Chief Health Epidemiologist Dr. Palitha Karunapema says that viral meningitis is currently spreading among schoolchildren in certain areas, but there is no need for any undue fear.

He noted that the disease, which was first reported from Deniyaya, has now been detected in several other areas as well.

Accordingly, 28 cases have been reported from Diyatalawa, 13 from Welimada, and 25 from Rikillagaskada, Dr. Karunapema said.

Speaking to the media, he confirmed that the medical condition has been identified as viral meningitis and that the health authorities are carrying out a thorough investigation into the situation.

He further stated that the illness is predominantly affecting schoolchildren, with common symptoms including high fever, headache, nausea, and vomiting.

Dr. Karunapema emphasized that the condition is not severe and can be fully treated, adding that there is no cause for alarm.

He also elaborated:

‘‘These days, cases of meningitis are being reported. It was first identified in Deniyaya, and later cases were reported from hospitals in Diyatalawa, Welimada, and Rikillagaskada. Proper investigations and testing have been carried out, and the condition has been confirmed. The disease has spread among schoolchildren. The symptoms include high fever, headache, and vomiting. All affected patients have been admitted to hospitals.’‘

‘‘With treatment, the disease can be cured within 5–7 days. Therefore, there is no need for undue fear. Necessary measures are being taken to control the situation, and all patients are receiving proper care.’‘

He urged the public to remain cautious during the ongoing rainy season and Vesak period, and to take necessary precautions to prevent further spread of the disease.

He further advised that special care should be taken as the infection can spread through contaminated food and water, and stressed the importance of maintaining proper hygiene practices. He also noted that health authorities are working in close coordination with schools to minimize further transmission.

The Irrigation Department has issued a flood warning valid for the next 48 hours for several low-lying areas along the Mahaweli River Basin due to rainfall received since last night (17) in certain catchment areas.

Accordingly, residents of low-lying areas in Kinniya, Muttur, Kantale, Seruvila, Welikanda, Lankapura, Thamankaduwa, and Dimbulagala Divisional Secretariat (DS) Divisions have been warned of possible flooding.

Furthermore, there is a risk of inundation of the Batticaloa Polonnaruwa Road (Gallella area), the access road to Somawathiya Raja Maha Vihara, and the surrounding areas of the Somawathiya Raja Maha Vihara, the department said.

Therefore, devotees travelling to the Somawathiya Raja Maha Vihara are kindly requested to avoid travel to the area until further notice over the next few days. 

In addition, the general public residing in close proximity to the Mahaweli River in the above-mentioned areas are requested to remain highly vigilant and to take necessary measures to protect themselves from possible flood conditions. 

Therefore, disaster management authorities are also requested to take adequate precautions in this regard.

 

 

 

The ‘Level-3’ (Red) landslide evacuation warning issued to multiple areas in four districts has been extended.

Accordingly, the National Building and Research Organisation (NBRO) landslide warning will be in effect till 04:00 p.m. tomorrow (10).

Districts and Divisional Secretariat Divisions (DSDs) that have been issued the Level 3 (Red) landslide warnings, advising people to evacuate, are as follows:

Kandy District: Pathahewaheta, Pathadumbara, Harispattuwa, Doluwa, Thumpane, Poojapitiya, Udunuwara, Gangawata Korale, Akurana, Minipe, Udapalatha, Hatharaliyadda, Kundasale, Panwila, Medadumbara, Udadumbara, Deltota, Pasbage Korale, Yatinuwara and Ganga Ihala Korale DSDs and surrounding areas

Kegalle District: Bulathkohupitiya, Mawanella, Aranayaka, Galigamuwa, Warakapola, Yatiyanthota and Rambukkana DSDs and surrounding areas

Kurunegala District: Rideegama, Mawathagama and Mallawapitiya DSDs and surrounding areas

Matale District: Rattota, Wilgamuwa, Laggala Pallegama, Ambanganga Korale, Ukuwela, Matale, Naula, Pallepola and Yatawatta DSDs and surrounding areas

The Irrigation Department announced that a major flood situation has already developed in the low-lying areas of the Mahaweli River Basin and strongly advised people living in those areas to evacuate as early as possible.

