News
DDGH tight-lipped on real situation
By Rathindra Kuruwita
Deputy Director General of Health Services, Dr. Hemantha Herath yesterday told the media that he might not be allowed to speak to the media again if he spoke candidly about the trajectory of the pandemic in the coming days.
Dr. Herath made this statement when a journalist asked him to comment candidly on the situation Sri Lankans would face in the coming days.
“There are a lot of new cases. More people come with symptoms and the percentage of those who need oxygen too has increased. I urge the citizens to follow good health practices and not expect the health officials alone to solve this,” Dr. Herath said.
He added that there were 224 COVID treatment centres, with over 35,000 beds. Already 32,317 beds were in use.
Meanwhile, Director of the Lady Ridgeway Hospital, G. Wijesuriya said that they admitted about 25 children with COVID a day.
“If your kids show signs of COVID like fever, coughing, difficulties in breathing, lack of appetite, etc., please seek medical advice. Don’t try to treat it at home. Take them to a government hospital,” he said.
President of the College of Medical Laboratory Science (CMLS), Ravi Kumudesh told The Island that the Delta variant was worsening the pandemic situation and that neither the government nor the people should let their guard down just because the vaccination process had picked up.
Kumudesh said that they had warned in early July that a new wave would emerge within four weeks, if the Health Ministry had not increased PCR testing and gene sequencing. By July the collection of samples, even at hospitals, had dropped significantly. There was also no attempt to test potential hotspots and preempt any outbreaks, Kumudesh said. Therefore, the data issued by the Ministry did not reflect the ground reality.
“We saw similar developments in late March – early April. But we again end up making the wrong decisions. We said it was highly likely that we would see a new outbreak in about four weeks and here we are. Not only us, but anyone who understands what is going on made the same prediction. The people must get vaccinated and take precautions.”
Latest News
IMF Executive Board approves US$206 Million in Emergency Financial Support for Sri Lanka
The IMF Executive Board approved emergency financing under the Rapid Financing Instrument (RFI), providing Sri Lanka with immediate access to SDR 150.5 million (about US$206 million,
equivalent to 26 percent of quota) to help Sri Lanka address the urgent needs arising from the catastrophic Cyclone Ditwah and preserve macroeconomic stability.
In response to severe weather impacts, the Sri Lanka Navy conducted a diving and technical assistance operation on Friday (19 Dec 25) to clear major debris obstructing vital infrastructure.
Heavy rainfall caused a significant rise in the water level of the Mahaweli River, washed large quantities of debris, including logs and bamboo, downstream. These remain lodged in the Diyakapanathota in Gatambe, Peradeniya and Lewella bridges, obstructing the smooth flow of water.
Acting promptly upon request, a Navy diving team executed a coordinated operation in collaboration with the Road Development Authority. The team removed the accumulated debris, restoring normal water flow through the bridges.
Latest News
Landslide early warnings issued to the districts of Badulla, Kandy, Kurunegala, Matale and Nuwara-Eliya extended till 8AM on Sunday (21)
The Landslide Early Warning Centre of the National Building Research Organization (NBRO) has extended the Landslide Early Warning issued to the districts of Badulla, Kandy, Kurunegala, Matale and Nuwara-Eliya till 08:00AM on Sunday (21st December 2025)
The LEVEL III RED landslide early warnings issued to the Divisional Secetaries Divisions and surrounding areas of Medadumbara, Doluwa, Ududumbara and Minipe in the Kandy district, and Nildandahinna, Hanguranketha, Mathurata and
Walapane have been extended.
LEVEL II AMBER landslide early warnings have also been issued to the Divisional Secetaries Divisions and surrounding areas of Soranathota, Hali_Ela, Passara, Meegahakivula, Badulla, Lunugala and Kandeketiya in the Badulla district, Thumpane, Harispattuwa, Udapalatha, Kundasale, Akurana, Poojapitiya, Udunuwara, Pathadumbara, Pasbage Korale, Gangawata Korale, Hatharaliyadda, Yatinuwara, Ganga Ihala Korale, Panvila, Pathahewaheta and Deltota in the Kandy district, Rideegama in the Kurunegala district, Ukuwela, Naula, Matale, Ambanganga Korale, Rattota, Pallepola, Wilgamuwa, Yatawatta and Laggala Pallegama in the Matale district, and Nuwara-Eliya in the Nuwara-Eliya district.
LEVEL I YELLOW landslide early warnings have been issued to the Divisional Secetaries Divisions and surrounding areas of Uva Paranagama, Welimada, Haputhale, Haldummulla, Ella and
Bandarawela in the Badulla district, Alawwa, Mallawapitiya,
Polgahawela and Mawathagama in the Kurunegala district, and Kothmale East, Ambagamuwa Korale, Kothmale West, Thalawakele and Norwood in the Nuwara-Eliya district.
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IMF Executive Board approves US$206 Million in Emergency Financial Support for Sri Lanka
Navy clears major bridge obstructions in Peradeniya and Lewella
Landslide early warnings issued to the districts of Badulla, Kandy, Kurunegala, Matale and Nuwara-Eliya extended till 8AM on Sunday (21)
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