WHO Decided To Set Up A Health Professional Training Center In Sri Lanka For South East Asia

World Health Organization(WHO) has decided to setting up the proposed Training Center For Health Professionals in South East Asian Nations at National Health Institute in Kalutara( Out side Colombo).According the Health Ministry sources the National Health Institute will developed as the  Training Center soon with the blessings of WHO.

The South East Asian Director of WHO Dr.Shamlee Pliyan bang chang met the Sri Lankan Health Minister Maithrepala Sirisena this morning to discuss on  forming of the proposed Training Center.

The Training Center for Health Professionals is setting up in Colombo according to a request made by Health Ministers of South East Asian Nations.

Government Handed Over A Proposal To Invesitigate On Opposition MP Dr Jayawardena

Chief Government Whip and the House leader handed over a proposal to  the speaker Chamal Rajapaksha this morning  requesting to  appoint a sub committee to investigate on  MP of main opposition United National Party(UNP) Dr Jayalath Jayawardena  to see whether he has acted against the state.

78 MP's were signed the proposal which was presented by the Chief Government Whip Minister Dinesh Gunawardena and House Leader Nimal Siripala De Silva.Government MP'S charged MP Dr Jayawardena for backing of the Demonstration held in London last week by  LTTE Supporters against the arrival of President Rajapaksha .

British Defense Secretary To Deliver Lakshman Kadiragamer Memorial Lecture On 18th

British Defense Secretary Dr.Liam Fox is scheduled to deliver the Lakshman Kadiragamer Memorial Lecture held to commemorate the former Sri Lankan Foreign Secretary who was assassinated by LTTE ,in Colombo on 18th of December.The visit of the British Defense Secretary is already confirmed despite the confusion arise in the country over  cancellation of President Mahinda Rajapaksha's speech at Oxford Union last week.

Ministry Of Health To Purchase 29 Varieties Of Drugs Made Locally For Govt.Hospitals From Next Year

The Ministry Of Health has decided to purchase 29 varieties of Drugs produced locally  by the State Pharmaceutical Manufacturing Corporation(SPMC) for Government Hospitals next year.According the Ministry Sources 26 varieties of Tablets and 3 varieties of Capsules are among the drugs the Ministry is going to purchase from SPMC.

The aim of this decision is to reduced the drug shortage occurred in Government Hospitals time to time the Health Ministry sources has said.Health Minister Maithrepala Sirisena is in the view that the government should purchase 50 percent of the 69 drug varieties produced locally by SPMC sources added.

Meanwhile the Ministry Of Health planned to import 14,600 items of Drugs,Surgical Items and Laboratory Chemicals for Government Hospitals next year.

Three Govt.Ministers Want To Bring No Confidence Motion Against Another Opposition MP

Three Government Ministers criticized the statement made by the Deputy Leader of main opposition United National Party(UNP) Karu Jayasuriya to a weekend news paper by saying Sri Lanka should probe on the alleged war crime charges and stressed that the Government will bring a no confidence motion against him.

Speaking at a press briefing held in Parliament today the Minister of Construction and Engineering Wimal Weerawansha has said that the Government will bring the motion soon against Opposition MP Jayasuriya.

Addressing the briefing Minister of Petroleum Susil premjayanth has said that the whole country should stand against the MP.

Health Minister Requested The Support Of Both Govt.And Opposition MP's On Drug Policy

Health Minister Maithrepala Sirisena has requested the support of both Government and Opposition MP's for implementing the proposed National Drug Policy within next year. While speaking on the Budget of Health Ministry at the Parliament today the Minister has stressed that  it will not an easy task to implement the Drug Policy and said that he will implementing the policy  with revisions suits today to improve the quality of Drugs import to sri lanka according to the vision of late professor Senaka Bibile.

Prime Minister Says No Democratic Nation Should Stay Silence Over The London Demonstrations

Prime Minister D.M Jayaratna said today that no democratic nation in the world should stay in  silence with regarding the incident happened to Sri Lankan President in London where the LTTE Sympathizers demonstrated against his visit at the Air Port last week.He also stressed that the double stranded of some western countries on terrorism should be revealed to the world.

