Quick Look

Maha Sangha gathered at the Sugathadasa indoor stadium to invoke blessings on the country and President Mahinda Rajapaksa. Picture by Chandana Perera

Health sector allegations baseless, says doctor

Suraj Bandara

Allegations and slogans spread publicly by some political parties would invariably endanger public confidence in the Sri Lankan health sector and create an environment where the public will resort to the private health service, psychiatrist Dr. Rathnasiri Bandara told a media briefing yesterday. When the Government is making an enormous effort to uplift the health standards, some organized parties are trying to disable the situation and gain political advantage.

If a patient loses confidence in vaccination or any other medication it can even cause death, Dr. Bandara said. Some advertisements in the print and electronic media tarnish the Sri Lankan health sector’s image. They have exaggerated that there is a severe shortage of drugs in the island and that the Government is importing low quality drugs.

“All these allegations are baseless and target for political gain, Dr. Bandara said.

He requested parties involved in this campaign, to stop these false charges and use persons to prove that these allegations are true beyond reasonable doubt.

“There is no shortage of drugs and all hospitals have enough drugs,” he said.

Jathiye Panchayudaya, a mark of gratitude

A medallion themed ‘Jathiye Panchayudaya’ resembling a coat of arms turned out in silver by handicraft artistes as a mark of gratitude to the war heroes for the sacrifices they made in liberating the nation from terrorism has won the Western Province ‘Shilpa’ 2009 marit award.

A press release by the National Crafts Council said the ‘Panchayudaya’ illustrated the Army, Navy, Air Force, the Civil Security Force, Police, unity of the forces, Sri Lanka nation, patriotic people, leadership and the arms depicted in a normal Panchayudaya.

I have not withdrawn - Ven Seelarathana

Ven. Battaramulle Seelarathana thera says he has not withdrawn from the Presidential race.

Son allegally kills father

Puttalam Group Reporter

An alleged murder of a father by his son has been reported from Dunkannawa, Naththandiya in Marawila police area.

The victim is identified as L.B. Piyasena Balasuriya (56) who was allegedly stabbed to death by his son on Friday night at his residence.

Marawila police is conducting enquiries to arrest the suspect.

AGM

The Past Pupils’ Association of St. Paul’s Girls’ School invites all past pupils’ to join their Annual General Meeting to be held on January 31 at school Main Hall at 3 p.m.

Bharata Natyam recital

The Indian Cultural Centre will present Rasoddipana - Awakening of Rasa, a Bharata Natyam Recital by renowned dance couple Shridhar and Anuradha Shridhar at the Kularathne Hall, Ananda College, Colombo 10 today at 6.30 p.m. to celebrate the 61st Republic Day of India.

Indian High Commissioner in Sri Lanka Ashok K. Kantha will preside. Actress Malini Fonseka will be the Chief Guest.

Call to refrain from polythene use

Richmond Wijesekera Bentota Group Correspondent

Wildlife Department and Yala National Park officials have requested wildlife enthusiasts and nature lovers not to harm the environment when visiting the area by throwing polythene containers and bags. A Wildlife Department official told the Daily News polythene material poses a threat to wild animals.

The number of visitors has now increased six fold compared with the earlier period, he said.

Boost for bees honey production

A.A.L. Dias - Matale district group Corr.

There is a big demand for bees honey in the local and foreign markets and the Provincial Agriculture Department has decided to develop the industry in the Central Province.

The bees honey produced in Sri Lanka is in a poor state and the Government has to import bees honey, sources said.

Selected villages in Matale, Kandy and Nuwara Eliya districts will be developed as bees honey producing villages.

Facilities will be provided to those engaged in this industry. A bottle of bees honey is sold at over Rs. 600 in the open market at present.