News
Large crowds gather defying health guidelines to obtain ‘Dhammika Peniya’
Hundreds of people gathered yesterday outside the Kegalle residence of Dhammika Bandara, the producer of Dhammika peniya which is being touted as a cure for COVID-19, to obtain the syrup.
The crowds gathered despite warnings by health authorities to reduce travel and not to gather in large numbers.
A few days earlier co-cabinet spokesperson Dr. Ramesh Pathirana said that the Pharmacology Section of the Ayurvedic Department had approved the untested, homemade herbal brew widely called ‘Dhammika peniya’, which is yet to receive clearance from ‘Ethical Committee’ of the Ayurvedic Department without being subjected to a proper scientific study.
Twenty two ‘cures’ for COVID-19 had so far been introduced by practitioners of alternative medicine in Sri Lanka since the beginning of the pandemic and they were promoted by both the media and the Ministry of Health, President of the College of Medical Laboratory Science, Ravi Kumudesh told The Island yesterday. “These practitioners of alternative medicine pop up periodically and they have been given unnecessary publicity. The Health Ministry has encouraged these people and this has confused people.”
Kumudesh said: “A number of ministers have been appointed to deal with various parts of the health sector and these ministers express contradictory opinions. “One says indigenous medicine are best while another says that western medicine is best. We need the people to have a proper mindset to control COVID-19 and this is what China and other East Asian nations did so well. We have confused people and they are now clutching at straws.”
State Minister of Promotion of Indigenous Medicine, Development of Rural Ayurvedic Hospitals and Community Health Sisira Jayakody promoted the syrup while State Health Minister Sudarshini Fernandopulle repeatedly declared that it was not acceptable till it received proper approval following required tests.
The second day of the “Vesak Bhakti Gee Saraniya”, held in parallel with the “Buddha Rashmi Vesak Kalapaya” jointly organized by the Hunupitiya Gangaramaya Temple, the Presidential Secretariat and the Prime Minister’s Office, commenced on Tuesday (13) at 6:30 p.m. under the patronage of Secretary to the President Dr. Nandika Sanath Kumanayake, at the Presidential Secretariat premises.
The evening featured musical performances by renowned vocalist Ilyas Beg and the Sri Lanka Air Force Bhakti Gee Troup, accompanied by the Air Force Band. A Vesak lantern exhibition was also held at the venue. The event was attended by the Chief Incumbent of Gangaramaya Temple Venerable Dr. Kirinde Assaji Thero, along with several senior officials of the Presidential Secretariat.
This Bhakthi Gee programme will continue today [May 14] and tomorrow at the same location. Additionally, a short-eats dansala is being held near the Presidential Secretariat for the benefit of the public visiting Colombo for Vesak, and will continue until May 16.
Meanwhile, a ‘Buth Dansala’ organized jointly by the Presidential Secretariat and the Sri Lanka Army was inaugurated yesterday near the Presidential Secretariat, with the participation of senior military officers. A large number of devotees from across the country attended the event.
In line with the ‘Buddha Rashmi’ and ‘Bauddhaloka Vesak Kalapya’, several Vesak programmes have been organized in the vicinity with the support of the Presidential Secretariat. These include the illumination of nearby government buildings and roads with decorative lights, and the display of Vesak lanterns, with the active participation of the Presidential Secretariat staff.
[PMD]
The French Navy Ship ‘BEAUTEMPS BEAUPRE’ which arrived in Sri Lanka on a goodwill visit (09 May 25), departed the island on Tuesday (13 May).
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 ‘BEAUTEMPS BEAUPRE’ visited some tourist attractions in the country. In addition, the Commanding Officer and a group of
crew members of the ship called on senior officers of the Sri Lanka National Hydrographic Office (SLNHO) to discuss key hydrographic matters of bilateral importance.
News
“Clean Sri Lanka” joins hands to Improve facilities and sanitation at Kotmale Regional Hospital
Following the bus accident in the Garandiella area of Kotmale, a large number of injured individuals were admitted to the Kotmale Regional Hospital for treatment. In response, the “Clean Sri Lanka” programme has collaborated to improve the facilities and sanitation of the hospital.
Accordingly, the “Clean Sri Lanka” programme actively worked to clean the hospital ward complex and the hospital premises, aiming to create a comfortable environment for the patients’ treatment and to enhance other facilities.
A notable aspect was the voluntary participation of the local community in this effort. The “Clean Sri Lanka” secretariat appreciates the dedication shown by the doctors and hospital staff of the Kotmale Regional Hospital, who provided emergency treatment to those injured in this unexpected incident despite having access to limited resources.
-
Features4 days agoSAITM Graduates Overcome Adversity, Excel Despite Challenges
-
Business7 days agoJohn Keells Properties and MullenLowe unveil “Minutes Away”
-
News4 days agoDestined to be pope:Brother says Leo XIV always wanted to be a priest
-
Sports4 days agoASBC Asian U22 and Youth Boxing Championships from Monday
-
Foreign News5 days agoMexico sues Google over ‘Gulf of America’ name change
-
Opinion4 days agoDrs. Navaratnam’s consultation fee three rupees NOT Rs. 300
-
Opinion7 days agoRatmalana: An international airport without modern navigational and landing aids
-
Features3 days agoChampioning Geckos, Conservation, and Cross-Disciplinary Research in Sri Lanka