The Government Medical Officers’ Association (GMOA) has raised concerns over a serious shortage of essential medicines in Sri Lanka’s healthcare system, including painkillers, antibiotics, and drugs for high blood pressure, diabetes, and kidney diseases.

GMOA media spokesperson – Dr. Chamil Wijesinghe has stated that, according to official data as of May, around 180 essential medicines, along with various medical and surgical equipment, are currently in short supply.

He also emphasized that cancer patients in particular, have been impacted by months-long shortages of a key drug, resulting in treatment limitations.

The acceptance of applications for medical assistance under the President’s Fund through Divisional Secretariats island wide commenced on February 7. Following the successful implementation of that initiative, preparations have now been completed to expand the digital system to include all other services offered by the Fund.

Accordingly, the public will be able to apply online via any Divisional Secretariat across the country for a wide range of services provided under the President’s Fund. These include assistance for poverty alleviation, provision of educational scholarships, recognition of students demonstrating academic excellence, support for individuals with special needs, relief assistance for children affected by wild elephant conflict, recognition of individuals for their national service or contributions to the country,  Emergency and disaster relief. 

This digital transformation marks a significant milestone, as it enables people across Sri Lanka to access services of the President’s Fund from anywhere in the country for the first time in its 47-year history, which had previously been limited to Colombo-based operations.

This move comes as a result of a decision taken by the Board of Governors of the President’s Fund, chaired by the President. It is expected to broaden access to assistance for a larger number of beneficiaries while also minimizing opportunities for misuse of the Fund.

(President’s Media Division)

Charred remains of a police officer have been discovered inside a three-wheeler at Kammal Thotupola beach in Kochchikade, Negombo this morning (June 14).

The deceased has been identified as 56-year-old Jayantha Pushpakumara, a police sergeant driver attached to the Negombo Divisional Criminal Investigation Unit and a resident of Dalupatha, Negombo.

Residents who had discovered the scene today morning had alerted the Kochchikade Police. 

Investigations have since been launched by the Kochchikade Police in coordination with the Negombo SSP’s office.

No further details have yet been revealed. 

The remains will be taken to the Negombo General Hospital for a post-mortem examination following the Magistrate’s inquest.