr. Herath told The Island that it was similar to what health officials faced when vaccinating those between 20 and 30 years.
“The vaccination of undergraduates is slow. They seem to be trying to choose vaccines. What people must realise is that all WHO approved vaccines work well and that vaccines like Pfizer are not manufactured in adequate numbers,” he said.
The DDGHS said that only around 400,000 people had been vaccinated with Pfizer. The supply was so limited that it was hard to procure US made vaccines, he said.
“It’s hard to even buy these vaccines. Even some western countries are not getting the stocks they ordered some time ago. Therefore, we are using them only for selected groups,” he said.
Dr. Herath hoped that university administration and other officials would educate students about the efficacy of the vaccines and dispel common myths. Inoculating students was vital to recommence the universities, he said.
“Get the vaccines as soon as possible. Otherwise, universities will be hotspots for COVID. Unless everyone is vaccinated, places like university hostels will become breeding grounds for the virus. These are the smartest youth of the country, they must think rationally,” he said.
President To Lam, President of the Socialist Republic of Vietnam, General Secretary of the Central Committee of the Communist Party of Vietnam, accompanied by a delegation of 209 members arrived in Sri Lanka on Thursday (07) night on a state visit.
It has been reported quoting the Police, that former Chief Executive Officer (CEO) of SriLankan Airlines, Kapila Chandrasena, has been found dead under suspicious circumstances at a residence in Colpetty.
Latest News
Heat index likely to increase up to ‘Caution level’ in the Sabaragamuwa, Northern, North-central, North-western, Eastern provinces and in Hambantota and Monaragala districts during the daytime
Warm Weather Advisory
Issued by the Natural Hazards Early Warning Centre
Issued at 3.30 p.m. on 07 May 2026, valid for 08 May 2026.
The Heat index, the temperature felt on the human body is likely to increase up to ‘Caution level’ at some places in the Sabaragamuwa, Northern, North-central, North-western, Eastern provinces and in Hambantota and Monaragala districts during the daytime.
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.
President of the Socialist Republic of Vietnam arrives in Sri Lanka on State Visit
Former SriLankan Aorlines CEO Kapila Chandrasena found dead
Fast bowling riches in focus as Bangladesh and Pakistan switch to Test mode
Iran says it attacked US Navy ships after they targeted Iranian tanker
Heat index likely to increase up to ‘Caution level’ in the Sabaragamuwa, Northern, North-central, North-western, Eastern provinces and in Hambantota and Monaragala districts during the daytime
Showers above 100 mm are likely at some places in the Western, Sabaragamuwa, Central, Uva, North-western provinces and in Galle and Matara districts.
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