News
Without investment into laboratories, SL will be plagued by low quality medicine – Expert
By Rathindra Kuruwita
While 80 percent of medicinal drugs are imported, Sri Lanka does not have facilities to test these drugs, and there is nothing to prevent more bad drugs from entering Sri Lanka in the future, former Chief Epidemiologist of the Ministry of Health and former President of the College of Community Physicians of Sri Lanka (CCPSL), Dr. Nihal Abeysinghe, said.
He added that when the National Medicines Regulatory Authority (NMRA) was established in 2015, then Health Minister Rajitha Senarathne promised to establish a laboratory within a short period.
“In the first decades following independence, we spent a lot of money on healthcare. However, this has changed in the past few decades. We have neglected to do things that are of utmost importance. I was at the epidemiology unit for 21 years, and because we know we can’t test drugs or vaccines, we do a lot of desk research before ordering any drug. This is what we have been doing as doctors,” he said.
Dr. Abeysinghe added that when registering a drug in Sri Lanka, a group of experts conducts their own independent survey on the quality of the drug. Those in charge of registration, currently the NMRA, study reports on drug trials, journey articles, reports on whether there have been any side effects, etc.
“This process has been disrupted in the past few years, and we are now seeing the consequences. There are issues with the Indian-made anaesthetic Bupivacaine. A few months ago, Prednisolone eye drops, another Indian drug, made a number of people lose their eyesight. This is a medium-term result of the economic crisis. The short-term consequences were the queues,” he said.
Dr. Abeysinghe said Sri Lanka is facing a serious nutrition crisis, and the consequences of this will be felt in the long term.
“We have got both the above-mentioned drugs from the Indian credit line. Perhaps we need to buy drugs from an Indian manufacturer under the credit line, but we could have done our research and found a good company. There are good drug manufacturers in India,” he said. The former chief epidemiologist said that he has been listening to the statements of senior officials and politicians about the deaths caused by low-quality drugs.
“They are taking it lightly. The NMRA head said that some drugs can have side effects, whether they are registered or not. This is also probably an indication that they know there will be other cases like this. If you look at the circular asking doctors not to use the anesthetic drug, the Health Ministry says that this is an unregistered drug. So they have released an unregistered drug for use in surgeries. How is this acceptable?” he asked.
Dr. Abeysinghe said that Sri Lankan governments have not understood health priorities. Visionaries like Dr. Senaka Bibile have been talking about the need to establish a high-tech lab to test imported medicines since 50–60 years ago, he said.
“These visionaries were ignored. However, thanks to the work of the Sri Lankan medical establishment, the consequences of the lack of testing facilities have not been disastrous until now. However, now we are seeing the consequences of our lack of investment,” he said.
A large number of medical practitioners also left the country following the economic crisis, he said. Most Sri Lankan specialist doctors are trained in the United Kingdom or Australia, so they find it easy to migrate, Dr. Abeysinghe, who was also a WHO consultant, said.
“Regular doctors sat for entrance exams to join the medical services of other countries. Some left after finding jobs, and others left expecting to find jobs. Most doctors have found jobs. A lot of nurses and medical technicians are also leaving the country. We are seeing the impact,” he said.
Latest News
A strong Technical and Vocational Education and Training (TVET) system equips individuals with practical, relevant, and future-oriented skills helping to innovate responsibly towards a greener and sustainable future – PM
The Prime Minister, Minister of Education, Higher Education and Vocational Education Dr. Harini Amarasuriya participated as the Chief Guest in the international conference on ’Transforming TVET Systems for climate resilience and green jobs’ organized by Colombo Plan Staff College, Philippines together with the Ministry of Education, Higher Education and Vocational Education Sri Lanka on 24 th of March at Courtyard by Marriott Colombo, Sri Lanka.
