• A new program to solve the problems regarding the registration of traditional healers

• Steps to amend the Ayurveda Act

• Sri Lanka Ayurvedic Corporation is now a profitable company

• Many programs to be launched by the Ayurveda department targeting the tourism industry- State Minister of Indigenous Medicine Sisira Jayakody

 State Minister of Indigenous Medicine Sisira Jayakodi stated that necessary steps have been taken to promote the indigenous medicine sector as an industry with commercial value that can generate foreign exchange.

State Minister Sisira Jayakodi expressed these views while joining the press conference held at the Presidential Media Centre  yesterday (15) under the theme “Collective path to a stable country”.

The State Minister also pointed out that many new trends have been made in the indigenous medicine system and Ayurvedic system in order to build a healthy population in the country as well as to solve the problems that have arisen in the health sector.

The state minister who further commented said:

This period of time can be described as an era of revival in the field of indigenous medicine. With the guidance of President Ranil Wickremesinghe, we have done extensive work in the past.

Indigenous medical service in our country has existed as a quality medical service for a long time. Beyond that, the Ministry of Indigenous Medicine and the Department of Ayurveda have now started the program to develop the indigenous medicine sector as an industry that can generate foreign exchange with commercial value.

In particular, an indigenous medical education and trade international exhibition and conference has been planned to be held at the Bandaranaike Memorial International Conference Hall in Colombo on the 8th, 9th and 10th of September.

Representatives from various countries will be participating in this exhibition. It is expected to find out the necessary market for the export of Ayurvedic products in our country and have a deep discussion about it.

Also, with the aim of increasing the health status of children through mindfulness, the Ayurveda Department launched a school-cantered program today. There are nearly 2500 doctors in the field of community medicine under the Department of Ayurveda in Sri Lanka. This program has been implemented with their contribution.

We have also submitted to the Parliament the work necessary to amend the Ayurveda Act established in 1961. The Supreme Court has also given guidelines in this regard. We hope to make the necessary amendments in the Ayurveda Act, subject to the Supreme Court’s orders.

Supreme Court has approved the clauses regarding the cultivation of medicinal plants necessary for the promotion of the following export sector in the county and the generation of foreign exchange. Also, in order to achieve high efficiency in the field of Ayurveda, we have proposed many changes in its organizational structure as amendments. It is expected to get the approval of the Parliament in the future.

Also, there are more than 25,000 registered traditional healers in our country and there are many unregistered ones too. The Ministry recently started a village-to-village program to resolve the issues regarding the registration of traditional healers.

Accordingly, a program has been started for traditional healers over 70 years of age to register without an examination and arrangements have been made to conduct an oral test for unregistered traditional healers over 45 years of age.

This facility was not available before. As many doctors who traditionally bring knowledge had problems with a written exam, we have provided the necessary facilities to check their qualifications through an oral exam and get the relevant registration.

As the State Ministry of Indigenous Medicine, we are trying to build a healthy population as well as to strengthen the indigenous medical system and Ayurvedic medicine as a solution to the problems that have arisen in the health sector.

Sri Lanka Ayurveda Corporation is an organization that has faced problems for a long time. By managing that situation very well, we have been able to bring it to a profitable state and a very good economic situation. Especially the Ayurveda Corporation has now entered the export sector.

Also, targeting the tourism sector, a new program is underway to provide the contribution of the indigenous medical system to tourist hotels as a treatment method that goes beyond traditional methods. The program has already started producing well-trained certified therapists

There is potential to promote the indigenous medicine as a sector that can generate incredible foreign exchange. Today there is a very high demand for herbal products all over the world. Also, the cosmetics industry is a place where billions roam today. Also, indigenous medicine has a special place in the field of tourism.

There is a high demand for herbal medicines in the world for various diseases. Along with all this, we have a knowledge system that has been nurtured with our culture for a long time. Along with that knowledge, there are Ayurvedic methods confirmed on the basis of new research. We believe that the local medical field will be able to build our country by combining all these.

Experienced state officials Mr Ajith Milinda Pathirana – Additional Solicitor General, Mrs S.A. Dilrukshi – Legal Draftsman & Ms D. Damayanthi Kulasena – Additional Legal Draftsman accepted their letters of appointment as President’s Counsels today at the Presidential Secretariat

The Western Province Crime Division announced a significant breakthrough as they apprehended two individuals involved in a daring heist at the residence of a Justice Ministry Assistant Secretary in Rajagiriya. The stolen loot, valued at nearly Rs. 30 million, included a cache of precious items.

