Two wards damaged by the recent explosion at the Polonnaruwa National Kidney Hospital could be reopened within the next two days, while the operating theatre complex and an Intensive Care Unit (ICU) are also expected to resume operations expeditiously, according to Secretary to the Ministry of Health, Dr. Anil Jasinghe.

The Health Secretary made these remarks following an inspection of the China–Sri Lanka Friendship National Nephrology Specialized Hospital in Polonnaruwa on Thursday (01), to assess the damage caused by the explosion.

During the visit, Dr. Jasinghe inspected the damaged hospital kitchen, the adjoining male and female ward complexes, the main operating theatre and the Medical Intensive Care Unit.

Following discussions with the hospital management and medical staff, instructions were issued to expedite minor repairs to the two damaged wards to facilitate the resumption of inpatient admissions. Steps were also discussed to restore operating theatre services as soon as possible.

Dr. Jasinghe noted that although blood transfusion services had resumed the day after the explosion, inpatient admissions to the hospital remain suspended. 

However, dialysis services are continuing, while arrangements are being made to gradually restore other essential services, including surgeries.

Meanwhile, several technical teams are investigating the damage caused by the explosion, particularly to the hospital’s electrical circuits and medical gas systems.

The Health Secretary explained that while certain repairs could be undertaken by the hospital itself, others require specialised technical assistance, with relevant contracted institutions already involved in the restoration process.

He further revealed that, following recent discussions between the Minister of Health and the Chinese Ambassador, arrangements are being coordinated with the Department of External Resources to obtain assistance under the China Aid emergency relief mechanism.

According to Dr. Jasinghe, Chinese representatives have also expressed willingness to extend similar maintenance assistance to other hospitals constructed with Chinese funding in Sri Lanka.

The Health Secretary emphasised that investigations into the explosion, including those conducted by the Ministry of Health, will continue, while necessary measures are being taken to restore hospital operations and ensure the uninterrupted provision of essential medical services. (Newswire)

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President Anura Kumara Dissanayake has agreed to deploy the Sri Lanka Army to assist in restoring the National Nephrology Hospital in Polonnaruwa following the explosion that damaged part of the hospital, former President Maithripala Sirisena said.

Speaking to reporters following a visit to the hospital, Sirisena said he had discussed the incident and the damage caused to the facility with President Dissanayake.

According to Sirisena, the President had asked him what immediate action was required, to which he had stressed the need to restore the damaged building and resume normal hospital operations as soon as possible.

Sirisena said President Dissanayake then proposed deploying the Army to assist with the reconstruction work, a move he welcomed. He said the President had assured him that the Army would be informed and that he expected restoration work to begin soon.

Expressing sadness over the incident, Sirisena said he had received several calls shortly after the explosion and later received photographs showing the extent of the damage.

He recalled that the hospital was constructed with Chinese assistance following a request he had made to Chinese President Xi Jinping during a visit to China, adding that the facility was particularly important to him.

“This incident is deeply regrettable. I received several calls soon after it happened, and by afternoon I saw photographs of the damage to the building. It was very painful to see,” Sirisena said.

He also noted that one hospital employee had died and several others had been injured in the explosion.

The former President said he had informed the newly appointed Chinese Ambassador about the incident and had also written to Health Minister Nalinda Jayatissa regarding measures required to restore hospital operations and provide necessary assistance.

Sirisena expressed confidence that, with the support of the President, the Government and the Chinese Government, the hospital could be restored and its operations returned to normal.

The explosion occurred at around 4.30 am on Saturday (26) at the kitchen premises of the National Nephrology Hospital, injuring several people and causing extensive damage to the building housing the kitchen.

One hospital employee later died from injuries sustained in the explosion, while Police launched an investigation into the incident. (Newswire)

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Construction of the Kotaleeya Bridge in Polonnaruwa is rapidly progressing, with authorities planning to complete the project by April next year.

The bridge, located on the Maradankadawala–Habarana–Trincomalee main road at point 82/3 within the Dimbulagala Divisional Secretariat area, is being rebuilt as a concrete structure 13.4 meters wide and 60 meters long. 

