Public Utilities Commission Has Approved Revised Electricity Tariff Proposal

The Public Utilities Commission (PUC) has approved the revised electricity tariff proposal based on the directive given by president Mahinda Rajapaksha on 01st of May by granting tariff reduction for the low income electricity consumers.

According to the revised electricity tariff proposal increase will not apply for consumers who are using below 60 units while those using units 61-180 will received 25% reduction of the fuel surcharge the power and energy ministry has said.under the proposal electricity consumers using 61-66 units the tariff will be same as 60 unit users and 91-96 unit users will be charged for 90 units.meanwhile those who are using 121-126 units will be charged foe 120 units the ministry has stressed.

Ravana Balakaya Has Requested Film Corporation To Ban Importing Of Some Tamil Films

The Ravana Balakaya an organization formed by a group of Buddhist monks today(08) made a special request from Sri Lanka Film Corporation chairman Mr.Ashoka Serasinha to banned importing of Tamil Films to Sri Lanka casting 4 of popular Tamil Actors with immediate effect following an anti sri lankan protest campaigns held  by them in Tamil Nadu.the organization has requested banning of Tamil Films casting Rajini Kanth,Kamal Hassan,Vijay Kumar and Sarath Kumar as they continuously engaged activities against sri lanka according to ravana balakaya.

This request has been made during the discussions held today between members of ravana balakaya and film corporation chairman.film corporation chairman has stated that he will take a decision on this after discussed the matter with higher authorities.

The Number Of Dengue Patients Reported This Year Exceeds 11,000

A total of 11,133 dengue patients have been reported and 34 patients died due to the Dengue Fever during the period  January up to yesterday (07) the epidemiology unit has announced.around 1783 dengue patients were reported throughout the island in the month of April it said.

Out of the total number of dengue patients reported throughout the island so far this year 40.73% were reported from western province it  has been revealed.

Six Soldiers Got Injured When A Detonator Exploded In Northern Province

Six soldiers were injured when a detonator left by LTTE rebels exploded in udayarkattikulam jungle in northern province security sources said.the injured soldiers were admitted to Mulativu andAnuradhapura Hospitals according to sources.

These soldiers were injured when they have engaged in clearing mines fixed by former LTTE cadres .

No Confidence Motion Against Minister Dilan Has Defeated

The no confidence motion presented by main opposition united national party(UNP)against foreign employment promotion and welfare minister dilan perera has been  defeated today (07) in parliament with majority of 104 votes.during the voting 136 parliamentarians voted against the motion while 32 parliamentarians were voted in favor.

Government Hospital PSM'S To Launch A Work To Rule Campaign From 15th Of May

The professions supplementary to medicine (PSM's) have decided to launch an island wide continuous work to rule campaign from 15th of may by demanding recruiting of 600 unemployed PSM Graduates to state hospitals the Joint Council On Professions supplementary to medicine has announced.

Under this trade union action PSM's have  decided to withdraw from blood,x ray tests and physiotherapy treatment of  in ward patients and from 20th to withdraw all educational activities in hospitals according to secretary to the Joint Council On Professions Supplementary to medicine saman jayasekera.

Health Officials Advised People To Be Aware On Seasonal Influenza Flu

The Health Officials have  warned the public to be aware on Influenza A and B epidemics currently spreading in some parts of the island.around 3 persons were died due to the Influenza A virus commonly known as H1N1 or swine flu during last month and few other patients were reported as getting treatment in few of the government hospitals at present epidemiologists said.

Cough,Cold and fever are identified as the main symptoms of these Influenza flu and people are advised to be seek medical advice from a qualified medical practitioner if these symptoms occurred .

Flash Floods Affected 479 Families In Gampaha

Due to flash floods occurred in Gampaha District today (05) around 479 families have been affected the Disaster Management Center (DMC)  has announced.due to this situation some 81 families provided with accommodation in evacuation centers  DMC  has said.

Meanwhile the meteorological department has announced that heavy showers with thunder and lightning will be experienced in most parts of the island these days during evening and night .

Import Tax On Potatoes Increased

The import tax on Potatoes has been increased by Rs 10 per kilo gramme with effect from today(03) government has announced.according to new price increase the current import price of potatoes has been increased by Rs.10 from Rs.15 to Rs.25 per killo gramme.

Power Ministry Has Reduced Fuel Surcharge Of Electricity Bill

The Power Ministry has decided to revised the electricity tariff by reducing fuel surcharge of domestic users who are using 61-180 units per month.earlier the ministry has increased the electricity tariffs which caused unrest among public.

