Government Refused To Increase The Gas Prices From Rs.100

Although the two Local Gas Companies requested a Price Hike of a Gas Cylinder by Rs 100 Government had decided not to allow the Major Gas Supplier Shell Gas to increase the Gas Prices as requested by them the Consumer Affairs Minister Bandula Gunawardana said today.Addressing a Press Briefing he said that only the Price of the Laugfs Gas Cylinder will Increased from Rs.5 with the effect from Midnight tonight.The Price of the 12.5 KG Gas Cylinder will remained as Rs.1550.

Four Out Of Six Indian Pharmaceutical Companies Participated For The Inquiry On Them

Although Six Indian Pharmaceutical Manufacturing Companies were invited for the Special Inquiry held yesterday in Colombo to testify them on supplying Contaminated Injection Vials and Saline Bottles to Government Hospitals only the Representatives of Four Indian Companies and their local Agents were present Ministry of Health announced.The Ministry is expected to announce the action taken against the Absentees in next few days time according to the Ministry Sources.

Earlier the Health Ministry had announced that they will Black List the Companies who are not participating the Inquiry .

However the Local Agent Company Representatives of the Absent Indian Companies were present at the Occasion but  the Medical Experts not allowed them to present the facts on behalf of the Absentees.The Report of the Evidence provided by the Indian Pharmaceutical Companies is scheduled to be  handover to the Health Ministry Secretary Dr.Athula Kahnda Liyange in one Days time.The Inquiry was conducted by a Local Panal of Medical Experts and held at the National Drug Authority Premises in Colombo.

Six Indian Pharmaceutical Companies To Testify For Supplying Contaminated Injection Vials

Six Indian Pharmaceutical Companies and Six of their Local Agent Companies who are responsible for supplying Glass and Plastic pieces contained Injection Vials and Saline Bottles for the Sri Lankan Government Hospitals are to testify tomorrow at the National Drug Authority premises under the Special Inquiry conducted by the Ministry Of Health regarding the contaminated Vials.

Those Companies who are not able to present today for the Inquiry will be Black listed as well as those who are found guilty of entering some elements to  the Injection Vials during the Manufacturing Process according to The Ministry Of Health. The Indian Pharmaceutical Companies who Supplied  the contaminated"Cerofoxine","Hyydrocortisone Sodium Sucinate" Pethidin.Penagan,Anti Venom Serum and the Saline Bottle contained a Piece of Plastic are due to attend  the Inquiry.

Leftist JVP Rejected The Main Opposition Party Offer To Join A Common Alliance

The leftist Janatha Wimukthi Peramuna(Peoples Liberation Front) today rejected the offer made by the Main Opposition United National Party(UNP) to join the Common Alliance formed  to contest for the Next Presidential Elections.Earlier the JVP had stated that their Party will join any Movement or Party fighting for  abolishing of the Executive Presidency Of the Country.

The UNP together with some 18 Small Parties and Professional Organizations formed a Common Alliance to contest for the Next Presidential Elections with the aim of abolishing the Presidency.The Presidential Elections is scheduled to be held early Next Year.

New CM Of The Sourthern Provincial Council Sworn In

New Chief Minister of the Southern Provincial Council Shan Wijeyalal De Silva was Sworn In on His Post today Before the President Mahinda Rajapaksha .Newly elected Southern Provincial Councilors of the Governing United Peoples Freedom Alliance(UPFA) also Sworn In today.

Health Minister Promises Stern Action Against The Companies Supplied Contaminated Injection Vials

"A Stern Action will be taken against those who are responsible for Purchasing and Supplying of the Glass Piece contained Injection vials to the Government Hospitals 'Health Minister Nimal Siripala De Silva said today.As the Indian Drug Companies who are responsible for supplying of these Injection Vials are due to face an Inquiry on this  Friday,Minister De Silva said that the Manufacturing Process of these Companies too examine under the Investigations.

Addressing a Press Briefing held at the Health Ministry Premises the Minister said that those Companies who are responsible for Supplying these Vials will be Black Listed if it proves that the Glass Pieces entered to the Injection Vials during the Manufacturing Process.

Three Indian Drug Companies To Be Black Listed If Fails To Report To The Health Ministry

Ministry Of Health today requested the Three Indian Drug Companies and their Local Agent Companies who are responsible for supplying the Three Varieties of Injection Vials containing Glass Pieces to report to the Ministry by This Friday to present their Excuses.If these Drug Companies are not able to be there on the  Deadline given they will Black Listed and banned for supplying Medicinal Drugs to Sri Lankan Government Hospitals in future according to the Ministry.

