FOR THE LATEST  ELECTIONS  RESULTS VISIT  http://www.slelections.gov.lk/

The First Elections Result Was Announced

The first Local Government Elections Result of the Local Government Poll conducted today was released short while ago.The result of the Weligama Urban Council in the District of Matara (Southern Province) was out and according to the result the Governing United Peoples Freedom Alliance(UPFA) has received 7246 votes with 7 of the Urban Council seats and the Main Opposition the United National Party(UNP) secured 3622 votes with 3 seats.

55-60 Percent Voter Turn Out In Today's Election- PAFFREL

According to the PAFFREL (People's Action For Free And Fair Elections)Organization the overall voter turnout of today's Local Government Elections was 55-60 percent.The voting for electing 3022 Local Government Representatives for 234 Government Bodies was concluded at 4 p.m today.


According to the Elections Secretariat The voting in majority of the poll stations had been  peaceful except of few minor incidents of violence .

Voting Of The Local Government Poll To Elect 3022 Representatives Began

Voting for electing representatives for 234 Local Government bodies began at 7 a.m today and due to conclude at 4 p.m .

A total number of  9,444,455 Registered voters are due to cast their vote at 7396 polling centres islandwide.3022 representatives are due to elected from this election.

Meanwhile President Mahinda Rajapaksha cast his vote this morning at the D A Rajapaksha College in Madamulana (Southern Province).

Sri Lankan Air Lines To Arrange A Special Flight For Returnees From Japan

Following the discussions held between the officials of  the Ministry Of External Affairs and Sri Lankan Air Lines ,it has been decided to operate a special flight from Tokyo to Colombo via UL 1423 Flight on 4.30 p.m tomorrow(17th) for those Sri Lankans who wish to return from Japan.

Ealier most of the Lankans lives in Japan directly requested from Sri Lankan authorities to bring them back from Japan as the aftermath Tsunami conditions worsens with the explosions occured in Fukushima Nuclear Plant.

Nepali Government Has Turned Down The Requests On Granting Refugee Status To 7 Associates Of Gen.Fonseka

Two Major News Papers published in India and Nepal have been reported that the government of Nepal has refused to grant Refugee Status to few close associates of the imprisoned former Army Commander Retired General Sarath Fonseka .

According to the "Katmandu Post " and "The Hindusthan Times " News Papers these associates were worked for General Fonseka during his presidential elections campaign in january last year and now staying in Semi Underground in Nepali Capital Kathmandu since past few months and seeking assylum there.

These people are reportedly as  been given an unofficial protection by the United Nations High Commission For Refugees(UNHCR) in Nepal.However the UN sources said that due to the illegal status of these persons they cannot called as refugees.

Around 14 associates of the Former Sri Lankan Army Commander who fled to Nepal in wake of the loss in the Election here reported as been in the unofficial protection under UNHCR and one of them died from heart attack and one fled to Canada while five are missing according to the papers.The remained seven associates are seeking assylum and the Nepali Government had turned down their requests the papers further said.

External Affairs Ministry To Bring Back Some Sri Lankans In Tsunami Hit Japan

The External Affairs Ministry  has said today that they are discussing with Sri Lankan Air Lines on bringing back some of the Sri Lankans lives in Japan following their requests for doing so due to the After shocks and Radiation problems occured in Tsunami hit Japanese Areas.

According to the Ministry there are around 20,000 Sri Lankans currently reside in various Japanese Cities including the Capital Tokyo and most of them who are in out side the Capital City and their realtives here wants  to bring them back home as soon as possible.

All Schools In Island Except In Two Districts To Be Closed During Local Government Polls

All Schools in the Island except those in Jaffna and Kilinochchi Districts will be closed three days from 16th to 18th of March due to the Local Government Elections scheduled to be held in 17th of March(Thursday) the Education Ministry has announced.

Three Private Schools in Colombo District namely Saint Bridget Convent in Colombo-07,Saint Peters College in Bambalapitiya and Saint Josephs College in Colombo-10 will also closed during these three days according to the Ministry.However other Private Schools is likely to be remain open as the authorities  did not announced they are going to closed them during the Local Government Polls.

100 Varieties Of Drugs And Injections Are Out Of Stock At Govt.Hospitals

 Around 100 varieties of essential Drugs,Injections and Surgical items are out of stock these days in Government  Hospitals as well as in the Medical Supplies Division(MSD) according to the Hospital Sources.

According to the sources "Paracetamol",Gentomycine Injections,Thiopenton Sodium Injections,Piriton and around 25 Cancer Injections are among the Drugs and Injections out of stock at the Hospitals and MSD.

Due to this Drug Shortage doctors prescribing patients to buy these Drugs from the Private Sector according to the sources.

The delaying of Drug Supplies to the Hospitals by the Drug Suppliers and supplying of low quality drugs have been identified as the main reasons behind this Drug Shortage.

