News

Japan to support building a health center in Ampara tribal village

Published

3 years ago

2022/03/27

The Government of Japan has provided a total sum of US$ 89,168 (approx. Rs. 17.7 million) to Child Rehabilitation Centre for “The Project for Construction of an Out Patients Dispensary for Minor Ethnic Community in Ampara District”, the Japanese Embassy in Colombo said last week.

The grant contract was signed on Monday between Ambassador MIZUKOSHI Hideaki Mr. Chamila Kodagoda, Chairman of Child Rehabilitation Centre.

“The purpose of this project is to build a primary health center in Ampara and furnish the center with medical equipment to provide health services for people residing in Aligambai isolated village and other surrounding villages,” the release said.

“Currently there is no facility for primary health care in those villages, and the villagers are obliged to travel long distances to the nearest government hospital. The new health center will enable the villagers to have easier access to proper health care services and thus contribute to improving the health and hygiene environment of the concerned area.”

The Government of Japan, through the scheme of “Grant Assistance for Grassroots and Human Security Projects (GGP)”, has supported 307 projects, for which more than US$ 53.8 million has been allocated since 1989. The year 2022 marks the 70th Anniversary of the Establishment of the Diplomatic Relations between Japan and Sri Lanka, and the current project shall also be extended as part of the commemorable programme that Japan and Sri Lanka are jointly celebrating island-wide, the release added.

Commenting on the provision of this grant Mr. Kodagoda stated:

“I have no words to express my sincerest thanks to you on behalf of the Child Rehabilitation Centre for your commendable donation of a Health Centre. Your help in this regard is truly appreciated. You won’t believe that this donation (project) will bring a considerable change in the lives of tribal people in Aligambai tribal village who are struggling for their lives as well as who have been excluded from the mainstream of the society due to their lower social status.

“Through this very valuable donation from the Embassy of Japan in Sri Lanka, we would not only be providing them with the best of medical facilities but also making access to basic human rights for them and giving them complete social protection free of charge to fight against the deadly diseases. If we were successful in saving the lives of these people, it would especially be a great achievement for both the Embassy of Japan and the Child Rehabilitation Centre.

At a time when all the Governments who ruled the country had ignored the Tribal people in Aligambai Village, your contribution has given us a ray of hope towards our mission. I am sure the beneficiaries will be happier to receive this gift from the Health Centre. For them, your help is a great asset.

I once again would like to express my heartiest gratitude on behalf of CRC Sri Lanka towards you for such a great help.”

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News

Colombo Metropolitan Region, Eastern Development Plan and the Greater Hambantota Project discussed in detail

Published

7 hours ago

2025/04/9

Priyan

A meeting between Secretary to the President, Dr. Nandika Sanath Kumanayake and relevant ministry officials was held on Tuesday (08) at the Presidential Secretariat regarding the development plans to be implemented in Sri Lanka under three zones, in collaboration with the Surbana Jurong Institute of Singapore and 18 Ministries.

During the meeting it was discussed in detail regarding the plans for the Colombo Metropolitan Region, Eastern Development Plan and the Greater Hambantota Project. The officials from Singapore-based urban planning and infrastructure consultancy Surbana Jurong also joined the discussion virtually.

Progress reports on the three projects were reviewed in detail and Dr. Kumanayake instructed the officials to identify any deficiencies and finalize the necessary actions within the next two weeks.

The discussion also addressed delays in securing necessary approvals for investments under the existing regulatory framework, as well as the urgent need to revise certain legislative instruments to better facilitate national development.

The meeting was attended by Secretary to the Prime Minister G.P. Saputhanthri, Senior Additional Secretary to the President Russel Aponsu, Secretary to the Ministry of Urban Development, Construction and Housing U.G. Ranjith Ariyaratne, and several senior officials from the respective ministries.

News

Heat index at ‘Caution level’ in Northern, North-central, Eastern, North-western, Western provinces and Monaragala district today [09]

Published

12 hours ago

2025/04/9

Priyan

The Natural Hazards Early Warning Centre of the Department of Meteorology has issued a Warm Weather Advisory for 09 April 2025

The public are warned that the Heat index, the temperature felt on human body is likely to increase up to ‘Caution level’ at some places in Northern, North-central, Eastern, North-western, and Western provinces and in Monaragala 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 below 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.

News

Sajith asks govt. to submit its MoUs with India to Parliament

Published

16 hours ago

2025/04/9

Sahan Weerasooriya

Prof. Jayasumana raises possibility of Lanka ending up with “Quad’

Opposition and SJB Leader Sajith Premadasa has said it is the responsibility of the NPP government to submit the MoUs/agreements that were recently signed with India to the respective Sectoral Oversight Committees (SOCs).

Premadasa said so when The Island raised the issue with him. He said that during his meeting with Premier Modi his focus had been on opening the Indian market for Sri Lankan garment exports.

The seven MoUs/agreements signed on 05 April included defence cooperation, energy, Eastern Province development and digitalisation.

Meanwhile, the Vice President of Sarvajana Balaya and former lawmaker Prof. Channa Jayasumana said that the government owed an explanation whether the recently signed MoU on defence cooperation directly or indirectly attached Sri Lanka to the Quad security alliance, consisting of the US, Australia, Japan and India.

The former SLPPer raised the issue at a meeting held at Boralesgamuwa on Monday (07) in support of Sarvajana Balaya candidates contesting the May 6 LG polls.

Prof. Jayasumana urged that the MoU on Defence Cooperation be placed before Parliament, and the people, without further delay. The academic who served as State Health Minister during President Gotabaya Rajapaksa’s tenure said that President Anura Kumara Dissanayake’s foreign policy direction should be dealt with.

By Shamindra Ferdinando