Nearly one in five Sri Lankans is suffering from some form of non-communicable disease (NCD), Health and Media Minister Dr. Nalinda Jayatissa said on Thursday (14), warning that the trend poses a serious public health challenge.

He said the estimate covering all age groups from children to the elderly was confirmed in a 2024 report by the Department of Census and Statistics, and underscored the urgent need for stronger national interventions.

The Minister was speaking at the inauguration of a newly constructed four-storey ward complex at the Kalutara Ayurvedic Base Hospital, built at a cost of Rs. 250 million, with funding from the Western Provincial Council.

The new facility comprises an outpatient department, male and female general wards, paying wards, an administrative complex, auditorium, staff rest rooms and a doctors’ residence, with a total capacity of 50 beds.

Dr. Jayatissa said the hospital, which began as a central dispensary and was later upgraded into a government Ayurvedic institution, had evolved over decades, with support from successive administrations.

He noted that the facility serves patients from areas, including Vidiyagoda, Horana and Bandaragama, and is expected to expand its reach further, in the coming years.

The Minister identified NCDs as the country’s leading health challenge, noting that around 80 percent of hospital admissions and deaths are linked to such diseases. He said several programmes were underway to address the growing burden.

The Vidiyagoda Ayurvedic Hospital was established on October 29, 1992, and upgraded, in 1998, to a government Ayurvedic hospital.

Several officials, including Kalutara District MP Nandana Padmakumara, District Secretary S.P. Herath, and provincial health authorities, attended the event along with medical staff and residents.

Two suspects were arrested in the Matara area with Crystal Methamphetamine, more commonly known as “Ice”, during a special search operation carried out by the Sri Lanka Coast Guard, in coordination with the Police Narcotic Bureau last Wednesday (13).

The raid was launched based on intelligence received by the Coast Guard, leading to the recovery of 6.67 grams of the narcotic.

The suspects, along with drugs, were handed over to the Kotawila Police for legal proceedings.

The National Science Foundation (NSF) has called for applications for the NSF Science Popularisation Awards for Scientists 2026, aimed at recognising individuals who have made significant contributions to bringing science closer to the public in Sri Lanka.

The awards seek to honour scientists who have extended their work beyond laboratories to promote scientific literacy, education and public engagement across the country.

This year’s awards will be presented under three categories—Lifetime Achievement Award, Commendation Awards and Appreciation Awards.

The NSF said the initiative places emphasis on science popularisation rather than purely technical research achievements. Eligible work includes science writing and journalism, public lectures, workshops, radio and television programmes, as well as digital outreach through social media platforms.

Applications are open to Sri Lankan citizens whose contributions in science communication were carried out between January 1, 2023 and December 31, 2025. NSF staff members, committee members and Board of Management members are not eligible to apply.

Applicants are required to submit a detailed dossier outlining their academic background, achievements in science popularisation and supporting material such as publications, media content and digital work.

Application forms can be downloaded from www.nsf.gov.lk, and completed applications must be submitted by June 15, 2026.

Submissions may be emailed to dilrukshi@nsf.gov.lk or maduka@nsf.gov.lk with the subject line “SPAS 2026,” or sent by post to the Director General, National Science Foundation, 47/5 Maitland Place, Colombo 7.

The NSF said the awards aim to strengthen public engagement with science and encourage wider dissemination of scientific knowledge across society.