Opinion
Ivermectin and Covid: no time to lose and lives to save

By Prof. Saroj Jayasinghe,
MBBS, MD (Colombo), FRCP (London), MD (Bristol) PhD (Colombo), FCCP, FNASSL
Consultant to the Faculty of Medicine
Sabaragamuwa University of Sri Lanka.
Former Professor of Medicine, University of Colombo
It is with a degree of reluctance that I am stepping into the controversy relating to Ivermectin use in COVID. Unknown to many, the pros and cons of Ivermectin in COVID have been discussed in private forums of physicians, academia and doctors from 2020. It has been in the international media ever since laboratory studies in Australia showed that the drug inhibits the growth of the virus. However, the public in Sri Lanka became more aware of the controversy recently, when a confidential letter sent to an official of the Ministry of Health appeared in the social media. I had written this in June 2021 as an individual professional after several months of raging controversy among professionals. It was about treatment of COVID, and I firmly believe vaccination is the best option to prevent the illness. One reason for the very cautious approach of not approving the use of Ivermectin in the West could be because anti-vaccine groups are promoting it as an alternative. Sri Lanka has no such problems, and our population is willingly getting vaccinated.
Proposals to use Sri Lanka as a large study area as a clinical trial or as an observational study were made as far back as early 2021. I understand a clinical trial has begun in patients admitted with COVID, after considerable delays due to procedures related to clinical trials. Such studies are scrutinised by independent ethics committees, the drug must be approved by the National Medicinal Drugs Authority, and the study must be registered in an entity that makes is publicly available for anyone to read about it. This study will at least take another few weeks to months to yield results.
Most discussions in Sri Lanka Centre around the question whether the evidence to prescribe Ivermectin in COVID-19 is strong or inconclusive. One group says there is inconclusive evidence to use Ivermectin while another group says there IS sufficient evidence. As with many issues, this is not black or white but shades of grey, i.e. there are grades on the ‘strength of evidence’ from the field of Evidence Based Medicine (EBM). A parallel in the legal field is when we say that the evidence is ‘beyond reasonable doubt’ or there is ‘proof of the crime’, vs. circumstantial evidence.
Let us assume that using the principles of EBM we find that the evidence to use Ivermectin in COVID is ‘inconclusive’. Such a dilemma is very relevant to a situation where a decision is needed immediately, but the stakes are high. In other words, how would doctors decide to treat in a situation when the evidence for efficacy of a drug is inconclusive, but the stakes are high? Let me share an example.
Imagine a doctor who sees a very ill-looking patient with features of a serious infection (e.g. high fever, vomiting and body aches). She or he requests tests to identify the cause of the illness and the bacteria that may be causing the illness. In such an instance, should the doctor wait till the reports of the tests (e.g. culture reports) are available before treating? If a decision is made to treat immediately, the doctor does not have the ‘strength of evidence’ on the cause of the illness. However, if treatment is delayed until the reports arrive in two days the patient may be dead. This hypothetical example highlights a common dilemma: How do doctors balance between reliance on strength of evidence vs. taking an immediate decision when the evidence is inconclusive. This is best addressed by theories of decision-making and is a question very familiar to practicing doctors.
Now I will demonstrate the parallel with Ivermectin. In the case of ivermectin let us assume that the current evidence for its efficacy in COVID is inconclusive. However, the stakes are very high because COVID is currently raging, hundreds are dying, and there are no alternative drugs to treat early disease. Furthermore, Sri Lanka needs to bridge only a short vulnerable period of 4-6 weeks during which time our vaccination programme would become effective.
Let us assume that doctors begin to prescribe Ivermectin for treatment and prevention of COVID, for the next 4 to 6 weeks, despite the inconclusive evidence. There are two possible key outcomes:
Outcome 1: Future research confirms that it is effective, and it would contribute to saving many lives.
