May 22, Colombo (LNW): National Medicines Regulatory Authority (NMRA) Chairman Dr. Ananda Wijewickrema announced that a gazette to set the maximum price for another 50 medicinal drugs will be issued next week.
Previously, price control was imposed on 60 drugs, and with the addition of 50 more, the total number of drugs under price control will increase to 110.
Dr. Wijewickrema assured that the NMRA will ensure the quality of medicinal drugs provided to patients. Speaking to the media yesterday, he emphasized that past medicinal drug problems will not recur as necessary steps have been taken by the authorities.
He also mentioned that the number of new drug registrations, which stood at 7,500 by the end of December, has now been reduced to 3,500. Additionally, the rate of drug registration increased significantly, with 1,000 drugs registered per month last October, compared to the previous average of about 57 per month.
An award-winning Sri Lankan restaurant has just opened a new branch in South London. The popular Colombo Kitchen opened their second venue on May 16, this time in Putney.
Located at 240 Upper Richmond Road, the family-run establishment serves traditional dishes and exotic cocktails. After the success of the Worcester Park site, owner and head chef Sylvia Perera is now ready to share her authentic Sri Lankan recipes with the people of South-West London.
She said: “I was honoured when people told me they had travelled from all across London and even from abroad just to taste the food I grew up eating. That’s why I’m so excited to open this second location and share my heritage with even more people.”
The establishment is particularly renowned for its curries and egg hoppers(Image: Colombo Kitchen)
While Sri Lankan cuisine has become increasingly trendy in London, Colombo Kitchen stands out for its hopper and kotthu bar concept, where traditional street food is prepared right under guests’ noses. The restaurant recently won Best Sri Lankan Restaurant at the prestigious Asian Restaurant and Takeaway Awards.
It has a 4.5-star rating from over 100 reviews on TripAdvisor. “My partner and I try to visit Colombo Kitchen as often as possible as it’s a fantastic dining experience – it’s a gem of a restaurant and the food is mouth-wateringly delicious and spicy,” commented a user.
The venue has particularly been praised for its egg hoppers, a popular breakfast dish in Sri Lanka. Both the mutton curry and the Negombo king prawn curry seem to also be a hit with visitors.
Colombo Kitchen is located at 25-27 Central Rd, Worcester Park KT4 8EG and at 240 Upper Richmond Rd, Greater, London SW15 6TG.
A 73-year-old British man has died from a suspected heart attack after “sudden extreme turbulence” on a London-Singapore flight.
Dozens more have been injured after passengers described people being “launched into the ceiling” and overhead lockers.
Singapore Airlines flight SQ321 from Heathrow was forced to make an emergency landing in Thailand.
The plane left London on Monday night but diverted to Bangkok, landing at 3.45pm local time on Tuesday.
Image:Oxygen masks were left dangling from the ceiling. Pic: ReutersImage:Some passengers were taken into ambulances on stretchers. Pic Reuters
Singapore Airlines said the pilot declared a medical emergency and landed in Bangkok after “sudden extreme turbulence over the Irrawaddy Basin at 37,000 feet about 10 hours after departure”.
Passenger Dzafran Azmir, 28, described the chaos on board.
“Suddenly the aircraft starts tilting up and there was shaking so I started bracing for what was happening,” he said.
“And very suddenly there was a very dramatic drop so everyone seated and not wearing seatbelts was launched immediately into the ceiling.”
“Some people hit their heads on the baggage cabins overhead and dented it,” he added.
“They hit the places where lights and masks are and broke straight through it.”
Image:Damage inside the plane. Pic: ReutersImage:Passengers on board. Pic: Reuters
Briton Andrew Davies told Sky News “anyone who had a seatbelt on isn’t injured”.
He said the seatbelt sign came on, but there was no time for crew to take their seats.
Mr Davies said “every single cabin crew person I saw was injured in some way or another, maybe with a gash on their head… One had a bad back, and was in obvious pain.”
Kittipong Kittikachorn, head of Bangkok airport, told reporters a British man, 73, had died from probable cardiac arrest.
He said it’s believed the turbulence hit while people were having breakfast and that an “air pocket” was to blame.
“Seventy-one people needed treatment and six of them had critical injuries,” said Bangkok’s Smitivej Srinakarin Hospital.
However, Singapore Airlines seemed to contradict those numbers and said only 30 people had been taken to hospital.
In a statement, the UK Foreign Office said it was “in contact with the local authorities”.
Forty-seven Britons were among the 211 passengers and 18 crew onboard the plane, a Boeing 777-300ER.
