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.
03 vehicles have collided at the Merawala railway crossing on the Chilaw-Colombo main road.
The accident occurred at around 6.25 a.m. this morning (May 21) when a van, which had stopped behind a fuel bowser at the Chilaw Marawala railway crossing while it was closed for train traffic, was rear-ended by a prime mover transporting cement.
The prime mover had been unable to stop due to brake failure.
The van involved in the accident sustained significant damage and Chilaw Police are currently conducting further investigations.
Ramith Rambukwella – son of former Minister Keheliya Rambukwella arrived at the Commission to Investigate Allegations of Bribery or Corruption (CIABOC) earlier today (May 21) to record a statement.
Colombo Chief Magistrate Thanuja Lakmali yesterday (May 20) ordered the further remand of Keheliya Rambukwella until June 03, following his arrest by the CIABOC over 03 complaints related to alleged corruption.
The court also granted permission to name Ramith Rambukwella as a suspect in the case.
Former Minister Mahindananda Aluthgamage, who is currently in remand custody, has submitted a written request to prison authorities seeking permission to receive food from his home.
He is currently being held at the “M 2” ward of the Colombo Remand Prison along with around 10 other prisoners, according to reports.
It is also reported that former minister Keheliya Rambukwella is being detained in the same ward.