Colombo (LNW): Sri Lanka faces minimal risk from the Nipah virus that recently emerged in neighboring India, a statement by the Health Promotion Bureau of Sri Lanka said.

As per the Epidemiology Unit of Sri Lanka’s Health Ministry, Kerala, India reported 6 Nipah virus cases since the outbreak began in late August 2023, leading to two deaths. More than 700 individuals, suspected to have come into contact with infected patients, were quarantined and tested with no positive results as of September 22.

Kerala authorities have shut down certain public areas as a safety measure. This marks the fourth Nipah outbreak in Kerala in five years. Each time, effective and swift measures were taken to contain the virus.

Full statement;

Nipah virus (NiV) is a zoonotic virus, transmitted predominantly from fruit bats and through food which has been contaminated by body fluids or secretions of infected animals, including directly from human to human via prolonged close contact. In infected people, it can cause a range of illnesses from asymptomatic infection to acute respiratory illness and fatal encephalitis.

Nipah virus was first recognized in 1998 in Malaysia during an outbreak among pig farmers. In total, around 265 people were infected. Thereafter, a small outbreak in Singapore was also reported with a total of 11 infected people. Since then, no further outbreaks had been reported in Malaysia. No spread to other countries was also noted during this period and both countries were able to successfully control the outbreak without international spread. From 2001, the virus again emerged in Bangladesh and frequent small-scale outbreaks have flared up on and off in that country since. The disease was also identified in eastern India (Bengal region) in 2001 and since then, few sporadic small-scale outbreaks have occurred. All such outbreaks have thus far been well controlled and not spread beyond the local area of origin.

The latest outbreak in the South Indian State of Kerala, emerged in late August 2023. Up to now, 6 people have been infected of which 2 have died. Over 700 people who were suspected to be potential contacts of the infected patients have been quarantined and tested for the infection, with no positive reports as of 22.09.2023. As a precautionary measure and to mitigate potential spread of the disease, the state authorities initiated closure of selected public places in the area of origin of the disease. This is the fourth Nipah outbreak to hit Kerala in the past 5 years. Each time, the disease has been well controlled and timely precautionary measures have been taken to ensure that there is no spread beyond the area of origin of the outbreak.

In general, transmission of the disease can occur in several ways – either through unprotected exposure to secretions/tissues from infected animals, or through consumption of fruits or fruit products contaminated with urine or saliva from infected fruit bats. Human to human transmission has so far only been reported mainly by close contacts of the infected patients, via the infected person’s urine, saliva, blood or other secretions.

Human infection ranges from asymptomatic infection to acute respiratory infection (mild or severe) and fatal encephalitis. Infected people usually develop fever initially, followed by headaches, myalgia, vomiting and sore throat. This can be followed by dizziness, drowsiness, altered consciousness and neurological signs indicating acute encephalitis. Some patients can also have pneumonia and other respiratory illnesses including acute respiratory distress. Seizures and encephalitis can occur in severe cases.

The incubation period is believed to range from 4 to 14 days. Most people who survive acute encephalitis make a full recovery, but long-term neurologic conditions have been reported in some survivors. The case fatality rate is estimated at 40 – 75%. However, this rate can vary by outbreak depending on the local capabilities for epidemiological surveillance and clinical management.

Diagnosis is usually through clinical history and main tests involved include RT-PCR from body fluids and ELISA testing. Other tests include PCR assay and virus isolation by cell culture.

There are currently no specific drugs or vaccines for the Nipah virus. Mainstay of treatment is intensive supportive care to treat severe respiratory and neurologic complications.

Fruit bats are the natural reservoir for the Nipah virus. There is no apparent disease in fruit bats. The Nipah virus can cause outbreaks in some domestic animals, primarily pigs where it is highly contagious. An infected pig can exhibit no symptoms, but some can develop feverish illness.

Prevention is mainly through raising awareness of the risk factors and education of the community among the measures that can be taken to reduce exposure to the Nipah virus, by reducing risk of bat-to-human, animal-to-human, and human-to-human transmission. These include thoroughly washing fruits and peeling, prior to consumption including discarding of contaminated fruits or those with animal bites. When handling sick animals or their tissues, protective clothing including gloves and face shields should be worn. Important to avoid close unprotected physical contact with diagnosed Nipah virus-infected patients. Regular handwashing should be carried out after caring for or visiting sick people. Health care staff caring for patients with suspected or confirmed infection, or if handling specimens from them, should implement standard infection control precautions at all times. These measures should also be followed, especially by those travelling to infected areas/localities.

