DNA Parliamentarian Tiran Alles Met President Rajapaksha To Discuss General Fonseka's Release

The Democratic National Alliance (DNA) Parliamentarian Tiran Alles met President Mahinda Rajapaksha this morning to discuss the release of former Army Commander and the leader of DNA General Sarath Fonseka.It has been reported that both  MP and the President had discussed extensively on the release of General Fonseka who is believed to be released soon.

After today's discussions MP Alles has stated that General will be released unconditionally  during next day or too.MP Tiran Alles hold several rounds of discussions with President over last few months to get  his leader released.Meanwhile President Rajapaksha was told the editor of "The Hindu" two days back that General will be released soon but not given exact details on that.

General Fonseka who is currently serve in 3 years rigorous imprisonment at Welikada Prison,Colombo had already completed two and half years of his jail sentence.

Government To Reduce Annual Wheat Flour Consumption

The Government has aims to reduce per ca pita consumption of Wheat Flour from current 26 Kilo grammes per annum to 16 Kilo Gramme as Sri Lanka has achieved self sufficiency in Rice  this year according to Minister Of Economic Development Basil Rajapaksha.

GMOA Colombo National Hospital Branch Has Passed A Resolution On Launching An Island Wide Doctors Strike

The  Colombo National Hospital Branch of Government Medical Officers Association (GMOA) has today (15th) passed a resolution on launching an Island wide strike action of doctors from 21st of May (Monday) demanding increase of  DAT Allowance the GMOA sources have said.The resolution is due to produce before  GMOA membership when the General Committee meets on this coming Sunday (20th) the sources added.

The urgent meeting of GMOA general committee is scheduled to be summoned on this Sunday under the instructions of some Executive Committee members of the Union  as  main officers keep silent over the future trade union action to win DAT Allowance demand it has been learned.

The GMOA Colombo National Hospital Branch which met today became a battle ground as most of the participant Doctors accused and hooting over one of the main officers in GMOA who attended the meeting as a member of  GMOA National Hospital Branch.Most of  doctors out of around 400 participated the meeting blamed the said  officer over suspending of last Friday's  island wide strike action without consulting GMOA Membership. They also accused that the strike ended without getting any solution for their demand and on the other hand before Colombo District Court has issued an enjoining order preventing  strike.

Some doctors have criticized the whole Executive Committee of  GMOA by branding them as a flop team and urged them to step down immediately if they cannot function according to the likes of their membership.

Dental Doctors Too In The War Path

The Government Dental Surgeons Association has said  today (14th) that they will resort to a continuous Island Wide Strike Action withing next few days if the government has failed to implement a newly  revised salary and allowance structure for doctors with immediate effect.

The Association along with other fellow Doctors Unions in the country has urged  authorities in the past the need to revised doctors salary and allowance structure ,but up to now no response has received in this regard the Dental Surgeons Association secretary Dr.Ananda Ratnayake has said.

GMOA General Assembly Have Decided To Launch An Island Wide Continuous Strike

The General Assembly of the Government Medical Officers Association (GMOA) had yesterday (13th)decided to resort a continuous Island Wide Strike action  to win their DAT (Disturbance,Availability and Transport )Allownce demand GMOA Sources have revealed.This General Assembly meeting was held with the participation of GMOA branch unions to get their suggestions on launching a future course of  action.

However when speaking to media today (14th) the President of GMOA Dr.Anuruddha Padeniya has said that a future course of  trade union action will be decided  after solving the enjoining order issue.GMOA has  still not received the above court order he stressed.The enjoining order was issued on  last Friday by Colombo District Court against    GMOA  by  preventing the union of  resorting any  trade union action till 25th of May.

Speaking at the Press Briefing held today (14th)the GMOA President has said that their  union is currently working towards removing the enjoining order against GMOA .He refrained from mentioning the trade union action decision taken by General Assembly meeting yesterday but stated that a future course of action will be taken after removing the enjoining order.

Galle Road To Be Closed For Victory Day Rehearsals

The road from Galle Face Roundabout to Old Parliament Building will be closed from time to time between 6.30 a.m to 4.30 p.m from tomorrow (14th) up to 18th of May (Friday) due to victory parade rehearsals the Police  have announced today(13th).Police requested the motorists to  use   alternative routes in view of these rehearsals.


The victory day parade marking the third anniversary of defeating terrorist group LTTE is to be held at  Galle Face Green on 19th of May(Saturday) under the patronage of President Mahinda Rajapaksha.Sri Lankan Army had defeated the LTTE on 16th of May 2009 marking the end of civil war in Northern Sri Lanka which spanned three decades.The Government had declared victory over LTTE on 16th of May in 2009  whilst the LTTE admitted their defeat to Sri Lankan Army on 17th of May that year.

