Fastening Of Seat Belts In Front Seats Of Vehicles Made Compulsory From Tomorrow

Fastening of Seat Belts in front seats of all cars and dual purpose vehicles with English plates declared as compulsory with effect from tomorrow (01) the Government Information has announced today.

Under this both the driver as well as the person sitting in the front seat of the said vehicles should wear seat belts.

This rule will also be relevant to all registered Buses and Lorries according to the department.

First Ever Asia Pacific Stroke Conference Held In Sri Lanka Began Yesterday

The first ever Asia Pacific Stroke Conference to be held in Sri Lanka is currently underway at Cinnamon Grand Hotel in Colombo.More than 400 Foreign Delegates have been registered for this International Conference with 45 renowned International Stroke Specialists attending the three day Conference which will be ends tomorrow(01) according to the Dr.(Mrs) Padma Gunaratne the co chair person of the Conference and  head of the Stroke Unit of Colombo National Hospital .

Addressing a press briefing held at Cinnamon Grand Hotel yesterday regarding this Conference which started yesterday Dr.Padma Gunaratne has said that the number of deaths occurred due to Stroke is in increase in  Sri Lanka.According to the latest statistics available around 3012 Stroke patients have died after admitted to Government Hospitals in the year 2008 she stressed.

High Blood Pressure,Diabetes,High Cholesterol ,Lack of Physical Activity,Obesity are identified as the Risk Factors which caused the Stroke and people are advised to rushed the people to hospitals who are having the Stroke Symptoms such as a severe headache ,loss of the sight of one or both eyes,dizziness,loss the balance or coordination of the body and disability to speak or understand the speeches .

It has been revealed no matter the gender every six seconds a person died in any corner of the world due to the Stroke.

Government Doctors Union To Launched An Island Wide Strike From Monday If The Authorities Failed To Meet Their Demand

The General Assembly of the Government Medical Officers Association (GMOA) has decided yesterday to launch an Island Wide Strike on Monday evening if the authorities have failed  to handover the removed personal file of their President Dr.Anurudda Padeniya to him by 12 noon on Monday .

According to the Assistant Secretary of the GMOA Dr.Sankalpa Marasinha, GMOA will decide on Monday  whether the Strike Action is a  One Day Token Strike else a Continuous one .Earlier the Executive Committee of the GMOA has decided to take a stern action against what they called a politically motivated move by  the  Bribery and Corruption Commission officials as they removed the personal file of Dr.Padeniya without a prior notice.

50 Sri Lankans Deported From United Kingdom To Arrive Sri Lanka Tomorrow

A Batch of 50 Sri Lankans who were deported from United Kingdom due to illegal reasons are due to arrive on a Flight to  Sri Lanka tomorrow according to the Minister Counselor (Consular and Immigration) Chaminda Kularatne.

This  Batch of  Sri Lankans which compromised with Sinhalese,Tamils and Muslims were deported due to Illegal stay in United Kingdom and some of them have even denied by granting visas or Political Asylum Mr.Kularatne has  stressed.Due to the  Peaceful Environment prevails in Sri Lanka at present after ending of 3 decade old war against LTTE some members of the group were not granted Political Asylum in U.K he further added.

Government Doctors Union Called An Urgent General Assembly Meeting Tomorrow To Decide Future TU Action

The Government Medical Officers Association (GMOA) has called  an urgent General Assembly Meeting tomorrow(29) to decide the future Trade Union action against the harassment faced by  GMOA President Dr.Anuruddha Padeniya with the hands of some   Government Officials.

The Executive Committee which met today has unanimously decided to take a stern action against the harassment faced by their President."However the Trade Union Action that has to be taken will be decided by the General Assembly during tomorrows urgent meeting according to the Assistant Secretary of GMOA Dr.Sankalpa Marasinha.

Dr.Marasinha has said that  under the latest incident the officials of the Bribery and Corruption Commission have removed the Personal File belongs to the GMOA President Dr.Padeniya from the Lady Ridgway Hospital in Colombo where he is working without a prior notice."According to the law if there's a complaint against a Government Servant there's a certain procedure to deal with such a situation and  this is not the way to handle such matters" he stressed.

Recently One Government Minister openly criticized the GMOA President after he expressed his views against the controversial Malabe Private Medical College Issue  and as a response GMOA filed a court case against the Minister claiming to pay Rs.300 million as compensation due to harassing of GMOA President Dr.Padeniya.

