News
Kiribathavila KV opens computer lab with help of German benefactors
G/ Kiribathavila Kanishta Vidyalaya, nestled in the Baddegama Education Division of Galle, has a history dating back to its founding in 1912, when it was founded as the Halpathota C.C. School. Over the decades, the school underwent several name changes before adopting its current identity in 1978. Today, it continues to serve around 120 students, most of whom come from financially struggling families, with parents engaged in tea estate work or other forms of labour to make ends meet.
For much of its existence, the school functioned with only two buildings constructed in 1919. A century later, in 2019, a new science laboratory was built with the coordination of the then Deputy Principal, L.H.K. Nimal Abeyweera, which was made possible through the generosity of his German friend and philanthropist Werner Falkenstern, his spouse, and a few close associates. The initiative provided not only a new building but also the necessary furniture, marking the first major infrastructure development at the school in nearly 100 years.
Abeyweera passed away in 2020, but his vision for the school lived on. His family, along with Falkenstern, remained committed to enhancing educational opportunities for the students. In 2023, their efforts led to the addition of a dedicated music room, followed by the groundbreaking for a fully equipped computer laboratory in mid-2024.
The project was entirely funded by three German benefactors – Werner and Birgit Falkenstern, alongside Kurt Merkle – with additional contributions from their network of friends. The successful completion of the lab was a collaborative effort, supported by the school principal L.E. Manjula Bodhikumara, along with dedicated teachers, alumni, parents, and students.
On January 22, 2025, the newly built computer laboratory was officially inaugurated, marking a transformative step forward for the school. This milestone not only enhances learning opportunities but also paves the way for a brighter future for the students of Kiribathavila Kanishta Vidyalaya.
Doctors are advising women to take care using menstrual cups, after one user developed temporary kidney problems because the cup was misaligned.
The patient, in her 30s, had been experiencing intermittent pelvic pain and blood in her urine for months, but had not linked the symptoms to the menstrual cup, which is used to catch monthly blood flow.
Although exceedingly rare, a poorly positioned cup inside the vaginal passage can press on other nearby structures, such as ureters – tubes carrying urine to the bladder, according to Danish doctors quoted in the British Medical Journal.
Selecting the appropriate size cup is important, as well as inserting it properly, doctors have stressed.
The patient made a complete recovery, but doctors have warned: “Correct positioning, along with choosing the correct cup shape and size, is important to prevent negative effects on the upper urinary tract.
“Menstrual cups can be bought and used without clinical advice from a health professional, which emphasises the importance of detailed and clear patient information material.”
How to use a menstrual cup
Reusable and sustainable, menstrual cups are an alternative to sanitary pads and tampons.
They are made from soft, flexible silicone or rubber and, once correctly in place, can hold 20 to 30ml – around two tablespoons – of blood.
They can be removed, emptied, washed and reinserted every four to eight hours, depending on flow.
Different cup models may offer a better fit according to the individual.
There are smaller size options, for girls and younger women who have not given birth to a baby, for example. If you are a virgin, you can still use one.
Menstrual cups can be tricky for first-time users though, particularly when it comes to removal.
A recent survy of 530 young people reported many found it difficult to remove the menstrual cup on their first attempt, with some saying they had to ask for help.
Once inserted into the vagina, menstrual cups create a suction seal to stop any seepage of blood.
When removing, users are warned not to simply pull on the stem. Instead, squeeze the bottom of the cup to break the seal and wiggle it off, says physiotherapist Dr Kate Lough, an expert in pelvic health.
She says it may take women a few menstrual cycles to become accustomed to using one, and stresses wearing a cup should not hurt.
She told BBC News: “Generally, they are a very safe product. “When it’s in correctly, you shouldn’t feel it.”
Menstrual cups vary in shape, size and firmness, so Dr Lough advises shopping around to find one that matches your requirements.
If you have recently had a contraceptive coil put into your womb, there is a very small chance it could become dislodged or even removed by suction.
If the threads cannot be located, or a woman thinks her coil has moved, manufacturers recommend using additional contraception and seeing a healthcare professional for advice.
Menstrual discs are similar to cups but are worn higher in the vaginal canal, just below the cervix.
[BBC]
The Sri Lanka Navy assisted to bring a stranded trawler with a foreign tourist couple back to shore safely, on the night of 09 Feb 25. The trawler had been adrift at sea between Delft Island and Kurikadduwan due to an operational failure, without fuel.
The trawler, with a couple of tourists who had visited Delft Island, was en route from Delft to Kurikadduwan Jetty in the evening of 09 Feb, when it came across the failure and began drifting at sea. The distress was noticed by SLNS Wasabha stationed on Delft Island.
Upon further inspection by the Inshore Patrol Craft P 239 belonging to SLNS Wasabha, it was confirmed that the trawler was adrift without fuel. The Navy promptly provided the necessary assistance and safely brought the trawler, along with the tourists, to Kurikadduwan Jetty.
Dr. Krishnamoorthy Subramanian, Executive Director of the International Monetary Fund (IMF), paid a courtesy visit on the Prime Minister, Dr. Harini Amarasuriya, at the Prime Minister’s Office.
The meeting focused on key economic matters, including Sri Lanka’s tax policy, the effective management of tax revenue, and measures to enhance public sector efficiency. The Prime Minister also outlined the government’s future development agenda, emphasizing policy initiatives to ensure economic stability and foster sustainable growth.
Dr. P.K.G. Harischandra, Alternate Executive Director of the IMF, also participated in the discussions.
The Sri Lankan delegation included Pradeep Saputhanthri, Secretary to the Prime Minister; Ms. Sagarika Bogahawatta, Additional Secretary (Development) to the Prime Minister; Dr. P. Nandalal Weerasinghe, Governor of the Central Bank of Sri Lanka; Dr. C. Amarasekara, Assistant Governor of the Central Bank; Dr. Lasitha R.C. Pathberiya, Additional Director of Economic Research; Amila J. Wijayawardhana, Senior Economist and Liaison Officer for the IMF Executive Director; Ms. Lashinka Dammullage, Director (Bilateral), Economic Affairs Division at the Ministry of Foreign Affairs; and Samantha Bandara, Director General of the Department of External Resources.
[Prime Minister’s Media Division]
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