Sri Lanka Postal Dept.Suspended Mail Deliveries To Tsunami Hit Japanese Areas

The Sri Lankan Postal Department had suspended all mail deliveries to the Tsunami hit Japanese Postal Code Areas of 00 to 09, 30 31 96 98 99 with immediate effect.This decision has taken after the Japanese Postal Department informed the Sri Lankan Posts that Mail Deliveries to the above Postal Code Areas have been suspended following the damage done by  Tsunami .

The Post Master General MKB Dissanayake has appealed the public to avoid of sending Posts or packages to above Postal Code Number areas until further notice is given.

Sri Lanka Atomic Energy Authority To Monitor The Local Skies From Tomorrow To Check Radiation Threat

The Sri Lanka Atomic Energy Authority (SAEA) today has said that although there is no threat to Sri Lanka following the Radiation Leakage occured in the Japanese Nuclear Plant in Fukushima Prefacture after two of the plant's reactors were exploded,  they will monitoring sri alnkan skies from tomorrow to ascertain whether there is any radioactive metarial above our sky.

However the Atomic Energy Authority  appealed the people not to be panic over the Radiation Leak in Fukushima Nuclear Plant as it is not a threat to Sri Lanka.The skies will be monitoring as a precautionary meassure the Agency further added.

Meanwhile The Foreign Nuclear Experts issued a warning that   the Fukushima Radiation Leakage might affect some countries in the Asian Region like Philiphines and Singapore as well and it may have affecting Thyroid gland .

Health Ministry To Send A Medical Team To Japan If Need Arise

The Ministry Of Health has already selected a standby Medical Team comprising of Medical Specialists,Nurses , Midwives and other Health Workers to send Tsunami hit Japan for treating the wounded people upon a request of Japanese Government the Ministry Sources said today.

President Mahinda Rajapaksha  had yesterday  instructed the Treasury Secretary to send a Medical and Rescue Teams for Japan to help Tsunami Victims.

Ministry has also stated that if the Japanese Government has requested can also send a Team Of local Epidemiologists to Japan as well to help the health authorities there to prevent spreading of Water Borne Infectious Diseases.Sri Lankan Epidemiologists were successfully able to minimize the spreading of water borne infectious diseases in Tsunami hit Sri Lankan coastal areas after the massive Tsunami Waves hit Sri Lanka in December 2004 the Ministry has stressed.

President Instructed To Send One Million US Dollers And Medical/Rescue Teams To Japan

President Mahinda Rajapaksha has today instructed the Treasury Secretary Dr.P.B Jayasundara to send One Million US Dollars to  Tsunami hit Japan as a friendly donation from people of Sri Lanka.

President has also advised the Treasury Secretary to send a well trained Medical team compromise with Doctors and Nurses to treat Tsunami affected people in Japan  and trained members of Tri Forces for rescue Operations  as well.

Japanese News reports have  stated that the death toll due to the Tsunami in North Eastern Japan may exceeds 10,000 while hundreds are still believed to be missing.Half of the Tsunami hit Sendai Town too reported as missing .Meanwhile around 3000 people who were in the Tsunami Hit areas have been  evacuated and up to now some 200,000 people are reside in Temporary Shelters set up by the Government.

Millions of people who are trapped in the Tsunami hit areas have experienced food and water shortage and food distribution  is delaying due to the transport block .Meanwhile Japanese authorities requested the citizens to save their electricity as most of the power plants got damaged due to the Tsunami waves.

650 Complaints On Face Book Crimes Received Within 08 Months

 During past 08months alone  Sri Lanka Computer Emergency Response Team(SLCERT) had received around 650 complaints on  Abusing and Crimes,Scams and Freud activities  carried out by using the Social Networking Site "Face Book".

SLCERT  has already taken measures to cancel a large number of  fake "Face Book" accounts used to carried out these wrong doings it has been revealed.

Drug Mafia In State Hospitals?

Due to the majority of  Medical Consultants in state hospitals giving expensive drug samples free of charge for their patients and requested them to buy them in private sector on completion of it, patients find it extremely difficult to bear the expenses of such expensive drugs it has been revealed.The free Drug Samples given to the patients are provided to Consultants by various Muti National Drug Companies aiming to promote their products.

Although Patients are advised by the Consultants to purchase these Drugs from  Private Sector after the given sample drug finishes, there are several drugs belongs to the same category  available in State Hospital Pharmacies from different brands.For taking instance it has been revealed that some Ophthalmologists(Eye Surgeons) prescribed the patients to buy certain eye drop to bring down eye pressure for those in "Glaucoma" condition in continue basis after giving them a free sample of the drug to them.