The Three Injection Vials "Cerofoxine",Hydrocortisone" and Pethidene recovered from the Rathnapura General Hospital and Alpitiya Base Hospital were  contained Pieces of glass and the National Drugs Quality Lbarotory recommended  to remove the Batches belongs to these contaminated Injection Vials from Government Hospitals.

Around 75,000 Families In Two Districts Affected From Severe Drought

Around 75,000 Families at the Monaragala and Hambanthota Districts in the Dry Zone of Sri Lanka due to the Severe Drought prevails in the Districts.According to the Local Authorities Around 55,000 Families of the Monaragala and 20,000 Families  in the Hambanthota District are worthily affected.

The Government today appealed from the Donors to supply Water Bowsers,Tanks,PlasticCans and Food Items to help these Families.

President Rajapaksha To Appoint A Committee To Probe US Report On Sri Lanka

President Mahinda Rajapaksha is scheduled to appoint an Independant Committee to study the US Human Rights Report on Sri Lanka handed over to the US Congress recently Minister of Dissaster Managment and Human Rights Mahinda Samarasinha said during a Press Briefing held in Colombo today.

Sri Lankan Foreign Ministry already denied the Charges levelled against the Sri Lankan Armed Forces by the Report and saying that the US Report Makers not able to provide substantiate Evidence to prove the Charges.

Another Twelve Contaminated Injection Vials And Saline Bottle Found From Two Hospitals

Yet another Contaminated Stock of Injection Vials and a Saline Bottle contained a Piece of Plastic were found from Two Government Hospitals today(26).Twelve Injection Vials of Discolored Anti Venom Serum which prescribed for Patients with Snake Bites and two Varieties of Injection Vials prescribed for Chicken Pox Patients were found from Anuradhapura General Hospital of the North Western Province and a Saline Bottle contained  a Piece of Plastic was found from the Ambilipitiya Base Hospital in the Sabaragamuwa Province.

The Batches of contaminated Anti Venom Serum and Chicken Pox Injection Vials were  removed by the Medical Supplies Division soon after they were found and No action is taken for the Batch of Saline Bottles distributed to the Hospitals belongs to the Plastic Piece contained Saline Bottle found today according to the Health Sources.Meanwhile the Government Medical Officers Association said that the recovering of these contaminated Injection Vials along with Four other Contaminated Vials recovered by last week raised a question mark on the quality of the Injection Vials imported for Government Hospitals.

The Ministry Of Health said that the Batches of contaminated Injection Vials were removed from the Hospitals.However the Ministry Officials are not available for comment on the Plastic Piece contained Saline Bottle.

Health Secretary Probe On The Drug Suppliers Supplied Contaminated Injection Vials

The Secretary to the Ministry Of Health Dr.Athula Kahanda Liyanage began an Inquiry against  Three Indian Pharmaceuticals Companies who were supplied the Glass Piece contained Injection Vials to the Sri Lankan Government Hospitals.During the probe If it proves that  the Glass Pieces entered to the Injection Vials during the Manufacturing Process the purchasing of Drugs from these Drug Supplying Companies will banned and Legal Action will taken against them according to the Health Ministry.

Three Injection Vials belongs to the "Cerofoxine",Hyrdrocortisone", and "Pethidine" were found by containing Pieces of Glass during last week and the Medical Supplies Division had taken steps to remove the Batches of these Vials from the Hospitals.

Work To Rule Camapign Of Ceylon Petrolem Corporation Called Off

The Oil Supply from the Oil Installation throughout the Island due to be back to normal from  tomorrow morning as the Trade Unions of the Ceylon Petroleum Corporation(CPC) decided to called off their work to rule campaign from midnight tonight.The CPC Trade Unions launched the trade union action since last Saturday demanding a Rs.5000 Salary Increase for their employees which caused hardships for the people.

CPC Trade Unions agreed to called off the Work to Rule Campaign as the Petroleum Minister A.H.M Fowzie promised them to arrange a meeting with President Mahinda Rajapaksha tomorrow to discuss on their demands.

Third Glass Piece Contained Injection Vial Recovered

Another Injection Vial contained a Piece Of Glass was recovered from the Alpitiya Base Hospital in the Southern Province today.This was the third of it's kind reported from a Government Hospital within a last seven days.Soon after the Injection Vial Was recovered  using of the above Injection was temporarily suspended and the Contaminated Vial was sent to the National Drug Quality Asuarance Lab for further Tests according to the Health Officials.

Oil Supply Became Standstill Due To Work To Rule Campaign

The Oil Supply is in standstill throughout the Country since this morning due to the Work To Rule Campaign launched by the Workers of the Ceylon Petroleum Co Operation(CPC).As a result Large Ques were seen at the Oil Filling Stations throughout the Island .

