March 27, Colombo (LNW): Rituximab, a crucial weapon in the fight against lymphatic system cancers, has been at the center of a scandal involving fraudulent production and distribution.

Recent revelations have exposed a disturbing trend where counterfeit medications, including Rituximab and human immunoglobulin, were deceitfully administered to patients through medical supply channels.

Former Health Minister Keheliya Rambukwellama publicly admitted that the human immunoglobulin contained saline or an unidentified liquid, raising grave concerns about patient safety.

Investigations by News 1st uncovered alarming details: on October 12 of the previous year, Rituximab, a lifeline for cancer patients, was administered as a counterfeit drug. Shockingly, both the counterfeit Rituximab and Human Immunoglobulin were traced back to the same company: Isolez Biotech Pharma.

Cancer experts emphasize the critical role of authentic Rituximab, which can substantially improve patient survival rates by up to 15 percent. However, the counterfeit drugs supplied by Isolez Biotech Pharma jeopardized patient outcomes.

During a recent court session, Deputy Solicitor General Lakmini Girihagama presented damning evidence, highlighting the absence of crucial anti-cancer monoclonal protein in the fraudulent Rituximab.

This revelation comes after testing at the National Cancer Institute, underscoring the dire consequences of the counterfeit medications being administered to vulnerable cancer patients

March 27, Colombo (LNW):Early this morning (March 27), a disturbing incident unfolded as a group of assailants discharged gunfire into a residence situated on Galwarushawa Road in Athurugiriya. The targeted establishment purportedly belongs to Manoj Muthukumarana, known in criminal circles as “Muthuwa.”

Reports indicate that despite the intensity of the attack, which saw at least 7 shots fired into the house, there were fortunately no casualties.

It is reported that Muthukumarana, operating from overseas, has been linked to a series of criminal activities documented in Athurugiriya and Nawagamuwa regions in recent times. The incident adds to the escalating concerns surrounding his alleged involvement in illicit operations within the area.

March 27, Colombo (LNW): The Attorney General’s Department has announced its intent to present the facts to court on Wednesday (27) regarding former President Maithripala Sirisena’s recent statement to the Criminal Investigation Department (CID) concerning the Easter attacks.

In addition to reporting the facts, the AG’s Department disclosed plans to petition the court to summon Maithripala Sirisena, urging him to provide a statement in the legal proceedings.

This decision follows the transmission of Sirisena’s statement to the CID, which was forwarded to the Attorney General’s Department on Tuesday (26).

Former President Sirisena’s involvement came into focus after he issued a statement to media in Kandy on March 22, prompting his summons by the CID. He subsequently recorded a statement with the CID on March 25, marking a significant development in the ongoing investigations surrounding the Easter attacks.

March 27, Colombo (LNW): The Sri Lankan administration is currently focusing on women’s cricket development, particularly providing international exposure to female cricketers under 19. As the U-19 team prepares to face England and Australia at home, attention is drawn to the participation of Amurtha Surenkumar, a Sri Lankan Tamil representing England, highlighting the diverse talent pool.

Leading the Sri Lanka U-19 team in this significant tournament against cricket powerhouses like England and Australia is Manudi Nanayakkara, who previously captained the team to victory in the tri-series against Bangladesh. Although the team will miss the experienced Vihmi Gunaratne due to national team commitments, their resilience and capability to face challenges have been proven during the tour of Bangladesh.

The T20 and ODI series in this tournament, sanctioned by the Sports Minister, will feature the Sri Lanka U-19 team. Sri Lanka Cricket has released images of the team, along with photos capturing previous occasions when England and Australia visited Sri Lanka, emphasizing the significance of the upcoming series.

