News
Medical expert: 10% of Sri Lankans over 40 suffer from COPD
About 10% of Sri Lankans over the age of 40 are affected by Chronic Obstructive Pulmonary Disease (COPD), a condition often linked to smoking, prolonged exposure to air pollution, or untreated asthma, medical specialist Dr. Samanmalie Dalpathadu has said.
Addressing a media briefing organised by the Health Promotion Bureau in Colombo on Thursday (23), Dr Dalpathadu highlighted the lack of public awareness about the disease despite its significant impact.
“COPD is the seventh leading cause of death globally. Many people develop it unknowingly due to factors such as untreated asthma or smoking. Initially, symptoms remain hidden, but as the condition progresses, patients experience breathing difficulties, particularly during physical activities like climbing stairs or hills,” she said.
Dr. Dalpathadu referred to findings from a 2017 survey, which has revealed that one in ten Sri Lankans over 40 is afflicted with COPD. She emphasised the importance of prevention and long-term management of COPD, urging the public to take proactive measures.
“Reducing unnecessary exposure to air pollution and the practice of wearing masks in high-risk environments can significantly lower the risk of developing COPD. Parents with undiagnosed COPD often struggle to breathe and are severely affected by even minor respiratory infections,” she noted.
Dr. Dalpathadu said that COPD was distinct from asthma and that its treatment required the long-term use of inhalers. “There is no cure for COPD. It is a chronic condition that demands sustained management with inhalers,” she added, calling for greater public awareness and early intervention, stressing that the disease often went unnoticed until its advanced stages, making prevention and early detection critical to mitigating its impact.
Blood samples from former Speaker and NPP MP Asoka Ranwala, involved in a road accident at Sapugaskanda last Thursday, had been sent to the Government Analyst’s Department (GAD) to determine whether he was under the influence of alcohol at the time of the accident, police said yesterday.
The accident occurred on the night of December 11 at the Denimulla junction when MP Ranwala’s jeep collided with a car carrying a 25-year-old woman, her six-month-old infant, and her 55-year-old mother. All three sustained injuries and were hospitalised. The child was admitted to the Lady Ridgeway Hospital. The MP and others received treatment at the National Hospital in Colombo.
Sapugaskanda Police have taken into custody both vehicles, along with a motorcycle knocked down by Ranwela’s vehicle, prior to colliding with the car, as part of the ongoing investigation. MP Ranwala was arrested while receiving treatment and released on bail on 12 December by order of the Mahara Magistrate’s Court. He faces charges of failing to prevent an accident and reckless driving.
Police Media Spokesman ASP F.U. Wootler told the media that investigations had revealed a mechanical defect in MP Ranwala’s jeep, including a brake malfunction. A report from the Department of Motor Traffic confirmed that the fault had not been properly addressed, and legal action will follow in relation to this finding.
by Norman Palihawadane
Former Chairman of the Ceylon Petroleum Corporation (CPC) Dhammika Ranatunga was arrested yesterday by officers of the Commission to Investigate Allegations of Bribery or Corruption (CIABOC) for allegedly causing significant financial losses to the state-run corporation.
According to CIABOC, Ranatunga has allegedly cancelled three long-term fuel procurement tenders, scheduled for 2017–2018, and replacing them with spot tenders at substantially higher prices. The move is alleged to have caused a loss of nearly Rs. 800 million to the CPC.
Ranatunga is scheduled to be produced before the Colombo Chief Magistrate’s Court.
A suspect has been arrested with a T-56 assault rifle, two magazines and 45 rounds of ammunition in an operation carried out by the Ampara Division Criminal Investigation Unit.
The arrest was made in the Saadamulla area within the Batapola Police Division in Elpitiya, on a tip-off received by the Senior DIG in charge of the Eastern Province, Waruna Jayasundara.
Police identified the suspect as a 45-year-old resident of Namal Uyana, Saadamulla.
According to police, the suspect is a close associate of an underworld figure, and further investigations have revealed that the firearm was allegedly intended to be used in several planned murders.
Batapola Police are continuing investigations into the incident.
Ranwala’s blood samples sent to Government Analyst
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