Health authorities have called on the public to take extra precautions when organizing Sinhala and Tamil New Year (Avurudu) celebrations, citing the risks posed by ongoing extreme heat conditions.
Speaking at a media briefing yesterday (09), Ruwan Jayasuriya of the National Hospital of Colombo advised that outdoor activities should be carefully scheduled to avoid peak heat hours. He recommended that such events be concluded before 10:00 a.m. and resumed only after 3:00 p.m.
He highlighted that popular traditional games like cross-country running (Gama Haraha Divima) and cycling could be particularly dangerous if conducted under intense midday heat. Organizers were urged to plan events at safer times to reduce health risks.
Dr. Jayasuriya emphasized the importance of staying hydrated, noting that participants should drink adequate amounts of water during activities. He warned that the current weather conditions present a significant heat hazard for those engaging in outdoor events.
He also pointed out warning signs of heat-related illnesses, including unusual muscle twitching and extreme fatigue. Individuals experiencing such symptoms were advised to immediately stop their activities, move to a shaded area, and cool down while hydrating.
Additionally, festival organizers were urged to ensure the availability of essential facilities such as drinking water and ice, to help safeguard participants during Avurudu celebrations held under extreme heat conditions.
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