Image:The Boeing 777-300ER was forced to land in Bangkok. Pic: Pongsak Suksi/ReutersImage:Airline meals lie scattered on the floorImage:Cabin crew members surrounded by debris
Flight tracking data showed the plane cruising at 37,000ft (11,280m) before dropping 6,000ft (1,830m) in around three minutes.
However, a spokesperson for FlightRadar24 said this appeared to “just be a flight level change in preparation for landing”.
Ambulances surrounded the aircraft on the tarmac after landing, with images showing some passengers taken away on stretchers.
May 22, Colombo (LNW): State Minister for Social Empowerment Mr. Anupa Pasqual emphasized that new laws are being introduced to facilitate the use of uncultivated land for agricultural purposes, recognizing land as vital for social empowerment.
The state minister also announced that the government has decided to incorporate a skill or professional stream into the G.C.E (Ordinary Level) Examination to promote social empowerment.
The State Minister made these remarks during a press briefing titled “Collective Path to a Stable Country” held at the Presidential Media Centre (PMC) yesterday.
Addressing the media, the State Minister further said:
“A fundamental ideology we have advocated is the need for educational system reform to uplift society. Hence, individuals should not be labelled as exam failures solely due to struggles in subjects like maths, religion, or language at the G.C.E (O/L) examination. Therefore, the government has resolved to integrate skill-based or vocational streams into the G.C.E (O/L) Examination syllabus. This concept reflects societal acceptance. Accordingly, the Ministry of Education plans to implement this initiative from the beginning of next year. It is imperative to note that forthcoming educational reforms aim to cultivate skilled professionals.”
Furthermore, the State Minister highlighted the recognition of numerous uncultivated lands across the country that should be utilized for agricultural purposes, emphasizing the pivotal importance of land in social empowerment. Thus, endeavors are underway to enact new legislation facilitating the utilization of uncultivated but arable land.
“Our standard is that pensions should be given to all to empower the entire country. To achieve this, we propose a contributory pension scheme encompassing not only the public and private sectors but also all self-employed individuals. Simultaneously, we must devote ourselves to fostering an entrepreneurial culture within the country. Additionally, access to vocational education should be extended to all as part of our efforts to drive the country towards development.”
He also announced the initiation of the “Liyasaviya” program aimed at empowering preschool teachers. The primary objective is to empower 1.2 million disadvantaged beneficiaries, with a target of empowering 300,000 families this year. Preparation of essential documentation for approximately 188,000 beneficiaries has been completed. Under the World Bank project, documentation for 10,000 beneficiaries and under the Asian Development Bank (ADB), documentation for 16,000 beneficiaries has been finalized. Training for officials will also conclude this month.
Furthermore, several social empowerment initiatives will commence in collaboration with the National Youth Services Council, Coconut Development Board, and Tea Small Holdings Development Authority in the next month.
May 22, Colombo (LNW): The government plans to initiate two pilot projects, the ‘Temporary Agricultural Electric Fence’ and the ‘Village Electric Fence,’ to protect villages and farmlands experiencing significant elephant-human conflicts.
This announcement was made during a discussion held yesterday (20th), led by Senior Advisor to the President on National Security and Chief of Presidential Staff Sagala Ratnayaka, alongside the heads of line agencies, focusing on recent measures to mitigate wild elephant-human conflicts.
In addition to the existing electric fences built and maintained to mitigate elephant-human conflicts, pilot projects have been initiated in several conflict-prone districts to protect farmlands within regional secretariats’ jurisdictions. These farmlands will be safeguarded only until the harvest season, with a focus on the construction of temporary agricultural electric fences (Agro Fences).
Furthermore, there was an in-depth discussion about the pilot project for constructing electric fences (Village Fences) around villages that experience frequent human-wild elephant conflicts, aiming to protect these communities.
It was decided during the discussion that the agricultural electric fence (Agro Fence) should be dismantled by the respective farmers after harvesting and that the Department of Agricultural Development would assume responsibility for its maintenance and custody. Maintenance duties will also be delegated to the respective divisional secretariats.
Additionally, attention was given to the preservation of a group of trained elephants for cultural events and parades, besides addressing the issue of private elephant ownership.
Mr. Sagala Ratnayaka further instructed the pertinent authorities to compile and present a comprehensive report outlining the challenges encountered in executing these resolutions for review by President Ranil Wickremesinghe.
The meeting was attended by Gunadasa Samarasinghe, the Secretary of the Ministry of Wildlife and Forest Conservation, as well as representatives from various line agencies and members of the Wild Elephant Human Control Committee, including Dr. Sumith Pilapitiya and Dr. Prithiviraj Fernando.
