Government Has Decalred 15th Of April As A Public Holiday

The government has declared Monday 15th of April as a public holiday in view of Sinhalese and Tamil New Year falls on previous day Sunday 14th of April according to Public Administration and Home Affairs Minister W.D.J Senevirathne.the gazette notification is due to be issued regrading this holiday on Monday(01) he has said.

Every year Sri Lankans are celebrating traditional Sinhala and Tamil New Year on 14th of April and this year both old and new traditional new year falls on weekend.

Due To The Fraud and Inefficiency In Government Hospitals It Spends Higher Amount Of Money For Patient Care More Than Private Sector

Due to the fraud and inefficiency prevails in ,Government Hospitals use to spend higher amount of money for providing special treatment and surgeries free of charge for people more than thrice amount rather then Private Hospitals according to Government Medical Officers Forum(GMOF).

The best example is the amount spend on behalf of Kidney failure patients who are undergoing Dialysis Treatment in government and private sector hospitals  GMOF has said.as Private Sector is charging a sum of Rs.8000- 10,000 per a cycle of Dialysis Treatment of a Kidney Patient as a  Government Hospital is spending around Rs.30,000 per a cycle of the said treatment per a patient GMOF Spokesman has said.

The situation is same regarding other special treatment and surgeries offered by government hospitals according GMOF .therefor if the government hospitals are use to issue a hospital bills for all patients who r getting treatment from those hospitals mentioning the state hospital expenditure for patients private sector hospitals will take an advantage from the situation by increasing their fares further GMOF sources added.

Around 30 Students Got Injured As Stair Case Of Colombo National Museum Collapsed

Around 30 school students who have visited Colombo National Museum were got injured and admitted to the Colombo National Hospital this evening as the stair case of Museum they were in collapsed .all students have received minor injuries to the face and body and their condition is stable according to Colombo National Hospital authorities .

The injured students are from Middeniya,giriyagama and welimada areas.meanwhile Defense Secretary Gotabaya Rajapaksha has visited the scene of the incident at Museum and later the Hospital.
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Government Decided Not To Allow Sri Lankan National Cricketers Participating IPL Till Security Ensured

Sri Lankan Sports Minister Mahindananda Aluthgamage has said that Sri Lankan Cricket Players will not be allowed to participate the forthcoming Indian Premier League (IPL) 20-20 Cricket Tournament until their safety is ensured by the Indian Government and Board Of Control on  Cricket In India(BCCI).

As Tamil Nadu Chief Minister Jayalalitha has written to BCCI President stating that Sri Lankan Cricketers are not permitted to play in Chennai as a protest in support of Sri  Lankan Tamils Sri Lankan Cricket Board today seek the advise of sri lankan government regarding the participation of local cricketers to the tournament.around 13 Sri Lankan national Cricketers have signed agreements with several teams which participated this years IPL Tournament scheduled to begin on 03rd of April.

Due to the anti Sri Lankan Campaign launched by few political groups in Tamil Nadu including it's Chief Minister the Chennai Based IPL Team Chennai Super Kings has been decided to drop two of the Sri Lankan Players they are signed with Nuwan Kulasekera and Akila Dananjaya it has been reported.

Two Of The Five Maternity Homes In Colombo City To Close Down

Due to the severe shortage of Doctors and Nurses in Maternity Homes situated  in Colombo City around two out of total number of  five maternity homes functioning in the city needs to be shut down soon according to Chief MOH of Colombo Dr.Pradeep Kariyawasam.two maternity homes were shut down already during last two years due to this medical staff shortage dr.kariyawasam has said.

The services of around 38 nurses and 15 doctors required for the five maternity homes while only 18 nurses and 5 doctors are currently serving there .around 1000 child births are performed annually in these maternity homes which mainly benefited by members of low income groups.

Cabinet Decided To Control The Importing Of Ethanol

The Cabinet has decided to control the importing of Ethanol in to Sri Lanka with immediate effect according to Cabinet Spokesman ,Media Minister Keheliya Rambukwella.he has said during today's Cabinet Briefing that as one of the Sri Lanka's largest Sugar Manufacturing Company the Palawatte Sugar Industries Company commenced the manufacturing of Sugar and other by products government will be able to control the Ethanol necessity.

The Excise Authorities last week  have seized two container loads  of Ethanol at Thotalnga Area in Colombo worth Rs.40 million which imported from Vietnam as thinner.