Around 19 May Day Rallies To Be Held In Colombo Tomorrow(01)

Around 19 May Day rallies organized by political parties and organizations are to be held in Colombo tomorrow(01) marking International Workers  Day.governing United Peoples Freedom Alliance(UPFA) May Day Rally is to be held in Campball Park,Borella under the patronage of President Mahinda Rajapaksha .the May Day Parade of UPFA will begin at Neluma Pokuna Avenue  . the  main opposition United National Party (UNP) is to conduct three May Day Rallies in Colombo,Kurunagala and Badulla Districts.

The leftist Janataha Wimukthi Peramuna(JVP) will conduct their May Day Rally at BRC Grounds under the patronage of their leader Mr.Somawansha Amarasinha and their May Day Parade will begin from S.De S Jayasinha Grounds.

Meanwhile Police has requested people out side Colombo to avoid entering the City tomorrow unless a special reason due to the traffic expected during May Day Parades.

Strike Action Of Registered And Assistant Medical Practitioners Paralyzed 450 Central Dispensaries

The patient care services of around 450 central dispensaries throughout the island are paralyzed and nearing close down due to the island wide continuous strike launched by registered and assistant medical practitioners (RAMP''s)according to hospital sources.around 950 medical institutions including these central dispensaries,peripheral units and rural hospitals are affected due to this strike the sources added.

Around 1550 registered and assistant medical practitioners are engaged in this strike launched by demanding paying of proposed communication allowance for the said practitioners.the society of  registered and assistant medical practitioners has said that although health ministry secretary dr.nihal jayathilake has issued a circular  to pay communication allowance for the RAMP's on last September still the authorities not taken steps to implement that circular.

Registerd And Assistant Medical Practitioners To Launch An Island Wide Continuous Strike Tomorrow(30)

The Registered and Assistant Medical Practitioners are to launch an island wide continuous strike from tomorrow (30) by  demanding the communication allowance which is granted to government doctors according to Society Of Registered And Assistant Medical Practitioners Association .registered and assistant medical practitioners attach to 950 rural hospitals,central dispensaries,peripheral units and base hospitals are due to participate this strike action which begins 8 a.m tomorrow.

The practitioners have  already withdrawn from extra hour duty work of hospitals the association has said.

Railway Strike Scheduled For Today Called Off

The Railway Trade Unions have decided to called off the 48 hour Railway Strike  scheduled to be launched midnight today(28) following  discussions they had with transport authorities this morning.around 3000 railway workers including drivers,formans,station masters ,railway guards and signal controllers were to take part in this strike demanding a pay hike.

The Railways Professional Trade Union Alliance has today decided to suspend the strike following the discussions held with the secretary to Transport Ministry Dhammika Perera.

18 Low Quality Drugs Were Withdrawn From Government Hospitals During First Three Months

During first three months of this year 18  essential drugs and injections were withdrawn from Government Hospitals throughout the island as they were in low quality.Metformin,Salbutamol,Sodium Valporate are among the drugs withdrawn from hospitals according to sources.

These low quality drugs were tested at national drug quality assurance laboratory in Colombo.

175 Dengue Patients Were Reported From Colombo City In April

Around 175 dengue patients and 2 dengue deaths have been reported from Colombo City limits during month of April so far  according to Colombo chief medical officer Dr.Pradeep Kariyawasm.most of the dengue cases were reported from Borella,modara,mattakkuliya and central Colombo areas.

During first three months of this year 903 dengue patients were reported from City Of Colombo he has stressed.

Non Availability Of Essential Drugs And Issuing Of Low Quality Drugs Increased The Moratality Rate Of Non Commmunciable Diseases

A large number of  People suffering from non communicable diseases including  Diabetes and coronary heart diseases died in government hospitals due to the shortage of essential drugs and issuing of low quality drugs to them according to medical specialists.as the majority of essential drugs regularly not available in government hospitals doctors have prescribed patients to buy them in private pharmacies but due to the high cost of living condition in the country majority of these patients are not able to  purchase them specialists said.

As a result the status of their disease become worst and some are dying due to this one of the senior specialists attached to government hospital has said.due to the issuing of some low quality drugs for these patients make the situation worst he has stressed."health authorities should correct this situation and taken steps to supply essential drugs prescribed for non communicable diseases to all government hospitals and ensure that only high quality drugs will issue to the patients through pharmacies he further added.

Health Authorities Decided To Uphold The Release Of Low Quality Dhal

The Health Authorities have decided to uphold the  release of  25,000 metric tonnes of Dhal imported from Canada to the market after  it has been revealed that the stock of Dhal is contaminated with wastage.the said  stock of low quality Dhal is currently remained in Colombo Port and due to be destroyed soon according to the food control unit of Health Ministry.

