News

Shortage of 190 medicines in hospitals islandwide

Published

3 months ago

April 12, 2025

editor

It has been recently revealed that delays in document processing delays at the State Pharmaceuticals Corporation (SPC) and at the Price Regulation Committee of the National Medicines Regulatory Authority (NMRA) have also contributed to the prevailing drug shortage.

During a drug review meeting at the Ministry of Health on April 10, it was revealed that delays in processing procurement files at the SPC and delays of files at the NMRA’s Price Regulation Committee have resulted in this.

During the meeting which was chaired by Director General of Health Services, Dr. Asela Gunawardena, it was also revealed that 190 types of medicines are currently in shortage across hospitals islandwide.

Medical Supplies Division officials have warned that the situation may worsen after the Sinhala and Tamil New Year.

Officials noted that while locally manufactured medicines can be obtained quickly, the necessary files are currently delayed at the Price Regulation Committee of the NMRA.

It was also revealed that around 200 completed procurement files at the SPC are delayed, with only 90 released to suppliers for medicine imports.

Also, a process to set up a state-level system for medicine procurement was also discussed.

BIZ

CAA warns of improperly labeled salt products

Published

2 hours ago

June 30, 2025

editor

The Consumer Affairs Authority (CAA) has warned to prosecute importers and retailers selling salt without proper labels, including missing manufacturer/importer info and retail price.

The public is advised not to buy such products, while distributors have urged to maintain valid invoices with supplier details or face legal consequences.

News

New Police Media Spokesman named

Published

2 hours ago

June 30, 2025

editor

The Police Media Division has announced that Assistant Superintendent of Police (ASP) F.U. Wootler has been named as the new Police Spokesperson, effective immediately.

ASP Wootler takes over the role from Senior Superintendent of Police (SSP) Buddhika Manatunga, who has been transferred to serve as the Officer-in-Charge of the Polonnaruwa Division.

News

Indictments served against ex-minister Lakshman Yapa

Published

2 hours ago

June 30, 2025

editor

Former Minister Lakshman Yapa Abeywardena and former Director General of the Board of Investment (BOI) of Sri Lanka – Jayantha Edirisinghe, were served indictments today (June 30) before the Colombo High Court.

The indictments, filed by the Commission to Investigate Allegations of Bribery or Corruption (CIABOC), allege that the two individuals caused a loss of over Rs. 1.7 million to the government.

The alleged offence relates to the use of BOI funds for newspaper advertisements published for the second anniversary of the inauguration of then President Mahinda Rajapaksa in 2014.

The indictments were formally presented to the accused before Colombo High Court Judge Pradeep Abeyratne.

Following the submission of indictments, the defendants were granted bail.