US Sponsored Resolution Against Sri Lanka Was Passed In Geneva With Majority Of 12 Votes

The US Sponsored resolution against Sri Lanka submitted to United Nations Human Rights Council(UNHRC)  in Geneva ,Switzerland was passed by majority of 12 votes this evening as 25 member countries were voted in favor of the resolution while 13 members voted against it.another 8 member countries including Japan were abstained from voting.

Neighboring  India was voted in favor of the resolution while Pakistan along with few Arab Countries ,Venezuela and some African Nations voted against the resolution.the resolution encouraging the Sri Lankan Government to increase its dialogue and cooperation with the Office of the High Commissioner,wand noting the High Commissioner’s call for an independent and credible international investigation into alleged violations of international human rights law and international humanitarian law.

It also Calling upon the Government of Sri Lanka to fulfill its public commitments, including on the devolution of political authority, which is integral to reconciliation and the full enjoyment of human rights by all members of its population.the resolution includes six recommendations and co sponsored by the following countries.Austria, Canada, Croatia, Belgium, Denmark, Estonia, France, Finland, Georgia, Germany, Greece, Hungary, Iceland, Ireland, Italy, Liechtenstein, Lithuania, Malta, Monaco, Montenegro, Norway, Poland, Portugal, Romania, Slovakia, Slovenia, Spain, St Kitts and Nevis, Sweden, Switzerland, United Kingdom of Great Britain and Northern Ireland and United States of America.

Sri Lankan Air Lines To Reduced Flights To Chennai

Sri Lanka's national carrier Sri Lankan Air Lines has decided to reduce it's flights to Chennai from 28 to 14 per week with effect from 21st of March following the recent attacks against  Sri Lankan Buddhist clergy there.two Buddhist monks were attacked by pro LTTE supporters at Chennai during last few days .

Meanwhile Sri Lankan government has condemned the recent incidents against Sri Lankan Buddhist Clergy in chennai.Sri Lankan government has strongly protested with the indian government on recent developments at Chennai.

Sri Lankan Embassy in New Delhi and deputy high commission in Chennai have requested Sri Lankan nationals to avoid arriving Chennai unless it's for an urgent matter till situation became calm and quite out there.

Impeached Chief Justice Dr.Mrs.Bandaranaike Appeared Before Bribery Commission

Sri Lanka's impeached Chief Justice Dr.Mrs.Shirani Bandaranaike has today(18) appeared before the commission to investigate allegations of bribery or corruption. Dr.Mrs.Bandaranaike has appeared before the commission today as she has received an order to do so and filed a preliminary objection as well as delivered a statement on charges against her.

She has also informed the commission that she will make a written submission pertaining to the allegations against  her prior to 01st of April.a large number of protestors gathered in front of bribery commission this morning to support first female chief justice of Sri Lanka who was impeached by a group of government parliamentarians on last January.

TB Deaths Are On Increase

Local  people should be in alert on Tuberculosis (TB) as  TB deaths are on the  increase in Sri Lanka   according to Dr.Susil Samaraweera the deputy director of National programme on tuberculosis and chest diseases.around 200-300 Sri Lankans  have died from the disease annually and the deaths have been increased by 3% since  the year 2000 he has revealed.

In last year (2012)around 46 TB patients have been reported per local population of 100,000 and the amount of patients lives with TB may be more than this as most of the patients have not been  identified  as suffering from the disease he said.

Around 23.4% out of the total TB patients reported from Sri Lanka during  last year (2012) numbering 1290 patients have been reported from Colombo District according to latest reports.due to the increased level of air pollution in cities,urbanization and overcrowded prison environment are identified as risk factors may caused the increase number of TB patients in the society according to Dr.Samaraweera.

People are advised to seek proper medical treatment soon after they developed symptoms of TB like dried cough lasted more than two weeks,chest pain,appetite problems ,low weight,fatigue etc.

Second International Air Port In The Country To Be Innaugurated At Mattala Tomorrow(18)

The second International Air Port in Sri Lanka ,Mattala International Air Port situated in Hambanthota(Southern Province) is due to be inaugurated by President Mahinda Rajapaksha at 10 a.m Tomorrow (18).The newly built Air Port which was funded by China's  Export Import  Bank  has the capacity of handling a million passengers per year according to Air Port Sources.

