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PRCA Country Rep calls for ethics and standards in Lanka’s advertising and marketing industry

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Thanzyl Thajudeen

Sri Lanka needs to put together a cohesive and comprehensive set of regulations and standards when it comes to advertising, marketing and communications and this should be done in consultation with various stakeholders in the industry, highlighted Thanzyl Thajudeen, the country representative of the Public Relations & Communications Association (PRCA), the world’s largest and influential PR body.

Thajudeen in a statement said: Even though there exist certain codes, they are certainly not implemented in practice. And many of them stand in isolation such as those targeted at medicines, health and food sectors or other channels such as media, telco, or outdoor. The industry is lacking a unified framework, enabling opportunities for exploitation, many of which have contributed to social, economic and psychological dysfunctions.

This is quite visible in many sectors in the country, from financial services to food and education, and there is little or no control over that which is being conveyed or carried out. There are no measures to monitor and report misleading advertising or claims made by brands, or discussions on the effect it has on children, or encouraging unhealthy choices or unethical consumptions.

Sri Lanka needs to establish an independent, non-governmental body that oversees such, and ensure they are accountable and socially responsible. There also needs to be more active dialogue and knowledge sharing, not just within the industry but vertically with other domains. This provides a holistic view and understanding of the impact of the actions and activities these brands and corporations have on the broader society and community.

Many industry leaders and veterans in the marketing and advertising fraternity invest a lot of time and money on bringing about the best of the best ideas and execution but are often shortsighted about the societal and behavioral impact. However, we see a generation today that demands quite the opposite, and times are changing, and so should marketers.

The industry needs to step up its efforts on this through advocacy, campaigning and recognition, not just for the sake of doing it but for all the right reasons. Today, consumers or the public demand for transparency and honesty, and are quite aware of any practices of greenwashing or attempts to do so, however many societies often compromise these due to other factors such as pricing or promotions, many of which are often manipulated or deceived, and marketers are often complicit in this.

Sri Lanka is rich in its culture, people and resources. This multidisciplinary initiative of setting an ethical framework and standards will undoubtedly go onto protect and sustain expectations and behaviors of its citizens, brands and corporations, and result in a more quality life.



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Beware ill-fitting menstrual cups, warn doctors

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Menstrual cups are a reusable means of collecting blood during periods [BBC]

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]

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Navy assists stranded trawler adrift at sea

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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.

 

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Executive Director of the IMF Calls on the Prime Minister

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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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