March 01, Colombo (LNW): The Ministry of Health has initiated measures to enhance the training system for healthcare professionals. The introduction of the National Continuous Professional Development Programme (NCPDP) aims to bring the proficiency of the healthcare workforce to optimal levels, ensuring the delivery of regular, efficient, and quality health services in Sri Lanka.

The NCPDP will be executed by the Education, Training, and Research Division, under the guidance of Deputy Director General of the Ministry of Health, Dr. Samindi Samarakoon. The official launch ceremony took place at the National Blood Transfusion Centre Auditorium in Narahenpita, with Health and Industry Minister Dr. Ramesh Pathirana presiding over the event on the 28th.

With over 150,000 health professionals employed across 268 different categories in Sri Lanka’s health service, the primary objective of the NCPDP is to enhance their professional skills. This strategic training program is expected to contribute significantly to the improvement of patient care services and overall healthcare quality.

During the ceremony, Minister Pathirana awarded certificates to 64 health professionals, including doctors, nurses, and paramedics, who underwent registration and training in the Ministry of Health’s education, training, and research department. The Ministry plans to confer these certificates annually as a recognition of their commitment to continuous professional development.

Minister Pathirana emphasized that the NCPDP is the culmination of long-term efforts by the Health Ministry and aims to align healthcare professionals with international standards. The event witnessed the participation of key figures, including Secretary to the Health Ministry Dr. Palitha Mahipala, Additional Secretary Dr. Sunil De Alwis, Director General of Health Services Dr. Asela Gunawardena, and other high-ranking officials, hospital superintendents, provincial health service directors, specialist doctors, and nurses.

March 01, Colombo (LNW): In a concerning revelation, the National Sexually Transmitted Diseases and AIDS Prevention Programme has disclosed a significant 14.3% increase in reported new HIV infections. According to Director Dr. Janaki Vidanapathirana, the rise in cases is notably higher in 2023 when compared to the preceding year, 2022.

Dr. Vidanapathirana revealed that in 2023, a total of 694 new HIV cases were identified, marking a stark contrast to the previous year’s figures. The majority of these cases, constituting 88%, were found in men, numbering 611. Additionally, 81 cases involving HIV-infected women were reported, representing 11.7% of the total cases. The overall count of infected individuals in society has now reached 4,100, indicating a worrisome prevalence.

Medical experts emphasized that symptoms of the virus may take up to eight years to manifest. Stressing the importance of proactive measures, they recommended HIV testing, especially for individuals engaging in risky sexual behavior. Notably, the testing process has been simplified with the introduction of the Know4Sure app, allowing individuals to conduct the test in the comfort of their homes. Through this app, users can conveniently order the necessary test kit, which will be delivered directly to their doorstep. The initiative aims to enhance accessibility to testing and encourage early detection and intervention in the face of the escalating HIV infection rates.

March 01, Colombo (LNW): In a major breakthrough, Peradeniya University’s Mechanical and Electrical Engineering Department, led by Senior Professor Janaka Ekanayake, has successfully implemented a pioneering project that utilizes semi-transparent solar panels on tea plantations. Covering an area of 800 square meters within a tea estate near the Hanthana Research and Training Center, this initiative is set to generate approximately 100 megawatts of electricity annually.

The inauguration of Sri Lanka’s inaugural semi-transparent solar-powered agriculture-integrated pilot project took place on the 29th, under the auspices of State Minister Lohan Ratwatte and in collaboration with the Asian Development Bank (ADB), the Power and Energy Ministry (MOPE), and the Plantation Industries Ministry (MOPI). The ADB contributed a grant of US dollars 250,000 towards this groundbreaking venture.

Professor Janaka Ekanayake highlighted the global precedence of such projects, emphasizing that this marks Sri Lanka’s debut in implementing a venture of this nature. Beyond its significance in the realm of sustainable energy, the project aims to address challenges faced by the agriculture sector in a land-stressed country like Sri Lanka, contributing to both energy security and agricultural sustainability.

