The Public Service Commission (PSC) has said transfers for which no specific date of implementation has been indicated should also take effect from the same date.

The Commission has noted that decisions on appeals submitted in relation to the transfers have already been communicated to the relevant officers and published on its official website.

Accordingly, all public officers who have received transfer orders for 2026 are required to report to their new stations on the designated date.The PSC has further stated that any future requests or recommendations seeking revisions to transfers that have already been approved will not be reconsidered.

Iranian Foreign Minister Abbas Araghchi expressed appreciation to his Sri Lankan counterpart Vijitha Herath for the assistance provided in the rescue of Iranian sailors from the Dena destroyer, which was attacked by a torpedo from the US Navy off the coast of Sri Lanka on March 4, Islam Times has reported

The foreign ministers of Iran and Sri Lanka held a telephone conversation on Friday night.

During the call, Araghchi detailed the latest developments resulting from the military aggression of the United States and the Israeli regime against Iran. He also expressed gratitude for the Sri Lankan government’s efforts in the rescue of the sailors aboard the Dena destroyer, who tragically lost their lives during the brutal and unlawful attack by the US on this vessel on March 4.

Araghchi also thanked Sri Lanka for its assistance in the repatriation of the remains of the 84 martyrs to Iran.

In the conversation, the two diplomats also discussed the relations between Iran and Sri Lanka.

A special awareness programme to mark World Kidney Day was held on March 12 at the Susantha Marapana Dialysis Unit of the Kegalle District General Hospital.The event was organised by the staff of the Kidney Unit under the guidance of Specialist Nuwan Aravinda Bartholomeusz.

Addressing the gathering, Dr. Bartholomeusz said the unit currently operates 12 dialysis machines and provided treatment to around 90 patients with the support of dedicated medical staff.

He also highlighted a major gap in regional healthcare services, noting that there were no hospitals with dialysis units between Homagama Base Hospital and Ratnapura Teaching Hospital. Establishing a dialysis unit in a hospital within this region would greatly benefit rural communities, he said.

Several specialists addressed the programme, sharing insights on challenges faced by kidney patients and the importance of prevention and care. Among the speakers were Specialist Gayani Samarasinghe on diabetes management, Specialist Amalka Munasinghe on nutrition, and Specialist Rohitha Gunaratne on the role of physical activity in maintaining health.

The event was presided over by Deputy Director of the hospital, Chathura Tikiriratne.

A highlight of the programme was the introduction of a specialised dialysis support bag by Kelun Lifesciences, located in the Pallekele Investment Promotion Zone. The product, designed to assist dialysis patients in managing their treatment requirements at home, was introduced by Demonstrator Sudharman Wijayasundara under the guidance of the company’s Executive Director I. Sathiyamoorthy.

Prominent philanthropist N. Marapana, who has extended support and facilities to the dialysis unit, also attended the programme.

by SK Samaranayake