News

UNICEF donates 09 refrigerated trucks to MoH

Published

12 months ago

July 22, 2024

editor

The Ministry of Health has received nine refrigerated trucks procured by UNICEF with funding from the Government of Japan to further improve the delivery system of vaccines to all children, across Sri Lanka.

The trucks were handed over by Ambassador of Japan to Sri Lanka – Mr. Mizukoshi Hideaki and Ms. Begoña Arellano, Acting UNICEF Representative in Sri Lanka during a ceremony held at the Ministry of Health and they were received by the Minister of Health, Dr. Ramesh Pathirana.

Speaking at the handover ceremony, Dr. Pathirana said, “I welcome the support of the Government of Japan and UNICEF to further strengthen immunization, which is a key pillar of Sri Lanka’s healthcare system. These refrigerated trucks will boost the ability of the Ministry of Health to transport vaccines in a safe and timely manner.”

The trucks are part of a total contribution of US$ 3 million from the Government of Japan that funded cold chain equipment, including large, walk-in cold rooms to store vaccines at safe temperatures, portable vaccine carriers and temperature monitors, which have already been handed over to the Ministry of Health intermittently from 2021 to date.

Speaking, Ambassador Mizukoshi said, “I am honored to announce the forthcoming handover of nine Refrigerated Trucks, a tangible symbol of Japan’s enduring commitment to Sri Lanka’s public health endeavors. These trucks will serve as vital conduits in the seamless transportation of vaccines throughout the nation, ensuring that every community receives the necessary protection against preventable diseases.”

The trucks will facilitate the transportation of vaccines from central to regional storehouses and onwards to the health facilities. The vaccine carriers and cold boxes are already procured and distributed to the offices of the Medical Officers of Health and hospitals.

“Vaccination protects children from many preventable diseases and enables them to live a healthy life. Vaccines are temperature-sensitive and need to be transported in appropriate conditions. These trucks will help us reach every child in every corner of Sri Lanka with the right vaccine at the right time. UNICEF values the long-standing support of the Government of Japan and the collaboration with the Ministry of Health in improving the health of all children in the country,” added Ms. Begoña Arellano, Acting UNICEF Representative in Sri Lanka.

Over the years, the Government of Japan has made significant contributions to support the joint efforts of UNICEF and the Ministry of Health in addressing both the long- and short-term health needs of children.

News

H’tota Bird Park owner remanded (Update)

Published

3 hours ago

July 17, 2025

editor

The owner of the Hambantota Bird Park has been remanded.

He has been remanded until July 25 by the Hambantota Magistrate’s Court.

He was arrested earlier today (July 17) by a special police team for allegedly concealing illegally imported motorcycles in a warehouse.

(Previous news 2025 July 17 – 11.42 am.)

H’tota Bird Park owner arrested

The owner of the Hambantota Bird Park was arrested in connection with the illegal importation of luxury motorcycles into Sri Lanka.

Police stated that the suspect had been evading authorities for several days. He was arrested today (17) in Colombo and is currently being held at the Maradana Police Station.

The suspect is scheduled to be presented before court today.

Earlier, police seized 21 illegally imported motorcycles – including 8 luxury bikes and 4 tricycle-type motorcycles — from a warehouse at the Hambantota Bird Park.

The raid was carried out by the Central Crimes Investigation Bureau based on information received by the Acting Inspector General of Police.

Previously, the park’s manager and warehouse supervisor were arrested and remanded until July 25 in connection with the case.

The seized motorcycles are valued at over Rs. 200 million.

Police also revealed that the suspects had previously been involved in illegal vehicle imports.

(News1st)

(Except for the headline, this story, originally published by News1st has not been edited by SLM staff)

Related News :

Smuggled Harley Davidsons found in H’tota Bird Park

News

Half-naked Thai tourist in Arugam Bay: Male or female?

Published

3 hours ago

July 17, 2025

editor

A legal controversy is brewing following the sentencing of a Thai tourist in Arugam Bay, after a social media post questioned how the court interpreted gender in a topless incident involving the foreign national.

The 26-year-old Thai tourist was recently handed a suspended five-year prison sentence by the Pottuvil Magistrate’s Court after pleading guilty to charges of indecent behaviour and causing public disturbance.

The individual, identified in court as female, was arrested earlier this week after images emerged on social media showing the tourist walking topless near a hotel.

However, the situation has taken a new turn after a photo of the Thai national’s passport, also shared online, showed the sex listed as “M” (male) and includes the title “Mr.”, raising questions about how the court determined the offence, given that Sri Lankan law does not criminalize shirtless behaviour for men in public.

The post suggests that the ruling could highlight a legal grey area, as Sri Lankan law does not currently recognize gender identities beyond the male-female binary.

(dailymirror.lk)

(Except for the headline, this story, originally published by dailymirror.lk has not been edited by SLM staff)

Entertainment

SRK cancels visit to SL

Published

3 hours ago

July 17, 2025

editor

Bollywood actor Shah Rukh Khan, who was scheduled to perform at the launch of City of Dreams Sri Lanka later this year, will not attend the event, reports say.

A statement by the organisers notes, “unfortunately due to unforeseen personal reasons beyond his control, Mr. Khan is no longer able to attend.”

“The launch event will continue as a landmark celebration, featuring an extraordinary lineup of local and international talent to be unveiled in the coming days. We are committed to making this moment a defining milestone in Sri Lanka’s journey to becoming a globally recognised destination for world-class entertainment,” the statement adds.