The Food Control Unit has decided to take a legal action against the company which has imported the said stock of dhal according to Ministry sources.

Vehicle Registration Fees Increased By 10%

The proposed 10% increase of of vehicle registration fees due to be implemented with effect from 01st of March according to Commissioner General of Motor Traffic s.h harischandra.the commissioner has already informed all  provincial motor traffic commissioners on the increase of said fees .

The gazette notification regarding the increase of vehicle registration fees has been issued and it is due to be implemented in western province with effect from 01st of May this year.a 10% increase of vehicle registration fees is proposed through the 2013 budget proposals.

New President And Secretary Of Cricket Board Elected Uncontested

Jayantha Dharmadasa and Nishantha Ranathunge were elected for the posts of  president and secretary of Sri Lankan Cricket Board respectively this morning uncontested.the election of cricket officials scheduled to be held in 30th of March was postponed to 16th of April due to the controversy over nominations.

Earlier the nominations of MP Thilanga Sumathipala and former president of Sri Lankan Cricket Board Upali Dharmadasa to the post of president of cricket board were rejected by sports minister mahindananda aluthgamage.

Heavy Showers In Colombo And Galle Due To The Atmospheric Disturbance

The meteorology Department has announced that heavy showers will prevails in Colombo and some areas in Southern Province during today due to the atmospheric disturbance.thunder showers will prevails in Colombo while coastal areas of Galle District too get effected met department announced.

GMOA Requested Government To Prepare Seperate Policy On Purchasing Expensive Drugs

Government Medical Officers Association(GMOA) has requested government to prepare a separate national policy on purchasing expensive drugs/equipments for government hospitals as there are instances of severe shortage of expensive drugs in Cancer and other major hospitals in the country.

The main opposition too raised a question at Parliament recently regarding the shortage of 17 expensive drugs and injections  in Cancer Hospital as Cancer Patients are in serious condition due to the shortage of these drugs and injections."as we are having annual fixed budget allocating money for purchasing drugs it will be disadvantage for other patients if large sum of money from that budget spend for purchasing expensive drugs" the secretary of GMOA Dr.Chandika Epiatkaduwa has said.

Therefor GMOA has requested government to adapt a separate policy on purchasing an expensive drugs and the government has accepted it as a policy he stressed.

X ray,Scan And MRI Tests In Govt.Hospitals Stopped Due To The Sick Not Campaign Of Radiographers

All X Ray ,Scan and MRI Tests performs in Government Hospitals stopped today(09) due to the island wide sick not campaign launched by government radiographers .thousands of patients  were underwent severe difficulties due to this trade union action of radiographers who are demanding solutions for two of their service demands .

As radiographers who were in sick note campaign not maintained the emergency services in hospitals   hospital authorities have sent all routine and critically ill patients to private hospitals to perform above tests under government expenses hospital sources said.

The Radiographers are due to end their sick note campaign tomorrow(10) morning.

Government Hospital Radiographers To Launch A Sick Note Campaign Tomorrow(09)

Radiographers attached to  government hospitals throughout the island  are to launch an island wide sick note campaign tomorrow(09) by demanding solutions for two of their service demands according to Government Radiography Technologists Association.the sick not campaign is due to start at 8 a.m tomorrow and will continue till 8 a.m on Wednesday(10) morning.

Due to this trade union action routine x ray tests,Scan and MRI Tests performs at government hospitals will not perform tomorrow the secretary of Radiography Technologists Association Mr.Daramakeerthi Apa has said.

Radiographers are demanding the halting of recruiting new comers for the diploma course on Radiography due to the Graduate Radiography Technologists and to increase extra allowances entitled for the radiography technologists.

Ministry Of Agriculture Has Banned The Importation Of Three Pesticides

The Ministry Of Agriculture has decided to ban the importation of three Pesticides currently use in Sri Lanka with immediate effect.the importation of   Pesticides ,Chlopyrifos,Propanil and Cabaryl are banned per the recommendations made by World Health Organization as these Pesticides are reported as contained high levels of Arsenic according to the Ministry sources.

Arsanic has found as the main reason for the unidenified chronic kidney failure affected  most of the farmers in North Cenral Province over the last few years.thousands of farmers already have died from this disease while a large number of other farmers critically ill due to the disease.

Dengue Patients Are In Increase

During January to March this year around 8930 dengue patients have been reported from the island the epidemiology unit has said.out of this number 39.95% have been reported from western province.

Due to the rainy season prevails in most parts of the island these days spreading  of dengue is in increase and t epidemiologists have advised  people to take precautionary measures to combat dengue menace by cleaning house  gardens and destroying mosquito breeding places .

