Gazette Notification Of Draft Bill On Constitutional Reforms To Be Issued Today

The Cabinet today(15) has decided to gazette the Drat Bill provided for Constitutional Reforms including the much talked about re instatement  of the 17th Amendment and transfer the Executive Powers of the Executive Presidency to the Parliament and the Cabinet.This gazette is scheduled to be issued midnight tonight.

The Gazette on Constitutional Reforms is scheduled to be presented to to the Parliament soon  for approval .

Under the Draft Bill Providing for Constitutional Reforms, the President will not able to dissolve the Parliament after a one year and the President will not able to be elected to office  more than two terms .The proposed Independent Commissions including the Police and Elections to be appointed under the constitutional reforms.

It has been learnt that the powers vested to the Current Executive Presidency to dissolving the Parliament too will be removed and the provisions provided under the constitution for avoiding taking legal action against the President too proposed to be removed.However the President will remain as the commander of all forces and the powers of appointing the Cabinet and acting as the head of the Cabinet will be remained with the president.

The Cabinet Meeting held today(15) was chaired by the President Maithripala Sirisena.

THOUGHT OF THE DAY FROM INSPIRATIONAL QUOTES

Total Number Of Dengue Patients Reported This Year Has Exceeds 10,000

The total number of Dengue Patients reported from Sri Lanka during last two and half months now exceeds 10,000 according to the Sri Lanka Epidemiology Unit.From 01st of January to 14th Of March this year a total number of 10,323 Dengue Patients have been reported throughout the Island the Epidemiology Unit has stated.

The majority of these patients were reported in January and the number stands as 6276 patients.In February 3652 Dengue Patients have been reported throughout the island while in this month 395 patients have been reported up to now.

The majority of the Dengue Patients reported this year have been found from Colombo District and the number stands as 2989.

Police Have Arrested More Than 13 Kilos Of Heroin From A Prawn Farm?

The police have found more than  13 Kilo Grammes of Heroin this morning from a Prawn Farm situated in Madurankeliya Area it has been reported. Mundalama Police Officers have raided this Prawn Farm on an information received by them and taken into custody a stock of heroin weighing more than 13 Kilos and 500 grammes Police Sources have said.

During this raid three Persons attached to the Prawn Farm got arrested on suspicion.However the suspects have told the police that the stock Police have taken into  custody was not Heroin but a chemical substance using to breed prawns.The Police have sent the sample of the suspicious stock to the government analyst for further investigations it has been revealed.
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THOUGHT OF THE DAY

Majority Of Transgender Persons In Sri Lanka Do Not Have National Identity Cards To Prove Their Gender-A Survey Result

There are around 8000 Transgender (Males converted  to females/Females converted to Males) persons in Sri Lanka at the moment according to a latest survey result.The majority of these Transgender Persons do not have Identity Cards to show their gender and are facing numerous difficulties when they are going to common places like banks for their work according to the Director of HIV And Advocacy Unit Of Sri Lanka Family Planning Association Ms.Madusha Disanayake.

Addressing a Media Seminar held today at the Sri Lanka Family Planning Association Headquarters in Colombo this morning On HIV And Sexual Orientation ,Ms.Disanayake has said that due to the discrimination these transgender persons are going through some of them are turned to Prostitutes as they have no chance of working in their working places freely.

The rights of these Transgender Persons should be ensured  and they should be allowed to live in the society as other human beings she has stressed.As countries like India and Pakistan have issued Identity Cards for Transgender Persons in their countries under the third gender category Sri Lanka too should taken steps to issue Identity Cards for these persons she has said.

These Transgender Persons who lives in Sri Lanka are vulnerable to getting HIV/AIDS due to their involvement in the Sex Trade Ms.Dissanayake has revealed.

Transgender is an Umbrella term for persons whose gender identity,gender expression or behavior does not conform o that typically associated with the sex to which they were assigned  at birth.(From Google).