Considering the disease epidemiology, and current outbreak control measures that have been implemented in areas such as Kerala, in the current context, the risk to Sri Lanka is minimal and there is no need for the public to panic. Furthermore, the Health Ministry is closely monitoring the situation and will advise the public on measures to be taken as the need arises.

The development comes against the backdrop of a diplomatic row between New Delhi and Colombo last year over the docking of Yuan Wang 5, a vessel used by the People’s Liberation Army (PLA) to track satellites and ballistic missiles, at the Chinese-controlled Hambantota port

New Delhi The Sri Lankan government is set to unveil a new standard operating procedure (SOP) for visits by foreign ships or aircraft, including military assets, as part of efforts to address India’s concerns over port calls by Chinese vessels, people familiar with the matter said.

The SOP, which will include guidelines and details about the type of vessels to be allowed into Sri Lanka’s ports and territorial waters, are expected to be formally announced by authorities in Colombo soon, people familiar with the initiative in both Sri Lanka and India said on condition of anonymity.

The development comes against the backdrop of a diplomatic row between New Delhi and Colombo last year over the docking of Yuan Wang 5, a vessel used by the People’s Liberation Army (PLA) to track satellites and ballistic missiles, at the Chinese-controlled Hambantota port. Another PLA Navy vessel, Hai Yang 24 Hao, known to have surveillance capabilities, visited Colombo port in August 2023.

“The SOP will lay down the type of vessels that can make port calls. For instance, the class of submarines and warships that can make visits to Sri Lanka’s ports. The SOP will also state how long the vessels can remain in the country’s territorial waters and the type of activities they can engage in,” one of the people cited above said.

A second person familiar with the initiative on the Indian side said: “The guidelines and SOP are fine but what will matter are actions taken on the ground.”

The Indian side’s greatest concern that the Chinese vessels can use their equipment to snoop on Indian security facilities while in Sri Lankan waters, the people said.

Sri Lankan President Ranil Wickremesinghe referred to the SOP while participating in the annual Indo-Pacific Islands Dialogue organised by Carnegie Endowment in New York this month. He contended the new SOP built on earlier procedures set by the Sri Lankan Navy and were framed following consultations with the Indian side.

“Recently, we had discussions with India and we’ve now taken on all the amendments. So, any ships that come in now are according to an operation procedure which we have done together with India. I can’t see any ship that’s a threat coming in through that operating procedure,” Wickremesinghe said.

He said only Chinese research vessels visit the island country under the terms of agreements between the Chinese Academy of Sciences and the National Aquatic Resources Research and Development Agency (NARA) and some universities of Sri Lanka. Such vessels have visited Sri Lanka for the past 10 years, he added.

Both India and the US have expressed concern about a planned visit to Sri Lanka by another Chinese research vessel, Shi Yan 6, described by China’s state media as a ship with a 60-member crew that conducts oceanography, marine geology, and marine ecology tests. China sought permission from Sri Lanka in August for a port call by the vessel, but the people said a final decision on dates for a visit is yet to be made.

While the Indian side conveyed its concerns to authorities in Colombo, US undersecretary of state for political affairs Victoria Nuland took up the matter with Sri Lankan foreign minister Ali Sabry during a meeting on the sidelines of the UN General Assembly in New York.

Shi Yan 6 is expected to arrive in Sri Lanka in October to carry out tests with NARA.

Source: Hindustan Times

By: Staff Writer

Colombo (LNW): The Public Utilities Commission of Sri Lanka (PUCSL) has decided to seek public opinion regarding the revision of electricity tariffs proposed by the Ceylon Electricity Board for 2023.

A statement, issued by the utility regulator said in accordance with Section 30 of the Electricity Act No. 20 of 2009, the PUCSL has decided to seek public opinion (stakeholder consultation) regarding the revision of electricity tariffs proposed by the distribution licensee (Ceylon Electricity Board) for the year 2023.

