Health and Media Minister Dr. Nalinda Jayatissa has refuted claims that roadside businesses are prohibited under the ‘Clean Sri Lanka’ initiative, labeling such reports as false. Addressing a press conference at the Government Information Department yesterday (3), the Minister stressed that the initiative is neither an enforcement nor a litigation programme and that no law related to it has been passed in Parliament.

“There are no instructions to arrest individuals or file lawsuits under the ‘Clean Sri Lanka’ programme,” Dr. Jayatissa clarified, dispelling concerns and misinformation surrounding the initiative’s objectives and implementation.

The Minister emphasized that the ‘Clean Sri Lanka’ initiative, launched under the President’s leadership, is a collaborative effort involving multiple government agencies. Its aim is to transform Sri Lanka into a prosperous nation with happy citizens, enhancing its environmental, social, and moral standing globally.

“This programme is a scientifically designed, long-term plan to address the country’s challenges and rebuild its reputation,” Dr. Jayatissa said, explaining that it is not a short-term or superficial project but a sustainable effort to elevate Sri Lanka’s social and environmental standards.

The Minister called on all citizens to actively participate in the initiative, underscoring its importance in shaping a better future for the country. He highlighted the government’s engagement with state officials and the public to ensure the programme’s success, emphasizing its role in creating a positive transformation across all sectors of society.

Health and Media Minister Dr. Nalinda Jayatissa reaffirmed the government’s unwavering commitment to protecting media freedom in Sri Lanka. Speaking at a special media briefing at the Government Information Department yesterday (3), the Minister highlighted that the current administration provides journalists with the broadest opportunities to inform the public and has no intention of imposing restrictions on press freedom.

Dr. Jayatissa underscored the government’s dedication to upholding freedom of speech and democracy at the highest level. However, he cautioned against the misuse of media platforms for harmful purposes, such as spreading hatred or advancing personal, business, or political agendas.

“The government reserves the right to take necessary action in such instances to safeguard public interests,” he said, emphasizing that the safety and well-being of the Sri Lankan people remain the administration’s foremost priority.

He also stressed the importance of national unity, territorial integrity, and social harmony. Any attempts to destabilize the nation, particularly through the dissemination of false or distorted news, would be addressed with legal measures to ensure national stability.

“At a time when the country is beginning to recover, any effort to destabilize the nation is a betrayal,” Minister Jayatissa remarked, urging responsible media practices to support Sri Lanka’s path to recovery.

Health and Media Minister Dr. Nalinda Jayatissa clarified remarks made during his speech at the opening of the Pediatric Bone Marrow Transplant Unit at the National Cancer Hospital, Maharagama. Speaking at a media conference held at the Government Information Department yesterday, the Minister stressed that his comments were misinterpreted and reaffirmed his appreciation for public contributions to the health sector.

He emphasized that he did not refuse any donations made by the public to the cancer hospital and highlighted the importance of conducting health sector development activities systematically. He expressed gratitude for the financial contributions of the Ruhunu Maha Kataragama Devalaya and the Sri Lanka Air Force’s assistance in constructing the new unit, describing the bone marrow transplant unit as a vital addition to the hospital.

Dr. Jayatissa outlined the government’s intention to create a structured framework for accepting and utilizing donations from local philanthropists and international organizations. He stated that while contributions are often made with good intentions, they can create long-term challenges if not integrated into the broader national healthcare strategy.

He cited examples of hospitals built through public donations that later faced shortages of doctors and equipment, leading to public dissatisfaction. He also noted instances where political pressures led to the upgrading of hospitals in ways that did not align with national healthcare priorities.

The Minister stressed that donations made for political or personal agendas would no longer be accepted. He emphasized that integrating contributions into the national development plan would improve coordination, prioritize genuine needs, and support sustainable healthcare improvements.

Dr. Jayatissa reaffirmed the government’s commitment to enhancing healthcare services for all citizens through systematic development, ensuring resources are effectively allocated to benefit the entire population.

Sri Lanka’s construction sector expanded by 7.3% in 2024, following a 21.8% decline in 2023. This is due to a number of factors, including: Increased investment, improved external demand and Gross fixed capital formation.

The construction industry in Sri Lanka was poised to post a 10-14% growth in 2024 if the IMF program continues unhindered, CEO, Director General of the Chamber of Construction Industry of Sri Lanka (CCISL) opined at the BuildSL Exhibition launch held in Colombo

The government’s 2024 budget includes increased allocations for the Ministry of Transport and Highways, the Ministry of Education, and the Ministry of Health.: There is an increase in demand for the country’s construction industry.

Gross fixed capital formationis grew by 16% year-on-year in the first six months of 2024.The Purchasing Managers’ Index (PMI) for the construction industry in Sri Lanka also indicates a number of trends in the sector:

In October 2024 the PMI rebounded, with a Total Activity Index value of 54.3. This was due to the resolution of election-related uncertainties.

In November 2024 the PMI expanded, but at a slower pace, with a Total Activity Index value of 51.4. Some respondents noted that weather conditions disrupted their work.

Sri Lanka’s construction sector expanded at a slower rate in November registering an index value of 51.4, from 54.3 in October, hampered by severe weather conditions disrupting scheduled work, according to a Purchasing Managers Index compiled by the central bank.

“Several respondents mentioned that the severe weather conditions that prevailed during the month somewhat disrupted their scheduled work,” the statement said.