Exploring future possibilities, Professor Ekanayake revealed plans to extend the project to tomato and bell pepper cultivations, with ongoing experiments being conducted at Peradeniya University.

By: Staff Writer

February 29, Colombo (LNW): Hard on the heels of six flight delays due to failure of mouse trap inside planes, Minister of Ports, Shipping and Aviation Nimal Siripala de Silva has announced that an investor for SriLankan Airlines will be chosen following a live auction for the divestiture of SriLankan Airlines on 05 March.

He revealed that bids have been called, explaining that the live bidding will take place from 10:00 a.m. to 02:00 p.m. on 05 March, following which the bids will be evaluated, and sent to the Cabinet.

Any investor who can invest at least US$ 500 million and ensure job security for the 6,000 people who are working in the airline could submit bids to acquire the Airline, he added.

The minister faulted the “poor administration” of the management adding that it was the duty of the ground handling administrators to ensure the counters were adequately manned by staffers.

He blamed the trade unions as well as the management adding that neither had any interest in keeping this airline afloat. He also expressed concern that these irregularities are a discouraging factor for potential bidders due to ongoing disruptions and workforce attitudes.

He added that the airline can no longer be maintained by the government and a private investor is compulsory.  He criticized trade unions for disseminating misinformation and failing to deliver on promises made during a recent seminar.

Divulging different plan to government’s divestiture of the SriLankan Airlines Chairman Ashok Pathirage announced yesterday that fleet expansion of the national carrier remains an immediate focus.

Speaking to the media, he disclosed that the airline has contracted for three A320s, one of which is already received. Additionally, the airline has received offers for six A330s and hopes of finalising these acquisitions by the end of the year.

“The Government procurement processes are time-consuming and the global demand for aircraft is escalating. This has been a significant factor contributing to delays in securing additional aircraft,” Pathirage explained.

With the current fleet consisting of 17 aircraft, of three which are grounded, he underscored the importance of adding wide-body aircraft to the fleet to overcome limitations in servicing long-haul destinations such as the UK, France, and Australia.

“The absence of A330s aircraft poses challenges and acquiring them is essential to address these constraints,” he added.

Pathirage also highlighted the reluctance of lessors to take on the risk associated with Sri Lanka’s sovereign rating, posing an additional challenge in the acquisition process.

Despite these challenges, the Chairman expressed optimism about the airline’s financial outlook, noting the airline’s ability to break even this year with expectations of improved turnover.

“We are anticipating a better performance this year, to reach breakeven,” Pathirage added.

February 29, Colombo (LNW): To address the longstanding issue of scoliosis affecting children in the country, a public awareness walk is scheduled to take place in Colombo on the forthcoming Saturday, March 02.

Organised by Lanka E Doc in collaboration with the Apollo Hospitals Group of India, the initiative aims to raise awareness about scoliosis and its management.

The walk, coordinated jointly by the Ministry of Transport, Ministry of Education, and Ministry of Health, will commence at 7 am from Independence Square to Vihara Maha Devi Park in Colombo, with the participation of students from numerous national schools in Colombo and Gampaha.

Following the walk, a complimentary medical clinic will be conducted at Vihara Maha Devi Park until 2 pm, featuring specialist doctors from both India and Sri Lanka.

Distinguished individuals including Jitu Jose, Vice President of the International Division of Apollo Hospitals Group of India, Sajan K Hegde, Chief of Surgery, and Dr. Appai Krishnan, Spine Surgeon, alongside Dr. Vignesh and other specialists from both countries, will partake in the walk and the subsequent clinic.

Dr. Niluka Welikala, Managing Director of Lanka E Doc, encourages parents of children exhibiting symptoms or diagnosed with scoliosis to attend the clinic.

Further information and registration can be facilitated through the WhatsApp number 0743913395.