But when contacted the Out Door Pharmacy in National Eye Hospital confirmed that the prescribed eye drop by the consultant is not available in the Pharmacy and a eye drop in same category with a different brand is available out there.However they said they will only issue this eye drop if the consultant prescribing it.Sri Lankan State Hospitals providing the Drugs for patients free of charge under free health care policy and this act is a violation of that policy according to the Health Sources.

Due to unawareness on the situation Patients are forced to buy the certain branded drug prescribed by the Consultant from the private sector even they cannot bear the cost of the price.

Japanese Earthquake And Tsunami Video Footage 11-03-2011

President Rajapaksha Conveyed His Sympathies On Japanese Earth quake

President Mahinda Rajapaksha has contacted the Japanese Ambassador in Colombo  this evening and conveyed his sympathies and support after the powerful earthquake and tsunami which had strucked Northeastern Japan this morning.

Ministry Of External Affairs Set Up An Information Service On Sri Lankans In Earthquake Hit Japan

The Ministry Of External Affairs has been set up a 24 hour Information Service for those seeking Information on Sri Lankans live in Japan following the powerful Earthquake and Tsunami which had struck ed Japan early today.

Still no information has been received on the whereabouts of Sri Lankans lives in Japan due to the power failure and  Mobile Network failure experienced in Tokyo and suburbs following the quake.Public has appealed to contact following numbers for information on Sri Lankans in Japan.The Numbers are 0772267929 and 0115743362.

No Tsunami Threat To Sri Lanka Following Japanese Earthquake-Sri Lanka Met Department

There is no Tsunami Threat to Sri Lanka due to the powerful 8.9 magnitude Earth Quake and after temors hit in Northeastern Japan today (11)according to the Sri Lankan Metereology Department.

The Tsunami which hit Sri Lanka as well as in other Indian Ocean Countries in 2004 too occured after 8.9 magnitude powerful earthquake hit in Indonesian Coast.According to the Tsunami Warning Centre in Hawai Tsunami threat issued to the whole Pacific coast including Japan and Taiwan,Philiphines,Russia,Mariana Islands and Papua New Gunia.

Sri Lanka beat Zimbabwe And Qualified For the ICC World Cup Quarter Finals

A superb 144 runs and 4 wickets for 4 runs by Sri Lankan Opening Batsman  Thilakaratne Dilshan guided Sri Lanka to a 139 run victory against the Zimbabwe Cricket Team in a ICC World Cup Cricket Match played today at the newly built Pallekale International Cricket Stadium in Kandy.

With this victory Sri Lanka has been qualified for the  Quarter Finals in the World Cup by earning 7 points from 5 matches they have played withing Group A.After won the toss Zimbabwean Captain Elton Chigumbura put Sri Lankan's  in to bat first and Sri Lankans scored 327 runs for the loss of 6 wickets with openers Thilakaratne Dilshan and Upul Tharanga put a recordable opening stand of 282 runs for the first wicket which is a ICC World Cup Record..Dilshan has scored 144 runs and Tharanga  scored 133 runs.

By replying the Zimbabweans open their run chase with a valuable 106 run opening stand.With the  help of poor fielding and dropped catches by some of the Sri Lankan Cricketers.Zimbabweans managed to reach 188 runs before  Sri Lankan veteran Off Spinner Mutthaia Muralideran ,Thilkaratne Dilshan and Angelo Mathews turned the match in favor of Sri Lankans by collecting wickets in regular intervals.Dilshan is the pick of the bowlers by getting 4 wickets for just 4 runs supported by Muralideran and Mathews who got 3 and 2 wickets respectively.

Thilakaratne Dilshan was adjudged as the Man of the Match for his brilliant all round performance with bat and ball. Sri Lankan team has recorded 3 wins in their 5 matches played so far and lost to Pakistan and tie a game with Australia which was abandoned last week due to the bad weather.

Medical Experts To Reveal The Exact Causes Related To Unidentified Chronic Kidney Disease By June

The Medical Experts at the World Health Organization(WHO) Sri Lankan Office said that after receiving the research reports by June this year they can give the exact reason or reasons that caused the unidentified Chronic Kidney Disease spreading in North Central Province in Sri Lanka.The Chronic Kidney Disease which not showing any symptoms during early stages of the disease killed several people in North Central Province during last few years.

According to the National Professional Officer of the WHO Sri Lankan Office Dr.Lanka Jayasuriya Dissanayake till the research conduct by 10 groups compromising 60 researchers concluded, they cannot give any particular reasons which might caused the said Kidney Disease.

It has been reported that out of the total number of Kidney Patients reported from the Island 22 percent are reported from the North Central Province where  6 percent of theSri Lankan Population reside in.

Sri Lankans Taking 564 Million Paracetamol Tablets Annually

Sri Lankans are taking 1.5 Million Paracetamol Tablets daily  and 564 Million Tablets Annually as a Pain Killer according to the Ministry Of Health.Paracetamol Tablets came to the Local Market with different brands and known as widely used Pain Killer in Sri Lanka.