All the sub-indices, except for Suppliers’ Delivery Time, remained either on the neutral threshold or below in November.

Employment decreased on a month-on-month basis in November. “Firms remain cautious about expanding their workforce, as reflected by the continuous decline in the Employment index.”

New orders index declined, down at 47.2 in November from 54.3 in October, due to a delay in the tender evaluation process.

“Many survey respondents highlighted a slowdown in the tender evaluation process of construction projects towards the end of the year, leading to a decline in the New Orders index in November.”

Quantity of Purchases index remained neutral during the month, 50.0 in November from 51.4 in October, indicating that the material purchases stayed at a similar level as in the previous month.

Suppliers’ Delivery Time further lengthened during the month, registering 51.5 in November from 51.4 in October.

The outlook for construction activities for the next three months remains positive, according to the statement, as most firms are optimistic about the future availability of projects from January and favourable weather conditions.

The Sri Lankan government has initiated tenders to import 30,000 metric tonnes of salt, aiming to address the country’s salt shortage.

The importation will occur in two phases: 20,000 metric tonnes in the first phase and 10,000 in the second. The Ministry of Industries will oversee distribution, with the imported salt designated solely for industrial purposes.

Sri Lanka’s salt industry, led by Lanka Salt Limited, typically produces 135,000–140,000 metric tonnes annually, meeting 60–65% of domestic demand.

The company’s flagship product, branded as “Lak Lunu,” accounts for approximately Rs. 1,500 million in annual revenue.

 However, reports indicate a 40% decline in salt production over the past two years, attributed to adverse weather conditions and halted production at the Hambantota saltern in 2023.

The production stoppage at Hambantota was linked to its ranking as a loss-making enterprise and plans by the previous government to privatize the saltern.

Although existing stocks of Lak Lunu salt sustained the market temporarily, the factory now primarily holds industrial-grade salt, unsuitable for food consumption.

Recent practices of washing and crushing industrial salt for sale as table salt have raised health concerns due to impurities like dust and shells.

Investigations revealed that the Hambantota saltern’s ISO 20000 certification was removed following contamination issues. Employees have urged the Sri Lanka Standards Institution and Consumer Affairs Authority to address these quality lapses.

Amid these challenges, the government has also approved the import of 35,000 metric tonnes of salt from India. Meanwhile, development activities for the Jaffna salt pans are set to commence by mid-January, with production expected by March 2025.

The combination of halted local production, adverse weather, and questionable practices has created a critical shortage, compelling authorities to resort to imports to stabilize the market and ensure quality standards.

The Hambantota Saltern, which should ideally supply Sri Lanka’s salt needs, now faces challenges, prompting the decision to import salt. Domestic salt production is expected to recover in six months, but the shortage may last until April or May 2025.

 Even with resumed production, potential disruptions like rain or disasters could delay recovery further, making salt imports from India necessary. However, practical issues are complicating the importation process.

 Introducing advanced technologies in salt production could improve both yield and quality. Yet, inefficiencies under the Hambantota Saltern’s previous management have hindered such upgrades.

 For instance, salt from the Kolangala area often contains shellfish impurities. Proposals to address this problem were ignored, raising concerns about the industry’s future.

 Under President Gotabaya Rajapaksa’s tenure, salt imports were halted, and the Hambantota Saltern became the main supplier for private companies and industries, initially meeting targets. 

However, production has since declined, creating a severe salt shortage. While importing salt from India might ease the crisis, it remains uncertain if imports alone can fully address the country’s needs. 

This situation underscores the need for reforms in local salt production to ensure long-term sustainability.

The Apeksha Hospital in Maharagama inaugurated the country’s first dedicated unit for bone marrow and blood cell transplantation for children with cancer. This landmark achievement, unveiled yesterday, was made possible by the generous donations of devotees from the Ruhunu Maha Kataragama Devalaya.

The new unit, equipped to treat four children simultaneously, offers life-saving care for young cancer patients. Previously, such treatments required families to seek medical assistance abroad at exorbitant costs.

The construction of this advanced medical facility was funded by contributions from devotees at the Kataragama Maha Devalaya, with the building process handled by the Sri Lanka Air Force.

Venerable Kobawaka Dhamminda Thero, Chief Incumbent of the Kirivehera Temple, expressed deep gratitude to the public, remarking, “The funds donated by devotees to seek blessings from the Kataragama deity have now materialized into this hospital. This initiative represents the collective goodwill of hundreds of thousands of people.”

Dishan Gunasekara, Basnayake Nilame of the Kataragama Devalaya, highlighted the temple’s financial growth and its commitment to community welfare. He shared that the temple’s annual income has grown from 50 million rupees to over 400 million rupees, enabling significant philanthropic ventures. Gunasekara added that ongoing construction of a 44-bed complex at the Kataragama Hospital, already 80% complete, demonstrates their commitment to healthcare advancement.

Health Minister Dr. Nalinda Jayatissa lauded this initiative as part of a broader national healthcare strategy. “This year’s budget allocates the highest amount ever for the Ministry of Health. Our hospitals are integral to the national plan, which envisions transformative healthcare outcomes over the next twenty years.”

The unit is housed within the recently inaugurated four-story pediatric ward, also funded by donations from the Kataragama Maha Devalaya. This modern facility, inaugurated in September last year, underscores the potential of collaborative efforts in healthcare development, offering new hope for Sri Lanka’s young cancer patients.