National HIV/AIDS Policy Was Launched Today

The much awaited National HIV/AIDS Policy of Sri Lanka was launched today under the patronage of Health Minister Maithripala Sirisena at the "Sawusiripaya" Auditorium in Colombo-07.The Policy which received the Cabinet Approval recently will implement from today onwards according to the Director of National HIV/AIDS-STD Campaign Dr.Nimal Edirisinha.

Preventing Stigma and Discrimination against  HIV Positives is also featured in the Policy.

One Soldier Received Minor Injuries Due To An Explosion At The Weeawila Army Camp

One Army Soldier got injured Due to an accidental explosion took place this evening at  the ammunition dump of  Weerawila Army Camp situated near the   Weerawila Air Force Base .The injured soldier who suffered with minor injuries was admitted to the near by Weerawila Hospital according to the Military Spokesman Brigadier Nihal Hapuarachchi.

Brigadier Hapuarachchi further said that as they are not handling this amount of ammunition and explosives it was an accidental explosion.The explosion was took place around 4 p.m in this  evening at the Ammunition Dump maintained by Gajaba Regiment  and the small explosions with low magnitude were followed thereafter.Weerawila Army Camp is a small Army Camp compromised around 100 soldiers.

Colombo Crimes Division Arrested 199 Suspects Wanted For Drug Dealing,Robbery And Criminal Activities

Under the Special Operation carried out by  Colombo Crimes Division Police Officers during last few days got arrested 199 suspects from Colombo,Colombo North and Colombo Central Police Divisions according to the sources.

Under the operation police got arrested 4 men who wanted in connection with robberies ,16 men on warrants,12 men wanted for number of criminal activities and 59 men for processing kasippu,ganja and heroin the sources added.

During this Operation 21 Motor Bikes and Tri Shaws which  parked in areas where vehicle parking is prohibited were also taken into custody.

Former Australian Test Cricketer Geoff Marsh Has Appointed As The New Sri Lankan Cricket Coach

Sri Lanka Cricket has today (23) appointed Former Australian National Cricketer Geoff Marsh as the new National Head Coach of the Sri Lankan Cricket Team for a 2 year contract period.A Player who played 50 Test matches and 119 ODI's for Australia Marsh was also coached the Australian National Team from 1995-1999 including the World Cup Winning Team of 1999.

The Sri Lankan New Head Coach is due to assume his duties from  27th of September(Tuesday).

He is an Australian Level 3 qualified Coach and coached the Zimbabwe National Cricket Team during 2000-2004 . Later he served as  a National Cricket Selector for Cricket Australia.

Australian Government And The Opposition Defeated A Motion Against Sri Lanka

The Australian Government together with the Opposition today (22) have defeated  a motion presented to the Australian Senate to propose  suspending    Sri Lanka from the Commonwealth Union.Both the Australian Government and the Opposition Members  were voted against the Motion which was presented by the New South Wales (Greens) Senator Lee Rhiannon according to the  Australian Media reports.




                                                                                                                   Australian Parliament House

Ten Essential Drugs Are Out Of Stock At Karapitiya Teaching Hospital

Around 10 Essential Drugs are out of stock at the Karapitiya Teaching Hospital( Southern Province) OPD Clinics according to the Hospital Sources."Metformin " prescribed for the Diabetes, "Atovastatin" prescribed for Cholesterol,"Enalapril" for High Blood Pressure and ISMN for Heart Diseases are among the Drugs that are not available at the Hospital  Clinics at the moment  the sources have  added.

Due to this Drug Shortage  OPD  Patients have to buy these Drugs through Private Pharmacies through  their own expenses.

Sri Lanka To Host T20 World Cup Cricket Tournament Of 2012

The next 20 Over World Cup T20 is due to be held in Sri Lanka from 18th of September to 07th of October in 2012.Twelve Teams are due to participate in this T20 World Cup and Sri Lankan Team will compete in Group C according to sources.

The inaugural Match of the competition is scheduled to be played at Hambanthota and the Finals will be played in Colombo on 07th of October.

Award Wining Sri Lankan Actor Joe Abewickrama Has Passed Away

Award Wining Veteran Sri Lankan Actor Joe Abewickrama (78) has passed away few hours ago due to an injury sustained as he fell while doing exercises  according to his Family Sources. He was rushed to the Southern Colombo (Kalubowila ) Teaching Hospital after he fell out but died upon being admitted to the Hospital the sources added.