GMOA To Summon A General Committee Meeting Today (13th)

The Government Medical Officers  Association (GMOA) is to summon an urgent General Committee meeting at noon today(13th) to get views from their membership on the future course of action can be taken to win DAT (Disturbance,Availability and Transport Allowance) demand.

This meeting is summoned after GMOA Executive Committee led Island Wide Strike held last Friday became a total failure due to majority of Doctors were refrained from participating in the strike.Only 20% of doctors were reported as participated the strike .

GMOA Suspended Their TU Action-An Enjoining Order Issued Against The Strike

The Government Medical Officers Association (GMOA) has announced this evening that the Island Wide Strike action launched by them this morning has been suspended with effect from around 3.30 p.m following the discussions held between GMOA Members and Health Ministry officials on DAT Allowance (Disturbance,Availability and Transport Allowance).However GMOA exco members have refused to comment on the said discussions and  results .

Meanwhile Colombo District Court has been issued an enjoining order this noon by preventing GMOA for resorting any trade union action till 25th of May.

Majority Of Government Doctors Said "No" To GMOA'S Strike Action

Although the  Government Medical Officers Union (GMOA) has announced an Island Wide Strike from this morning  the majority of Government Doctors were reported as staying away from the strike and continue their normal work as usual.According to break away faction of GMOA's General Committee around 80 percent of GMOA member Doctors didn't follow the strike action today whilst only 20 percent have joined the strike,

Doctors in most of the major government hospitals were refrain from strike action today and those hospitals where doctors have participated the strike have seen with an empty OPD's and Clinics  the hospital sources said.GMOA had yesterday announced that  the island wide strike to be launch from 8 a.m this morning to demand an increasing of Disturbance,Availability and Transport Allowance (DAT) of Government Hospital Doctors  to Rs.29,000 from Rs.15,000.

During the special meeting summoned by GMOA at Colombo National Hospital  this morning the top Exco Members have been informed the fellow  members to end the strike by 4 p.m in the evening whether the demand was met or unmet by the authorities.

It has been learnt  that the majority of doctors have refused to join today's  strike due to the inefficiency of  GMOA 's executive committee when handling  their matters.

Meanwhile GMOA executive Committee has said that today's strike was very successful  .

Transportation Of Sand Without Permit To Be Allowed

The  transportation of sand without permit to be allowed from 6 a.m to 6 p.m daily The Ministry Of Environment has stated .The Minister Of Environment Anura Priyadarshan Yapa has revealed this to Parliament today(11th).

GMOA Has Decided To Launch An Island Wide Doctors Strike From Tomorrow (11th)

Government Hospital Doctors have decided to launch an Island Wide Strike from 8 a.m tomorrow (11) morning by demanding to increase their Disturbance,Attendance and Transport Allowance (DAT) by Rs14,000 according to the Government Medical Officers Association (GMOA).At present the Government Doctors are receiving Rs.15,000 as DAT Allowance.

According to GMOA ,the strike decision has been taken by their Executive Committee today (10) after considering the growing demand of their members to fight for DAT Allowance increase which the government had  promised on the year 2008."In 2008 Government had promised the GMOA to increase the DAT allowance by Rs.14,000 and Pay Rs.29,000 but up to date that promise never implemented " GMOA Exco member Dr.Nalin Ariyarathne has said.The 10 day period given to authorities by GMOA to fulfill that promise also completed by tomorrow he stressed.

Meanwhile the Colombo District Court has  extended the enjoining order previously issued against GMOA by preventing of launching strike action till 05th of June.

UPDATED-Sri Lankan Medical Administrators And Medical Officers Unions Have Protested Over An Unqualified Medical Administrator

The Sri Lankan Medical Administrators Union and Government Medical Officers Association(GMOA) have  made a written request  from  Health Ministry secretary to remove the unqualified medical officer who has occupied in the post  of Acting  Director of Territory  Medical Services at the Health Ministry since last two years and replaced him with a suitable candidate.

According to the unions the said medical officer is not suitable for the post as he is not having the required qualifications that needs to become a medical administrator.The service minute of 2007 of the Sri Lankan  Medical Administrators has clearly stated that a Medical Administrator should work in the capacity of deputy medical administrator for 3 years before becoming a senior medical administrator.However the said administrator has not having such qualifications according to Ministry Sources.