May 22, Colombo (LNW):The Interim Secretariat for Truth and Reconciliation Mechanism (ISTRM) Commission convened three stakeholder consultations at the District Secretariat Office in Galle recently, in a bid to foster dialogue and address pressing concerns regarding the ethnic conflict and aftermath of the war. A diverse group of participants attended the meetings, reflecting a comprehensive cross-section of society, ranging from government officials to grassroots organisations.
The discussions brought together a wide spectrum of views, including government officials, media representatives, provincial leaders, and members from grassroots organisations. Led by Acting District Secretary C. P. Rajakaruna, the District Administration emphasised the importance of local perspectives in the reconciliation process. Regional reporters were briefed on the Commission’s progress, ensuring transparency and public awareness.
Divisional Secretaries and Heads of Departments from Provincial Councils contributed valuable insights, stressing the need for cohesive provincial strategies. Community stakeholders, including ex-military officers and non-governmental organisations, highlighted grassroots-level engagement, which is essential for addressing societal grievances.
Key issues discussed ranged from gender inclusivity to social welfare and victim advocacy. There were suggestions for special provisions mandating female representation in the selection of commissioners and amendments to laws providing concessions for widowers to re-marry with some entitlement of 50 percent of the allowances/salary after marriage.
Concerns were also raised regarding the re-traumatisation of victims who previously testified before conflict-related Presidential commissions. Additionally, inadequate support for disabled soldiers underscored the need for addressing the diverse needs of vulnerable groups.
The consultations concluded with optimism about the Commission’s potential to foster healing, reconciliation, and sustainable peace, emphasising the collective responsibility of all sections of society in advancing the nation’s reconciliation agenda.
Staff from the Interim Secretariat for Truth and Reconciliation, including Senior Additional Secretary to the President Ranjith Ariyaratne, Director General Dr. Asanga Gunawansa, Dr. C. Y. Thangarajah – Senior Executive (Policy), Danushi De Silva – Executive (Public Relations), Sarath Kothalawala (Coordinator), Saumya Wicramasinghe – Executive (Public Relations), and Y. L. Lokunarangoda – Senior Executive (Legal), reaffirmed the government’s commitment to an inclusive reconciliation process.
May 22, Colombo (LNW): The State Vesak festival started yesterday (21) in Matale with the blessings of the Maha Sanga and under the patronage of Prime Minister Dinesh Gunawardena.
Foreign representatives including ambassadors, ministers, and government officials also participated in the event.
The Vesak festival will continue till May 27, with the closing ceremony to be held at the Millawana Sri Sunandaramaya of the Pallepola Sasanarakshaka Mandalaya.
The Maha Sanga, including Anunayake of Siam Sect of the Malwatte Chapter Most Ven. Niyangoda Sri Vijithasiri Thera, Anunayake of the Siam Sect of the Asgiri Chapter Most Ven. Anamaduve Sri Dhammadassi Thera, Mahanayaka of the Rangiri Dambulu Chapter Most Ven. Inamaluwe Sumangala Thera, Sri Kalyani Samagri Dharma Maha Sangha Sabha Mahanayaka Most Ven. Malwane Pannasara Thera, Chief Sanganayake of Matale District of the Siam Sect of the Asgiri Chapter Most Ven. Kosgolle Seelarathana Thera, and clergy from other religions participated in the event.
Buddhasasana, Religious and Cultural Affairs Minister Vidura Wickramanayaka, Central Province Governor Lalith U. Gamage, State Minister Shanta Bandara, Members of Parliament Nalaka Bandara Kottegoda, Yadamini Gunawardena, Gunathilaka Rajapaksa, Rohini Kaviratne, Diyawadana Nilame Pradeep Nilanga Dela Bandara, ambassadors of China, Vietnam, and Korea, High Commissioner of Pakistan, Assistant High Commissioner of India, government officials including Buddha Sasana Ministry Secretary Somaratne Vidanapathirana, and many devotees also participated in this event.
May 22, Colombo (LNW):The Southwest monsoon conditions are gradually establishing over the island; hence, the prevailing showery and windy conditions will continue further.
Cloudy skies can be expected over most parts of the island.
Showers or thundershowers will occur at times in Western, Sabaragamuwa, Central, North-western, Southern and Northern provinces.
Very heavy showers about 150 mm are likely at some places in Western and Sabaragamuwa provinces and in Kandy and Nuwara-Eliya districts. Heavy showers above 100 mm are likely at some places in North-western province and in Mannar, Galle and Matara districts.
Showers or thundershowers will occur at several places elsewhere of the island.
Strong winds about (40-50) kmph at times are possible in the western slope of the central hills and in Southern province. Fairly strong winds about (30-40) kmph can be expected at times elsewhere of the island.
General public is kindly requested to take adequate precautions to minimize damages caused by temporary localized strong winds and lightning during thundershowers.
