Health sector trade unions have raised concerns over the government’s recent measures, calling for holiday allowances and a dedicated fuel quota to help maintain essential healthcare services.

Co-convener of the Health Services Trade Union Alliance, Ravi Kumudesh, said health workers should receive proper compensation if they are required to report for duty on designated public holidays.

“If we are required to work on a holiday such as Wednesday, the government must pay the relevant holiday allowance,” he said.

Kumudesh also stressed the need for a separate fuel allocation mechanism for the health sector, noting that uninterrupted healthcare services cannot be maintained without ensuring easy access to fuel for staff.

“If healthcare is considered an essential service, then the staff delivering it must also be treated as essential. A proper fuel quota and a convenient system to obtain fuel must be introduced,” he said.

He also questioned the rationale behind providing the same fuel quota for three-wheelers and private vehicles, while expecting health workers to continue delivering critical services.

Kumudesh further criticised the decision to declare a holiday for most sectors while expecting the health sector to function as usual, questioning whether authorities assume patients would not require medical care on those days.

The trade union representative warned that if the government continues to expect health workers to work on holidays without additional benefits, it must take responsibility to provide appropriate allowances without delay.

A special discussion has been held to examine measures required to ensure the uninterrupted operation of airline services amid the ongoing fuel crisis linked to the Middle East conflict.

The meeting was chaired by Deputy Minister of Ports and Civil Aviation Janith Ruwan Kodithuwakku and took place at the Civil Aviation Authority (CAA) premises.

Also in attendance were Secretary to the Ministry of Ports and Civil Aviation W.W.S. Mangala, along with the Chairman and Director General of the CAA and several senior ministry officials.

During the discussion, officials focused on the current levels of aviation fuel reserves and the need for their efficient management.

Attention was also given to identifying forward-looking measures required to maintain uninterrupted airline operations despite the prevailing challenges.

In light of the situation, emphasis was placed on how the Civil Aviation Authority can manage fuel consumption effectively while ensuring the continuity of airline services without disruption.

The United States has commenced the transfer of 10 TH-57 Sea Ranger helicopters to the Sri Lanka Air Force (SLAF) under a bilateral cooperation programme.

The Sri Lankan Embassy in Washington D.C. confirmed that the helicopters, provided as a donation, have departed the United States for Sri Lanka.

The aircraft are expected to enhance the SLAF’s capabilities in training, surveillance and operational support.

The TH-57 Sea Ranger, a military variant of the Bell 206B-3 Jet Ranger, has been in service with the United States Navy and other U.S. forces since 1968.

U.S. officials described the transfer as a milestone in defence cooperation between the two countries, noting that it would strengthen regional security, disaster preparedness and humanitarian response capabilities.

The International Atomic Energy Agency (IAEA) says Iran has reported that a projectile struck near the Bushehr Nuclear Power Plant in the country’s southwest on Tuesday evening.

In a statement, the UN nuclear watchdog said no damage to the facility or injuries to staff were reported. IAEA Director General Rafael Grossi reiterated his call for maximum restraint to avoid the risk of a nuclear incident amid the ongoing conflict.

Meanwhile, Iran has confirmed the death of Ali Larijani, Secretary of the Supreme National Security Council, who was killed in an attack earlier this week.

In an official statement, the Council said Larijani was “martyred” following a lifetime of public service, adding that he died alongside several others, including his son and members of his security detail.

Israeli Defense Minister Israel Katz had earlier claimed that Larijani was “eliminated” on Monday night.

Iranian authorities also confirmed that Gholamreza Soleimani, head of the Basij paramilitary force, was killed in what was described as a “terrorist attack by the American-Zionist enemy.”

Funeral ceremonies for both Larijani and Soleimani are scheduled to be held on Wednesday, according to Iranian media.

Iranian President Masoud Pezeshkian expressed deep sorrow over Larijani’s death, describing him as a leader marked by insight, foresight, and dedication, and acknowledged that his loss would be difficult to replace.

The government has decided to grant a weekly holiday every Wednesday to public sector employees starting today (18), until further notice, due to ongoing fuel supply challenges.

Commissioner General of Essential Services Prabath Chandrakeerthi said the holiday will also apply to schools, universities, and the judicial sector.

Authorities have further requested that state-approved schools and private tuition classes suspend activities on Wednesdays.

However, the directive does not apply to essential services, including healthcare, ports, water supply, and electricity, which will continue to operate as usual.

Meanwhile, the Department of Railways announced that only trains operating on a Saturday schedule will run today in view of the special holiday.

Accordingly:

• 29 trains will operate on the main line
• 17 trains on the upcountry line
• 33 trains on the coastal line
• 5 trains on the Kelani Valley line
• 9 trains on the Puttalam line
• 6 trains on the Batticaloa and Trincomalee lines

The Sri Lanka Transport Board (SLTB) stated that bus services will continue islandwide, with some schedules adjusted where necessary. Authorities said buses will be deployed based on passenger demand.

Showers or thundershowers will occur at several places in the most parts of the island after 2.00 pm. 

Fairly heavy showers above 50 mm can be expected at some places in Central, Sabaragamuwa, Southern and Uva provinces and in Anuradhapura district.

A few showers may occur over the eastern coastal areas during the morning.

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

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