All Government General and Teaching Hospitals and Medical Specialists are functioning under the confused post of Director Of Territory Medical Services.Meanwhile Sri Lankan Medical Administrators Union is scheduled to discuss their future course of action regarding this irregular appointment during  their General Assembly Meeting to be held on  24 th of May.

Due to the inefficiency of the said Acting Director there  are around 28 senior grade and around 200 deputy grade posts attached to  Ministry Of Health have been vacant from some time Ministry sources added.Due to this Most of the hospital administration is in crisis the sources have revealed.The Public Services Commission (PSC) too has informed on this situation Ministry Sources have further said.

Strong Winds And Lightning Destroyed More Than 200 Houses And Claimed 2 Lives

Strong winds and lightning have destroyed more than 200 houses throughout the island and claimed 2 lives this morning according to Disaster Management Center.Matale,Wilgamuwa and Polonnaruwa Areas were the worst affected areas the Center announced.

Meanwhile around 80 shanties located at Uva,North Central and Eastern Provinces were partly damaged due to the gusty winds supported by Heavy showers experienced in those areas yesterday evening it has been reported.As a result of this around 300 people were displaced the Disaster Management Center has said.

Buddhists Celebrating Wesak Festival To Day(05)

Millions of Sri Lankan and  other Buddhists around the world celebrating  Wesak Full Moon Poya Day today (05)which marked the Birth , Enlightenment and Demise of Lord Buddha .To mark the Wesak Poya day Temples around the country have organized various  religious activities since this morning and large number of Buddhist devotees are reported as participating these activities.

A Large number of Pandols and Wesak Lanterns which are showing various events of Lord Buddha's life will be open this evening coincides with thousands of dansala's (alms giving centers) situated throughout the island.In Colombo City  alone around 100 Dan sala's are scheduled to be open this eve.

Due to Wesak Festival both tomorrow (06) and the day after (Monday) are declared as Public,Bank and Mercantile holidays.

"WISHING MY BLOG READERS A VERY HAPPY AND PEACEFUL WESAK FESTIVAL'

Joint Council Of Professions Supplementary To Medicine Postponed Their Scheduled Exco Meeting

The joint council of professions supplementary to medicine (JCPSM) have decided to postpone their executive committee meeting scheduled to be held on last Thursday (03) to decide the dates of their trade union action  till next Wednesday (09) following a request made by Health Minister Maithripala Sirisena .Minister had asked the Joint Council during a meeting with them on last Thursday to give him two more working days to give solutions for their demands it has been revealed.

Therefore The Council has decided to postpone their executive committee meeting till next Wednesday the secretary of Joint Council of professions supplementary to medicine Saman Jayasekera has said.Professions Supplementary To Medicine has already decided to launch a work to rule campaign in government hospitals and only the date of launching need to be decide he stressed.

Prices Of Gas,Milk Powder And Cement Goes Up

The Government has increased Gas,Milk Powder and Cement prices with effect from midnight tonight(04).The price of both Litro and Laugfs Gas cylinders are increased by Rs.350 and Milk Powder Prices goes up by Rs.61 per 400g Packs and Rs.161 per 1 KG pack it have been revealed,The price of a cement pack has increased by Rs.70.

The consumer affairs authority has given the approval for these price revisions.

Government Imposed A Tax On Imported Milk Powder

The Government has decided to impose a tax of 15% maximum or Rs.92 per a Kilo Gramme of imported Milk Powder except Infants Milk Powder according to Ministry Of Finance.

631 Dairy Farmers Thrown Away 12,000 Liters Of Milk In To A Drain After Milk Powder Companies Refused To Purchased Them

Around 631 Dairy Farmers in Hatton Area had thrown away 12,000 Liters of Cow's Milk yesterday (02)  in to a drain after Private owned Milk Powder Companies refused to purchase their milk due to excess stock they are  having it has been reported.Dairy Farmers thrown the Milk in to a drain and some have seen taken a bath from the milk as a protest on not purchasing their milk.

The sole income of these Dairy Farmers derived  by selling  milk to Private Milk Powder Companies.Due to this situation the government owned Milco Dairy Product Company has today (03)decided to buy Milk from these dairy farmers for higher rates although the Company is having a excess stock of milk.

Meanwhile the minister of economic development Basil Rajapaksha has proposed today (03) to implement a programme on Milk Glass per Student in Government Schools as a step to protect dairy farmers.Through this programme the aim is to improve the nutrition of School Students as well as strengthening the hands of dairy farmers the minister has said.For this programme the ministry of economic development will allocated necessary funds to purchase milk from dairy farmers.