Due to  this Trade Union Action Diesal was out of stock at the Most Filling Stations but Petrol is available at every Station according to the CPC.Meanwhile The Petroleum Corporation says that  the Oil Supply will back to normal as CPC expected to reach an agreement with the Trade Unions on their demands by tomorrow.

Ceylinco Chairman Bail Out

Sri Lankan Business Tycoon and Ceylinco Group Chairman Lalith Kotalawala who was in Jail for involve in Public Financial Freud since last February was granted Conditional Bail by the Supreme Court today.As he owns Rs 26 Billion to pay for the Golden Key Credit Depositors Mr.Kotalawala transfered Rs.125 Million for a Special Repayment Scheme for the Golden key Depositors.

Another Two Varieties Of Injection Vials With Drawn From Government Hospitals

Medical Supplies Division(MSD) today ordered all the Government Hospitals to removed Another two varieties  of Injection Vials which were proved as in poor quality .The Injection Vials "Hydro cortisone" and "Sesiptene"were ordered to removed according to the Health Officials.

Out of these "Hydro Cortisone" will removed due to the Glass Piece contained vial of the Injection was found from the Ratnapura General Hospital and the Sesiptene was removed due to the Allergic Condition developed by a Patient of the same hospital after receiving  the vaccine.This Vaccine was donated to the Government Hospitals by the Indian High Commision.

MRI To Conduct A Lab Test On Rubella Vaccine

The Rubella Vaccine Vaccinated under the National Immunization Programme of Sri Lanka is sent to the Medical Research Institute(MRI) in Colombo to Test on the Quality of the Vaccine  Health Ministry Spokesman  said today(23).Health Ministry had already requested the World Health Organization(WHO) to perform a Laboratory Test  on the Rubella Vaccine in an Independant Lab.

"Till WHO arrange a Foreign Lab Test we are conducting A Lab Test on the Vaccine at MRI" the Spokesman added.Meanwhile the Ministry also requested the WHO to probe on the Rubella Manufacturer the "Serum Institute Of India" As a part of an investigations conducted by the Ministry on the Death of a School Girl Died last weak after receiving the said Vaccine.The Inquiry conducted by a Committeee compromising a Team of Medical Specialists too continuing their Investigations on the Incident he further said.

25,000 Vials Of Cerofoxine Injections With Drawn From Hospitals Due To Quality Failure

The National Drug Authority today removed the 25,000 Vials of Cerofoxine   Injections distributed among the Government Hospitals  that belongs to the Batch of  Glass Piece contained  Injection Vial found from the Ratnapura General Hospital after the National Drugs Quality Assuarance Lab recommended to do so.

The Batch of Injection Vials is to be rerurned  to the Medical Supplies Division(MSD)

The Removed Batch of Cerofoxine Injection Vials worth Rs.2.25 Million were imported from an Indian Drug Company through the State Pharmaceutical Company(SPC) According to the Health Ministry Sources.Ministry Of Health is planning to conduct an Inquiry on the Supplier who supplied these Injections to Sri Lanka.Meanwhile The whole Batch of Injection Vials belongs to the Glass Piece Containing "Hydrocortisone"too is scheduled to remove from the Government Hospitals by tomorrow following the recommendation of the National Drug Quality Asuarance Lab.

Another Batch Of IDP'S Re Settled In Their Native Places

Around Fourty One Thousand Six Hundrad and Eighty Five(41,685) Internally Displaced Persons stayed at IDP Camps in the Northern Sri Lanka were re settled in their Native Places today.These IDP'S were re settled in Vavuniya,Mannar,Mulativue and Kilinochchi Areas.

From these IDP'S 2583 Families were re settled in Vavuniya,2644 in Mannar.4915 Families in Mulativue and 2453 in Kilinochchi Area.

Two People Suffered Allergic Re Actions After Administering the Vaccines

Besides founding two Contaminated Injection Vials from the Rathnapura General Hospital withing two days two Injection Allergies were reported from the Rathnapura and Homagama Hospitals during last few days Health Sources revealed,One of the Incidents was reported from the Rathnapura Hospital where the Foreign Donated Injection was given to a Patient admitted to the Hospital and  he suffered from a Shock Syndrome.He is currently getting treatment  for the Condition.In the second incident a Young Child was admitted to the Homagama BAse Hospital for developing Allergic Condition for a Triple Vaccine.

The Ministry Of Health forward the Inquiry into this Incident also to the CID.A seperate Inquiry is conducted by the Special Investigations Unit of the Health Ministry and another Three Member Special Committeee headed by Professor Rohini Fernandopulle was appointed by the Director General Of Health Services Dr.Ajith Mendis to Investigate In to  the Allergic Condition sufferered by the Patient In Rathnapura Hospital after receiving an Injection.

