Several spells of showers will occur in Eastern, Uva and Central provinces and in Polonnaruwa and Hambantota districts, today (21), the Department of Meteorology said. Showers or thundershowers may occur at a few places in Sabaragamuwa province and in Galle, Matara and Kalutara districts after 2.00 p.m. Fairly strong winds of about 40 kmph can be expected at times over Eastern slopes of the central hills, Northern, Eastern, North-central and North-western provinces and in Hambantota and Monaragala districts, the Met. Department said. Misty conditions can be expected at some places in Western, Sabaragamuwa and Central provinces and in Galle and Matara districts during the early hours of the morning, it added. The general public is kindly requested to take adequate precautions to minimize damages caused by temporary localized strong winds and lightning during thundershowers.

Several spells of showers expected in parts of the island

<ul><li>10 more injectables suspended nationwide</li><li>Kandy, IDH, other hospitals report alleged reactions to contaminated meds</li></ul> The Government Medical Officers’ Association (GMOA) yesterday (20) demanded that the Cabinet take responsibility for the importation of contaminated medicines from India, following serious safety concerns and reports of deaths linked to injectable medicinal drugs supplied by one supplier.GMOA Spokesman Dr. Chamil Wijesinghe told The Sunday Morning that several patients at the National Hospital, Kandy had developed similar patterns of infection after receiving ondansetron, supplied by a company based in Ahmedabad, India, with production plants reportedly in Gujarat as well.“Hospital microbiologists, anaesthesiologists, ICU teams, and consultant doctors jointly observed these cases and initiated investigations. Samples of the medicine were cultured at the hospital’s microbiology laboratory, where bacterial contamination was detected,” he said.“The organism identified was described as one that typically affects immunocompromised patients. Hospital laboratories are capable of conducting culture tests, and the investigation involved qualified specialists and the full microbiology team,” he added.Dr. Wijesinghe explained that following these findings, ondansetron had been immediately suspended at the National Hospital, Kandy. The National Medicines Regulatory Authority (NMRA) then decided to withhold not only ondansetron but also 10 other parenteral medications from the same manufacturer, citing quality failures.“Investigations have now revealed that all 10 medicinal drugs from the same manufacturer had either failed quality tests or were suspected to be contaminated, raising concerns about possible issues at the manufacturing plant itself,” he said.The affected products include both vials and ampoules.Commenting on deaths at the National Institute of Infectious Diseases (NIID), Dr. Wijesinghe said investigations were ongoing and the exact causes had not been concluded yet.“While both patients had reportedly received the same medicinal drug, post-mortem examinations are still under review. One patient had a platelet count of around 140,000 and died within 24 hours, making dengue an unlikely – but still possible – cause, based on the clinical presentation,” he said.Dr. Wijesinghe also confirmed that adverse reactions had been reported earlier at the Sri Jayewardenepura General Hospital and that the NMRA had received multiple complaints regarding such reactions.He criticised the NMRA’s limited testing capacity, stating: “While the authority has its own laboratory, it lacks sufficient capacity to conduct comprehensive quality testing. As a result, medicinal drug testing in Sri Lanka is often carried out only after complications or complaints arise, rather than through routine pre- and post-market surveillance, which is standard practice internationally.”Addressing concerns about imports, he clarified that the affected medicines were imported through the State Pharmaceuticals Corporation (SPC) via a registered local agent, in line with standard procedures. Dr. Wijesinghe stressed that medicinal drug regulation was a collective responsibility involving the entire health administration and political leadership.Responding to claims that Indian-manufactured medicinal drugs were allegedly substandard, Dr. Wijesinghe said India was one of the world’s largest pharmaceutical producers, with many factories maintaining standards comparable to those in the US and the UK.&nbsp;However, he emphasised that regulatory authorities must regularly inspect manufacturing plants and questioned whether such inspections were being carried out effectively.&nbsp;The GMOA Spokesman also referred to a letter circulated on social media in which the manufacturer reportedly challenged Sri Lanka’s testing capacity and requested that samples be sent to internationally accredited laboratories. “If contamination across multiple medicinal drugs from the same plant is confirmed, the factory should be sealed,” he said.The Medical Supplies Division (MSD) of the Ministry of Health has instructed all Government health institutions to immediately suspend the use of several injectable medicines manufactured by Maan Pharmaceuticals Ltd., India. The suspension follows reports of failed quality samples and adverse medicinal drug reactions, including fatal cases.An official circular issued by the MSD stated that the decision was based on recommendations by the NMRA and the Safety and Risk Evaluation Subcommittee (SAFRESC), which met on Tuesday (16). Preliminary investigations by consultant microbiologists at the National Hospital, Kandy informed the decision.This was confirmed by Ministry of Health Secretary Dr. Anil Jasinghe yesterday (20), when The Sunday Morning sought clarification. However, MSD Director Dr. Dedunu Dias, who signed the relevant letter, declined to comment and directed inquiries to the NMRA.The suspension applies to all batches of the affected products, regardless of whether they were supplied through the MSD, donations, or local purchases.The medicines withdrawn from use include several widely used injectable antibiotics and other critical medicinal drugs: imipenem with cilastatin, meropenem, piperacillin with tazobactam, cefotaxime, co-amoxiclav injections, iron sucrose, ondansetron, haloperidol, and sulbactam with cefoperazone.Health institutions have been instructed to immediately stop using these medicines, secure existing stocks, and report batch details to the National Medicines Quality Assurance Laboratory (NMQAL) in Colombo for further testing. Samples may be requested by the NMRA as part of the ongoing investigation.The MSD has warned hospital authorities to remain vigilant and ensure that no injectable products manufactured by Maan Pharmaceuticals are used until further notice, irrespective of procurement method.Provincial and regional directors of health services have been directed to circulate the notice among all institutions under their jurisdiction and ensure full compliance. The Health Ministry stressed that these measures were being taken in the interest of patient safety and in accordance with existing health sector circulars.