100 Dan Sala's (Alms Giving Centers) To Be Open In Colombo For Wesak Festival

Around 100 Dan Sala's (Alms Giving Centers) built in Colombo City alone for the Wesak Festival this year falls on this Saturday (05) and Sunday (06) according to Chief Medical Officer in Colombo Pradeep Kariyawasam.All these Dan Sala's are already registered in Colombo Public Health Department and the Department officials attached to six provincial MOH Offices in the City began inspecting the hygienic conditions of these Dan Sals's from today  Dr.Kariyawasam has stressed.

Under this inspection  health officials will pay attention to the environment where these Dan Sala's are situated,The way the meals are prepared,way of serving the meals to public and personal hygiene of  workers preparing meals he added.The Colombo Public Health Department has already advised the Dan Sal Organizers to serve food like rice and noodles warm,use pure drinking water,use plastic cups when serving drinks like Tea,Coffee and Soft Drinks and cover the food items that have prepared.

Labour Ministry Requested Private .And Mercantile Sectors To Declare 07th Of May As A Holiday

Labour Ministry has today (03) requested from all heads of Private,Semi Government and Mercantile sector Offices to declare 07th of May (Monday) as a Holiday for their employees.This holiday is granting in view of Wesak Full Moon Poya Day which falls on this Saturday (05th) and the additional Wesak Holiday falls on following Sunday (06th).

Wesak Festival is celebrated by Buddhists all over the world to mark the birth, enlightenment and demise of Lord Buddha.

Professions Supplementary To medicine To Launch An Island Wide Work To Rule Campaign

The executive committee of the Joint Council of Professions Supplementary To Medicine will summoned a meeting tomorrow (03) to decide the dates of launching an island wide work to rule campaign in Government Hospitals the Joint Council sources have revealed.

The proposed work to rule campaign will be launched demanding solutions for three service demands of Government Professions Supplementary To Medicine(Government Pharmacists,Radiographers,Medical Laboratory Technicians(MLT's),Physiotherapists and Occupational Therapists ) the sources added.

The Joint Council Of Professions Supplementary To Medicine has given Ministry Of Health  a period of time till 28th of April to give solutions for their demands as requested by the Ministry but due to Ministry's failure to keep the promise Council has decided to launch the trade action the sources further said.

The Exam Fees Of PGIM Repeaters Increased By 100%

The Doctors who are following Post Graduate Studies at Colombo Post Graduate Institute Of Medicine claimed that the institute has been doubled the exam fees  of repeaters.According to this those who have paid rs.70,000 as exam fees now have to to pay rs.140,000 the sources said.


Around 5000 doctors are sitting on examinations held in Colombo Post Graduate Institute Of Medicine annually while around 200 sitting per exam.Out of the 200 only 10-15 candidates are passing the exam and others have to repeat the exam again it has been reported.


Meanwhile the Government Medical Officers Association (GMOA) has agreed with the authorities to increase the exam fees of PGIM repeaters by 50% sources have revealed.


While criticizing the GMOA 's role in this issue PGIM Candidates said that under the circumstance where GMOA is not able to get an annual salary increment and the increase on Doctors over time payment this year ,majority of doctors are not in a position to pay higher amount of money as post graduate exam  fees.

Diabetic Drug Shortage In Government Hospitals

A large number of essential drugs prescribed for Diabetes including "Metformin" and "Insulin" are out of stock in most of the Government Hospital Diabetic Clinics these days according to hospital sources.Due to this situation Doctors prescribing patients to purchase these drugs from private pharmacies sources have added.

It has been reported that if Doctors in Government Hospital Diabetic Clinics prescribed the patients 8 drugs at least 5 or 6 drugs should be purchase from private pharmacies patients have revealed.However majority of Diabetic Patients are reported as not purchasing these drugs from pharmacies due to their poor economy.

Meanwhile most of these Diabetic Drugs which are out of stock at Government Hospitals are not available  in Medical Supplies Division (MSD) as well according to the sources.

Bread Price To Be Increased By Three Rupees

Sri Lanka Bakery Owners Association has today (28th) decided to increase the price of 450 Gram loaf of bread by Rs.3 with effect from this Monday(30).The price of Wheat Flour was increased by Rs.8.50 few weeks ago and as a result Bakery Owners have decided to increased the price of bread.

Bread Price To Go Up

Sri Lankan Bakery owners have decided to increase the price of  Bread following the price increase of Wheat Flour which came in to effect  yesterday(26).According to them the price of  loaf of bread will be  increased by Rs.3-5 withing next few days in view of the new Price of Wheat Flour.


