News

Cancer treatment in Galle Teaching Hospital disrupted

Published

2 months ago

April 25, 2025

editor

Radiation treatments at the cancer unit of the Galle National Hospital in Karapitiya are facing a standstill after the Linear Accelerator device at the unit has been out of order since April 23.

According to the Government Radiological Technologists Association (GRTA) President – Chanaka Dharmawickrama, the malfunction is due to a malfunctioning of the Chiller established at the unit. Linear accelerators and chillers are often used together in medical settings, particularly for radiation therapy. Chillers help maintain the optimal temperature for the linear accelerator, which is crucial for its operation and the accuracy of treatments. The cost of such a Chiller is nearly Rs.800 million, reports say.

Due to this being the only Linear Accelerator device in the Southern Province, a large number of patients are seriously affected.

There are 10 Linear Accelerator devices in hospitals in Sri Lanka. There are 05 in Apeksha Hospital, 02 at Kandy Hospital, and one each at the Galle Hospital, Jaffna Hospital and Batticaloa Hospital.

The GRTA points out that 04 out of these 10 Linear Accelerators are currently out of order with the main reason being the improper maintenance of temperature and humidity conditions in the units the devices are housed in.

The GRTA warns that frequent breakdowns caused by poor maintenance of environmental controls, have shortened the machines’ lifespan and led to repeated treatment disruptions.
The association warns that continued neglect of repairs will jeopardize both the machines’ longevity and the ability to provide uninterrupted treatment for patients.

Ongoing machine failures are causing further delays, forcing cancer patients to wait several months for radiation treatment.

Private sector treatment for cancer patients could cost between Rs.500,000 and Rs.1.7 million, an amount beyond the reach of most Sri Lankans.

News

Japan grants US$ 2.5 mn. to SL to strengthen anti-corruption mechanisms

Published

3 hours ago

July 1, 2025

editor

The Government of Japan has granted USD 2.5 million to Sri Lanka to strengthen anti-corruption mechanisms under a 3-year project for Promoting Prosecution of Corrupt Practices through the Establishment of Anti-corruption Mechanism.

Japanese ambassador in Sri Lanka – Mr. Akio Isomata and UNDP resident representative in Sri Lanka – Ms. Azusa Kubota, in the presence of Justice Minister – Harshana Nanayakkara, launched ‘The Project for Promoting Prosecution of Corrupt Practices through the Establishment of Anti-Corruption Mechanism’

The three year initiative is supported by the Government of Japan and implemented by the UNDP Sri Lanka, working in close collaboration with the (CIABOC) and the Ministry of Justice.

The project aims to promote transparency, accountability and integrity in governance and business practices through effective and institutionalised preventive mechanisms in the public and investment promotion sectors, strengthen institutions to enhance corruption related investigative processes, improve coordination with stakeholders and ensure quality of prosecutions, empower citizens to effectively mobilise against corruption and enhance social accountability.

The project also seeks to engage and empower youth, children and journalists to actively contribute to the fight against corruption and promote a culture of integrity.

News

3 ex-DMT officials including ex-commissioner, remanded

Published

4 hours ago

July 1, 2025

editor

Former Commissioner General Nishantha Weerasingha and two other former officials of the Department of Motor Traffic (DMT) have been arrested by the Commission to Investigate Allegations of Bribery or Corruption (CIABOC).

The arrests were made as part of an investigation into vehicles that were illegally registered with the Department of Motor Traffic without receiving proper clearance from Sri Lanka Customs, CIABOC said in a statement.

According to CIABOC, former Commissioner General Nishantha Weerasinghe has been arrested for granting approval to issue a number plate for a jeep.

Additionally, a former Assistant Director of Information Technology at the department and a clerk have also been taken into custody for facilitating the illegal data entry and executing it.

The suspects were produced before the Colombo Magistrate’s Court and were ordered to be remanded until July 08.

News

Ex-Immigration Controller pleads guilty

Published

6 hours ago

July 1, 2025

editor

Controller of Immigration and Emigration – Harsha Illukpitiya, today (July 01) unconditionally pleaded guilty before the Supreme Court in a case related to contempt of court.

The charge stemmed from his failure to comply with a court order related to the e-visa issuance process.

The Supreme Court announced that sentencing will take place on July 24.