Contaminated medicines: GMOA points finger at Cabinet 

The Sri Lanka Police has received 75,000 new breathalyser devices, which are currently being distributed to nearly all Police divisions across the country, Police Spokesperson ASP F.U. Wootler told The Sunday Morning.This deployment comes amid continued public scrutiny over standard procedures not being followed by the Police in the road accident investigation involving National People’s Power (NPP) MP Asoka Ranwala.ASP Wootler said the new consignment would resolve earlier shortages that had affected roadside testing, noting that distribution was expected to be completed shortly.&nbsp;He said the Police had continued to enforce the law even during periods when breathalyser availability was limited, using alternative procedures recognised under existing regulations.“Yes, there was an issue with availability,” he said, adding that the absence of breathalyser devices did not prevent officers from proceeding with investigations. “Even without breathalysers, Police officers have alternative procedures to follow.”He explained that when breathalyser testing could not be conducted, suspects were referred to a Judicial Medical Officer (JMO) for examination, with the resulting medical report serving as evidence.“When one method is unavailable, you proceed with another. In this case, the alternative is to refer the individual to a JMO for examination,” ASP Wootler said, indicating that the officer originally investigating the accident relating to Ranwala had failed to refer the case to the JMO.&nbsp;“A medical report serves as the substitute in such cases,” he then added.The clarification comes in the context of the investigation into a road accident involving Ranwala, where questions were raised about whether a breathalyser test had been administered at the time of the incident.ASP Wootler confirmed that the alternative medical procedure had been applied in the Ranwala investigation. “Yes, it has been done,” he said, referring to the referral for medical examination.&nbsp;He added that there had been delays outside Police control. “There has been some delay on the doctor’s part as well in producing the report.”ASP Wootler explained that investigations were conducted according to established procedures, regardless of the status of those involved, and that medical reports issued by JMOs were admissible in cases where breathalyser testing could not be carried out, including when individuals were hospitalised following accidents.Wootler further stated that the availability of the new breathalysers would strengthen traffic law enforcement and allow for more immediate testing at accident scenes and during routine roadblocks, particularly in view of the festive season.&nbsp;

