Residents of Lake Drive, Colombo 08, have voiced strong objections to a proposed 12-storey apartment complex by Prime Residencies, titled “The Golf – Colombo 08,” claiming that it is being promoted without obtaining all the necessary approvals.

Promotional social media posts by Prime Residencies state the project will include 64 units, with buyers able to reserve units by paying just 25% upfront.

However, an investigative programme by ‘Ada Derana’ reveals that the Urban Development Authority (UDA) has clarified that the project currently has only conditional approval, dependent on additional clearances from 07 other bodies, including the Central Environmental Authority (CEA), the National Building Research Organization (NBRO), and the Colombo Municipal Council’s Drainage and Water Supply Unit.

It adds that the Prime Residencies, owned by the Prime Group’s Chairman – Premalal Brahmanage, has not yet officially applied for some required approvals.

‘Ada Derana’ points out that in this backdrop, promoting and securing deposits for an apartment complex that lacks final approvals is misleading, especially if any remaining permits are ultimately denied.

Concerns have also been raised over whether the existing Lake Drive road infrastructure can handle such a large development.

‘Sri Lanka Mirror’ also learns that the company’s much-promoted “5% payment scheme” for its projects has also come under scrutiny in this backdrop.

Prominent residents, including former Sri Lanka Cricket Secretary – Nishantha Ranatunga have voiced their concerns over the project.

The relevant video report of ‘Ada Derana’ is as follows :

The Ministry of Health has declared a ‘National Injury Prevention Week’, which will be observed from today (July 07) until July 11.

Consultant Community Physician – Dr. Samitha Siritunga, Head of the Accident Prevention Unit under the Ministry’s Non-Communicable Diseases Division (NCD), stated that out of Sri Lanka’s 145,000 total annual deaths, between 10,000 – 12,000 are due to sudden injuries.

Alarmingly, over 7,500 – 8,000 deaths occur before the victims can reach hospital care, he further said.

Plans are underway to launch a new initiative to provide high-quality, nutritious, and appetizing meals to inpatients at government hospitals.

In a statement, the Ministry of Health and Mass Media announced that a pilot project will kick off at the Maharagama Apeksha Hospital.

The plan was discussed at a recent meeting chaired by Health and Mass Media Minister – Dr. Nalinda Jayatissa, with senior ministry officials, hospital administrators, nutritionists, and doctors from the Sri Lanka College of Nutrition Physicians in attendance.

Minister Jayatissa noted that while the government allocates a significant budget each year for hospital food services, there are concerns of whether the system actually delivers, providing wholesome meals for the patients and justifying the funds spent.

He highlighted that patient satisfaction with hospital meals has never been properly assessed and stressed the need to overhaul both the menu and the delivery system.

The pilot project at Maharagama Apeksha Hospital will see each patient receive a customized plate with rice, vegetables, and proteins served separately, instead of the traditional single-plate meal.

Doctors advised that visually appealing and well-arranged meals can help lift patients’ appetites and encourage better nutrition.

The discussion also addressed challenges at Apeksha Hospital, including a staff shortage despite having a modern kitchen capable of preparing meals for up to 2,000 people.

The need for specialized training for kitchen staff in modern food preparation and service techniques was emphasized, along with a proposal to rename the kitchen as the “Food and Beverages Department” to reflect improved standards.

Participants recommended upgrading kitchen facilities by replacing gas stoves with steam-powered equipment and introducing new technology to maintain food quality and safety.

Minister Jayatissa pledged quick action to address these issues, adding that the government hopes to expand the project to all state hospitals nationwide.

Additional Secretaries – Sunil Galagama and Salinda Bandara, Director General of Health Services – Dr. Asela Gunawardena, Director of Apeksha Hospital – Dr. Aruna Jayasekara, President of the Sri Lanka College of Nutrition Physicians – Dr. Thimathi Wickramasekara, as well as several senior doctors and nutritionists were present at the meeting.