With the aim of providing high-quality and efficient healthcare services to the people, 20 advanced technology ambulances were handed over to government hospitals today (25) under the patronage of the Minister of Health and Mass Media, Dr. Nalinda Jayatissa, at the Ministry of Health and Mass Media premises.

Each ambulance, valued at over Rs. 25.7 million, was distributed to hospitals under both the Central Government and Provincial Councils with the support of the Health Systems Improvement Project and the financial contribution of the Asian Development Bank.

These new ambulances come equipped with modern facilities, enabling patients to receive critical care during transport to hospitals.

The 20 ambulances were allocated to ten district general hospitals, including Embilipitiya, Nawalapitiya, Matale, Negombo, Trincomalee, Nuwara Eliya, Chilaw, Monaragala, Dambulla, and Horana; teaching hospitals in Polonnaruwa, Batticaloa, Badulla, and Anuradhapura; base hospitals in Pottuvil, Kantale, Akkaraipattu, Dehiattakandiya; as well as the Ampara General Hospital and Sigiriya Hospital.

Minister Dr. Nalinda Jayatissa stated that additional ambulances required by the hospital system under both the Central Government and Provincial Councils will be provided in phases. He added that efforts will continue to secure support from the Central Government, special health development projects, and international partners.

The Minister also highlighted ongoing initiatives to strengthen the physical resources of the hospital system, ensuring that improvements are carried out systematically and efficiently. He reaffirmed the Ministry of Health’s commitment to delivering the best possible healthcare services to the people of Sri Lanka.

The event was also attended by the Secretary of the Ministry of Health and Mass Media, Specialist Dr. Anil Jasinghe; Additional Secretaries Chamika Gamage, Sunil Galagama, Janaka Kithsiri Gunawardena; Director General of Health Services Dr. Asela Gunawardena; Deputy Director General Dinipriya Herath; Director (Transport) Nilanga Dilhan Somapala; Director of the Asian Development Bank’s Health Systems Improvement Project in Sri Lanka Dr. Anil Dissanayake; along with other officials and employees of the Ministry of Health and Mass Media.

A total of 61 journalists received Asidisi Media Scholarships for 2025 at a ceremony held yesterday (22) at the Mass Media Division of the Ministry of Health and Mass Media in Polhengoda, under the patronage of Health and Media Minister Dr. Nalinda Jayatissa.

The scholarships aim to support full-time, part-time, freelance, regional, web journalists, and media technicians with at least three years of service in recognized media institutions. Recipients will receive up to Rs. 200,000 for degree and postgraduate programs, and up to Rs. 100,000 for certificate and diploma courses, with the government allocating Rs. 7 million this year.

Minister Jayatissa noted that since the launch of the program in 2006, a total of 1,133 journalists have benefited. He emphasized that selections were made by an independent committee without political or personal influence.

The minister also announced that a formal insurance scheme for journalists is planned for next year, alongside other initiatives such as developing a national media policy, a media ethics framework, and a media academy.

Senior officials, including Ministry Secretary Dr. Anil Jasinghe and Director General of Government Information Harsha Bandara, also attended the event.

In recognition of her outstanding contribution to Sri Lanka’s music industry, the Sri Lanka Broadcasting Corporation (SLBC) today (22) named one of its studios after Dr. Nanda Malini. Studio 09 will henceforth be known as the Dr. Nanda Malini Studio.

Prime Minister, speaking at the event, praised Dr. Malini for her fearless artistry, noting that she was unafraid to use her voice not only for love and romance but also against oppression, terror, and social injustice. He said naming a studio at the National Broadcasting Corporation in her honor is a truly special occasion.

Reflecting on her career, Dr. Malini said that the Broadcasting Corporation was the foundation of her musical journey, providing opportunities to work alongside the greats of her time.

SLBC Chairman, Professor Uditha Gayashan Gunasekara, described Dr. Malini as an artist who transcended art itself and acknowledged that she had once been unfairly banned from radio broadcasts. He extended an apology on behalf of the Corporation, assuring that such an era would never return.

The ceremony was attended by Ministers Dr. Nalinda Jayatissa and Dr. Hiniduma Sunil Senevi, Deputy Minister Dr. Hansaka Wijemuni, SLBC Director General Sudath Ratnaweera, Deputy Director General Tharaka Medhavi Dissanayake, as well as fellow artists and dignitaries.

The scholarship award ceremony for journalists under the “Asidisi” Journalism Scholarship Programme, implemented annually by the Media Division of the Ministry of Health and Mass Media with the aim of equipping all journalists with knowledge, skills and attitude to establish a professional journalism ethic, will be held on Friday, August 22, 2025 at 3:00 p.m., at the Media Division Auditorium, Polhengoda, Ministry of Health and Mass Media, under the patronage of the Minister of Health and Mass Media, Dr. Nalinda Jayatissa, with the participation of the Secretary to the Ministry of Health and Mass Media, Dr. Anil Jasinghe.

The aim of this project is to provide opportunities and encourage journalists to develop their professional skills through training courses in order to face the challenges of the twenty-first century.

These scholarships will be provided on a non-refundable basis to journalists, freelance journalists, regional journalists, web journalists and media technicians, between the ages of 18-55 years who have obtained the Journalist Identity Card issued by the Department of Government Information for journalists, who are employed on a full-time or part-time basis in recognised electronic and print media institutions in the island and who have completed 03 years of service.

This scholarship amount is provided up to a maximum of two hundred thousand rupees (Rs. 200,000.00) for undergraduate and postgraduate courses, and up to a maximum of one hundred thousand rupees (Rs. 100,000.00) for short-term or long-term certificate courses, diplomas, and advanced diplomas.

Scholarship recipients can pursue courses related to the media field conducted by recognised universities and higher educational training institutions.

This scholarship scheme, which is provided free of charge by the government without any additional fees, provides journalists with the opportunity to receive benefits twice, and journalists who have successfully completed the first course after 5 years of qualifying in the first instance can apply for the second opportunity.

Journalists who are eligible for the scholarship will be paid 25% of the course fee as the first instalment at the beginning of the course, 25% of the remaining 50% as the second instalment of the course, and the remaining 25% upon completion of the course and submission of certificates.

The beneficiaries were selected after interviewing the applicants by a selection committee appointed by the Secretary to the Ministry of Mass Media.

• A new transformation in the health sector with priority given to primary healthcare
• Create a strategy to engage state media in transforming society’s attitudes

– President

A review of the projects implemented under the 2025 budgetary allocations for the Ministry of Health and Mass Media, together with a pre-budget discussion for the year 2026, was held today (19) at the Presidential Secretariat under the patronage of President Anura Kumara Dissanayake.

The discussion broadly scrutinized the allocations made for 41 institutions under four departments of the Ministry of Health and Mass Media, as well as the progress of projects implemented accordingly.

The President instructed officials to focus special attention in the upcoming budget on strengthening primary healthcare services. He also reviewed the ongoing programme for developing Primary Health Centres. It was revealed that currently one Primary Health Centre operates per 30,000 people; the plan is to improve one centre per 10,000 people.

Discussions were held on organisational and structural reforms in the health service to match current technological and social conditions. Attention was also focused on the construction works within the health sector and the issues that have emerged there.

The meeting addressed the key issue of medical equipment procurement and considered updating procurement guidelines, including those applicable to the Ayurvedic sector. Plans to enhance facilities of the National Medicines Regulatory Authority to ensure the quality of medicines purchased were also discussed.

The President instructed officials to ensure that essential vehicles required for services such as the National Blood Transfusion Service are acquired within this year itself.

He further emphasised the need for transformation not only in the physical resources of the health service but also in human resources, in response to technological advancement and population growth. It was also noted that a new National Health Policy and Strategic Plan are scheduled to be launched next year.

The President pointed out the importance of effectively using foreign aid and grants to deliver the intended benefits to the people and suggested that issues arising at provincial level be resolved through dialogue.

Attention was also drawn to ensuring the credibility of health-related donations, with a proposal to introduce a digital mechanism that confirms reliability for both donors and recipients.

It was revealed that the “Suwa Seriya” ambulance service, currently operational in different parts of the country, will be further expanded from 272 ambulances to 400.

Future plans relating to the Ministry of Mass Media were also discussed. The President stated that intervention to shape social attitudes is a responsibility of state media. Accordingly, he instructed officials to present a plan to engage state media in this process, with allocations to be set aside for this purpose in the upcoming budget.

Extensive discussion was also held on modernising the Postal Service to suit present day requirements. The need to transform it into a new model by integrating courier services and similar facilities with modern technology was underlined.

The President noted that the problem in the past had been insufficient budgetary allocations for necessary projects. However, in contrast, the most recent budget has allocated adequate provisions for all sectors. He stressed the importance of properly utilizing these allocations during the financial year into the intended projects so that the public receive the maximum benefits.

Minister of Health and Mass Media Dr. Nalinda Jayatissa, Secretary to the President Dr. Nandika Sanath Kumanayake, Secretary to the Ministry of Finance Dr. Harshana Suriyapperuma, Secretary to the Ministry of Health and Mass Media Dr. Anil Jasinghe, Senior Additional Secretaries to the President Russell Aponsu and Kapila Janaka Bandara, along with several senior officials of the Ministry of Health and Mass Media, were present on this occasion.

Senior journalist Daya Lankapura has been appointed as the Chairman of the Sri Lanka Right to Information (RTI) Commission.