Although the State owned The State Pharmaceutical Manufacturing Corporation(SPMC) has producing the Paracetamol under the generic name the production still not able to meet the demand of the above drug.Therefor The Health Ministry has still importing the major portion of the required Paracetamol Stock from India despite the stock supplied by the SPMC. 

Health Ministry Plans To Produce Most Of The Imported Drugs Locally To Tackle Drug Shortage

The Health Ministry has decided to produce most of the Drugs imported for Government Hospitals locally through the State Pharmaceuticals Manufacturing Corporation and other local Private Institutes to tackle the Drug Shortages occurring time to time in Hospitals.

Under this programme the State Pharmaceuticals Manufacturing Corporation (SPMC) already expand  their production of 'Paracetamol" by produced and supplying 16.5 million Paracetamol Tablets to the Government Hospitals and to the Market during last two weeks a  Ministry Official has stated.

Altogether the SPMC has expand their annual Drug Production of 1600 Million Tablets to 1800 Million Tablets with the increased 200 Million Production of Paracetamol.according to him.The official has also said that due to quality failure of a stock of Paracetamol imported through a Supplier and due to the delay of supplying the Drug to the Hospital has been caused the Paracetamol shortage occurred in Government Hospitals these days.

Colombo High Court Ordered To Produce Transcripts Of Second Court Martial Against Gen.Fonseka

The Colombo High Court has today ordered the Army Commander to handover the complete  transcripts of the proceedings of the Second Court Martial on Hi Corp Case filed against the Imprisoned Former Army Commander General Sarath Fonseka.

The order was given after the Defense of the Case had challenged that the High Court cannot charge Former Army Commander legally with the same crime charges he has been convicted in the Second Court Martial hearing.The High Court is due to taken the requested transcriptions to consideration when the court hearing begin on 29th of March.

Prime Minister Has Revealed On Three LTTE Camps Function In Tamil Nadu

Prime Minister D.M Jayaratne has said in Parliament today(09th)  that the LTTE Terrorist Organization  is currently functioning three Training Camps in the Indian State of Tamil Nadu and trying to reinstate their activities.Prime Minister has also said that out of these three LTTE Training Camps in Tamil Nadu, one training camp is training troops to destroy VIP Politicians and warned that they plan  to kill a Indian  Leader and  create another Civilian War in Sri Lanka.

According to him LTTE Leader Rudra Kumar who is based in USA and two other LTTE leaders who fled to India are believed to be handling this operation.

While proposing to extend the State of Emergency the Prime Minister has said that the LTTE Member Pugalendra Master has been responsible for recent attack  on  Mahabodhi Society in Chennai,India.

21,000 Tender Applications Called For Supplying Of Drugs This Year

Around 21,000 Tender Applications were called to buy essential drugs for state hospitals during January to March this year according to the Ministry Of Health .Although such a large number of tenders were called this year, there is still a shortage of some essential drugs in State Hospitals.

Ministry Officials further said that there is a monopoly in the drug supplying trade in Sri Lanka and the breaking of that monopoly is beyond their reach .The supplying of low quality drugs to hospitals by suppliers as well as  delaying of drug supplying process are the main reasons for this drug shortage they  added.

Severe Vaccine Shortage In Maharagama Cancer Hospital

Around 20-25 Essential Cancer Vaccines are out of stock in National Cancer Hospital at Maharagama(Colombo Suburbs) according to the hospital  sources .   

Carboplatin,Pachlitaxel,Vincristin(VCR),Doxorubacin,Oxaloplatin and Cisplatin are among the out of stock vaccines according to the sources.

Due to the shortage of these vaccines thousands of Cancer Patients faces severe difficulties as a large sum of money need to buy these vaccines from the Private Sector.As a result there is a threat to developing the illness of the Cancer Patients One Oncologist at the Cancer Hospital stressed.

In Private Sector One vial of these out of stock vaccines is costs around  Rs.10,000 and above according to him.

Meanwhile according to the Ministry Of Health the main reason behind  the Cancer Vaccine shortage is the delay of supplying these vaccines by the supplier.The supplier who was awarded the tender to supply these vaccines last year has not supplied them since March 2010 Ministry has confirmed.

Jayantha Katagoda Sworn In As New MP Replacing General Fonseka's Vacant Parliamentary Seat

Mr.Jayantha Katagoda a  member of the Democratic National Alliance(DNA) lead by imprisoned former Army Commander General Sarath Fonseka  ,sworn in as a New MP in Parliament  replacing   the vacant seat of General Fonseka.Mr.Katagoda was Sworn in before the Speaker Chamal Rajapaksha this evening.