Second Vial Of A Glass Contaminated Injection Found From Rathnapura Hospital

Another Injection Vial contained a Piece of Glass has been Found from the Rathnapura General Hospital where a Previous Injection Vial contaminated with same kind of Glass Piece was found Ministry Of Health announced today.Considering  The finding of the second Contaminated Injection Vial from the same Hospital Ministry Of Health Decided to hand over the Investigations in this matter to the Criminal Investigations Department(CID).This decision was taken due to the Suspicion arise whether there is a Sabotage Act behind finding of these Contaminated Injection Vials.

The Secondly found Vial which is Widely used Injection "Hydrocortisone" used for treating Emergency Allergic Conditions and Asthma was found contaminated with a Glass Piece on yesterday and the Hospital Authorities Immediately sent the Vial to the National Drug Quality Assurance Lab in Colombo for testing it.The using of the Vials belongs to the Batch of the Contaminated Vial  is already temporarily Suspended till the Inquiry finishes.

Two days ago another Injection Vial "Cerofoxine" which is widely used Anti Biotic Injection for Surgical Means was found contained a Piece Of Glass.This Injection Vial is already subjected for a Lab Test .Although the Result of the test is due to release today it was not issued as scheduled Health Ministry Sources said.

Magistrate Court Issued Notices Against Former National Cricketer Aravinda And His Sister

The Colombo Magistrate Court today issued Notices to the Former Sri Lankan Batsman Aravinda De Silva and his Sister Araliya De Silva over the allegedly Transferring the properties of the F and G Real Estate Company.They undervalue the Properties in lieu of the Money they deposited in the Company.

According to the Deputy Solicitor Yasantha Kodagoda   an Investigation on the Case  had been revealed the Connnection of the Aravinda Siva and his Sibilings involvement of Transfering above Properties of the said Company.

An Injection Vial Contained Piece Of Glass Sent For A Lab Test

An Injection Vial contained a Piece of Glass was found from the Rathnapura Base Hospital outside the Colombo yesterday and the Vial was sent to the National Drugs Quality Assurance Laboratory for a Test The Ministry of Health said.The Results of the Test is scheduled to be handover to the Director of the National Drug Authority Dr.Hemantha Beneragama by today.

Meanwhile using of around 25,000 Injection Vials belongs to the Batch of the Contaminated Injection Vial distributed to the Government Hospitals are temporarily banned for using Ministry has announced.The Injection Vial which is widely used in Government Hospitals is imported from India and Supplied to the Hospitals through  the Medical Supplies Division(MSD).

National Drug Policy To Re Submit To The Parliamentary Selections Committee On November

The Draft of the National Drug Policy which was failed to submit to the Parliamentary Advisory Committee on the 08th of October due to the Absence of Parliamentarians is now scheduled to be presented to the Committee within the First Weak of November soon after the deadline of receiving the Ideas and proposals of the Public and the Trade Unions to the Draft Ministry Of Health said today.

The Draft was already published in News Papers and the Ministry Of Health is now seeking the Ideas And Proposals from the Public to make necessary Amendments The Acting Deputy Director General Of Health Services(Laboratory Services)Dr.Wimal Jayantha said.The closing date of receiving of the Ideas and Proposals is  01st of November.

The Draft of the National Drug Policy was approved by the Cabinet on October 2005.This Draft contains the Regulations to adapt the Generic Name when Importing and Purchasing of Drugs in Sri Lanka.

Rubella Vaccine Failure Occured Only In Sri lanka

Although around 12 Countries in the World including Sri Lanka,Canada and Russia are using the Rubella Vaccine which manufactured by the Same Institute The Serum Institute Of India Deaths due to Vaccine Failure were only reported from Sri Lanka Health Minister Nimal Siripala said today.Addressing a Press Brifing in Colombo this mornning he stressed that the World Health Organization too informned him on this.

"Even the Countries like Canada,United Kingdom,Russia and Turkey too are purchasing the Rubella Vaccine from The Serum Institute Of India and theere are no complaints whatsoever reported from these Countries aginst the Vaccine Minister Siva Added.The Serum Institute is the Sole Manufacturer of the Vaccine and when tenders called to Purchase these Vaccines Only the Serum Institute Applied for the Bid "he further said.

Fifteen Swine Flu Positive Students Identified

Another Five Students attached to a Colombo International School were identified as Swine Flu or New Naval Influenza Patients during the Weekend bringing the Total Number of the Swine Flu Positive Students of the Same School to 15 According to the Ministry Of Health.There was a Staff Member of the School too among the Patients receiving treatment at the IDH Hospital according to the Ministry.

