On September 22, a consortium of trade unions representing the healthcare sector, in collaboration with civil service organizations, is set to stage demonstrations in front of hospitals, highlighting persistent disparities within the healthcare system and the ongoing medicine shortages.

The decision to protest during their lunch break, ensuring minimal disruption to patient care, was a carefully considered move by these health unions.

Dr. Madura Seneviratne, the District Secretary of the Nuwara Eliya District for the All Ceylon Health Trade Union Federation (ACHTUF), shed light on the motives behind the protests. He emphasized that these demonstrations materialized in response to the government’s perceived failure to take requisite measures to address the critical issues plaguing the healthcare sector.

The protests underscore the pressing need for attention and action regarding disparities in healthcare and the vital issue of medicine shortages, which impact the quality of care and services delivered to the public. As the demonstrations unfold, stakeholders will be closely watching for potential developments in the ongoing dialogue between healthcare unions and the government.

By: Staff Writer

Colombo (LNW): The United States Agency for International Development (USAID) handed over a substantial consignment of 4,700 Metric Tonnes of soya beans and maize to Sri Lanka Thriposha Limited, to support the continuation of the Thriposha fortified food programme.

The United Nations World Food Programme (WFP) facilitated the handover at a special event held at the Thriposha factory.

This consignment forms part of a wider contribution of USD20 million from the United States towards WFP’s emergency operation to support Sri Lankan communities impacted by the country’s economic crisis.

As a significant contributor locally and globally, the US has enabled WFP to provide cash, food assistance and value vouchers to food-insecure Sri Lankan families, while supporting national food and nutrition programmes, including school meals and Thriposha- a fortified blended food product, the WFP said in a statement.

“The U.S. Agency for International Development is pleased to deepen our long partnership with Sri Lanka through our recent emergency funding to provide essential ingredients for the Thriposha blended food supplement to prevent malnutrition of Sri Lankan children,” states Asta Zinbo, Director of the Office of Governance and Vulnerable Populations, USAID.

“The country’s economic crisis, with lost jobs, reduced incomes, and soaring costs of living, has affected people’s ability to access healthy meals. Vulnerable groups, including pregnant and breastfeeding women and young children, are at elevated risk of malnutrition, the statement added.

“Of all of the groups affected by the country’s economic crisis, it is the children and women we are worried about the most,” says Gerard Rebello, Deputy Country Director of WFP, Sri Lanka.

“We are grateful for the generosity and support from the United States in assisting these vulnerable groups, so they receive critical nutrition at a time when they need it the most.

WFP’s support to the Thriposha programme is an integral part of our emergency operation to safeguard development progress and mitigate the long-term effects of the economic crisis.”

Thriposha is used to supplement a regular diet with essential nutrition and is provided free of charge through the national nutritional programme.

The US-funded raw materials will be used to provide four rounds of Thriposha for over half a million pregnant and breastfeeding women, and undernourished children under five, it added.

WFP, with funding from donors like the US, has reached over 3.8 million people with food and nutrition assistance since June 2022 through its emergency operation, including those who received support through multiple activities, according to the WFP.

The Sri Lankan Rupee exhibited a slight appreciation against the US Dollar today, September 22, compared to the rates recorded on Thursday.

Peoples Bank reported that the buying rate for the US Dollar dipped from Rs. 317.15 to Rs. 316.91, while the selling rate decreased from Rs. 330.39 to Rs. 330.13.

Similarly, the Commercial Bank noted a decline in both the buying and selling rates of the US Dollar, with rates moving from Rs. 318.67 to Rs. 317.20 for buying and from Rs. 329 to Rs. 328.50 for selling, respectively.

Sampath Bank also registered a reduction in the exchange rates for the US Dollar, with the buying rate sliding from Rs. 319 to Rs. 318 and the selling rate dropping from Rs. 329 to Rs. 328.

This slight appreciation of the Sri Lankan Rupee against the US Dollar may reflect various factors influencing the foreign exchange market and economic dynamics in the region. Traders and economists will be closely monitoring these fluctuations for potential implications on the country’s financial landscape.