Floods Displaced 62,000 People Island Wide

Due to the floods experienced in several parts of the country two people have been died and around 62,000 people were displaced according the Disaster Management Center.The two deaths were reported from Matara and Welimada areas .

Rain and Floods also damaged around 188 houses island wide and 1237 houses partially  during last few weeks.According to the Disaster Management Center 6244 displaced  persons were now locate in 56 camps situated Island wide.

Two Sluice Gates Of Victoria Reservoir Opened

Two sluice gates of the Victoria Reservoir opened today due to the heavy showers prevails today.This is the first time that these gates were opened automatically since the year 2005.

According to the authorities all gates of Victoria Reservoir will open if the heavy showers continues during the coming days .

Government To Import Chicken And Eggs For Festive Season

Government to import Chicken and Eggs to the country for this festive season to keep the prices of these food items stable according to the Minister of Co operatives and Internal Trade  Jhonston Fernando.

Several Roads In And Off Colombo Flooded

Several Main Roads in and off Colombo were flooded due to the heavy showers prevails today almost whole day.According the Police Emergency Unit the Roads Thunmulla Junction,Cemetery Roundabout(Borella),Armour Street,Kirulapona ,Ayurveda Junction and Robert Gunawardena Road were flooded following the heavy showers.

President Rajapaksha Returned To Island

President Mahinda Rajapaksha has returned to Island from London this eve with amidst cheers from his government MP's, Ministers and party supporters who were gathered at the Katunayake International Air Port to great him.

Buddhist,Tamil and Islam Priests too were there to blessed the President.

President Rajapaksha To Return Home This Eve

President Mahinda Rajapaksha is due to return to the country this eve  from London.According to the Government sources Government Ministers and Parliamentarians are arranged arousing welcome for the President at Katunayake International Air Port in Colombo.

Opposition Leader Proposed The Speeker To Appoint A Committee To Inquire MP Jyalath Jayawardena

The opposition leader Ranil Wikramasinha today proposed the speaker to appoint a committee to inquire whether the opposition MP Dr Jayalath Jayawardena is involved in protest held at London against Sri Lankan President.Opposition Leader has further said that If he is found not guilty in this inquiry government should release him with all  the allegations they made against him.

The chief government whip Minister Dinesh Gunawardena too agreed with the proposal.

Minister Weerawansha And Supporters Protest Infront Of British High Commission In Colombo

The leader of the National Freedom Front and Minister of Construction and Engineering Wimal Weerawansha and his supporters today marched towards the British High Commission in Colombo and hold a protest there to opposed the British government's failure to provide security for the visiting Sri Lankan President when he arrived London.

Manwhile the consular division of the high commission is reportedly as closed today for public.British High Commission in Colombo yesterday said that the British government has nothing do with the cancellation of the speech of sri alnkan president at oxford union as it is a private affair.

Controversial Opposition MP Made A Special Statement In Parliament While Government MP's Interfere

Opposition MP Dr.Jayalatah Jayawardena who  faced an assault from the hands of  top Government Ministers yesterday made a special statement in Parliament today and said that he is not a representative of Tigers and  was not involved the protests held by certain Tamil Group in Heathrow Air Port in London against the  visiting Sri Lankan President Mahinda Rajapaksha on 29th of November.

He stressed that the day which protest held he was in Itlay and not in Britain.Commenting on the allegations and assult made against him by Government Ministers Dr.Jayawardene has said he will pray that no MP will   face such a false accusations and violation of human rights in the future,

When Dr Jayawardene made his speech several government MP's tried to interfere his speech which was prevented by the speeker chamal rajapaksha.The speeker advised several government Mp's and said if they continue this behaviour will not hesitstent to remove them from the house for a week.

Parliament Proceedings Postponed For 10 Minutes As Three Government Ministers Attempt To Assault Opposition MP

Following the cancellation of President Rajapaksha's Speach at Oxford Union three Government Ministers attempted to assault  the MP of the main opposition United National Party(UNP) Dr.Jayalath Jayawardena today at the Parliament charging that the MP is behind the protests held at  Heath row Air Port on 29th of November when President arrived London.