Wheat Flour Price has increased by Rs.8.50 per Kilogram with effect from yesterday.

Routine Eye Surgeries At Colombo Eye Hospital Suspended

All routine eye surgeries performs in Colombo Eye Hospital have been suspended due to the broken roof attach to three theaters of the hospital it has been reported.According to Eye Hospital sources the roof attach to three theaters was broken since two weeks back and the theaters were closed as a result.

Due to this situation all routine eye surgeries including Cataract Surgeries of the hospital are suspended until further notice and only emergency eye surgeries are performs  at the fourth theater which  remains open.

When contacted a higher official of the Eye Hospital has stated that the broken roof of three theaters is now repaired and the cleaning process of the theaters are underway.The closed theaters will be re opened for surgeries within a week's time he added.

Sri Lankan Fishermen Kidnapped By Somali Pirates Returned Home

The group of six fishermen who were kidnapped by Somali Pirates and rescued by Spanish Forces returned to the Island early this morning.The fishermen were kidnapped by Somali Pirates six months back with their fishing boat and the pirates were demanding a huge amount of money from fishermen's relatives for their release.

 Spanish forces were rescued these fishermen from the pirates last week and sent them back home.

Wheat Flour Up By Rs.8.50

Government has increased the price of a Kilogram of Wheat Flour by Rs.8.50 with immediate effect it has been reported.According to the new price increase a Kilogram of Wheat Flour now stands at Rs.98.50.

Public Health Inspectors To Launch An Island Wide Strike From Tomorrow(25th)

The Public Health Inspectors (PHI) working throughout the island are to launch an island wide continuous strike     from tomorrow (25th) by demanding solutions for three of their service demands The Public Health Inspectors  Union  has announced.

Under this trade union action PHI's are due to boycott the attending of Dengue Control Activities and island wide raids as well according to the union."As Ministry of Health has failed to keep their promise on giving solutions for PHI's demands by 19th of April with the help of Finance Ministry we have no other option other than resorting to a  continuous trade union action"a Spokesman for the  Public Health Inspectors Union has said.

PHI's are demanding a Rs.15,000 Uniform Allowance,Fuel Allowance and Office Allowance for their profession.

Erythroprotein Injection Out Of Stock In Government Hospitals

"Erythroprotein "Injection recommended for treating Kidney related Anemia is out of stock in both Government Hospitals and Medical Supplies Division (MSD) these days according to Hospital Sources.This Injection was out of stock in Government Hospitals since one and half months and Kidney Patients who are prescribed this injection are severely affected due to this it has been reported.

One Injection vial of "Erythroprotein " costs  around Rs.3400 and above when buying in Private Pharmacies according to sources.

Dengue Mosquito Density In Colombo And Gampaha Are In Increase

According to a latest survey the Dengue Mosquito Larvae Density in most parts of Colombo and Gampaha Districts belongs to Western Province have increased by 15 to 20 folds during last few months.The Dengue Larvae Density in Ja Ela,Wattala and Kelaniya Areas in Gampaha District and Dehiwala,Nugegods and Kolonnawa Areas in Colombo District have been increased rapidly .


Meanwhile The Ministry Of Health has instructed the Government Entomology Officers to carry out a survey on Dengue Mosquito Density, in Schools of Western Province with immediate effect.Twelve survey teams  were  appointed for this according to the Ministry

Sudden Fire At Kelanithissa Power Plant Has Been Probed

The Ceylon Electricity Board (CEB) has began an investigations on what caused the sudden fire erupted in Kelanithissa  power plant early this morning according to CEB Chairman Professor Wimaladarma Abeywickrema.A sudden fire erupted at the power plant around 4.30 a.m this morning has destroyed the main switchboard of the power plant's power generation machinery he said.

Due to this the machinery has currently been shut down but it will not effect the power supply the chairman has stressed.

Severe Syringer Shortage At Karapitiya Hospital

The Karapitiya Teaching Hospital in Southern Province has faced a severe shortage of Syringes these days according to Hospital Sources.Due to this shortage Doctors of the hospital  have recommended both indoor and out door patients to purchase these syringes from private pharmacies the sources further said.

PSM'S Suspended Their Trade Union Action Till 28th Of April

The Executive Committee of the Joint Council Of Professions Supplementary To Medicine has decided to day (19th) to give Health Ministry till 28th of April to provide solutions for their three service demands according to the Secretary Of the Council Saman Jayasekera.

