Sri Lanka, April 13 -- General guidelines for New Year festivals, including traditional folk games, are issued by the Health Ministry this year. The Ministry of Health informs organisers to pay close attention to these directives when planning events.

The guidelines state that it is mandatory to inspect festival locations and areas before competitions, check the safety of equipment used, and monitor air pollution levels. Organisers are advised to maintain a first-aid centre staffed with trained providers and use efficient communication systems with essential emergency phone numbers.

Suitable vehicles such as ambulances or small lorries, excluding three-wheelers, should be prepared for hospitalising individuals in an emergency. Competito...