News
Dr. Bellana explains why docs were driven to strike
By Rathindra Kuruwita
The Gotabaya Rajapaksa government had encouraged doctors to take loans at eight percent interest two years back, and after the interest rate doubled, most doctors were unable to make ends meet, Dr. Rukshan Bellana, President of the Government Medical Officers’ Forum (GMOF) said yesterday.
Increasing interest rates by 200 percent while increasing taxes drastically was not acceptable, Dr. Bellana said.
Dr. Bellana said that yesterday’s token strike launched by doctors was justifiable.
“Now, most doctors are struggling to pay their loans and lease payments,” he said.
Dr. Bellana said that in the last few months most doctors and health professionals have been struggling to cope up with drug shortages.
“When doctors and other health staff report to work, their main task is now to procure drugs. They are always on the phone pleading with friends to donate drugs. Now with the taxes, they are distracted too. These taxes are unreasonable,” he said.
The GMOF head said that the new tax policy is aimed at ensuring the politicians manage their luxurious lifestyles. The government needs to increase revenue by other means than taxing. Professionals have been pushed to the wall and it’s natural that they are fighting back,” he said.
Dr. Bellana said that he usually opposed trade union action by doctors, but the current action was justified.
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Heat Index at Caution level’ in the Northern, North-central, North-western, Western and Southern provinces and in Trincomalee district.
Warm Weather Advisory
Issued by the Natural Hazards Early Warning Centre
Issued at 3.30 p.m. on 12 April 2026, valid for 13 April 2026.
Heat index, the temperature felt on human body is likely to increase up to ‘Caution level’ at some places in the Northern, North-central, North-western, Western and Southern provinces and in Trincomalee district.
The Heat Index Forecast is calculated by using relative humidity and maximum temperature and this is the condition that is felt on your body. This is not the forecast of maximum temperature. It is generated by the Department of Meteorology for the next day period and prepared by using global numerical weather prediction model data.
Effect of the heat index on human body is mentioned in the above table and it is prepared on the advice of the Ministry of Health and Indigenous Medical Services.
ACTION REQUIRED
Job sites: Stay hydrated and takes breaks in the shade as often as possible.
Indoors: Check up on the elderly and the sick.
Vehicles: Never leave children unattended.
Outdoors: Limit strenuous outdoor activities, find shade and stay hydrated.
Dress: Wear lightweight and white or light-colored clothing.
Note:
In addition, please refer to advisories issued by the Disaster Preparedness & Response Division, Ministry of Health in this regard as well. For further clarifications please contact 011-7446491.
On the apparent northward relative motion of the sun, it is going to be directly over the latitudes of Sri Lanka from 05th to 15th of April in this year.
The nearest areas of Sri Lanka over which the sun is overhead today (13th) are Pesalai, Mankulam and Nedunkerny about 12:11 noon.
The Pakistan Navy Ship (PNS) TAIMUR and ASLAT arrived at the Port of Colombo on a goodwill visit on 12 Apr 26.
The visiting ships were welcomed by the Sri Lanka Navy in
compliance with naval traditions.
The duo of ships is commanded by Captain NIAMAT SAEED KHAN (PNS TAIMUR) and Captain NADIR MATEEN AFRIDI (PNS ASLAT).
Meanwhile, the ships are expected to conduct a Bilateral Naval Exercise LION STAR V with the Sri Lanka Navy in Colombo seas.
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Heat Index at Caution level’ in the Northern, North-central, North-western, Western and Southern provinces and in Trincomalee district.
Showers above 75 mm are likely at some places in the Western, Sabaragamuwa, Central, Southern and North-western provinces.
Sun directly overhead Pesalai, Mankulam and Nedunkerny about 12:11 noon
PNS TAIMUR & ASLAT arrive in Colombo
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