News
Doctors’ union, JVP call for arrest of Rambukwella over shady procurement deals
By Chaminda Silva
Aconsignment of 38 types of medicinal drugs imported during the tenure of Health Minister Keheliya Rambukwella has been held at the BIA, says Chairman of the Professional Forum of Physicians on Medical and Civil Rights, Dr. Chamal Sanjeewa.
The consignment of medicines had been ordered in violation of presidential orders, Dr Sanjeewa said, adding that it had been imported under the Indian credit line.
Dr Sanjeewa said that following a court order in a case filed by the Transparency International, the airport authorities had detained the stock of medicine.
“The need of the hour is to record a statement from former minister Rambukwella and take him into custody over this issue because there seems to be sufficient evidence against him over shady procurement deals,” Dr Sanjeewa said.
JVP-led NPP called for the arrest of Rambukwella and others responsible for the procurement scams.
Former Kalutara District JVP MP Dr. Nalinda Jayatissa addressing the media at the party headquarters said that here were some more powerful persons behind the substandard medicine racket. “We are also of the opinion that not only Rambukwella but also some of his predecessors were involved in bringing substandard medicines to secure commissions.
Lakbima Rice Mills (Pvt) Ltd, based in Polonnaruwa, has contributed Rs. 100 million to the Government’s ‘Rebuilding Sri Lanka’ Fund, established to provide relief to communities affected by Cyclone Ditwa.
The donation cheque was handed over this morning (13) at the Presidential Secretariat to Dr. Nandika Sanath Kumanayake, Secretary to the President, by Dudley Sirisena, Chairman of the Araliya Group of Companies.
Latest News
Advisory for severe lightning issued to the Districts of Kaluthara, Rathnapura, Galle and Matara
Advisory for Severe Lightning
Issued by the Natural Hazards Early Warning Centre
at 12.30 p.m. 13 December 2025 valid for the period until 11.00 p.m. 13 December 2025 for Kaluthara, Rathnapura, Galle and Matara Districts
The public are warned that thundershowers accompanied with severe lightning are likely to occur at some places in the Kaluthara, Rathnapura, Galle and Matara Districts.
There may be temporary localized strong winds during thundershowers.
General public is kindly requested to take adequate precautions to minimize damages caused by lightning activity.
ACTION REQUIRED:
The Department of Meteorology advises that people should:
Seek shelter, preferably indoors and never under trees.
Avoid open areas such as paddy fields, tea plantations and open water bodies during thunderstorms.
Avoid using wired telephones and connected electric appliances during thunderstorms.
Avoid using open vehicles, such as bicycles, tractors and boats etc.
Beware of fallen trees and power lines.
For emergency assistance contact the local disaster management authorities.
Based on the prevailing disaster situation and the upcoming festive season, arrangements have been made to provide a nutrition allowance worth Rs. 5,000 to pregnant mothers.
This allowance, which will be provided only once, will be given to pregnant mothers who were registered at maternal clinics on or before 30 November 2025.
The distribution will take place through the Divisional Secretariat offices from 16 December, as a program of the National Secretariat for Early Childhood Development, which is affiliated with the Ministry of Women and Child Affairs.
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