News

Cancer vaccine misused as skin-whitening

Published

2 years ago

June 5, 2023

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The National Medicines Regulatory Authority (NMRA) said that complaints have been received that some people use Glutathione vaccine to whiten the skin.

Glutathione is given on low-doses to reduce complications of cancer patients.

NMRA Chief Food and Drug Inspector Amith Perera said that some private hospitals use the vaccine for cosmetic purposes, and it has been reported that customers who come for skin whitening are charged about Rs.100,000.

Information has been revealed that this vaccine is given to both male and female customers belonging to different ages who come for skin whitening at some beauty salons as well as in apartments.

Mr. Perera said the use of glutathione tablets and creams to whiten and lighten the skin is allowed by law, but the use of the vaccine is not allowed.

“People who use the vaccine develop many side effects, especially kidney issues, complications related to blood vessels, and various thyroid disorders. We are working to take legal action against private hospitals and salons that use these injections,” he said.

News

Ex-Immigration Controller pleads guilty

Published

2 hours ago

July 1, 2025

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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.

News

Nishantha Wickramasinghe remanded again (Update)

Published

2 hours ago

July 1, 2025

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Former SriLankan Airlines Chairman – Nishantha Wickramasinghe has been remanded till July 15 by Chief Magistrate Thanuja Lakmali Jayathunga.

(Previous news 2025 July 01,12.15pm.)

Ex-SriLankan Airlines chief produced before court

Former Chairman of SriLankan Airlines – Nishantha Wickramasinghe has been produced before the Colombo Magistrate’s Court by prison officials today (July 01).

Wickramasinghe was arrested last week by the Commission to Investigate Allegations of Bribery or Corruption (CIABOC) and is currently in remand custody,

News

Seat belt compulsory for bus drivers from today

Published

3 hours ago

July 1, 2025

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The National Transport Commission (NTC) has announced that starting today (July 01), it will be mandatory for all bus drivers to wear seat belts, with strict penalties for non-compliance.

Under the MotorTraffic Act, bus drivers are legally required to wear seat belts, but a rise in accidents due to drivers ignoring this rule has prompted the authorities to re-enforce it.

Police confirmed that action will be taken against drivers who fail to comply.

Seat belts to be made mandatory for all passengers in expressways

Meanwhile, the Ministry of Transport has also stated that wearing seat belts will be made mandatory to all passengers of light vehicles travelling on expressways from August 01, 2025.

Meanwhile, wearing seat belts will also be mandatory to all passengers of all vehicles on expressways from September 01, 2025.

Minister of Transport, Highways, Ports, and Civil Aviation Bimal Rathnayake also confirmed the directive while speaking to media this morning (July 01) during an inspection tour at the Colombo Central Bus Stand.