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Health Ministry yet to respond to HRCSL’s concerns
Covid-19 response:
By Shamindra Ferdinando
The Human Rights Commission of Sri Lanka (HRCSL) says the Director General of Health Services (DGHS) Dr. Asela Gunawardena has yet to respond to issues raised by the outfit with regard to mismanagement and shortcomings in the ongoing Covid-19 inoculation drive.
A HRCSL spokesperson yesterday (2) told The Island that HRCSL Chairperson Dr. Jagath Balasuriya, in a letter dated May 28 sought a clarification from DGHS by or before June 15 However, the anticipated response was yet to be received.
According to a copy of the HRCSL letter, in Sinhalese, received by The Island, The HRCSL raised the prioritisation of COVID-19 vaccinations amidst accusations regarding serious malpractices and mismanagement received from the health sector and various other services as well.
Former parliamentarian Dr. Balasuriya has requested DGHS to formulate an effective vaccination map and bring it to the notice of the HRCSL by or before June 15. The DGHS hasn’t responded so far though the time lapsed over two weeks ago, the spokesperson said.
Dr. Gunawardena didn’t answer his phone yesterday.
Former lawmaker M.M. Zuhair, PC, said that in spite of the media repeatedly highlighting the deficiencies in the inoculation drive those in authority appeared to have turned a blind eye to the pathetic situation. Zuhair said that the recent television coverage of those over 70 years of age in a queue to receive AstraZeneca aka Covishield vaccine showed they were badly exposed both to elements and the virus. It also exposed the incompetence of the health administration. Having launched the inoculation drive on January 29, authorities had ample time to streamline the process over the next few months, the civil society activist said. Unfortunately, the way those senior citizens had suffered throughout this week for want of a streamlined process was appalling, the one-time Sri Lanka’s Ambassador in Teheran said.
The HRCSL expressed concern over the inordinate delay in the DGHS responding to their letter which at the onset appreciated the role played by the health sector in meeting the Covid-19 threat. However, the HRCSL’s concerns raised in terms of Human Rights Commission of Sri Lanka Act (No. 21 of 1996) couldn’t be ignored under any circumstances though they understood the difficulties experienced by the health administration.
The Indian Naval Ship (INS) Sahyadri which arrived at the Port of Colombo on a formal visit on 04 Apr 25, departed the island today (07 Apr). The Sri Lanka Navy bade customary farewell to the departing ship at the Port of Colombo, following naval traditions.
During the ship’s stay in Colombo, crew members of INS Sahyadri took part in several programmes organized by the Sri Lanka Navy, aimed at enhancing mutual cooperation. In addition, they also explored some tourist attractions in the country. Further, personnel of Sri Lanka Navy had the opportunity to visit INS Sahyadri, gaining insights into her operational capabilities.
Latest News
Advisory for severe lightning issued for Sabaragamuwa, Central and Uva provinces and in Hambanthota district
The Natural Hazards Early Warning Centre has issued an Advisory for Severe Lightning for the Sabaragamuwa, Central and Uva provinces and in Hambanthota district.
The advisory issued at 02.00 p.m. today [07 April 2025] is valid for the period until 11.00 p.m. 07 April 2025
The public are warned that thundershowers accompanied by severe lightning are likely to occur at several places in for Sabaragamuwa, Central and Uva provinces and in Hambantota district. There may be temporary localized strong winds during thundershowers. General public is kindly requested to take adequate precautions to minimize damages caused by lightning activity.
ACTION REQUIRED:
The Department of Meteorology advises that people should:
Seek shelter, preferably indoors and never under trees.
• Avoid open areas such as paddy fields, tea plantations and open water bodies during thunderstorms.
• Avoid using wired telephones and connected electric appliances during thunderstorms.
• Avoid using open vehicles, such as bicycles, tractors and boats etc.
• Beware of fallen trees and power lines.
• For emergency assistance contact the local disaster management authorities.
The report of the “Census of Population and Housing 2024,” conducted by the Department of Census and Statistics, was officially handed over to President Anura Kumara Disanayake this morning (07) at the Presidential Secretariat.
This preliminary report has been prepared based on island wide data collected between October and December 2024.
The report provides details on Sri Lanka’s population, its growth and the distribution of the population across districts.
The information gathered through the census is vital not only for the government but also for other institutions in formulating policies and development plans essential for the country’s progress. Significantly, for the first time in the history of census-collecting in Sri Lanka, data collection was carried out using tablet computers and user-friendly mobile devices.
The event was attended by Deputy Minister of Finance & Planning, Harshana Suriyapperuma, Secretary to the President Dr. Nandika Sanath Kumanayake, Secretary to the Ministry of Finance Mahinda Siriwardana, Director General of the Department of Census and Statistics D.D.G.A. Senevirathne and several other officials.
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Advisory for severe lightning issued for Sabaragamuwa, Central and Uva provinces and in Hambanthota district
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