Outcome 2: Future research shows that it is ineffective, and we would have wasted money on the drug. Therefore, Ivermectin could either save lives or waste money. Even the money wasted is miniscule because the cost of a course of Ivermectin is less than Rs 200.00 (i.e. less than one US dollar)! Is it safe to use over the next 4 to 6 weeks? We know it is a very safe drug that has been used for almost 40 years. It is used in mass scale by the WHO to eliminate ‘River Blindness’ and is in their Essential Drug List.
A combination of other factors add support to the decision to prescribe Ivermectin.
1. Evidence is evolving, and studies are in progress. Therefore, conclusive evidence may emerge to confirm its efficacy.
2. There is laboratory (in vitro) evidence that Ivermectin is active against the COVID-19 virus.
3. It’s easy to give (tablets and not injections).
4. Currently there are no effective drugs in Sri Lanka to treat early COVID or prevent it.
5. Certain regions in India and South American countries are using Ivermectin to treat and prevent COVID-19
Summary
Therefore, my humble question is, should doctors in Sri Lanka consider whether to use Ivermectin to treat or prevent COVID-19? We need this only for 4-6 weeks. During this period, rates of COVID are likely to increase due to the very rapid transmission of Delta variant. We have no time to lose, nothing to lose, and lives to save. There is no time for clinical trials. Those who wish to embark on trials to wet their thirst for more evidence are welcome to do so. By the time the results of a new trial are available the horse would have bolted, and hundreds would have died.
My suggestion is for patients to ask your doctors about Ivermectin. You have a right to do so. Doctors are divided on the issue because of their sincerity to the views they have about science, scientific evidence, and decision-making. Please do not assume that there is a conspiracy against the drug in Sri Lanka! I can vouch for the honesty of all the doctors who are having different views on the topic. This is a disagreement between professionals who have diverse views, and we seem to have dug into our lines of defence!
The Ministry of Health has allowed the use of Ivermectin under the direction of a doctor. A range of doses for treatment and prevention is available at BIRD-group.org a group working in the UK. The opinions I have stated here are my own independent views and not in any way linked to the institutions I am affiliated to.
Opinion
A concept for enhancing forest cover expected in ‘Wanaspathi Programme’

When we talk about new forestry programmes such as the recently launched Wanaspathi, we think of planting trees only in isolated locations in rural areas. However, reservations along streams and roads in urban areas are also potential locations for planting trees.
Concept behind the Proposal
Road Reservations and Stream corridors which extend to about 10 to 20 Metres on either side are not actively protected in Sri Lanka though it is very common in other countries. Reservations of roads and streams are owned by the government. Therefore, public use of this land can be considered as a fair use of the land. Another purpose of this proposal is to introduce an intervention to connect the isolated Forest Patches in urban areas using the reservations of streams and roads by planting trees so that those strips act also as Bio Corridors while enhancing the tree cover at national level.
Already completed Projects
In Sri Lanka, the concept of Bio Corridor was introduced in 1988 under a project called Mahaweli Agriculture and Rural Development project implemented in System B under an USAID funded programme. Similar to highways which connect main cities, in this case the Bio Corridors were introduced as “Bio Highways” connecting fragmented forest patches (“Bio Cities”). At the same time those corridors were improved as Cycle Tracks for local farmers.
In 2010, similar intervention was introduced in Gampaha District in parallel with a flood mitigation project implemented by the Provincial Road Development Authority (WP). For example, when Uruwal Oya running adjacent to Gampaha Urban Area was improved to mitigate floods, when it runs adjacent to urban areas, those riparian tree belt areas were introduced. In this project while streams were improved to mitigate floods, riparian forest tree belts were also introduced using Bio Engineering Technologies to strengthen the stream banks structurally, instead of using gabions. Later, part of that stream running adjacent to Gampaha Town was improved as Recreational purposes such as Jogging tracks for urban communities.
According to this intervention, as an additional benefit, it was expected that the shades provided by riparian tree cover would discourage growth of invasive plants such as Japan Jabara, which clogs the drainage outlets resulting in floods in Urban Areas. Note that a technical paper published highlighting those achievements under Uruwal Oya, won the First Prize in a competition held by the Institution of Engineers Sri Lanka (IESL)-2012 on Water Related Bio Engineering Interventions in Urban Areas.