AWAITING FOR? FROM WORDS OF WISDOM

Former LTTE Womens Sea Tiger Wing Leader Jeyaganesh Murugesu Pakeerathy Was Released On Bail

The Former leader of the the Sea Tiger Wing of the LTTE Jeyaganesh Murugesu Pakeerathy who was arrested by the Terrorism Investigations Division at the Katunayake Air Port while trying to leave the Country for France has been released today(13) by the Colombo Additional Magistrate.As the Terrorism Investigations Division is planning to file  indictments  against the former LTTE Women's Sea Tiger Wing Leader the Attorney General has instructed the authorities to release her on bail until then.

Jeyaganesh Murugesu was released on Rs.200,000 personal bail by the Colombo Additional Magistrate today and was ordered to handover her passport to the court.She was also ordered to appear before a Police Station once a week.

The Former Women's Sea Wing Leader has arrived Sri Lanka on 09tth of February and reported as stayed at a house in Dharmapuram in Paranthan Area.

Indian Prime Minister Has Promised On Arrival Tourist Visas For Sri Lankans Visiting India

The visiting Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi has assured today (13) that with effect from Sinhalese And Hindu New Year falls on 14th of April this year India will offer Tourist Visas on arrival to Sri Lankans.During the Sri Lankan Foreign Minister Managala Samaraweera's visit to India recently the Indian Government has announced the plan to offer on  arrival tourist visas to Sri Lankans for the first time.

Initially Sri Lankan government officers will receive this facility and others will follow according to the sources.

The Indian Premier arrived Sri Lanka early this morning from Mauritius and at the Air Port he was welcomed by the Sri Lankan Prime Minister Ranil Wikaramasinha.Later he met the Sri Lankan President Maithrpala Sirisena at the Presidential Secretariat and hold discussions.

Indian Prime Minister had visited Sri Lankan Parliament this evening and made a speech there,This is the first time in 27 years that an Indian Prime Minister has visited  Sri Lanka.

THOUGHT OF THE DAY FROM INSPIRATIONAL QUOTES

Professor Bibile Commemorative Organization To Submit Amendments To The National Drugs Policy Act

The Professor Seneka Bibile Commemorative Organization has decided to submit necessary amendments to the proposed National Drug Policy Act which was passed in Parliament last week.According to the National Organizer of the Organization Dr.Jayantha Bandara they are now preparing the several amendments to the policy act.

While praising the government's efforts of enabling the national drugs policy the Professor Bibile Commemorative Organization has said that they are not satisfied the way the act was passed in the Parliament,Copies of the act should be distributed to the health trade unions and to the public to get their views Dr.Bandara Has said.The time allocated for  MP'S to examine the facts in the act too not sufficient enough he has stressed.

Former Deputy Minister Sarana Gunawardena Was Remanded Over Fraud Charges

The Attanagalle Magistrate has today(12) remanded the Former Deputy Minister Sarana Gunawardena who was arrested by the Criminal Investigations Department(CID) today on financial fraud charges.Former Deputy Minister has appeared before the CID this morning on being summon to record a statement from him over his involvement in purchasing  Rs.9 million worth Stock of Steal .

  
Later he got arrested and produced before the Attangalle Magistrate.

THOUGHT OF THE DAY

Nurse-PSM'S And Paramedics Have Suspended Their Token Strike

The Joint Confederation Of Nurses-Professions Supplementary To Medicine And Para Medicals have today(11) decided to suspend their Island Wide Token Strike scheduled for tomorrow (12) by demanding the Disturbance,Availability And Transport (DAT) Allowance.

As the Health Ministry has decided to send a proposal to the Finance Ministry withing one week  by requesting to pay the proposed DAT Allowance to the Nurses,PSM'S And Paramedicals the Joint Federation has decided to suspend the strike action for a week period the joint convener of the Confederation Saman Jayasekera has said.

Around 45,000 professionals representing 17 professions have planned to launch a strike tomorrow by demanding to pay them DAT Allowance he has stressed.

