The Consumer Affairs Authority (CAA) says it has uncovered expired and unfit medical laboratory materials during a series of special raids targeting private hospitals and medical laboratories across Sri Lanka.

The CAA said 52 raids were carried out covering all districts as part of a nationwide operation aimed at safeguarding consumer health and safety.

According to the authority, inspections revealed serious non-compliances at several institutions, including the use and storage of expired laboratory materials alongside items currently in use.

Among the items found to be unfit for use were blood glucose testing kits, laboratory chemicals, dengue diagnostic test kits, gels used for cardiac patients, dye solutions and other laboratory consumables used for medical examinations.

The seized materials have been taken into the custody of investigating officers, while further investigations are underway.

The CAA said legal action will be instituted against the relevant institutions under the Consumer Affairs Authority Act, adding that similar islandwide inspections will continue to protect public health and consumer safety. (Newswire/ AI Image)

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Medical services across Sri Lanka faced disruption today (31) as doctors began a nationwide token strike at 8.00 a.m., protesting what they describe as illegal and arbitrary transfer decisions by the Health Ministry.

The Government Medical Officers’ Association (GMOA) said the ministry had issued transfer lists for 2026, including post‑intern appointments and difficult service locations, without approval from the transfer board and outside accepted procedures.

The union alleged that the number of difficult service stations had been reduced from 393 to 265 without a scientific basis or stakeholder agreement, warning that the move could worsen shortages in rural hospitals.

It further claimed that the eligibility period to apply for transfers from difficult stations had been extended from one year to two years without proper consultation, creating unfair conditions for doctors currently serving in those areas.

According to the GMOA, the failure to update approved doctor cadre positions for nearly a decade has already led to severe shortages across hospitals, placing both patients and medical staff under pressure. 

The association also accused the ministry of assigning a large number of doctors to the “Arogya” project without approval from the Management Services Commission, despite shortages in many hospitals.

The GMOA warned that these decisions could lead to further disruption of healthcare services and greater inconvenience to patients, underscoring the urgent need for corrective action. (Newswire)

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The Presidential Suite at the Sri Jayewardenepura General Hospital, which until now had been reserved exclusively for the use of the Executive President, was opened today (24) for medical treatment of the general public.

According to the President’s Office, following instructions given by President Anura Kumara Dissanayake, the Ministry of Health, together with the hospital administration, made this decision.

Sri Jayewardenepura General Hospital was built in 1984 as a major aid project of the Japanese government, with a capacity of 1,000 beds. However, in addition to this plan, the Presidential Suite numbered 1001 was added for the private use of the Head of State.

Although the Presidential Suite has been used only on a few limited occasions over the past 42 years since the hospital’s opening, it was maintained continuously without being made available for patients, in anticipation of a President’s visit.

However, from today, this the Presidential Suite will be utilized for the benefit of ordinary patients receiving treatment at the hospital.

The move is in line with the current government policy of deploying state property and resources more effectively to meet the health needs of the people. (Newswire)

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Residents and estate workers staged a large protest outside Dickoya Hospital yesterday following allegations that three hospital employees had sexually abused the body of a young woman inside the mortuary.

The demonstration was triggered by claims that three minor staff members had allegedly entered the mortuary at night and abused the corpse of a woman who reportedly died by suicide last week. 

Protesters also raised suspicions over the circumstances of the incident, pointing out that the three staff members were granted leave on the same day the body was released.

They further alleged that CCTV footage showed three individuals entering the mortuary during the relevant period. 

Expressing a lack of confidence in the hospital’s internal administrative processes, protesters insisted that an internal inquiry alone would not be sufficient.

As tensions escalated, police were deployed to the area. Subsequent discussions were held between hospital management, including the Medical Superintendent, police officials, and representatives of the protesters.

Authorities assured that a formal investigation would be conducted. While the hospital had initially commenced an internal inquiry, officials agreed that the matter would be handed over to the police to ensure a comprehensive criminal investigation. (Newswire)

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The Ministry of Health says state-of-the-art infectious waste incinerators are to be established at 15 government hospitals across Sri Lanka.

According to the Ministry, the infectious waste incinerators are to be installed at the hospitals under the Infectious Waste Management Improvement Project funded by the Japan International Cooperation Agency (JICA).

This project is implemented with a financial grant of 503 million yen from the Japanese government and its citizens.

In addition to the Trincomalee District General Hospital, units have been installed at the teaching hospitals in Ratnapura and Kurunegala; district hospitals in Embilipitiya, Avissawella, Hambantota, Mannar, and Kilinochchi; base hospitals in Rikillagaskada, Mahiyanganaya, Puttalam, Meerigama, Medirigiriya, and Welikanda; and the divisional hospital in Nakulugamuwa.

The incinerator installed at Trincomalee District General Hospital is capable of burning up to 162 kilograms of infectious waste per hour. The project includes five such high-capacity machines and ten additional units capable of incinerating 58 kilograms per hour. Each incinerator has been installed according to the specific needs of the respective hospital. 

