News

1st pediatric bone marrow transplant unit opened at Apeksha Hospital (Pics)

Published

2 weeks ago

January 2, 2025

editor

The first unit in the country dedicated to bone marrow and blood cell transplantation for children with cancer was inaugurated today (Jan. 02) at the Apeksha Hospital in Maharagama.

The construction of this unit was funded by donations from the historic Ruhunu Maha Kataragama Devalaya and carried out by the Sri Lanka Air Force.

This new unit provides an opportunity for a large number of children with cancer to receive timely and advanced treatments, which previously required traveling abroad at a cost of millions of rupees.

The unit has the capacity to treat four children simultaneously, offering hope and improved healthcare outcomes for young patients.

Venerable Kobawaka Dhamminda Thero, Chief Incumbent of Kirivehera Temple, expressed his gratitude, stating, “The funds donated by devotees to seek the blessings of the Kataragama deity have now been transformed into this hospital. I believe that the hundreds of thousands of people who contributed will be very happy to know that they have also played a part in this noble cause.”

Dishan Gunasekara, Basnayake Nilame of Ruhunu Maha Kataragama Devalaya, highlighted the transparency and growth in temple transactions, noting, “When I became the Basnayake Nilame, the temple’s income was around 50 million rupees. Last year, it exceeded 400 million rupees, an eightfold increase. With the funds available, we were able to construct this building and are currently upgrading the Kataragama Hospital with a new complex of 44 beds, which is 80% complete.”

(Excerpts : News1st / Pics : Facebook page of Ruhunu Maha Kataragama Dewalaya)

News

Ministry to restore idle government vehicles

Published

19 minutes ago

January 17, 2025

editor

The Ministry of Public Administration, Home Affairs, Provincial Councils, and Local Government has announced plans to repair unused government vehicles currently stored in warehouses.

Minister Professor Chandana Abeyratne revealed that numerous vehicles belonging to various departments are idle and in poor condition. However, some of these vehicles can be repaired and reintroduced into service to address the shortage of functional vehicles that has been impacting government institutions.

The ministry plans to identify repairable vehicles, carry out necessary maintenance, and return them to operational use. Additionally, a special investigation will be conducted to ensure that government vehicles assigned to ministries and provincial councils are being utilized effectively and responsibly.

Source – News1st

News

Writ petition against Mannar Wind Power Project fixed for May 23

Published

51 minutes ago

January 17, 2025

editor

A writ petition seeking an order to prevent authorities from issuing any permits or approvals for carrying out the wind power plant project on Mannar Island was yesterday fixed for May 23 by the Court of Appeal.

The petition was filed by the President of the Sri Lanka Green Organization, Sanka Chandima Abhayawardena. Counsel appearing on behalf of the Attorney General informed Court that several important applications related to the matter are scheduled to be called before the Supreme Court in March.

The Attorney General’s Department further stated that the Government has not yet made a final decision regarding the project. Taking these facts into consideration, Court of Appeal Judge S. U. B. Karalliyadde scheduled the petition for May 23.

The Petitioner stated that the Cabinet of Ministers of previous regime, has purportedly decided to award the Construction and operation of the Mannar Wind Power Project (Phase-II) in the Mannar Island to Adani Green Energy Sri Lanka Limited (AGESL), as a Build, Own and Operate (BOO) project for a period of 25 years.

(DailyNews)

(This story, originally published by DailyNews has not been edited by SLM staff)

News

SJB appoints committee for talks on working together with UNP

Published

10 hours ago

January 16, 2025

editor

The Working Committee of the Samagi Jana Balawegaya (SJB) has approved a proposal for discussions to work together with the United National Party (UNP).

Accordingly, a five-member committee, headed by SJB General Secretary – Ranjith Madduma Bandara, has been appointed for the discussions.