Ministry Of Health Requested WHO To Conduct Lab Test For Rubella Vaccine

The Ministry Of Health has requested the World Health Organization(WHO)to submit the Rubella Vaccines purchase by the Sri Lankan National Immunization Programme for a Laboratory Test following the Deaths of two School Girls who died after receiving the Vaccine this year.

Health Ministry Secretary Dr.Athula Kahanda Liyanage personally  requested the WHO Representative here during the Weekend to send the Rubella Vaccine for a Lab Test.The Vaccine is due to send to the TGA Lab in Australia for the Test according to the Health Ministry sources.

Two School Girls died due to developing an Allergic Conditions after receiving the Rubella Vaccine this year and More than Thirty Students too received Hospital Treatment due to the Allergic Conditions occurred because of the Vaccine.Meanwhile the Special Inquiry on the recently reported Death of the School Girl in Wariyapola Area due to the Vaccine is to be conclude this Weekend.This Inquiry is conducted by a Team compromising Medical Specialists.

All Island Health Services Union To Protest Over Arresting Of Health Officials

All Island Health Services Union(Samastha Lanka Suwa Sewa Sangamaya) said that there is a Conspiracy to arrest the MOH of the Wariyapola Area and a Public Health Inspector(PHI) attach to the MOH Office over the Death of the School Girl who died after receiving a Rubella Vaccine early this Week.The Union sent a letter to the Health Ministry Secretary Dr.Athula Kahanda Liyanage stating if such an arrest is taking place their Union will call an Island Wide Strike of the Hospitals to protest against such a move.

The letter sent to the Health Secretary which was signed by the President of the Health Services Union Mr.Gamini Kumarasinha said that the MOH of the Wariyapola Area and a PHI were asked to appear before the Kurunagala Police on the 14th.

However when contacted The Regional Health Services Director Dr.R Rathnayaka said that there is  no truth on attempting to get arrest the MOH and PHI over the Rubella Incident.The Regional Health Services Office at Kurunagala too conducting a Separate Investigation on the Incident.

Twenty Suspected Swine Flu Cases Reported From Colombo International School

Around 20  Students attached to an International School in Colombo suspected as suffering from Swine Flu were reported to the Infectious Disseses Hospital at IDH today in addition to the Six  Swine Flu Cases confirmed from the same School yesterday.These Suspected cases were discharged after taking Blood Samples of them.

The Blood Samples were sent to the Medical Research Institute in Colombo for the tests according to the Hospital Authorities.Six Swine flu cases including Five Students and a Staff Member were reported from an International Collage yesterday and they were undergoing special treatment at the Hospital.Blood Samples taken from another 10 Suspected Swine Flu Students too sent to the MRI by yesterday eve for the tests.All the confirmed Swine Flu Cases reported from the School were caught the dissease locally.

GMOA Advised All MOH's And Doctors To Refrain Administering Rubella Vaccine Till Safety Assures

The Government Medical Officers Association(GMOA) today advised all the Medical Officers Of Health(MOH) and Doctors Islandwide to refrain from Administering the Rubella Vaccine till the Health Ministry has taken steps to Test the Vaccine in an International Laboratory and assure

the Protection and Safety of the Vaccine.

GMOA also advised the Doctors to refrain from Adminstering the Rubella Vaccine even the Health Ministry request them to do so after conclusion of the present Inquiry  in to the Death of a School Girl who died

after receiving the Vaccine.The Assistant Secretary of the GMOA Dr.Chandana Atapattu said during a Press Briefing held in Colombo this noon that the Health Minister is trying to put the blame on the Girls Death towards the Doctors while refrain to assure the quality of the Rubella Vaccine use under the National Immunization Programme.

Due to the Deaths  of the Two School Girls in this year  occured due to Rubella Vaccine People are loosing their faith on the Immunization Programme which is one of the Best in the world Dr.Atapattu stressed.He also said that the GMOA requested the Ministry Of Health to introduce either the MR(Mumps and Rubella) or MMR(Measles,Mumps and Rubella) Vaccine to the Immunization Programme instead of the Present Rubella Vaccine.

253 Sri Lankan Asylum Seekers Captured By Indonesian Navy Threatend To Blow Their Boat

Around 253 Ethnic Sri Lankan Asylum Seeking Tamils who were on their way to the Chirstmas Island in Australia from a Wooden Boat threatened to blown up their Boat if the Authorities tried to forcibly disembark them from the Boat after they were captured by the Indonesian Navy.Their Boat which is sailing through the Waters of Indonesia and Malaysia was captured by the Indonesian Navy at the Sunda Straight between Java and Sumatra Islands during the Weekend.These People were aboard the Boat from Jafna.

