News
President orders release of Rs 1.8 billion from Covid Fund to import medicines
President Gotabaya Rajapaksa yesterday (03) instructed officials to release Rs. 1.8 billion from COVID-19 Healthcare and Social Security Fund to import essential medicines.These funds were received from donors to control the Coronavirus. The President said that the money could be used for other health needs as the COVID-19 epidemic is now under control.
Two hundred and thirty four types of medicines required in hospitals are already manufactured locally but prices of other drugs continue to increase in the world market sharply. In view of this situation, the President pointed out the possibility of rapidly increasing the local pharmaceutical manufacturing and obtaining the necessary raw materials in this regard under the Indian credit line.The President made these remarks at a discussion held at the President’s House in Colombo yesterday (03) regarding matters of urgent concern in the health sector.There are 12 investors in the pharmaceutical sector in Oyamaduwa and Millewa area in Horana. The production in those factories is expected to begin in the next few months and they have the potential to produce more than 200 types of drugs, officials said.
‘The Ministry of Samurdhi and Education is planning to provide a nutritious meal to primary schoolchildren and pregnant mothers’, the President also said.
The importation of medicines and medical equipment is being funded from several sources. It is planned to allocate the required funds from the proposed budget as well. The Officials pointed out that based on the current progress in the health sector it would return to normal within the next three months.Health Minister Keheliya Rambukwella, President’s Chief of Staff, Anura Dissanayake, Finance Secretary Mahinda Siriwardana, Secretary to the Ministry of Health S.J.S. Chandragupta, Additional Secretary Dr. Saman Ratnayake and Heads of Line Institutions of the Ministry were also present at the discussion.
A meeting between UN Resident Coordinator Marc-André Franche and Chief of Staff to the President Prabath Chandrakeerthi was held on Monday (07) morning at the Presidential Secretariat.
Particular attention was given to the Government’s programme to resettle people who lost their homes due to Cyclone Ditwah.
The Government’s programme to address potential disasters that may arise in the future amid El Nino conditions was also discussed. The Chief of Staff to the President briefed the UN Resident Coordinator on the Government’s preparedness and plans to address such challenges.
Mr Franche stated that the United Nations was prepared to provide the necessary assistance to the Government to support the successful implementation of these programmes.
Partnerships and Development Finance Specialist at the United Nations Azam Bakeer Markar and UN Sri Lanka Humanitarian and Resilience Officer Wagisha Perera also participated in the discussion.
[President’s Media Division]
[ Cricbuzz]
The Indian Naval Ship (INS) Udaygiri arrived at the Port of Colombo on an official visit today, 8 September 2026, where it was received by the Sri Lanka Navy in accordance with time-
honoured naval traditions.
INS Udaygiri is a 149.02m long Frigate, Commanded by Captain Vikas Sood. Meanwhile, the Commanding Officer of the visiting ship is scheduled to call on Commander Western Naval
Area, Rear Admiral Harsha De Silva at the Western Naval Command Headquarters.
Captain Sood served as the Defence Adviser at the Indian High Commission in Sri Lanka from July 2020 to October 2023.
During their stay in the island, the crew of INS Udaygiri will participate in several goodwill events organized by the Sri Lanka Navy to enhance camaraderie between the two forces.
The visiting personnel are also scheduled to visit prominent tourist and cultural locations across the island.
Additionally, Sri Lanka Navy personnel are expected to visit the ship for capability observation and knowledge sharing, and will conduct onboard training during its stay.
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