Late Joe Abewickrama was born in 13th of  June 1933 at lellopitiya ,Ratnapura as G.M John Abewicrama and he entered the Cinema through the Film "Deva Sundari" screened in 1955.However his Film "Saradama" was screened before the screening of his debut film.

He was known as a versatile  Actor who done Comic Roles during early stages in his career and later turned in to do Character Roles in noted Films .

During his career which has spanned over four decades Late Joe was acted around 167 Films including his significant character roles in " Punchi Baba" ,"Weli Kathara" ,"Siribo Ayya",Parasathu Mal","Thnmanhandiya","Baddegama","Sikuruliya" " Dasa Nisa " "Sithaka Mahima ",Adara Hasuna "and "Purahanda Karuwala".He has also done well remembered comic roles in Films like " Sweep Ticket","Allapu Gedera","Wasana" " Kolamba Sanniya",and "Cherrio Doctor.Late Joe was the First Sri Lankan Cinema Actor to be won an International Best Actor's Award when he received the Best Actors Award at the Singapore International Film Festival for his role in "Purasanda Kaluwara".

He has also won several awards including  the prestigious "Sarasawiya" and Presidential Awards in many occasions.The remains of the late actor Joe Abewickrama will lie in Jayaratne Funeral Parlor at Borella from tomorrow evening and his funeral arrangements to be notified later.

Government Nursing Officers Union To Filed A Petition Before Human Rights Commission Against The Health Ministry

The Government Nursing Officers Union  has decided to file a petition before the Human Rights Commission in Colombo on this Friday (23) against the Health Ministry's Decision to recruit Nursing Students who were not studied Science Stream  to the Hospitals in North and the East.



According to the President of Nursing Officers Union Mr.Saman Ratnapriya  Under the Nursing Constitution the Nursing Students recruited for Nurses Training in Government Nursing Schools should have passed Advanced Level Examination in Science Stream.

Ministry And The Deputy Ministry Of Resettlement To Be Shut Down Soon

After the Resettlement Process of the In displaced Persons got completed in coming days Government has planned to shut down Both  Ministry and the Deputy Ministry of Resettlement according to the sources.

After closing down the above Ministries the Minister and Deputy Minister of Resettlement are due to assigned with other Ministries sources further added.

Under the Resettlement Process Government expect to Shut Down the Manik Farm Relief Village after remaining 7394 In Displaced Persons there resettled in Kombavil Area the Defense Ministry has announced today.

15 Medical Administrators Sent A Written Request To GMOA On Settling The Crisis Of National Hospital Director Post

Around 15 Medical Administrators attached to the Government Hospitals sent A written request to the Government Medical Officers Association (GMOA) today(19th) urged the intervention of the Union  to solved the crisis occurred in selecting suitable Medical Administrator for the vacant Hospital Director Post in Colombo National Hospital.


According to the said Medical Administrators the Petition filed in Supreme Court recently challenging the selection of Four Candidates for the Interview to fill the vacant post of National Hospital Director is clearly a Politically Motivated one and urged the President and the Secretary of the GMOA to intervene in to the matter and prevent Politicization of  Medical Administration.

Lanka Indian Oil Company Reduced The Price Of Diesel Liter

The Lanka Indian Oil Company (LOIC) has reduced the price of  Diesel Liter by Rs.3 with effect from today according to the LOIC sources.According to the new price reduction a Liter of  Diesel is reduced to Rs.82 from Rs.85.

Transport Ministry Estimated The Damage Done Due To Train Collision Yesterday As Rs.75 Million

The Transport Ministry has estimated that Rs.75 million worth damage done due to the Train Collision occurred in Alwwa yesterday(17).

According to the Ministry the Special Committee appointed to investigate on cause of the Collision still not reached definite conclusion in regard the Accident.However special attention has been forward towards the way which the Railway Control Room and the Signalling System operated at that time Ministry sources added.

Five Passengers were killed and more than Thirty got injured when Three Trains collided each other at Alwwa last evening.A Thai Buddhist Monk,Train Driver,Assistant Driver and a Railway Worker were among the deceased.

Foreign Passenger Died And More Than 30 got Injured Due To A Train Collision At Alawwa

One Person was killed and more than 30 injured  due to a collision of Three Trains  at Alawwa  this evening.The injured were rushed  to the Alawwa Hospital and around 15 seriously injured persons were transferred to the Kurunagala Teaching Hospital according to the sources.

