![Gossip - Lanka News [English]](https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEidMdjdmkZNNmQMdiyVyjHG0DAsid1JQzX2Wn_k0MMWpx93YaFp4Hv9rnCw1uuJZY1H60dquhLJCfg_uJg-gEz_FRlG07NUtWUslmZMhWhnOnm3dUim4hjUuNto_KPJrByj4iyXdSXuctY/s1600-r/GOSSIP-LANKA+LOGO.png)
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Accepting the challenge of the campaign launched locally called SL Amu Miris Challenge or Green Chillies Challenge to collect funds for kidney patients as against the infamous ‘Ice Bucket Challenge,’ he will eat three green chillies within two minutes.
MP Pathirana yesterday said that he had opposed the Ice Bucket Challenge, stressingthe need for an alternative programme for kidney patients of the country.
Last month he criticised the latest fund raising project for
Several Sri Lankan politicians, cricketers, singers and others have also taken part in the Ice Bucket Challenge to raise funds for motor neuron disease research.
Pathirana noted that the Green Chillies Challenge evoked the fond memories of Suriya Mal Movement formed by the leftist movement of Sri Lanka in 1936 against Poppy Day of the colonial rulers.
MP Pathirana said: "I have decided to extend my support for the commendable endeavour of the young men and women who have launched the Green Chilies Challenge.
He will eat green chilies at the Bodhi Ranasinghe Foundation at No. 21/3, Polhengoda Gardenes, Vijaya Kumarathunga Mawatha Colombo 05 at 9.30 a.m today.
According to the World Health Organization (WHO) there are approximately 20,000 CKD patients undergoing care in the North Central Province (NCP), primarily in the most densely populated district of Anuradhapura, where the disease was first reported in 2000, recording the highest number of patients.
Some 2,000 cases were reported countrywide in 2013. The annual increase in kidney patients in Anuradhapura is approximately 1,450, while in the adjoining districts of Polonnaruwa the figure is 450.
According to WHO research the disease is spreading to the Southern, Uva and Eastern Provinces as well.
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