Colombo, April 11 -- As the Sinhala and Tamil New Year approaches, medical specialists are warning the public about the dangers of low-quality fire crackers being sold in the market.

Consultant Ophthalmologist and Director of the National Eye Hospital in Colombo, Dr. Jayaruwan Bandara, said many fire crackers in shops are substandard and can cause serious injuries.

"We are seeing an increase in eye injuries, burns, and even hearing problems caused by unsafe crackers. Most of these injuries happen to children and young people," he said.

Dr. Bandara advised the public to be extra careful when using fire crackers and to buy only from trusted sellers. "Never give fire crackers to small children. Always light them outdoors, away from people...