February 05, Colombo (LNW): The number of drug quality failures in 2024 was notably lower compared to the previous year, according to the Medical Supplies Division of the Ministry of Health.

A total of 87 drug quality failures were reported in 2024, with the majority of the problematic products being imported from India.

Of the drugs that did not pass quality tests, approximately 47 were sourced from India, while 12 had been produced locally.

The remaining substandard drugs came from various countries, including China, Kenya, Pakistan, Japan, and Bangladesh.

Some of these drugs have been withdrawn from circulation, while others have been withheld or discontinued altogether in an effort to safeguard public health.

The issue of substandard drugs gained widespread attention in 2023, when the country experienced its highest-ever number of quality failures, with 124 incidents reported.

These failures contributed to a number of serious health complications and, in some cases, fatalities, prompting urgent calls for reform within the pharmaceutical supply chain.

As of early 2025, there have already been 13 drug quality failures reported, a figure that has raised concerns despite the relative reduction compared to the previous year.

In light of these ongoing challenges, a senior official from the Ministry of Health has confirmed that steps are being taken to tighten regulations around drug imports.

These measures include enhanced quality control protocols and more frequent testing of pharmaceutical products before they reach the market.

The Ministry is also planning to increase its scrutiny of pharmaceutical suppliers, ensuring that only the highest quality products are allowed into the country.

February 05, Colombo (LNW): Major General Chandana Wickramasinghe has been appointed as the new Chief of Staff of the Sri Lanka Army, a role he will officially take up on February 09, 2025.

His appointment follows an extensive and distinguished military career, during which he has held several key positions within the Army.

Prior to his new role, Major General Wickramasinghe served as the Deputy Chief of Staff of the Sri Lanka Army.

He also held the position of Director General of General Staff at Army Headquarters, where he played a critical role in overseeing military operations and strategic planning.

Wickramasinghe’s military journey began with his training at the prestigious Indian Military Academy, where he completed the Regular Intake 87 course. He further honed his skills at the Sri Lanka Military Academy, completing Intake 31 before receiving his commission as a Second Lieutenant.

His initial posting was with the Gajaba Regiment, where he served as an Infantry Officer, embarking on a path that would see him rise through the ranks due to his leadership and strategic expertise.

February 05, Colombo (LNW): In a bid to streamline the registration process for the Employees’ Provident Fund (EPF), the Department of Labour has introduced a new programme designed to facilitate smoother registration for employees.

The initiative, called AH Registration, allows individuals to book appointments ahead of time, ensuring a more organised and efficient experience when registering for the EPF.

H. K. K. A. Jayasundara, the Commissioner General of Labour, announced that those wishing to register can now easily schedule an appointment by calling the designated number, 011 2202 201.

He emphasised that this advance booking system would significantly reduce wait times and help applicants complete the registration process without unnecessary delays or complications.

By offering a structured approach to registration, the Department of Labour aims to improve efficiency and accessibility for all individuals seeking to participate in the fund.

February 05, Colombo (LNW): In a statement made to Parliament today (05), Speaker Jagath Wickramaratne revealed that he has not yet received the Supreme Court’s determination on the Local Government Elections (Special Provisions) Bill, despite ongoing queries from the Opposition.

The Speaker’s comments followed questions raised by opposition members regarding the delay in presenting the court’s decision to the House.

The Opposition had sought clarification on why the Speaker had not disclosed the ruling, as many had expected it to be made available for discussion during today’s parliamentary session.

In response to these concerns, Leader of the House Bimal Ratnayake provided some reassurance, stating that the local government elections could still be held by the scheduled date of April 24, 2025, regardless of the court’s determination.

Ratnayake further indicated that the Bill would be brought up for debate in Parliament on February 18 and 19, offering lawmakers the opportunity to discuss and scrutinise its provisions.

February 05, Colombo (LNW): The Young Journalists Association has called for a protest in response to the recent recommendation made by the Attorney General to release three individuals implicated in the high-profile case concerning the murder of Lasantha Wickrematunge, the former editor of The Sunday Leader.

The demonstration is set to take place tomorrow (Feb 06) at 12.00 pm in front of the Attorney General’s Department in Colombo.

Protesters will gather to express their strong objections to the Attorney General’s decision, which they believe shields those responsible for the killing of the well-known journalist.

The association has stated that the protest is aimed at demanding the resignation of the Attorney General, accusing him of protecting criminals rather than upholding justice.

Participants will also be calling for transparency regarding the criteria and legal basis behind the decision to release the suspects, whose identities have raised public concern.

The Young Journalists Association has extended an invitation to all those who stand for justice and accountability to join the protest, stressing the importance of public mobilisation in the pursuit of truth and justice in the case.

February 05, Colombo (LNW): The Ministry of Agriculture, Livestock, Land, and Irrigation is set to unveil the long-awaited certified price for paddy today, with officials emphasising that this price will be calculated based on the complete cost of production.

Deputy Minister Namal Karunaratne confirmed that the forthcoming price announcement will take into account the full expenses incurred by farmers in cultivating paddy.

He acknowledged that the long-standing demand from Sri Lanka’s farming community has been for a price that reflects at least a 30 per cent profit margin above production costs for every kilogramme of paddy harvested.