Accordingly, written comments and suggestions from the public and other stakeholders regarding the proposed 3rd electricity tariff revision for 2023 will be accepted until October 18, 2023.

The oral stakeholder consultation on the matter will be held on 18th October 2023 at the Bandaranaike Memorial International Conference Hall (BMICH), Colombo.

In the wake of the  the Public Utilities Commission of Sri Lanka (PUCSL) approval to increase electricity tariffs, the Electricity Consumers’ Association (ECA) has claimed that the CEB is preparing to increase electricity tariffs by 56%.

The CEB reported to have been proposed a 3.15% reduction in the electricity tariff for the period from July to December, 2023, but that the PUCSL had reduced the tariff by about 14.2%, curtailing a considerable amount of the allowed expenditure (approximately Rs. 33 billion) for the operations of the CEB for 2023.

“The total projected revenue anticipated from electricity sales from CEB customers amounts to Rs. 600.67 billion (Bn) (with the other incomes of the CEB, it is Rs. 612.74 billion).

Based on the revised generation dispatch, the aggregate expenditure for the year has been adjusted to Rs. 645.25 billion. Consequently, a deficit in revenue of Rs. 32.51 billion is anticipated by the end of the year 2023 (with the other incomes), if the existing tariff rates persist,” the association revealed.

Commenting on the CEB’s preparations to increase electricity tariffs, the ECA Chairman Sanjeewa Dhammika claimed that the CEB was preparing to hike tariffs by 56%. “Three tariff revisions have been made from August 2022, to date. If another revision is made in the coming months, electricity tariffs have been increased by 200% within the course of one year.

 The CEB and the Power and Energy Minister cannot revise electricity tariffs whenever they want. Only two tariff revisions can be made per year with the approval of the Cabinet of Ministers. Therefore, it is wrong for the CEB even to propose a tariff revision in this manner.”

The PUCSL had approved an overall 14.2% electricity tariff reduction with effect from 3 July 2023.

The revision reduced the electricity tariffs of the category that consumes zero-30 units by 65%, 31-60 units by 51.5%, and 61-90 by 24.5%, and tariffs of the hotel sector by 26.3%, the industry category by 9%, commercial buildings by 5%, and religious places by an overall percentage of 16%.

By: Staff Writer

Colombo (LNW): Sri Lanka’s leading engineers have made a clarion call to Ceylon Electricity Board (CEB) to initiate corrective measures to halt leaks in a massive volume of 78 million cubic metres of water in Samanalawewa reservoir annually, a major hydro power source of the country.   

In a startling revelation they claimed that the leak is causing a loss of Rs.2. 7 billion to the Ceylon Electricity Board (CEB).

The Institution of Engineers Sri Lanka (IESL) in a statement recently urged the Government to take prompt action and instruct the Ceylon Electricity Board (CEB) to initiate corrective measures to halt the leaks in the Samanalawewa reservoir.

IESL emphasised the imperative need to guarantee the reservoir’s safety, as communities residing downstream in the Walawe River basin are now under persistent threats.

The IESL observed that the reservoir is situated in an area characterised by fragile rock formations, and despite the implementation of specialised engineering solutions both before and after 1992, water has continued to seep from the reservoir for the past three decades.

“Two thousand litres of water per second leaks from the reservoir’s right bank. There are no leaks from the dam itself,” it explained.

The IESL pointed out that although the CEB had sought and obtained Cabinet approval in 2021 to reduce the reservoir’s water level, conduct investigations, and undertake remedial actions during the 2022 dry season, these measures were not executed by the CEB.

However, the IESL also noted the CEB has already mapped the possible pathways of the leaks.

“Further lowering of the water level in the reservoir now, would enable physical examination, to support scientific investigations done over the years, and then to immediately attend to remedy the leaks,” the organisation said.

“Urgent action is now required to close all the known and visible leakage paths. The reservoir water levels are still very low and offer the best opportunity for the first time in 30 years, to close the scientifically proven and some now visible leakage paths.

Experts in engineering, geology, irrigation, and electrical power have concluded that the primary objective would be to make the reservoir safe in the longer term.