The Conference serves as the flagship event of the five-day Regional Programme on “Transforming TVET for a Digital, Green, and Inclusive Economy” (23-27 March 2026), which continues throughout the week, bringing together representatives from CPSC member countries including Bhutan, Fiji, Malaysia, Maldives, Myanmar, Nepal, Philippines, Thailand, Pakistan, and Sri Lanka, fostering high-level dialogue and knowledge sharing on climate-resilient and green skills development.
The Conference features technical and plenary sessions on climate-responsive TVET systems, green skills development, national policy frameworks, and emerging technologies shaping industry transformation.
Addressing at the event, the Prime Minister emphasized the role of Technical and Vocational Education and Training (TVET) that equips individuals with practical, relevant, and future-oriented skills in addressing climate change and shaping a sustainable future.
The Prime Minister reaffirmed that this transformation remains a national priority for Sri Lanka. She stressed that education must go beyond knowledge dissemination to empower individuals with opportunities, dignity, and the capacity to contribute meaningfully to society.
She further emphasized the need to integrate environmental sustainability into education and training systems by embedding green skills in curricula, investing in modern training facilities, promoting innovation, and fostering collaboration between training institutions and emerging green industries.
Highlighting the importance of ensuring equity the Prime Minister further stated, that opportunities arising from the green transition must be accessible to all, including youth, young women, people with special needs, and marginalized communities.
Reaffirming Sri Lanka’s commitment to working closely with regional and international partnerships, the Prime Minister emphasized the importance of transforming them to actual benefits and partnerships.
The occasion was attended by the Secretary to the Ministry of Education, Higher Education and Vocational Education Nalaka Kaluwewa, Additional Secretary (Vocational Training) Ms. Samanthi Senanayake Director General Colombo Plan Staff College Prof. Dr. Suresh K. Dhameja , TVET administrators, institutional leaders, policymakers, instructors, industry representatives, and international delegates from across the region and seniors officials and officials from Ministries.
(Prime Minister’s Media division)
News
PM reviews progress of the committee appointed for the establishment of a National Nursing University
A discussion to review the current progress of the special committee appointed under the government’s policy proposals to establish a National Nursing University aimed at elevating the nursing profession in Sri Lanka to degree level was held on 23rd of March at the Prime Minister’s Office under the patronage of Prime Minister Dr. Harini Amarasuriya.
During the meeting, the Prime Minister inquired into the progress made by the committee in relation to the establishment of the Nursing University and paid attention to the issues and views presented by the committee members.
Emphasizing that establishing a university is a long-term and complex process, the Prime Minister pointed out the importance of advancing this project in line with higher education standards, without hasty decisions, while also taking into account the existing conflicts and challenges within the university system.
The meeting was attended by the Vice Chairman of the University Grants Commission, Professor K. L. Wasantha Kumara, representatives of the All Ceylon Nurses’ Association, and officials from the Ministry of Health and Mass Media.
(Prime Minister’s Media Division)
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Heat Index at ‘Caution level’ in the Western, Sabaragamuwa, Southern and North-western provinces and in Anuradhapura, Mannar, Vavuniya and Monaragala districts
Warm Weather Advisory
Issued by the Natural Hazards Early Warning Centre of the Department of Meteorology
at 3.30 p.m. on 25 March 2026, valid for 26 March 2026.
The Heat index, the temperature felt on human body is likely to increase up to ‘Caution level’ at some places in the Western, Sabaragamuwa, Southern and North-western provinces and in
Anuradhapura, Mannar, Vavuniya 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 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.
A strong Technical and Vocational Education and Training (TVET) system equips individuals with practical, relevant, and future-oriented skills helping to innovate responsibly towards a greener and sustainable future – PM
PM reviews progress of the committee appointed for the establishment of a National Nursing University
UN votes to recognise enslavement of Africans as ‘gravest crime against humanity’
Meta and YouTube found liable in landmark social media addiction trial
Showers expected in the Western and Sabaragamuwa provinces and in Galle and Matara districts after 2.00 pm.
Heat Index at ‘Caution level’ in the Western, Sabaragamuwa, Southern and North-western provinces and in Anuradhapura, Mannar, Vavuniya and Monaragala districts
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