News
PCR controversy: Now private labs allowed at BIA vehicle park
By Rathindra Kuruwita
Various private laboratories are setting up tents in the BIA car park to test those going to the Middle East despite the existence of two high tech labs at the Airport, College of Medical Laboratory Science (CMLS) President, Ravi Kumudesh complained yesterday.
Kumudesh told The Island that it was an attempt to fleece poor Sri Lankan workers leaving for West Asia.
“On 02 November the Airport and Aviation Services (AAS) issued a tender for conducting PCR tests on passengers travelling to West Asia on Emirates flights. AAS has also asked for Rs. 1,000 each as commission from tests conducted by private labs. All this is happening while two state-of-the-art labs, one operated by the Health Ministry and the other under the Tourism Ministry, are functioning at the airport,” he said.
Several private labs were putting up tents at the airport car park for PCR testing, Kumudesh said. “These institutions have been allowed to use the car park because they are backed by powerful politicians and officials,” he said.
“The labs at the airport can test a person and provide a report in less than three hours. However, when Emirates informed the Health Ministry a few months ago that they required passengers to have a PCR done within six hours before getting into the airport, the senior officials said that the government had no capacity to do so. In fact, a senior Health Ministry official issued a circular specifying certain machines that should be used for these rapid PCR tests. These machines have not been approved by the NMRA,” he said.
Kumudesh said that at the end of the day, those private labs would charge Sri Lankan migrant workers leaving for Wes Asia exorbitant amounts for the PCR tests. At a time when Sri Lanka desperately needed foreign remittances, fleecing Sri Lankan workers couldn’t be condoned, he said.
“It is doubtful where the tests conducted by private labs are accurate. A few months ago, China blacklisted a Sri Lankan PCR lab for providing inaccurate reports.
Police urge motorists who intend to use the Ella – Wellawaya Road to use alternative roads as there is a severe vehicle congestion due to inclement weather condition.
The oil anointing ceremony for the Sinhala and Tamil New Year was held on April 16 at the historic Rajamaha Viharaya in Kolonnawa, with the participation of Prime Minister Dr. Harini Amarasuriya.
Following the chanting of pirith, the oil anointing ritual was carried out at the auspicious time of 9:04 a.m., by the Chief Incumbent of the temple, Venerable Kolonnawa Dhammika Thero.
Speaking after the ceremony the Prime Minister said that:
“The Sinhala and Tamil New Year is one of the most important festivities in our country. It is a celebration with our families, reflecting our traditions and customs while strengthening the ties.
This festival leads the path for renewing unity, love, and bonds stronger. These values enrich a country. Development of a country is not limited by one-dimensional; a true development includes spirituality, relationships, and connections. The reason why we uphold these customs in such ceremonies is to remind ourselves of the significance and to pass on their value to future generations.
Therefore, today marks a significant day. Throughout this week, we came together and engaged in various activities. Followed by, the next event will mark the leaving for employment at the auspicious time and we should start working collectively to rebuild the country.
I wish everyone a New Year that is prosperous, peaceful, joyful, full of strengthened relationships, and most importantly, safe for all.”
The ceremony was graced by the presence of the Maha Sangha, and attended by the Deputy Minister of Youth Affairs Eranga Gunasekara, Divisional Secretary to Kolonnawa Priyanath Perera, Municipal Secretary Nelum Kumari Gamage, and the residents of the area.
[Prime Minister’s Media Division]
Latest News
Heat Index at ‘Caution Level’ at some places in Northern, North-central, North-western, Western, Southern and Eastern provinces and in Rathnapura and Monaragala districts today [16]
Warm Weather Advisory Issued by the Natural Hazards Early Warning Centre of the Department of Meteorology for 16 April 2025
The Heat index, the temperature felt on human body is likely to increase up to ‘Caution level’ at some places in Northern, North-central, North-western, Western, Southern and Eastern provinces and in Rathnapura and Monaragala districts.
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 table below 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.
Peru’s ex-president and first lady sentenced to 15 years in jail
China’s Xi hails ‘new golden era’ with Malaysia during trade tour
Severe traffic reported on Ella-Wellawaya road due to inclement weather
-
News5 days agoSuspect injured in police shooting hospitalised
-
Features6 days agoRobbers and Wreckers
-
Business6 days agoBhathiya Bulumulla – The Man I Knew
-
Business5 days agoSanjiv Hulugalle appointed CEO and General Manager of Cinnamon Life at City of Dreams Sri Lanka
-
Business7 days agoNational Anti-Corruption Action Plan launched with focus on economic recovery
-
Features4 days agoLiberation Day tariffs chaos could cause permanent damage to US economy, amid global tensions
-
Business4 days agoMembers’ Night of the Sri Lanka – Russia Business Council of The Ceylon Chamber of Commerce
-
Features4 days agoMinds and Memories picturing 65 years of Sri Lankan Politics and Society