Cabinet granted approval today to a proposal made by President Ranil Wickremesinghe, to release funds for the purchase of essential medicines, purchase of paddy, to address malnutrition and for payment of  gratuity arrears for over 18,000 retired government employees from 2022.

Due to lack of foreign exchange, Sri Lanka government is unable to import essentials drugs and medicines.

Health Ministry said that a decision has taken to postpone non-essential & non-urgent surgeries at Government hospitals. However, essential & urgent surgeries will be performed as usual.

“Surgeries that are not urgent will be delayed solely based on the advice of specialist doctors” Health Minister