The Road Development Authority (RDA) has announced that the road from Norton Bridge to Sripada via Ginigathhena and Diyagala will be closed for a period of 10 days due to urgent maintenance work.

The closure is required to facilitate the construction of a new Bailey bridge, as the existing structure poses a risk of collapse.

Accordingly, the road will remain closed from today (June 14) until June 24.

During this period, the Norwood Road Development Authority advises motorists to use alternative routes, including the Norton Bridge road and the Hatton–Norton Bridge road via Kalugala, Polpitiya, and Laxapana.

The bridge in question, constructed over a canal flowing into the Kelani River, has suffered severe structural damage. A portion of the bridge is considered to be at imminent risk of collapse, necessitating the immediate construction of a replacement bridge.

Local residents report that the bridge has been in a serious state of disrepair for the past four years. With the ongoing rainfall, concerns have intensified regarding the potential for a complete collapse.

The Government Medical Officers’ Association (GMOA) has raised concerns over a serious shortage of essential medicines in Sri Lanka’s healthcare system, including painkillers, antibiotics, and drugs for high blood pressure, diabetes, and kidney diseases.

GMOA media spokesperson – Dr. Chamil Wijesinghe has stated that, according to official data as of May, around 180 essential medicines, along with various medical and surgical equipment, are currently in short supply.

He also emphasized that cancer patients in particular, have been impacted by months-long shortages of a key drug, resulting in treatment limitations.

The acceptance of applications for medical assistance under the President’s Fund through Divisional Secretariats island wide commenced on February 7. Following the successful implementation of that initiative, preparations have now been completed to expand the digital system to include all other services offered by the Fund.

Accordingly, the public will be able to apply online via any Divisional Secretariat across the country for a wide range of services provided under the President’s Fund. These include assistance for poverty alleviation, provision of educational scholarships, recognition of students demonstrating academic excellence, support for individuals with special needs, relief assistance for children affected by wild elephant conflict, recognition of individuals for their national service or contributions to the country,  Emergency and disaster relief. 

This digital transformation marks a significant milestone, as it enables people across Sri Lanka to access services of the President’s Fund from anywhere in the country for the first time in its 47-year history, which had previously been limited to Colombo-based operations.

This move comes as a result of a decision taken by the Board of Governors of the President’s Fund, chaired by the President. It is expected to broaden access to assistance for a larger number of beneficiaries while also minimizing opportunities for misuse of the Fund.

(President’s Media Division)