News

Japan provides JPY 503 Mn. grant

Published

7 months ago

April 26, 2023

editor

Earlier today (26), Japanese ambassador to Sri Lanka – Mr. Mizukoshi Hideaki signed an Exchange of Note for grant assistance to provide JPY 503 million (USD 3.7 Million) in order to improve the management of infectious waste, which has increased following the spread of the COVID-19.

Based on “Gudelines for Management of COVID-19 infectious waste MoH, DE & OH” of March 2020, etc., the treatment of infectious waste through medical waste incinerators and infectious waste sterilization equipment has been encouraged. However, due to budget constraints, the proper facilities have not been developed sufficiently.

On the other hand, due to the increased infectious waste in the wake of the spread of COVID-19, the amount of the infectious waste exceeded the processing capacity of existing infectious waste treatment facilities in Sri Lanka. As a result, problems are arising such as the exposure of hospital staff to infectious pathogens, health damage to surrounding residents due to the disposal of waste through burning in open fields or through aging facilities, and the emission of dioxins, smoke, and unpleasant odors.

Through this project, medical waste incinerators with temperature control and exhaust gas treatment equipment will be installed at 15 hospitals covering all 9 provinces in Sri Lanka. It is expected that this project will increase the processing capacity of infection waste, enabling it to process more wastes with smaller environmental impact, and lead to reduction of the burden on the surrounding environment.

News

Sri Lankan ground staff awarded promised cash reward – SLC

Published

4 hours ago

December 6, 2023

editor

Sri Lanka Cricket states that they have commenced the distribution of the US$50,000 award (LKR 16 million) money promised during the Asia Cup to the ground staff of the RPICS, Colombo, and PICS, Kandy.

Accordingly, 138 members of the ground staff of the RPICS, Colombo, who worked during the Asia Cup 2023 (permanent and contract employees) were rewarded for their effort, while 115 members of the ground staff of the PICS, Kandy, will receive their reward this Friday.

A media statement by the SLC further notes :

The staff of both venues did a yeomen service during the tournament to ensure the practice facilities, outfield, pitches, covering and uncovering of the ground, and related services were in place and in time to conduct the tournament successfully, despite the bad weather conditions that prevailed during that time.

Curators, turf supervisors, ground staff, and technical staff are among the recipients of the reward payment.

The rewards were granted to the RPICS ground staff by the National Curator, Mr. Godfrey Dabrera, this morning.

The rewards were awarded jointly by the Asian Cricket Council and Sri Lanka Cricket, with each institution contributing US$25,000.

News

Man killed after hospital wall collapses

Published

5 hours ago

December 6, 2023

editor

A father of one lost his life after he was crushed under a wall that collapsed at the Henwala Divisional Hospital in Kadugannawa.

The wall had collapsed when workers were preparing the foundation to construct a new wall, says Mr. Indika Ranaweera, Assistant Director of the Kandy District Disaster Management Centre.

The man who was crushed to death has been identified as a 32-year-old named Ranjith Abeyratne who is a father of one.
The remains were moved to the Henawala Hospital in Kadugannawa, and the Kadugannawa Police are investigating the incident.

News

Earthslip blocks upcountry railway tracks again

Published

5 hours ago

December 6, 2023

editor

Train operations on the upcountry line have been disrupted due to an earthslip which occurred around 4.00pm today (Dec. 06) between Ohiya and Idalgashinna railway stations, amidst the heavy rains in the area.

Sri Lanka Railways said that trains plying to Badulla will be terminated at Ohiya railway stations until the tracks are cleared.