The protests were organized by pro LTTE groups in London it has been reported.

Ministers Chief Government Whip Dinesh Gunawardena,Anura Priyadharshana Yapa and Jagath Pushpakumara were tried to assault the opposition MP which was prevented by other MP's.

Due to the tension occurred  Parliament proceedings postponed  by 10 minutes.

Oxford Union Canceled The Sri Lankan President's Speech Citing Security Reasons

Oxford Union has canceled the speech of Sri Lankan President Mahinda Rajapaksha scheduled to be  delivered in Wednesday Night  at Oxford University citing
 security reasons due to the protests conducted by Pro LTTE supporters in London.

The Oxford Union has announced yesterday the cancellation of the scheduled speech of Sri Lankan President.President Rajapaksha arrived London on 29th of November to address the Oxford Union.

President was due to address the Union in November but canceled the event at that time due to the swear in ceremony of the President's second term of office held in 18th of November.

Sri Lanka Remains As A Low Prevalent Country In HIV/AIDS-But Risk Factors Are Everywhere

World AIDS Day falls today(01).According the Sri Lanka's National STD/AIDS Control Programme 1285 HIV Infections were reported since the reporting of first AIDS Patient from the country in 1987.Out of these HIV Infections 332 got AIDS.

There are 46 HIV Infected infants in the Country who got  the virus through their mothers.It has been reported that 90 percent of these mothers infected from the virus through their husbands.According to the reports it has been estimated that there are around 3000 HIV Infected people who are above the age of 15 years and 35 Children who are under the age 15.When comparing to other South East Asian Countries Sri Lanka still having a low prevalence on spreading HIV/AIDS but their are high  risk factors prevails in the local society which may have cause spreading of  the disease Doctors stressed.

Ministry Of External Affairs To Avoid Commenting On Materials Published In Wiki Leaks

The Ministry Of External Affairs has said today that the Ministry does not wish to comment publicly on Privileged Communications of a Foreign Government put in the Public Domain by Wiki Leaks however added that  if the contents reveal any material related to Sri Lanka's interests these will be taken up through Diplomatic Ch annals

The press release issued by the Ministry today has stated that the Ministry of External Affairs will not condone the act of the putting the privileged and .confidential information in a Public Domain in an illegal manner.However the Ministry is in the process of obtaining the contents of the documents allegedly pertaining to Sri Lanka put in the Wiki Leaks Web Site the release further stressed.

One Person Killed And 16 Injured Due To A Grenade Blast At Nuwara Eliya Police Station

One person killed and 16 including  14 Police Officers were injured due to a Grenade Blast occurred in Nuwara Eliya Police Station(Hill Country) to day.

A suspect who was arrested by the Police men with 16 gram mes Marijuana blasted the Grenade near the Police Station gate when he was stopped by Police Officers while trying to escape.The Suspect was killed from the blast.

According to the Police Spokesman the suspect was arrested today and brought to the Police Station and there he threatened to blast the Grenade inside his pocket and ran.At that time Two Police Officers who guarded the gate tried to stop him and the suspect blasted the grenade.

Wiki Leaks Report Says Sri Lanka's Bid To Host Commonwealth Heads Of State Summit Turned Down Due To HR Concerns

According to the Wiki Leaks revelations on Sri Lanka it stated that Commonwealth Political Director Amitav Banarji has said in June 2009 that the Sri Lanka's offer  to host the next Commonwealth heads of summit was turned down due to  Human Rights concerns.

Banarji has reported as saying that the Human Rights Situation in both during and after the Military Offensive had been raised informally and off the record by UK during last Commonwealth Ministerial action group meeting.

President Rajapaksha To Meet British Defense Secretary Liam Fox

Sri Lankan President Mahinda Rajapaksha who left for United Kingdom yesterday due to meet higher officials in British Government  including Defense Secretary Liam Fox during his visit there.

President Rajapaksha is in UK on an invitation of the Oxford University officials and scheduled to  address Oxford Union on Thursday(02).

