Festive season mishaps :
Public warned to be vigilant
Nadira GUNATILLEKE
The Health Ministry yesterday warned the public to guard against
accidents and other mishaps that have a tendency to rise during the
festive season.
They include traditional games, firecracker related injuries and road
accidents, Health Ministry Additional Secretary Dr Palitha Mahipala
said.
According to Dr Mahipala, some Avurudhu games involve flour such as
locating certain items hidden inside flour by mouth which necessarily
means inhaling the flour leading to asthma and other respiratory
diseases.
“People get injured during certain games such as pora pol, chak-gudu
and tug-o-war. Children get strangled or receive fatal head injuries
while riding on swings. Therefore, both adults and children should be
vigilant to prevent such accidents,” he said.
Dr Mahipala pointed out that firecrackers cause fatal injuries and
serious burn injuries when they are lit inside tins and cups.
“Sometimes adults hold firecrackers to show off their bravery, but
end up losing fingers and receiving serious burn injuries. Some children
become permanently blind. Some children place firecrackers into open air
hearths or hot pots of oil set up to cook traditional sweetmeats. This
can cause serious damages to lives and property,” Dr Mahipala said.
He also said drunk drivers cause major road accidents during all
festive seasons.
“The roads are full of vehicles due to festive events and school
holidays make children driven to more revelry. Sri Lanka now has a very
sophisticated road network allowing for motorists to speed.
These factors contribute towards fatal road accidents.
“The public should be vigilant in avoiding all risk situations during
the festive season,” he added. |