<ul><li>Plans to educate public on consumer rights&nbsp;</li><li>Health Ministry Secy says unaware whether reports have been submitted&nbsp;</li></ul> In the wake of the Consumer Affairs Authority's (CAA) nationwide inspections that uncovered the use of expired laboratory chemicals in certain hospitals and medical laboratories, the Authority stated that it has reached an agreement with the Ministry of Health to jointly educate the public on consumer rights in the healthcare sector.Speaking to The Daily Morning yesterday (19), Acting Director General and Chief Executive Officer of the CAA, M M S K Karunarathne said the CAA and the Ministry, together with Provincial Health authorities and Public Health Inspectors, would conduct a joint awareness programme following the recent findings.She said that inspections had revealed that some institutions had used expired laboratory chemicals without verifying their expiry dates, raising concerns over the reliability and accuracy of patients' test results. "Under Section 30 of the CAA Act, consumers cannot be misled through unfair business practices. The use of expired chemicals for laboratory testing could have affected the reliability and accuracy of the results."&nbsp; Karunarathne added that institutions using expired chemicals could not be considered to have exercised the level of care, skill and professional diligence expected of healthcare providers. "The CAA has a responsibility to protect consumer rights and promote a disciplined business culture. Such conduct amounts to an offence under the CAA Act."&nbsp; Responding to questions on whether the CAA could take action against private hospitals, she said that although the operation and standards of private hospitals fall under another regulatory authority, the CAA is empowered to act against unfair trade practices, including the use of expired products. She added that consumers are also able to lodge complaints with the Authority regarding such violations. Karunarathne also confirmed that the CAA had already informed the Private Health Services Regulatory Council (PHSRC) of its findings. "We have informed them. We have also reached an agreement with the Health Ministry to conduct a joint public awareness programme with Provincial Health authorities and Public Health Inspector offices to educate the public about their rights as consumers," she said. However, attempts by The Daily Morning to obtain a comment from the Chairman of the PHSRC, Dr Asela Gunawardana, who also serves as the Director General of Health Services, were unsuccessful. Health Ministry Secretary Dr Anil Jasinghe said that he was unaware whether the CAA had formally submitted its findings to either the PHSRC or the Ministry of Health. "I don't know whether they have submitted reports regarding their findings to the PHSRC or the Ministry of Health. To my knowledge, I have no idea," he said. The CAA recently carried out inspections at private hospitals and medical laboratories across the country as part of a nationwide enforcement operation targeting the use of expired medical and laboratory products.&nbsp;&nbsp;

Raids on Medical Labs: Expired chemicals may compromise test results: CAA

<ul><li>Secretary urges officials to submit allegations in writing&nbsp;</li><li>PHIs allege pressure from senior officials to avoid legal action against State institutions</li></ul> The Ministry of Public Administration, Provincial Councils and Local Government (LG) has stated it has not received any formal complaints regarding allegations that certain public officials are preventing Public Health Inspectors (PHIs) from taking legal action against Government institutions where dengue mosquito breeding sites have been detected.Responding to queries from The Daily Morning yesterday (19), Ministry Secretary S. Alokabandara said that while there may be incidents occurring in certain places, no specific complaint had been officially submitted to the Ministry for investigation. "We have not received any such complaint or matter that we can comment on. If there is such an issue, and if there is a concern regarding a Government institution, the matter should be relevant to that particular institution," he said. He further said that any such issue should be communicated in writing to the head of the relevant department, the institution concerned or the relevant Ministry, stating that there was a problem and that proper procedures were not being followed. "Without that, if such matters are only being mentioned here and there, it is difficult for us to identify and investigate them. There may be incidents occurring in certain places. However, no specific matter has been submitted to us as a Ministry," he explained.&nbsp;PHIs have alleged that among those attempting to prevent legal action are District Secretaries, senior officials of LG institutions and Medical Officers of Health. They have pointed out that dengue mosquito larvae have been detected at a significant number of Government premises in areas including Colombo, Matara, Gampaha, Mannar and Ratnapura.According to PHIs, mosquito breeding sites continue to be identified in administrative institutions, including Divisional Secretariat offices, LG institutions, schools, banks and certain hospital premises. They have raised concerns over whether Government institutions are being subjected to the same enforcement measures as private premises and households.&nbsp;Attempts made to contact the National Dengue Control Unit (NDCU) and the Health Ministry Secretary for further comment on the issue failed.

Dengue Enforcement: No complaints over interference with PHIs: Ministry 

<ul><li>Dept outlines plans to ease overcrowding and improve officers' welfare&nbsp;</li></ul> Expediting court proceedings to reduce prison overcrowding was among the key measures discussed during President Anura Kumara Dissanayake's meeting with senior Prison Department officials last week, it is learnt.Speaking to The Daily Morning, Commissioner General of Prisons (Covering) Prasad Hemantha Kumara said that discussions at Friday's (17) meeting at the Presidential Secretariat focused on speeding up judicial processes so that pending cases could be concluded more quickly, thereby reducing the number of remand prisoners. He said that officials also briefed the President on plans to expand prison capacity, improve facilities available to prison officers and address the operational challenges they face in carrying out their duties.Kumara further said that prison officers also drew the President's attention to the unique pressures associated with their profession, noting that prison service differs significantly from other public sector occupations because of the stressful nature of the work. "The President understood the timely need to pay attention to prison officers and the issues affecting the service," he said. He added that the meeting also reviewed the recent unrest at the Negombo Prison and the steps the Department intends to take to prevent similar incidents in the future.

