Army Commander Appointed As New Chief Of Defense Staff

The Army Commander Lieutenant General Jagath Jayasuriya has been appointed as the new Chief Of Defense Staff by promoted him to the rank of General with effect from 01st of August this year the Defense Ministry has announced today(14).the present chief of defense staff Air Chief Marshal Roshan Gunathilake due to relinquish his position on the same day.

Meanwhile Major General Daya Ratnayake has appointed as new Army Commander with effect from 01st of August by promoted to the rank of lieutenant  general filling the vacancy created by General Jayasuriya it has been announced.

Density Of Dengue Mosquito Larvae Increases Six To Eight Folds In Most Parts Of The Country

The recently concluded research has shown that the Dengue Mosquito Larvae Density in most parts of the island are six to eight folds higher then the normal rate according to entomology assistant officers.in some areas the density of Dengue Mosquito Larvae is 30-40 in Brita u Index the index which measures the density of mosquito larvae it has been reported.

A dengue mosquito larvae density numbering 30 -40 are reported from some areas in Gampaha,Borella,Narahenpita,Batticloe,Kurunagala,Navalapitiya,Kandy and other few places according to entomology assistant officers .the normal density level of mosquito larvae  is 5 in that index and more then that is a sign of an epidemic officers said.

This is the first time after the year 2009 such a higher density of dengue mosquito larvae is reported from the island it has been revealed.

A Businessman Arrested With Smuggled Gem And Jewelerry At Mattala Air Port

A Sri Lankan businessman who returned from Thailand was arrested today(12) with some jewellery and gems smuggled in to the country illegally at the Mattala International Air Port by custom officers .the gems and jeweleries he smuggled in to the country were from Bangkok and worth Rs.millions according to custom officers.

This marks the first such arrest at Mattala International Air Port in southern province which is Sri Lanka's second international air port.

Court Cases Filed Against Sixty Seven Institutes And Houses Maintaining Dengue Mosquito Breeding Places

The Colombo Public Health Department has filed court cases against Government Technical College and 67 other public/private institutes and houses situated in Colombo City today(12) against maintaining dengue mosquito breeding places in their premises the Chief Medical Officer of Health in Colombo Dr.Pradeep Kariyawasam has said.

According to Dr.Kariyawasam,the public health department officers were found many places with large number of dengue mosquito larvae  within technical college premises .around 1930 institutes and houses were checked during today under dengue inspections carried out in the Colombo City and notices were issued to 146 institutes and houses with dengue mosquito breeding places he stressed.

Total Number Of Dengue Patients This Year Exceeds 14,000

The total number of Dengue Patients reported throughout the island this year have passed over 14,000 today(11) according to Epidemiologists.now the total number of dengue patients reported from island this year stands as 14,091 patients and over 45 deaths reported during that period.

The highest number of dengue patients have reported from Colombo District (3620)and total number of  4380 Dengue Patients have been reported during this April and May epidemiologists stressed.around 42.14% out of the total number of dengue patients reported this year are from western province .

Latest Update- 42 Fishermen Died ,Another 22 missing Due To The Adverse Weather

According to the the latest information received 42 fishermen have died and another 22 were injured  due to the adverse weather conditions prevailed in the island during last few days.43 fishermen are still missing along with 24 trawlers according to Ministry Of Fisheries and Aquatic Resources .

Out of the 42 fishermen died 23  deaths were reported from Galle,9 deaths from Colombo and another 9 deaths from Kalutara and 1 death from Negombo Districts.

Government has announced that Rs.100,000 compensation will be given to the families of fishermen who died .meanwhile President Mahinda Rajapaksha has requested a full report from the authorities on how the Sri Lankan Meteorology Department issued warnings to the Fishermen and public on adverse weather during last few days. Speculations are growing among public that the department was not able to inform fishermen on the adverse weather conditions including gusty winds and rough seas in time on last Friday where most of the dead and missing fishermen went to the sea.

Number Of People Died Due To Adverse Weather Conditions Increased To 20- 36 Fishermen And 37 Boats Were Missing

Around 20 people including 18 fishermen have confirmed as dead and 36 fishermen along with 37 fishing boats went missing up to now due to the adverse monsoon weather conditions including strong winds and rough seas the disaster management center has said.

The missing 36 boats were missing from Galle ,Kalutara,Negombo and Colombo .according to the sources around 22 fishermen went missing were rescued dueing round to clock search operations carried out by Navy and Air Force.the rescued fishermen are currently admitted to hospitals and receiving treatment,

Out of the 36 fishermen went missing 17 are sailed from Ahungalla area and 3 from modara.search operations continues.