Drunk driving: Police deploys 75,000 new breathalysers

<ul><li>Awards 2026 LP gas contract to Swiss firm</li></ul> Litro Gas Lanka will receive its first shipment of 30,000 MT of Liquefied Petroleum Gas (LPG) of an expected 380,000 MT for 2026 from newly approved supplier Geogas Trading SA, ending the eight-year contract previously held by OQ Trading Ltd.The change and allegations linked to it were made in Parliament last week, creating speculation about sustaining supply and quality control, both areas in which LPG gas suppliers have had to resolve issues in the past.Following an International Competitive Bidding (ICB) process, Geogas Trading, based in Geneva, Switzerland, was awarded the one-year contract after submitting the lowest-price bid among five evaluated offers. The decision was endorsed by the High-Level Standing Procurement Committee and the Procurement Appeal Board.Speaking to The Sunday Morning, Litro Gas Lanka Chairman Channa Gunawardana said that the first shipment was expected by 5 January.“This is the first time we are working with Geogas,” he noted, adding that the company was selected for offering a more competitive price than OQ Trading, which also participated in the tender.Geogas Trading is an LPG trader and shipper. The contract award was presented to the Cabinet by President and Finance Minister Anura Kumara Dissanayake.&nbsp;

Litro Gas switches supplier after 8 years

Wild elephant mortality in Sri Lanka continues to rise as the Human-Elephant Conflict (HEC) intensifies, with 408 elephant deaths recorded thus far, according to the Department of Wildlife Conservation (DWC).Speaking to The Sunday Morning, DWC Director General Ranjan Marasinghe said that the stated figures were up to 19 December.He added that 149 human deaths caused by encounters with elephants had also been documented during the same period.Regionally, Anuradhapura reported the highest number of elephant deaths (85), closely followed by the eastern regions (83), reflecting the severity of HEC in dry zone areas.&nbsp;Marasinghe stated that post-mortem reports were still being collated to determine the proportion of deaths directly caused by human actions, such as gunshot wounds.According to DWC estimations, around 65–70% of Sri Lanka’s landmass is used or visited by elephants, placing large portions of the country in conflict zones. Areas including Polonnaruwa, Uva, and parts of the Southern Province continue to experience significant HEC incidents, largely driven by elephant density and human economic activities, particularly agriculture.“HEC is not new to Sri Lanka, but the intensity has increased with evolving land usage and agricultural practices. Complete prevention is unrealistic,” Marasinghe said, noting that while the Fauna and Flora Protection Ordinance (FFPO) provided the legal framework for prosecuting wildlife offences, enforcement alone could not fully resolve the situation.&nbsp;He emphasised that long-term solutions must focus on reducing human-elephant encounters and improving coexistence.Addressing manpower constraints, Marasinghe said that the department currently had around 883 field officers authorised to enforce wildlife laws. Approximately 3,000 Civil Defence Force (CDF) officers are assisting the DWC in law enforcement and elephant electric fence maintenance, with plans to expand the force under presidential guidance.Deputy Minister of Environment Anton Jayakody acknowledged that the HEC currently affected around 18 districts, with humans and elephants sharing about 44% of the land. Citing DWC research, he noted that while the elephant population had increased, the availability of land had progressively declined, intensifying competition for resources and space.Jayakody said that the ministry had prioritised a comprehensive response, including habitat enrichment programmes, removal of invasive plants, and construction of water tanks and grasslands to ensure elephants had access to food and water within forests, keeping them away from human settlements.&nbsp;While recent cyclone damage delayed progress in some areas, these programmes are now being implemented in the Puttalam and Hambantota Districts.“Electrical fencing is not the permanent and only solution but rather a temporary mitigation measure,” he emphasised.&nbsp;Several installations, including a 15-km stretch in Hambantota and coverage in Galewala, have been completed, but land disputes and local resistance have delayed further expansion. A significant portion of the 2026 Budget has been allocated to address remaining gaps.Meanwhile, environmentalists warn that structural issues underlying HEC remain unresolved.&nbsp;Centre for Environmental Justice (CEJ) Chairperson Hemantha Withanage said: “The main cause for HEC lies in forest destruction, land encroachment, and the loss of elephant corridors, rather than elephants themselves.”&nbsp;He stressed that elephants would continue to migrate near human settlements and agricultural areas unless forest ecosystems and habitats were preserved.Withanage also highlighted that unregulated farming and land encroachment, often linked to commercial seasonal cultivation, had drastically reduced wildlife habitats, forcing elephants and other species into villages and farmlands, escalating conflict.He noted that the CEJ had previously submitted policy proposals to address the HEC through habitat conservation and integrated land-use planning, including agroecology and high-density farming methods, many of which were yet to be implemented.