The captured suspects, going by the monikers ‘Kahantota Podda’ and ‘Battaramullae Ataya,’ have a history marred with criminal activities, marking them as habitual offenders.

Upon thorough interrogation of the detained culprits, law enforcement successfully seized a collection of stolen valuables. This haul comprised pearls and gold jewelry, among which stood a dazzling gold pendant adorned with exquisite diamond stones. Of particular interest was a gold pendant, allegedly procured at a premium from an American establishment, and another piece acquired from Japan. Astonishingly, police also took possession of a unique extraterrestrial rock, adding an intriguing twist to the case.

Prompted by the Assistant Secretary’s report, Welikada Police initiated the investigation, eventually escalating the matter to Senior DIG Deshabandu Tennakoon, who oversees law enforcement in the Western Provinces. Consequently, the Western Province Crime Division took the reins of the inquiry.

The breakthrough came to fruition based on discreet intelligence relayed to Officer Ranjith. The apprehension unfolded as the two suspects were intercepted while traversing Rajagiriya’s Kalapaluwawa area in a three-wheeler, close to a local temple. The Mandawala Police division was instrumental in ensuring the operation’s success.

The arrest of the accused offers a ray of hope for justice, assuring the public that authorities are resolute in safeguarding both property and security.

An inter-city express train service between Thalaimannar and Colombo will initiate in September

Steps to start a sugar factory in Vavuniya

During his presence at the annual festival of the National Shrine of Our Lady of Madhu in Mannar today (15), President Ranil Wickremesinghe announced plans to transform Mannar into an energy hub.

He also revealed that an inter-city express train service between Thalaimannar and Colombo will commence on September 15th aiming at enhancing connectivity and facilitate smoother travel between the two cities.

It is also noteworthy that President Ranil Wickremesinghe participated in the morning service of the feast this year.

Subsequent to the main ceremony, a revered statue of Lady Madhu was respectfully carried in procession throughout the church grounds to pay homage to the devoted attendees.

A significant number of devotees from various parts of the island gathered for the annual feast. The year 2024 marks the completion of 100 years since the enshrinement of the revered statue of Lady Madhu. The church management board has decided to hold services throughout the year to commemorate this occasion.

Rev. Dr. Brian Udaigwe, the The Vatican Apostolic Nuncio of Sri Lanka, who attended the main service, commended President Ranil Wickremesinghe’s statement in Parliament regarding National Peace and Reconciliation. He mentioned that this statement has received the blessings of the Vatican and the Catholic Church.

Rev. Dr. Brian Udaigwe emphasized that religious leaders have a crucial role in maintaining peace and harmony in the country. He also stressed that whether a religious figure divides or unites the country is determined by their own actions.

President Ranil Wickremesinghe further commented:

It must be acknowledged that the annual feasts of the National Shrine of Lady Madhu are an integral part of our local culture. Therefore, considering this festival as a national event, the government bears the responsibility of safeguarding and supporting its continuation.

Furthermore, on this occasion, I extend the government’s gratitude to all the clergy who dedicate themselves to organizing the annual Madhu feast.

Numerous devotees come here to seek solace through prayers to Lady Madhu. During last year’s economic crisis, a substantial number of devotees gathered here to pray for Lady Madhu’s assistance and protection. It can be said that Lady Madhu’s blessings provided us with strength during that challenging time.

The Mannar region, where the National Shrine of Lady Madhu is located, possesses abundant renewable energy resources. With access to solar, wind, and green energies, the Mannar district can be developed into an energy hub.

We have also formulated plans to transform Punarin into an energy city. It is important to note that all these development initiatives are designed to preserve this sacred land and its forests. I have instructed officials to seek advice and guidance from the clergy here during these development efforts.

An inter-city express train service from Thalaimannar to Colombo is scheduled to commence on the 15th of September. This service is being launched in response to the request of MP Charles Nirmalanathan. Additionally, steps have been taken to establish a sugar factory in Vavuniya, as requested by MP Selvam Adekkalanathan. Cabinet approval has been obtained for this project. These measures aim to facilitate rapid development in these regions. Through these endeavors, we aspire to build a developed Sri Lanka by 2048. I count on your support in achieving this goal.