Issuing a ‘Red’ major flood warning, it said that considering the heavy rainfall continuously received in the upper catchment areas of the Mahaweli River and the water level readings of the river gauges maintained by the Irrigation Department, a Major Flood Situation has already developed in the low-lying areas of the Mahaweli River Basin, and the water levels are expected to rise further. 

Therefore, the public residing in close proximity to the Mahaweli River in these areas are kindly requested to remain extremely vigilant and to take necessary measures to protect themselves from the prevailing major flood situation, the department said. 

People living in the low-lying areas along both banks of the river are strongly advised to evacuate these areas as early as possible while relevant Disaster Management Authorities are requested to take all necessary actions in this regard.

A proposal has been submitted to authorities to operate night mail trains during the daytime in areas where wild elephants roam frequently, the Sri Lanka Railway Station Masters’ Association (SLRSMU) has stated.

Secretary of the union Kasun Chamara Jayasekara said that they faced severe difficulties yesterday (25) because passengers were unable to reserve seats on several night mail trains.

“Yesterday, the Railway Department did not release advance seat reservations for the night mail trains running from Colombo to Trincomalee, Colombo to Batticaloa and Moratuwa to Kankesanthurai. No prior notification was given by the Department. As a result, station masters had to face public criticism. During our inquiry, we learned that the Railway Department had adjusted the schedules of these night mail trains at the request of the Railway Drivers’ Union. These trains will operate during daytime in the future. The concern now is whether this will actually serve the public. People from Trincomalee, Batticaloa and Jaffna usually arrive at night so they can attend to their essential tasks the following day. With daytime operations, there is uncertainty whether the expected level of service can be provided.”

Speaking to Ada Derana regarding the matter, the Secretary of the Locomotive Operating Engineers’ Union, Chandana Wiyanduwa, expressed the following:

“A train driver cannot stop a train instantly to prevent a collision with an elephant. It is not something that can be done in a split second. We informed the government and the Railway Department about this and requested a solution. They promised to provide one. The likelihood of elephant collisions is higher at night. If steps can be taken to prevent elephants from coming onto the track, it would be worthwhile.”

More than 23 million Americans are currently enrolled in Obamacare plans, and nearly all of them will face higher health care costs next year if extra federal funding for subsidies expires, as scheduled, on Dec. 31.

Share of population enrolled in Obamacare plans

Source: KFF

Note: Alabama, Florida, Georgia, Kansas, Mississippi, South Carolina, Tennessee, Texas, Wisconsin and Wyoming have not adopted the Affordable Care Act’s Medicaid expansion.

The New York Times

Democrats in Congress are withholding their votes on a government spending bill to demand that Republicans extend these subsidies, which lower the cost of insurance for people who buy their own health care coverage in marketplaces established by the Affordable Care Act. Since Congress introduced the extra funding in 2021, enrollment has doubled.

These Americans live nearly everywhere in the country, but their numbers are especially concentrated in a handful of red states whose governments have declined to expand Medicaid programs to cover poor, childless adults.

Fifty-seven percent of people with this type of insurance live in Republican congressional districts.

Obamacare enrollment rates, by congressional district

Districts represented by Democrats

Districts represented by Republicans

Source: KFF

The New York Times

The difference is driven by extra enrollment in states that hadn’t expanded Medicaid since the Affordable Care Act encouraged states to do so in 2014. Obamacare was designed to cover the poorest Americans with Medicaid and then offer subsidies for people who earned more. There is a small share of the income distribution that overlaps; those people are eligible for Medicaid where it is available, and subsidies where it is not. As a result, more low-income Americans are eligible for subsidies in states that don’t offer Medicaid to all poor adults.

Since subsidies became more generous in 2021, overall enrollment has more than tripled in six red states: Texas, Louisiana, Mississippi, Tennessee, Georgia and West Virginia. Of that group, only West Virginia expanded Medicaid.

Obamacare coverage has become especially widespread in south Florida, where there is a large concentration of low-wage workers and early retirees.

Most of the congressional districts with the highest enrollments are in states that Trump won in the presidential election, but not all are represented by Republicans in Congress.

Districts with the highest Obamacare enrollment rates

Note: Table only includes districts with rates 15 percent or higher. Margin of victory not shown for representatives who ran uncontested or faced another member of the same party on the November ballot.