Prison reforms: Expediting court cases to ease congestion 

The Lanka Private Bus Owners' Association (LPBOA) has raised alarm over the continued use of kerosene-mixed fuel in private buses, warning that the illegal practice is causing serious environmental damage despite recent fare revisions that have eased operating costs.Speaking to The Daily Morning, LPBOA President Gemunu Wijerathne said that the police had recently detected around 100 buses operating on kerosene, but insisted the actual number was far higher. He said the latest fare revision had enabled operators to cover their expenses, but many bus owners continue to instruct drivers to mix kerosene with diesel as a routine practice.He acknowledged that using kerosene damages bus engines over time, but said that operators are primarily motivated by the additional daily profits generated through fuel adulteration.Kerosene is currently priced at Rs 285 per litre, compared with approximately Rs 382 per litre for diesel, making the illegal practice financially attractive.The LPBOA had previously claimed that operators turned to kerosene because bus fares had not been revised in line with rising operating costs. However, Wijeratne said that explanation no longer applies following the latest fare increase.Last week, police launched islandwide inspections and detected around 100 passenger buses operating on kerosene instead of diesel. Police stated that investigations are continuing and legal action has already been initiated. Fuel samples collected from several other buses have also been forwarded to the Ceylon Petroleum Corporation for laboratory analysis.

Bus Owners Claim: Kerosene use remains high despite fare revision 

<ul><li>NDCU urges patients to seek medical care early and avoid home remedies</li></ul> The National Dengue Control Unit (NDCU) has urged the public to seek medical advice and treatment as soon as dengue symptoms appear, after revealing that women account for the majority of dengue-related deaths reported this year (2026). Acting Director of the NDCU Dr Kapila Kannangara said that 37 of the 53 dengue deaths recorded so far this year involved women. He attributed the higher number of female fatalities to the tendency of many women to continue with household responsibilities instead of taking adequate rest after falling ill. Dr Kannangara said that women often ignore the severity of their symptoms because of domestic obligations, delaying medical treatment until their condition becomes critical. He warned that delayed hospital admission could significantly increase the risk of death. The Acting Director also cautioned against relying on traditional remedies or home treatments for dengue, describing the practice as highly dangerous. Although traditional medicine may be beneficial for certain illnesses, he said that dengue patients should seek immediate medical treatment instead of experimenting with herbal remedies. Dr Kannangara said that hospitals continue to receive patients whose conditions have deteriorated after attempting home remedies, making recovery far more difficult. He warned that delaying treatment could lead to severe complications, including liver and kidney failure, and in some cases even modern medical treatment may not be able to reverse the damage. Although the spread of dengue has shown signs of slowing, Dr Kannangara stressed that the disease remains at a dangerous level and special dengue control programmes will continue across the country. He advised anyone experiencing symptoms to consult a qualified medical practitioner within two days and reminded the public that maintaining clean surroundings remains everyone's responsibility in preventing dengue. Dr Kannangara also advised people with fever to take only paracetamol to reduce the fever and avoid self-medicating with herbal preparations such as papaya leaf juice, boiled young jackfruit extracts or other traditional concoctions until they have received proper medical advice.

Women account for most dengue deaths 

<ul><li>750MW storage target expected to cut fuel costs and reduce electricity bills</li></ul>The National System Operator (NSO) Private Limited stated that it expects to significantly reduce diesel-fired electricity generation before the end of 2027 by integrating large-scale battery energy storage into the national grid.NSO Chairperson Dr Pradeep Priyadarshana said that plans are in place to add around 750 megawatts (MW) of battery storage capacity by the end of next year.He also said that the battery systems are already being connected to the electricity network, with 160MW of battery capacity having already arrived in Sri Lanka and installation now underway.He said that tenders have also been called to secure private sector investment for an additional 250MW of battery storage, which is expected to be connected to the grid between March and April next year. Another 100MW will be procured through the National Transmission Network Service Private Limited with financial assistance from the Asian Development Bank.In addition, Dr Priyadarshana added that there is a plan to invite bids to install battery storage alongside 150MW of ground-mounted solar power plants.He said that the combined projects would enable the country to add 750MW of battery capacity to the national grid by the end of 2027, reducing dependence on diesel generation.He added that further solar and wind power projects planned for 2028 and 2029, together with expanded battery storage, would also reduce the need for thermal power generation.According to Dr. Priyadarshana, the initiative could save between Rs 30 billion and Rs 35 billion annually and ultimately allow electricity tariffs to be reduced for consumers

