Health Minister Nimal Siripala de Silva urged authorities to shift their concentration of health services to people affected by the war. Hitherto, priority was given to the people living in areas affected by the tsunami, he said at a function held at the Galle face Hotel on Monday where he referred to reproductive health and HIV/AIDS.

He wanted even University freshers educated on these subjects, especially on precautionary measures. "In other words they should be educated on how to play the game without being bowled out", he quipped.

The Minister called for the introduction of youth friendly mobile health services in the newly liberated areas in the North and East

Commenting on sexually transmitted diseases among youth, Dr. Gamini Hapangama of the Gampaha Hospital said only 10 per cent clarified their problems with parents, one per cent with the clergy and none with the medical staff. "They see doctors and nurses as those who should be feared", he said.