News

The Ministry of Transport, Highways, Ports and Civil Aviation has announced the procurement of 100 low-floor buses aimed at improving passenger transportation in urban areas.

According to the Ministry, the buses will be comfortable, modern, and designed to meet the growing demand for efficient public transport services in key cities. The project seeks to enhance accessibility, particularly for the elderly and persons with disabilities, while also easing traffic congestion by encouraging greater use of public transport.

An official Invitation for Bids (IFB) has been issued, calling on interested parties to submit proposals. The procurement process will be handled through the Ministry’s Procurement Division, located at Sethsiripaya Stage II in Battaramulla.

Further details are available on the Ministry’s official website (http://www.transport.gov.lk) or via telephone and fax at 0112-187213.

The Centre for Human Rights and Research has urged the government to promptly declare a clear timeline and electoral process for the long-overdue provincial council elections, which have remained unheld for more than ten years.

In a statement issued this week, the Centre stressed that authorities should make their plans public “without delay,” particularly if they intend to fulfil the pledge contained in the government’s election manifesto to conduct the polls within this year.

According to a senior government source quoted in a weekend newspaper, the administration is currently weighing the option of holding the elections under the previous proportional representation system.

Rajith Keerthi Tennakoon, Executive Director of the Centre, underlined that provincial councils must once again serve as institutions of “governance by the people, for the people.” He further noted that it is the shared responsibility of all stakeholders to ensure that elections are conducted swiftly and that elected representatives resume their role in managing these vital regional bodies.

The Department of Meteorology has issued a heat weather advisory.

According to the Department, the notice, issued at 3.30 p.m. today (15), will remain in effect until tomorrow (16).

It further states that in certain areas of the Northern, North-Central, Eastern, and North-Western Provinces, as well as in the Colombo, Gampaha, Hambantota, and Monaragala districts, the Heat Index — which reflects the temperature felt on the human body — is likely to reach levels categorized as “Attention Required.”

Prime Minister Dr. Harini Amarasuriya stated that under the current government, the President’s Fund, previously used as a privilege for select groups, is now being utilized 100% for the benefit of the people.

The Prime Minister made these remarks during a Central Province program at the Kandy District Secretariat, held to honor students who excelled in the 2023 (2024) and 2024 G.C.E. Advanced Level Examinations across all subject streams and districts. Certificates were presented to the outstanding students by the Prime Minister herself.

Addressing the gathering, Dr. Amarasuriya extended her best wishes to the students and their parents, emphasizing that these young achievers are expected to contribute to the country’s future transformation through the opportunities provided by the President’s Fund.

“When we talk about the President’s Fund, what we mostly hear is about misuse by privileged groups to increase their own benefits. Today, that situation has completely changed. We are pleased that the Fund is now being used entirely for its true purpose, bringing its benefits closer to the people in every region,” she said.

Highlighting the government’s commitment to human resource development, Dr. Amarasuriya added, “We are investing in education not just financially, but across all aspects. We need a generation of humane citizens who can think in line with a changing world and bring meaningful change.”

Speaking at the event, Speaker of Parliament Dr. Jagath Wickramaratne said, “The President’s Fund belongs to the people, and it is our responsibility to ensure it reaches them. Amidst this ongoing democratic transformation, the development of human resources is crucial, especially given Sri Lanka’s large youth population.”

Deputy Minister of Transport and Highways Dr. Prasanna Gunasena emphasized the importance of nurturing socially aware students who can think beyond conventional frameworks to help build the country.

The event was attended by senior government officials including the Governor of the Central Province Prof. S. B. S. Abayakoon, Deputy Ministers Dr. Madhura Seneviratne, Gamagedara Dissanayake, Dr. Hansaka Wijemuni, Dr. Prasanna Gunasena, Members of Parliament, officials of the President’s Fund, administrative officers, students, and parents.

The renovation project of the Maradana Railway Station was officially launched this morning (15) under the patronage of President Anura Kumara Dissanayake, as part of the Clean Sri Lanka initiative and the Dream Destination program.

