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National Nephrology Hospital, Polonnaruwa, handicapped
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By Rathindra Kuruwita
There are only two consultant nephrologists attached to the National Nephrology Hospital, Polonnaruwa despite having an approved cadre of 10 consultants with various specialties, Secretary to the GMOA, Dr. Senal Fernando, informed Director General of Health Services, Dr. Asela Gunawardane.
The hospital sitting on a land encompassing 16 acres had been constructed at a cost of Rs. 12 billion, Dr. Fernando said.
“However only 25% of physical resources at the hospital are used due to the shortage of staff. The Hospital has 201 beds yet only 25% of them are in use. The Hemodialysis Unit has 100 beds, but only 30 beds are functioning. These machines are highly sensitive, and it is recommended that one nursing officer is allocated per machine, however, now three machines are maintained by a single Nursing Officer,” he said.
Dr. Fernando added that the National Nephrology Hospital has six operating theatres to perform Kidney Transplants, Vascular Surgeries and Urological procedures. However, none of them are in use because neither a Consultant Vascular Surgeon nor a Urologist had been attached to the institute.
“None of the machines at the laboratories have been used. Warranty period of some equipment has expired. The hospital also needs to have a Director, right now the DGH Polonnaruwa doubles up as the head of the hospital. But this is not working out because he already has so much on his plate. All these are affecting the healthcare received by patients,” he said.
Dr. Fernando added that the GMOA Executive Committee had carefully studied the situation by sending a team there.
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Green Energy Acceleration Plan 2025-2030 launched
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The launch of the five-year renewable energy development plan, ” Green Energy Acceleration Plan 2025-2030″, presented by the Ministry of Energy, was held on February 27 at the Cinnamon Life Hotel in Colombo under the patronage of Prime Minister Dr. Harini Amarasuriya.
The plan outlines key strategies for identifying and implementing renewable energy methods and digital innovations, ensuring their efficient and environmentally sustainable use. It also highlights the economic benefits of renewable energy and its potential to strengthen the country’s financial stability.
Addressing the gathering, Prime Minister Dr. Harini Amarasuriya stated:
“It is a pleasure to address you on this significant occasion of launching the Action Plan on Renewable Energy Management. We are not just here to launch this project; we are here to transform our country into an energy powerhouse for the future. The Ceylon Electricity Board and the Sri Lanka Sustainable Energy Authority have taken the lead in steering Sri Lanka towards sustainable energy solutions.
I am pleased that the Ministry of Energy has introduced a valuable five-year action plan, the Green Energy Acceleration Plan 2025-2030. This initiative will promote sustainable energy consumption, identify renewable energy sources, and provide a comprehensive understanding of energy conservation and storage methods.
The primary objective of this plan is to reduce electricity demand and lower the initial cost of electricity in Sri Lanka by identifying and promoting the use of renewable energy sources.
Our goal is to expand renewable energy production over the next five years and provide affordable electricity to all Sri Lankans.
We aim to reform our energy acts in three key areas. First, we will ensure the provision of affordable and reliable energy through renewable sources such as solar, wind, and hydropower while minimizing carbon emissions. Second, we will focus on educating the public on the significance of renewable energy and digital technologies and their role in accessing modern and reliable energy. Third, we will introduce advanced energy conversion methods to modernize the energy sector, aligning Sri Lanka with global advancements in the field.
This is not just a plan; it is a roadmap for the next five years. It encompasses various aspects, including the identification and development of energy sources, public awareness initiatives, implementation timelines, allocated funding, and necessary legal frameworks.
To ensure the success of this project, it is essential to leverage both local and international partnerships. Let us work together to meet the energy needs of all Sri Lankans using renewable energy solutions.”
The event was attended by Energy Minister Kumara Jayakody, Deputy Ministers Eranga Weeraratne and Janith Ruwan Kodithuwakku, Secretary to the Ministry of Energy Professor Udayanga Hemapala, and Chairman of the Electricity Board Dr. Thilak Siyambalapitiya.
[Prime Minister’s Media division]
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Matara MC orders arrest of former IGP Deshabandu Tennakoon
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The Matara Magistrate’s Court has ordered the arrest of former IGP Deshabandu Tennakoon, and seven others said to be responsible for the shooting incident that took place in front of the W15 Hotel in Weligama, Matara on December 31, 2023.
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The responsibility of revitalizing both the economy and the fractured social fabric falls on everyone – President
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President Anura Kumara Disanayake directed the District Secretaries to allocate Rs. 1,400 billion in recurrent expenditure for the implementation of productive projects at the grassroots level over the next eight months.
The President made these remarks during a discussion held with the District Secretaries, on Thursday (27) at the Presidential Secretariat.
The President also emphasized that by developing the rural economy, the country’s economic growth could be elevated by 3% to 4%. He stressed the need to enhance existing economic opportunities and identify new sources of growth during the expansion of the economy to rural areas.
The pension schemes proposed in the 2025 budget were also deliberated upon during this meeting.
Moreover, the President pointed out that there is a prevailing negative perception of the public sector and that inefficiency within government services has contributed to this situation. He underscored the necessity of creating satisfied and effective government officials, and emphasized the need to improve the efficiency of public services.
Currently, 30,000 vacancies have been identified within the public service, and the President stated that the government plans to recruit for these positions in categories, which would complete the mid-level staffing of the public service.
The President emphasized that development is not limited to constructing buildings and bridges but also involves uplifting the fractured social structure, a responsibility that primarily lies with the District Secretaries.
Additionally, the District Secretaries raised issues specific to their districts, which were brought to the President’s attention, and extensive discussions were held on possible solutions and proposals.
The meeting was attended by the Minister of Public Administration, Provincial Councils and Local Government, Dr. Chandana Abeyratne; Secretary to the President, Dr. Nandika Sanath Kumanayake, Secretary to the Ministry of Public Administration Aloka Bandara, as well as the District Secretaries.
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