Connect with us

News

All remaining passports will be issued within a month – minister

Published

on

Minister of Public Security and Parliamentary Affairs – Ananda Wijepala has stated that all remaining passports scheduled for issuance will be issued within a month, and efforts are already underway to gradually normalize the process.

The Minister made these remarks during the first meeting of the Ministerial Consultative Committee on Public Security and Parliamentary Affairs of the Tenth Parliament, held under his Chairmanship on the 22nd at the Parliament.

Emphasizing the primary objective of restoring public confidence in obtaining passports, the Chair highlighted that a 24-hour passport issuance service has been initiated. He also extended his gratitude to the employees of the Department of Immigration & Emigration for their dedicated efforts in this regard. 

Furthermore, he stated that a passport issuance office would be established in Jaffna following the procurement of the necessary printing equipment, and that the number of passports issued at local council offices would be doubled.
Furthermore, the Committee also discussed the request for security provisions for Members of Parliament representing the Opposition. The Chair stated that no final decision had been reached on this matter yet, and investigations into the threats faced by the Members of Parliament were still ongoing, with final reports being prepared. He further stated that upon receiving these assessment reports, necessary action would be taken to provide security to the Members of Parliament, if required.

Additionally, the Committee deliberated on the current status of underworld activities and the measures being implemented to control them. The Acting Inspector General of Police, addressing the Committee, pointed out that these underworld activities are primarily revolving around the drug trade. He further emphasized that efforts are being made at a diplomatic level to identify and apprehend those directing these activities overseas and to bring them back to the country.

Leader of the Opposition, Sajith Premadasa, who was present at the meeting, raised concerns about a potential reduction in police officers’ salaries under the proposed budget. In response, the Chair assured that, despite certain projected reductions in the budget, no officer’s salary would be decreased, and instead, salary increments would be ensured.

The need for the proper regulation of projects funded by non-governmental organizations was also highlighted during the committee discussions.

BIZ

Standard egg prices to be announced daily via SMS

Published

on

By

Chairman of the All-Ceylon Egg Producers’ Association, R.M. Sarath Rathnayake has said new measures to announce daily standardized egg prices will be introduced from next Monday (June 23) to ensure fair pricing for consumers.

The prices covering wholesale, retail, and intermediary rates will be communicated daily at 5.00am via SMS to small, medium, and large-scale egg producers, as well as bakery owners, food manufacturers, and hotels through the number 070-7030700.

He warned of recent practices where eggs were bought at Rs.15-18 and stockpiled, stating such actions will no longer be tolerated.

He also criticized groups posing as “egg associations” without actual farming experience.

The cost of producing an egg is around Rs.28 for large farms, Rs.29-30 for medium range farms, and Rs.32 for small-scale producers, he further said.

Continue Reading

News

Speaker endorses certificate on NTC (Amendment) Bill

Published

on

By

Speaker of Parliament – Dr. Jagath Wickramaratne endorsed the certificate on the National Transport Commission (Amendment) Bill) yesterday (June 19).

This Bill was presented in Parliament on 08th May 2025 to amend several provisions of the National Transport Commission Act, No. 37 of 1991, to update and adapt them to the current needs in order to provide solutions to several practical issues identified in the transport sector and to regulate several transport sectors that are currently not regulated. Accordingly, this Bill was passed after the Second Reading debate in Parliament on 05th June 2025.

Expressing his views on the bill, the Minister of Transport, Highways, Ports and Civil Aviation – Bimal Ratnayake, said that before the amendment of this bill, the National Transport Commission was only able to regulate interprovincial private bus services.

However, the Minister stated that this bill has been amended in a way that allows the National Transport Commission to regulate school vans, office vans, three-wheelers and other vehicles including goods transport institutions and to establish new institutions required for that purpose.

The Minister further stated that the Amendment Bill will remove the legal obstacle currently preventing the buyer from obtaining ownership when purchasing a bus with a road permit.

Accordingly, this Bill shall come into force as the National Transport Commission (Amendment) Act, No. 8 of 2025.  

Continue Reading

News

Nearly 2,000 deaths so far due to road accidents in 2025

Published

on

By

Police report that nearly 2,000 individuals have lost their lives in fatal road accidents during the first 06 months of 2025.

He pointed out that January 01 – June 15, 2025, a total of 1,133 fatal accidents were reported, resulting in the deaths of nearly 2,000 individuals.

Speaking at a press briefing held at the Department of Government Information, Deputy Inspector General (DIG) of Police for Traffic Control and Road Safety, Indika Hapugoda has stated that the primary causes of these accidents are unroadworthy vehicles and reckless driving.

He added that 7,152 people suffered serious injuries from road accidents last year, in addition to the fatalities.

DIG Hapugoda further noted that starting July 01, 2025, authorities will begin removing unauthorized and unnecessary vehicle modifications and spare parts, which contribute to traffic hazards.

He further announced that, starting July 1, 2025, authorities will begin removing unauthorized and unnecessary vehicle modifications and spare parts, which contribute to traffic hazards.

Continue Reading

Trending

Copyright © 2024 Sri Lanka Mirror. All Rights Reserved