News
Main anti-depressant prescribed for children out of stock
By Rathindra Kuruwita
Fluoxetine, one of the main drugs given to children with depression is not available in government hospitals, Dr Vajira Dharmawardene, Consultant Psychiatrist, Senior Lecturer, Faculty of Medicine, Sabaragamuwa University, said in a televised interview on Wednesday (09).
Fluoxetine, an antidepressant, belonged to a group of medicines known as selective serotonin reuptake inhibitors (SSRIs), and that was a cheap and effective drug, Dr. Dharmawardene said.
“Depression is one of the most common mental health issues. In the parlance of psychiatry it’s as common as a cold. Fluoxetine is a drug we often give children, but this drug is no longer available in government hospitals. This is not a recent development, we have not had this drug for a while,” he said.
The Cabinet of Ministers granted their concurrence to the resolution furnished by the Minister of Youth Affairs to appoint S. Achchudan of Special Grade of Sri Lanka Administrative Service, who is currently serving as an Additional Commissioner of Elections at the Elections Commission who is
recommended by the panel of interviewers to the post of Director General of the Sports Development Department with effect form 01.01.2026.
The Cabinet of Ministers granted approval to the proposal furnished by the Minister of Environment to publish the draft bill of the National Environment (Amended) Act in the government gazette notification and subsequently to submit the same to the Parliament for its concurrence.
The Cabinet of Ministers has approved the proposal presented by the Minister of Buddhism, Religious, and Cultural Affairs to provide tax relief on imported dates received as donations or gift for Ramadan.
This year’s Ramadan fasting season is scheduled to begin on 19-02-2026 and end on 21-03-2026.
Shafali, Renuka close in on top five in ICC T20I rankings
S. Achchudan appointed as Director General of the Sports Development Department.
Amendment of the National Environment Act No. 47 of 1980
Tax relief for Dates received as donations or gifts for Ramadan
Cabinet nod to establish the Sri Lanka Industrial Transformation and innovation Authority
Temporary employment of Sri Lankan labour in the State of Israel
‘Dates have the highest sugar content to fight Coronavirus’
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