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Health authorities fear spike in cases as Omicron spread accelerates

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ECONOMYNEXT – With community spread of the Omicron variant showing some acceleration, Sri Lanka’s health authorities fear a spike in daily COVID-19 cases in mid January, as officials warn that “irresponsible behaviour” could lead to severe consequences.

The last four weeks saw over 50 cases of Omicron detected in the island nation across a number of districts, prompting the authorities to declare community spread.

Deputy Director General of Health Services Dr Hemantha Herath has called for strict adherence to COVID-19 safety protocols and precautions.

“Omicron is in the community. If the spreadis accelerated, Sri Lanka will see its cases numbers rise the way they did in Europe,” Herath told reporters on Wednesday (05).

According to the World Health Organisation (WHO), consistent evidence shows that the Omicron variant has a growth advantage over the Delta variant with a doubling time of two to three days. Rapid increases in the incidence of cases can be seen in a number of countries, including those where the variant has become the dominant SARS-CoV-2 variant, such as the United Kingdom and the United States of America.

“Irresponsible behaviour on the part of the public can increase the severity of the situation,” said Herath.

“No one can be forced to take the vaccine. But if there is no support from the public, who will end up facing the consequences? If the country goes back to a lockdown situation, the economic hit will be more severe than it is now,” he said.

Public Health Inspectors (PHI) Union Chairman Upul Rohana said on Tuesday (04) that Omicron cases were detected in multiple districts in the first week of the new year.

“It’s only been one week into the new year and we have identified Omicron patients from all over the country. The variant is clearly spreading island wide at an accelerated pace,” said Rohana.

“In the next two weeks many will contract the variant,” he warned.

The union leader said a majority of the Omicron patients so far have not been vaccinated, have only taken one dose of a vaccine, or have not taken the booster dose even where they were eligible for the shot.

“We urge the public not to postpone vaccination. Get your jab at the right time,” he said.

Meanwhile, the Association of Medical Specialists raised concern over the availability of medical facilities in the event of a rise in cases given the spread of Omicron.

The association said with more medical personnel being infected with the virus, the virus can further affect Sri Lanka’s health care system.

Blaming Sri Lanka’s devastating third wave on disregard for health protocols in April 2021, the association said history can repeat itself with shops and bars being packed with people on December 31 as COVID-19 restrictions were further relaxed by the government.

With only a 25 percent or 4.14 million receiving the booster shot so far, the association said Sri Lanka’s health authorities must insist on health protocols being strictly followed.



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Government focuses on developing a unique Food Security Index for Sri Lanka

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The government is currently prioritizing the development of a country-specific Food Security Index, with the goal of completing the initiative within the next three months.

This tailored index is expected to better reflect Sri Lanka’s unique food security landscape, addressing the limitations of global indices such as the Global Food Security Index (GFSI), which have been criticized for failing to capture the nuances of the local context. Policymakers have also noted that existing data is often insufficient or imprecise, making it challenging to develop effective strategies.

The proposed index aims to identify key national priorities and guide food security policy over the next five years.

As a first step in this effort, a workshop titled “Identifying a Suitable Food Security Index for Sri Lanka and Formulating a Strategic Plan” was held on  Tuesday (17) at the Colombo City Center. Organized by the Food Security Expert Committee in collaboration with the Food and Agriculture Organization (FAO) and the World Food Programme (WFP), the event brought together experts and stakeholders from across the sector.

Delivering the opening remarks, Senior Additional Secretary to the President Kapila Gunaratne emphasized the importance of the initiative, stating that the development of a precise, country-specific index is a vital step toward ensuring both economic stability and national food security. The workshop focused on the four key dimensions of food security; availability, accessibility, utilization and stability and explored how these can be incorporated into a comprehensive and practical national index.

Participants included members of the Food Security Expert Committee, such as Senior Professors Buddhi Marambe and Jeevika Weerahewa, along with representatives from various government agencies, academic institutions, the FAO, the WFP and the private sector.