The event was attended by bishops led by Bishop of Mannar Dr. Emmanuel Fernando, clergy including President of the Christian Development Foundation of Sri Lanka Dr. Chandru Fernando, Minister of Cultural Affairs Vidura Wickramanayake, Minister Naleen Fernando, State Minister Arundika Fernando, Kader Mastan, Member of Parliament Kavinda Jayawardene, Selvam Adekkalanathan, Charles Nirmalanathan, President’s Senior Adviser on National Security and President’s Chief of Staff 

Minister of Tourism & Lands Harin Fernando stated that a Policy for Tourism that does not change when the Government or the politicians are changed to be urgently presented to the county.

The minister mentioned that the policy, which was prepared after extensive study by the experts in the field, has now been forwarded to the cabinet, and the way of its operation will be presented to the country in the next two weeks.

The Minister of Tourism & Lands Harin Fernando expressed these views while joining the news conference held at the Presidential Media Center yesterday (14) under the theme “Collective Path to a stable country”.

The minister who further commented said:

With the correct economic program that President Ranil Wickramasinghe is taking to build this country, there is an awakening in the tourism sector today. Among the leaders who refused to take over the country, it must be said that it is a great pleasure to work with the president who fearlessly accepted the challenge.

Development of the tourism sector can be pointed out as a major approach to solve the dollar crisis in the country. There is a modest happiness about the progress made today compared to the state of the tourism sector a year ago. President Ranil Wickramasinghe is making a great contribution to uplifting the country’s tourism industry. We should promote it more.

Sri Lanka is a very beautiful country. But no one has yet understood the value of its beautiful. And this country is a treasure. We have not yet thought how to use it. The President’s plan is to bring about the necessary change in attitude.

Politicians who have ruled this country for the past 75 years are responsible for the situation this country suffers in present. But today a single person is implementing the necessary policies to move the country forward.

We have already implemented the necessary program to make Sri Lanka a beautiful destination for tourists. Also, in order to further increase the number of tourists, many practical problems related to the tourism sector need to be solved.

It is also expected to introduce a program in the future to reduce the existing traffic in places that have gained tourist attraction in the country. Also, a special program has been planned to ensure the safety of tourists together with the Ministry of Public Security.

 A mobile application for the convenience of tourists and a formal program to prevent various irregularities faced by foreign tourists are also going to be implemented.

Also, we are on immediate working to prepare a policy for tourism. The tourism industry of the country needs a national policy that does not change when governments and politicians are changed. The country’s tourism policy cannot be changed just because the change of its minister. Therefore, after a long analysis, we have forwarded a new policy for tourism which was prepared by experts in the field to the cabinet. We will present the country how it will work, within the next two weeks.

The challenge we had so far was to bring tourists to Sri Lanka. Also, the challenge to be faced in the future is how to maintain the quality of the tourism industry. Employees in the hotel industry in Sri Lanka leave for foreign jobs as soon as they get their first service certificate. Then another person is hired for it. I observe this situation as a big problem in the hotel industry in this country. We are taking immediate steps to solve that and other problems in the field as well.

It has also been decided to hold an open short film festival on the beautiful places of Sri Lanka targeting tourists. It has been planned to select the best 10 short films through a jury consisting of experts in the field and give them financial rewards, as well as provide them with formal training. This program is planned to be held annually.

Aiming at the promotion of the tourism industry, the ultra-luxury hotel of the Hilton Hotel chain is scheduled to be opened by the President on the 19th in Yala area. Along with that, it is planned to launch a series of tourism advertising programs.

, A new COVID vaccine is due out next month, following  a new Covid variant, called Eris spreading across Europe, Asia and North America, raising alarms about a potential surge in infections keeping health authorities in Sri Lanka also on alert,

Recent data from the UK Health Security Agency (UKHSA) reveals that Eris is responsible for one in seven Covid cases in the country, propelling it to the second most common strain, trailing closely behind Arcturus. 

Some public health experts hope that Americans will welcome the new shot as they would a flu jab. But demand for the vaccine has dropped sharply since 2021 when it first became available and more than 240 million people in the U.S., or 73% of the population, received at least one shot.

