Take care of injuries from Avurudhu sports

by Bharatha Malawaraarachchi

Hospital authorities yesterday warned Avurudhu revellers to guard against injuries they may sustain in sports events connected to the festive season.

They stressed that organisers of traditional and non-traditional sports events should pay adequate attention to the safety of the participants.

Colombo National Hospital's Deputy Director (Accident Service) Dr. Anil Jasinghe said a significant number of victims are reported every year due to injuries related to Avurudhu sports events.

"Organisers should pay attention to the safety component before organising such events," he added suggesting that organisers could even appoint a separate committee for this.

Authorities should also warn people to be extra careful and not to drive under the influence of liquor during the festive season as it could kill or harm them.

Officials warned motorists against driving under the influence of liquor especially since April over the years had recorded the largest number of road fatalities.

A hospital survey earlier revealed that one Sri Lankan dies every 4.5 hours in road accidents. Around 75 per cent injured are aged between 20 - 50.

This is very troubling as most are breadwinners.

It has been revealed that 11 per cent of road accidents are due to drunken driving. Amongst the other factors are lack of body protection and poor experience resulting in defective judgement.

Authorities also caution people to be careful when lighting fire crackers during this season.