News

Dearth of Yellow fever & Meningitis vaccines inconvenience Lankans

Published

2 years ago

August 30, 2023

editor

Reports say that Sri Lankans traveling abroad are seriously inconvenienced due to the fact that the Ministry of Health has run out of vaccine stocks for Yellow fever and Meningitis.

Speaking at a media briefing yesterday (29), Dr. Chamal Sanjeewa, President of the Medical and Civil Rights Professional Association (MCPA) said that there is a risk of Yellow Fever being spread since these vaccines have not been available at the Borella Medical Research Institute’s International Health Unit for several months now.

He pointed out that according to international health regulations of the World Health Organization, it is the responsibility of member countries to vaccinate in order to prevent Yellow fever.
The violation of international regulations by the Sri Lankan government in this manner is a serious matter as there is a risk of Yellow fever being spread when Sri Lankans go abroad and return, he added.

Meanwhile, Deputy Director General of the Ministry of Health – Dr. G. Wijesuriya has said that the prevalent situation has arisen due to the failure of the contracted supplier to provide vaccinations for Yellow fever.

Furthermore, the Ministry of Health has said that there is also a dearth of immunization vaccines for Meningitis required for visitors travelling to the Middle East region.It is reported that the relevant vaccines have been ordered and will be received in the island within the next week.

News

Legendary actress Malani Fonseka passes away

Published

1 hour ago

May 24, 2025

editor

Veteran Actress Malini Fonseka, widely revered as the “Queen of Sri Lankan Cinema,” passed away this morning (May 24) at the age of 78 while receiving treatment at a private hospital in Colombo.

Born on April 30, 1947, in Kelaniya as Wanni Arachchige Malani Senehelatha Fonseka, she later rose to fame in Sri Lankan cinema under the name Malani Fonseka.

Fonseka began her acting career on stage in 1963 and made her cinematic debut in 1968 with the film Punchi Baba.

She won the Most Popular Actress award in 1973 and has received numerous accolades, including the President’s Award, Sarasavi Award, OCIC Award, and Sumathi Award, with several honors for Best Actress.

Plays such as Nidhanaya, Bambaru Awitha, Wekande Walawwa, Aradhana, and Ammawarune are regarded as outstanding works that showcased the acting talents of Malani Fonseka.

Beyond her artistic achievements, she entered politics in 2010 and served as a National List Member of Parliament until 2015.

News

12-hr water cut in several areas of Colombo

Published

23 hours ago

May 23, 2025

editor

The National Water Supply and Drainage Board (NWSDB) has announced a 12-hour water cut from 8:00 a.m. to 8:00 p.m. on Sunday (May 25) in several areas, including Colombo, due to essential maintenance work at the Ambatale Water Treatment Plant.

Due to this, the public is urged to make prior arrangements and store an adequate supply of water to avoid inconvenience during the period of the suspension.

Accordingly, the water cut will affect the following areas:

Colombo 01 to Colombo 15
Sri Jayawardenepura Kotte
Kaduwela
Battaramulla
Kolonnawa
Kotikawatta
Mulleriyawa
IDH (Infectious Diseases Hospital) area
Maharagama
Dehiwala
Mount Lavinia
Ratmalana and Moratuwa

News

Investigations underway to arrest 20 criminals hiding overseas

Published

23 hours ago

May 23, 2025

editor

The Ministry of Public Security states that investigations are underway to arrest 20 members of major organized crime gangs currently hiding overseas.

Minister Ananda Wijepala stated that Interpol has already issued red notices for their arrest and that the countries where these criminals are hiding have been identified.

He added that investigations into the group have been expanded in coordination with the Ministry of Foreign Affairs.

Since the new government came to power, 11 members of organized crime gangs hiding abroad have been brought back to the island and produced before courts.

Meanwhile, operations to arrest members of organized crime gangs involved in various criminal activities, including murder and drug trafficking, within the country are also ongoing.

The Minister added that the Police Special Task Force and the Criminal Investigation Department (CID) are jointly conducting investigations into the allegations against them.