May 21, Colombo (LNW): The government’s plan to transform 54 year old Sapugaskanda Oil Refinery to a separate public -private enterprise pruning its staff to maximum possible manner as it is becoming inactive due to frequent shutdowns, Ceylon Petroleum Corporation sources divulged.
More than 650 employees at the Sapugaskanda Refinery, the country’s sole oil refinery, face potential job losses due to its transformation into a separate public enterprise.
According to sources, the government plans to retain only approximately 200 of the current employees for the new enterprise.
The remaining workers will be placed in a pool from which the new enterprise will select the ncessary personnel to maintain operations.
In March, the Cabinet of Ministers approved a proposal to operate the Sapugaskanda Oil Refinery as a state-owned business entity disjoined it from the Ceylon Petroleum Corporation (CPC).
The plan of the government is to get rid of the country’s only oil refinery with a capacity to supply 100percent of the country’s kerosene requirement, 50 percent of the aviation fuel requirement, and100 percent of the naphtha requirement.,
It was used to produce 30 percent of the diesel requirement, 14percent of the petrol requirement, 7-8percent of the gas requirement, and 75-100percent of the furnace oil requirement.
Initially designed to process 38,000 barrels of crude oil, the refinery currently has a capacity of refining about 50,000 barrels per day.
Sapugaskanda Refinery was built by Iran under the guidance of the Ceylon Petroleum Corporation (CPC) in August, 1969.
A senior engineer of the CPC said that the closure of the Sapugaskanda Oil Refinery would cost the country an additional sum of US$ 1.1 million a day to meet its crude oil requirement.
He further claimed “The refinery has been shut down on several occasions and it has cost a lot of money to resume its operations. This was a national crime, he added.
The Cabinet of Ministers recently approved a proposal to operate the Sapugaskanda Oil Refinery as a state-owned business entity disjoined from the Ceylon Petroleum Corporation (CPC).
The government had said it has identified the need to make a ‘critical investment’ to upgrade the oil refinery in order to keep it up and running for another 25 years.
Thereby, it has been decided that the Sapugaskanda Oil Refinery be operated as a separate public enterprise and to call Expressions of Interest (EOIs) to select a suitable strategic investment partner to upgrade the infrastructure facilities to address the existing operational challenges.
The Power and Energy Minister had said the government is also exploring the option of relocating the Sapugaskanda Oil Refinery to Trincomalee in the future with upgraded modern facilities and the development of the Tank Farm.
The facility, which is the only oil refinery in Sri Lanka, was established in 1969 and fulfils approximately 25% of the country’s demand for refined petroleum products.
May 21, Colombo (LNW): Sri Lanka’s credit card industry is set to gain momentum gradually as its ceiling rate is due for downward revision as other lending rates descend fast increasingly, Central Bank data showed.
The e number of new cards issued declines yet the purchase volume and transaction value have slightly increased.
Even though Sri Lanka’s credit card penetration is considered to be fairly sufficient, it is comparatively low to its Southeast Asian counterparts
The credit card activity, which remained lull for a prolonged period, appears to have broken its trend and set off to consumer spending in the period ahead.
The cardholders were seen swiping more frequently for their festive spending and leisure and travelling needs in March this year.
However, users’ inability to manage spending may lead to excessive outstanding balances, prolonged repayment periods, and increased interest payments.
Outstanding credit card balance of the licensed commercial banking sector has little changed in March from February despite an uptick signaling the trend that would follow as the consumers grow more optimistic about the economy. The interest rates have fallen to single digit levels.
The outstanding card balance has crept up by only Rs.62 million in March from its February levels to Rs.148.7 billion, but the first quarter still shows a contraction by Rs.2.7 billion.
While the credit card spend doesn’t show the full picture of consumer spending, the outstanding balance could see tangible movements from the second quarter onwards as people were taking more trips making use of the offers and discounts offered by banks for their credit cards.
Outstanding credit card balance doesn’t necessarily reflect the true consumer spend because there are still only about 1.9 million active cards in Sri Lanka and many still prefer to transact through cash or via digital payments.
And those who do transact via cards in fact settle their accounts within their credit cycle before their balance gets accumulated.
Further, the rate charged on credit cards is also due for an immediate revision downwards from its current 28 percent levels as it doesn’t make sense when the rest of the loan rate has fallen well below 15 percent while the prime rate touched single digits two weeks ago.
Therefore, it is expected that the Central Bank would soon issue instructions for the banks, setting lower ceiling rates for cards unless banks bring their rates down on their own accord.
Meanwhile, the number of cards active remained down by 5,469 in the first three months from the levels of 2023, although the banks together have managed to approve 1,520 new cards in March bringing the new cards portfolio of the banking sector to 1,911,616.