HEC causes 408 elephant, 149 human deaths in ’25

<ul><li>LC openings guided by market, not fixed policy</li></ul> The Ceylon Petroleum Corporation (CPC) has confirmed steady fuel availability, stating that national requirements are being secured through careful planning and scheduled imports.Explaining the CPC’s broader supply strategy, the corporation’s Managing Director Dr. Mayura Neththikumarage said that storage capacity allowed for roughly 20–30 days of inventory, while orders were generally placed about three months in advance to ensure continuity.He added that the CPC also undertook short lead-time purchases when necessary, including single-cargo procurements with delivery windows as short as 10 days.According to Dr. Neththikumarage, the corporation does not operate under a fixed policy for opening Letters of Credit (LCs) for fuel imports, with procurement timelines determined by product type, market conditions, and delivery requirements.“There isn’t a fixed policy per se. Generally, we initiate the tender process at least 90 days before the required delivery. Depending on the product type and market availability, some tenders may be issued 45 days in advance,” he said, explaining that shipment dates were usually finalised at least one month before arrival once orders were placed.Dr. Neththikumarage noted that variations in supplier availability and fuel categories made uniform timelines impractical, requiring the CPC to adjust lead times based on operational needs.On fuel availability, he said that the CPC maintained an average stock level of around one month, although actual volumes differed by product.He also dismissed concerns over recent adverse weather, confirming that fuel stocks had not been affected.Responding to queries on the value of LCs, Dr. Neththikumarage said that figures varied significantly depending on the fuel being imported and prevailing prices, making it difficult to cite a single aggregate value. “Annually, we import about $ 4–5 billion worth of fuel products,” he added.On domestic fuel pricing, he said revisions were considered on an ongoing basis using available data at the time of decision, and that no determination had been made regarding prices in January yet following the absence of a revision in November. “Pricing is a continuous process. We base our public revisions on the data available at the time of decision,” he said.&nbsp;

Energy security: CPC assures steady supply of fuel

<ul><li>MOH says investigations into both deaths ongoing, no conclusive link found yet</li></ul> Despite reported quality failures in several batches of Indian-manufactured injectable medicines, no decision has been made to reconsider or ban their use, a senior official attached to the Ministry of Health (MOH) said.Director General of Health Services Dr. Asela Gunawardena told The Sunday Morning that investigations had been launched into two deaths reported at the National Institute of Infectious Diseases (NIID). He stressed that it had not been conclusively established yet that the incidents were caused by the drug ondansetron.“Investigations are currently underway to determine whether ondansetron had any direct connection to the two deaths,” he said, adding that parallel investigations were being conducted by the MOH and the National Medicines Regulatory Authority (NMRA).“No definitive conclusion has been reached at this stage,” Dr. Gunawardena noted.NMRA Chairman Dr. Ananda Wijewickrama said that on 12 December, following information indicating possible contamination, immediate steps were taken to temporarily withdraw all categories of the questionable drug ondansetron from patient use.Addressing a special media briefing at the Department of Government Information last week, he reassured the public that there was no need to develop undue fear when seeking treatment from Government hospitals. “Sri Lanka’s public health system is supported by a well-trained and experienced workforce,” he emphasised.Following further discussions with relevant authorities, concerns emerged regarding the production process of the medicine. As a result, the Health Ministry decided to temporarily suspend the use of all 10 injectable medicines manufactured by the Indian pharmaceutical company involved, until the safety and integrity of the manufacturing process could be fully verified.Medical Supplies Division Director Dr. Dedunu Dias explained that ondansetron was a fully imported medicine. “The medicinal drug stocks were supplied through orders placed in 2021, which were received in 2022, and orders placed in 2024 for 2025 requirements. A total of 1,450,000 vials had been received, of which around 85,000 remaining units were withdrawn from use following the reported issue,” he said.State Pharmaceuticals Corporation (SPC) Chairman Dr. Manuj Weerasinghe confirmed that the medicine had been procured in accordance with approved guidelines and procurement procedures and that a significant portion of the stock had already been used in treatment services. He further noted that the order for the coming year had been placed with a different supplier.Health Ministry Secretary Dr. Anil Jasinghe said necessary steps were being taken to ensure that the country’s post-marketing surveillance system was strengthened to prevent similar incidents in the future.&nbsp;

