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Health Authorities Urge Caution for Avurudu Festivities Amidst Extreme Heat
The Pulse
HealthGeneralHOTSunday, April 12, 2026

Health Authorities Urge Caution for Avurudu Festivities Amidst Extreme Heat

TLDR

  • Health authorities warn of extreme heat for Avurudu; avoid peak sun 10 AM-3 PM.

  • First aid mandatory; strenuous activities like marathons high risk above 30°C.

  • Ministry of Health issues guidelines; six weeks prior training advised for long races.

Sri Lankan health authorities have issued a public warning regarding the extreme heat conditions prevailing during the upcoming New Year (Avurudu) festivities. Medical professionals advise organizers and participants of traditional games to take precautions to avoid heat-related illnesses. Dr. Ruwan Jayasuriya, a Sports Medicine Physician at the National Hospital of Colombo, recommended that outdoor sports activities, including traditional games like cross-country running and cycling, be completed before 10:00 a.m. and resumed only after 3:00 p.m. to avoid peak heat hours. The Government Physiotherapists' Association, represented by Robin Jaans, highlighted risks such as dehydration, muscle cramps, fatigue, headaches, dizziness, and vomiting due to significant water and salt loss from sweating. Dr. Dhammika Senanayake from the Sports Medicine Unit further cautioned that complications can arise when temperatures exceed 30 degrees Celsius, urging careful planning for events.

2 Updates

Update #3\u00b7 Apr 13 · 11:46 AM

The Ministry of Health's Non-Communicable Diseases Unit has issued health guidelines for Avurudu sports events, urging organizers and participants to adhere to them. These guidelines include specific recommendations for long-duration events such as cross-country running, marathon races, and cycling races, advising participants to undertake at least six weeks of prior training under a coach.

Update #2\u00b7 Apr 13 · 2:16 AM

The Sports Medicine Institute has advised participants in Avurudu games to exercise caution amidst the extreme heat, recommending careful planning for outdoor events, avoiding prolonged direct sun exposure, and utilizing shaded areas. Separately, the National Institute of Sports Science has emphasized that first aid and medical services must be mandatorily provided at Avurudu festivals due to the high temperatures. Dr. Dhammika Senanayake from the National Institute of Sports Science specifically warned that participants in strenuous activities like cross-country running and cycling races are at a higher risk of complications, noting that current temperatures frequently exceed 30 degrees Celsius.

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