He explained that necessary arrangements were made to ensure the provision of required medicinal drugs and consumables by the Medical Supply Division of the Ministry of Health with immediate effect. In a communiqué issued yesterday, Dr. Thilakarathna stated all routine surgeries at the hospital, including surgeries of patients already admitted, were suspended until further notice. He had stated that there was a shortage of several essential drugs and consumable items used for anaesthesia and surgery at the hospital. The decision to suspend routine surgeries came after the matter was taken up during the hospital’s management committee meeting. It has also been learnt that the Peradeniya hospital is currently using the reserved stocks that were allocated for emergencies as new stocks have been promised to be given this evening. Meanwhile, Indian External Affairs Minister Dr. S. Jaishankar, becoming aware of the suspension of routine surgeries due to drug shortage at the Peradeniya Teaching Hospital, has directed the Indian High Commissioner to Sri Lanka Gopal Baglay to look into how India can assist to resolve the issue. Dr. Jaishankar is currently in Sri Lanka on a two-day official visit.