News
Kumudesh questions Keheliya’s stand on drugs imported outside procedure
By Rathindra Kuruwita
There was no way the Health Minister could ensure the quality of the drugs that are not registered in Sri Lanka, the President of the College of Medical Laboratory Science (CMLS), Ravi Kumudesh, told The Island yesterday.
Recently, Minister Keheliya Rambukwella said in Kandy that it took between six to 12 months to bring down medicines with the approval of the National Medicines egulatory Authority (NMRA). To address the current shortage of drugs, the government had imported drugs used in developed nations, although they were not registered here, the Minister said. If there were side effects, he would take responsibility, Rambukwella added.
Kumudesh said the problem is not that Indian drugs were bad. “There are high quality drug manufacturers there. However, the Minister’s claim that he will take personal responsibility if something goes wrong, is ludicrous. What will he do? What can he do?” Kumudesh asked, adding that certain experts were prejudiced against the Indian drugs. On the other hand, the Minister is pushing the NMRA to accept Indian drugs. This tug of war has also contributed to the shortage of drugs and the procurement of low-quality drugs, he added.
“Ensuring the quality of drugs is the responsibility of the NMRA. Neither the Minister nor Health Ministry officials can take that responsibility,” he said, adding that some experts that advise the NMRA on technical issues are staunchly anti-Indian and that prevented cheap but quality drugs and chemicals being procured.
“The Minister says the NMRA takes a long time to test and register drugs. This is not true. There are ways to fast-track the process. Why is the Minister supporting the import of unregistered drugs? If the drugs are used in Japan and the EU, surely the NMRA will approve them,” he said.
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.
Latest News
Heat index likely to increase up to ‘Caution level’ at some places in the Northern, North-central, North-western, Western, Sabaragamuwa, Southern and Eastern provinces and Monaragala district
Warm Weather Advisory
Issued by the Natural Hazards Early Warning Centre at 3.30 p.m. on 11 April 2026, valid for 12 April 2026
The Heat index, the temperature felt on the human body is likely to increase up to ‘Caution level’ at some places in the Northern, North-central, North-western, Western, Sabaragamuwa, Southern and Eastern provinces and 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 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.
Latest News
Sun directly overhead Cheddikulam, Kebithigollewa, Gomarankadawala and Nilaveli about 12:11 noon. today [12]
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 (12th) are Cheddikulam, Kebithigollewa, Gomarankadawala and Nilaveli about 12:11 noon.
PNS TAIMUR & ASLAT arrive in Colombo
Sanju Samson and Jamie Overton deliver first points for Chennai Super Kings
Arya, Prabhsimran and Shreyas help Punjab Kings ace another 200-plus chase
Beauty of Sri Lanka in focus: Global showcase blends art, diplomacy and conservation
Showers expected in the Western, Sabaragamuwa, Central, Southern, North-western and Uva provinces and in Ampara, Batticaloa and Polonnaruwa districts after 1.00 p.m.
Heat index likely to increase up to ‘Caution level’ at some places in the Northern, North-central, North-western, Western, Sabaragamuwa, Southern and Eastern provinces and Monaragala district
‘Dates have the highest sugar content to fight Coronavirus’
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