According to the Indonesian Officials the Group of Sri Lankans yesterday threatened the Authorities that they will blown up their Boat by using Cooking Stoves if they are forcibly disembark from the Boat.Each Asylum Seeker is believed to be paid Rs.15,000 US$ for the journey.Now they are negotiating with the Indonesian Navy and most of these people still believing that they still can make up to the Christmas Island if the Indonesian Authorities are releasing them.

The Boat of  these people are in is tied to the Anti Submarine Ship which captured the Boat at The Port of Marack Area.

Investigation Team Inquire On The Rubella Vaccine Incident Began The Inquiry

The Investigation Team appointed to Inquire on the Death of the School Girl which occurred after receiving the Rubella Vaccine left for  Variayapola and Kurunagala Hospitals in the North Western Province today to begin the Inquiry in to the Incident.Four Members of the Team left today and they will also due to questioned the Parents of the Demised School Girl if  a need arise The Epidemiology Unit said.

Meanwhile The Health Authorities here already informed the Incident to the World Health Organization(WHO) Headquarters in Geneva,Switzerland.The WHO it self maybe inquire in the incident according to the Ministry of Health.

Rubella Vaccine Claimed The Life Of A Second School Girl This Year

A shocking Second Death of a School Girl occurred  after Received the Rubella Vaccine this year was reported last night from Wariyapola Area of the North Western Province.The School Girl is a 13 year old who was studied at the Minuwangate School in the area and another two of her School Mates  too were got themselves admitted to the Hospital  when they developed an allergic Condition after receiving the Rubella Vaccine on last Saturday.


Soon after receiving the news of the Girls Death the Epidemiology Unit had Suspended the Rubella Vaccine Campaign with immediate effect.This suspension will remain till the conclusion of the Investigations on Death of the School Girl Health Officials stressed.

The School Girl "Ashanthi Wasna' was not shown any other disorder before been Vaccinated for Rubella according to the Health Officials.Addressing a Press Briefing at the Epidemiology Unit in Colombo this noon A Vaccine Expert Dr.Omala Wimalarathne said that a Special Investigation Team comprising the Experts of Vaccination,Allergic Conditions,Child Care,Physiology  and Pharmacology was appointed to Inquire into the  Death of the School Girl.This Team is due to leave the Wariyapola Hospital tomorrow(!3) to conduct further Investigation into this matter according to Dr.Wimalaratna.

Besides this Team the Chief Judicial Officer in Colombo Dr.Ananada Samarasekera is too conducting a seperate Inquiry on the facts revealed at  the Post Mortem of  the Girls   Death.Another School Girl  13 year old "Pashala Hansani" of Matara District in the Southern Province was collapsed soon after receiving the Rubella Vaccine on last March and Died after received the ICU Traetment.With her another 29 of her School Mates  too received Hospital Treatment for Allergies after getting Vaccinated.The Rubella Vaccine was Temporarily Suspended on that occassion  too under the Instructions of  the President Mahinda Rajapaksha. However a Special Inquiry conducted by the Epidemeology Unit and the World Health Organization Experts on the incident had cleared the Rubella Vaccination Programme for holding responsibility over the Girls Death.

Deapatment Of Immigration And Emigration Introduced A New Regulation For Children

The Department Of Immigration and Emigration introduced a new Regulation  to obtaining the Both Parents approval when  issuing Passports to the Children under 16 years of age.According to the Immigration Emigration Controller T.B Abeykoon this new regulation was introduced to decrease the kidnapping of Children by their Parent.

In the case of that a parents are divorced or separated the Legal Guardians of the Children can approved on behalf of the Parents.

Ten Suspects Of The IT Student Assault Case Released On Bail

The 10 suspects remanded in connection with the assaulting IT Student Nipuna Ramanayaka including the Wife and the Son of SSP Vaas Gunawardena were released on a Bail by the Awissawella High Court today.These suspects were released according to the appeal filed by them.

Testing Of Melamine In Milk Products Began Locally

The Government Analyst Department has taken steps to test "Melamine" Chemical on the Imported Milk Powder and Milk Products to Sri Lanka becoming the first to do so locally.So far the the samples of the Imported Milk Products were sent to the Laboratories in Singapore and Malaysia for  Test "Melamine" levels which costs the Government Rs 50,000 for a Sample.