The dead person identified as a Foreigner who was in the Kandy Bound Train which is one of the collided Trains.Few other Foreigners in side the Trains were too got injured due to the accident.The accident was occurred when the Rambukkana bound train from Colombo had stopped  near Alawwa for a repair  and it was being pushed towards Polgahawela by the Colombo-Kandy Intercity Express which arrived from the same rail way track. Afterweards A Polgahawela bound power set from Colombo had arrived on the same track and crashed on to the rear of the Intercity Express, causing severe damage to the Observation Saloon .

Meanwhile The Railway Authorities have appointed a special committee  to investigate  the incident.

FOREIGN -Out Of Use 6 Tonne NASA Sattellite To Hit On Earth By Next Week -NASA

NASA has announced that an out of use 6 tonne NASA Science Satellite will break in to pieces by next week  on it's way to  earth and the debris will land any continent except Antarctica.The Full details on this are as follows.

An out-of-use NASA science satellite will plunge back to the Earth in about a week, but there is absolutely no idea as to where it is going to fall.The 6.5-ton Upper Atmosphere Research Satellite, known by its acronym UARS, will burn up in Earth's atmosphere when it finally falls from the orbit later this month or early October.

NASA says the 20-year-old UARS ran out of fuel in 2005. Pieces of the satellite could land anywhere in the six inhabited continents in a worldwide swath from south of Juneau, Alaska, to just north of the tip of South America.

NASA has estimated a 1-in-3,200 chance that a satellite part could hit someone. Most of it will burn up after entering the atmosphere. Only about 1,200 pounds should survive, scattered over perhaps a 500-mile-wide area, NASA said.

 

UARS was deployed from the shuttle Discovery in 1991 to study Earth's atmosphere and its interactions with the sun. The $750 million mission measured the concentrations and distribution of gases important to ozone depletion, climate change and other atmospheric phenomena. NASA says readings from UARS provided conclusive evidence that chlorine in the atmosphere, originating from human-produced chlorofluorocarbons, is at the root of the polar ozone hole.

The risk to public safety or property is extremely small. Since the beginning of the Space Age in the late-1950s, there have been no confirmed reports of an injury resulting from re-entering space objects.

The satellite's current orbit is 155 by 174 miles (250 by 280 kilometers), with an inclination of 57 degrees, said NASA. That means the satellite would have to descend into the atmosphere somewhere between 57 degrees north latitude and 57 degrees south.

NASA estimated that the debris footprint would stretch about 500 miles.

That means pieces could fall over most of the world's six inhabited continents as well as its three largest oceans.(INTERNATIONAL BUSINESS TIMES)

Importing Of Sub Standard Petrol To The Country-CPC Sent Dep.Finance Manger On Compulsory Leave

The Ceylon Petroleum Corporation (CPC) authorities have sent one of the Deputy Finance Managers of the Corporation on Compulsory Leave with effect from yesterday (16) regarding the importing of Sub Standard Petrol to Sri Lanka recently.He was sent Compulsory Leave on Disciplinary Grounds accrding to the CPC Sources.

Petroleum Minister Susil Prema Jayantha has instructed the CPC Chairmen to take Disciplinary Action against those who involved in import ing sub standard petrol to the country.

The using of the Sub Standard Petrol imported by CPC damaged several vehicals in the Country and authorities have taken steps to pay compansation for the owners of those damaged  vehicals.

280,000 To 2.8 Million Lost Days In Sri Lanka Due To Mumps Disease To Be Saved Through MMR Vaccine ?- Dr.Sudath Pieris

Through the MMR (Measles,Mumps and Rubella) Vaccine which is due to be introduced to the National Immunization Programme from 01st of October this year it will expect  to save 280,000 to 2.8 million working days which are lost due to the people affected from Mumps in Sri Lanka according to the Senior Epidemiologist Dr.Sudath Pieris.

Dr.Pieris said that 0.1 to 1 percent of the Sri Lankan Population are affected with the disease Mumps every year and that is around 20,000 to 200,000 patients annually.Due to the symptoms of Mumps people have to keep away from their offices,schools and universities for long time and this  will affect the Economy badly he stressed.

As the MMR Vaccine is introduced to the Immunization Programme the Rubella Vaccine currently administered through the programme will be stopped as the protection against Rubella Disease too provided by the new vaccine.

Addressing a Media Seminar on MMR Vaccine held in Health Education Bureau today Dr.Sudath Pieris has said that the MMR Vaccine will be given to the Children aged One Year and Three Years and the Females 16-44 years with the effect from 01st of October this year.The Government will spend Rs.200 million for importing of one million doses of MMR Vaccines required annually he further added.