Any breach of the reservoir’s right bank owing to years of leakage would amount to a disaster, unprecedented in the history of Sri Lanka. Large communities living downstream of the reservoir, in the Walawe River basin are under constant threat,” it added.

The IESL said the CEB must be authorised to act now, before allowing the reservoir levels to rise in the upcoming rainy season.

 “The paramount responsibility of the Government and CEB is to ensure the safety of the reservoir and the people living in the vast downstream expanse of the dam, who live under constant threat,” it noted. 

By Basil Fernando

The sentencing of a former Senior Deputy Inspector General of Police for giving illegal orders not to arrest a suspect.

The reported sentencing of former Senior Deputy Inspector General of Police, Lalith Jayasinghe, for giving illegal orders to prevent the arrest of a person allegedly involved in the shooting which resulted in the death of some persons, was a sentence of five years in prison, by the High Court Judge of Ratnapura. While the particular case may be of interest from a political point of view due to the Member of the Parliament who was later arrested and convicted and later acquitted by the Court of Appeal, this case is of enormous importance from another point of view. This is one of the unique cases in which a very senior Police officer who has held the rank of a Senior Deputy Inspector General of Police has been held guilty of giving illegal orders to an Officer-In-Charge of a Police station who was carrying out an inquiry into the relevant shootings and murders. 

The importance lies in the fact that the complaints about the interferences of higher Police officers into the workings of the Police investigators who are investigating into crimes, is a complaint that is being heard so very frequently. In fact, it is no exaggeration to say that such interferences have reached epidemic levels. This instance where the investigating Officer-In-Charge of the Police had the courage to complain about this incident and pursue the complaint over a period of almost eight years till a conviction has been reached should set an example for others who are facing similar situations throughout the country.

The importance of this case lies in the fact of the key role played by the Officers-In-Charge of the Police who according to the Criminal Procedure Code of Sri Lanka have the duty to conduct inquiries into all crimes which are being reported in their respective jurisdictions. It is the function of the Officers-in-Charge of the Police to ensure investigations into all crimes that keep the security of the society and also to provide security to the people. People can walk on the roads peacefully and conduct their daily affairs such as small businesses and many other transactions and also conduct their neighbourhood relationships peacefully, only due to the fact that the legal system of Sri Lanka has provided like it has also provided in almost all countries for the function of the Police to intervene into any kind of criminal interference into the freedoms of the people by exercising the powers given to them as investigators into crimes. 

Perhaps, the one issue that may be of general interest to all families throughout Sri Lanka today is the duty of the Police to investigate into various crimes relating to the drug trade as this overwhelming problem has emerged in this society affecting families, schools, neighbourhood relationships and also many other factors which cause social unrest and its instability due to the failures of those criminal investigators who have failed to bring this widespread crime under control.

When inquiries are being made into by some of the Police officers, many of them frankly tell that they have tried their best and are in fact trying their best to get this situation under control but that they are prevented from acting because of the orders that are coming down to them from their higher authorities. When a higher ranking Police officer interfere with the investigations into crimes, they are in fact acting criminally as the instructions they give to the local Police stations to prevent them from doing investigations itself becomes a source of the increase of crimes.

Thus, Sri Lanka must today deal with the issue of higher ranking Police officers themselves being part of a criminal enterprise directly or indirectly by the manner in which they obstruct the investigations of crimes by the Officers-In-Charge of the Police who exercise their powers under the Criminal Procedure Code of Sri Lanka. In fact, the kingpin of crime control is the Officers-In-Charge of the Police. If their work is interfered with by a higher officer, this is a very serious crime and also an action against social stability.

The sabotage of criminal investigations 

There is a need for a strategy to stop the sabotage of investigation of crimes by higher ranking Police officers.

A section of higher ranking officers has become a formidable obstacle for crime investigation in Sri Lanka. Had it not been for this, much of the very serious crimes including those relating to the drug trade can be stopped overnight.

These officers in fact offer a greater threat to social stability, peace and the psychological well-being of people including family stability than any other section of society. Thus, they are by now a national security threat, because a crime ridden society threatens every aspect of society.

These officers may argue that they are a creation of bad politicians. However, this is no excuse and not a defence. Besides, as it had happened in this case, politicians will not come to rescue these officers when they face criminal charges in courts.