High Court Postponed Hearing The Bail Application Of University Student Activist

Colombo High Court today postponed the court hearing on  bail application submitted by the Convener of Inter University Federation Udul Premarathna till 24th of January.Udul is remanded on the allegations of damaging valuable properties belongs to University Grants Commission Building in Colombo 07 last month during a students protest.

High Court Decided To Postpone The Trial On High Corp

Colombo High Court has decided today to postponed the hearing of Hi Corp Court Case against Imprisoned former Army Commander General Sarath Fonseka till the Supreme Court issue their verdict on whether the court martial is a valid court or not.

General Sarath Fonseka who is in Welikada Prison was produced before the courts today by  prison officials.

The Supreme Court is due to hear the trial  on court martial in 06th of December.

US Embassy In Sri Lanka Criticized The Wiki leaks Revelations On Sri Lanka

While criticizing the Wiki leaks web site for revealing secret documents of American State the United States Embassy in Sri Lanka said that the United States Government will take relevant measures to prevent leaking of state security matters in future.

US Embassy issued an official statement regarding the leakage of secret documents of American state after it has been revealed that more then 3000 secret documents belongs to   US state on Sri Lanka too published in controversial Wiki leaks web site.

The statement also stressed that these revelations of Wiki leaks web site is an uncompleted statement onUS foreign policy.

Health Ministry To Reduce The Long Queue Of Heart Patients In Colombo National Hospital

Health Minister Maithrepala Sirisena has said today that to reduce the long queue of Heart Patients waiting list at the Colombo National Hospital some patients in the list are transferred to Karapitiya (in Southern Province) and Sri Jayawardenapura (Colombo suburbs) Hospitals for heart surgery.

Addressing a Press Briefing at the Health Ministry this noon He also said that will take necessary action to improve the space of Cardio-Thoracic Unit in Colombo National Hospital with building a new Surgical Unit for the benefit of Heart Patients who are in the waiting list.Although the Surgical Facilities available in the Cardio Thoracic Unit is adequate  due to the large number of Heart Patients registered every month at the Hospital made a huge queue he stressed.

Sri Lanka And Pakistan Signed Four Bi Lateral Agreements

Sri Lanka and Pakistan signed 4 Bi lateral agreements yesterday in Colombo with the presense of visisting Pakistani President Asif Al Zaradari and Sri Lankan President Mahinda Rajapaksha.

The two presidents hold two hour talak at the Presdients Office in Colombo prior to signing these agreements.The signed agreements are on Visa concessions for .Employers,Agricultural,Administration and Arts

Two People Died And FIve Injured Due To Rainy Weather

Two People died and Five were injured in past few days due to heavy showers along with strong winds prevails in the country since two weeks.Also nearly 54,000 people affected due to the flood condition prevails in several parts of the country caused by rain.

According the Disaster Management Center Around 61 houses were completely destroyed and 25 houses were partially destroyed due to the rain.The worst affected are Monaragala,Gmapaha,Puttalam,Mannar,Jaffna and Vavuniya Districts.

Meanwhile the National Building Research Organization has said that there is a high risk of land slides in many areas in the country if the rain continues in coming days.

Nearly 1000 Families Re Settled In Valikkalam Of Northern Sri Lanka

Nearly 1000 families were re settled in Valikkalam in Northern Sri Lanka today which was earlier  a High Security Zone.Sri Lankan Army removed the High Security Zone to re settle the original owners of the land in the area according to Military.Government Ministers including EPDP Leader Douglas Devananda were present at the occasion.

Senior Minister Tissa Vitharana Unhappy On Salary Increment Of Govt.Servants

The Senior Government Minister Professor Tissa Vitharana today told in Parliament that he is disappointed over the Salary Increment given under the 2011 Budget Proposals for the Government Servants and insisted that at least Rs.2500 Salary Increment should have given.

Speeker Warned Govt. MP Carder On Using Obscene Language

The Speaker Chamal Rajapaksha warned MP Abdul Carder who recently crossed over to the Government from the Main Opposition United National Party(UNP) to avoid using obscene language when addressing others in Parliament after he used an obscene language against MP Mangala Samaraweera this morning.Speaker has also instructed MP Carder to take back the  comments he made.

