Minister of Health and Mass Media Dr. Nalinda Jayatissa left for Switzerland yesterday (May 18) to attend the 78th World Health Assembly (WHA78) organized by the World Health Organization (WHO).  

The assembly will be held in Geneva, Switzerland from May 19 – 27 under the theme – “One World for Health”.

Health ministers from all WHO member states, along with over 5,000 delegates representing global health sectors, are expected to attend the assembly.

It’s reported that this will feature wide-ranging discussions with representatives from various countries, during which proposals, ideas, and research data will be reviewed to make key decisions and formulate plans to improve global health conditions in the coming year.

In addition to the Minister of Health, the Sri Lankan delegation to the WHA78 includes the Health Ministry Secretary – Dr. Anil Jasinghe, Sri Lanka’s Permanent Representative to the UN in Geneva – Himali Arunathilaka, and the mission’s First Secretary – Nishanthini Victor.

The legal counsel of former Agriculture Minister – Mahindananda Aluthgamage, against whom an arrest warrant has been issued, has sent a letter to the Director General of the Commission to Investigate Allegations of Bribery or Corruption (CIABOC).

The full letter in Sinhala is as follows : 

The Department of Meteorology says South-West monsoon conditions are gradually getting established over the island and it will be in effect until 5.30 am tomorrow (20).

Cloudy skies can be expected over most parts of the island.

Meanwhile, wind speed in the sea areas of the relevant areas may increase to 55 – 65 kmph at times.

Showers or thundershowers will occur at times in Western, Sabaragamuwa, North-western, Central, Southern and Northern provinces.

Heavy showers above 100 mm are likely at some places in Western and Sabaragamuwa provinces and in Galle, Matara, Puttalam, Nuwara-Eliya and Kandy districts.

Several spells of showers will occur in the North-central province.

Showers or thundershowers may occur at several places elsewhere on the island during the evening or night.

The general public is kindly requested to take adequate precautions to minimize damages caused by temporary localized strong winds and lightning during thundershowers.