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ADB approves USD 100 mn. for Sri Lanka’s water sector reforms

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The Water Supply and Estate Infrastructure Development Ministry welcomed the approval of a USD 100 million policy-based loan from the Asian Development Bank (ADB) to support transformative reforms in Sri Lanka’s water supply and sanitation sector.

This programme aims to enhance the sector’s sustainability, climate resilience and efficiency, building on the Ministry’s efforts to ensure equitable access to clean water and improved infrastructure in response to climate change.

The ADB’s Water Supply and Sanitation Reform Programme includes two sub-programmes, designed to establish policies and strategies at the national level and to ensure the effective implementation of these reforms through the National Water Supply and Drainage Board (NWSDB).

These reforms target critical issues such as fragmented water resources management, inadequate climate adaptation and governance challenges.

The reforms introduced under this programme include the adoption of a Climate Change Resilience Roadmap, climate-resilient project appraisal frameworks, business efficiency action plans, a private sector participation framework, an investment framework and water safety plans.

The project will enhance the performance of the NWSDB and ensure equitable water allocation, gender-sensitive service delivery and long-term sustainability.

(dailymirror.lk)

(This story, originally published by dailymirror.lk has not been edited by SLM staff)

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Long surgery waiting lists at hospitals ; report called

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A special discussion between Secretary to the President Dr. Nandika Sanath Kumanayake and the heads of the health sector was held today (18) at the Presidential Secretariat.During the meeting, it was discussed that a committee would be formed to explore possible steps that could be taken through the President’s Fund to reduce the number of patients on long waiting lists for surgeries in government hospitals.

The committee is expected to submit a report on the matter within one month. Based on the findings, appropriate actions will be taken, as indicated by the Secretary to the President.The discussion highlighted the significant number of patients, including those requiring cardiac, ophthalmic, and paediatric surgeries, who are currently awaiting procedures on long waiting lists at government hospitals.

Attention was also given to the potential support that could be provided by the President’s Fund and other relevant sectors to address the challenges faced by these patients.

Additionally, discussions were held regarding the possibility of conducting surgeries after regular working hours at government hospitals. The challenges faced by doctors and staff were also thoroughly discussed during the meeting.The discussion was attended by several key officials, including Deputy Minister of Health and Mass Media Dr. Hansaka Wijemuni, Secretary to the Ministry of Health and Media Dr. Anil Jasinghe, Additional Secretary (Public Health Services) Dr. Lakshmi Somathunga, Director General of Health Services Dr. Asela Gunawardena, Senior Additional Secretary to the President Roshan Gamage, along with directors and specialist doctors from major hospitals across the country.

(President’s Media Division)

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NBRO reports moderate air quality across SL

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The National Building Research Organization (NBRO) has announced that the air quality index remains at a moderate level in most regions of Sri Lanka.

However, the air quality is slightly unfavorable in the cities of Ratnapura and Embilipitiya.

 The NBRO urges sensitive individuals to seek medical advice if they experience breathing difficulties due to the current air conditions.

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Who can afford to import vehicles at current rates? – Harsha

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Vehicle imports will be very risky as prices of vehicles have gone up significantly, SJB MP Harsha De Silva said today (Feb. 18).

Speaking during the budget debate, he pointed out that the President had stated in his budget speech that the majority of tax revenue is expected from vehicle imports.

“Vehicle import is very risky. Who can afford to import vehicles at this rate? I do not think there will be affluent people to import vehicles at current rates,” he said.

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