No decision on banning imports of Indian meds

No disease outbreaks have been reported so far in flood-affected areas or evacuation centres, despite concerns over the spread of infectious diseases following recent floods, Deputy Minister of Health and Mass Media Dr. Hansaka Wijemuni said.Speaking to The Sunday Morning, Dr. Wijemuni said health authorities remained on high alert, particularly for leptospirosis, diarrhoea, viral fevers, and respiratory tract-related diseases, which are commonly linked with post-flood scenarios.&nbsp;“However, no significant cases have been reported yet,” he added.The Deputy Minister identified districts such as Nuwara Eliya, Kandy, Matale, Badulla, and Kegalle as high-risk areas should an outbreak occur, although no confirmed cases have been reported in any of these districts so far.“All evacuation centres are under thorough monitoring by Public Health Inspectors (PHIs) and volunteer doctors. The Medical Officer of Health (MOH) in each area is responsible for daily reporting, which is submitted to the ministry’s focal point at the Disaster Management Centre,” he said, noting that the data was being assessed daily at the national level.Dr. Wijemuni credited early preparation and strong preventive measures by the health sector for the absence of outbreaks. PHIs have closely supervised food preparation; ensured clean drinking water, particularly by boiling water; and monitored hygiene and sanitation standards at evacuation facilities.He further noted that extended stays at evacuation centres posed health risks, prompting authorities to transition displaced people into temporary housing units. District-level negotiations are ongoing with the Sri Lanka Red Cross Society and other humanitarian organisations to establish cleaner and safer intermediate housing facilities.In addition to physical health precautions, public health and hygiene awareness programmes are underway in the impacted areas. Dr. Wijemuni also confirmed that a psychological support programme, planned in collaboration with the World Health Organization (WHO) – Sri Lanka, would begin within the next two weeks and continue for approximately one year.Addressing concerns about medical supplies, he assured the public that the country had adequate pharmaceuticals and equipment to manage any potential crisis. “Medicinal drug supplies for next year have already arrived and storage space is being expanded. There is no shortage of medicines at present and the current disaster had no significant impact on medicinal drug availability,” he said.&nbsp;