The New York Times

Americans with relatively low incomes make up the largest group of enrollees by far. Nearly half of consumers nationwide earn less than 150 percent of the federal poverty level, around $24,000 for a single person in most states or around $48,000 for a family of four. These people tend to work in low-wage jobs that don’t offer health insurance, have part-time employment, or are freelancers who work gig jobs.

The extra subsidies are especially generous for this group. As long as they choose one of the two lowest-cost plans in their market, they don’t have to make any monthly payments for their premiums. Critics of the subsidies think these are so generous for this group that they have invited fraud. If the subsidies expire, the share of premiums for this group will go up to around $27 to $82 a month.

Obamacare enrollment, by income range

Income range	Share
100–150% of federal poverty level Individuals: $15,650–$23,475 Household of four: $32,150–$48,225	45% 10.9 million people
150–200% Individuals: $23,475–$31,300 Household of four: $48,225–$64,300	18% 4.3 million
200–250% Individuals: $31,300–$39,125 Household of four: $64,300–$80,375	10% 2.5 million
250–300% Individuals: $39,125–$46,950 Household of four: $80,375–$96,450	7% 1.7 million
300–400% Individuals: $46,950–$62,600 Household of four: $96,450–$128,600	7% 1.8 million
400–500% Individuals: $62,600–$78,250 Household of four: $128,600–$160,750	3% 724,961
500% or above Individuals: $78,250 or above Household of four: $160,750 or above	4% 911,808

Source: KFF

Note: Two groups, the group of people below the federal poverty level and the group labeled as “Unknown” in the data, were excluded from the table. They make up 2.2% and 3.8% of total enrollees.

The New York Times

Americans who earn more than 400 percent of the poverty level, around $63,000 for a single person in most states or $129,000 for a family of four, make up a much smaller share of the market, around 7 percent. This group tends to include people who are self-employed or who work for small businesses, and early retirees — all of whom lack work-based options.

In dollar terms, the expiring subsidies will make the biggest difference for this group. With the extra subsidies, their payments are capped at 8.5 percent of their income. Without action, they will have to pay the full cost of their insurance next year, more than $2,000 a month for older people in the most expensive markets.

Some conservative critics of the extra subsidies argue this group earns enough that they should be expected to pay their insurance premiums without help.

Without the extra subsidies, analysts expect that millions of Americans enrolled in Obamacare will drop their insurance coverage or face higher prices. The Congressional Budget Office estimates that around two million more people will become uninsured next year without the extra financial help, and the number could rise to 3.8 million by 2035. Other analyses have estimated even larger reductions in coverage.

Exactly who will become uninsured is difficult to know. But Cynthia Cox, a vice president at KFF, a health care research group, said the losses were most likely to occur in the places where signups had risen the most since the extra subsidies became law in 2021.

Change in enrollment from 2020 to 2025

State	Change in enrollment		2025 total	Margin
Tex.		+255%	4 million	R+14
Miss.		+242%	338,159	R+23
W.Va.		+235%	67,113	R+42
La.		+234%	292,994	R+22
Ga.		+228%	1.5 million	R+2
Tenn.		+221%	642,867	R+30
Ala.		+198%	477,838	R+31
Ohio		+197%	583,443	R+11
S.C.		+195%	631,948	R+18
Ariz.		+177%	423,025	R+6
Ark.		+159%	166,639	R+31
Ind.		+155%	359,240	R+19
Iowa		+151%	136,833	R+13
Fla.		+147%	4.7 million	R+13
Kan.		+133%	200,046	R+16

+ Show all states

Source: KFF

Note: Alabama, Florida, Georgia, Kansas, Mississippi, South Carolina, Tennessee, Texas, Wisconsin and Wyoming have not adopted the Affordable Care Act’s Medicaid expansion. The margin of victory in the presidential election in 2024 is shown.

The New York Times

The National Building Research Organisation (NBRO) has issued early landslide warnings for multiple areas in seven districts as heavy rainfall continues in parts of the island.

The landslide warnings would be in effect until 04:00 p.m. tomorrow (14), the NBRO said.