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Opp. MPs stage walkout over Speaker’s bias against them

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Govt. blames them for misbehaviour in Parliament

MPs of the SJB and some other Opposition parties staged a walkout in Parliament yesterday, protesting against the Speaker’s refusal to allow them to discuss the escalating Israel-Iran conflict and its potential impact on Sri Lanka.

The walkout was followed by a special meeting of Opposition leaders, held at the Parliament complex, chaired by Leader of the Opposition Sajith Premadasa. Among those present were MPs Dilith Jayaweera, Namal Rajapaksa, and Dr. Ramanathan Archchuna.

Chief Opposition Whip Gayantha Karunathilleka said that the protest was against the Speaker’s refusal to allocate time for an urgent debate on the Middle East conflict, which Opposition MPs argued poses serious risks to Lankan nationals and businesses, particularly about 10,000–20,000 Lankans currently working in Israel.

Premadasa accused Speaker Dr Jagath Wickramaratne of silencing the Opposition, stating that he had been denied the opportunity to raise a matter of national importance. “We no longer approve of your conduct in this House,” he said, warning that continued disregard for parliamentary procedure would lead to more protests.

Premadasa emphasised the need for immediate government action to ensure the safety of Sri Lankans in the war-torn region and to mitigate economic fallout from the conflict, which, he warned, could escalate into a broader war with possible nuclear implications.

Health and Mass Media Minister and Chief Government Whip Dr. Nalinda Jayatissa assured Parliament that the government would address the issue during an adjournment debate later in the day and that a statement from the Foreign Ministry would follow.

Kurunegala District MP Dayasiri Jayasekara criticised the Speaker for suppressing Opposition voices, adding that the decision to boycott the remainder of the day’s sessions was a direct result of repeated restrictions.

Leader of the House, Transport Minister Bimal Rathnayake rejected the allegations, placing blame on the Opposition for ‘unacceptable conduct within the chamber’.

ITAK Batticaloa District MP Shanakiyan Rasamanickam opted to remain in Parliament and participate in the debate, though he, too, condemned the government’s repeated efforts to curtail the Opposition’s right to speak.

By Saman Indrajith

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Senior SLAS officer succeeds Bogollagama as SL’s UK HC

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Newly appointed HC to the UK Nimal Senadheera signing the visitor's book at the London Buddhist Viharaya

Nimal Senadheera officially assumed duties as Sri Lanka’s High Commissioner to the United Kingdom on Monday, 16 June, at the Sri Lanka High Commission in London. The occasion was marked by a traditional and dignified ceremony.

Senadheera succeeded Rohitha Bogollagama who took over the mission in Nov 2023 during Ranil Wickremesinghe tenure as the President.

Senadheera was warmly welcomed by officials and staff of the Mission. In his address, he highlighted the Government’s vision to strengthen the Mission’s role in advancing Sri Lanka’s interests abroad, reflecting the aspirations of the people and the mandate entrusted to the current administration. He called on all staff members to work collaboratively in further enhancing Sri Lanka–UK relations.

The formal assumption of duties included the traditional lighting of the oil lamp, followed by the serving of milk rice and sweetmeats, in keeping with Sri Lankan customs.

Senadheera is a senior officer of the Sri Lanka Administrative Service (SLAS) with over two decades of experience in public administration, diplomacy, and education. He has previously served at the Sri Lanka High Commission in Pretoria and held senior positions in the Central Provincial Council and the Sri Lanka Institute of Development Administration.

He holds an MSc in Public Policy from the University of Strathclyde (UK), a Master of Public Administration from Flinders University (Australia), and a Master of Arts in Linguistics from the University of Kelaniya (Sri Lanka). He completed his undergraduate studies at the University of Peradeniya, specialising in English, Economics, and Sociology.

Senadheera and his wife arrived in London over the weekend. Upon arrival, they were received by Gordon Wetherell CMG, Special Representative of the Secretary of State for Foreign, Commonwealth and Development Affairs.

Later in the evening, the High Commissioner, accompanied by his wife and staff, visited the London Buddhist Viharaya to invoke blessings as he begins his new diplomatic assignment.

Sujeeva Nivunhella reporting from London

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