Glass cause for TB spread among estate workers

Nimal WIJAYATUNGA- Eheliyagoda spl corr

Eheliyagoda Pradeshiya Sabha member R. Dhanaratne (UPFA) said the main reason for the spread of tuberculosis among estate workers is the same glass being used to drink Kasippu.

Discussing the danger of tuberculosis spreading among estate sector employees in the Eheliyagoda MOH division, PS member Roshan Kingsley (UPFA) said tuberculosis had claimed several lives in the upper and lower divisions of Durampitiya estate. There are many patients still in this estate, he said at the Eheliyagoda Pradeshiya Sabha monthly meeting.

A majority of estate labourers drink kasippu daily and about 50 to 60 addicts use the same glass. This has become one of the major reasons for the spread of TB, he said. PS member Nimal Gunaratna (JVP) said due to ignorance, social pressure and problems related to day to day life, not only elders but some school children are also in the habit of drinking illicit liquor and inhale ganga.

He said one of the main problems in the estate sector was the housing problem. They lack basic facilities such as water, electricity and medical attention.