Power Cuts Scheduled To Be Imposed From Today Has Changed After Discussions With Mahawali Hydro Power Complex Officials-Ministry Of Power

There's a possibility of reducing the duration of Power Cuts announced by the Ceylon Electricity Board as the Management Of Mahawali Hydro Power Complex has agreed to produce more electricity to National Grid according to the Minister of Power and Renewable Energy Ranjith Siyambalapitiya.

A discussion regarding producing more electricity to the national grid was held between the authorities of Mahawai Hydro Power Complex and officials of the Ministry of Power and Renewable Energy this this morning.

The Ministry  has this morning announced a short power cuts in Island wide with effect from today as two and half hours for morning between 8 to 10.30 a.m and 1 hour for evening between 6 to 10 p.m except Colombo City limits.

After the discussion held today with officials of the  Mahawali Hydro Power Complex the
the Ministry Of Power has announced that the earlier power cut schedule has been changed now and accordingly power cuts will be imposed island wide  as one hour in the morning and half and hour in the evening except Colombo City limits.

The Gazette Notification on price reduction of 47 Drugs To Be Issued On This Friday-Director General Of Health Services

The Gazette Notification on price reduction of 47 widely used essential drugs is due to be issued on this Friday(21) the Director General Of Health Services Dr.Palitha Mahipala has announced today(17).

Addressing a Press Briefing held at his office in Ministry Of Health,Nutrition and Indigenous Medicine this morning Dr.Mahipala has stated that the Legal Draftsman's Office is scheduled to handed over the regulations regarding price reduction of 47 essential drugs by this Thursday(20) and the Gazette Notification signed by Health Minister Dr.Rajitha Senaratne will be issued next day (Friday).

The formula of Price reduction of essential drugs and the varieties of drugs subjected to be reduced will be announced during a press briefing scheduled to be held tomorrow(18) at Government Information Department in Narahenpita he has stressed.

After issuing the Gazette Notification on this Friday Health Ministry will check whether the Pharmacies in the country sell the 47 essential drugs prescribed for major diseases including Diabetes,High Blood Pressure and Heat Ailments for maximum retail price recommended by the price formula prepared by Independent Drug Regulatory Authority.

The Provincial Health Authorities will inspect the pharmacies to ensure the price reduction of drugs has been implemented Dr.Mahipala has stated.

HEALTH TIP

Health benefits of passion fruit

• Delicious, passion fruit is rich source of antioxidants, minerals, vitamins, and fiber. 100 g fruit contains about 97 calories.
  
• The fruit is a very good source of dietary fiber. 100 g fruit pulp contains 10.4 g or 27% of fiber. Good fiber in the diet helps remove cholesterol from the body. Being a good bulk laxative, it also helps protect the colon mucous membrane by decreasing exposure time to toxic substances in the colon and wiping off cancer-causing toxic substances from the colon.
  
• Passion fruit is good in vitamin C, providing about 30 mg per 100 g. Vitamin-C (ascorbic acid) is a powerful water soluble anti-oxidant. Consumption of fruits rich in vitamin C helps the body develop resistance against flu-like infectious agents and scavenge harmful, pro-inflammatory free radicals.
  
• The fruit carry very good levels of vitamin-A (provides about 1274 IU per 100 g), and flavonoid antioxidants such as ß-carotene and cryptoxanthin-ß. Current research studies suggest that these compounds have antioxidant properties, and along with vitamin A are essential for good eye-sight.
  
• Vitamin A is also required for maintaining healthy mucus membranes and skin. Consumption of natural fruits rich in vitamin-A, and flavonoids may helps to protect from lung and oral cavity cancers.
  
• Fresh granadilla is very rich in potassium. 100 g fruit pulp has about 348 mg of potassium. Potassium is an important component of cells and body fluids, and helps regulate heart rate and blood pressure.
  
• Furthermore, granadilla is a very good source of minerals. Iron, copper, magnesium and phosphorus are present in adequate amounts in the fruit. 
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Passion Fruit Leaf Is Nature's Formula For Blood Pressure, Insomnia an. There are many potential benefits of the passion flower when it is used as a dietary supplement. This herb is commonly used to help treat conditions such as insomnia, anxiety, and seizure disorders.

Director General Of Bribery Commission Has Tendered Her Resignation

Director General of the Bribery Commission Dilrukshi Dias Wikramasinghe has today(17) tendered her resignation to President Maithripala Sirisena it has been reported.

President Sirisena had last week accused three institutions  namely Bribery Commission,Police Financial Crimes Investigations Division(FCID) and Criminal Investigations Department(CID) by claiming these institutions are acting according to a political agenda and criticized the way Bribery Commission recall former Defense Secretary Gotabaya Rajapakshe and former Naval Commanders to the Commission.

President has also stated that although he is appointing the heads  for Commissions he was not informed on any of the previous activity of these Commissions.

The Director General Of the Bribery Commission Dilrukshi Dias Wikramasinghe was formally attached to the Attorney General's Department and appointed to the head post of the Commission by President Sirisena on 12th of February 2012.

"TIME-A RIVER WITHOUT BANKS"(1930-1939) A POPULAR ARTWORK OF YESTERYEAR RUSSIAN-FRENCH ARTIST MARC CHAGALL(1887-1985)

A Person With 35,800 Illegal Cigarettes Had Been Arrested At Katunayake Air Port

The Air Port customs officers have today (16) arrested a 36 year old Sri Lankan who brought a stock of 35,800  foreign Cigarettes illegally to the country at Katunayake Bandaranaike International Air Port.

The value of the stock of Cigarettes in possession of the suspect is estimated as Rs.1.5 million according to the Air Port Customs Officers.

The suspect who is a resident in Maligawatte Area has arrived in Katunayake Air Port from Dubai it has been reported.

The Air Port Customs Officers are currently questioning the suspect regarding the incident.

Navy Personal Arrested A Person With Six Kilos Of Cannabis In His Possession At Mattakkuliya

Navy Personal had arrested a person who was transporting a haul of cannabis by a three wheeler with 6 kilo grammes of cannabis in his possession at Mattakkuliya area.

The Navy Personal had handed over the suspect along with the haul of cannabis to Paliyagoda Police for further action.