PMD: During a recent episode of the ‘One-O-One Katha’ program produced by the President’s Media Division, Dr. Hasareli Fernando, a specialist in community medicine, discussed the significant advancements in healthcare in Sri Lanka. She highlighted the expansion of healthcare services across the island, including the establishment of 30 new breast clinics in government hospitals under the supervision of oncology surgeons. These clinics, in addition to the existing Suvanari clinics and cancer early detection centres, are playing a crucial role in enhancing the early detection of breast cancer.

Furthermore, Dr Hasareli Fernando emphasized that while breast cancer cannot be prevented, early detection holds the potential for complete cure. This development in healthcare infrastructure represents a significant step forward in ensuring better healthcare access and outcomes for the people of Sri Lanka.

Expressing her views further Dr Hasareli Fernando noted;

Breast cancer ranks as the most prevalent form of cancer among women both in our country and worldwide. It’s important to note that men are not immune to breast cancer, although being female constitutes a significant risk factor. In fact, women face a risk that is 100 times greater than that of men in developing breast cancer.

Additionally, over 80% of breast cancer cases are reported in individuals aged 50 and above. A family history of breast cancer and genetic mutations contribute to the risk, with a 15% likelihood of breast cancer due to genetic factors. Those who have previously battled breast cancer are also at a higher risk of recurrence, as are women who have never had children and those who had their first child after turning 30. Factors such entering puberty before the age of 11 and reaching menopause after 55 years of age also pose risks that are beyond our control.

These risk factors are linked to estrogen and progesterone hormones in the body. Long-term use of hormonal birth control pills carries a slight risk of breast cancer, but this risk has been minimized through hormone combinations and pill formulations.

While some of these risk factors are beyond our control, there are modifiable factors that we can focus on, such as managing weight, dietary choices, regular exercise and alcohol and tobacco consumption.

The most effective method for early detection of breast cancer is through regular breast self-examinations, especially for women over the age of 20. It is recommended to perform these self-exams on a specific date each month. Health institutions consistently promote awareness about this practice.

When conducting routine breast self-examinations, individuals should be vigilant for any new changes, such as the presence of a lump, whether painful or not, alterations in skin texture, changes in colour or shape, nipple discharge, or nipple inversion. If a new lump is detected not only in the breast but also in the armpit, it is essential to seek immediate consultation with a qualified doctor. Referring to the “Suvanari Sayana” program through Medical Officers of Health offices is an option.

Moreover, the Ministry of Health has established five cancer screening centres in Narahenpita, Ratnapura, Matara, Batticaloa and Jaffna. Additionally, there are 30 new breast clinics operating under the supervision of specialist cancer surgeons in government hospitals across the island. Individuals can visit any of these facilities or hospitals promptly to undergo necessary tests and receive medical advice. While breast cancer cannot be prevented, early detection offers the possibility of complete cure.

Cancer cases are on the rise in Sri Lanka and globally. In 2020, Sri Lanka saw over 37,000 new cancer diagnoses, with more than 20,000 affecting women. Among these cases, breast cancer is the most common, exceeding 5,000 diagnoses in 2020. Breast cancer accounts for 26% of women’s cancer diagnoses. Worldwide, 2.2 million breast cancer cases were reported in 2020, with 685,000 deaths attributed to the disease. In 2019, Sri Lanka recorded 784 breast cancer-related deaths, including 18 among men.

Many preventable cancers are linked to poor dietary choices. To mitigate these risks, it is advisable to minimize consumption of fast food and be mindful of weight gain, which can contribute to certain cancers. While bread flour itself is not a carcinogen, it is associated with weight gain and some types of cancer. For adults, it is recommended to engage in at least half an hour of exercise per day, five days a week, to the point of perspiration. It is also crucial to avoid both smoking and smokeless tobacco products, as they are carcinogenic and contribute to oral and lung cancers, particularly in men.

Colombo (LNW): Public Security Minister Tiran Alles has informed the media bodies that the Online Safety Bill will undergo thorough consultation with all the relevant stakeholders before being tabled in Parliament.

The controversial Bill was introduced in Parliament on Tuesday (03) and immediately met with backlash due to his alleged repressive manner.

By Friday, nine objections to the Bill were submitted to the Supreme Court, and more are likely to follow before the October 17 deadline.

On Friday (06), Alles convened a session with numerous media entities and specialists, and entered a consensus that the Bill posed crucial issues that might require revisions.

Media specialists articulated concerns that the Bill could curtail fundamental Freedom of Expression rights and highlighted the lack of comprehensive discussions with primary stakeholders, including technology firms.

Highlighting the Bill’s history, the Minister shared that its development spanned two justice ministers since 2016, and he was now overseeing its evolution. He underscored the increasing online harassment complaints, especially from women and children, which necessitates prompt governmental intervention.

Minister Alles plans to hold in-depth consultations with the Bar Association, civil rights groups, human rights bodies, and the diplomatic sector before advancing the Bill, according to reports.

