SriLanka, Oct. 7 -- Claiming that Sri Lanka could record an increase in new HIV infections this year compared with the previous year, Health Minister Nalinda Jayatissa said yesterday the increase in HIV cases are believed to have a direct link to parties organised through social media such as Facebook. At the weekly briefing to announce Cabinet decisions, Jayatissa said health authorities had raised concerns that the number of new HIV cases recorded this year could exceed last year's total.

A total of 874 new HIV cases were reported last year, according to the Minister.

"The number of cases reported last year has not yet been surpassed this year. However, health authorities speculate that the number of new HIV cases could exceed last ye...