The Welfare Benefits Board has announced that the March allowance for senior citizens over 70 years of age will be credited to each beneficiaries account on Thursday (26th).

693,801 senior citizens over the age of 70 years are set to benifit under this welfare scheme

Japanese Ambassador to Colombo, Akio Isomata, on 24 March, handed over the newly established dental unit and 4D Angio CT suite at Sri Jayewardenepura General Hospital. Health Minister Dr. Nalinda Jayatissa and other senior officials from the Ministry of Health and the hospital attended the event.

Highlighting the strong partnership between Japan and Sri Lanka in the health sector, the Embassy issued the following press release yesterday: “This handover marks the second phase of the project, following the initial provision of ophthalmic equipment in December 2023. The current phase represents a significant milestone, featuring the introduction of a state-of-the-art CT Angiography system – the first of its kind in South Asia – as well as dental units. These contributions are expected to enhance Sri Lanka’s capacity to address non-communicable diseases (NCDs), including cancer, stroke, and diabetes, thereby saving lives, reducing long-term complications, and improving the quality of life of patients.

The CT Angiography system integrates CT scanning and angiography functions, enabling highly accurate and timely diagnosis and treatment. It is expected to further strengthen the hospital’s role as a key medical hub in Sri Lanka and the wider region.

In addition, the provision of 10 dental units will support the establishment and enhancement of dental services at the hospital. In Japan, oral health is considered closely linked to overall health and plays an important role in extending healthy life expectancy. This support is, therefore, also expected to contribute to the promotion of preventive healthcare in Sri Lanka.

The Sri Jayewardenepura General Hospital was constructed in 1984 with grant assistance from the Government of Japan. The well-known “1001-bed” story—originating from former President J.R. Jayewardene’s remark to add one more bed to the originally planned 1,000—remains a memorable episode reflecting the history of this cooperation.

Japan has consistently supported Sri Lanka’s health sector over the decades, including the development of medical facilities, strengthening of blood supply systems, and support during the COVID-19 pandemic through vaccine delivery assistance. Furthermore, during Sri Lanka’s recent economic crisis, Japan provided fuel essential for maintaining healthcare services, and in times of natural disasters, dispatched emergency medical teams to deliver urgent care. These efforts demonstrate Japan’s continued commitment to standing by Sri Lanka, especially in times of need. These efforts reflect Japan’s commitment to “investment in people” and “human security,” supporting a healthcare system in which all individuals can live healthy and dignified lives.

Japanese Ambassador Isomata with Minister Dr Jayatissa and officials (pic courtesy Japanese Embassy)

Ambassador Isomata remarked, “This support is not merely for the provision of equipment, but also for the consolidation of the foundation for safeguarding lives and livelihoods. Sri Jayewardenepura General Hospital, built with the support of Japan, stands as a symbol of the longstanding friendship between our two countries. We sincerely hope that this project will contribute to building a sustainable healthcare system that benefits future generations in the field of medicine and further strengthen our partnership.”

Minister Jayatissa highlighted,” This is not just a donation of machines. It is an investment in the lives and futures of our patients. By establishing this modern dental unit, we are addressing a critical need in the prevention and treatment of oral diseases for our population. I wish to express our deepest gratitude to the Government and people of Japan for this generous assistance. These are acts of true friendship, and the people of Sri Lanka will always remember them with gratitude.”

Japan will continue to work closely with Sri Lanka to further strengthen the healthcare sector and deepen the longstanding friendship between the two countries.”

now Vijitha wants to consult EC, AG

by Shamindra Ferdinando

Opposition sources alleged yesterday that the National People’s Power (NPP) was trying to further delay Provincial Council polls. Sources said that the government couldn’t justify its actions under any circumstances.

The SJB-led Opposition and the NPP have failed to reach a consensus on conducting PC polls with the latter proposing that the parliament should consult the Attorney General and the Elections Commission.

Sources said that the NPP’s reluctance to face the electorate is obvious. Having failed to deliver on their numerous polls promises made in the run up to last national elections, coupled with the unexpected economic crisis caused by sharp increase in fuel prices in the wake of ongoing Middle East war would further discourage the government facing the electorate, sources said, adding that the first meeting of a Parliamentary Select Committee (PSC) tasked to make recommendations regarding early holding of PC polls failed to produce desired results.

The PSC met under the chairmanship of the Minister Vijitha Herath in parliament on 17 March. Herath’s PSC’s has been asked to submit its recommendations within three months.

Minister Herath has told the PSC that due to the failure to complete the delimitation process required for the implementation of the Mixed Member Proportional Representation system introduced under the provisions of the Act No. 17 of 2017, PC polls couldn’t be held. The Yahapalana Parliament brought in Act No. 17 of 2017 to amend the Provincial Councils Elections Act.

Opposition lawmakers pointed out that a majority of key public institutions, including those in the education and health sectors, were administered through Provincial Councils. They pointed out that the absence of Provincial Councils for nearly nine years has led to numerous issues. They proposed that the elections be held under the previous Proportional Representation system, and that necessary steps be taken thereafter to amend the electoral system.

However, Minister Herath, while stressing the importance of fostering a broader and more in-depth dialogue in formulating an electoral system that ensured mandatory representation of women and provides opportunities for youth representation in Local Government Elections, proposed that officials from the Attorney General’s Department and the Election Commission be summoned to the next meeting to obtain their views.

Minister Herath has said that the PSC should obtain a clear understanding of the existing legal framework relating to the conduct of these elections hence the need to consult the Attorney General and EC.

The meeting was attended by Deputy Ministers Arun Hemachandra, Sunil Watagala, and Munir Mulaffer, as well as Members of Parliament R. M. Ranjith Madduma Bandara, Mano Ganesan, Shanakiyan Rajaputhiran Rasamanickam, Nizam Kariapper PC, Chandana Sooriyarachchi, Dharmapriya Wijesinghe, and Lakshman Nipuna Arachchi.

Sources said that the NPP repeatedly promised not to delay elections at any level. Following their victory at the Sept 2024 presidential election, parliamentary polls were held in Nov, 2024 and Local Government elections in April 2025.

Sri Lanka enacted 13th Amendment at India’s behest following the signing of the Indo-Lanka Accord of July 1987 to pave the way for PC polls.