Former Minister Lodged A Complaint Against The Central Bank Governor

The Parliamentarian attach to the United Peoples Freedom Alliance and former Minister Mahinda Amaraweera had today(12) lodged a complaint to the Bribery Commission against the Central Bank Governor Arjun Mahendren over the irregularities occurred during selling of Central Bank Bonds.

MP Amaraweera is on the view that the Central Bank Governor should have resigned to ensure the transparency of the investigations carried out by the government regarding the bond issue.Yesterday the leftist Janatha Wimukthi Peramuna(JVP) MP Sunil Handuneththi too requested the Central Bank Governor to step down from his post temporarily to ensure a fair investigation
on the issue.

THOUGHT OF THE DAY

Glaucoma Disease Among Sri Lankans Are On The Increase

The Glaucoma Disease among the Sri Lankans are on increase according to the  local Eye Surgeons.The Eye Surgeon Dr.Muditha Kulatunge has today (10) said that around 12% out of the total number Blind People that are currently in Sri Lanka becomes blind due to the Glaucoma.

According to a latest survey around 48% of those who are having a  low vision being in that situation due to Glaucoma.

Glaucoma an eye disorder which permanently damaged the
Optical Nerves and caused the total blindness  of  a person are common among those over 40 years old and above 60 years old Dr. Kulatunge has stressed.

As there's no permanent cure for the Glaucoma  Disease those who are at risk of getting the disease should check their eyes once in 2 to 3 years she has revealed.

A special Glaucoma Clinic for the risk groups is due to be held in Colombo Eye Hospital on this Thursday(12) from 8 a.m to 12 noon it has been announced.

Leftist Janatha Wimukthi Peramuna Had Requested Central Bank Governor To Resigned From His Post Over The Controversial Treasury Bond Issue

The leftist Janatha Wimukthi Peramuna(JVP)  has today(10) called for the resignation of Central Bank Governor Arjuna Mahendre due to a controversy Treasury Bond Issue involved in his son ln law.

Central Bank Governor who is also an International Banker has appointed to the post only on 23rd of January this year has been in spotlight during last week due to the controversial deals made in the bond markets involved by a firm "Perpetual Treasuries" which is connected to Arjun Aloysius the son in law of the  Central Bank Governor Arjun Mahendren..

President Maithripala Sirisena has appointed a three member special committee to investigate on the alleged irregularities occurred in the bond issue of the Central Bank.                                                                                                                                                                            
However the JVP Parliamentarian Sunil Handunneththi has today says that the appointing of a Special Investigations Committee is not enough  and there's a need of a formal investigations over the treasury bond issue with transparency.He has requested the Central Bank Governor to resigned from his post temporarily to ensure the transparency of the investigations .Otherwise people will loosing the faith in the Central Bank MP Handuneththi has stressed.

THOUGHT OF THE DAY

Passports Of Four Persons Including Ex Defense Secretary Have Impounded

The Galle Magistrate Court has today (09) directed the Department Of Immigration And Emigration to temporarily impound the Passport of Four Persons including of former Defense Secretary and Brother of Former President Gotabaya Rajapakshe and former Navy Commander Vice Admiral Somathilake Dissanayake over the floating armory issue.

The Criminal Investigations Department(CID) has detained a ship carrying 12 container loads of weapons on 18th of January and t
he investigations on these weapons are currently under way.

Ban On Wearing Full Face Helmets Suspended Due To The Directive Of A Minister

The Minister Of Public Order Johan Amaratunge has today  (09)  directed the Inspector General Of Police N.K Ilangakoon to temporarily lift the Ban of wearing full face helmets scheduled to  be implemented  from  21st of March .The directive  has come as a result of the public requests on lifting the ban on Full Face helmets Minister John Amaratunge has said.

The Police Department has decided to implement the ban due to the increased  number of incidents reported on using  Full Face Helmets for robberies and gun shooting throughout the island.

When the Minister of Public Order made the directive to lift the ban of Full Face Helmets today two motorcyclists  wore Full Face Helmets have  robbed Rs.140,000 belongs to a Financial Institute in  Athurugiriya this noon.In another incident Two Armed Men  wearing full face helmets have gunned down a Private Bus Owner  who is due to be getting married tomorrow(10) in Hikkaduwa (Southern Sri Lanka)during  broad day light.  

