News

COPA takes up mechanism to use IT for 13 state institutions

Published

2 years ago

May 25, 2023

editor

The Committee on Public Accounts (COPA) which met on March 23 to discuss using information technology for government institutions, established a committee to be led by the Secretary to the Prime Minister – Mr. Anura Dissanayake to put forth a mechanism with action dates to be presented to the Committee prior to May 15.

Accordingly, the COPA met yesterday (23) in Parliament under the chairmanship of Lasantha Alagiyawanna to present the mechanism prepared by the said Committee formed.

Thus, Secretary to the Prime Minister Mr. Anura Dissanayake explained in detail the use of information technology in relation to 13 government institutions. The following 13 institutions were considered regarding the use of information technology.

– Department for Registration of Persons
– Sri Lanka Customs
– Import and Export Control Department
– Department of Agriculture
– Sri Lanka Standards Institute
– Motor Transport Department
– Excise Department
– Inland Revenue Department
– Department of Registrar of Companies
– Registrar General’s Department
– Food Control Unit, Ministry of Health
– Colombo Municipal Council
– Ministry of Finance, Economic Stabilization and National Policy

COPA discussed at length the matters arising when suing information technology, updating and maintenance of the software used. Special attention was paid to the use of information technology in the Department of Registration of Persons and the software expected to be used there.

The Sri Lanka Information Technology Agency (ICTA) also explained the contribution of their organization for this purpose. furthermore, a group of officials were also connected through Zoom technology.

News

Long surgery waiting lists at hospitals ; report called

Published

48 minutes ago

February 18, 2025

editor

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)

News

NBRO reports moderate air quality across SL

Published

52 minutes ago

February 18, 2025

editor

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.

News

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

Published

1 hour ago

February 18, 2025

editor

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.