On last Saturday DNA has unanimously  nominated Mr.Katagoda as the replacement for their leader General Sarath Foneseka's vacant seat in the Parliament .The new MP who was also an Actor and Businessman was received third largest number of Preferential Votes during last Parliamentary Elections behind General Fonseka and Lakshamn Nipunaarachchi who refused to accept the replacement earlier.

60 Dengue Patients Were Reported From Colombo City During The March

 Around 60 Dengue Patients and 02 Dengue Deaths had been reported from the Colombo City during the first 08 days of  this Month(March) the Chief Medical Officer in Colombo Dr.Pradeep Kariyawasam has said today.

According to Dr,Kariyawasam out of these 60 Dengue Patients reported from the City of Colombo 20 were from Stace Road in Grand pass area.One out of the two Dengue Deaths reported is also from the Stace Road according to him.It has been reported that around 3500 people lives in 550 shanty houses attached to each other at Stace Road and they are not only prone to Dengue but other diseases like Tuberculosis and Fileria as well.

"There is a garbage canal in the area  and dengue mosquito breeding places like damaged Tyre s  and leaked water "the Colombo Chief MOH stressed.

Due to the spreading of dengue is in rise, People in the area are advised to destroy Dengue Mosquito Breeding Places and clean their home and garden surroundings to prevent the spreading of the disease.

"Glaucoma" Identified As The Major Cause Of Blindness In Sri Lanka

Out of the total number of Blind Population  in Sri Lanka 13 to 14 percent got blinded due to the eye disorder "Glaucoma" according to the Ophthalmologist Dr.Mrs.Muditha Kulatunga.The age group of Over 60 years  in Sri Lanka is more prone  of getting Glaucoma which has been described as  the "Silent Thief of Sight" due to the sudden blindness it caused  Dr.Kulatunga has stressed.

To avoid of getting the disease the age group of over 60 years should under go a Eye Test in every six months and the people of less then 60 years should under go a Eye Test at least once in every two years she has further added.According to Dr.Kulatunga if parents are having the Glaucoma the chance of their children getting the disease is 5 times higher then a normal person and those people whose blood relatives having Glaucoma are having 9 times higher chance  of getting the disease.

Speaking at  a Media Seminar held in Colombo this morning on "The International  Glaucoma Week" declared between 06th of March to 12th of March 2011, Dr,Kulatunga has said to mark the International Glaucoma Week"Colombo National Eye Hospital is launched a series of programmes to educate the people throught the Island on Glaucoma in collaboration with vision 2020 secretariat and the Sight Savers International ..A free eye testing camp for public is due to  be held in the Eye Hospital On  12th of March ,the final day of the Glaucoma week.

According to the statistics around 5 million people world wide are currently living with blindness due to the Glaucoma and this number is expected to rise by the year 2020 to 11.2 million.

Around 33 Displaced People Left To Be Re Settled In Jaffna

According to the Army Commander Lieutenant General Jagath Jayasuriya at the moment only 33 displaced  people belongs to Nine Families left  to be re settled in Jaffna Peninsula (Northern Sri Lanka).A Large number of Families lived in Refugee Camps are already settled in their home towns according to the Lieutenant Jayasuriya.

The De-Mining process carried out by the Army Engineers is already concluded the Army Commander has stressed.

Vehicle Of TNA MP Was Attacked

An unidentified Group attacked The Vehicle of the Tamil National Alliance (TNA) MP of Jaffna S.Shritharan with a Grenade this evening   Anuradhapaura and Nochchiyagama areas ( Both in North Central Province) while he is returning to Colombo after visiting the North.

According to the TNA Party sources although the vehicle was damaged due to the attack MP Sritharan and his Security Personal were escaped without hurt.


 

Two Essential Injections Are Out Of Stock In State Hospitals And Pharmacies

It has been reported that two injections one using for "By Pass" Surgery and other one for Anesthesia are out of stock these days in State Hospitals as well as in Private pharmacies.The injection "Gentamycin" which is use for By Pass Surgeries are out of stock in State Hospitals and In Pharmacies since three months and and important Anesthetic Injection using for all surgeries  "Thiopentone Sodium" is out of stock in State Hospitals from sometime.
Besides the shortage of these injections State Hospitals are currently facing shortage of  essential drugs like "Metformine","Piriton"Paracetamol","Aludrox" and "Aspirin".Due to the shortage hospital doctors are prescribing patients to buy these drugs from Private Pharmacies.

Four Essential Drugs Are Out Of Stock In State Hospitals

Four essential drugs including the drug prescribed for Diabetes Patients to reduced blood sugar level "Metformin"are out of stock these days in most State Hospitals according to the Hospital Sources.The out of stock drug items are "Metformin","paracetamol","Penicillin" and "Piriton" according to the sources.