US Asst.Secretary Robert O Blake Proposed To Deploying Tamil Police In Northern Sri Lanka

Visiting US Assistant Secretary of State for South and Central Asia Robert O Blake today said in Colombo that the deploying of Tamil Police in the Northern Sri Lanka is important so there is no need for Sri Lankan Police to carry out these functions there.

Addressing the Journalists in Colombo today (14th) Mr,Blake has said that he was always concerned on the Human Rights situation in North especially regarding Rehabilitation and Re settlement process.Also US is very much concerned on attacks against Journalists he stressed.

US Assistant Secretary has also said that the Government needs to put an end to the Grease Devil Situation as the People in North are going through an Insecurity Situation due to this.

Chewing Of Betel Leaves Caused The Increase Of Oral Cancer Amongst Sri Lankans

The Oral Cancer among Sri Lankans are in increase due to the habit of  chewing betel leaves according to the Consultant in Community Dentistry attached to the National Cancer Control Programme Dr.Hemantha Amarasinha .Tobacco Leaves,Arecanut and Lime  which are using as sub ingredients  when chewing   Betel Leaves are also acting as Cancer Agents he stressed.

Due to this situation Dr.Amarasinha has appealed to the Sri Lankan Public to avoid of chewing Betel Leaves and the related ingredients  to prevent of getting Oral Cancer.Oral Cancer has identified as the number one Cancer amongst Male Population in Sri Lanka.

Meanwhile International Researchers have found that the Cancer Agent  "Safrole " substance is contain in Betel Leaves.

According to the latest statistics 14.1 per 100,000 Male Population  and 3.8 per 100,000 Female Population  in Sri Lanka are having  Oral Cancer.1617 Oral Cancer Patients are identified in the year 2005 according to the Dr.Amarasinha.Except the habit of Betel Chewing the other factors identified as causing  spreading of Oral Cancer amongst the Sri Lankan Population are Smoking,Liquor Addiction ,Viral Infections in side mouth and the Sun Light he stressed.

Kumar Sangakkara Won Two Awards At The ICC Awards Ceremony

Former Sri Lankan Cricket Captain Kumar Sangakkara became the first Cricketer to received two Awards at the ICC Cricket Awards Ceremony when he bagged both  ICC ODI Player of the Year Award and  LG People's Choice Award at the International Cricket Council(ICC) Awards held in London yesterday(12th).

However due to the ongoing Test Match Series held in Sri Lanka against the visiting Australian Cricket Team Sangakkara was not present at yesterday's Awards Ceremony.

11 Member Medical Team To Leave For Pakistan Tomorrow To Combat Dengue Epidemic There

A 11 member Sri Lankan Medical Team is due to leave for Pakistan tomorrow(14) to combat the Dengue Epidemic spreading in most parts of Pakistan including the state of Punjab according to the Health Ministry sources.The team compromising of 8 Medical Doctors including two Epidemiologists,2 Nursing Sisters and an Entomologist .

This Medical Team is due to stay in Pakistan around two weeks to engage in Dengue Control activities and providing treatment for the Dengue Patients according to the sources.The Team was selected after  Pakistani President Asif Al Zardari has requested from the Sri Lankan Government to send a medical team to combat Dengue menace in his country .

First Female Attorney General Of Sri Lanka Has Appointed

Solicitor General S.Eva Wanasundare has became the first ever Female Attorney General of Sri Lanka as  President Mahinda Rajapaksha  today  appointed her as the new Attorney General .

The new Attorney General was sworn in as Attorney At Law in 1977 and became State Counsel in 1979.She became the first female additional Solicitor General in 2005 according to the Government Information Department.Recently Senior Supreme Court Judge Shirani Bandaranayake was appointed as the first female Chief Justice of Sri Lanka.

Rainy Weather To Continue Till Tomorrow Eve?

The Meteorology Department has said today that the prevailing Rainy Weather Pattern experienced in most parts of the island will continue till Sunday (11) afternoon.Afterwards the wet weather conditions will gradually decreased according to the Department.

Most parts of the Country have experienced the Rainy Weather Conditions with strong winds today as well .

Sri Lanka Standard Institute Released The Stock Of Pakistani Cement To The Market

The Sri Lanka Standard Institute (SLS)today has given A green light to the consignment of Cement imported from Pakistan by releasing the consignment to the local market.Standard Institute recently suspended the releasing of this Cement Stock which was imported from the Lucky Cement Corporation in Pakistan by stating that the Company is supplying  sub standard Portland Cement.