Unfortunately, this target has often remained an elusive goal.

Karunaratne explained that, despite the challenges faced in the past, the government has now taken concrete steps to meet this expectation. The authorities will ensure that the certified price will include the desired 30 per cent margin, aligning with what farmers have long been advocating for.

In addition to the price adjustment, the Deputy Minister highlighted that the Treasury has allocated a substantial Rs. 5 billion to facilitate the purchase of paddy stocks directly from local farmers.

This financial commitment aims to ease the burden on farmers, provide them with a fair return for their hard work, and support the local agricultural economy.

February 05, Colombo (LNW): Acting Inspector General of Police (IGP) Priyantha Weerasooriya has issued a strong warning to police officers and station commanders, stating that they will face both disciplinary and legal action if they refuse to accept complaints lodged by the public at police stations.

In a directive released recently, Acting IGP Weerasooriya made it clear that officers who reject complaints or fail to register them for any reason will be held accountable.

He emphasised that under the Police Ordinance, these officers could face legal repercussions in addition to the internal disciplinary measures imposed by the police department.

The Acting IGP’s circular follows numerous reports, both written and verbal, suggesting that some police officers are turning away individuals who come forward with complaints.

In many cases, these rejections have been explained with various excuses, undermining the public’s trust in the police force.

Weerasooriya stressed that such actions were unacceptable, particularly when the core duty of police officers is to serve the public by ensuring all complaints are recorded and investigated appropriately.

The circular also reminded officers that their role within the police force is not just to maintain law and order, but to respond to the concerns of the community with professionalism and integrity.

He emphasised that the failure to take action when a complaint is made not only breaches the law but also erodes public confidence in the police service.

February 05, Colombo (LNW): The Attorney General has delivered his legal opinion to the Criminal Investigations Department (CID), advising that no further legal action be taken against three individuals, including a former army intelligence officer and a retired senior police official, in connection with the ongoing investigation into the murder of journalist Lasantha Wickrematunge.

Attorney General Parinda Ranasinghe (Jnr) issued the legal advice in a letter dated 27th January 2025, addressed to the CID Director.

In his correspondence, Ranasinghe stated that the prosecution has decided not to pursue any further charges against Sergeant Prem Ananda Udalagama, a former member of the Army Intelligence Unit, Sub-Inspector Tissa Siri Sugathapala, the former Crimes Officer-in-Charge of the Mount Lavinia Police, and retired Senior DIG Prasanna Nanayakkara.

These individuals had been named as suspects in the magisterial inquiry related to the 2009 murder of Wickrematunge, who was the Editor of The Sunday Leader.

The three suspects had been arrested and remanded in custody years ago on charges of allegedly obstructing the investigation and concealing critical evidence concerning the murder.

However, with the Attorney General’s recent legal guidance, they were released on bail, and now the prospects of further criminal charges appear to have been dismissed.

The legal opinion has been shared with the Mount Lavinia Magistrate’s Court, with the Attorney General instructing the CID to submit a report on the matter within 14 days, updating the court on any progress related to the case.

In a separate but related development, Udalagama remains under suspicion for his alleged involvement in a different high-profile case — the 2009 assault on former Rivira newspaper Editor Upali Tennakoon.

This attack, which took place in the same turbulent period, has raised further questions about the extent of involvement by certain figures in Sri Lanka’s security and law enforcement apparatus during the years of conflict.

February 05, Colombo (LNW): The National Water Supply and Drainage Board (NWSDB) revealed yesterday (04) that its outstanding debt has surged to an alarming Rs. 16 billion, largely as a result of unpaid water bills from consumers.

The Board, which plays a vital role in delivering clean water across Sri Lanka, has been grappling with the increasing burden of unpaid dues from residential and commercial customers alike.

A representative from the NWSDB explained that, over the past few years, the organisation has been incurring substantial interest on loans taken from both local and international sources.

These funds were primarily used to fund a series of large-scale water supply projects aimed at improving infrastructure and extending services throughout the country.

However, the lack of timely payments from consumers has added to the financial strain on the Board, threatening the sustainability of ongoing and future projects.

As a result of this mounting debt, the NWSDB has been forced to implement stricter measures, including the disconnection of water supply to those who have failed to settle their outstanding bills.

This move comes as part of the Board’s strategy to recover the dues owed to it and ensure that it can continue operating effectively.

In a further development, the NWSDB has also indicated that it is considering an adjustment to water tariffs.

The decision to revise the pricing structure is in line with recent changes to electricity tariffs, with the Board’s special committee expected to finalise and announce the specific percentage increase soon.

This move is expected to help alleviate some of the financial pressure the organisation has been facing, but it may also place additional burden on consumers already struggling with the rising cost of living.

February 05, Colombo (LNW): A few showers may occur in Uva province and in Batticaloa, Ampara, Matale, Nuwara-Eliya and Hambantota districts, and showers or thundershowers may occur at a few places in Galle, Matara, Kaluthara and Rathnapura districts in the evening or night, the Department of Meteorology said in its daily weather forecast today (05).

Mainly fair weather will prevail over the other areas of the island.

Misty conditions can be expected at some places in Western, Sabaragamuwa, Central, Uva and North-western provinces and in Galle, Matara, and Anuradhapura districts during the morning.

Marine Weather: