It has been recently revealed that delays in document processing delays at the State Pharmaceuticals Corporation (SPC) and at the Price Regulation Committee of the National Medicines Regulatory Authority (NMRA) have also contributed to the prevailing drug shortage.

During a drug review meeting at the Ministry of Health on April 10, it was revealed that delays in processing procurement files at the SPC and delays of files at the NMRA’s Price Regulation Committee have resulted in this.

During the meeting which was chaired by Director General of Health Services, Dr. Asela Gunawardena, it was also revealed that 190 types of medicines are currently in shortage across hospitals islandwide.

Medical Supplies Division officials have warned that the situation may worsen after the Sinhala and Tamil New Year. Officials noted that while locally manufactured medicines can be obtained quickly, the necessary files are currently delayed at the Price Regulation Committee of the NMRA.

It was also revealed that around 200 completed procurement files at the SPC are delayed, with only 90 released to suppliers for medicine imports. Also, a process to set up a state-level system for medicine procurement was also discussed.

Due to lower electricity usage during the holiday season, some changes were made on how power is generated in the country, the Ceylon Electricity Board (CEB) said.

The Natural Hazards Early Warning Centre of the Department of Meteorology has issued a "Warm Weather Advisory – Extreme Caution Level" for over 20 districts across the country.

Postmaster General Ruwan Sathkumara says that the official polling cards for the upcoming local government elections are scheduled to be delivered to the Department of Post today (April 16). He stated that April 20 has been designated as a special day for the distribution of official polling cards to households.

While highlighting that the US Reciprocal taxes had created a fresh economic crisis as Sri Lanka will have to find ways and means to settle its debts by 2028, former President Ranil Wickremesinghe said the government should come out with a plan to face the situation.

The Ceylon Electricity Board (CEB) requests rooftop solar power system owners to temporarily disconnect their systems from today but only if they receive an official SMS notification from the board and also only till 3p.m on the specified day.

The National Election Commission has announced a delay in postal voting for 18 Local Government bodies, including the Colombo Municipal Council (CMC).

A total of 412 patients have been admitted to the Colombo National Hospital during the two-day New Year holiday period from April 13 and 14, due to accidents.

The Election Commission (EC) has requested secretaries and authorised representatives of political parties, as well as leaders of independent groups, to submit copies of any petitions and court judgments to the relevant District Election Offices.

Four suspects have been arrested at the Katunayake Airport for attempting to smuggle in stocks of Kush cannabis and Hashish to Sri Lanka.