The Ministry Of Health made Testing of Melamine Levels of the Imported Milk Products compulsory and the Government Analyst Department charged Rs.5000 per Sample Check The Department is equipped with Melamine Testing Machine.According to the Health Ministry Sources."Melamine" is a Chemical known as Fake Protein which is used to increase the Protein Levels of the Milk Products.Thousands of Infants in China died due to develop Kidney Failure after drinking Melamine contained Infant Milk Powder on  last year.

Since then most countries in the world banned the importing of Chinese Milk Powder and Milk Products began testing of  Imported Milk Products for "Melamine".

Health Minister Failed To Submit The National Drug Policy Draft To The Parliamentarians

Health Minister Nimal Siripala De Silva failed to submit the The Draft of the National Drug Policy to the Parliamentary Selection Committee on last Thursday(08) as planned due to the absence of it's members.None of the 12 Parliamentarian members of the Committee who represents the All Political Parties in the Parliament were present at the meeting according to the Health Ministry Sources.

However the Health Minister along with other Health Ministry Officials were attended the meeting and left empty handed as the Meeting was not held due to the absence of it's members.The much talked about National Drug Policy which was approved by the Cabinet in  October 2005 is to be presented to the Parliamentary Selections Committee to get ideas of the Members and seeking to presented to the Parliament for approval.

Now Health Minister decided to Submit the Policy to the Committee on next weak when Parliament meets.

Governing UPFA Received A Clear Mandate At The Local Elections

The Governing United Peoples Freedom Alliance(UPFA) wins the Southern Provincial Council Elections held yesterday with Polling 67.88% of the Total Votes and Secured 38 Seats out of the  55 Seats in the Council.
UPFA Polled 804071 Votes and the Main Opposition the United National Party(UNP) polled 297180 Votes(25.09%) and managed to secure 14 Council Seats.While Leftist Janatha Wimukthi Peramuna(JVP) Polled 72379 Votes with 3 Seats.

The Southern Provincial Council compromised with Three Districts Galle,Matara and Hambanthota and The Governing UPFA Managed to win all three Districts with a Clear Majority.After the conclusion of Election Results the counting of Preferential Votes of the Candidates contested began.

Around 60 Percent Voter Turn Out At The Southern Provincial Council Elections

A 50 -60% Voter turn out was recorded in the Southern Provincial Council Elections which was ended at 4 P.M this evening according to the Election Monitors PAFFERAL Organization.According to them Galle District has been recorded 52% of Voter Turn Out,Matara District with 58% and Hambanthota 60%.

During the Polling which began 7 A.M this morning around 50 Complaints of Election Violance were reported from the Polling Districts and 37 of them are confirmed according to the PAFFERAL.

For Elections Results of the Southern Provincial Council Visit www.slelections.gov.lk/pro10102009.html

38 Accused Blood Bank Employees Failed To Provide Show Cause

The 38 National Blood Bank Employees including their Former Director who were charged for releasing Expired Blood Kits to the  State Hospitals were failed to produced  Show Cause during the Two Weak Period allocated them for  doing so Health Ministry said today.These Blood Bank Employees were given Charge Sheets on 24th of September 2009  under the Special Recommendation of the Cabinet.

A Two Weak Period was allocated for them to giving Show Cause and that period was ended yesterday.The Faliure to provide show cause proved that they are responsible for the charges according to the Health Ministry Officials.

Electricity Board Ruled Out Saboatge Act Causes The Power Failure

The Ceylon Electricity Board ruled out any Sabotage as the reason for the Island Wide Power Cut of this Morning and appointed a Special Investigation Team to probe the cause for the Blackout.

According to the Ceylon Electricity Board(CEB) Natural Reasons,A Technical Failure or an Aging Power Transmission Lines may have been the cause of this situation.

Sri Lanka Went Through An Eight Hour Black Out

Sri Lanka had Experienced an 8 Hour long sudden Island wide Powercut and a Water Cut in some areas since early this morning due to a Technical Fault of  the Kelanithissa Power Plant in Colombo which is the Main Power Plant in the Island.Although the Ceylon Electricity Board restored the Electricity in the most parts of the Island by this Noon several Areas still without the Electricity and Water and Most of the Government Hospitals affected due to the  Water Cut.

Knady General Hospital in the Hill Country and the Polonnaruwa Base Hospital in North Central Province are the worst affected from this crisis as the Authorities forced to restrict the Surgeries perform in these Hospitals due to lack of Water.Even these Hospitals managed to continue their services without Electricity due to the Generators Thr Water Cut preventing the Normal Functioning of  Surgeries According to the Hospital Sources.Major Surgeries including the Bypass Surgeries were temporarily suspended from this morning at the Kandy General Hospital  and most of the Surgeries redtricted at the Polonnaeuwa Hospital too according to the Sources.