Due to this the island wide work to rule and sick note campaigns which they have earlier decided to launch withing next few days are suspended till 28th he added.A meeting was held yesterday (19th) between Health Minister Maithripala Sirisena at the Health Ministry and during that meeting Minister has requested the PSM Union members to give him till 28th of April to solve  demands it has been revealed.

Ex-Co Of Joint Council Of Professions Supplementary To Medicine To Finalized The Dates Of Their Trade Union Action Tomorrow(19th)

The Executive Committee of the   Joint Council Of Professions Supplementary To Medicine (JCPSM) is to meet 12 noon tomorrow(19th) to finalized the dates of  Future trade union action of Government Professions Supplementary To Medicine(PSM'S), the secretary of the Joint Council Saman Jayasekera has said today (18th).

The Executive Committee  prefers to launch a continuous work to rule campaign and sick note campaign demanding solutions for three of PSM'S service demands he has stressed.The PSM'S have decided to resort trade union action as Ministry Of Health failed to meet their demands the secretary has further added.

The PSM'S compromising Government Pharmacists,Radiographers,Medical Laboratory Technicians(MLT'S),Physiotherapists and Occupational Therapists involved  in an  island wide continuous strike action last month till an enjoining order issued by Colombo District Court prevents them by continuing the strike.

417 Injured Children Hospitalized During Sinhalese And Tamil New Year Holidays

Around 417 injured children including those injured due to put their hands in  to the  heated  Oil Pans were received treatment from Lady Ridgway Children's Hospital during Sinhalese and Tamil New Year Festival Season  from 12th to 15th of April according to Hospital Sources.Out of this number 296 Children were received OPD Treatment for their injuries and 121 were  hospitalized for further treatment.

Around 12 children  who have  received burn injuries after they put their hands in to heated oil pans prepared for making traditional new year sweet meats like Oil Cakes (Konda Kawum) and Kokis are currently receiving further treatment from Burns Unit of the hospital it has been reported .These Children are reside in Colombo and Suburb Areas and this is the first time  that a large number of children with such injuries got admitted to Children's Hospital.

Except Burn Injuries most other children who are  hospitalized were due to bruises and cuts received through accidental falls hospital sources further said.

223 Injured Persons Got Admitted To National Hospital During Last 24 Hours

During the new year day from 7 A.M  yesterday(13th) to 7 A.M today (14th)around 223 persons who got injured due to accidents have been admitted to Colombo National Hospital according to hospital sources.When compared to New Year day last year there's a 4 percent increase of accidents during this year's new year festival the sources added.

During 24 hours from 7 A.M on last Thursday (12th) to  7 A.M on Friday (13th)   228 injured persons got admitted to National Hospital sources have further revealed. Meanwhile according to reports there's a sharp decline of fire cracker injuries this year.

Traditional Sinhalese And Hindu New Year Falls To Day (13th)

The traditional Sinhalese and Hindu New Year falls today (13th).The new year marks the moving of Sun to the house of Aries (Mesha) from the house of Pisces (Meena).According to Sinhalese Calender this new year day also marks the end of Harvest and Spring and this season calls as Bak Season.

The new year will be dawn at the auspicious time of 7.20 p.m today while lighting of hearth is  at 7.42 pm .The auspicious time for exchange of money and gifts and per taking meals including traditional Milk Rice and sweet meets is at 10.28 p.m.Afterwards the worshiping of elders with traditional Betel Leaves and exchanging of meals among neighbors will take place.

After today the  oil anointing ceremony which is a part of the traditional Sinhalese New Year will take place  on 15th of April (Sunday). The final part of  New Year the leaving for  work falls on 16th of April (Monday).

Sinhalese and Tamil New Year Day and day prior to New Year are public,bank and mercantile  holidays in Sri Lanka. It is generally celebrated on 13th or 14th April every year while this year it falls on 13th of April.The timing of the Sinhalese New Year coincides with the new year celebrations of many traditional  calendars of South and Southeast Asia. The festival has close semblance to the Tamil New year Thai New year, Bengali New Year, and Oriya New Year festival in India.

"WISHING YOU ALL A  HAPPY AND PROSPEROUS SINHALESE AND HINDU NEW YEAR  2012"

Negambo Fishermen Stayed Away From Sea Today

Lack of preparedness followed by  Tsunami Warning issued yesterday, caused the  majority of  fishermen in Negambo area to avoid of going  fishing today (12th) it has been reported.After Tsunami warning was issued yesterday evening these fishermen have taken their fishing boats and equipment's to safer areas in view of protecting them according to these fishermen.


