உலகம்

Concerns have been raised over a growing number of sexually transmitted infections (STIs), including HIV, among adolescents in Sri Lanka.

Addressing the media, Health Minister Dr. Nalinda Jayatissa has said that the trend has become increasingly evident among both school and university students.
The Minister said the risk of HIV and other STIs among adolescents has increased compared to previous years, prompting the government to take urgent measures to address the issue.

“There has been an increase in HIV and other sexually transmitted infections (STIs) among adolescents compared to previous years. Following discussions within the Ministry of Health, a number of school and university students were identified with these infections,” he said.

The Minister added that the Prime Minister and the Minister of Women and Child Affairs have also been involved in the discussions, with coordinated efforts now underway to curb the emerging

Legal redress has been sought against 13 shop owners in Kilinochchi town who had sold cigarettes to school students and tuition class pupils.

According to the Police, the cases were filed following information obtained by Division Intelligence Unit officers, who investigated shops within the Kilinochchi town limits on June 28.

Upon being produced before the Kilinochchi Magistrate’s Court, 11 suspects pleaded guilty and were fined Rs. 20,000 each.

Warrants have been issued for two shop owners who failed to appear in court.The Kilinochchi Police said further investigations are underway into the illegal sale of cigarettes to minors. 

அமெரிக்க கால்பந்து வீரர் ஃபோலாரின் பலோகன் உலகக் கோப்பை போட்டியில் வாங்கிய ஒரு ரெட் கார்டு, அவரது அணிக்கு தற்காலிக பின்னடைவைக் கொடுத்தாலும், ரசிகர்களுக்கு மிகப்பெரிய ஜாக்பாட்டாக மாறியுள்ளது.

பிரபல பீட்சா நிறுவனமான டோமினோஸ், இந்த ரெட் கார்டால் சுமார் 60,000-க்கும் மேற்பட்ட இலவச பீட்சாக்களை வழங்கப் போவதாக அறிவித்துள்ளது. இது கால்பந்து ரசிகர்களுக்கு இரட்டைக் கொண்டாட�

A group of opposition members of the Ambalangoda Pradeshiya Sabha (PS) has staged a walkout during the monthly council meeting, claiming that the session was illegal.

10 Opposition members including former chairman of the Ambalangoda PS and Sri Lanka Podujana Peramuna (SLPP) member – Pushpalal Kumarasinghe had left the council chamber in this manner.

However, opposition member – H.L. Krishantha of the independent opposition group did not join the boycott and remained in the council chamber.

(Source & pics: Lankadeepa)

The Emergency Treatment Unit (ETU) of the Homagama Base Hospital has been digitised for patient admission and registration, while a new telemedicine system also introduced to enable remote video consultations and patient management.

The initiative was launched yesterday (July 01) under the patronage of Minister of Health and Mass Media – Dr. Nalinda Jayatissa, the Ministry of Health said.

The maiden patient registration under the newly digitised ETU system was carried out in the presence of the Minister.

A remote consultation via telemedicine was also used to monitor and manage a patient at the Padukka Hospital under his observation.

Officials said the new system is expected to bring several benefits to hospital administration and service delivery, including reduced operational costs, improved efficiency, optimised use of hospital capacity, data-driven decision-making, and easier exchange of patient records and laboratory data.

The Department of Meteorology says strong winds may occur in several areas due to active southwest monsoon conditions currently prevailing across the island.

An “Amber” advisory has been issued in this regard, effective from 11.00 a.m. today (July 02) until 11.00 a.m. tomorrow (July 03).

Accordingly, strong winds of 40–50 km/h may occur intermittently in the Central, Northern, North Central and North Western provinces, as well as in the Hambantota and Trincomalee districts.

The advisory also covers sea areas extending from Kankesanthurai to Kalpitiya via Mannar and from Matara to Pottuvil via Hambantota, where rough sea conditions and strong gusty winds of up to 50-60 km/h are expected.

The Department said wave heights may increase to around 2.0-2.5 m in sea areas off Chilaw to Pottuvil via Colombo, Galle and Hambantota.

Naval and fishing communities have been advised to remain vigilant and follow future forecasts issued by th

Rescue teams in Venezuela find signs of life 1 week after quakes as death toll soarsAs the death toll jumps to nearly 2,300, rescuers found a man who was seen waving his hand from beneath the debris.

Nearly 50,000 people remain unaccounted for in the wake of Venezuela’s powerful earthquakes as the death toll continues to climb, officials said.

At least 2,295 people have died and another 11,267 were injured from the pair of earthquakes that struck on June 24, knocking down buildings and sending residents racing into the street, Venezuelan lawmaker Jorge Rodriguez said Wednesday.

A child receives emergency attention after being rescued by a Jordanian team from under rubble following earthquakes in Venezuela, in a location given as Caracas, Venezuela, June 30, 2026.

Rodriguez said 26,403 people have been impacted, including those who lost homes or saw serious damage to their homes.

One week in, rescue efforts are ongoing.

The University of the Visual and Performing Arts in Colombo has been temporarily closed due to the rapid spread of dengue fever, Deputy Minister of Education Dr. Madhura Seneviratne has said.

He said the decision was taken as a preventive measure to control the spread of the disease after 36 students were diagnosed with dengue, while several others were reported to be suffering from another type of fever. 

Accordingly, academic and examination activities at the university have been postponed, and all hostels have been closed.

The university operates 02 main hostels located in Rajagiriya and Dehiwala. The Ministry of Education has said dengue transmission has reportedly increased in those surrounding areas as well.

The university is scheduled to reopen on July 13.

Wildlife officers and veterinary officials have begun treatment for a sick elephant found collapsed near the Sengamuwa Tank area within the Lahugala National Park, the Department of Wildlife Conservation (DWC) said.

The treatment is being carried out by the veterinary surgeon D.B.N. Pushpakumara, who is attached to the office of the Department of Wildlife Conservation, Ampara, along with wildlife officers, since June 30.

The elephant is a male, nearly 07 feet in height and estimated to be 30-35 years old.

Wildlife officials at Lahugala National Park have provided the animal with food and water while using a tent-like covering for protection.

The elephant is being continuously monitored, and treatment will be continued based on its condition.

(Pics: DWC Facebook page)