1. President Ranil Wickremesinghe said it is necessary to maintain law and order in the country, while highlighting the crucial steps taken to safeguard state properties, including the parliament, the prime minister’s office and the president’s office from “violence orchestrated under the guise of a struggle”. Despite criticisms labelling these actions as human rights violations, the President asserted that such measures were imperative for preventing economic instability.
2. The Samagi Jana Balawegaya-led government will provide meals to all school children, said party leader MP Sajith Premadasa, slamming the incumbent government’s current meal distribution programme. He pointed out that the government has commenced providing meals only for elementary school children, which was a shameful policy.
3. The Colombo High Court on Tuesday (March 26) dismissed preliminary objections raised by Keheliya Rambukwella and another accused in a misappropriation case, stating that the lawsuit filed by the Bribery Commission could not be maintained.
4. A five-member Supreme Court bench has been appointed by Chief Justice Jayantha Jayasuriya to consider the fundamental rights (FR) petitions filed challenging the passing of the Online Safety Act in the parliament. The petitions have been fixed for July 24 for confirmation of facts.
5. The Criminal Investigations Department (CID) has received an order to conduct a comprehensive investigation into a letter from an informant claiming that plans were underway to assassinate the Fort Magistrate Thilina Gamage using a T81 grenade launcher. The informant has also claimed that an individual had requested this firearm over the phone to kill the Magistrate. Minister of Public Security Tiran Alles has ordered an immediate probe into the alleged assassination attempt.
6. The Sri Lankan Cabinet has approved an increase in the national minimum salary. As per the provisions of the National Minimum Wage of Workers Act (No. 03 of 2016), the minimum national salary used to stands at Rs. 12,500/-. A tertiary subcommittee, consisting of representatives from trade unions and employers in small and medium-level enterprises, which was appointed under the guidance of the National Labour Consultancy Board has recommended raising the minimum salary to Rs. 17,500/-.
7. The Ministry of Public Security has announced the implementation of a special security program across Christian churches during the upcoming Easter Sunday services. With Good Friday falling on the 29th and Easter Sunday on the 31st, authorities said they are taking proactive steps to ensure the safety of worshippers.

8. The Governor of Central Bank of Sri Lanka (CBSL), Dr. Nandalal Weerasinghe, asserted that he would not resign over the controversy surrounding the salary increase. He commented that the Central Bank’s duty towards the country includes implementation of the monetary policy, and maintaining the stability of the banking system under the CBSL Act.

9. Singapore-flagged container ship ‘Dali’ has collided with a pillar of the Francis Scott Key Bridge in Baltimore resulting in the collapse of the entire structure. According to the BBC, shipping company Synergy Marine Group had confirmed that all crew members, including the two pilots who were aboard, have been accounted for and there are no reports of any injuries.The vessel is 300m long and was on its way to Colombo in Sri Lanka.
10. The Asian Cricket Council (ACC) has announced the upcoming Women’s Asia Cup 2024, scheduled to take place in Dambulla, Sri Lanka, from July 19th to July 28th, 2024. This edition of the tournament will feature eight teams, one more than the previous edition in 2022, indicating the growing interest and participation in women’s cricket across Asia.

March 27, Colombo (LNW): The Ambassador of Sri Lanka to Brazil, Sumith Dassanayake, who also serves as the concurrent envoy to Paraguay, recently presented his Letters of Credence to President Santiago Peña Palacios at the Presidential Palace in Asunción on March 19, 2024.

During the credential ceremony, Ambassador Dassanayake expressed gratitude for the warm welcome and conveyed Sri Lanka’s eagerness to strengthen ties with Paraguay. He specifically sought Paraguay’s support at the United Nations Human Rights Council sessions in Geneva, considering Paraguay’s current membership on the council. President Palacios assured his commitment to supporting Sri Lanka in this regard.

Prior to the ceremony, Ambassador Dassanayake held discussions with Paraguay’s Minister of Foreign Affairs, Rubén Ramĺez Lezcano, where they discussed socio-political and economic developments in Sri Lanka. The Ambassador proposed establishing a Joint Commission on Political and Economic Cooperation, a suggestion welcomed by the Foreign Minister.

Further engagements included discussions with Vice Minister Victor Alfredo Verdun Bitar on enhancing bilateral and multilateral relations, as well as expediting pending agreements between the two countries. These agreements cover areas such as political consultations, visa exemptions for diplomatic passport holders, and cultural cooperation.

Ambassador Dassanayake also explored opportunities for Paraguayan entrepreneurs in Sri Lanka’s trade, tourism, and investment sectors during a meeting with Andrea J. Martinez Ayala, Head of Trade Affairs at Paraguay’s Foreign Trade and Investment Directorate.

Moreover, the Ambassador visited the Paraguayan Association of Travel and Tourism Companies (ASATUR) headquarters, where he discussed cooperation in the tourism sector with ASATUR President Monica Costa Barriocanal. Both parties agreed to facilitate collaboration between Paraguayan investors and Sri Lankan tour operators, further bolstering tourism ties between the two nations.

March 27, Colombo (LNW): The Cabinet has given its approval to a resolution put forward by President as the Technology Minister to roll out a National Digital Economic Strategy aimed at advancing Sri Lanka’s economic landscape.

The strategy, designed to align with the nation’s vision of achieving a higher revenue economy by 2048, sets forth a comprehensive plan to harness digital technologies for economic growth and development. Developed in consultation with experts, professional institutions, and vocational boards, the “National Digital Economic Strategy for Sri Lanka – 2030” outlines key initiatives and goals to propel the country towards a digitally empowered future.