News
Dr. Hamdani reports significant drop in new cases
By Rathindra Kuruwita
The lockdown has had a positive impact on COVID control, Medical Technical Services Director Dr. Anwar Hamdani said yesterday. He said that a few weeks back close to 5,000 new cases had been reported daily, but now the number had dropped to below 3,000.
“You can imagine the impact 5,000 new cases a day was having on the health sector capacity. Now, we have to think of keeping this trend going. It’s easy to hit the target, but we need the cooperation of all to maintain the gains we have made,” he said.
Dr. Hamdani said in Sri Lanka, both public and private sector, had 39,322 beds to treat COVID-19 patients in 264 centres. 70% of these beds were now full, but not too long ago 97% of those beds were occupied, he said.
“A few weeks ago, there were 1,040 patients who needed oxygen, now that number has dropped to 802. However, we must not think that the trend will continue if we stop all the measures we are taking now. If people start taking precautions, we can maintain this,” he said.
Dr. Hamdani said that although the number of tests conducted had dropped, those who were suspected to have COVID-19 and those in high-risk areas were being tested. Even in developed nations testing had been reduced, he said.
“We have to make use of the resources available in the optimal manner. We have a successful vaccination drive going, we must identify people and we have to treat them. Before vaccines arrived, we could deploy more people for testing but now things have changed. We are making all these decisions based on science,” he said.
Commenting on the number of deaths due to COVID, Dr. Hamdani said that the positive effect of the lockdown was still not reflected in the death tally. Usually, a person who dies from COVID-19 passes away after a few weeks in hospital, he said.
“In a few weeks the number of deaths will drop and with vaccinations increasing, the number of deaths will further decrease as time goes by,” he said.
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
Belgian prince loses bid for benefits on top of £300k royal allowance
Advisory for severe lightning issued for Sabaragamuwa, Central and Uva provinces and in Hambanthota district
-
Business20 hours agoColombo Coffee wins coveted management awards
-
Features2 days agoStarlink in the Global South
-
Business3 days agoDaraz Sri Lanka ushers in the New Year with 4.4 Avurudu Wasi Pro Max – Sri Lanka’s biggest online Avurudu sale
-
Business4 days agoStrengthening SDG integration into provincial planning and development process
-
Business3 days agoNew SL Sovereign Bonds win foreign investor confidence
-
Sports5 days agoTo play or not to play is Richmond’s decision
-
Features2 days agoModi’s Sri Lanka Sojourn
-
Sports4 days agoNew Zealand under 85kg rugby team set for historic tour of Sri Lanka