No disease outbreaks reported post-Ditwah

&nbsp;<ul><li>Samba, keeri samba shortages continue despite Govt. denial</li><li>Govt. estimates 108,000 hectares of agricultural land damaged</li></ul> The Government has commenced inspections of disaster-affected agricultural lands and has begun issuing compensation payments to farmers to enable immediate recultivation, Ministry of Agriculture Additional Secretary of Agriculture Development Ajitha Manikrama told The Sunday Morning yesterday (20).This, amid continued shortages of samba and keeri samba rice in the market.“Damage inspections are currently underway, and compensation payments have already begun after collecting farmers’ bank details,” Manikrama said.She added that payments were being processed through the Department of Agriculture for vegetable cultivation and through the Department of Agrarian Development for paddy lands.Manikrama further stated that recent disasters had destroyed an estimated 108,000 hectares of agricultural land, with damage varying across districts.&nbsp;“In some areas, fields are buried under flood sediment and landslide debris, and cultivation cannot restart until clearing is completed,” she said.&nbsp;“In other locations, although the crops were destroyed, seed paddy was recovered, allowing farmers to recommence cultivation more quickly.”Manikrama said the Ministry of Agriculture was providing Rs. 150,000 in compensation for damaged lands to support rapid recultivation.&nbsp;“If farmers begin planting now, a paddy harvest can be expected within three to three-and-a-half months,” she said. “For fast-growing vegetables such as radish, harvesting is possible in about two-and-a-half months, meaning supplies could return to the market by February or March.”For severely affected highland cultivation areas such as Nuwara Eliya and Badulla, she said the Government had increased assistance.&nbsp;“Considering the higher cost of cultivation in these areas, Rs. 200,000 per farmer has been allocated to support the acquisition of the special fertiliser requirements in the region,” she said. Manikrama also noted that vegetable prices tended to rise during the festive season even in normal years.Deputy Minister of Food Security R.M. Jayawardana said there was no overall rice shortage in the country, describing the current situation as one of managed supply. “There is no general shortage of rice. The issue is with certain varieties such as samba and keeri samba, and even that can be managed with proper regulation,” he said.Jayawardana added that there was no fundamental reason for a sharp increase in rice prices. “Key cultivation areas like Anuradhapura were largely unaffected and harvests from these regions will be sufficient to meet national demand,” he said, adding that imported rice stocks were currently being released to the market to bridge gaps until the next harvest.He also addressed price pressures in other food sectors, noting that poultry and vegetable markets had been severely affected.&nbsp;“Vegetable cultivation areas in Nuwara Eliya and Badulla have suffered extensive damage, and prices may increase as a result,” Jayawardana said. “Unlike dry rations, perishable goods such as vegetables and fruits are governed by supply and demand, and direct price control is not feasible under conditions of reduced supply.”Meanwhile, Small- and Medium-Scale Rice Mill Owners’ Association President B.K. Ranjith said that shortages of keeri samba and samba had already been evident for several months. “Keeri samba has been in short supply for about three months and samba for at least one month,” he said.Ranjith added that keeri samba, which had initially sold at about Rs. 20 above the Maximum Retail Price, was now selling at a premium of around Rs. 60, while samba was fetching about Rs. 25 above the controlled price. “With the festive season underway, we expect prices to increase further due to higher demand,” he said.He also criticised previous rice import strategies, saying their impact had been limited. “In the past, imported rice was often kept in storage instead of being released properly to the market,” Ranjith said, adding that much of the rice currently being distributed consisted of stocks purchased last year.&nbsp;– By Faizer Shaheid

Several spells of showers expected in parts of the island

Contaminated medicines: GMOA points finger at Cabinet

Contaminated medicines: GMOA p ...

Drunk driving: Police deploys 75,000 new breathalysers

Drunk driving: Police deploys ...

Litro Gas switches supplier after 8 years

Litro Gas switches supplier af ...

HEC causes 408 elephant, 149 human deaths in ’25

HEC causes 408 elephant, 149 h ...

Energy security: CPC assures steady supply of fuel

Energy security: CPC assures s ...

No decision on banning imports of Indian meds

No decision on banning imports ...

No disease outbreaks reported post-Ditwah

No disease outbreaks reported ...

Crop damage: Government commences compensation payments

Crop damage: Government commen ...

Contaminated medicines: GMOA points finger at Cabinet

Contaminated medicines: GMOA p ...

Drunk driving: Police deploys 75,000 new breathalysers

Drunk driving: Police deploys ...

Litro Gas switches supplier after 8 years

Litro Gas switches supplier af ...

HEC causes 408 elephant, 149 human deaths in ’25

HEC causes 408 elephant, 149 h ...

Energy security: CPC assures steady supply of fuel

Energy security: CPC assures s ...

No decision on banning imports of Indian meds

No decision on banning imports ...

No disease outbreaks reported post-Ditwah

No disease outbreaks reported ...

Crop damage: Government commences compensation payments

Crop damage: Government commen ...

Bringing the news paper to your fingertips

Contaminated medicines: GMOA points finger at Cabinet

Contaminated medicines: GMOA p ...

Drunk driving: Police deploys 75,000 new breathalysers

Drunk driving: Police deploys ...

Bringing the news paper to your fingertips

Litro Gas switches supplier after 8 years

Litro Gas switches supplier af ...

HEC causes 408 elephant, 149 human deaths in ’25

HEC causes 408 elephant, 149 h ...

Energy security: CPC assures steady supply of fuel

Energy security: CPC assures s ...

No decision on banning imports of Indian meds

No decision on banning imports ...