However the Meteorological Department has issued a special  warning for fishermen yesterday by requesting them to avoid on going fishing even the tsunami warning has lifted.

Tsunami Fear Which Halted Life In The Country For Awhile

!Massive Earthquake and after shocks in Sumatra Islands


!Tsunami Warning has Issued 


! Transport System in Coastal Belt suspended


!Heavy Traffic Reported in main roads


! Southern Express Way has opened free of charge for all 
public and private vehicles


! People in coastal areas rushed to Highlands


! Tense Situation among public in Coastal Areas


As a  massive earthquake measured as 8.6 in Richter Scale was struck Sumatra Islands this eve a tense situation was occurred among public in many parts of the Island Soon after Meteorological Department of Sri Lanka has issued Tsunami Warning which has also applied to 25 other countries in the region as well.


After the massive earth quake Sri Lankan Met Department has expected a Tsunami will struck the island around 4 p.m Sri Lankan Time.Although it didn't happened as expected an equally powerful after shock measured as 8.6 in Richter Scale was reported from Sumatra three hours after the  major earthquake strucked.However no casualties have been reported.Some tremors have been reported in several parts of the island as well.


Meanwhile People lives in coastal areas of North,East,Western and Southern areas were advised to rush in to safe areas in highlands as a precautionary measure.As Tsunami Warning has issued, people lives in coastal belt areas have seen running with their children to safer areas.Almost all vehicles  were fully occupied as people who came to work in cities from coastal areas trying to reach their homes as early as possible.As a precautionary measure authorities suspended the Train Services in Coastal areas which has resulted a heavy traffic among other public and private vehicles.

Government has allowed to use southern express way free of charge for commuters following the Tsunami warning and ordered all medical staff attached to hospitals in Coastal areas who are in leave to report to their workplaces as soon as possible.

People in Coastal Areas were advised to stay  in alert on the situation till the warning have been lifted .Also authorities urged the Hotel Owners in coastal belt to ensure the safety of foreigners who are staying in these hotels.

However after awaiting several hours around 6.30 p.m local time the Met Department has announced the lifting of Tsunami Warning from Sri Lanka while urging people who fled to return their homes  without any fear.

JVP Dissident Rebel Leader Kumar Gunarathnam Deported To Australia

The leader of the breakaway faction of leftist Janatha Wimukthi Peramuna(JVP) Premakumar Gunarathnam alias Noel Mudalige who was reported as missing since last few days was deported to his native country Australia early this morning due to violating immigration laws according to Police Sources.

Gunarathnam who is also an Australian Citizen was overstaying in Sri Lanka illegally for more then five months sources have further added.Gunarathnam along with another party activist Dimuthu Atygalla too reported as abducted by an unknown gang on last Saturday and Friday respectively.

Government Hospital PSM's Threatening To Launch TU Action After 19th Of April

The Government Hospital Professions Supplementary To Medicine (PSM's)have decided to launch an island wide continuous work to rule campaign and sick note campaign  after 19th of April demanding solutions for three of their service demands according to Joint Council Of Professions Supplementary To Medicine .


The Executive Committee of the Joint Council which  met yesterday (09) has decided to launch this series of trade union actions after 19th the Council sources said.


The continuous island wide strike launched by Government Hospital Professions Supplementary To Medicine demanding solutions for 10 service demands on 13th of March  was forced to suspend on 22nd of March following the enjoining order issued by Colombo District Court.

Finance Ministry Began Probe On Alleged Rs.I Billion Financial Fraud Occurred During Purchasing Surgical Gloves

The Ministry Of Finance has conducting an investigations on the alleged Rs. 1 billion financial fraud occurred during local purchasing of Surgical Gloves to Government Hospitals last year (2011) the ministry sources said today (09).

According to sources the Finance Ministry has began  inquiring on the amount of surgical gloves Hospitals bought last year and the  money they spent on that .

Ceylon Petroleum Private Bowser Owners Called Off Their Scheduled Strike

The Ceylon Petroleum Private Bowser Owners Association has called off their planned two day  strike scheduled on today (09) and tomorrow(10) after the authorities have agreed to increase their fee rates as requested  the association has announced.


During the discussion held between   Petroleum Minister and Private Bowser Owners Association yesterday the minister has agreed to met their demand.

Ceylon Petroleum Private Bowser Owners to Resort Trade Union Action In Next Two Days

The Ceylon Petroleum Private Bowser Owners Association has threatening to  resort to trade union action on 09th (tomorrow) and 10th of April if their demand on increasing fee rates are not met by  Ceylon Petroleum Corporation (CPC) soon.According to Association they are going to suspend transporting of  fuel on those days if the demand is not met by then.

