News

India gifts Furosemide injection ampoules to SL

Published

4 months ago

March 13, 2025

editor

Responding to an urgent request from the Government of Sri Lanka, Government of India has gifted 50,000 ampoules of Furosemide injection 20mg/2ml to cater to its shortage in Sri Lankan hospitals in the immediate term.

The consignment was today handed over by the High Commissioner of India to Sri Lanka H.E. Santosh Jha to the Minister of Health and Mass Media of Sri Lanka, Hon. Dr. Nalinda Jayatissa at an event held at the Ministry of Health. Dr Anil Jasinghe, Secretary, Ministry of Health, Dr. Dedunu Dias, Director, Medical Supply Division, and other senior officials from Government of Sri Lanka also attended the event.

India has been a reliable friend and first responder for Sri Lanka during times of difficulties and shortages, including in the health sector. During the Covid-19 pandemic, India supplied over 25 tons of medicines on a special aircraft to Sri Lanka in May 2020; gifted 500,000 doses of Covishield vaccine in January 2021; and 1 lakh Rapid Antigen Test kits in February 2022. In the wake of the economic crisis in Sri Lanka, in February 2022, a USD 1 billion Credit Facility for supply of essential items including medicines was extended in March 2022 for a period of one year, which was subsequently extended until March 2024 on the request of the Government of Sri Lanka. Over 26 tons of drugs and other medical supplies were provided to Peradeniya University Hospital, Jaffna Teaching Hospital, Hambantota General Hospital, among others, in April-May 2022 to meet the acute shortage of medicines.

The health sector has also been an important focus area for India’s development cooperation initiatives in Sri Lanka. Notable initiatives include the island-wide ‘1990 Suwa Seriya’ ambulance service; construction of 150-bed multi-specialty hospital at Dickoya; construction of a new surgical unit at Teaching Hospital, Batticaloa; infrastructure creation and up-gradation, as well as equipment supply, at Jaffna Teaching Hospital, District Hospitals at Kilinochchi and Mullaitivu; among others.

News

A few showers expected today

Published

15 minutes ago

July 1, 2025

editor

A few showers will occur in the Western, Sabaragamuwa and North-western provinces and in the Nuwara-Eliya, Kandy, Galle and Matara districts today (July 01), the Department of Meteorology.

Fairly strong winds of about 30-40kmph can be expected at times over the Western slopes of the central hills and in the Northern, North-central and North-western provinces and in the Trincomalee and Hambantota districts.

The general public has been requested to take adequate precautions to minimize damages caused by temporary localized strong winds and lightning during thundershowers.

News

Fuel prices upped

Published

9 hours ago

June 30, 2025

editor

The Ceylon Petroleum Corporation (CPC) has announced a revision of fuel prices, effective from midnight today (June 30).

The price of Petrol 92 Octane has been increased by Rs. 12 to Rs. 305 per litre, while the price of Kerosene has been increased by Rs. 07 to Rs. 185 per litre. The price of Auto Diesel has also been increased by Rs. 15, bringing it to Rs. 289 per litre.

However, the prices of Petrol 95 Octane and Super Diesel remain unchanged, according to Ceypetco.

The new fuel prices are as follows:

• Petrol Octane 92 – Rs. 305 (increased by Rs. 12)
• Auto Diesel – Rs. 289 (increased by Rs. 15)
• Kerosene – Rs. 185 (increased by Rs. 7)
• Petrol Octane 95 – Rs. 341 (not revised)
• Super Diesel – Rs. 325 (not revised)

Meanwhile, Lanka IOC has also revised retail fuel prices to match Ceypetco prices.

News

Ex-minister Gamini Lokuge passes away

Published

9 hours ago

June 30, 2025

editor

Former Minister and veteran politician Gamini Lokuge has passed away today (June 30) at the age of 82.

Commencing his political career in 1960 as a member of the United National Party, his first successful national-level campaign came in 1983, when he was elected by a clear majority to represent the Kesbewa District.

He served as Minister of Tourism during the UNP-led governments in 1989 and 2002. In 2006, following personal disagreements with then UNP leader Ranil Wickremesinghe, he crossed over to the government of former President Mahinda Rajapaksa.

In January 2007, Lokuge was appointed Minister of Sports and Public Recreation. He was re-elected to Parliament in both 2010 and 2015.

On 27 November 2019, he was appointed State Minister for Urban Development, and on 12 August 2020, he assumed duties as the Cabinet Minister of Transport.