News

The island-wide strike launched by the Government Medical Officers’ Association (GMOA) continued for the second consecutive day today (10), intensifying disruptions across hospitals.

The strike began at 8:00 a.m. yesterday (09), with the GMOA alleging that the Ministry of Health had violated prior agreements concerning appointments for post-intern doctors.

Hospital operations across the island have been affected, leading to significant inconvenience for patients seeking medical care, according to reports.

The GMOA has maintained that the strike will persist until the published transfer list of post-intern doctors is immediately withdrawn and a satisfactory solution is reached.

However, the Minister of Health has declined to engage in discussions with the association on the issue.

Meanwhile, GMOA Secretary Prabath Sugathadasa stated that discussions will be held with members island-wide today to determine the next course of action.

The price of global oil remains high ahead of negotiations between the US and Iran in Pakistan this weekend, which will take place amid growing concerns over whether the two-week ceasefire agreement between the countries will hold. 

Brent crude oil, the global benchmark, was priced at $96.75 a barrel on Friday morning, as the Strait of Hormuz remains closed. 

The price had dropped earlier this week after Washington and Tehran agreed to pause hostilities, but it has been steadily edging back towards the $100 a barrel milestone - which has repeatedly been surpassed during the conflict. 

Iran’s Supreme Leader has insisted the country will “take management of the Strait of Hormuz into a new phase”. 

Donald Trump, meanwhile, hit out at Iran for doing what he said was “a poor job” allowing oil through the strait and warned against Tehran reportedly charging fees to tankers, saying “if they are, they better stop now”.

Source: Sky News

Minister of Health Dr. Nalinda Jayatissa has announced that the discussion scheduled for today (09) with the Government Medical Officers’ Association (GMOA) will not be held.

Speaking in Parliament on the ongoing strike launched by the GMOA, the Health Minister stated, “If this is how they behave, I will not proceed with the discussion that was planned for today. This strike is unjustified, and as a government, we are prepared to face it.”

He further alleged that the strike is being carried out by a small group with political motives and urged them to refrain from continuing the trade union action. The Minister also assured that newly appointed medical officers, who are expected to assume duties from today, will be provided with necessary security and encouraged them to report to work without fear.

Addressing concerns over post-intern medical appointments, the Health Minister emphasized that if there were any irregularities in the appointment process, the appropriate course of action would be to seek legal recourse through courts.

He pointed out that the strike has already continued for five days and questioned its timing, noting that it comes amid a crisis in the Middle East.

Minister Jayatissa added that the strike is based on objections to post-intern appointments, with the GMOA insisting on being involved in preparing the appointment list.

The Minister clarified that transfer boards are not relevant to first appointments and alleged that a group of doctors had attempted to intimidate others in Colombo, warning them against accepting appointments.

Despite undue pressure, out of 453 doctors, 436 had applied by April 4 expressing their willingness to accept the appointments. Of the remaining 17, 16 had not properly completed their internship requirements, leaving only one doctor who had not applied.

Health Minister Jayatissa therefore concluded that the ongoing strike lacks any basis.

(Adaderana.lk)

Residents in several parts of Sri Lanka will witness a unique celestial event today (09) as the sun appears directly overhead at around 12:12 noon.

The locations closest to this phenomenon include Chilaw, Bingiriya, Halmillawewa, Panduwasnuwara, Gokarella, Kawudupelella, Koppaveli and Kirankulam.

According to the Department of Meteorology, this occurs because of the sun’s apparent northward relative motion. Between April 05 and April 15, the sun is expected to pass directly above different latitudes across Sri Lanka.

When the sun reaches its zenith at solar noon, it appears positioned straight overhead, causing vertical objects to cast little to no shadow.

Authorities explained that this is a natural annual event caused by the Earth’s tilt and orbit, reflecting the sun’s apparent transition across the equatorial region.

Sri Lanka has recorded at least 10 to 15 forest fire incidents so far this year as prolonged hot weather continues to affect several areas, according to Disaster Management Centre Director Pradeep Kodippili.

Speaking to the media, Kodippili warned that the number of forest fires could climb further if the prevailing dry and high-temperature conditions continue.

He stressed that public cooperation is essential in protecting forested areas, noting that preventing such fires plays a vital role in reducing weather-related impacts and preserving the environment.

Authorities are urging communities to act responsibly as concerns grow over the increased risk posed by ongoing heat and dryness.

Israeli police announced that holy sites in Jerusalem will reopen to visitors and worshippers on Thursday morning.

‘‘Hundreds of police officers, Border Police forces, and volunteers will be deployed throughout the city, along major routes, in the Old City, and at holy sites, in order to enable safe access for all worshippers and visitors while upholding a safe environment for the freedom of worship, maintaining public order, and ensuring public safety,’’ according to a statement from the Police Spokesperson’s Unit, News.Az reports, citing foreign media.

Authorities expect it to be busy and have asked the public to remain patient, listen to police instructions and report any concerns.

The announcement was made shortly after Israel said it was loosening wartime restrictions, paving the way for schools and workplaces to reopen.

Israeli authorities had restricted access to religious sites in East Jerusalem amid the war with Iran, including al-Aqsa Mosque, the Western Wall and the Church of the Holy Sepulchre.

Last month, there was widespread backlash when two senior leaders of the Catholic Church in Jerusalem were initially blocked from entering the Church of the Holy Sepulchre to mark the start of Holy Week on Palm Sunday.

Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu quickly reversed the security precaution and granted them access. Arrangements were made between church leaders and officials for the rest of the Easter week.

Source: News.Az

A 12-hour water cut will be imposed in the Homagama and Pelenwatta areas today (09) and tomorrow (10) due to the prevailing dry weather conditions, the National Water Supply and Drainage Board (NWSDB) announced.

Accordingly, the water supply to Homagama and surrounding areas will be suspended from 8.00 p.m. today (09) until 8.00 a.m. tomorrow (10).

The water cut will affect the Homagama town, Wekanda Road, Pinketha Road, Walawwa Road, Gemunu Mawatha, Athurugiriya Road, Galawilawatta, Niyandagala, Mahakatuwana, Magammana, Deniya and Diyagama, the NWSDB said.

Meanwhile, the water supply to Pelenwatta, Siddamulla, Arawwala, Niwanthidiya, Bokundara Road, Rathmaldeniya, Maharagama–Piliyandala Road, Moraketiya Road, Hiripitiya, Gorakapitiya Road, Niyandagala Road – Dolekade Junction, Kudamaduwa (along the 255 bus route), and Pubudu Mawatha (along the 255 bus route) will be suspended from 8.00 a.m. to 8.00 p.m. tomorrow (10).

(Adaderana.lk)

A police raid in Kalutara has led to the arrest of a man allegedly attempting to sell a rare Valampuri conch shell for millions of rupees.

The suspect was taken into custody yesterday afternoon (08) near the Kalutara depot during an operation carried out by officers from the Kalutara Divisional Criminal Investigation Bureau. The raid was launched following a tip-off received by investigators.

Police revealed that the seized Valampuri conch shell had reportedly been prepared for sale at an estimated price of Rs. 3.5 million.

Following the arrest, both the suspect and the conch shell were handed over to the Kalutara South Police Station for further action.

Authorities identified the arrested individual as a 51-year-old resident of Kurunegala.

Kalutara South Police are continuing investigations into the incident.