In the fall of 2022, by which time most people had either had the COVID virus or the vaccine, fewer than 50 million people got the shots.

Healthcare providers and pharmacies such as CVS Health (CVS.N) will start next month to offer the shot, updated to fight the Omicron version of the virus that has been dominant since last year.

They will be fighting declining concern about the virus, as well as fatigue and skepticism about the merits of this vaccine, Kaiser Family Foundation Director of Survey Methodology Ashley Kirzinger said.

“Public health officials, if they want to see a majority of adults get these annual vaccines, they’re going to have to make the case to the American public that COVID isn’t over and it still poses a risk to them,” Kirzinger said.

Sri Lankan Health authorities said they keep a close eye on the new developments of the virus and are on alert.

A descendant of Omicron, Eris, or EG.5.1, was first flagged as a variant in the UK on 31 July, but now accounts for one in 10 Covid cases.

It is now the second most prevalent variant in the UK, after Arcturus which makes up almost half of all infection cases at 39.4 percent, according to UK Health Security Agency (UKHSA).

Sri Lanka COVID-19 Coordinator Dr. Anwar Hamdani said the Ministry has always been on alert on any new disease spreading in a foreign country as it could pose a threat to Sri Lanka.

“As far as the virus spreading in the UK is concerned, we are vigilant and monitoring the situation,” said Dr Hamdani.

As per the latest report by the UKHSA on August 3, COVID-19 cases continue to rise across the UK.

The five most common symptoms of Eris, a strain of Omicron, are runny nose, headache, fatigue, sneezing, and sore throat, as per health experts.

Sri Lankan State Minister of Trade and Food Security Sathasivam Viyalendiran appealed to the Indian doctors to open their facilities in Sri Lanka offering full-fledged support to give all permissions and licenses to launch good hospitals.

He was addressing a meeting at Vijayawada in Andra Pradesh on Sunday after inaugurating the Golden Hour project by Varun Cardio and Neuro Sciences (VCS), the Sri Lankan minister said that Sri Lanka will cooperate to grant all permissions and if the facility was set up in any city other than Colombo, land would also be allotted.

Expressing satisfaction over the medical facilities available in various private and government hospitals across the state, the Sri Lankan minister said that similar facilities should be made available to the Sri Lankan citizens.

Earlier, Andhra Pradesh’s principal secretary of Medial and Health MT Krishna Babu elaborated on the facilities the State government was providing for the people in the government hospitals. 

Underlining the importance of Golden Hour, the immediate treatment in the brain stroke or heart attack would give good results. Otherwise, the patient would be burdensome to the family and society.

A senior Health Department officer told the World Socialist Web Site that 1,000 of Sri Lanka’s 3,700 medical specialists had recently left the country. Applications to leave were increasing on a daily basis. 

In a move to slash jobs and reduce government expenditure, the Wickremesinghe government has lowered the retirement age of state employees, including doctors, from 65 years to 60. Sri Lankan doctors currently receiving overseas training are fearful of returning home because of the country’s worsening economic crisis.

To address the lack of medical personnel, it has increased the number of medical students it typically admits to its programmes, and it has installed some economic recovery initiatives with an emphasis on supporting lower-income families, Dr. Manoj Fernando, a doctor and senior lecturer in health promotion at Rajarata University said. .  

NGOs such as Save the Children and the Red Cross, as well as UN agencies, have also been stepping up their programming, providing various forms of assistance.

 “Sri Lanka’s children will bear the burden of the polycrisis as the ripple effects will impact their futures.”

To tackle the medicine shortages, the Ministry of Health is engaged in a Sri Lanka Red Cross platform called Elixir, which coordinates the needs of various hospitals to then coordinate potential bulk price discounts from suppliers.

The WHO says $8 million is required to help the country purchase raw materials to locally produce essential medicines through the State Pharmaceutical Manufacturing Corporation.

In light of the prevailing peaceful environment in the country, authorities have decided to minimise the security procedures at the Departure Terminal at the Bandaranaike International Airport (BIA) in Katunayake to enhance passenger convenience.

The scanning machines initially introduced during times of heightened terrorist threats have ben removed to  ease increased congestion and lengthy lines within the terminal. 