By End-2027: Battery storage to curb diesel power generation 

<ul><li>Producers blame corn shortage and falling output</li></ul>The All Ceylon Egg Producers' Association has announced an increase in egg prices with effect from today (20), citing rising production costs and shortages of animal feed.Addressing a media briefing in Kuliyapitiya yesterday (19), Association Chairperson Sarath Ratnayake said that the price of a white egg would increase to Rs 41, while a red egg would be sold at Rs 42.He blamed the Government and relevant authorities for the price increase, alleging that the suspension of corn imports had severely affected the industry.He said that locally produced corn is insufficient to meet the requirements of egg producers, forcing farmers to use substitute feed such as rice.According to Ratnayake, the use of alternative feed has adversely affected poultry health and digestion, resulting in a 20-30 per cent decline in egg production.He also alleged that some unscrupulous traders had mixed chemicals and medicines into animal feed, leading to the deaths of a large number of poultry.

Egg prices to go up from today

<ul><li>Lodges complaints with Borella and Sapugaskanda police</li></ul> The Committee for Protecting Rights of Prisoners (CPRP) stated that it has received a series of threats linked to the cases it is pursuing and has lodged complaints with the Borella and Sapugaskanda police over two separate incidents.Speaking to The Daily Morning, CPRP President, attorney Senaka Perera, claimed that the committee views these incidents as interventions by an unidentified party aimed at disrupting their current work. He further expressed concern that beyond the threats, the committee suspects this party may have intentions to cause physical harm to its members as well. Referring to the most recent incident, he said that on 9 and 17 July,, an unidentified individual entered the CPRP office without disclosing his identity and engaged in suspicious activities. "According to observations made by those present in the office at the time, the premises were being recorded using a mobile phone concealed in the individual's shirt pocket. This trespassing constitutes a threat to the committee in relation to the cases we are handling. A complaint regarding this matter was lodged at the Borella Police station on 18 July." In a separate incident, Perera claimed that he received an anonymous threat via a phone call from a United Kingdom number, warning him not to involve himself in the case concerning a murder that occurred three weeks ago, in which the body of a 29-year-old individual was found in the Gin River. "We suspect this death to be an extrajudicial killing. We even appealed to several United Nations human rights mechanisms to intervene in the matter. We have lodged a complaint with the Sapugaskanda Police regarding the call I received." When contacted by The Daily Morning, an official from the Borella Police said: "We have received their complaint. We will launch an investigation as soon as the defendant is identified."

CPRP reports threats over ongoing cases

The Department of Meteorology has issued a heat advisory for the Eastern Province and five districts, warning that daytime temperatures could reach levels requiring public caution. The advisory was issued yesterday (19) by the Natural Hazards Early Warning Centre and is valid for today (20). It covers the entire Eastern Province and the districts of Kilinochchi, Mullaitivu, Vavuniya, Polonnaruwa and Monaragala. The Department stated that the heat index, which reflects how hot the weather feels on the human body, is expected to reach the "Caution" level in some areas during the day. Members of the public have been advised to take the necessary precautions to minimise the effects of excessive heat, including staying hydrated, avoiding prolonged exposure to the sun and reducing strenuous outdoor activities during the hottest hours of the day.

Raids on Medical Labs: Expired chemicals may compromise test ...

Dengue Enforcement: No complaints over interference with PHIs: Ministr ...

Dengue Enforcement: No complai ...

Prison reforms: Expediting court cases to ease congestion

Prison reforms: Expediting cou ...

Bus Owners Claim: Kerosene use remains high despite fare revision

Bus Owners Claim: Kerosene use ...

Women account for most dengue deaths

Women account for most dengue ...

By End-2027: Battery storage to curb diesel power generation

By End-2027: Battery storage t ...

Egg prices to go up from today

Egg prices to go up from today

CPRP reports threats over ongoing cases

CPRP reports threats over ongo ...

Heat advisory issued for several areas

Heat advisory issued for sever ...

Dengue Enforcement: No complaints over interference with PHIs: Ministr ...

Dengue Enforcement: No complai ...

Prison reforms: Expediting court cases to ease congestion

Prison reforms: Expediting cou ...

Bus Owners Claim: Kerosene use remains high despite fare revision

Bus Owners Claim: Kerosene use ...

Women account for most dengue deaths

Women account for most dengue ...

By End-2027: Battery storage to curb diesel power generation

By End-2027: Battery storage t ...

Egg prices to go up from today

Egg prices to go up from today

CPRP reports threats over ongoing cases

CPRP reports threats over ongo ...

Heat advisory issued for several areas

Heat advisory issued for sever ...

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Dengue Enforcement: No complaints over interference with PHIs: Ministr ...

Dengue Enforcement: No complai ...

Prison reforms: Expediting court cases to ease congestion

Prison reforms: Expediting cou ...

Bringing the news paper to your fingertips

Bus Owners Claim: Kerosene use remains high despite fare revision

Bus Owners Claim: Kerosene use ...

Women account for most dengue deaths

Women account for most dengue ...

By End-2027: Battery storage to curb diesel power generation

By End-2027: Battery storage t ...

Egg prices to go up from today

Egg prices to go up from today