News

Compensation for 17 whose sight was affected at N’Eliya Hospital (Updated)

Published

6 months ago

January 7, 2025

editor

Cabinet approval has been granted to compensate 17 patients who had developed complications after undergoing cataract surgery at the Nuwara Eliya District Hospital, Health Minister Dr. Nalinda Jayatissa said in Parliament today (Jan. 07).

Speaking further, he said that the committee appointed to look into the issue, had submitted its report and legal action will be taken against those involved in the import of the substandard drug.

In May 2023, the eyesight of several individuals who underwent eye surgery at the Nuwara Eliya District General Hospital had weakened due to the presence of germs in a medicine imported from India.

It was reported that the eyesight of the patients who underwent surgeries after April 05, 2023 had weakened or was completely lost as a result of a medicine that was given to them following the surgeries.

Meanwhile, the cabinet decision in this regard is as follows :

Approval was granted at the cabinet meeting held on 12-02-2024 to appoint a technical committee to determine the amount of compensation that should be payable to several patients who had lost their eyesight due to undergoing eye surgery at the Nuwara Eliya District Hospital.

Accordingly, a committee was appointed under the chairmanship of an additional secretary of the Ministry of Health, and the recommendations were forwarded regarding the amount of compensation payable to them after studying the relevant matters. Accordingly, the Cabinet of Ministers has approved the proposal presented by the Minister of Health and Mass Media to pay the compensation in the following manner to the 17 patients affected due to the relevant matter based on the said recommendations.

– to pay the compensation of Rs. 1,000,000 for each for 12 patients.
– to pay the compensation of Rs. 750,000 for each for 02 patients
– to pay the compensation of Rs. 700,000 for one patient.
– to pay the compensation of Rs. 250,000 for each for 02 patients.

News

Navy rescues Indian fishermen from capsized boat off Talaimannar (Pics)

Published

1 hour ago

June 28, 2025

editor

The Sri Lanka Navy has rescued 04 Indian fishermen aboard an Indian fishing boat capsized in the Sri Lankan waters off Talaimannar on June 25.

Upon receiving the distress alert, a team of the Special Boat Squadron stationed at SLNS Thammanna, under the North Central Naval Command swiftly launched a search and rescue operation. During the rescue mission, the naval personnel located the overturned Indian boat, capsized after being caught in rough seas north of Sand Dune VII, and safely rescued all four fishermen.

The rescued individuals, identified as residents of Rameswaram, India, were brought ashore by the Navy and provided with necessary assistance.

The fisherman in good health condition were subsequently handed over to the Talaimannar Police for onward action. The Sri Lanka Navy remains vigilant in assisting distressed maritime and fishing communities within Sri Lankan waters, reaffirming its commitment to maritime safety and humanitarian efforts.

(Pics : navy.lk)

News

Validity of re-entry visa extended for Lankans working in Israel

Published

1 hour ago

June 28, 2025

editor

The Ministry of Foreign Affairs, Foreign Employment and Tourism has issued a special notice for Sri Lankans working in Israel.

A statement issued by the ministry states :

Due to the unstable situation in the Middle East region, the Population and Immigration Authority (PIBA) of Israel has decided to extend the validity period of the re-entry visa of those who have come to Sri Lanka possessing a re-entry visa with the hope of returning to their respective employments in Israel until 2025.07.31.

Accordingly, as international flights to Israel have started presently, those who came to Sri Lanka on re-entry visa have the possibility to return to work in Israel until 31.07.2025 even after the expiry of the re-entry visa.

All relevant institutions have been informed in this regard.