News
31st annual scientific congress of College of Ophthalmologists of Sri Lanka
The 31st annual scientific congress of College of Ophthalmologists of Sri Lanka, took place recently at Cinnamon Grand Hotel Colombo successfully with the participation of a large number of local and foreign professionals in the field.
This year it was a combined conference with Association of Vitreo Retina Specialists. New innovations in the field were unveiled by professionals both local and foreign.
“Our theme this year was ‘Towards a Novel Era of Eye Care’, which showcases the tremendous progress made in our field in recent years” Dr. Kapila Bandutilake, President, COSL and AVRSSL said.
“As ophthalmologists, we are fortunate to work in a time of unprecedented innovation. From new surgical techniques to cutting-edge imaging technologies and gene therapies, the possibilities for improving patient outcomes are more exciting than ever before” he added.
However, he also said there is still a lot of work to be done with conditions such as cataracts, diabetic retinopathy and glaucoma on the increase.
“It is more important than ever that we continue to collaborate and innovate in our efforts to improve patient outcomes, in this backdrop” he said.
The scientific programme was well crafted to discuss and showcase the state of the art developments in the field of ophthalmology.In addition to outstanding scientific symposia, pre-congress workshops, plenary lecture, panel discussions, and free paper presentations across various disciplines such as cataract, glaucoma, cornea, medical and surgical retina, neuro, and pediatric ophthalmology was held.
Also private, both local and foreign institutions involved in the field showcased their services and products at the event. One Legacy Pvt. Ltd chairman Jabir Sally whose company had a stall at the event said that the congress provided a valuable networking experience for those who attended, with opportunities to connect with fellow ophthalmologists, researchers, industry professionals.
He also said the event was a platform to institutions involved in the field to showcase their services, equipment and new innovations.Sally said One Legacy was the local partner for Bausch and Lomb one of the leading global eye healthcare brands.
Bausch + Lomb based in United States is one of the world’s largest suppliers of contact lenses, lens care products, pharmaceuticals, intraocular lenses, and other eye surgery products and has been in the industry since 1853, he said.
In terms of the provisions of the Establishments Code on payment of festival advance to government officers, there’s a possibility of obtaining rupees 10,000/- as an advance for celebrating festivals of Theipongal, Ramazan, Sinhala and Hindu New Year, Wesak, Deepavali, and Christmas as well as for pilgrimages (Sri Paada pilgrimage and Hajj pilgrimage).
Provisions have been given to recover the said advance in 08 installments or if required earlier without interest. It has been proposed by the Budget 2026 to increase the said festival advance up to rupees 15,000/-.
Accordingly, the Cabinet of Ministers granted approval to the proposal submitted by the Minister of Public Administration, Provincial Councils and Local governments to revise the relevant provisions so that the festival advance can be increased up to rupees 15,000/- .
As per the approval given by the cabinet meeting held on 02-06-2025, action is being taken at present to offer the underutilized lands/properties of the Sri Lanka State Plantation Corporation, the Janatha Etate Development Board, and the Elkaduwa Plantation Company which are under the Ministry of Plantation and Community Infrastructure which have been identified under stage one to suitable investors.
Accordingly, the Cabinet of Ministers has approved the proposal presented by the Minister of Plantations and Community Infrastructure to provide following lands/properties on a lease basis to the suitable investors for optimal utilization following the prescribed procurement procedure.
• underutilized lands/properties identified under stage two owned by the Sri Lanka State Plantation Corporation, the Janatha Estate Development Board, and the Elkaduwa Plantation
Company,
• The Mawarala watte land and the Tea factory 40.48 hectares in extent, located in Matara District belonging to the Tea Shakthi Fund.
• The underutilized land of 1,541 hectares in extent of Kondachchi Estate is enjoyed by the Sri Lanka Cashew Corporation.
The drafting of the National Fisheries and Aquaculture Policy has commenced with the objective of equitable distribution of the benefits of the fisheries industry and the sustainable management of fisheries and aquaculture. This policy has been updated from time to time according to current requirements. However, steps have not been taken to obtain the approval of the Cabinet of Ministers for that purpose.
According to the policy declaration of the present government, ‘Vistas of Prosperity and Splendor’ the National Fisheries and Aquaculture Policy has been redrafted, updating the aforementioned policy in line with the economic and development objectives of the government.
The recommendations of the Department of National Planning have been received for the drafted policy.
Accordingly, the Cabinet of Ministers has approved the proposal presented by the Minister of Fisheries, Aquaculture, and Marine
Resources to implement the National Fisheries and Aquaculture Policy, integrating it with other relevant policies.
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Trump to meet Venezuelan opposition leader Machado at the White House
Festival advance for government officers to be increased
Providing underutilized lands/properties to suitable investors for optimal utilization.
Implementation of the National Fisheries and Aquaculture Policy
Expressions of Interest called to develop selected locations within the Pelawatte Sugar Factory premises
‘Dates have the highest sugar content to fight Coronavirus’
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