However the Chairman of  Sri Lanka Standard Institute Mr.Kanchana Ratwatte has said that the consignment of cement was released to the market due to it met the required standard.

The Banning Of Sending Government Hospital Lab Tests To The Private Sector Not Implemented

Although the Health Minister had orderd to stop sending Laboratory Tests performed in Government Hospitals to the Private Sector three weeks ago authorities have not taken any step to implement that decision yet according to the Government Hospital Sources.

The sources added that still the majority of Laboratory Tests can be performed at Government Hospital Laboratories including Full Blood Count,Fasting Blood Sugar,UFR (Urnine Test) and many more tests are sending to the Private Sector per the request of the Doctors.Even the Ministry Of Health still not able to issue a circular banning of sending those Lab Tests to the Private Sector Government Hospital spokesman said.

Government already has spend Millions of Rupees for the Lab Chemicals and Lab Equipments available in Government Hospital Laboratories annually.But due to the sending majority of the tests to the Private Sector the mentioned facilities are going waste according to him.

Doctors Suspended Their Token Strike

Government Doctors have decided to suspend their 4 hour Island Wide Token Strike scheduled to be held tomorrow(07) to   oppose the Malabe- Private Medical College following the discussions held with the Health Minister Maithrepala Sirisena this eve.

During today's discussions the Health Minister has accepted that the Gazette Notification printed on granting legal status to the Malabe Private Medical College is having lapses and promised to correct those lapses soon according to the Government Medical Officers Association (GMOA) sources.The Minister has also promised to appoint a 5 member committee to investigate these lapses and made recommendations the sources further added.

Government Medical Officers Association has earlier decided to launch a 4 hour Island Wide token strike tomorrow from 8 a.m to 12 noon and afterwards hold  a special General Assembly meeting to decide the future course of action regarding the Private Medical College Issue."Now we are going to hold a special executive committee meeting tomorrow noon to review the situation" a GMOA spokesman has said.

Government Docs To Stage A 4 Hour Island Wide Token Strike in Wednesday

Government Doctors are due to launch an Island Wide 4 hour Token Strike on this Wednesday from 8 A.M to 12 Noon demanding the withdrawal of the Gazette Notification printed to give legal status to the Malabe Private Medical College according to the Government Medical Officers Association (GMOA).

The Assistant Secretary of GMOA Dr.Sankalpa Marasinha has stated that their Union Members opposing the functioning of this fake private medical college and the decision of  authorities to allow the Private Medical College to award the MBBS Degree which is offered by the state medical colleges also.If the authorities take a blind on this issue a stern continuous action will be taken withing two weeks time according to Dr.Marasinha

Inter University Students Federation Condemned The Recognition Of Malabe Private Medical College

The Inter University Students Federation (IUSF) has today condemned the  Higher Education Ministry for giving legal consent to the Controversial Private Medical College locates in Malabe through a special Gazette Notification.The Federation said that it was a clear violation of right to get free education.

The (IUSF) stated through a Press Release issued today that through giving recognition to the Malabe Private Medical College the Higher Education Ministry has disgraces the Prestigious Medical Profession in the Country.

Meanwhile the Government Medical Officers Association (GMOA) has already decided to take a stern trade union action if the authorities give legal consent to the proposes Malabe Private Medical College.Due to the opposition of the GMOA the Medical Students registered with   the College still not able to find a place in Government Hospitals to conduct their clinical training it has been reported.

Elephant Census Report Has Issued

There are 5879 Wild Elephants in Sri Lanka at present according to the National Elephant Census Report issued today(02).

According to the report there are 122 Tuskers and 1107 Baby Elephants amongst these Wild Elephants.

Government Doctors To Launch An Island Wide Strike If The Malabe Private Medical College Has Given Legal Status

The Government Medical Officers Association (GMOA) has yesterday warned that they will launched an Island wide Strike if the University Grants Commission (UGC) make the controversial Private Medical College in Malabe (City)legal.

Addressing a Press Briefing held yesterday at the GMOA Office in Colombo the Assistant Secretary of GMOA Dr.Upul Gunesekera has said that the authorities in UGC with the help of some of it's members are trying give legal status to the fake institute  like Malabe Private Medical College.Even the authorities already have appointed a female professor attached to University Of Peradeniya who is also a member of the UGC he stressed.