Passengers had to undergo scanner checks at multiple points, causing significant delays and inconvenience. Thus, Airport and Aviation Services (Sri Lanka) took the initiative to address this issue and enhance passenger experience

This strategic approach aims to streamline security processes without compromising safety measures, ensuring a smoother experience for travellers. These changes are anticipated to have a positive impact on overall passenger satisfaction as the current footfall at the terminal exceeds 15,000.

Airport and Aviation Services (Sri Lanka) Ltd., Chief Manager H.S. Hettiarachi said the primary objective of the move is to ensure maximum security whilst taking every possible action in facilitating optimal conveniences for departing and arriving passengers at the airport.

 The significant move comes following authorities re-evaluating security protocols without compromising their safety. From 8 August, the scanning machines were removed from their previous locations, reducing the number of checkpoints to two before passengers board their flights. 

Meanwhile President’s Secretary Mr. Saman Ekanayake has instructed the Director General of Customs to take the necessary steps to install high-tech scanning machines at the VIP passenger terminal of Bandaranaike International Airport at Katunayake.

The President’s Secretary has taken this step as per the instructions of President Ranil Wickramasinghe.

According to the Sri Lanka Customs officials, although there are high-tech scanners in the general passenger terminal of Katunayake airport to check the handbags brought by air passengers, there is no such facility in the elite passenger terminal.

Therefore, the officials say that the hand luggage of VIPs coming through the special passenger terminal will not be checked.

They point out that in many foreign countries, high-tech scanners are installed in VIP passenger terminals as well as in special passenger terminals. Customs officials say that this will prevent passengers from carrying illegal goods in hand luggage and taking them out of the airport without paying duty.

As directed by the President to prevent illegal goods from being brought through the VIP terminal, the President’s Secretary has informed the Sri Lanka Customs to install these scanning devices at the departure terminal as well for special passengers and VIPs.

 The President’s Secretary has informed the Director General of Customs to provide a report on the progress of the measure.

The Secretary has given these instructions after the Customs arrested a Member of Parliament when he brought three kilos of gold and a stock of smart phones worth Rs. 78 million through the VIP terminal.

Cuba and Sri Lanka examined bilateral ties, mainly at the legislative level, during a meeting between Tissa Vitarana, president of the Parliamentary Friendship Group, and the Cuban Ambassador Andrés Marcelo González.

At the meeting, which took place at the headquarters of the Sri Lankan Parliament, the Cuban diplomat residing in Sri Lanka and concurrent in the Maldives conveyed a greeting from Deputy Raydel Montesino, coordinator of the recently created counterpart group on the Caribbean island.

It is corresponding to the Tenth Legislature of the National Assembly of People’s Power. González also explained about the composition of the Cuban Legislature and the results of its last session.

Both discussed the willingness to continue developing the existing friendship ties between the two countries and legislative bodies.

The newly formed counterpart group in Cuba. This group, established during the Tenth Legislature of the National Assembly of People’s Power, signifies Cuba’s growing interest in fostering international legislative connections.

During their discussion, González took the opportunity to shed light on the composition of the Cuban Legislature and elaborated on the notable outcomes from its recent session. Such insights aim to bridge any gaps in understanding and pave the way for shared legislative experiences and best practices between the two nations.

Both Vitarana and González expressed a mutual eagerness to cultivate and expand the existing bonds of friendship between Cuba and Sri Lanka, especially between their parliamentary bodies. Their conversation hinted at future collaborative efforts, workshops, and exchange programs that could benefit both nations

In previous days, the representative of Cuba to Colombo held a meeting with G. Weerasinghe, general secretary of the Communist Party of Sri Lanka (PCSL) and Wilfred Jayasinghe, member of the Central Committee of the PCSL and in charge of International Relations. During the meeting, topics of mutual interest were discussed, including solidarity with Cuba

Currently, a Cuban medical brigade is providing its solidarity services in several places of Sri Lanka, among them the most distant atolls, within the framework of a cooperation agreement signed between the Ministries of Health of both countries.

The two island nations are united by feelings of brotherhood arising from the visit of the legendary guerrilla commander Ernesto Che Guevara in 1959 to the then Ceylon, after which friendly ties were forged that continue to this day.

A hundred Sri Lankan students graduated in Cuba and are currently health professionals, teachers, coaches and athletes back in Sri Lanka.