1. President Ranil Wickremesinghe directs that his image is not used on billboards, cut-outs, and posters: calls on all political leaders to avoid including their photos in their campaign materials: says people are scolding politicians when they see them on television and queries as to why politicians must put themselves on posters and get scolded from the people again.
   
2. Foreign Ministry says SL is deeply concerned about the escalation of violence & the resulting loss of life in Israel & Palestine: calls for an immediate halt to violence: expresses support to a negotiated settlement in line with internationally agreed parameters of 2 states living side by side on the basis of the 1967 borders.
   
3. SL economy suffers a massive contraction of 7.9% in the 1st half of 2023, following a decline of 7.8% in 2022: marks the deepest contraction in the country’s post-independence history.
   
4. Disaster Management Centre says around 8,000 people (3,500 families) in Galle and more than 50,000 people (18,000 families) in Matara have been affected by the adverse weather conditions.
   
5. SJB MP Harsha de Silva who vociferously advocated higher taxes, debt default & an IMF programme, now asks the Govt to reduce tax on professionals and compensate for the revenue loss by tackling the problem of counterfeit revenue stickers on liquor bottles: says there is now a need for a “comprehensive solution”.
   
6. Workers’ remittances in September’23 records USD 482 mn, up from USD 359 mn in September’22: however, the September’23 figure was below the August’23 figure of USD 499 mn and well below the USD 570 mn remittances average for the month of September during the period from 2015 to 2020: cumulative remittances for January-September’23 was USD 4,345 mn, up 75% from the corresponding period last year.
   
7. SLMC Secretary M Nizam Kariapper, PC, says the expulsion of Batticaloa
   District MP Zainul Abdeen Nazeer Ahamed from Parliament for switching allegiance to the Govt in violation of a decision by the Party to vote against Budget 2022 would impact the upcoming vote on Budget 2024: previously, SC Justices P Padman Surasena, S Thurairaja PC & Mahinda Samyawardhena had unanimously endorsed the SLMC decision to expel Ahamed.

8. SLPP General Secretary MP Sagara Kariyawasam says a number of SLPP MPs had breached the party discipline in recent times, with some MPs even joining the opposition: asserts the Party is considering taking action against them in the wake of the Supreme Court ruling: also says the SLPP would be able to take disciplinary action against SLPP MPs such as Dullas Alahapperuma, Dilan Perera & Anura Yapa who have acted against the Party’s stand.
   
9. Education Minister Susil Premajayanth says intellectuals who choose to leave the country during its challenging times, despite being prime beneficiaries of the free education system and having enjoyed the associated social benefits, lack wisdom: Opposition MP Eran Wickramaratne says the high cost of living, increased taxation, & the absence of forward-thinking leadership are the causes
   for the current brain-drain.
   
10. Renowned movie actor Jackson Anthony, 65, passes away this morning while receiving treatment at the Intensive Care Unit of the Colombo National Hospital after being involved in an accident in Anuradhapura, more than an year ago.

By: Isuru Parakrama

Colombo (LNW): Atmospheric conditions are favorable for afternoon thunderstorms in Eastern, Central, North-Central and Northern provinces, and therefore, showers or thundershowers will occur at several places in Eastern, Uva, Central, Northern and North-central provinces and in Kurunegala district during the evening or night, the Department of Meteorology said in its daily weather forecast today (09).

Fairly heavy showers above 75 mm can be expected at some places, and several spells of showers will occur in Western, Sabaragamuwa and Southern provinces and in Puttalam district, the statement added.

General public is kindly requested to take adequate precautions to minimise damages caused by temporary localised strong winds and lightning during thundershowers.

Marine Weather:

Colombo (LNW): 21,000 metric tonnes of urea fertiliser will be distributed for the upcoming Maha season, starting from Monday (09), announced Agriculture Minister Mahinda Amaraweera.

The distribution responsibility has been assigned to state-owned companies, Ceylon Fertiliser Company Ltd and Colombo Commercial Fertilisers Ltd.

Farmers can obtain this fertiliser from agrarian service centers, with a 50kg bundle priced at Rs.9,000.

Additionally, the government is offering paddy farmers Rs.15,000 per hectare to procure either chemical or organic fertilisers.

State-run fertiliser companies should prioritise the supply for both paddy and other crop cultivations, Amaraweera noted.

PMD: President Ranil Wickremesinghe has issued a directive, urging against the use of his images on billboards, cut-outs and posters.

He has also called upon fellow political leaders to avoid incorporating their photos in their campaign materials.

President Wickremesinghe emphasised the importance of addressing the people’s needs over the politics of slogans, noting that such practices have adversely affected the country’s economy.

The President reiterated his long-standing opposition to the use of slogans and cut-out-based politics and encouraged everyone to embark on a new political journey together.

These remarks were made during his participation in the 149th-anniversary celebration of Chenkaladi Central College in Batticaloa this morning (08).

Additionally, the President instructed the relevant parties to remove a large cut-out displayed near Chenkalady Central College in Batticaloa, following his participation in various programs in Batticaloa over the past two days.