The secretary of the Ceylon Petroleum Private Bowser Owners Association Shantha Silva has said that following the recent fuel price increase their association had requested the CPC to increase their fees .But still not received a response from them he said.

If the demand is not met by the authorities in time ] 600 bowsers under the association will suspend the transporting of fuel on 09th and 10th of April as scheduled he stressed.

UPDATE-Health Services Trade Union Alliance Alleged Rs One Billion Financial Fraud During Purchasing Of Gloves

The Health Services Trade Union Alliance (HSTUA)has alleged that around One Billion Rupees financial fraud was occurred during purchasing of Normal and Surgical Gloves for Government Hospitals  last year (2011).According to the President of HSTUA Saman Rathnapriya around 0.95 billion rupees had spent for purchasing of these gloves for the hospitals in year 2010 and that amount has  increased to Rs.2 billion rupees last year due to the said fraud  he stressed.


This financial fraud was occurred during local purchasing of Gloves by violating normal tender procedure he had revealed.Although the tender of purchasing gloves for government hospitals has been awarded to a particular drug company last year they do not supplied the required gloves properly to the hospitals but supplied them to same hospitals through local purchasing system for higher prices ratnapriya has stressed.




Therefor the Alliance wants Health Ministry to probe in this huge financial fraud and bring those responsible for the fraud in to justice he said.The Health Services Trade Unions Alliance had  handed over a written appeal  on 29th of March to the Health Minister Maithripala Sirisena on this regard he further said.

An Essential Injection "Erythroprotien"Out Of Stock In Govt.Hospitals

An essential Injection "Erythroprotien" which has prescribed  for  Patients with Kidney Infections is out of stock at the moment in both Government Hospitals and Medical Supplies Division(MSD) according to Medical Sources.The said injection is very expensive in the private sector as one injection vial will cost more than Rs.3000 according to sources.

The Medical Supplies Division has already make an order to import the  said injections under the recommendations of Government Hospital Consultants it has been reported.

Live Debate On Whether Rs.7500 Is Enough For A 3 Member Family To Survive One Month

The Much awaited debate on Education Minister Bandula Gunawardena's claim that under present living conditions  Rs.7500 is enough for a family of 3 persons (Rs.2500 per person)to survive for one month by taking three meals per day is to be held tonight (03) live at a local private T.V Station in Colombo.Education Minister him self with Opposition MP Ravi Karaunanayake scheduled to participate this live debate which will be telecast over Derana T.V tonight from 9.45 p.m on wards.

After Minister Gunawardena has stated Rs.7500 is enough for a family of 3 to survive one month period several people including intellectuals,Opposition MP's  and ordinary people in the country  criticized the minister by saying under present living conditions it  is impossible for a family to live with the mentioned sum of  money for one month.As criticisms on his statement began to flow in Minister Gunawardena said he is ready to debate on the issue with anyone who have passed A/Levels with Economics and has a degree on the subject.

Three persons including the leader of New Leftist Front Dr.Wickramabahu Karunaratne,MP of Leftist JVP Sunil Handunetti and Opposition UNP MP Ravi Karunanayake were expressed their willingness to take the minster's challenge to debate on the issue .However Minister has selected Opposition MP Karunanayake to debate with him on the issue.

Government Hospital PSM'S To Resume Their Suspended TU Action By Next Week

The Joint Council Of Professions Supplementary To Medicine had decided to resume their suspended trade union action withing next week if the health ministry has not given solutions for  their 10 service demands before  this Thursday (05th) a spokesmen to the council has said.

According to the spokesman the Joint Council had already informed this decision to the Ministry Of Health via a letter on Saturday (31st of March).The Executive Committee of the Joint Council Of Professions Supplementary To The Medicine had unanimously decided to resume the trade union action which they have suspended two weeks back due to a court enjoining order.The enjoining order issued by Colombo District Court preventing Government Hospital Professions Supplementary To Medicine (PSM'S) by involve in continuous strike ended last Saturday.

Prices Of Cigarettes And Taxes On Liquor Increased

The prices of all brand of Cigarettes and taxes on all liquor products have been increased with immediate effect according to government sources.

Under this, prices of all Cigarettes will be increased by Rs.1 and Taxes imposed on imported and local liquor are increased by Rs.5 to 60 per liter  .The tax on imported Beer is increased by Rs.50 per liter while Tax on locally made Beer  by Rs.5 per liter.Tax on Hard Liquor is to be increased by Rs.60 per liter the sources added.