May 28, Colombo (LNW): The Health Ministry, in collaboration with the Sri Lanka Medical Nutrition Association (SLMNA), is set to enhance the quality and presentation of meals provided to in-patients at government hospitals.

Dr. Nalinda Herath, President of the SLMNA and a noted nutritionist, announced that under the new initiative, in-patient meals will be packaged in trays with rice and curries arranged separately.

These trays will be covered with a transparent wrapper and delivered directly to the patient’s bedside.

The new initiative will commence with a pilot project at Maharagama Apeksha Hospital in July, before being rolled out to all government hospitals nationwide.

Furthermore, Dr. Herath revealed that chefs from five-star hotels will offer specialised training to hospital kitchen staff.

These staff members will also receive special uniforms, ensuring high standards of food hygiene are maintained.

Additionally, the hospital employees responsible for food delivery will be provided with new uniforms, and the meals will be delivered directly to the patients’ bedsides.

This marks a significant improvement over the current system, where patients must collect their meals from food trolleys.

May 28, Colombo (LNW): With the heavy rains sweeping across Sri Lanka, health authorities are expressing serious concerns about a surge in seasonal illnesses such as dengue, leptospirosis, diarrheal diseases, and influenza.

The onset of the rainy season significantly elevates the risk of several serious health conditions, warned experts.

“Dengue fever poses a substantial threat during this period. Increased rainfall leads to more stagnant water, which provides breeding grounds for Aedes mosquitoes. It is imperative for the public to eliminate standing water around their homes and utilise mosquito repellents,” Dr. LakKumar Fernando told Daily Mirror.

He also noted an unprecedented rise in influenza cases over recent weeks.

Leptospirosis, or ‘rat fever,’ is another major concern. A senior health official explained that flooded areas can become contaminated with the urine of infected animals, facilitating the spread of leptospirosis.

Individuals working in waterlogged conditions should wear protective clothing and seek medical advice if they experience symptoms like fever, headache, and muscle pain, he explained.

Dr. Deepal Perera, consultant paediatrician at Lady Ridgeway Hospital (LRH), highlighted the risk of waterborne diseases.

“The incidence of diarrheal diseases tends to increase during the monsoon due to contaminated water sources. Ensuring access to clean drinking water and maintaining good hygiene practices are critical,” he noted.

Additionally, respiratory infections often rise with increased humidity and damp conditions.

“There is typically a spike in cases of the common cold, influenza, and asthma exacerbations during the rainy season. It is important to stay warm and dry, and to seek medical attention for persistent respiratory symptoms,” advised Dr. Perera.

May 28, Colombo (LNW): Alawathugoda Police have apprehended eight individuals in connection with a drug trafficking operation.

Among those arrested are an employee of the Excise Department and a person purportedly serving as a manager at a private bank, according to Police.

The arrests led to the seizure of various drugs, including heroin, crystal methamphetamine (‘Ice’), and cannabis, along with a digital scale and approximately Rs. 10,000 in cash.

The court has authorised the detention and questioning of the Excise Department employee and the private bank manager until May 29.

The suspects were apprehended following information obtained from an individual previously arrested by Alawathugoda Police for heroin distribution.

Investigations into the matter are ongoing.

May 28, Colombo (LNW): The deadline for applications for the 2024/2025 scholarship programme, jointly offered by the Sri Lanka Telecommunication Regulatory Commission (TRCSL) and the President’s Fund for students studying Information and Communication Technology at the G.C.E Advanced Level, has been extended to 7th June 2024.

Given the urgency of awarding these scholarships, students who meet the qualifications are advised to complete their applications meticulously, said the Presidential Media Division (PMD).

Applications must be endorsed by the Grama Seva Officer, Divisional Secretary, class teacher, school principal, and zonal director.

Completed applications should be sent by registered post to the Secretary, President’s Fund, No. 35, 3rd Floor, Lakehouse Building, DR Wijewardena Mawatha, Colombo 10, before the new deadline.

The scholarship programme name and the educational zone to which the school belongs should be clearly indicated on the top left corner of the envelope.

The original deadline for applications was 22nd May. However, due to numerous requests from students who encountered administrative difficulties and adverse weather conditions, the deadline has been extended.

By: Isuru Parakrama

May 28, Colombo (LNW): The prevailing showery and windy conditions are expected to continue further, due to the active South West Monsoonal condition.

Showers or thundershowers will occur at times in Western, Sabaragamuwa, Central, North-western and Southern provinces.

Heavy showers above 100 mm are likely at some places in Western and Sabaragamuwa province and in Nuwara-Eliya district.

Showers or thundershowers will occur at several places in Uva province and in Ampara and Batticaloa districts in the evening or night.

Strong winds of about (50-60) kmph can be expected at times over Western slopes of the central hills and in Northern, North-central, Western, Southern and North-western provinces and in Trincomalee and Monaragala districts.

Marine Weather:

There is a possibility that near shore sea areas off the coast extending from Kalpitiya to Matara via, Colombo and Galle may experience surges due to swell waves.

Naval and fishing communities are also requested to be attentive to future forecasts issued by the Department in this regard.

Meanwhile, the cyclonic storm known as “Remal” located over the North Bay of Bengal and adjoining West Bengal (India) has made landfall crossing the same coast during the morning yesterday (27).

However, very strong winds (60-70) kmph, accompanied with heavy rainfalls and very rough seas are likely to continue further over the sea areas around the island, Arabian Sea areas and Bay of Bengal Sea areas due to the active south-west monsoonal condition.

Naval and fishing communities are advised not to venture into the sea areas marked by RED colour on the map above until further notice.

Actions Required:

• Those who are out at aforementioned sea regions are advised to return to coasts or moved safer areas immediately.
• Fishing and naval community are requested to be attentive to future forecasts issued by the Department of Meteorology in this regard.

Strong winds of about (50-60) kmph can be expected at times over Western slopes of the central hills and in Northern, North-central, Western, Southern and North-western provinces and in Trincomalee and Monaragala district, due to the increase of south-west monsoonal wind flow over the island.

Fairly strong winds about (30-40) kmph can be expected at times elsewhere of the island.