If the authorities tried give legal status to the Malabe Private Medical College the Government Doctors will launch an Island Wide Strike opposing the move Dr.Gunesekara added.

Muslims Celebrated Eid Ul Fitr Today

The Muslim Community of Sri Lanka and around the world have  celebrated "Eid-Ul-Fitr"today after ending the fasting month of Ramadan.As the new moon has been sighted in Thoppur in Trincomalee yesterday (30) the Colombo Grand Mosque has announced that the Eid Ul Fitr will be celebrate today.

I WISH ALL OF MY BLOG READERS WHO ARE CELEBRATING RAMADAN A VERY HAPPY AND PROSPEROUS "EID-UL-FITR".

Water Levels Drastically Reduced At Kotmale Due To Dry Weather

The Water Levels of many reservoirs throughout the Island have reported as drastically reduced due to the dry weather conditions prevails in  hill country  including the areas surrounding Water Tanks.

According to the Engineers the Water Levels at Kotmale have reduced to 24% which has caused the reducing of water level used to generating power by 13%.The Engineers said that the Kotmale Power Plant has generated 455 Million Units of Power each year and the current level of Water there only be sufficient to generate power for ten days.

Excise Dept. To Closed Down All Liquor Shops Tomorrow

The Excise Department has decided to closed down all Liquor Shops tomorrow(31) in view of  the Ramazan (Id-Ul Fitr ) Festival a relegious festival celebrate by the Muslim Community .The Department will crack down any Liquor Shop or Taverns that are opened tomorrow by adhering the decision.

The Committee Inquiring Importing Of Low Quality Petrol Recommends Compansation For The Damaged Vehicles

The Committee investigating in to the Import of low quality Petrol recommends to pay a compansation of up to Rs.50,000 per Vehicle which got damaged due to the inferior petrol a Spokesman of the Ceylon Petroleum Corporation (CPC) said today.

 Those who lodged compaint directly through  the CPC hot line on damaged vehicles will received the compansation after submitting a written complaint with reference number handed to them  and those who lodged Complaints directly to the CPC and received written validations will also eligible to received the compansation according to the spokesman.He also stressed that around 2500 public complaints have been received by CPC so far on their   vehicles got damaged after using low quality petrol.

No Sri Lankans In United States Affected From Hurricane Irene-Sri Lankan Embassy In Washington

No Sri Lankans are  affected by massive deadly Storm Hurricane Irene which currently traveling through United States according to the Sri Lankan Embassy in Washington D.C.The Deadly Hurricane which came through Eastern Coast hit New York City  today causing large number of people to vacate their houses.

However The Sri Lankan Embassy in Washington D.C open a Hot Line to provide information on Sri Lankans living in Eastern Coast.The Hot Line Number is 0012023520355).

The 500 mile wide storm with winds around 80 Miles Per Hour (129 KM/H) is slowly moving towards northwards according to the Foreign Media.

Consumer Affairs Authority Began Collecting Cement Samples To Check Their quality

The Consumer Affairs Authority (CAA) has today began collecting the Samples of all type of Cement available in Market to check the quality of them.Minister Of Cooperatives and Consumer Affairs Johnston Fernando has instructed the CAA to conduct research on  Cement due to the recent controversial situation regarding inferior cement.

The Cement Samples collected today  are  due to  send to the Foreign Laboratories  to test their quality.

Presedent Rajapaksha Has Proposed The Parliament To Lift The State Of Emergency

President Mahinda Rajapaksha has said today  at the Sri Lankan Parliament  that the  State Of Emergency will be lifted soon .While commenting that there is no longer need to impose emergency regulations within the Country the President has proposed the Parliament to lift the State Of Emergency which has imposed in the Country since the terrorism emerged.

Meanwhile the Opposition Leader Ranil Wickramsinha has welcomed the President's announcement on lifting the long run State Of Emergency.He added that this decision will pave the way to laying the  foundation for Proper Democracy in Sri Lanka.While the Leftist Janatha Wimukthi Peramuna (JVP) has said that the lifting of State Of Emergency regulations which currently imposed in the country is a victory for the people who valued Democracy.

The US Government also welcomed the decision to lifting the State Of Emergency regulations in the Country by stating it as a significant step towards normalizing life for the people in Sri Lanka after defeating the decades old terrorism from the country two years back.

Cabinet Approved Annual Transfer Scheme

The Cabinet has approved Annual Transfer Scheme for all Services where no such schemes in Public Service exists according to the Government Sources.

