News
Secret Galle inoculation project: Two GMOA members moved out, no further action expected
…such things happened at Welikada prison, LRH, National Hospital and Abhayaramaya
By Shamindra Ferdinando
Regional Epidemiologist Dr. Venura Kumara and Regional Deputy Director, Health Services, Southern Province Dr. Priyantha Jeewaratne have been transferred to the Health Ministry pool after they acknowledged inoculating persons from the Western Province contrary to specific instructions issued by the Director General of Health Services (DGHS). Both are members of the Government Medical Officers’ Association (GMOA).
The administration of booster doses was carried out under their supervision. A significant number of vehicles, many from Colombo and its suburbs reached Galle despite countrywide travel restrictions.
Well informed sources told The Island that the Health Ministry was unlikely to take further action as the two officials were under the Public Service Commission (PSC). A couple of hundred persons had received the Covishield-branded version of the Oxford AstraZeneca vaccine.
The Island
sought the views of Dr. Rukshan Bellana, President of the Government Medical Officers’ Forum (GMOF regarding the Galle incident as he was the first medical practitioner to criticise inoculating people outside the laid out procedures. Dr. Bellana said that those in authority should be ashamed of using the Welikada prison premises for a secret inoculation project. Thousands had been inoculated at the LRH and the National Hospital, Dr. Bellana said, pointing out that the Health Ministry had taken disciplinary measures only in the latest case.
The transfer of two health officials came close on heels of State Minister of Production, Supply and Regulation of Pharmaceuticals Prof. Channa Jayasumana’s assurance in Parliament on June 8 that an inquiry would be conducted.
Dr. Bellana pointed out that Health Minister Pavithra Wanniarachchi was on record as having said that inoculation of people at Abhayaramaya in Narahenpita hadn’t been carried out under the supervision of the Health Ministry.
Dr. Bellana faulted the Health Ministry for failing to adhere to a proper plan to carryout countrywide inoculation drive.
The police headquarters said that they weren’t conducting an inquiry into the Galle incident.
Latest News
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.
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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Arya, Prabhsimran and Shreyas help Punjab Kings ace another 200-plus chase
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