Sending Local Workers To Cyprus Suspended

The Ministry of Foreign Employment has decided to temporarily suspended sending workers to Cyprus due to the current economic crisis in that country.in last few days objections have been raised by many quarters over sending workers to Cyprus and several parties argued that Sri Lankans work there will be stranded in that country.

Meanwhile the Ministry Of Foreign Employment has said that foreign  employment bureau will meet the demand of Sri Lankan workers there as the economic crisis there would not effect foreigners.

One Out Of Every Three Persons In South Asia Has Suffering From High Blood Pressure -Dr.Mehtha

One out of every three persons in South Asian Region including Sri Lanka has identified as suffering from High Blood Pressure (Hypertension)while around 9.4 million people in the region annually died due to the disease the resident representative of world health organization(WHO) to Sri Lanka Dr.Firdosi Rustom Mehtha has said.the main causes for the increasing number of hypertension patients in the region  is none  other than high consumption of salt and smoking he has stressed.

The diseases such as Heart Attacks and Strokes have been caused by hypertension it self Dr.Mehtha said.to control the increasing number of hypertension among patients reducing the daily consumption of salt is very important and people should restricted the consumption of salt to  5 grammes (One teaspoon )per day he has added.

Dr.Mehtha has revealed these facts at a seminar held today(03) on World Health Day falls on 07th of April.

Around 10% Of All Hotel Cafe Workers In Coombo City Have Been Identified As Suffering From Repiratory And Venereal Diseases

Around 10% out of 4400 hotel and cafeteria workers attach to All Hotel and Cafeterias situated in Colombo City have been found as suffering from infectious,respiratory and venereal diseases through a medical examination conducted according to Colombo Chief Medical Officer Of Health Dr.Pradeep Kariyawasam.most of the infected hotel workers numbering 377 have been suffering from.Para Typhoid and others are infected with respiratory and venereal diseases he has stressed.

Those workers identified with venereal diseases have released from their working places to the Sexually Transmittedbeen  Diseases Campaign clinic for further treatment he has added. meanwhile the Colombo Public Health Department has planned to conduct a medical examination for all hotel and cafe workers and issue medical certificates at least once a year .

Ten National Cricketers Left India To Play IPL

Ten out of the thirteen Sri Lankan National Cricketers who have signed luxurious contracts with various cricket clubs played at Indian Premier League(IPL) left India today to play IPL despite the threats made against Sri Lankan Cricketers by certian political groups in Tamil Nadu.the political groups and personals including state chief minister jayalalitha has banned sri lankan cricketers of participating 10 IPL Games to be hosted in Chennai under the tournament.Meanwhile criticisms growing among certain local groups which are pressurizing the Sri Lankan Cricket to prevent sri lankan cricketers  by participating IPL

National Cricketers Lasith Malinga,Mahela Jayawardene,Kumar Sangakkara,T.M Dilshan,Angelo Mathews,Kusal Janith,Jeevan Mendis,Sachithra Senanayake,Ajantha Mendis,and Tissara Perera left India to participate IPL and they informed their decision to the Sri Lankan Cricket early today.these cricketers were advised to stay away from Tamil Nadu.former sri lankan spinner muththaia Muralideren due to join IPL soon.

Due to the political pressure Chennai based cricket club Chennai super kings has already removed two of the sri lankan contracted players fast bowler nuwan kulasekera and spinner akila dananjaya from their club at sixth edition of IPL scheduled to be begin tomorrow(02).only sri lankan Test /ODI vice captain and t-20 captain Dinesh Chandimal has refused to play this years IPL Tournament .

Around 15 Essential Drugs Are Out Of Stock In Government Hospitals

Around 15 essential drugs prescribed in diabetic and nephrology clinics attach to government hospitals are out of stock these days hospital sources said.sodium valporate,HCT,prognacine are among the out of stock items sources have added.

Due to the drug shortage patients attending these clinics are prescribed to buy these drugs from private pharmacies sources further added.

Government Has Decalred 15th Of April As A Public Holiday

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

Cabinet Decided To Control The Importing Of Ethanol

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

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

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

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

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

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

Sri Lankan Air Lines To Reduced Flights To Chennai

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

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

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

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

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

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

TB Deaths Are On Increase

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

Former Chief Justice Has Asked To Appear Before Bribary Commission

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

Former Chief Justice has denied the allegations.

Private Bus Fares To Be Increased By 7%

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

Ceylon Petroleum Corporation To Investigate On LIOC Imported Stock Of Petrol

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

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

Severe Shortage Of Food Inspectors In Colombo Central Food Control Unit

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


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

Asian Athletics Association Shifted Asian Grand Prix Tournament To Colombo

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

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

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

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

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

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

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