Both Out door(OPD) and Indoor departments in most of the State Hospitals not having these drugs from weeks according to the Pharmacists.Due to the shortage Government Hospital Doctors are prescribing patients to buy these drugs from private pharmacies they stressed.

DNA Nominated A Replacement For General Fonseka's Vacant Parliamentary Seat

The Democratic National Alliance (DNA) today has  nominated their member Mr.Jayantha Katagoda to fill the vacant parliamentary seat of the DNA leader Retired General Sarath Fonseka who is now in prison.This decision was taken unanimously during the DNA Party meeting held today(05th) according to the Party Sources.

In previous occasion the member of the DNA Party Lakshaman Nipunaarachchi who received the second highest number of preferential votes after General Fonseka at the parliament elections for the Colombo District was named to fill the  Vacant Parliamentary seat of General however he refused to accept the offer even though his name was gazetted as the replacement.



According to the DNA even newly replaced Mr.Katagoda who received the third highest preferential votes for Colombo District refused to accept the offer the Part has unanimously decided that he should accept it.DNA also stated although the vacant parliamentary seat of General Fonseka filled with another one the party still believes the seat is belongs to General Fonseka who secured highest number of preferential votes for Colombo District during last parliamentary elections.Newly appointed Mr.Katagoda is scheduled to be sworn in as a MP before the Speaker on 08th of March.

Sri Lanka Vs Australia Match Was Abandoned Due To Heavy Showers

The ICC World Cup Cricket Match played between Sri Lanka and Australia which under way at the R.Premadasa International Cricket Stadium in Colombo was abandoned due to heavy showers fell to the grounds this evening and both the teams awarded one point each as the match ended with no result.

At the time when  the match was stopped Sri Lanka who elected to bat first after winning the toss  scored 146 runs for the loss of 3 wickets in 32.5 overs with Skipper Kumar Sanagakkara 73 not out and Thilan Samaraweera 34 not out.

After elected to bat first  in a pitch favorable for batting Sri Lanka was badly placed when they lost their two openers Thilakaratne Dilshan and Upul Tharanga for low scores.Former skipper Mahela Jayawardena's was run out at a time when he and skipper sangakakra tried to accelerate the Sri Lankan Scoreboard.However after Mahela's run out All Rounder Thilan Samaraweera joined with Sangakkara and put a valuable partnership to taken the Sri Lanka's score to 146 till  rain interrupted the play.

The Match which is a day night match declared as abandoned after the two referees inspected the pitch and the rainy condition .Due to the two teams awarded with one point each Both Sri Lanka and Australia now having 5 points each as Sri Lanka placed 2nd in their group "A" and the Aussies placed 3rd in the group.

.

Sri Lanka Vs Australia Match -Sri Lanka Won The Toss And Elected To Bat First

Sri Lankan Skipper Kumar Sangakkara won the toss and decided to bat first against Australia short while ago.The match 20th ODI Match of the ICC World Cup is due to commence in few minutes time at the R,Premadasa International Cricket Stadium in Colombo.

Sri Lanka included Three Spinners namely Muththaia Muralidaren ,Rangana Herath and Ajantha Mendis for today's Match.

A packed crowd are there in the stadium right now to witness the Sri Lanka vs Australia Match which is a repeat of the Last World Cup Final in 2007.

Sri Lanka To Meet Australia Tomorrow In A Thrilling World Cup Encounter Repeating Last World Cup Final

Last World Cup Runners Up Sri Lankan Cricket Team  is due to  meet the World Champions Australia  tomorrow(05) in Colombo in their Group "A" Match of the ICC Cricket World Cup   a repeat of the Last World Cup Final.The Match a Day Night game will be commenced at 1.30 p.m local time in the R.Premadasa International Stadium in Colombo.

According to the Sri Lankan Skipper Kumar Sangakkara Sri Lanka will likely to play with three spinners in tomorrow's game which is crucial for the Sri Lankans as they seeking to win this years World Cup.Sri Lanka is having match winning spinners like Muralideran ,Rangana Herath and Ajantha Mendis supported by part time spinners Thilan Samaraweera and T.M Dilshan.

This Match will be a Acid Test for both the teams as the critics  rated the match as a battle between two supremos  who are firm favorites to win this years World Cup .

Sri Lanka the 2007 World Cup runners up will be compromised a balanced side with both spin and  Pace bowlers and the strength of the Aussies are their pace attack  according to skipper Sangakkara.

While addressing the media today at the R.Premadasa International Stadium he stressed that the Sri Lankan team will focus on the win against the Aussies not the toss of the coin.He however said that wining the toss is an important factor but not decisive factor to wining the match.

Sri Lankan batting line up is long as number 7 slot including the hard hitting opener Thilakaratne Dilshan ,Skipper Sangakkara,Mahela Jayawardena and all rounder Angelo Mathews and the mix combination of pace and spin attack will provide them an additional advantage as they played in their home ground.