Former Army Commander General Fonseka Acquitted On Harbouring Army Deserters Case

The Colombo High Court has today (09) acquitted Former Army Commander General Sarath Fonseka of all charges leveled against him on harboring Army Deserters during the Presidential Elections held in  2010.

The Colombo High Court Judge Devika Tennakoon has today given this verdict and the second accused of the case Seneka Silva too acquitted all chargers leveled against him.

The Attorney General had indicted 41 charges against the both the accused of the harboring Army Deserter's case and  both General Fonseka and Senaka Silva were pleaded not guilty for all 41 charges.

THOUGHT OF THE DAY FROM INSPIRATIONAL QUOTES

Twenty Nine Foreign Ambassadors And Thirty Seven Councilors To Be Appointed For The Foreign Service

The Foreign Affairs Ministry has now working to finalize the suitable officers to be appointed as new Foreign Ambassadors and Councilors the government sources said..According to the Ministry of Foreign Affairs twenty nine ambassadors and thirty seven councilors are to be appointed for the foreign service  soon.

The relevant recommendations have been already presented to the President Maithripala Sirisena for his approval and after receiving his approval they will be submitted to the high post committee of the Parliament for it's approval.

Almost all the political appointees served in as ambassadors and councilors in several foreign countries who were appointed by the previous regime have been recalled to the country recently/

MOTHER THERESA SAID...........

Procurement Manageress Of Lanka Sathosa Limited Has Been Suspended From Her Work For Importing Non Essential Commodities

The Procurement Manageress attached to the Lanka Sathosa (Corporative Wholesale Establishment) Limited has been suspended from her work and given a charge sheet for importing non essential commodities worth Millions of Rupees during the previous government the Sathosa sources have said.

Another stock of non essential commodities worth Rs.304 million have been found last week dumped inside  warehouses of Sathosa outlets situated  Island Wide.These commodities including Baby Pampers ,Expensive cosmetics,Soap ,Shaving Blades,Umbrellas,Kithul Treacle;Baby Swipes,Costly Brand imported toothpastes,Green Tea Sachets and ,Imported Confectionery Items have been expired when recovered  it has been reported.

 Two weeks ago Another  large stock of non essential commodities worth Rs.650 million have been recovered by the special investigations unit officers of the Lanka Sathosa Limited when dumped inside a Sathosa Ware house in Colombo .

Sathosa has been established with the aim of providing essential food commodities like Rice,Dhal,Green Gram,Dried Fish ,Canned Tin Fish ,Sprats ,Local Milk Powders and other dry rations for the people for an affordable prices.

Nurses-PSM'S And Paramedics Numbering 45,000 Are Due To Launch An Island Wide Strike On Thursday(12)

The Government Hospital Nurses along with sixteen other health categories belongs to Professions Supplementary To Medicine(PSM'S) and Para Medical Services are scheduled to be launched an Island Wide token Strike on this Thursday(12) by demanding Rs.15,000 monthly Disturbance,Availability and Transport (DAT) allowance for their professions according to the Joint Confederation Of Nurses-PSM'S and Paramedicals .

As the talks held between the confederation officials and the secretaries of the Ministries Of Public Administration,Finance and Health on last Friday have ended without a solution the Confederation has decided to go with the scheduled strike action from 8 a.m on this Thursday to 8 a.m on Friday the 13th the Joint Convener of the Joint Confederation Of Nurses-PSM'S and Paramedicals Saman Jayasekera has said.

Around 45,000 officers belongs to these professions are due to participate this strike and the emergency services of the state hospitals will be maintained as usual during the strike period he has stressed.

THOUGHT OF THE DAY FROM INSPIRATIONAL QUOTES SITE

Draft Bill On Constitutional Reforms To Be Presented To The Parliament By Next Week

The draft bill on proposed Constitutional Reforms including the amendments to the powers of Executive Presidency is scheduled to be presented to the Parliament by next week government source have said.Prior to it's presentation to the Parliament The All Party Committee On Constitutional Reforms has yesterday meet to discuss the present status of the new legislation.

