News
DDGHS: Only 100,000 Lankans have taken fourth jab
By Sujeewa Thathsara and Pradeep Prasanna Samarakoon
Only 100,000 people had taken the fourth dose of the COVID-19 vaccine, Deputy Director-General of Health Services Dr. Hemantha Herath told journalists in Colombo.Dr. Herath said that more people had to be vaccinated to ensure that COVID would not spiral out of control.
“A person who has taken the first jab must follow instructions and get the other three jabs. Most people have taken the first two jabs, but the interest in taking the boosters have been low,” he said.
People should remain vigilant and follow health guidelines because number of religious events are being held now, he said.Dr. Herath warned COVID-19 cases could surge again if people continued to violate health guidelines.
He added that even among young people under 30, there was a small minority with chronic diseases or non-communicable diseases. They were at risk of developing complications, he said.
“That is why we should try to limit the spread of COVID. People now know a lot about the virus; how it spreads and what needs to be done to minimize its spreads. The first thing is to follow health guidelines, the second is to get vaccinated and the third is to self-isolate if you get the virus. If these three are done, there won’t be a great rise in hospitalizations. As long as the health sector can handle the caseload, we will be fine,” he said.
Sri Lankans were taking less precautions about COVID in general, although the government had brought back mask mandates, he said.
“The numbers may be lower compared to 2021, but it does not mean that the threat is gone,” he said.
Dr. Herath also warned people to follow health guidelines like mask wearing, washing hands and maintaining social distance in everyday life.
Latest News
President and Attorney General discuss controversial legal proceedings
President Anura Kumara Disanayake held a discussion with the Attorney General and officials from the Attorney General’s Department at the Presidential Secretariat today (06).
During the discussion, the President emphasized the importance of coordinated efforts among all institutions working towards the effective enforcement of the law.
President Disanayake also highlighted the critical responsibility of the Attorney General’s Department to restore public confidence in the judicial system. He further stressed that public perception regarding political interference must be transformed to ensure trust in the legal process.
The President reiterated the government’s commitment to avoiding any actions that could erode public expectations. He assured that efforts are being made to re-establish confidence in the justice system and restore the principles of fairness and equity in the eyes of the people.
The meeting was attended by Minister of Justice and National Integration Harshana Nanayakkara, Secretary to the Ministry of Public Security Ravi Seneviratne, Attorney General Parinda Ranasinghe PC, along with several officials from the Attorney General’s Department.
Latest News
Narcotics and prescription drugs valued over Rs. 28158 million seized during naval operations in 2024
The Navy’s operations in 2024 yielded impressive results, bringing to justice 407 persons, both local and foreign, involved in a wide array of illegal acts such as smuggling of narcotics, prescription drugs, and contraband as well as apprehending those involved in human smuggling. These operations were conducted in close coordination with law enforcement agencies and maritime partners in the region. Meanwhile, the gross street value of narcotics and prescription drugs seized in these operations has been valued at over Rs. 28158 million.
The Sri Lanka Navy consistently carries out operations in partnership with regional maritime partners, to address an assortment of illicit activities, including drug trafficking, within the ocean region.
The Navy has collaborated closely with the Sri Lanka Police, Police Narcotic Bureau, Police STF, Excise Department and other law enforcement agencies as well as the Indian Navy and Maldivian Coast Guard, actively sharing information during these operations. In such operations conducted in 2024, significant quantities of illicit substances were seized, including more than 622kg of heroin worth [street value] over Rs. 15554 million , more than 1211kg of Crystal Methamphetamine (ICE) worth over Rs. 11508 million, more than 1752kg of Kerala cannabis worth over Rs. 700 million, more than 119kg of local cannabis worth over Rs. 23 million and 1,179,746 prescription drugs worth over Rs. 373 million. In addition, based on information by the Navy, the Police and Police STF destroyed 107626 plants of local cannabis.
Additionally, 21 local fishing boats along with 230 individuals suspected of involvement in drug trafficking have been apprehended and produced for onward legal action. Accordingly, the gross street value of narcotics and prescription drugs held in the operations in the past year has been valued at over Rs. 28158 million.
Also, the Navy has apprehended 02 suspects attempting to illegally sell 226 bottles of liquor as well as 234670 illegal cigarettes, 972 aphrodisiacs (madana modaka) drug pills and 52 suspects in connection to those illegal acts. Moreover, 11 elephant pearls and over 04kg of gold, made ready to be smuggled from the country, with 14 suspects were held as part of the naval operations in the year 2024. Apart from that, the Navy intercepted a craft with 05 individuals, for smuggling wild animals, through island waters.
The Navy also seized over 65687kg of smuggled Tendu leaves, more than 7272kg of dried turmeric, over 368kg of ginger, 8330 bottles and 56786 packets of agrochemical, 727 cosmetic products and apprehended 81 Sri Lankan nationals, 03 Indian nationals and an Indian dhow in the past year. Preventive of human smuggling and illegal migration efforts, the Navy held 01 boat from India and 20 persons for their involvement in human smuggling. Upon being held, they were handed over to authorities for legal proceedings.
As part of the “Clean Sri Lanka” national initiative, the Sri Lanka Navy has strategized its operations for 2025, aiming to combat illegal activities, including drug trafficking in the country’s maritime zones, promote maritime stability, and support the realization of Sri Lanka’s national maritime aspirations.
[Navy Media]
Latest News
A new Chairman and Members appointed to Official Languages Commission
President Anura Kumara Disanayake has appointed Mr. Nimal R. Ranawaka as the new Chairman of the Official Languages Commission.
The other members of the commission include Professor R.M.W. Rajapaksha, Professor Stanislaus Joseph Yogarajah, and Ms. Lareena Abdul Haq.
The appointment letters were presented today (06) at the Presidential Secretariat by the Secretary to the President, Dr. Nandika Sanath Kumanayake.
-
Features7 days ago
The recovery has begun
-
Features6 days ago
AKD faces challenging year ahead
-
Editorial7 days ago
Bashing bureaucrats
-
Editorial6 days ago
A kiri-kekiri issue
-
Sports6 days ago
St. Sebastian’s dominate at Bambalapitiya
-
News7 days ago
FM circular violated, Rs. 4 bn paid to CPC workers
-
Features5 days ago
They, too, had a ball …Down Under
-
News3 days ago
Reshuffle of senior cops on the cards