Meanwhile, the state-of-the-art infectious waste incinerator installed at the Trincomalee District General Hospital is scheduled to be vested with the public on Friday, 05th September 2025.

The event to officially hand over the equipment to the public will be held at 10.00 am this Friday under the patronage of Health Minister Nalinda Jayatissa, with participation of Eastern Province Governor Prof. Jayantha Lal Ratnasiri, Deputy Foreign Minister Arun Hemachandra, and Japanese Ambassador to Sri Lanka Akio Isomata. (Newswire)

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The Colombo Chief Magistrate’s Court has been informed that Dr. Maheshi Wijeratne, a specialist neurosurgeon at Sri Jayewardenepura Hospital, had conducted surgeries on patients who had been declared brain-dead for several days. 

The Bribery Commission had also informed the court that one such surgery took place five days after a patient was declared brain-dead, with the heart kept functioning artificially.

The court was further informed that the accused doctor had also performed unnecessary surgery on patients who could have been treated with drugs alone.

The Bribery Commission had disclosed the information to the Colombo Chief Magistrate’s Court, when the suspect and two of her accomplices were presented to court by authorities yesterday.

Taking into consideration the facts, the Colombo Chief Magistrate’s Court further remanded the doctor and the two other suspects until 08 July. 

Dr. Maheshi Wijeratne is accused of selling equipment valued at Rs. 50,000 to patients for Rs. 175,000 through a private company she is affiliated with. 

Alleging this resulted in over Rs. 300 million in losses for patients, the Bribery Commission said the doctor violated public service procurement rules by not purchasing surgical items through official hospital procedures. 

The items were instead sold to approximately 300 patients through her private company. 

Since the investigation was launched, at least 77 patients have been confirmed to have suffered financial losses, while 92 additional complaints have been received via telephone. (Newswire)

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Neurosurgeon Dr. Maheshi Wijeratne of the Sri Jayewardenepura Hospital and two others, who were arrested over medical equipment fraud, have been further remanded. 

The Colombo Chief Magistrate’s Court today ordered the suspects to be remanded until 08 July. 

The Bribery Commission arrested specialist doctor Maheshi Wijeratne and two others this month for selling medical equipment at higher prices through a third party.

Per the facts uncovered thus far by the Bribery Commission, the doctor in question has been selling External Ventricular Drain (EVD) and ventriculoperitoneal (VP) Shunt devices, which are required for neurosurgery, through third parties at a value higher than the market price.

Although the market value of the equipment is between Rs. 30,000 and 60,000, it is reported that she sold them for between Rs. 120,000 and 250,000 with the assistance of the two people currently in remand custody with her.

Based on the information revealed by over 70 patients whose statements have been recorded by the Bribery Commission, the three suspects have earned approximately Rs. 30 million through the fraud. (Newswire)

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The Government Medical Officers’ Association (GMOA) has clarified that specialist doctor Dr. Maheshi Wijeratne of the Sri Jayewardenepura Hospital, who was arrested for selling medical equipment at higher prices through a third party, is not a member of the GMOA. 

Addressing the media, GMOA Spokesman Dr. Chamil Wijesinghe said that the GMOA was not prepared to intervene in the investigations being conducted by various parties, including the Police. 

Dr. Chamil Wijesinghe further said that the GMOA will not protect persons who are engaging in such wrongdoings, pointing out that these incidents are negatively impacting the state’s health services. 

Dr. Chamil Wijesinghe also revealed that the GMOA has written to the Health Minister recommending action that could be taken to prevent such wrongdoings in the health sector. 

His comments come in response to queries raised on the recent arrest and remand of Dr. Maheshi Wijeratne, who is a neurosurgeon at the Sri Jayewardenepura Hospital.

Per the facts uncovered thus far by the Bribery Commission, the doctor in question has been selling External Ventricular Drain (EVD) and ventriculoperitoneal (VP) Shunt devices, which are required for neurosurgery, through third parties at a value higher than the market price.

Although the market value of the equipment is between Rs. 30,000 and 60,000, it is reported that she sold them for between Rs. 120,000 and 250,000 with the assistance of the two people currently in remand custody with her.

Based on the information revealed by over 70 patients whose statements have been recorded by the Bribery Commission, the three suspects have earned approximately Rs. 30 million through the fraud. (Newswire)

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A specialist neurosurgeon and a clerk attached to the Sri Jayewardenepura General Hospital have been arrested by the Commission to Investigate Allegations of Bribery or Corruption (CIABOC).

According to the Bribery Commission, the duo were arrested over allegations of selling drugs at higher prices.

The Bribery Commission further stated that investigations have found that the specialist neurosurgeon and clerk had sold drugs at higher prices through a third party. (Newswire)

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Cabinet approval has been granted to use the Kalutara Teaching Hospital and the Children’s Hospital in Mount Lavinia for clinical training as part of the Faculty of Medicine in the University of Moratuwa.

The first batch of medical students enrolled to the University of Moratuwa based on the results of the G.C.E. (Advanced Level) 2019 is scheduled to commence hospital-based clinical training in July 2025.