The project is a key component of the government’s vision “A Prosperous Country – A Beautiful Life”, aimed at creating a modern, sustainable, and standardized public transport system. Under this national program, implemented through a public–private partnership led by the Ministry of Transport, Highways, Ports, and Civil Aviation together with Clean Sri Lanka, one hundred railway stations across the island will be renovated.

The initiative seeks to establish safe, clean, and passenger-friendly railway stations, catering to the needs of all travelers, including those with special requirements. At the Maradana launch, President Dissanayake unveiled a commemorative plaque and toured several facilities within the station premises. The event also marked the introduction of a new Sinhala computer font named Ruhunu Kumari for use by the Railway Department.

Transport Minister Bimal Rathnayake, addressing the ceremony, emphasized that political neglect and systemic challenges had long hindered the development of Sri Lanka’s railway services. He underscored that the program would focus on restoring public confidence, ensuring efficiency, and supporting tourism, while calling for the continued cooperation of railway trade unions, passengers, local communities, and the private sector.

Maradana Railway Station, regarded as one of Sri Lanka’s most historically significant stations and the second largest in the Colombo District, will undergo renovations in a manner that preserves its architectural heritage.

The dates for next year’s school examinations have been announced.

The Ministry of Education stated that the 2025 GCE Ordinary Level (O/L) examinations will be held from February 17 to February 26.

The Advanced Level (A/L) examinations are scheduled to be conducted from August 10 to September 5.

The Grade 5 scholarship examination will take place on August 9.

The GCE Ordinary Level (O/L) examination for 2026 is scheduled to be held from December 8 to December 17.

The Colombo High Court today (15) ordered that the case against former Minister Keheliya Rambukwella and his family, over allegations of illegally acquired assets, be taken up again on October 01.

High Court Judge Lanka Jayaratne issued the order when the matter was heard this morning. During proceedings, the prosecution produced several documents that had been previously requested by the defence. The judge also instructed the defendants to notify the court within two weeks if they required any further documents.

The indictments allege that Rambukwella, along with his wife Kusum Priyadarshani Epa, daughters Chamithree Jayanika, Chandula Ramali, and Amali Nayanika, and his son-in-law Isuru Pulasthi Bandara Polgasdeniya, unlawfully accumulated assets between August 2020 and June 2024, during his tenure as Minister of Mass Media and Health.

The Commissioner General of Motor Traffic has announced the cancellation of a circular issued on 2 June 2023, which had permitted the fitting of decorations and accessories on passenger buses.

The cancellation takes effect from 9 September 2025, and bus operators are required to comply with the updated regulations.

An 11-year-old boy from Dewahuwa, Galewela, drowned while bathing in the Dewahuwa Reservoir with his father and relatives, police said. He was pulled under by strong currents and later recovered by locals, but was pronounced dead upon admission to Galewela Hospital.

Former chairman of the Wattegama Urban Council Ravindra Bandara and businessman Lakshitha Manoj Weerabahu have been arrested in connection with an alleged illegal vehicle import and registration scheme, police said Saturday.

Authorities said two Jeep vehicles, suspected to have been illegally imported and registered with falsified details at the Department of Motor Vehicles, were also taken into custody.

Bandara, who also previously served as chairman of the Wattegama Urban Council, and Weerabahu were arrested following investigations into forged data entries and false registration records.

Police said further inquiries are under way to determine the scale of the operation and whether additional individuals are involved.

The Sri Lanka Podujana Peramuna (SLPP) is preparing to unveil a new political initiative titled “Mahinda Sulanga Samaga Namal Suwanda”, according to party sources.

Former President Mahinda Rajapaksa, who has remained in Tangalle following his departure from the official residence in Colombo, recently resumed active political engagements, including meetings with party loyalists and supporters in the South.

A senior party spokesperson said this latest initiative echoes the earlier “Mahinda Sulanga” movement that emerged following Rajapaksa’s exit from the presidency in 2015.

(lankaleader.lk)

The Ministry of Education has announced the school calendar for 2026 covering government and government-approved private schools.

The schedule also specifies term dates for Muslim schools. The first term of the new year will commence on 1 January 2026.