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PHIs asked to look out for distribution of artificial toddy
Public Health Inspectors (PHIs) across the country had been assigned to report incidents of distributing artificial toddy among voters by electoral organizers in an effort to attract people to meetings and rallies of presidential candidates, PHI Union President Upul Rohana said.
Addressing the media in Colombo yesterday, Rohana said that PHIs were aware of polls monitors’ complaints that some political parties and electoral organisers supporting major presidential contenders were distributing illicit toddy at their rallies. He emphasised that the illegal posed a serious threat to public health.
“As the PHIs’ Union, we are investigating these incidents and assessing the potential harm that artificial toddy could inflict on the public. Our aim is to present a comprehensive report to the government and relevant authorities, highlighting the dangers of artificial toddy and providing recommendations,”
Rohana said, noting that PHIs, particularly those in the upcountry areas, had received complaints from tea and rubber plantation managers and owners about ill-effects of harmful brews on their workers’ health. “There has been no proper scientific study on the contents of this artificial toddy. We intend to fill that gap, and once we have gathered data on any possible harm to the public, we will take appropriate action, including bringing the matter to the attention of the relevant authorities,” Rohana added.
“Illicit toddy made with chemicals in plantation areas. The PHIs in Nuwara Eliya, Hatton, and Badulla have received complaints from estate management that the consumption of these brews have adversely impacted their workers’ health. We will begin by studying the content of the bottled toddy being sold in these areas and collecting information on the electoral organisers or other individuals distributing artificial toddy at election rallies,” he said.
The Indian Naval Ship (INS) Sahyadri which arrived at the Port of Colombo on a formal visit on 04 Apr 25, departed the island today (07 Apr). 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 INS Sahyadri took part in several programmes organized by the Sri Lanka Navy, aimed at enhancing mutual cooperation. In addition, they also explored some tourist attractions in the country. Further, personnel of Sri Lanka Navy had the opportunity to visit INS Sahyadri, gaining insights into her operational capabilities.
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Advisory for severe lightning issued for Sabaragamuwa, Central and Uva provinces and in Hambanthota district
The Natural Hazards Early Warning Centre has issued an Advisory for Severe Lightning for the Sabaragamuwa, Central and Uva provinces and in Hambanthota district.
The advisory issued at 02.00 p.m. today [07 April 2025] is valid for the period until 11.00 p.m. 07 April 2025
The public are warned that thundershowers accompanied by severe lightning are likely to occur at several places in for Sabaragamuwa, Central and Uva provinces and in Hambantota district. There may be temporary localized strong winds during thundershowers. General public is kindly requested to take adequate precautions to minimize damages caused by lightning activity.
ACTION REQUIRED:
The Department of Meteorology advises that people should:
Seek shelter, preferably indoors and never under trees.
• Avoid open areas such as paddy fields, tea plantations and open water bodies during thunderstorms.
• Avoid using wired telephones and connected electric appliances during thunderstorms.
• Avoid using open vehicles, such as bicycles, tractors and boats etc.
• Beware of fallen trees and power lines.
• For emergency assistance contact the local disaster management authorities.
The report of the “Census of Population and Housing 2024,” conducted by the Department of Census and Statistics, was officially handed over to President Anura Kumara Disanayake this morning (07) at the Presidential Secretariat.
This preliminary report has been prepared based on island wide data collected between October and December 2024.
The report provides details on Sri Lanka’s population, its growth and the distribution of the population across districts.
The information gathered through the census is vital not only for the government but also for other institutions in formulating policies and development plans essential for the country’s progress. Significantly, for the first time in the history of census-collecting in Sri Lanka, data collection was carried out using tablet computers and user-friendly mobile devices.
The event was attended by Deputy Minister of Finance & Planning, Harshana Suriyapperuma, Secretary to the President Dr. Nandika Sanath Kumanayake, Secretary to the Ministry of Finance Mahinda Siriwardana, Director General of the Department of Census and Statistics D.D.G.A. Senevirathne and several other officials.
INS Sahyadri sets sail from Colombo
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Advisory for severe lightning issued for Sabaragamuwa, Central and Uva provinces and in Hambanthota district
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