According to the Ministry of Transport and Urban Development, the decision was taken due to safety concerns, with the project costing Rs. 251 million.

The ministry said that 75% of the work has already been completed, and the bridge is expected to be handed over to the public soon.

The previous narrow structure had led to several accidents in recent years, prompting urgent reconstruction. 

Once completed, the new bridge will provide safer and smoother transport for residents and travelers along this key route.

The project is being carried out under the supervision of the Ministry of Transport, Highways and Urban Development. (Newswire)

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A 54‑year‑old woman was killed and 15 others injured when a van travelling from Polonnaruwa to Dehiattakandiya collided with a wild elephant in the Bandanagala area early this morning, the Police said.

The deceased was identified as a resident of Nagamuwa, Dehiattakandiya.

According to Siripura Police, the victims were part of a group of 16 relatives from Nagasthenna who had been returning home after a pilgrimage to Polonnaruwa. The accident occurred when the van struck an elephant attempting to cross the main road.

Among the injured were a five‑year‑old child and a 10‑month‑old infant. Ten of the injured were admitted to Dehiattakandiya Hospital, while those in critical condition were transferred to Polonnaruwa General Hospital.

Police confirmed that the woman succumbed to her injuries while receiving treatment. Investigations are continuing into the incident. (Newswire)

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An office sanitation worker attached to the Polonnaruwa Provincial Revenue District Office was arrested by officers of the Commission to Investigate Allegations of Bribery or Corruption for allegedly soliciting a bribe of Rs. 50,000 and accepting Rs. 35,000.

The arrest was made around 9.27 am today (13) at the District Revenue Office following a complaint lodged by a resident of the area. 

According to the Bribery Commission, the suspect had demanded the bribe to prepare a valuation report with a reduced land value, thereby lowering the stamp duty payable, in order to facilitate a deed transfer of government land.

The Bribery Commission said the suspect was taken into custody while accepting the reduced bribe amount of Rs. 35,000. 

He is scheduled to be produced before the Polonnaruwa Magistrate’s Court. (Newswire)

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A 59‑year‑old man posing as a doctor has been arrested in Polonnaruwa for his alleged involvement in a series of crimes, the Polonnaruwa Division Crime Investigation Unit confirmed.

The suspect, a resident of Pannala in Kurunegala, was taken into custody near Deepa Uyana in Polonnaruwa on Tuesday night (05). 

Police said he had previously been arrested by the Borella, Kandy, Minuwangoda, and Divulapitiya Police Stations in connection with various offences.

Initial investigations revealed that the suspect had served a two‑year prison term. 

At the time of arrest, police seized a stethoscope, a doctor’s uniform, a fake identity card, and several other items from his possession.

The Police further disclosed that the man had impersonated a doctor working at the maternity ward of Hingurakgoda Hospital, deceiving the public with forged credentials.

The suspect is scheduled to be produced before the Polonnaruwa Magistrate’s Court today (06). (Newswire)

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Police have arrested Sarvajana Balaya Pradeshiya Sabha member Mohammad Kasim Abdul Samad in connection with the death of a man following a clash in Polonnaruwa on Sunday (Dec 14).

Abdul Samad was first taken into custody over an assault on another individual, who sustained serious injuries including four broken teeth. He was produced before court and released on bail the same day.

However, police later confirmed that a second individual, reportedly caught in the middle of the altercation, had died. In light of this development, Abdul Samad was taken back into custody today (Dec 16).

An autopsy on the deceased returned an open verdict, with samples sent to a forensic expert to establish the exact cause of death. (Newswire)

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Three army personnel have been hospitalized following an accident caused by the explosion of a hand grenade during a military training exercise.

The incident reportedly occurred this morning (29) at the Maduru Oya Army Training Camp.

According to hospital sources, the injured soldiers have been admitted to the Polonnaruwa Hospital and their condition is not critical.

It is reported that they had sustained injuries to their legs.

The accident took place during a joint military exercise currently being conducted between the Sri Lanka Army and the Russian Army. (Newswire)

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A development project has been proposed to improve the area surrounding the Nelumwewa hot springs in Welikanda, Polonnaruwa, with the goal of promoting it as a tourist destination.

