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Ayurvedic Department okays ‘Dhammika peniya’
…won’t be accepted till placebo control randomized double-blind clinical trial – Dr. Pathirana
By Shamindra Ferdinando
The Pharmacology Section of the Ayurvedic Department had approved the untested, homemade herbal brew widely called ‘Dhammika peniya’ though it was yet to receive clearance from ‘Ethical Committee’ of the Ayrvedic Department without being subjected to a proper scientific study, co-cabinet spokesperson Dr. Ramesh Pathirana said yesterday (22)
Dr. Pathirana emphasised that ‘Dhammika Peniya’ could be subjected to what he called placebo control randomized double-blind clinical trial once the ‘Ethical Committee’ cleared it.
The Minister said so when a journalist raised the issue at yesterday’s post-cabinet media briefing via zoom. The journalist asked whether the government, Kali Amma or Dhammika would be responsible in case those who take the syrup developed complications.
Co-cabinet spokesperson Minister Keheliya Rambukwella and Director General of Government Information Nalaka Kaluwewa were also present.
Minister Pathirana said that the relevant information would be handed over to the ‘Ethical Committee’ on Wednesday (23). The scientific examination would depend on the ‘Dhammika Paniya’ receiving approval from the ‘Ethical Committee,’ the minister said.
Responding to another query, Dr. Pathirana said that the doctors wouldn’t accept the decoction until it passed placebo control randomized double-blind clinical trial.
Asked whether the government sponsored the controversial ayurvedic practitioner, the minister denied government backing while defending the public right to take such medicine if they so desired.
State Minister of Promotion of Indigenous Medicine, Development of Rural Ayurvedic Hospitals and Community Health Sisira Jayakody promoted the syrup while State Health Minister Sudarshini Fernandopulle repeatedly declared that it was not acceptable till it received proper approval following required tests.
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“Improve the quality of infrastructure and services provided to tourists visiting the country.” – President
President Anura Kumara Disanayake emphasized the necessity of providing high-quality infrastructure and services for tourists visiting Sri Lanka, as the country has gained significant international recognition as an attractive tourist destination.
Accordingly, the President instructed officials to pay special attention to this matter and take necessary actions.
President Disanayake issued these instructions during a discussion held today (17) at the Presidential Secretariat with officials from the Ministry of Tourism.
During the discussion, officials briefed the President on the budgetary allocations designated for the Ministry of Tourism and the projects being implemented under those funds.
With the tourism sector taking a new step forward, Sri Lanka aims to attract three million tourists this year. The discussion also extensively covered the utilization of these budgetary allocations for the development of essential infrastructure to support this goal.
Minister of Foreign Affairs, Tourism and Foreign Employment Vijitha Herath, Deputy Minister of Tourism Dr. Ruwan Ranasinghe, Secretary to the President Dr. Nandika Sanath Kumanayake, Senior Additional Secretary to the President Roshan Gamage, Secretary to the Ministry of Foreign Affairs, Foreign Employment and Tourism Aruni Ranaraja, along with a group of senior officials from the Ministry of Tourism, attended this discussion.
The French Navy Ship PROVENCE arrived at the Port of Colombo on a formal visit on Sunday (16 Mar 25) morning.
She was welcomed by the Sri Lanka Navy in compliance with the time-honoured naval traditions.
The 142.20m long Destroyer is Commanded by Captain Lionel SIEGFRIED and manned by a crew of 160 members.
During the stay in the island, crew members of PROVENCE will visit some tourist hotspots in the country and the ship is scheduled to depart the island on 20 Mar.
The Court of Appeal this [17] morning dismissed the writ petition filed by former Inspector General of Police (IGP) Deshabandu Tennakoon, seeking an interim injunction to prevent the execution of the arrest order issued by the Matara Magistrate’s Court against him.
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“Improve the quality of infrastructure and services provided to tourists visiting the country.” – President
French Navy Ship PROVENCE arrives in Port of Colombo
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