Meanwhile The Kalubowila Teaching Hospital too faced a Water Shortage this morning due to the Power Failure however things were  returned to normal as their Water Supply maintained by this noon.Almost all other State and Private Hospital  activities are functioning normal with the help of the Generatrors.

Pakistani Investigation Team In Sri Lanka To Probe Lahore Attack

A Pakistani Investigations Team arrived Sri Lanka to probe on the Sri Lankan Elements who were involved in the Terrorist Attack on Sri Lankan Cricket Team in Lahore on 3rd of March this year.According to the Pakistani Interior Minister Rehman Malik the Team will inquire on whether there are Sri Lankan Links which involved in this attack.

The Invesitigations Team is due to stay in the Island for Two Weaks as the Duration of the Trip may have extended Minister stressed.Eight Persons were killed and 20 People including several key Sri Lankan Cricketers  got injured due to the Terrorist attack..

State Of Emergancy Extended For Another Month

The State Of Emergancy was extended for another Month by the Parliament this Evening with a Majority of 70 Votes While 82 Members were  Voted for the Emergancy and 12 Voted against it.The Main Opposition United National Party(UNP) was abstained from Voting and the Janatha Wimukthi Peramuna(JVP) was not present at the time vote was taken.

300 IDP Families Released From The Camps

Around 300 IDP Families  including a Number of Expectent Mothers stayed at Settikulam Camp in Vavuniya were released this Morning.According to the Authorities out of the released IDP'S 275 were from Jafna District and the rest belongs to the Districts of Kilinochchi and Mulativue.

Severe Under Nutrition Status Of IDP Children Reduced

The Severe Under Nutrition Status of the Children under 5 years of age of the IDP Camps in the Manikfarm of Vavuniya District are reduced by 33 Percent during the  Five Month Period of May to September this Year according to the Dr.Firdosi Rustom the Residential Representative of WHO in Sri Lanka.The Reduction  of the Under Nutrition Level was achieved thanks to the Nutrition Programmes implemented by the Ministry Of Health in collaboration with the Family Health Bureau,The UNICEF and The World Food Programme Dr Rustom stressed.

He made these remarks during a Press Briefing held at the Health Ministry this evening.The UNICEF has granted a Sum of 2 Million US Dollers for the Nutrion Programme implemented for IDP Children in the North.

Elections Commissioner To Strict Over The Violation Of Election Rules

Sri Lankan Elections Commissioner Dayananda Dissanayaka today said that there is a possibility of canceling the Polling at two Areas in The Hambanthota District on this Saturday's Southern Provincial Council Elections if the Authorities are not removing  the Election Posters and Cutouts immediately.Using of Election Posters and Cut Outs prior to an Election is  Banned by the Elections Commissioner.

Meanwhile Election Rallies  related to  the forthcoming Southern Provincial Councils which is to be held on this Saturday are due to end from Midnight tonight.

Health Ministry To Use BTI Bacteria For Three Dengue Risk Areas

Ministry Of Health is planning to use BTI Bacteria which use to kill   Dengue Lavae to the three Dengue prone areas in Sri Lanka  through Domestic Application and Aerial Spray.The Three identified Dengue Prone areas are Akurana,Kandy and Gampola in the Hill Country.

The proposed plan of using BTI Bacteria to curb Dengue Menace in the Country is already submitted to the Cabinat and waiting for an approval.The total estimated cost for using BTI Bacteria for the three risky areas identified is Rs 188.14 Million and it covers around 62,700 Houses in these areas.

The Domestic Application of the Bacteria will implemented in Mahanuwara and Gampola Areas and the both Aerial Spraying of Bacteria and Domestic Application will be launched in the Akurana Area.Addressing a Press Briefing to announce the using of the BTI Bacteria to the National Dengue Control Programme, The Deputy Director Gerneral Of Health Services (Public Health) Dr.P.Mahipala said to use the Aerial Spray  to the Akurana Area alone will cost the Government Rs.80.27 Million.BTI Bacteria is to be use in three identified areas for a period of one year and after reviewing it's success it will be used for other Dengue Risk Areas as well he stressed.

Cabinet Decided To Present Vote On Account Instead Of The Budget

The Cabinet today decided  to present a Vote On Account on Next Month instead of the Annual Budget.This move is taken due to the Current Parliamentary Sessions ended on February 2010.

Army Exhibition Extended Till 11 th

The 60th Anniversay Celebration Exhibition of the Sri Lankan Army which is due to conclude Tomorrow(07) is extended till 11th of October on Popular Demand Army Spokesman said today.The Arms and Ammunitions captured from the LTTE during the Ealam War too were displayed at the Exhibition.