The appointment, made by President Anura Kumara Dissanayake and approved by the Constitutional Council, marks a significant recognition of his over 60-year career in journalism.

Lankapura began his career in 1965 with Eththa, the official newspaper of the Communist Party, and went on to work for Divaina, Silumina, Dinamina, Rivira, and Lakbima.

He also served as a correspondent for the BBC Sandeshaya and the Government Information Department.

A graduate of the University of Colombo, he is noted for his court reporting on the Premawathi Manamperi murder case at the Galle Magistrate’s Court and his long service as a parliamentary reporter.

Health and Mass Media Minister Dr. Nalinda Jayatissa emphasised that protecting the Rights of citizens who suffer due to Media harassment, especially through Social Media and other new Media platforms, is a key responsibility of the government.

He stated that new Legislation is being formulated to safeguard vulnerable individuals adversely affected by unregulated Media exposure, particularly those without a public voice.

The Minister made these remarks as the Chief Guest at the Certificate awarding ceremony for Diploma holders of the “Diploma in Media Studies and Journalism” conducted by the Sri Lanka Press Council (SLPC). The event was held on August 2 at the Bandaranaike Memorial International Conference Hall (BMICH).

This was the 10th intake of the SLPC’s Media Diploma programme, which spans one year. So far, the Council has trained and certified over 315 Diploma holders who have completed the course.

Speaking on the occasion, Minister Jayatissa noted that the current moment in Sri Lanka demands a significant transformation in the Media sector, and such a transformation cannot be the sole duty of governments, institutions or organisations. He urged all citizens to take personal responsibility for contributing to the change.

The Minister observed that, while the Ministry of Mass Media was once focused mainly on Media institutions and journalists, the present challenge lies in addressing the Rights and well-being of the citizens themselves. He said that the context has drastically changed since the SLPC was established in 1973 and introduced the first Journalistic Code of Ethics in 1981.

Criticising the lack of accountability among some Media outlets, the Minister said that even when false or misleading news is published, corrections or retractions are rarely made in proportion to the harm caused. This often results in psychological and social distress to the affected individuals.

“The government must ensure that citizens are protected from the adverse effects of irresponsible Media activity,” he said, adding that Legal interventions may be necessary in such instances to uphold fundamental Rights.

He further noted that the Mass Media Ministry currently operates along multiple key streams, including ensuring Freedom of Expression and Media freedom, promoting Media sector development, professional development of journalists and protecting citizens from undue harm caused by Media activity.

Addressing the gathering, Minister of Buddha Sasana and Cultural Affairs Dr. H. Sunil Senevi also emphasised the challenges posed to Media ethics, professionalism and accountability in the current environment.

A special guest lecture on the “Importance of Media Education Amidst Emerging Communication Trends” was delivered by Senior Professor Ariyaratne Athugala of the University of Kelaniya.

The event was attended by SLPC Chairman Priyan R. Wijebandara, Press Commissioner Niroshan Thambawita, Course Coordinator Prof. Sunanda Mahendra, Additional Secretary to the Health and Mass Media Ministry N.A.K.L. Wijenayake, former SLPC Chairman President’s Counsel W. Dayarathna, SLPC members, diploma recipients, trainers, and family members.

A special Information Management System for the 2025 Kandy Esala Perahera of the Temple of the Tooth Relic has been introduced by the Sri Lanka Police.

The historic Kandy Esala Perahera and the cultural procession which draws large numbers of both locals and foreigners commenced on July 30, and will continue until August 08.

Police Media stated that since both locals and foreign tourists are eager to witness the Kandy Esala Perahera, a security and traffic management plan has been launched to ensure the safety and smooth operation of the procession.

The Police has introduced the “Kandy Esala Perahera – 2025” Information Management System in line with the security and traffic management plan to facilitate the public who wish to attend the event for their convenience.

This Information Management System will provide online real-time information on vehicle parking locations, procession route details, viewing areas for the procession, safety and security measures, and first aid stations and meeting points for attendees who are searching for missing persons. According to the Police, this system will be continuously updated by the Police Traffic Division and the public can access the latest information using the software.

Police have provided two online links to access the “Kandy Esala Perahera – 2025” Information Management System.

The special Information Management System can be accessed by visiting the official website www.police.lk and navigate to the “Kandy Esala Perahera” section and alternatively, use the direct link https://kandyesalaperahera.police.lk.

1,000 Registered substitutes of the Postal Dept. to be made Permanent.
1,000 New substitutes to be registered with the Postal Dept,

The services of the Central Mail Exchange, which is part of the Sri Lanka Postal Department, were inspected by the Minister of Health and Mass Media, Dr. Nalinda Jayatissa,on Tuesday afternoon (29). Following the inspection, the Minister of Health and Mass Media made held a special meeting with the officers and staff of the Central Mail Exchange regarding the current activities, future steps and existing problems.