Sri Lanka's Debt For Year 2010 Is Rs.4,347,500 Million

Sri Lanka's Debt for the year 2010 is Rs Million 4,347,500 the chief Government Whip Minister Dinesh Gunawardena has said in Parliament today.Out of this debt Rs.2,544,200 million  belongs to local loans and Rs.1,803,300 million are from foreign loans.

Minister Gunawardena revealed these facts as a reply to the question raised by Opposition MP Ravi Karunanayake regarding the foreign debt of the country.

Pakistan President Al Zardari To Arrive Sri Lanka Tomorrow

The President of Islamic Republic Of Pakistan Asif Al Zardari is due to arrive Sri Lanka for a four day official visit tomorrow morning.He is visiting Sri Lanka on an invitation of President Mahinda Rajapaksha.

During his stay in Colombo Pakistani President is due to meat the members of Sri Lanka Pakistani Parliamentary Association and will address a Business Forum.

University Students Federation Convener Furher Remanded

Colombo Chief Magistrate today ordered to further remand of the imprisoned convener of the Inter University Federation Udul Premarathne till 10th of December.He and 21 other students  of Inter University Federation were charged for entering and damaging the properties of University Grants Commission Building in Colombo  last month.

No Price Hike In Fuel Next 12 Months

The Petroleum Development Minister Susil Prem Jayantha has said today that there will be no price increase of petroleum in next 12 months.Speaking to the media after assuming duties in his ministry today the Minister has said that government will stop purchasing fuel from global market and looking to buy fuel from friendly neighbor countries.

Another Minister And Three Deputies Sworn In To Day

A Senior Minister and three Deputy Ministers were sworn in before President Mahinda Rajapaksha at the Temple Trees this eve bringing the total number of Ministers in present cabinet to 61 and Deputy Ministers to 34.Accordingly MP Milroy Fernando sworn in as the Minister of Social Welfare and MP's Neomal Perera as  Deputy Minister of External Affairs, Sarath Kumara Guneratne as Deputy Minister of State Resources and  Enterprise Development and Wijaya Dahanayake as Deputy Minister of  Public Administration.

Rs.21,71,303 Spent Daily To Remove Garbage From Colombo City

Rs.21,71,303 has spent daily by the Colombo Municipal Council to  remove garbage from City of Colombo The Minister of Provincial Councils MP Indika Bandaranaike has said  in Parliament today.According to the Minister daily around 700 tonnes of garbage are collected from the Colombo City and in some days garbage is collected two or three times.

Miniater Bandaranaike revealed these facts as a response to the question raised on collecting garbage in Colombo City by  Opposition MP Ravi Karunanayake.MP Karunanayake said that the government is giving false details on collecting garbage in the city and charged that the government is not having a proper policy to dispose garbage in the city.

However denying these charges Minister Bandaranaike has said that government is having a national policy in collecting garbage.

Thunder Showers To Continue Tomorrow

Thunder Showers prevails  in the Country will continue tonight as well assisted with strong winds according to the Meteorological Department.

Met Department sources said that occasional showers will expected in Eastern,Central and Uva Provinces while evening thunder showers will experienced mostly in the Western Coastal areas tomorrow.

300 Houses And 16,000 Residents Affected Due To Heavy Showers Prevailes In The Country

Nearly 300 houses were damaged and around 16,000 residents were displaced due to the heavy showers assisted by winds and flood conditions prevails in the country at present according to the Disaster Management Center.Several Roads in and around Colombo seen flooded caused heavy traffic during the evening and some Roads are closed due to the flood situation.

Nearly 3500 people were displaced in the Districts of Kandy,Matara,Nuwara Eliya,Kurunagala,Puttalam and Monaragala due to the showers which lasted few hours today.Two Camps for the displaced were set up in Puttalam and Gamapaha Districts according to the Disaster Management Center.

Several Roads including the High Level Road connected to the Baseline Junction were flooded and some schools and Temples situated in flooded roads too were affected by this.

President Appointed Ministry Secretaries

President Mahinda Rajapaksha yesterday appointed secretaries to the 53 Ministries including Secretaries of the President and the Prime Minister.