According to the critics Sri Lanka's pace man in form Lasith Malinga and Off Spinner Mutthaia Muralideran will be a real test for the strong Aussie Batting line up lead by their skipper Ricky Ponting.Australian Skipper Ponting too point out that tomorrow's battle is a tougher one for his side as the Sri Lankan Team is a not an easy team to beat especially in their home country.

Tomorrow's Encounter is also an  important one for Sri Lanka as a win here will secure them  a berth in the quarter finals.Sri Lanka lost to Pakistan last Saturday by 11 runs however is in the second place of their group "A" headed by Pakistan  with 4 points after wining the matches against Canada and Kenya.

President Rajapaksha Requested Libyan Leader To Restore Peace In Libya

President Mahinda Rajapaksha has today requested the Libyan leader Colonel Maummar Gadaffi to restore peace in the troubled country  as soon as possible.According to the Sri Lankan President's Media Unit this request has been made by the President Rajapaksha during a telephone conversation he had with the Libyan leader.

Colonel Gadaffi had phoned the president Rajapaksha the Media Unit further stated.

Ministry Of Health Reveals The Truth Behind The Drug Shortage In State Hospitals

It has been revealed that due to the poor co ordination between the Chief Pharmacists of Hospitals and the Drug Supplying authorities have been caused an Artificial Drug Shortage within most of the State Hospitals these days the Ministry of Health has stated.According to the Ministry Officials  the Director of the Kiribathgoda Hospital which is functioning under the Western Provincial Council has  informed the Health Ministry yesterday that some 20 drugs are out of stock at the Hospital ,however when checked it has been revealed that a large stock of these 20 so called out of stock drugs are there in the stores of the Medical Supplies Division as well as in the Regional Drug Supplying Store.

While investigating the matter further the Ministry Officials have found that the Chief Pharmacist of the said hospital has  not informed the regional Drug Supplying Store about the list of out of stock drugs in the hospital in time and even the hospital director not know that these drugs are available at the regional drug store.

Health Ministry To Setting Up A National Drug Standard Regulatory Authority Soon

The National Drug Standard Regulatory Authority which can  ensure  the quality standards of Drugs imported to the Country will be set up soon according to the Health Minister Maithrepala Sirisena.Speaking at the inauguration of the National Health Exhibition at the Bandaranaike International Memorial Hall in Colombo this morning the Minister has said that he will implement the National Drug Standard Regulatory Act by mid this year which enables the functioning  of proposed Drug Regulatory Authority.

Under such Authority Sri Lanka will able to import and supply the good quality drugs for the Government Hospitals he has stressed.

Colombo Chief MOH Instructed The Hotel/Rest And Cafetraia Workers To Under Go A Annual TB Test

The Colombo Chief Medical Officer Dr.Pradeep Kariyawasam has instructed all small and medium scale Hotel/Restaurant and Cafeteria owners in the City of Colombo to get their workers checked for Tuberculosis(TB) at the Colombo Chest Clinic at least once a year as the reports have been revealed that most of the TB Patients report from the Colombo City are Hotel Workers.

Dr.Kariyawasam has said that if the Colombo City Hotel Workers are under going a TB Check once a year it will help to reduced the spreading of TB to other places in great deal..

Dr.Kariyawasam has already made Annual Medical Test a compulsory for all Hotel and Restaurant workers in the city with effect from last January to ensure the hygiene of the food that consumed by the people.He also instructed the Hotel,Restaurant and Cafeteria owners to introduced a suitable uniform for their Workers from the Chefs  to Stewards to ensure the hygienic condition in these places.

55 Sri Lankans Evacuated From Libya To Return Island Soon

Around 55 Sri Lankans who are currently in Malta and Cyprus after being evacuated from Libya are due to arrive Sri Lanka soon according to the Foreign Employment Bureau.

A group of 33 Sri Lankans evacuated from Libya are in Cyprus and 22 are in Malta taken there by their employers through a special Charted Air Line soon after the uprising of Libya began according to the Bureau.

Professions Supplementary To Medicine Hold A Black Protest Campaign In Front Of The Health Ministry

The   Professionals attached to Government Professions  Supplementary To Medicine(PSM)  staged a Black Protest campaign by wearing Black Caps and holding Black Flags and Posters in front of the Ministry Of Health in Colombo today demanding  to fulfill six of their service demands.

The large number of Professionals belongs to the PSM compromising Government Pharmacists,Medical Laboratory Technicians(MLT),Radiographers,Physiotherapists and Occupational Therapists representing majority of Government Hospitals island wide have been taken part this two hour protest campaign held from 12 noon to 2 p.m today.The protesters arrived to the Ministry Of Health Premises from the Bandaranaike Building of the Colombo National Hospital which is situated nearby the Ministry.

