Acting High Commissioner of India to Sri Lanka – Dr. Satyanjal Pandey, and Minister of Mass Media and Health – Dr. Nalinda Jayatissa, jointly inaugurated the first-ever Media Fest organized by the Sri Lanka-India Media Friendship Association (SLIMFA) today at Taj Samudra, Colombo.

Under the theme ‘Navigating the New Media Landscape Together,’ the two-day Media Fest from 25-26 April 2025 will explore contemporary media trends and innovations. Key focus areas include AI in journalism, mobile journalism, media monetisation, data journalism, disinformation and fact-checking, content creation and audio journalism. As the first-of-its-kind in Sri Lanka, it will feature keynotes, panel discussions, breakout sessions and networking opportunities.

The event provides a unique platform for professional development and for fostering collaboration between media professionals from India and Sri Lanka. Experts from India including Ms. Palki Sharma, Managing Editor at Firstpost; Mr. Siddhant Sibal, Assistant Foreign Affairs Editor at WION;Mr. Shailesh Shekhar, Chief Synergy Officer at India Todayand Mr. L.V. Krishnan, CEO of TAM Media Research in collaboration with experts from Sri Lanka will exchange and discuss best practices with the registered participants from the media and business community locally.

SLIMFA, inaugurated in May 2024, under the patronage of the High Commission of India, Colombo is aimed at strengthening media ties between the two countries. Since its inception, the Association has conducted multiple initiatives, including panel discussions and roundtables, focusing on key media-related topics. It is a significant initiative to further bolster the people-to-people connection between the two civilisational twins.

Sri Lanka ‘A’ secured a dominant victory over Ireland ‘A’ to clinch the title in their Tri-Nation Cricket final played at Abu Dhabi yesterday (April 25).

Batting first, Ireland ‘A’ were bowled out for just 200 runs in 47.3 overs.

In reply, Sri Lanka ‘A’ were in dire straits losing half of the side for just 43 runs. However, Pavan Rathnayake and Milan Rathnayake salvaged the innings, adding a match-winning unbeaten partnership worth 160 runs for the 6th wicket, sealing victory with 15.3 overs to spare.

Pavan scored 77 runs off 76 balls with 09 fours and 02 sixes while Milan hit 77 runs off 83 balls with 09 fours and 02 sixes.

Milan Rathnayake was named Player of the Final for his all-round performance, having also claimed 3 wickets for just 24 runs in the Irish innings.

Tharindu Rathnayake also stood out, taking 04 wickets for 33 runs in a key performance.

It is singular that all three Rathnayake players – Milan, Pawan, and Tharindu -were key contributors towards SL ‘A’s victory.

The team was captained by Sadeera Samarawickrama, with Avishka Gunawardene serving as head coach.

(Special reporter from Abu Dhabi ; 

Sponsored by: Sri Lankan Airlines)

The Ministry of Health (MoH) has reportedly decided to directly procure around 110 types of medicines after discussions with governments of 07 foreign countries.

A special round of discussions regarding this has been reportedly held with diplomatic missions, involving both the Ministry of Health and the Ministry of Foreign Affairs.

According to the MoH, embassy officials from countries including India, Pakistan, China, and Bangladesh had joined the discussion.

However, it is reported that some of these medicines already have registered suppliers in Sri Lanka. But the MoH had taken the above decision after finding that these suppliers had not participated in recent Tenders for the medicines.

However, the suppliers claim that inefficiencies in the State Pharmaceuticals Corporation Tender boards had caused this issue.

They further point out that nearly a 1,000 Tender processes are stuck in the pipeline.

A recent review meeting chaired by Director General of Health Services – Dr. Asela Gunawardena on April 24 had also discussed the medicine shortage issue.

It was revealed that nearly 200 types of medicines are currently in short supply.

Additionally, it was revealed that the SPC has not signed contracts for about 85 medicines. Although the SPC has completed procurement for 42 medicines, it has not issued Letters of Credit (LCs).

Although concerns have also been raised in Parliament, no concrete action has been taken so far.

Meanwhile, the Doctors’ Trade Union Alliance for Medical and Civil Rights has highlighted shortages of items like intraocular lenses, heart catheters, and stents in hospitals.

Dr. Chamal Sanjeewa – President of the alliance, had stated that due to the shortage of catheters and stents needed for heart angiograms, patients are being forced to purchase them outside of hospital at a much higher cost.

(Source: Aruna)

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