The Judge Panel Of White Flag Case Ordered A Pvt T.V Channal To Produced An Original Video Of Gen.Fonseka's Speech

The three member judge panel who are conducting the White Flag case filed against Imprisoned Former Army Commander General Sarath Fonseka today(24) ordered a local Private T.V Ch annal who recorded General Fonseka's speech regarding the White Flag Case in a rally to produced the original video of that rally to the next court proceedings.

The case is held regarding a statement said to be made by General Fonseka as a presidential candidate during last January's Presidential Campaign rally stating that he learned from a third party that the Defense Secretary had ordered to kill LTTE Leaders who came with white flags to surrender to Armed Forces during the final phase of the war.

The three member judge panel ordered the original video footage after  the Attorney of  the Defendant requested to do so.

The next court proceeding on the case is due to held in 29th of November.

Chandima Weerakkody Appointed As New Dep.Speeker

The Government MP for  Galle District(Southern Province) Chandima Weerakkody was appointed as the new Deputy Speaker unanimously today during Parliamentary Proceedings.

Ministry Of Health To Expand Local Drug Production

The Ministry Of Health is planned to increase the manufacturing of Medicinal Drugs up to 3500 million tablets annually  from the present annual production of 1200 million tablets to meet the local demand.Under this plan Ministry aims to increased the annual Drug Production of  State Pharmaceuticals Corporation(SPMC) to meet 75 percent of  local demand according to Ministry sources.

In view of this SPMC yesterday opened a new Drug manufacturing Unit to increase it's production.At present the SPMC produced 63 varieties of Drugs and released to the market under the generic name.

Meanwhile the State Pharmaceuticals Corporation which imported the Drugs for Government Hospitals expand their Distribution Services with opening new Drug Stores in five cities with the cost of Rs.150 million.

Main Opposition UNP To Vote Against The Budget

The Secretary of the main opposition  United National Party(UNP) Tissa Attanayake said today that his party decided to vote against the Government's 2011 Budget Proposals as it failed to met people's expectations.Government totally failed to deliver goods to the people as promised he stressed.

Addressing a media briefing in Colombo today UNP Secretary said that although Government failed to give concessions to the people it spent millions of rupees to maintain a jumbo Cabinet.Sri Lanka's Cabinet is the largest Cabinet in the world he further added.

The Debate On Second Reading Of The Budget Began Today

The debate on the second reading of Government's 2011 Budget is began today and will continue till 29th of November.The voting for the second reading will  be held in eve of 29th of November.

The Committee level Budget Debate will begin in 30th of November and continue till 10th of December.The Final voting for the Budget will take place in Parliament in eve of 10th of December.

President Wants Newly Appointed Cabinet Ministers To Stop Criticizing Their Predecessors

After  Newly Appointed Cabinet Members took their oaths this morning President Mahinda Rajapaksha had advised the Cabinet Ministers avoid criticizing their predecessors and work to end corruption in their ministries.He also praised the two deputy ministers who turned down the offered Ministerial Posts to them and remained as Deputy Ministers.

More From The Budget

While announcing that all the BOI(Board Of Investment) Projects failed to initiate during last five years should submit fresh applications President Mahinda Rajapaksha said during his Budget Speech that the two locally based  International Air Lines the Sri Lankan and Mihin Air Lines will exempted from taxes to increase the profits of those Air Lines  within next 10 years.


Except this the other Benefits offered from the Budget includes removing all taxes imposed on importing medicines and medical supplies completely ,granting Rs.100,000 for every third child born in a Soldiers Family and allocating three billion rupees for the economic welfare of the Soldiers.

59 Member New Cabinet Sworn In

New Cabinet of the present government compromising 59 Members took their oaths before President Mahinda Rajapaksha this morning at Presidential Secretariat in Colombo.Ten Deputy Ministers were promoted as Ministers and the subject stream of some ministries too changed.

Electricity And Income Licence Taxes Increased

Under the new budget proposals the tax imposed on consumers consuming more then 90 units of electricity will be increased by 10 percent from next year.

Meanwhile Annual Income License Tax  is increased by 10 percent.