Eng. Mahinda Panapitiya
Opinion
Revolutionising tea: How steam brewing unlocks hidden potential of green tea

For centuries, green tea has been cherished for its delicate flavours and health benefits. But now, a quiet revolution is brewing—literally. Across Japan, China, and even in tech-forward Western startups, tea enthusiasts and scientists are rediscovering an ancient technique with a modern twist: steam brewing. Unlike traditional boiling, which can scorch leaves and destroy nutrients, steam extraction gently coaxes out the tea’s essence, preserving its antioxidants, amino acids, and subtle aromas.
Could this be the future of tea? From home gardeners experimenting with DIY steamers to high-end machines mimicking espresso precision, steam-brewed green tea is making waves. And with growing interest in wellness, sustainability, and artisanal food culture, this method might just be the next big thing in beverages.
The Science Behind Steam Brewing: Why It Works
Green tea is rich in L-theanine (a calming amino acid), catechins (potent antioxidants), and chlorophyll (which gives it a vibrant color). However, boiling water can degrade these compounds, leading to bitterness and lost benefits.
Steam, on the other hand:
✔ Preserves delicate flavours – Lower temperatures (70–85°C) prevent overcooking. Although the temperature of steam is 100oC, it drops down to 70-85oC when it interacts with tea leaves.
✔ Enhances nutrient retention – More L-theanine and EGCG (a powerful antioxidant) remain intact.
✔ Reduces bitterness – By avoiding harsh extraction, the tea stays smooth and sweet.
Studies in Japan have shown that steamed green tea (like Sencha) retains up to 30% more antioxidants than boiled versions. This makes it not just tastier, but also better for immunity, metabolism, and mental clarity.
From Farm to Cup: How Different Cultures Are Embracing Steam Brewing
1. Japan: The Masters of Steam
Japan has used steam for centuries in Sencha and Matcha production. Today, companies like Tiger Corporation and Panasonic sell home steam brewers, while Kyoto’s elite tea houses serve steam-infused Gyokuro—a luxury variety with unmatched umami depth.
2. China: Artisanal Steam Fixation
While most Chinese green teas are pan-fired, Enshi Yulu from Hubei province still relies on light steaming, giving it a uniquely fresh, grassy taste. Small farmers are reviving this method, catering to premium markets.
3. The West: Tech Meets Tradition
In the U.S., startups like Teforia (now defunct) and Bkon experimented with steam-vacuum brewing, while coffee shops modify Yama cold brew towers for iced steam tea. The demand for specialty tea is growing, and steam extraction could be the next trend.
Can You Steam-Brew at Home? Absolutely!
You don’t need fancy machines to try steam brewing. Here’s how:
· Harvest fresh leaves (or use high-quality loose-leaf tea).
· Steam for 1–2 minutes
in a bamboo basket over boiling water.
· Cool rapidly
(ice bath) to lock in freshness.
· Brew at 75–80°C
for a smoother, sweeter cup.
For an extra health boost, add ginger, cinnamon, or mint—these pair perfectly with steamed green tea’s natural sweetness.
The Future of Tea: Where Do We Go From Here?
Steam brewing isn’t just a novelty—it’s a return to smarter, gentler tea preparation. As consumers seek healthier, more sustainable beverages, this method offers:
· Better flavour (less bitterness, more complexity).
· Enhanced health benefits
(higher antioxidants, calming effects).
· Eco-friendliness
(lower energy use than boiling).
The way forward?
🔹 Tea companies should invest in affordable home steam brewers.
🔹 Researchers should study steam’s impact on different tea varieties.
🔹 Consumers can experiment with DIY steaming for fresher, tastier tea.
One thing is clear: The future of tea is steaming ahead—literally. Will you take the plunge?