A discussion on the proposed development under the “Clean Sri Lanka” project was held at the site this morning, June 24, followed by a field inspection, according to the President’s Media Division (PMD).

The hot springs have not been significantly developed, resulting in limited interest from both local and international visitors, the PMD said. 

Participants highlighted the importance of enhancing the site due to its tourism and scientific potential, as well as its current underdeveloped condition.

Proposals under review include increasing forest cover in the surrounding area, beautifying a nearby island, and constructing a bridge to connect the island to the mainland for improved visitor access.

Attendees included Deputy Minister of Housing T.B. Sarath; Welikanda Pradeshiya Sabha Chairman D.W. Wasantha; retired University of Peradeniya hydrologist Prof. Dharma Gunawardena; and representatives from the Clean Sri Lanka Secretariat, Mahaweli Authority, Sri Lanka Tourism Development Authority, Welikanda Divisional Secretariat, and other agencies. (Newswire)

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Two suspects have been arrested in Polonnaruwa for the possession and transportation of over 15,000 litres of coconut oil unfit for human consumption.

The suspects were arrested in the Karmanthapuraya area during a joint raid conducted by officials from the Polonnaruwa Public Health Inspectors’ Office and the Police STF last night. 

One suspect was arrested on charges of transporting substandard coconut oil, while the other was arrested for the possession of the goods.

The suspects, aged 41 and 51 years, are residents of the Pannala and Sandhiveli areas. 

35 steel barrels with 7,700 litres of substandard coconut oil, 36 barrels with 7,920 litres of coconut oil, and the lorry used to transport the goods were seized during the raid. 

The Polonnaruwa Public Health Inspectors’ Office is conducting further investigations. (Newswire)

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Prime Minister Harini Amarasuriya, as the Minister of Education, engaged in an inspection tour of the Trilingual National School under construction in Kaduruwela, Polonnaruwa.

According to a statement from the PM’s Office, during the visit yesterday (Feb 14), PM Amarasuriya engaged in a special discussion on the future work of the school being constructed with the assistance of the Government of India.

The Prime Minister’s attention was drawn towards the construction work of this school, which was being built to provide education to all children representing all ethnic groups and religions in the region, which had been slow for several years.

The construction company pointed out that the front building, which is being built under Indian Government funds, is completed up to 75% and the remaining work will cost about Rs. 150 million. The second building, which is being built with Sri Lankan Government funds, is completed up to 40% and the remaining work will cost about Rs. 400 million.

The construction company’s engineers informed the Prime Minister that the school will have facilities for 1600 students to engage in educational activities. The school is planned to be designed to include special education units, language classrooms, e-learning classrooms, hostels, an administrative building, laboratory facilities, sanitary facilities and teachers’ quarters.

The Prime Minister informed the authorities to promptly formulate proposals and plans for the education of the children without allowing these resources to be destroyed.

Deputy Minister of Housing T.B. Sarath, Polonnaruwa District Parliamentarian Padmasiri Bandara, Polonnaruwa District Parliamentarian Sunil Rathnasiri, Secretary to the Ministry of Education, Higher Education and Vocational Education Nalaka Kaluwewa, Governor of the North Central Province Wasantha Jinadasa, Polonnaruwa District Secretary Sujantha Ekanayake and other officials also participated in the observation tour. (Newswire)

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Today, the U.S. Embassy in Sri Lanka, in collaboration with the Ministry of Culture and the Central Cultural Fund, launched a new conservation project to protect the ancient Thuparama Image House, a key site within the UNESCO World Heritage-listed Polonnaruwa Ancient City. 

This initiative, funded by a $109,000 grant (over Rs. 32 million) from the U.S. Ambassadors Fund for Cultural Preservation (AFCP), reflects U.S. commitment to preserving Sri Lanka’s cultural heritage for future generations. The event was attended by U.S. Ambassador to Sri Lanka Julie Chung and Minister of Buddhasasana, Religious and Cultural Affairs Prof. Hiniduma Sunil Senevi.