Havana acknowledges Colombo’s support in various international forums such as the Non-Aligned Movement and the UN, denouncing the unjust and genocidal economic, financial and commercial blockade imposed by the United States against Cuba more than six decades ago.

Also, there is a community of ideas of the two islands around the defense of peace and sovereignty of the peoples.

As Sri Lanka focuses on economic recovery, transforming the digital payment landscape for businesses will be a strategic area to consolidate growth, says Avanthi Colombage, Country Manager for Visa in Sri Lanka and Maldives.

Visa, a global leader in digital payments, believes that unlocking the potential that digitizing payments can offer to the SME (Small and Midsize Enterprise) or small business sector in Sri Lanka has the ability to accelerate the economy and drive growth.

While Sri Lanka’s digital payments ecosystem is estimated to reach $7 billion in 2023 , this is a small portion of all consumer spends, otherwise called digital PCE (personal consumption expenditure). While cards have grown to 21.2 million (May ’23), there lies a tremendous opportunity for digital payments to grow and empower communities with their inherent ease of use and transaction safety, says Avanthi.

In the past few years, Visa has enhanced the seamless, cashless transaction experience for consumers everywhere with innovative digital technology like contactless payments and tap to phone.

“Now, empowering the SME sector with the right tools and infrastructure to make and receive digital payments would uplift businesses and help drive the economy in the right direction. At Visa, we continually engage with SMEs, empowering them through our ecosystem partners such as banks and fintech solution providers. For the SME sector in Sri Lanka, enabling comprehensive digital payment acceptance would mean less operational cost, greater efficiency, and a positive customer experience, all improving the potential of business tremendously.” She adds.

Today digital payment acceptance is not restricted to only the entrenched POS and mPOS devices, where one can tap or dip a credit or debit card to pay. In addition to these highly proliferated forms, many emerging payment forms can give small businesses a stimulus towards greater acceptance and engagement with consumers, both domestic and tourists.

Of these, QR code-based payments are a great, asset-light way for merchants (retailers and service providers alike) to take the first step into the digital payments ambit. “Without investing heavily in devices or infrastructure, merchants can use QR codes to accept payments from customers who save their Visa card credentials securely on their smartphones,” said Avanthi. When the QR code is shown to a consumer, they can scan it and use their digitally stored Visa details to pay without any hassle. A few banks in Sri Lanka already offer this facility to their Visa cardholders and this also allows for tourists to use their devices to pay for goods or services.

Tap to phone is another innovative yet simple method that promotes digital inclusivity and reduces the use and need of paper receipts. This allows the merchant to use their own smartphone to accept payments from consumers, enabled by contactless technology. Here, the shopper can pay a merchant by tapping their contactless Visa card on the merchant’s smartphone. There are significant benefits for small businesses with these totally contactless transactions – saving time as there are no cash and change hassles, reducing queues in stores and doing away with printing transaction receipts as the cardholder is intimated through SMS.

As more merchants see the value in ecommerce, they will benefit greatly from giving consumers an array of digital payment options to choose from. Avanthi says that with Sri Lankan consumers increasingly shopping online, some of the top ecommerce categories witnessing growth are telecom/utility bill payments, government and educational services, retail stores, insurance, quick service restaurants, airlines and restaurants. Lodging and professional service providers, ride-hailing services and food delivery are some of the other categories witnessing growth of digital payments across Sri Lankan cardholders and tourists visiting Sri Lanka.

Avanthi also says Visa is working with various partners, both financial institutions and large merchants as well as new age players like fintechs, to harness digital payment opportunities for SMEs. Visa is also making it easy for small businesses and merchants to receive payments through simple integrations like SMS based payment links. Merchants can use this to generate digital invoices and get paid by the customer online and remotely, making for efficient payment collection and reconciliation.

With tourist arrivals increasing in Sri Lanka and the economy looking up, it is only apt that merchants start providing payment options that international travelers are already familiar with, be it tapping a card or phone, scanning a QR code or paying online. With its wide network of partners and clients, Visa is helping uplift businesses through and reinforcing the potential of the SME sector. Visa believes that empowering people and businesses with technology and digital payments can drive the digital economy and create opportunities for the SME sector to grow within and outside Sri Lanka.