The writer is a Senior Research Professor at National Institute of Fundamental Studies, Kandy, and a tea researcher interested in improving tea quality using microbial biotechnologies.
by Gamini Seneviratne
– NIFS -Kandy
Introduction: The Ancient
Brew Meets Modern Science
Opinion
“You will be my APPCCHCHI for the rest of my life”

An appreciation
So said my son-in-law Captain Suraj Weerasekera on the day that his father died, three years ago, when I condoled with him on that sad occasion.
I first met Suraj when he came to see me in my official residence in Kotahena when he was a student in a senior form at Nalanda College, My daughter Samanmalee, who is a Visakian asked me whether a son of a Brigadier named Ananda Weerasekera, training in Athletics with her at the Independence Square Grounds could visit us. She represented the national team here and abroad. I consulted my wife who readily agreed, indicating that she had been aware of an affair between Samanmalee and Suraj , going beyond the realms of the training grounds. A few days later a handsome, lanky lad visited us. He was soft spoken and exuded an aura of inborn innocence. Sooner than expected, the athletics training came to an abrupt end and Suraj and Samanmalee entered the bonds of marriage with the blessings of elders from both families in the year 1996 and became proud parents of two daughters and a son.
Before his marriage Suraj left for Texas for training as a pilot and having successfully completed the course joined SriLankan airlines as a pilot. He got his command on A320 in November 2000 and he joined ETIHAD AIRWAYS in March 2006. He became a flight instructor in May 2007. He went to the BOEING Fleet in October 2012 as a line pilot and rose to the rank of Senior Examiner on the BOEING fleet.
Suraj was a true nationalist and he loved his country immensely. It was after much deliberation and with a degree of hesitation that he joined a foreign airline. It was done for the sake of his children’s education. All three children are now in the closing stages of their education in foreign universities. He used to visit his motherland at least twice a year and during those visits he used his sizable financial resources to help his needy friends, relations, religious and educational institutions, and desolate villages in the Ampara District. His generosity to his alma mater was highlighted in the funeral oration delivered by a representative of the college. He spent a few millions on the development of the facilities in the Buddangala Viharaya, where his father
Major General Ananda Weerasekera was ordained a priest and spent the last years of life in solitude and meditation.
When I was sworn in as an Attorney- at- Law in 2011, after my retirement from the police service, Suraj congratulated me and presented me with a desktop computer and printer which he had purchased in Abu Dhabi. I am using that computer to type this appreciation. He told me that I could now continue with the service I have been rendering for the nation in the new capacity as a lawyer to help the poor and needy. I cannot express in words the grief that engulfs me when these memories strike my mind.
When he visited Sri Lanka on 02 March this year for the big match between Ananda and Nalanda, he telephoned me and invited me to meet him at his residence in Maharagama. I met him at about 5PM . He was quite hale and hearty and in good spirits and there were no signs of illness. He served me vegetarian pastries and we had tea together. He was a vegetarian and a teetotaler.
True to his word of honour , he treated me with intense respect and unflagging affection. He was the epitome of love and affection. Unfortunately, his relationship with his wife was in the doldrums after nearly
20 years of blissful married life. My wife, Soma, and I were at a loss to understand those shocking developments but we presumed that it was due to the stress of a pilot’s life which invariably involved long days of work away from the family. The trauma generated by such loneliness may have impacted negatively on their relationships and snowballed into the disruption of their marriage. When I met him, he told me that divorce would not in any way disrupt the education of his children; he allocated sufficient funds for their university education.
So, my dear son Suraj, you have discharged the obligations and responsibilities of your life very creditably, a true testimony to the fact that you are a gentleman in the true sense of the word. You were always conscious of the core concept of Buddhism, to wit, anichcha watha sankara that all things that come to existence through a combination of causes and conditions are subject to change and decay.’ All the world’s a stage and all the men and women merely players.’(Shakespeare) Your role was as a Captain and the role was executed exceptionally well.
May you attain the supreme bliss of NIBBANA!
H. M. G. B. Kotakadeniya
(Former SDIG)
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