Two Anti Biotic Injections Have Temporarily Suspended At Colombo National Hospital After Patients Developed Critical Symptoms

Local Health Authorities temporarily suspended the use of two Anti Biotic Injections available in Colombo National Hospital after two of the patients getting treatment at the male accident ward have developed critical symptoms and one has died after receiving above Injections .

The stock of two Injections "Cefuroxime" 750 mg (belongs to the batch number Ep 735) and "Amoxacyllin Clavunic" Acid 1.2 g(batch numbers 2263444 and 2278449) were temporarily suspended at National Hospital few days back according to the Hospital Sources.The samples of these Injections were sent to National Drug Quality Assurance Laboratory for the Quality Tests sources have further added.

While commenting on the latest finding of quality failed Injections the President of the Health Services Trade Union Alliance (HSTUA) Saman Rathnapriya has said that although the Ministry Of Health has temporarily suspended the using of above Injections at the National Hospital the authorities have failed to suspend the use of the two Injections belongs to the certain batches which are still using  in other Hospitals.

The Health Minister  should make a proper investigation on importing low quality drugs such as above Injections to Sri Lanka he stressed.

Wild Life Department To Released the Report On Elephant Survey Soon

The Wild Life Department is to release the Report on Elephant Survey next  week.The Survey was carried out in 11th and 13th of this month by covering  all Wild Life Zones.At present the Digital and Computer Science Department of University Of Peradeniya sorting out the Data gathered during the Survey.

Ministry Of Health To Restrict Referring Govt.Hospital Medical Lab Tests To The Private Sector

Ministry of Health  today has instructed Government Hospital Directors to restrict referring  Hospital Patients to get Medical  Lab Tests done from the Priavte Sector .According to the Ministry Sources although Government has spent Rs.300 million for the Laboratory Equipments this year Government Hospital Doctors still referring Ward and Clinic Patients to get done their Lab Tests from the Private Sector such as Full Blood ount Test (FBC),Fasting Blood Suger (FBS),Serum Creatiine and Blood Urea tests which are available in Govt.Hospitals

Under the Free Health Care system of Sri Lanka every citizen is eligible to get Free Treatment And Drugs from a Government Hospital.If a Go
vernment Hospital refer a paient to the Private Sector for a Lab Test it
 will be a violation of the Patient's right to received free Treatment and Medicine according to Ministry Sources

Sri Lanka Beat Australia In Their Last One Day International Match

A Superb All Round Performance by the Sri Lankan Cricketers guided the Sri Lanka Team to a 4 wicket win over the Australians today in their last  One Day International match  played at R.Premadasa International Cricket Stadium,Colombo.However the Australians won the One Day series with 3-2.

Australians who were batted first scored 212 all out while Sri Lankan Pace Bowler Lasith Malinga has taken a hat trick,Sri Lankan Batsman reached the target of 213 runs with the loss of  6 wickets .Mahela Jaywardena has top scored with 71 runs and Chamara Silva scored 63 runs and the pair has put on a 111 run partnership for the fourth wicket,

With the hat trick taken today Lasith Malinga has became the first Bowler to get 3 hat tricks in One Day International Matches.

OPD And Clinics Of Ambilipitiya Hospital Re Opened

The OPD and the Clinics attached to the Ambilipitiya Base Hospital which shut down since the 07th of August due to the shortage of Minor Staff members re opened today after the Sabaragamuwa Provincial Health Authorities have provided around 20 Minor Staff members to the Hospital to fill the shortage  Hospital Sources said.

Grade Five Scholorship Exam Conducted To Day

The Annual Grade Five Scholarship Examination was held today in  2772 centers Island Wide.A total number of 321,427 candidates were sat for the examination according to the Examinations Department.

Out of the total number of candidates sat for the examination 241,610 were from Sinhala Medium and 79,817 candidates sat for the examination in Tamil Medium.There were 506 Coordinating Centers set up this year island wide for the Scholarship Examination.

The Prices Of Gas Cylinders Increased By Rs.156

The Prices of 12.5 KG Litro and Laugfs Gas Cylinders increased by Rs.156 with effect from Mid Night tonight(19th) according to the Ministry of Cooperatives and Internal Trade.Laugfs Gas Company earlier sought a price increase of Rs.570 per 12.5 KG Gas Cylinder however the Ministry has only allowed a Rs.156 price increase according to the Ministry Sources.