Business
THERMAL FOGGING IS A WASTE OF TIME
by Marlon Ferreira
Fogging is a popular way to control mosquitoes as it is visible and creates the impression that the authorities and pest control companies are doing something to combat dengue. But in reality, thermal fogging is an ineffective method in controlling mosquitoes and it also provides a false sense of protection against mosquitoes.
Recent studies have shown that fogging is effective only when the chemicals come in direct contact with mosquitoes. At the time of fogging, mosquitoes fly away and after the smoke clears, they fly back.
Fogging is not only ineffective in controlling mosquito populations but potentially harmful to human health. Most of the chemicals used in fogging are neurotoxins that can affect the nervous system of humans, animals and birds. Frequent thermal fogging may increase mosquito resistance to insecticides, giving rise to super mosquitoes that are hard to control. Fogging impacts negatively on non-target beneficial insects such as ladybirds and pollinators such as butterflies and bees. Regular fogging operations can harm biodiversity and cause ecological imbalance.
We should also focus our attention to reset the degraded eco-system by creating an environment so that dragonflies, fish, frogs and bats will be back. They play an important role in reducing mosquito populations since they feed on mosquitoes and their larvae.
To protect the community from mosquito-borne diseases, the authorities need to look at factors contributing to a rise in dengue virus and need to focus primary on dengue prevention and implement preventive integrated mosquito management strategies to help the community to mitigate the risk from deadly dengue.
The bright side is outdoor thermal fogging is strictly restricted to private pest control companies in Sri Lanka by the regulators. It’s time for all of us to understand the realty and we must stop pretending that fogging is effective and should divert our resources to real solutions to combat mosquitoes and to mitigate the risk of dengue.
The best and safest method of mosquito control is still the elimination of mosquito breeding sites. These often involve getting homeowners and business maintenance and cleaning staff to identify and eliminate mosquito breeding sites, including less-expected breeding sites such as bracts of flowers and plants, septic tanks, gutters and damp bathroom floors. Garbage bins, recycling bins and construction waste bins filled with stagnant water create ideal breeding and harbourage sites for mosquitoes. There should be a requirement for all these bins to have drainage holes at the bottom to allow water to flow out.
The writer is the Founder/Managing of Exterminators Limited, he has been in the pest management industry for over 30 years and have undergone intensive training in pest management, dengue management, termite management and fumigation in Australia, Singapore, India, Malaysia, Thailand, USA, UK, UAE and European Union.
The Delegation of German Industry and Commerce in Sri Lanka (AHK Sri Lanka) proudly facilitated the first-ever Sri Lankan delegation’s participation at Drupa 2024, the world’s largest trade fair for the printing industry and technology. Held after an eight-year hiatus, Drupa 2024 was a landmark event, marking significant advancements and opportunities in the global printing industry.
AHK Sri Lanka played a pivotal role in organising and supporting the delegation, which comprised 17 members from the Sri Lanka Association for Printers (SLAP), representing eight companies from the commercial, newspaper, stationery printing, and packaging industries. This pioneering effort by AHK Sri Lanka not only showcased the diverse capabilities of Sri Lanka’s printing sector but also facilitated vital bilateral discussions with key stakeholders from the German printing industry.
Business
Unveiling Ayugiri: Browns Hotels & Resorts sets the stage for a new era in luxury Ayurveda Wellness
In a captivating reimagining of luxury wellness tourism, Browns Hotels & Resorts proudly unveiled the exquisite Ayugiri Ayurveda Wellness Resort Sigiriya. This momentous occasion, celebrated amidst a vibrant and serene grand opening on the 6th of June, heralds a new chapter in the Ayurveda wellness tourism landscape in Sri Lanka. Nestled amidst 54 acres of unspoiled natural splendour, Ayugiri features 22 exclusive suites and stands out as the only luxury Ayurveda wellness resort in the country offering plunge pools in every room, rendering it truly one-of-a-kind.
The grand opening of Ayugiri Ayurveda Wellness Resort was an enchanting event, where guests were captivated by the melodies of flutists and violinists resonating through Sigiriya’s lush landscapes. As traditional drummers and dancers infused the air with vibrant energy, Browns Hotels & Resorts’ CEO, Eksath Wijeratne, Kotaro Katsuki, Acting Ambassador for the Embassy of Japan and General Manager, Buwaneka Bandara, unveiled the resort’s new logo, marking a significant moment witnessed by distinguished guests from the French Embassy, Ayurveda and wellness enthusiasts along with officials from the Sigiriya area, LOLC Holdings and Browns Group.
“Our strategic expansion into wellness tourism with Ayugiri Ayurveda Wellness Resort Sigiriya symbolises a significant milestone for Browns Hotels & Resorts. Wellness tourism has consistently outperformed the overall tourism industry for over a decade, reflecting a growing global interest in travel that goes beyond leisure to offer rejuvenation and holistic well-being. By integrating the timeless wisdom of Ayurveda with modern luxury, we aim to set a new standard in luxury wellness tourism in Sri Lanka. Whether your goal is prevention, healing, or a deeper connection to inner harmony, Ayugiri offers a sanctuary for holistic well-being” stated Eksath Wijeratne.
Ayugiri encapsulates the essence of life, inspired by the lotus flower held by the graceful queens of the infamous Sigiriya frescoes. Just as the lotus emerges from the murky depths, untainted and serene,
Ayugiri invites guests on a journey of purity and rejuvenation, harmonised with a balance of mind, body and spirit, the essence of nature, echoes of culture and the wisdom of ancient Ayurvedic healing.
HNB General Insurance, one of Sri Lanka’s leading general insurance providers, has been honored as the Best General Bancassurance Provider in Sri Lanka 2024 by the prestigious Global Banking and Finance Review – UK.
The esteemed accolade underscores HNB General Insurance’s unwavering commitment to excellence and its outstanding performance in the field of bancassurance. Through dedication and hard work, the HNB General Insurance team has continuously endeavored to deliver innovative insurance solutions, cultivate strong relationships with banking partners, and provide unparalleled service to customers nationwide. This recognition is a testament to the team’s dedication and relentless pursuit of excellence in the bancassurance business.
“We are honored to receive this prestigious award, which reflects our team’s tireless efforts and dedication to delivering value-added insurance solutions and exceptional service through our bancassurance partnerships,” said Sithumina Jayasundara, CEO of HNB General Insurance. “This recognition reaffirms our position as a trusted insurance provider in Sri Lanka and motivates us to continue striving for excellence in serving our customers and communities.”
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