Approval was granted previously to establish the Faculty of Medicine at the University of Moratuwa by utilizing the existing facilities of the South Asian Institute of Technology and Medicine (SAITM) and the Dr. Neville Fernando Hospital for hospital-based clinical training.

However, it has been found that the utilization of Dr. Neville Fernando Hospital for clinical professor unit training has been an issue as the number of patients and the diversity
of diseases of the patients being insufficient and the dearth of specialists.

Therefore, the Cabinet of Ministers has approved the joint proposal presented by the Prime Minister in her capacity as a Minister of Education, Higher Education and Vocational education and the Minister of Transport, Highways, Port and Civil Aviation, to
utilize the Kalutara Teaching Hospital and the Children’s Hospital in Galassa, Kalutara for clinical training.

Per the Cabinet approval, the two hospitals are to be used to ensure the providing of quality hospital-based clinical training to the medical students.

Approval was also granted to transfer two (2) portions of lands owned by the Sri Lanka Transport Board and Road Development Authority, located at Nagoda West Grama Niladhari Division of the Kalutara Divisional Secretariat, for the establishment of Faculty of Medicine at the University of Moratuwa. (Newswire)

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The Cabinet has approved the establishment of a National Hospital and a Children’s Hospital in the Biyagama area in Gampaha. 

According to the government, due to the high population growth and the industrialization of the Gampaha District, the district acts as a major service delivery centre.

The government said these developments have resulted in the demand for health services increasing and the need to build a National Hospital and a Children’s Hospital to meet that demand. 

Therefore, it has been proposed to build a National Hospital and a Children’s Hospital in the Gampaha district under the public-private partnership system. 

The Cabinet has approved the combined proposal presented by the President and the Minister of Health to implement the proposed project.

The project will be implemented after acquiring two plots of land of 7 acres and 3 roods located in the village officer’s domain in Biyagama North and providing basic infrastructure. (NewsWire)

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The Government Medical Officers Association (GMOA) has called on the authorities to take proactive measures to safeguard the collapsing healthcare system of Sri Lanka. 

Issuing a statement, the GMOA said that prompt measures must be taken to provide economic stability and justice to doctors remaining in the country.

The GMOA further said that the free healthcare system and hospitals can be protected by creating and providing a suitable environment for the said doctors.

Stating that Sri Lanka’s health sector has suffered greatly in the recent past, the GMOA provided details of currently severely affected hospitals. 

According to the GMOA, at least 20 hospitals have been closed down, 95 hospitals/specialist units are heading towards closure, 150 hospitals where services have been severely hampered, and 167 hospitals facing a situation of service disruption. 

Full statement : 

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The Ceylon Electricity Board (CEB) has assured that the power supply will not be disconnected for the next two months for hospitals under the purview of the Health Ministry, Additional Secretary to the Ministry Dr. Saman Ratnayake said.

Dr. Ratnayake stated that the CEB has provided a letter affirming the assurance after an agreement was reached during a discussion between the Health Minister and Chairman of the CEB.

Addressing a media briefing in Kandy on Thursday, Dr. Ratnayake stated that the Treasury has allocated Rs. 120 million for the Health Ministry to settle the outstanding electricity bills of the Colombo National Hospital. 

The Health Ministry was unable to settle the electricity bills of state hospitals over the last four to five months.

However, after promising to settle the outstanding bills within the next two months, the CEB agreed not to disconnect the power supply to the state hospitals, he said.

Dr. Saman Ratnayake further said the Treasury has issued a letter agreeing to settle the outstanding CEB bills within the next two months and to release funds to ensure that the electricity bills are settled every month. (NewsWire)

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The Cabinet of Ministers has granted approval to the proposal to establish paying wards at government hospitals islandwide for Sri Lankans as well as foreigners. 

According to the government, a proposal submitted by President Ranil Wickremesinghe in his Budget 2023 to extend the paying ward facility at state hospitals was approved by the Parliament. 

The public, including state employees and senior citizens, are currently receiving treatment using state-provided insurance schemes. 

It has been observed that certain persons are willing to pay and obtain the various health services provided at state hospitals, the government added. 

Thereby, the proposal submitted by the Minister of Health to establish paying wards at state hospitals for Sri Lankans and foreigners has been approved by the Cabinet. (NewsWire)

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Eight private hospitals and private laboratories in Colombo have been imposed a fine of Rs. 5.5 million for charging more than the stipulated control price for full blood count, dengue, and antigen tests.

According to Daily News, the fine was imposed together by the Colombo and Gangodawila Magistrate’s Courts.

The private hospitals and private laboratories were found during raids conducted by the Consumer Affairs Authority in the Colombo area. 

The Colombo Additional Magistrate’s Court imposed a fine of Rs. 3.5 million against five institutions that had pleaded guilty.

Meanwhile, the Gangodawila Magistrate’s Court imposed a fine of Rs. 2 million on the remaining three institutions. (NewsWire)

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