News
Pakistan hands over 200 tonnes of humanitarian aid to Lanka
Pakistan, on Monday, handed over a sea consignment of 200 tonnes of humanitarian relief supplies to Sri Lanka, reaffirming the long-standing friendship and strong bilateral ties between the two countries, officials said.
The assistance was provided following special directives from the Prime Minister of Pakistan and forms part of Pakistan’s ongoing humanitarian response to support Sri Lanka in the aftermath of Cyclone Ditwah.
The latest consignment, dispatched by Pakistan’s National Disaster Management Authority (NDMA), arrived at the Colombo International Container Terminal (CICT) at the Port of Colombo. It includes family tents, blankets, quilts, life jackets, inflatable boats, de-watering pumps, camping lamps, mosquito nets, bubble mats, milk powder, Ready-to-Use Therapeutic Food (RUTF) and essential medicines to assist cyclone-affected communities.
The aid builds on Pakistan’s earlier relief efforts, which included the deployment of Pakistan Air Force C-130 aircraft carrying emergency supplies, search-and-rescue equipment and specialised Urban Search and Rescue (USAR) teams. A Pakistan Navy ship, along with its onboard helicopter, also participated in relief and rescue operations in coordination with the Sri Lankan Armed Forces following the cyclone.
Earlier, the Prime Minister of Pakistan held a telephone conversation with the President of Sri Lanka to convey condolences over the loss of lives and to reaffirm Pakistan’s commitment to continued assistance. In addition, Pakistan’s Federal Minister for Maritime Affairs, Muhammad Junaid Anwar Chaudhry, paid a two-day visit to Sri Lanka last week to reiterate Pakistan’s support for the country’s recovery efforts.
The handover ceremony at the Colombo Port was attended by Minister of Ports and Civil Aviation Anura Karunathilaka, Deputy Minister Janitha Ruwan Kodithuwakku, Commander Western Naval Area Rear Admiral S.J. Kumara, senior officials of the Ministry of Foreign Affairs and representatives of the Disaster Management Centre (DMC).
High Commissioner of Pakistan to Sri Lanka, Major General (Retd) Faheem Ul Aziz, formally handed over the relief consignment to Sri Lankan authorities. He said the assistance was a tangible expression of the goodwill and enduring friendship of the Pakistani people towards Sri Lanka, adding that Pakistan remained ready to extend further support if required.
Prime Minister Harini Amarasuriya yesterday sad that the Executive Presidency would be abolished, in line with the NPP’s election manifesto.
Speaking in Parliament, in response to a question raised under Standing Order 27/2 by Opposition and SJB Leader Sajith Premadasa, the Prime Minister said the abolition would take place through a proposed new Constitution.
She added that preliminary work on drafting the new Constitution had already begun, with previous committee reports and other proposals being studied to guide the process.
“A concept paper on the draft will be presented to the Cabinet,” Amarasuriya said, noting that a formal study has been initiated on abolishing the Executive Presidency.
She said that the move cannot be implemented without introducing a new Constitution.
Leader Sajith Premadasa told Parliament yesterday that the suspension of duties imposed on Dr. Rukshan Bellana, Deputy Director of the National Hospital, amounted to a violation of his fundamental rights.
Raising the issue during parliamentary proceedings, Premadasa, who is also the SJB Leader, questioned the decision to suspend the senior medical officer for issuing a statement to the media, particularly on matters relating to children’s medicines.
He said health was a fundamental right and noted that two children had reportedly died, stressing that the focus should be on accountability over the incident rather than penalising a medical professional for speaking out.
Premadasa criticised the authorities for suspending Dr. Bellana solely for communicating with the media, asking whether such action constituted justice for families who had lost their children.The Opposition Leader said silencing officials, who raise concerns, undermines fundamental rights and does not address the underlying issues related to patient safety and public health.
Acting Deputy Director of the Colombo National Hospital Dr. Rukshan Bellana has been suspended.
A letter, issued by the Ministry of Health, says preliminary investigations by the Ministry of Health has revealed that Dr. Bellana, as a government medical officer holding a responsible position, made statements to the media, without approval, in a manner that created a controversial situation in the country and unrest among the public.
The letter further stated that formal disciplinary action will be taken in due course regarding this matter.
PM says govt. will introduce a new Constitution to abolish executive presidency
Opposition Leader rises in defence of Dr. Bellana
Dr. Bellana suspended for speaking to media
257,000 households paid house cleaning grant of Rs 25,000 out of 493,000 eligible to receive it
Cops as whipping boys?
China pledges support as Lanka recovers from cyclone
‘Dates have the highest sugar content to fight Coronavirus’
Sunday Island 27 December – Headlines
#SundayIsland 17th December – Headlines
Sunday Island – 28th March
Sunday Island Headlines – 21 March
Sunday Island – 21st February – Headlines
-
Midweek Review3 days agoHow massive Akuregoda defence complex was built with proceeds from sale of Galle Face land to Shangri-La
-
Features6 days agoWhy Sri Lanka Still Has No Doppler Radar – and Who Should Be Held Accountable
-
News2 days agoPope fires broadside: ‘The Holy See won’t be a silent bystander to the grave disparities, injustices, and fundamental human rights violations’
-
Latest News6 days agoLandslide early warnings in force in the Districts of Badulla, Kandy, Kegalle, Kurunegala, Matale, Nuwara Eliya and Ratnapura
-
News3 days agoBurnt elephant dies after delayed rescue; activists demand arrests
-
Features6 days agoSrima Dissanayake runs for president and I get sidelined in the UNP
-
Editorial6 days agoDisaster relief and shocking allegations
-
News3 days agoSri Lanka, Romania discuss illegal recruitment, etc.