The first flight to be operated from Mattala Air Port will be from the  national carrier Sri Lankan Air Lines and first foreign carrier is Air Arabia which has announced flights twice a week to Mattala From sarjah.

Mattala International Air Port is built near wild parks in the area and hoping to attract foreign tourists sources revealed.

Meanwhile the main opposition UNP has named the newly built International Air Port in Mattala as a white elephant and revealed that the  main international Air Port in Katunayaka-Colombo is in danger due to the shifting of high tech equipments belongs to Katunayake Air Port to Mattala Air Port .

GMOA To Strike Over Vacant Administrator Post At National Mental Health Institute

The Government Medical Officers Association (GMOA) wants to appoint a suitable medical administrator for the  director post of National Mental Health Institute in Angoda which is vacant since last 10 years according to GMOA Spokesman Dr.Naveen De Soyza.if the health ministry has failed to appoint a suitable medical administrator for the vacant  post withing two weeks time government doctors will launched a trade union action he has stressed.

The director post at Angoda National Mental Health Institute one of the leading mental hospitals in Sri Lanka is vacant since year 2002 dr.soyza has said.

Most Of The Sri Lankans Are Prone To Non Infectious Diseases Due To Heavy Daily Consumption Of Salt

 Around 5000-6000 Sri Lankans  have died annually due to non infectious diseases like Hypertension,Heart Attacks and Stroke as a  result of heavy daily consumption of salt community physician Dr.Palitha Karunapema has revealed.according to Dr.Karunapema a Sri Lankan has consumed 16 grammes of Salt daily more than three times higher than recommended daily intake of 5 grammes of Salt per day.

Due to the heavy daily consumption  of Salt around 20-25% of Sri Lankan population has been reported as suffering  from hypertension and 38% of urban population too faced with this problem according to the latest survey conducted by Community Physicians of Sri Lanka.

Around 120,000 metric tonnes of Salt out of 150,000 metric tonnes  imported for Sri Lanka have using for human consumption he has stressed.Sri Lankans received the additional amount of Salt through pre prepared Meet ,Fish salted dried fish,various kinds of Sauces,soup cubes and fast foods like Pizza and short eats Dr.Karunapema has said.

If steps are   taken to reduced the daily consumption of salt of Sri Lankans to 5 grammes per day it will helpful to save lives of 5000-6000 people who are dying annually due to non infectious diseases as well as to reduced the risk of getting Strokes by 14% and  heart attacks by 9% community physicians said.physicians now named salt as white killer due to it's bad affects on human health.

In view of reducing the amount of salt taken by sri lankans daily, health authorities have declared this week as a national salt reduction week.

Former Chief Justice Has Asked To Appear Before Bribary Commission

Former Chief Justice Dr.Mrs.Shirani Bandaranaike was requested to appear before the commission to investigate allegations of bribery  or  corruption on 18th of March.she was requested to appear before the commission based on Parliamentary Committee's ruling  that Dr.Mrs. Bandaranaike was guilty of possession of unexplained wealth and misused of her powers which later lead her to an  impeachment on early January this year.

Former Chief Justice has denied the allegations.

Private Bus Fares To Be Increased By 7%

The Private Bus fares are due to increased by 7% with effect from 01st of April this year according to Private Bus Owners Association.however the minimum bus ticket fare of Rs.9 will be not increased the association has said.

Ceylon Petroleum Corporation To Investigate On LIOC Imported Stock Of Petrol

The Ceylon Petroleum Corporation(CPC) has began a special investigation to find out  the standard of 16,000 metric tonnes of petrol imported by Lanka Indian Oil Company(LOIC) to the Tricomalee Harbor. the imported stock of petrol has arrived at Trincomalee Harbor yesterday  evening has sparked controversy on whether the stock is substandard or not according to petroleum corporation sources.

Meanwhile the trade unions have claimed that the imported stock of petrol confirmed as substandard during laboratory tests.

Severe Shortage Of Food Inspectors In Colombo Central Food Control Unit

Due to the severe shortage of Food Inspectors experienced by Central Food Control Unit of Colombo Public Health Department the inspection of food outlets and hotels withing Colombo Municipal Area not functioning at the moment according to Chief MOH Of Colombo City Dr.Pradeep Kariyawasam.there's only one food inspector remained at the unit right now as 11 out of 12 required food inspectors worked there retired from their services in recent months  he has stressed.