The Joint Council Of Professions Supplementary To Medicine has said that they will launch an island wide two day sick note campaign in 08th and 09th of March if the Health Authorities failed to give reasonable solutions for six of their service demands including the delayed Grade 1 Promotions of the PSM and the 25 percent special allowance granted to the Academics through the 2011 budget proposals to PSM as well.

Laugfs Gas Price To Be Increased

The price of the 12.5 kg Laugfs Gas Cylinder is due to increase by Rs.96 with the effect from today.According to the Consumer Protection Authority with the increased price the new price of the Laugfs gas cylinder will be Rs.1652.

Five Member Team Began Investigations On Kfir Jet Crash

A five member team led by Air Vice Marshal Kapila Jayamapathi is investigating in to the Kfir Jet crash which occurred yesterday in mid air of  Warana area according to the Air Force sources.Air Force has also decided to grounded the Kfir Jets till the ongoing investigations on  Jet Crash concluded.

According to the Sri Lankan Air Force the decision behind the grounding of Kfir Jets till the Investigations concludes is to evaluate the technical records of the Jets.The Kfir Jets due to participate the 60th Anniversary celebrations of the Sri Lanka Air Force which was held today , not participated due to this decision.

Meanwhile according to the post mortum report submitted by the Negambo Judicial Medical Officer(JMO) Dr Channa Perera the Pilot Flight Lieutenant Monath Perera who was killed due to the Kfir Jet Collision of  yesterday was suffered a heart attack in the Sky.The Post Mortum report was handed over to the Air Force Today.Earlier it has been reported that the Pilot had ejected him self from the Air Craft at the time of the Crash and believed his Parachute was not opened at that time..

Two Dengue Deaths Were Reported From Colombo City

Two Dengue deaths were reported yesterday from the Colombo city the Chief Medical Officer of Colombo Dr.Pradeep Kariyawasam has revealed.According to Dr.Kariyawasam out of these two deaths one victim  was a 55 year old person reside in Wellawatta area in Colombo City and he died while receiving treatment at a Private Hospital yesterday.

The second death was reported in Ridgway Children's Hopsital in Borella and the victim was a 8 year old boy reside in Stace Road.With these two  deaths the total number of Dengue deaths reported from Colombo City this year risen to 6.

Sri Lanka Recorded An Easy Win Over Minnows Kenyans As Paceman Malinga Destroy Kenyan Batting Lineup

Sri Lankan Cricketers defeated the minnows Kenyan Cricket Team by 9 wickets  in their third ICC World Cup Cricket Match Played at the R.Premadasa International Cricket Stadium in Colombo today.After wining the toss Kenyan Skipper Jimmy Kamande decided to take first lease of the pitch which is perfect for batting.

However the Kenyans only managed to reach 142 runs all out in 43.4 overs due to the fine bowling performance by Sri Lankan Pace Bowler Lasith Malinga who got 6 Kenyan wickets with the cost of 38 runs in his 10 overs.Due to the Malinga's deadly yorkers Kenyan Batsmen were struggled to getting runs and only Brothers Co Obuya and Do Obuya managed to score half centuries in the match.

Lasith Malinga who played his first Match of this years ICC World Cup after been rested in the first two matches Sri Lanka played against Canada and Pakistan displayed a brilliant piece of bowling performance with a hat trick to restrict the Kenyans to a moderate score.In reply Sri Lanka reached the target within 18.4 overs with Opener Upul Tharanga has scored 67 runs and T.M Dilshan scored quick fire 44 runs.

With this win Sri Lanka who now won two out of the three matches played lead the Group "A" with 4 points followed by Australia and Pakistan who won two matches each they were played.

Drug Authority To Instruct Cosmetic Producers And Importers To Display The Registered Number In Their Products

The National Drug Authority has instructed the importers and Local producers of Cosmetics to display their Cosmetic registered number issued by the authority  in the wrapper of  cosmetic product.

Due to the  number of patients coming to the Local Hospitals suffering from side effects like skin cancers,pimples and allergic conditions  due to the using of sub standard Cosmetic Products  are in increase, Drug Authority has decided to implement  above law according to the Drug Authority sources.

One Pilot Killed Following a Kfir Jet Crash

One Pilot was killed and another civilian got injured when two Kfir Combat Jets collided each other at Warana area in the Gampaha District(Western Province)during a rehearsal for the 60th anniversary of the Sri Lanka Air Force this morning.According to the Air Force Flight Lt.Mohan Perera was killed during the crash and other flying officer Squadron Leader Vajira Jayakody is survived although his Kfir Jet collided with the other one.

Meanwhile President Mahinda Rajapaksha visited the crash site at Warana immediately after the news broke out.The Roads near the rehearsal site was closed at the time of the crash.