The Sri Lanka Medical Association (SLMA) has announced a special public health programme ahead of the Sinhala and Tamil New Year, aimed at encouraging healthy eating patterns and physical activity among the public.

The initiative, organized by the SLMA’s Non‑Communicable Diseases Committee, will officially release a specially prepared information leaflet (Infographic) today (06) at 12:00 noon at the SLMA Auditorium in Colombo. The leaflet is designed to raise awareness among both the public and the media.

The SLMA, in a statement, highlighted that while traditional festive foods such as kavum, mung kavum, and kokis are an important part of cultural heritage, they are often high in rice flour, refined sugar, and saturated oils. Excessive consumption, particularly by individuals with chronic illnesses, can pose serious health risks.

A Non‑Communicable Diseases Committee noted that patients with diabetes, hypertension, and heart disease often deviate from their usual dietary and exercise routines during the April festive season. 

“The New Year spirit is about friendship and sharing, but it should not come at the cost of long‑term health,” it said, warning that increased intake of salt, sugar, and oil combined with reduced physical activity can raise blood sugar and blood pressure levels, and heighten the risk of heart attacks.

The SLMA said that the programme’s goal is to guide the public in celebrating the New Year while safeguarding both tradition and health.

It further outlined the following key guidelines for a healthy festive season:

1. Portion Control: Taste traditional sweetmeats only in small amounts, avoid consuming them as main meals.
2. Balanced Refreshments: Offer clean water and fresh fruits instead of sugary drinks when serving guests.
3. Proper Medication: Ensure prescribed medicines for non‑communicable diseases are taken on time, even if routines change.
4. Active Lifestyle: Engage in at least 30 minutes of walking daily or participate in active New Year games.

The SLMA added that the information leaflet will be distributed island‑wide in Sinhala, Tamil, and English, offering practical guidance to safeguard health during the festive season. (Newswire)

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Dr. Manilka Sumanatilleke assumes duties as the 132nd President of the Sri Lanka Medical Association (SLMA), the oldest and premier professional body for doctors in Sri Lanka.

According to the SLMA, trustees, Past Presidents, Council Members, Members of the SLMA, Representatives of professional colleges and Associations, Universities, top officials from the Ministry of Health, Representatives from UN Agencies and Development Partners, and Media Professionals attended the Induction Ceremony, which was held in Colombo. 

Delivering his Presidential Address, aptly titled “Wellness in the Nation Through Local and Global Partnerships”, Dr Sumanatilleke reiterated the steadfast commitment and renewed focus of the SLMA, under his leadership, to achieve holistic health and wellness for every Sri Lankan, leveraging local and global partnerships. 

He advocated for a shift towards patient-centred care, focusing on the prevention of non-communicable diseases (NCDs) such as diabetes and cardiovascular diseases. By prioritizing early prevention rather than spending millions on curative treatments, his vision aims to ensure more sustainable and effective health outcomes for the nation.

He brought attention to Men’s Health as a vital public health concern that is frequently overlooked during the development of national health policies and strategies. 

Dr. Sumanatilleke emphasized the need to strengthen medical training by harnessing the interdependence between different disciplines. His vision is to cultivate a medical profession deeply rooted in the core principles of ethical practice and humanitarianism.

He further issued a nationwide call to action, inviting the government, NGOs, professional organizations, and the media to partner with the Sri Lanka Medical Association (SLMA). 

Dr. Sumanatilleke also urged these stakeholders to unite in a collaborative effort to navigate the challenging but rewarding path toward achieving total health and well-being for every Sri Lankan. (Newswire)

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