The Draft Bill is due to be refer to the Supreme Court to determine whether it should be approved by the people in a Referendum before being taken up  in the Parliament.The Legal Draftsman Department has already put the proposed amendments in a legal format.

President Had Left For London On A State Visit

President Maithripala Sirisena had left this morning to London for a five day state visit.The President is expected to participate the 2015 Commonwealth Day celebrations scheduled to be held on this Monday((09) as the chairman of the Commonwealth Summit and the private audience with Queen Elizabeth the second and Duke Of Edinburgh on Wednesday.

President Sirisena is participating these events as the invitee of Queen Elizabeth.He is also scheduled to meet with British Prime Minister Davi
d Cameron.

THOUGHT OF THE DAY FROM INSPIRATIONAL QUOTES SITE

Eighty Drugs Are Identified As The Essential Drugs For Sri Lanka Under The Proposed National Drugs Policy

Around 80 Medicinal Drugs are identified as essential drugs to the country under the Proposed National Medicinal Drugs Policy the chairman of the National Medicinal Drugs Policy Draft Committee Dr.Palitha Abeykoon has said today(06).At present around 800 varieties of drugs have been imported to Sri Lanka annually.

While addressing the media at the seminar on National Medicinal Drugs Policy held today at the Government Information Department, Dr,Abeykoon has said that under the proposed drugs policy the importation of Medicinal Drugs to the country and prescribing drugs to the patients should be done by the generic name.However a special provision will be provided under the policy to the doctors where they can mention the trade name of a specific drug after write it by the generic name when the need arise he has stressed.

However the full authority of whether the prescribed drugs should be purchased through the generic name or by the trade name will be vested with the patients Dr.Abeykoon has said.

Meanwhile both the Government Pharmacists Union and the All Ceylon Government Medical Officers Association have criticized the health authorities on the special provision provided under the drugs policy for doctors to prescribe medicines by trade name in addition to prescribe it with generic name.Under the Professor Senaka Bibile's National
Drugs Policy Concept all medicinal drugs should be prescribed to the patients through generic name the unions have stressed.

When asked on this Dr.Abeykoon who is the head of the National Medicinal Drugs Draft Committee has said that under the present market economy no country will be able to import and prescribe all the drugs under generic name."Therefore we are thinking of introducing generic branded drugs "he has pointed out.

National Medicinal Drugs Regulatory Authority Bill Has Passed In Parliament With Majority Of Votes

The National Medicinal Drugs Regulatory Authority Bill on implementing the National Drug Policy has  passed in the Parliament today(06) with amendments  and  by the majority of 67 votes.The Bill which was tabled in Parliament on Tuesday was passed as 68 MP'S were voted in favor of the bill while the independent  MP Ajith Kumara was voted against it.

The Minister Of Health and Indigenous Medicine Dr.Rajitha Senaratne has tabled the Medicinal Drugs Regulatory Authority Bill on Tuesday which will implement the National Medicinal Drugs Policy based on the concept of Late Professor Senaka Bibile to ensure providing the public a quality medicinal drugs for an affordable prices.

Under the passed Bill an Independent Medicinal Drugs Authority has been due to set up which will monitor the drug importation,distribution and the price mechanism.The authority will be headed by the Health Minister.All the functions presently carryout by the director of Medicinal Supplies And Technologies will be vested to the new independent authority.

Meanwhile Cosmetics will not be supervised
by the new independent drugs authority and the government is planning to introduce a separate bill to monitor cosmetics and related activities.

Dr.Chris Nonis Has Been Appointed As A Presidential Adviser

The former Sri Lankan High Commissioner to the United Kingdom Dr.Chris Nonis has been appointed as the Presidential Adviser on International Affairs the President's Media Unit has announced today(06).

