News
Three-day mosquito control programme enters its final day
A special three-day mosquito control programme has been launched in eight districts, starting Thursday (27), in response to the rising number of dengue cases, with over 11,000 reported cases this year. The programme targets high-risk areas, including Colombo, Gampaha, Kalutara, Ratnapura, Batticaloa, Trincomalee, Matale, and Matara, where mosquito density is significantly high.
The National Dengue Control Unit (NDCU) highlighted the ongoing risk of dengue transmission due to intermittent rains, stressing the need for immediate intervention. The programme will run until March 29 and will involve thorough inspections of homes, schools, workplaces, factories, places of worship, and public spaces to eliminate mosquito breeding sites.
The initiative, organised by the Ministry of Health and Media, in collaboration with the NDCU, also encourages the public to actively eliminate any potential mosquito breeding grounds on their properties. In addition to field inspections, the use of drone technology for mosquito control in hard-to-reach areas will be deployed with support from the Sri Lanka Air Force.
The campaign was officially launched Thursday, in Nugegoda, with Western Province Governor Haniff Yusuf and Ministry Secretary Dr. Anil Jasinghe attending the ceremony. Health professionals, the military, and the Sri Lanka Police are participating in the effort, which aims to curb the spread of dengue, especially with the upcoming monsoon season.
Prime Minister Harini Amarasuriya yesterday sad that the Executive Presidency would be abolished, in line with the NPP’s election manifesto.
Speaking in Parliament, in response to a question raised under Standing Order 27/2 by Opposition and SJB Leader Sajith Premadasa, the Prime Minister said the abolition would take place through a proposed new Constitution.
She added that preliminary work on drafting the new Constitution had already begun, with previous committee reports and other proposals being studied to guide the process.
“A concept paper on the draft will be presented to the Cabinet,” Amarasuriya said, noting that a formal study has been initiated on abolishing the Executive Presidency.
She said that the move cannot be implemented without introducing a new Constitution.
Leader Sajith Premadasa told Parliament yesterday that the suspension of duties imposed on Dr. Rukshan Bellana, Deputy Director of the National Hospital, amounted to a violation of his fundamental rights.
Raising the issue during parliamentary proceedings, Premadasa, who is also the SJB Leader, questioned the decision to suspend the senior medical officer for issuing a statement to the media, particularly on matters relating to children’s medicines.
He said health was a fundamental right and noted that two children had reportedly died, stressing that the focus should be on accountability over the incident rather than penalising a medical professional for speaking out.
Premadasa criticised the authorities for suspending Dr. Bellana solely for communicating with the media, asking whether such action constituted justice for families who had lost their children.The Opposition Leader said silencing officials, who raise concerns, undermines fundamental rights and does not address the underlying issues related to patient safety and public health.
Acting Deputy Director of the Colombo National Hospital Dr. Rukshan Bellana has been suspended.
A letter, issued by the Ministry of Health, says preliminary investigations by the Ministry of Health has revealed that Dr. Bellana, as a government medical officer holding a responsible position, made statements to the media, without approval, in a manner that created a controversial situation in the country and unrest among the public.
The letter further stated that formal disciplinary action will be taken in due course regarding this matter.
PM says govt. will introduce a new Constitution to abolish executive presidency
Opposition Leader rises in defence of Dr. Bellana
Dr. Bellana suspended for speaking to media
257,000 households paid house cleaning grant of Rs 25,000 out of 493,000 eligible to receive it
Cops as whipping boys?
China pledges support as Lanka recovers from cyclone
‘Dates have the highest sugar content to fight Coronavirus’
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