Sri Lanka, April 13 -- National Institute of Sports Science (NISS) has emphasized that first aid and medical services must be made mandatory when organizing Sinhala and Tamil New Year festivals, due to the prevailing high temperatures.

Speaking on the matter, Dr. Dhammika Senanayake stated that participants in events such as marathon races and cycling competitions held during periods of intense sunlight are at a higher risk of developing health complications, and organizers should take necessary precautions.

Elaborating further, Dr. Senanayake noted that current temperatures in Sri Lanka exceed 30degC, and combined with the country's high humidity levels, this significantly increases the risk of heat-related illnesses during outdoor act...