The former High Commissioner to the United Kingdom has resigned from his post during the previous government due to an assault on him by the MP Sajin Vaas Gunawardena.

THOUGHT OF THE DAY FROM INSPIRATIONAL QUOTES SITE

Cabinet Had Suspended The Colombo Port City Project

The Cabinet has yesterday(04) decided to suspend the China funded Colombo Port City project inaugurated during the previous government due to not taking approvals from the relevant authorities before started the project .According to the Cabinet Spokesman Dr.Rajitha Senaratne ,The Cabinet has taken a decision to advise the Chinese Company which is carrying out the port city project to take approvals needed from the relevant institutions withing two week period.

Prime Minister Ranil Wikaramasinha has made this proposal of taking approvals from the relevant authorities by  based on the interim report handed over by the Cabinet Sub Committee which probed on the Colombo Port City Project he has stressed.

During the Presidential Campaign of the recently concluded Presidential Elections both the  Prime Minister Ranil Wikramasinha and President Maithripala Sirisena have stressed  that they will suspend the Colombo port city project soon after coming to power..

Free Monthly Nutritional Food Pack Worth Rs.20,000 For Expecting Mothers From 21st Of March

The Government has decided to give Rs.20,000 worth nutritional food pack for the Pregnant Mothers with effect from 21st of March under the 100 day Programme implement by the present government the Minister Of Health And Indigenous Medicine and Cabinet Spokesman Dr.Rajitha Senaratne has said today(05).

This nutritional food pack will be given monthly  to the expecting mothers during their last six months and first four months after the delivery Dr.Senaratne has revealed.All the expecting mothers who are registered at Maternity Clinics in Government Hospitals are entitled for this monthly nutritional food pack and it will be given with  a doctor's recommendation.

THOUGHT OF THE DAY FROM WORDS OF WISDOM

Around 45,000 Health Professionals To Launch An Island Wide Token Strike On Next Thursday(!2)

Around 45,000 professionals belongs to 16 health professions are due to launch an island wide token strike on next Thursday(12) by demanding  to pay Rs.15,000 as the Disturbance ,Availability and Transport Allowance(DAT) for them with immediate effect the Joint Confederation Of Nurses-Professions Supplementary To Medicine and Paramedicals has announced today(04).

According to the joint convener of the Joint Confederation Saman Ratnapriya,these professions will launch a stern continuous strike action if their demand is not meet through this token strike action.

He has also appealed from the Government Medical Officers Association(GMOA) to refrain from making divisions among the health professions and work for the
betterment of the health sector instead.The GMOA has already began a leaflet distributing campaign among the public by urging the authorities not to pay the DAT Allowance to other health professions except the doctors he has stressed.

The meeting scheduled  to be held between the representatives of the Joint Confederation Of Nurses-Professions Supplementary To Medicine -Paramedicals with the secretaries of  Finance  ,Health and Public Administrations on this Friday regarding the Paying Of DAT Allowance is a crucial one Ratnapriya has stated at the Press Briefing held in Colombo this morning.

THOUGHT OF THE DAY FROM WORDS OF WISDOM

Two Motor Cyclists Wearing Full Face Helmets Have Stolen A Private Bank

Almost a day after the Police have announced the banning of wearing full face covered helmets ,two men who  have been reported as wearing full face covered helmets and arrived from a motor bicycle have stolen Rs.1 million from a Private Bank in Mount lavinia this evening.
T
The two motor cyclists had assaulted the security guard of the private bank and ran away after grabbing the money from the cashier it has been reported,The injured security guard has hospitalized and the Mount Lavinia Police have been conducting the investigations on the robbery.

Police have yesterday(02) announced that the wearing of Full Face covered Helmets are banned with effect from 21st of March.

The Female Who Tried To Damage Sigiriya Frescoes Has Been Sentenced To Two Years Imprisonment

The 27 year old Batticloe female who was arrested for trying to damage Historical Sigiriya Frescoes  by carving her name on the mirror wall has been sentenced to two years imprisonment for the offense by the Dambulla Magistrate Court.