1. President Ranil Wickremesinghe meets UN Secretary-General António Guterres at the United Nations Headquarters & the duo engage in “cordial discussions”.
2. President Ranil Wickremesinghe tells the UN that adverse climate impacts affect clean energy, food security, water, and farmers’ livelihoods in SL, straining the recovery from last year’s economic crisis: also says, as a climate-vulnerable, debt-ridden nation, the need for climate finance is urgent, but wealthy countries are falling short on their commitments.
3. Agriculture Minister Mahinda Amaraweera says the Govt has earmarked Rs. 12 bn to facilitate farmers in procuring fertiliser for the upcoming cultivation season: also says farmers will receive Rs.15,000 per hectare, allowing them the flexibility to choose between organic or chemical fertilisers based on their specific agricultural needs.
4. Police say the measures taken to suppress crimes such as murders and drug trafficking are being implemented continuously, but that certain crimes being led by individuals residing in foreign countries raises practical problems in terms of the implementation of the law.
5. Japanese Ambassador Mizukoshi Hideaki confers “The Order of the Rising Sun, Gold and Silver Rays” on Sunil Wijesinha, former President of Japan-SL Technical & Cultural Association, JASTECA, in recognition of his distinguished contribution to strengthening economic relations and promoting mutual understanding between Japan and SL.
6. Former Chairman of the Public Utilities Commission Janaka Ratnayake submits an audit report on the fuel price data which shows significant discrepancies in the pricing calculations presented to the COPE Committee on 7 July 2022: indicates that the overall loss is estimated at over Rs. 40 billion in 2022.
7. President Ranil Wickremesinghe to reconstitute the Monetary Board of the Central Bank: the new Central Bank Act, which was drafted with the support of the IMF, is expected to ensure “more independence to the country’s monetary authority”.
8. India’s IndiGo airline announces the introduction of new direct flights between Hyderabad and Colombo from 2 November.
9. SJB MP S M Marikkar says that a Govt led by SJB Leader Sajith Premadasa would initiate an investigation and apprehend the individuals responsible for orchestrating the 2019 Easter Sunday attack.
10. Women’s Cricket Consultant & Olympic silver medalist Susanthika Jayasinghe says the Asian Games is the biggest sporting event in the Asian region: also says the SL women’s cricket team led by Chamari Athapaththu is strong and their performance has been very good recently.

olice Spokesperson SSP Nihal Thalduwa revealed that a total of 44 lives have been tragically claimed by gun violence incidents in the year 2023 thus far. Speaking at a media conference in Colombo, SSP Thalduwa shed light on the disturbing trend, identifying the majority of these incidents as revenge attacks orchestrated by members of organized criminal gangs.

DIG Deshabandu Tennakoon, who oversees the Western Province, emphasized the crucial role of law-abiding citizens in curbing the escalating crime rate within the country. Addressing an event at a school in Panadura, DIG Tennakoon stressed that it falls upon the police to eradicate the prevailing fear of crime, with drug abuse emerging as a central factor driving criminal activities.

He elaborated on the psychological distortion induced by drug addiction, which often leads individuals to commit thefts, robberies, and even murders. These insightful comments come in the wake of a harrowing incident in Thalduwa, Avissawella, where four individuals traveling in a three-wheeler fell victim to a ruthless drive-by shooting on the night of September 20. Tragically, two of them lost their lives, while the remaining two sustained critical injuries.

Reports indicate that the assailants, arriving on a motorcycle, unleashed a barrage of approximately 25 shots upon the unsuspecting victims, employing a T-56 firearm. Law enforcement authorities suspect the involvement of the notorious criminal figure “Manna Ramesh,” who is believed to be evading capture in Dubai, UAE.

President Ranil Wickremesinghe of Sri Lanka engaged in a warm and meaningful conversation with President Joe Biden of the United States during a prestigious gathering held in New York on Thursday, September 20.

The occasion was nothing short of grandeur, as President Biden hosted a lavish dinner, bringing together an assembly of world leaders who had actively participated in the 78th session of the United Nations General Assembly, as reported by the President’s Media Division (PMD).

President Joe Biden kicked off the encounter with a heartfelt welcome, extending his warm hospitality to President Ranil Wickremesinghe. Their camaraderie was evident as they embarked on a friendly and insightful conversation, delving into various topics of global significance.

Following their discussions, the two leaders joined their fellow heads of state for a group photograph, symbolizing the unwavering spirit of international cooperation that is so essential in today’s complex world.

President Wickremesinghe, accompanied by Professor Maithree Wickremesinghe, and the gracious Mr. and Mrs. Biden, posed for a photograph that will surely resonate as a symbol of unity and diplomacy on the world stage.

Several spells of showers will occur in Western, Sabaragamuwa and North-western provinces and in Galle and Matara districts.

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 above 50mm can be expected at some places.

General public is kindly requested to take adequate precautions to minimize damages caused by temporary localized strong winds and lightning during thundershowers.