Public warned of deadly rat fever threat

Health authorities have warned of an increased risk of Leptospirosis, commonly known as rat fever, with the onset of the Maha cultivation season and prevailing monsoon rains.

Nearly 7,000 cases of Leptospirosis have been reported across the country so far this year, while about 300 people are estimated to die from the disease annually, medical professionals said.

The Epidemiology Unit and the Health Promotion Bureau have jointly issued a special notice urging the public to take precautions against the disease, particularly with further rainfall expected.

Ratnapura, Kegalle, Galle and Matara have recorded the highest numbers of cases so far this year.

Farmers engaged in paddy cultivation and people involved in other outdoor activities face a higher risk of infection, particularly during periods of heavy rain and flooding.

Leptospirosis is a bacterial disease transmitted from animals to humans. The bacteria can enter water and mud through the urine of infected rats and other domestic and wild animals.

People can become infected when contaminated water or mud comes into contact with cuts, wounds or other breaks in the skin.

Health authorities have advised those engaged in Maha cultivation and other activities involving exposure to muddy or contaminated water to take preventive measures, including obtaining prophylactic medication recommended by a medical professional.

They have also urged people to wear protective footwear such as rubber boots and gloves when working in muddy or waterlogged areas.

Those with cuts, wounds or abrasions should clean and cover them with waterproof dressings before entering water or muddy areas.

Health officials have cautioned that symptoms of Leptospirosis can resemble those of illnesses such as dengue and influenza.

Anyone developing symptoms including fever, severe headache, muscle pain or redness of the eyes has been advised to seek immediate medical attention and avoid self-medication.

Early diagnosis and timely treatment can prevent serious complications and deaths, health authorities said.

Contempt of court case against Dilith, Wimal, Udaya, three others heard for second day

Govt. extends deadline for submitting appeals over cancellation of Aswesuma welfare benefits till Nov. 15

The Supreme Court had determined that several provisions of the proposed Protection of the State from Terrorism Act are inconsistent with the Constitution, Speaker Dr. Jagath Wickramaratne announced in Parliament yesterday.

The Bill was challenged before the Supreme Court under Article 121(1) of the Constitution.

According to the Court’s determination, the Bill can be passed by a simple majority in Parliament if the amendments recommended by the Court are incorporated at the Committee Stage.The Court has proposed several amendments, three of which have already been undertaken by the Additional Solicitor General.

The Supreme Court has determined that two clauses of the proposed Sri Lanka Cricket Bill are inconsistent with the Constitution and would require a two-thirds majority in Parliament to be passed in their present form.

Speaker Dr. Jagath Wickramaratne announced the Court’s determination in Parliament yesterday (12).

According to the determination, the two provisions can be passed by a simple majority if the amendments recommended by the Supreme Court are incorporated into the Bill.

The determination was made following several petitions challenging the constitutionality of the proposed Sri Lanka Cricket Bill.

The Speaker had previously informed Parliament that 33 petitions had been filed challenging the Bill.

Four Buddhist monks, including Ven. Balangoda Kassapa Thera, who were staging a fast-unto-death near the Ruwanweli Maha Seya in Anuradhapura, were taken into police custody following a tense confrontation at the protest site yesterday (12).

The monks had launched the hunger strike in opposition to the proposed Anuradhapura Sacred City Development Plan.

The situation escalated when a group of laypersons including a former Buddhist monk who was known as Rajanganaye Saddharathana Thera, arrived at the protest site and confronted those participating in the fast. Saddharathana who was recently expelled from the Buddhist order, sustained a head injury during the ensuing altercation and was admitted to hospital. He was allegedly struck with a club by individuals at the protest site. Video footage of the incident showed several people carrying clubs and attacking one another as the confrontation escalated.

Police subsequently took Ven. Balangoda Kassapa Thera and the two other monks taken into custody in connection with the incident.

Police Media Spokesperson ASP F.U. Wootler said eight individuals had been taken into custody in connection with the incident. Those detained include four Buddhist monks and four laypersons including a woman.

Ven. Balangoda Kassapa Thera has also been instructed to appear before the Colombo Crimes Division (CCD) today (13) to make a statement over allegations that police officers assaulted him during unrest at a Satyagraha held at Viharamahadevi Park on October 17.

The Thera had earlier been summoned to appear before CCD Investigation Unit 02 at 10 a.m. on Wednesday (11), but did not appear or inform the authorities of his inability to attend.

Accordingly, the Udamaluwa Police took steps to notify him to appear before the CCD today (13).

However, speaking to the media, Ven. Balangoda Kassapa Thera said he would not comply with any court order. He claimed that no court order could be served on him and that only a Sangha Adhikarana had the authority to issue orders concerning him.

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Iran allows ship carrying fertilizer for SL to pass Strait of Hormuz

Fairly heavy showers above 75 mm are likely at some places in the Western, Sabaragamuwa and North-western provinces and in Galle, Matara, Kandy and Nuwara-Eliya districts

Bogollagama returned to prison after failing to meet bail conditions

Heavy showers above 100 mm are likely at some places in the Western, Sabaragamuwa, Central and North-western provinces and in Galle and Matara districts.