At today’s ceremony, Ambassador Chung emphasized, “The United States and Sri Lanka share a long history of partnership built on mutual respect and shared values. Together, we have worked on strengthening democratic institutions, promoting sustainable economic growth, and preserving cultural heritage, such as the Thuparama Image House. Through initiatives like the Ambassadors Fund for Cultural Preservation, on behalf of the American people, we continue to help Sri Lanka protect its heritage, promote sustainable tourism, and attract global visitors to explore its historical and cultural richness.”

Minister of Buddhasasana, Religious, and Cultural Affairs Prof. Hiniduma Sunil Senevi, who attended the ceremony, remarked, “The United States, through the Ambassadors Fund for Cultural Preservation, once again demonstrates its commitment to preserving Sri Lanka’s cultural treasures. This collaboration strengthens our bond and reflects the U.S. dedication to preserving not only Sri Lanka’s heritage but also the connection between our nations.”

The Thuparama Image House, constructed in the 12th century as part of the Polonnaruwa Kingdom, is a monumental site with a distinctive vaulted brick roof and stunning stucco decorations. This historical gem has suffered damage over time due to environmental factors, and the preservation project aims to prevent further deterioration while raising awareness about its cultural and historical significance. (US Embassy)

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The Consumer Affairs Authority (CAA) will conduct special inspections at rice mills in the Polonnaruwa area today.

These inspections aim to gather detailed reports on daily rice production, current stock levels, and the quantities released to the market.

CAA officers will closely monitor rice mills to ensure compliance, with strict legal action promised against those who violate the fixed prices.

The move comes after President Anura Kumara Dissanayake instructed the CAA to collect comprehensive data from all rice mills across the country. (Newswire)

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The National Peoples’ Power (NPP) has won four (04) seats in the Polonnaruwa District under the Preferential voting system.

The preferential votes for the Polonnaruwa District are as follows;

• NPP – 04 seats

1. T. B. Sarath – 105,137 votes
2. Jagath Wickramarathne – 51,391 votes
3. Sunil Ratnasiri – 51,077 votes
4. Padmasiri Bandara – 45,096 votes

• SJB – 01 seat

1. Kins Nelson – 28,682 votes. (Newswire)

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Nearly 500 staff of a private apparel factory in the Bakamuna area in Polonnaruwa have been hospitalised due to food poisoning early this morning.

According to media reports, the Bakamuna Police said the apparel factory workers had fallen ill after consuming food provided at the factory.

The ill apparel factory workers had been admitted to the Bakamuna and Aththanakadawala Hospitals. 

Hospital sources have revealed that the workers were not in critical condition and are undergoing treatment. (Newswire)

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A group of Sri Lankan cricketers have donated necessary cricket supplies for students of a school in Polonnaruwa who were found to be training despite a lack of facilities. 

A recent media report exposed the dire conditions under which the students of Aselapura Maha Vidyalaya were training.

The students were found to be using discarded fishing nets and ripped gloves for cricket practice.

Dasun Shanaka, Kusal Mendis, Sadheera Samarawickrama, Avishka Fernando, Prabath Jayasuriya, Dunith Wellalage, and Danushka Gunathilaka from the Sri Lankan national team visited the children at their school recently to donate necessary cricket supplies.

During the donation, the cricketers expressed hope that their assistance would inspire the children to one day enter the Under-19 or even the national team of Sri Lanka.

Video : https://shorturl.at/OTW89 (NewsWire)

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Female officers of the Sri Lanka Police Traffic Unit were deployed on duty today.

Several female traffic Police officers were deployed in Polonnaruwa.

The newly deployed female officers were seen directing traffic and inspecting vehicles. (NewsWire) 

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A 41-year-old tuition teacher has been arrested and remanded on charges of having sexually molested schoolgirls in the Polonnaruwa area. 

According to Hiru News, the suspect, who is reported to have conducted tuition classes in Polonnaruwa, has been remanded until May 29, 2023.

Investigations have revealed that the suspect had sexually molested schoolgirls on multiple occasions from January this year.

The parents of six victims have filed complaints with the Polonnaruwa Police in this regard, while the parents of other victims are reportedly hesitant to come forward.

The suspect was arrested based on the complaints and was remanded after being produced before the Polonnaruwa Magistrate’s Court. (NewsWire)

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