Notable rise in New Year incidents

Sandasen MARASINGHE

There was a significant increase in hospitalizations following incidents during the Sinhala and Hindu New Year season. Sources at the Colombo National Hospital said 726 persons were admitted to the Colombo National Hospital with injuries resulting from accidents, violent incidents, New Year brawls etc. They have been admitted between April 13 and 15. Out of them 355 persons remained hospitalized while others were discharged or left after obtaining treatment.

Meanwhile, the Police arrested 189 motorists for driving under the influence of liquor during the New Year period.

Legal action will be initiated against them. The Police Spokesman said that the Police launched its programme to arrest drunk drivers during the festive season to minimize the traffic accidents and loss of life.

During the New Year period (April 13-15) there five persons were killed in road accidents in Ampara, Anuradhapura, Galle, Mount Lavinia and Puttalam.

Kalubowila Hospital sources stated that 21 patients were admitted to the hospital due to injuries sustained from traffic accidents. Police also said it will continue with the programme for the next few days of arresting drunk drivers.

Meanwhile, a Cooperatives and Internal Trade Ministry spokesperson said that 1,200 raids were conducted before the dawn of the New Year season to prevent the flow of substandard food items and commodities into the market.

He stated that these raids were conducted by 10 flying squads of the Consumer Affairs Authority set up island wide under the directions of Cooperatives and Internal Trade Minister Johnston Fernando.

He said that during these raids large quantities of food items not fit for human consumption including sugar, potatoes, dhal, rice, flour, etc were seized. These raids had been conducted since February.