The Minister’s attention has also been drawn to the renovation of the old Central Mail Exchange building, which is a donation from the People’s Republic of China.

The Minister emphasised that, since the government’s primary objective is to stabilise the country on a strong foundation, the Postal Department will also be guided by that objective. He also said that steps are already being taken to resolve the shortage of staff and transportation issues, which are common problems in the entire public service, as well as in the Postal Department. He also said that approval has been obtained to make the services of 1,000 currently registered substitutes of the department into the permanent cadre. He said that steps will be taken to register 1,000 new substitutes too. Accordingly, the Minister also stated that the necessary steps for the relevant recruitment will be taken soon.

The Minister also stated that the Postal service, which has a history of about 200 years, is undergoing modernisation activities such as providing revenue targets to Sub-post Offices, introducing new services, opening and modernising new Post Offices, etc., and that he hopes to discuss with the Chinese Ambassador in the future to obtain assistance in modernising the Central Mail Exchange Main Building, which was received as a donation from the People’s Republic of China, and to empower it with modern technology.

The Minister said that the Central Mail Exchange is operating amidst many difficulties and unresolved issues, and that it is a busy, demanding, and active place. He also pointed out that the Central Mail Exchange is a hub of the Postal Department as well as the State. He said that his aim is to gradually build the Postal Service by discussing with the officials, giving the Postal Service the necessary value, respect and proper place, and that it will take some time.

The Digital Economy Ministry and AI Singapore (AISG) signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) on AI collaboration on July 28 at the National University of Singapore’s Kent Ridge campus.

The MoU was signed by from AI Singapore’s Director of AI Innovation Laurence Liew and Sri Lankan High Commissioner to Singapore Senarath Dissanayake on behalf of the Government of Sri Lanka.

The partnership with AI Singapore, one of the region’s leading national AI programmes, comes at a pivotal moment in Sri Lanka’s digital transformation journey and is expected to significantly contribute to enhancing the country’s digital capabilities, aligned with global best practices in AI governance.

Sri Lanka seeks to strengthen cooperation in advisory support, AI knowledge exchange, and capacity building, as the country advances its vision for a digitally inclusive nation.

The signing of the MoU coincides with the 55th anniversary of the establishment of diplomatic relations between Sri Lanka and Singapore and underscores the growing partnership between the two countries in the fields of innovation and digital transformation.

Liew reaffirmed Singapore’s readiness to support Sri Lanka’s digital ambitions, noting that AI Singapore is pleased to share its experience and frameworks with a like-minded partner. He emphasised that the collaboration reflects Singapore’s belief in the transformative power of AI to improve lives and the importance of collaborative innovation.

Speaking at the signing ceremony, High Commissioner Dissanayake expressed appreciation to AI Singapore and the National Research Foundation, Singapore, for their continued support. He noted that the partnership represents a timely and meaningful step in Sri Lanka’s efforts to build an inclusive digital economy.

The Sectoral Oversight Committee on Health, Media and Women’s Empowerment inquired into the medicine shortage and related matters at the Committee meeting held recently Wednesday (23), under the Chairmanship of Member of Parliament (Dr.) Nihal Abeysinghe.

Officials from the Ministry of Health informed the Committee that the current shortage of medicines has arisen due to delays in placing orders in previous years. However, they assured the Committee that procurement process for the year 2026 has already commenced, and there will be no shortage in 2026. They further stated that by the end of this year, 80% to 90% of essential medicine items are expected to be available in the country.

In response to an inquiry made by the Committee, regarding the availability of very essential medical items, the Ministry officials confirmed that there is no shortage of such items at present.

Furthermore, the Committee also considered and approved the Annual Reports for the years 2022 and 2023 of the State Pharmaceuticals Corporation of Sri Lanka, the National Medicines Regulatory Authority, the Sri Lanka Ayurvedic Drugs Corporation, and the Wijaya Kumaratunga Memorial Hospital.

While reviewing these Reports, the Committee raised concerns over unresolved Audit queries related to these institutions. The Committee Chair recommended that an internal review mechanism be established within the Ministry to ensure timely and appropriate responses to Audit observations.

Deputy Minister Muneer Mulaffer, Members of Parliament (Attorney-at-Law) Dayasiri Jayasekara, Amirthanathan Adaikkalanathan, (Dr.) Ramanathan Archchuna, Samanmali Gunasingha, (Prof.) Sena Nanayakkara, (Dr.) S. Sri Bavanandarajah and Jagath Manuwarna were present at the Committee meeting. Officials representing the Ministry of Health and Mass Media, including Secretary to the Ministry Dr. Anil Jasinghe, also participated in the meeting.