The female who visited Sigiriya with her friends on 15th of February was spotted by an Archeology Officer  when she tried to scrawled the mirror wall by a sharp object .As a result Archeology Officers there arrested her and handed over to the Sigiriya Police.After produced before the dambulla magistrate court yesterday (02)she has been sentenced to two years imprisonment
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THOUGHT OF THE DAY

President Has Cancelled The Gem Mining Licences Of Sixteen Foreign Companies

The President has cancelled the Gem Mining Licences issued for unidentified 16 Foreign Companies to search Blue Sapphires and other Gems in Sri Lankan Soil according to the President's Media Unit.President has cancelled these mining licences in view of protecting local gem miners the unit has said.

However the President's Media Unit has not mentioned clearly  whether these foreign companies whose gem mining  licences have been cancelled are already involved in  gem mining activities in the island  or prepar
ing to setup operations here.

Government To Sought Foreign Assistance For Investigating Financial Fraud Allegations Against Previous Regime

The Government has decided to seek assistance from three foreign countries to help investigate on  large scale financial fraud allegations against the previous government Prime Minister Ranil Wikaramsinha has said.According to the Prime Minister government is seeking the assistance of India ,Britain and United States for these investigations.

Government has already requested the assistance from the World Bank,US Justice Department and Major Fraud Investigations Unit in London regarding these investigations on fraud allegations against the previous government it has been reported.

Wearing Full Face Covered Helmets To Be Banned From 21st Of March

The Police have decided to impose a  ban of using full face covered helmets with effect from 21st of March in view of minimizing occurring   robberies and murders by using them.In the recent past most of the robberies and murders in the society have been occurred by men who were wear full face helmets it has been reported.

According to the Police Spokesman SSP Ajith Rohana ,under this ban wearing of Helmets covering the face between eyebrows to chin would be prohibited.Those who are wearing such helmets covering full face will face a fine of Rs.1000 with effect from 21st of March he has said.

THOUGHT OF THE DAY FROM WORDS OF WISDOM

Drug Quality Assurance Laboratory Becomes A White Elephant -Pharmacists Union

The Government Pharmacists Union Of Sri Lanka has charged that the National Drug Quality Assurance Laboratory established to carryout tests on imported medicinal drugs to Sri Lanka which are suspected as in low quality has become a white elephant wasting millions of public money .

Around Rs.500 million has been allocated annually for the activities of national drug quality assurance laboratory through the annual budget but the laboratory officials have failed to carryout the drug quality check  tests in an effective manner the Union  has said.Due to the delay of issuing quality test reports  from the laboratory most of the times the suspected drugs have been  issued to the innocent patients which may be harmful to them the secretary of the pharmacists union Ajith Tilakeratne has said.

Indian External Affairs Minister To Visit Sri Lanka On 06th Of March

Indian External Affairs Minister Sushma Swaraj is due to arrive Sri Lanka for a two day offcial visit on 06th of March prior to the Indian Prime Minister Narendra Singh Modi's official visit to the country in mid March.During her Visit the Indian External Affairs Minister is scheduled to meet Sri Lankan Prime Minister Ranil Wikaramasinha and Foreign Minister Mangala Samaraweera.

Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi is scheduled to tour Sri Lanka on 13th of March for a three day official visit a first by an Indian Head Of State after 25 years .He is scheduled to visit Northern Sri Lanka,Kandy and Anuradhapaura during his visit.

Airport Customs Have Detected A Consignment Of Satellite Receivers Brought By A Group Of Pilgrims

The Airport Customs have today(01)  detected Rs.1.3 million worth 335 Satellite Receivers and 81 remote controllers inside the luggage of Pilgrims returning  to the island from Dambadiva,India.  The said consignment of Satellite Receivers was found inside the luggage of 11  Pilgrims returning the island  through Chennai ,India the Customs have said.

The Customs Officials have said that the Pilgrims have brought the said Consignment of Satellite Receivers and Remote Controllers per a request made by the leader of the pilgrims who had organized the Pilgrimage.