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by Suresh Perera` In the backdrop of an independent panel of medical experts cautioning against administering the controversial Chinese manufactured Covid-19 Sinopharm jab over “safety and efficacy” concerns, a key body of eminent medical specialists last week warned of the adverse fallout of using an unproven vaccine in Sri Lanka. In what was described as a “strong warning”, the Association of Medical Specialists (AMS) drove home the point that adopting the roll out of any vaccine that’s unproven could reflect adversely on the fight against the pandemic. “As the expert medical panel concluded there was insufficient data provided to make a determination on the safety, efficacy and immunogenicity of the Sinopharm vaccine, it was accordingly concluded that this vaccine should not be used in Sri Lanka under the present circumstances”, Dr. Lalantha Ranasinghe, the president of the prestigious body of medical professionals, said. ....
The Eastern Province blessed with huge amounts of resources remained one of the poorest provinces of the country owing to inaction and lethargy of officials, Eastern Province governor Anuradha Yahampath said yesterday. Addressing a meeting at the Batticaloa District Secretariat to formulate a sustainable development plan in accordance with the vision of the Vistas of Prosperity programme, the Governor said: “This province accounts for 25 percent of paddy production of the country. Its fishers harvest is 25 percent of the total catch of the country. The milk production, too, is very high, but the province remains one of the poorest in the country. What is the reason for this mismatch? We have not been able to help people reap the benefits of their efforts and the resources the province has.” ....
By Shamindra Ferdinando Reiterating its support for the controversial sacking of five members of the Sri Lanka Medical Council (SLMC), the Government Medical Officers’ Association (GMOA) yesterday (16) claimed that the group got to know about what was really going on only after some of its members received appointments therein. The GMOA-backed members in the SLMC include four elected representatives, namely Dr. Anuruddha Padeniya, Dr. Naveen de Zoysa, Dr. Nalinda Herath and Dr. Harris Pathirage. Dr. Pathirage, however, has since quit the Council citing personal reasons. The vacancy hasn’t been filled yet. Sources emphasised that all of them contested as medical officers and not as members of the GMOA and were elected. ....
The government has introduced a special loan scheme for the festive season through the state banks at an interest of 0.625 payable in 10 months during the period of January to October 31, 2021, the President’s office announced yesterday. The schemes consists of three categories: Rs. 50,000 for those whose income is over Rs. 50,000 a month. 2) Between Rs 25,000 and Rs. 50,000, Rs. 25,000 and 3) for those who earn less that Rs. 25,000, Rs.10,000. The loans could be obtained from the Bank of Ceylon, Peoples Bank, the National Savings Bank, Provincial Development Bank and the Samurdhi Bank. Government pensioners and Samurdhi beneficiaries would have to apply for the loans through the Pensions Department and the Samurdhi Bank. ....
By Sanath Nanayakkare The government was confident that it could attract foreign direct investments (FDIs) worth US$ 2.5 billion next year, State Minister of Money and Capital Market and State Enterprise Reforms Ajith Nivard Cabraal said yesterday. He said so while speaking at a virtual forum held to mark the 4th annual investment conference of Asia Securities. “This is a reasonable and realistic FDI value Sri Lanka targets for next year having created the right investment environment. The Port City is set to bring in US$ 1 billion, the Hambantota Tyre facility US$ 300 million – 75% of it will come next year – the Pharmaceutical Zone will bring in US$ 200 million and some more investments will come into the education sector, among others. ....