Colombo Health Department has already trained 3 food inspectors but still the authorities not able to appoint them to the food control unit to avoid shortage it has been reported.

Asian Athletics Association Shifted Asian Grand Prix Tournament To Colombo

The Asian Athletics Association has decided to shift the third leg of Asian Grand Prix Athletics Tournament scheduled to be held in Chennai India on 12th of May to Sri Lankan Capitol Colombo due to the anti Sri Lankan Campaign launched  by some of the leading Politicians in Tamil Nadu these days.

Earlier Chief Minister of Tamil Nadu Jayalalitha has instructed sports authorities in Chennai not to allow any Sri Lankan Athlete to participate this event earlier planned to be held in Chennai.however Asian Athletic Association has   denied to accept  her order and decided to move the championships to Colombo.

Meanwhile Indian Athletic Federation has now trying to shift this tournament to another venue in India according to indian media reports.

Minor Staff Workers At Colombo National Hospital Staged A 4 Hour Strike

All minor staff workers attached to Colombo National Hospital were staged a 4 hour strike today(05) during 8 a.m to 12 noon opposing the physical attack on two of their colleagues  by an administrative officer of the hospital according to hospital sources.

The two young minor staff workers were assaulted at administrative officer's office last night after two men opposed the attempted sexual misconduct towards one of them by administrative officer it has been reported.the two assaulted workers were admitted to a ward for treatment and said to be in  good health.meanwhile  the ministry of health has began a special inquiry  on the incident.

Around 1000 minor staff workers attached to Colombo National Hospital were walked out from work this morning crippling the  patient care activities according to hospital sources.the workers protested over  the removal of accused administrative officer from his post.

PSM's Accused Health Ministry On Privatizing Free Diploma Courses On PSM'S

The Professions Supplementary To Medicine(PSM) have accused the Health Ministry for  trying to privatized the free government diploma training course conducted for PSM's.as a first step to privatizing the said diploma course health ministry has tried get course fees from the candidates who are applying for these courses according to the Joint Council Of Professions Supplementary To Medicine.

'There are around 600 unemployed PSM Graduates who are still not received a government job and government will benefited if these unemployed graduates recruited to government service without a delay "the secretary of Joint Council Mr.Saman Jayasekera has said

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GMOA Parent Body Announced The Dissolvement Of Colombo National Hospital Branch-Branch Union Denied To Accept The Decision

The Government Medical Officers Association (GMOA) has announced that  the Executive Committee of the association has decided to dissolve the Colombo National Hospital Branch Union of GMOA with immediate effect.this decision has taken following the one day token strike launched by Colombo National Hospital Branch Union of GMOA on Friday based on irregularities of Doctors Transfers without informing the parent union GMOA spokesman has said.

The said strike which has ended this morning was against  GMOA constitution the spokesman has said.however a spokesman of GMOA Colombo National Hospital Branch Union has revealed that under the GMOA constitution any branch union can go for a 48 hour strike without informing parent union.the Colombo National Hospital branch union  will not accepted the unlawful decision taken by GMOA exco yesterday to dissolve the branch union spokesman has said."only the general committee of GMOA can take a decision in this regard not the exco" he stressed.

Meanwhile the GMOA Branch Union Of Colombo National Hospital which met this noon has decided to launch a token strike again on Monday(04) by demanding to solve doctors transfer problem.the time is to be decided at the urgent meeting of hospital doctors scheduled to be summoned at 8 a.m on Monday.several other branch unions of GMOA have also decided to support the Strike action of Colombo Branch Union it has been reported.

One Day Token Strike Of National Hospital Docs Paralyzed Hospital Services

Due to the one day token strike launched by Doctors attached to Colombo National Hospital today(01)OPD Clinical treatment,routine surgeries and treatment were  paralyzed  and as a result thousands of opd and indoor patients have suffered according to hospital sources.

The one day token strike which started at  8  a.m today(01) is due to end at 8 a.m tomorrow(02).

Doctors are demanding the correction of irregularities in 2013 annual transfer list of doctors and suspending the decision taken by Health Secretary Dr.Nihal Jayathilake to release 450 doctors based on out dated 2012 annual transfer list according to Colombo National Branch Union Of Government Medical Officers Association(GMOA).

Meanwhile the parent Body  of   Government Medical Officers Association has condemned this strike action today and said this strike is a clearly a violation of GMOA Constitution as the branch union has  not informed the parent union on strike.