Accordingly, the Level 1 (Yellow) warning has been issued for several Divisional Secretariat Divisions (DSDs) and surrounding areas in the Colombo, Galle, Kalutara, Kandy, Kegalle, Nuwara-Eliya and Ratnapura districts as follows: 

Alert: Level 01 

Clombo – Padukka Divisional Secretariat Division(s) (DSD) and surrounding areas

Galle – Elpitiya DSD and surrounding areas

Kalutara – Palindanuwara, Agalawatta and Bulathsinhala DSDs and surrounding areas

Kandy – Ganga Ihala Koralya DSD and surrounding areas

Kegalla – Dehiowita, Yatiyanthota and Dehiovita DSDs and surrounding areas

Nuwara-Eliya – Ambanganga DSD and surrounding areas

Ratnapura – Ratnapura, Kuruwita, Niwithigala, Eheliyagoda and Ayagama DSDs and surrounding areas

Meanwhile, the Meteorology Department says that showers will occur at times in Western, Sabaragamuwa, Central, Southern and North-western provinces.  

Heavy rainfall of about 100 mm is likely at some places in the Western and Sabaragamuwa provinces and in Nuwara-Eliya, Kandy, Galle, Matara and Puttalam districts. 

Several spells of showers will occur in the Northern Province and in the Anuradhapura District, it said. 

Showers or thundershowers may occur at a few places in Uva province and in Ampara and Batticaloa Districts during the afternoon or night. 

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

Early landslide warnings have been issued for multiple areas in six districts as heavy rainfall continues in parts of the island.

Landslide warnings will be in effect until 10:00 a.m. tomorrow (May 19), the National Building and Research Organisation (NBRO) said. 

Accordingly, a Level 1 (Yellow) warning issued for several Divisional Secretariat Divisions (DSDs) and surrounding areas in the Colombo, Galle, Kalutara, Kandy, Kegalle and Ratnapura districts as follows:

Colombo: Seethawaka Divisional Secretariat DSD and surrounding areas.

Galle: Elpitiya Divisional Secretariat DSD and surrounding areas.

Kalutara: Palindanuwara and Ingiriya Divisional Secretariat DSD and surrounding areas.

Kandy: Pasbage Korale Divisional Secretariat DSD and surrounding areas.

Kegalle: Bulathkohupitiya, Ruwanwella, Dehiowita and Warakapola Divisional Secretariat and surrounding areas.

Ratnapura: Eheliyagoda, Kiriella and Kuruwita DSD and surrounding areas.

A warm weather advisory has been issued for residents of the Northern, North-Central, North-Western, Western, Southern, and Eastern provinces, as well as the Ratnapura and Monaragala districts.

The heat index — the temperature felt by the human body — is expected to rise to the ‘Caution Level’ in several areas tomorrow, according to the Department of Meteorology.

“The Heat Index Forecast is calculated by using relative humidity and maximum temperature and this is the condition that is felt on your body”, said the Met Department in a statement.

The Department noted that prolonged exposure to the sun and outdoor activity will result in fatigue while continuing activity could lead to heat cramps.

Therefore, residents have been requested to stay hydrated and to limit strenuous outdoor activities.

The National Building Research Organisation (NBRO) has issued a ‘Level 3 (Red)’ Landslide Early Warning for several divisional secretariat divisions (DSDs) in Kandy, Matale and Nuwara-Eliya districts urging the residents of these areas to evacuate to safer locations. 

Accordingly, the Level -3 warning, valid for the next 24 hours,. Has been issued for the following divisional secretariat divisions and surrounding areas:

Kandy District – Harispattuwa, Medadumbara, Kandy Four Gravets or Gangawata Korale, Ududumbara, Doluwa,  Yatinuwara, Udapalatha, Pathahewaheta, Udunuwara, Pathadumbara and Delthota 

Matale District – Ukuwela, Yatawatta, Rattota, Wilgamuwa, Ambanganga Korale, Laggala Pallegama, Pallepola, Naula and Matale 

Nuwara Eliya District – Walapane Divisional Secretariat Division (DSD) and surrounding areas

The warning states that since the rainfall within the past 24 hours has exceeded 150 mm in the above areas, residents are advised to evacuate toe safer locations in the rain continues to avoid the risk of landslides, slope failures, rock falls, cutting failures and ground subsidence.