News

Several officers of Yala National Park suspended

Published

11 months ago

October 25, 2022

editor

The service of several tourist guides and wildlife officers at the Yala National Park have been suspended for failing to prevent an incident of reckless driving inside the Park, Wildlife and Forest Resources Conservation Ministry said.

Ministry Secretary Chandra Herath said that these officers have been suspended pending an investigation. She said the wildlife officers could have intervened or informed their supervisors if tourists are harassing wild animals, but they have failed to do so.

Meanwhile, Wildlife and Forest Conservation Minister Mahinda Amaraweera said that the group of tourists has committed a serious misconduct under the Fauna and Flora Protection Ordinance and therefore, the law should be strictly implemented in this regard.

The Minister had earlier instructed the Director General of Wildlife to take steps to file a court case against the group of tourists.

The Minister has also instructed the Ministry Secretary to send a letter to the Inspector General of Police asking him to arrest the tourists, irrespective of their status, for driving in a reckless manner inside the Yala National Park harassing the wild animals.

News

Keheliya & ministry officials undertake 50 foreign tours

Published

34 mins ago

September 22, 2023

editor

Health Minister Keheliya Rambukwella and the officials of his Ministry had undertaken 50 foreign tours in one year, a report prepared by the International Health Division of the Ministry revealed.

These reports have been compiled by Deputy Director General (Planning) of the Health Ministry Dr. S. Sri Dharan.

It was prepared following a Right to Information (RTI) request made by an organisation called ‘Citizens Power Against Bribery and Corruption.’

Accordingly, Health Minister Rambukwella has made five foreign trips, Health Secretary Janaka Sri Chandragupta has made two foreign trips and Health Services Director General Asela Gunawardena has made four foreign trips.

These foreign trips have taken place as per the invitations made by representative organizations including the World Health Organization, and those organizations have provided expenses for air tickets, food and accommodation facilities.

Furthermore, the International Health Division of the Ministry of Health has approved foreign duty leave for these doctors and has also given them a casual allowance.

Interestingly, the deputy director general who prepared the report has engaged in the highest number of foreign trips.

Source – Aruna

News

Health workers to protest demanding solutions

Published

37 mins ago

September 22, 2023

editor

The Collective of United Health Service Trade Unions and the United People’s Movement are scheduled to launch protests outside health institutions today (22) demanding immediate solutions to several issues in the health sector.

This series of protests has been named as the National Health Protest Day.

Several civil organizations and people are expected to join the protest which will be held from 12 noon to 1 pm along with health trade unions.

The protest will also force the government to solve the issue of health professionals leaving the country, All Ceylon Nurses’ Union President S. B. Madiwatta said.

News

Heavy rains today as well

Published

47 mins ago

September 22, 2023

editor

Several spells of showers will occur in Western, Sabaragamuwa and North-western Provinces and in Galle and Matara Districts today (22), the Department of Meteorology said.

It said showers or thundershowers will occur at several places in Uva, Central, North-central and Eastern Provinces and in Vavuniya and Mullaitivu Districts during the evening or night.

Fairly heavy showers of above 50mm can be expected at some places.

The public are requested to take precautions to minimize damages caused by temporary localized strong winds and lightning during thundershowers.