A strike launched by private bus operators on the Kadawatha – Pettah route (138) since this morning (July 31) has greatly inconvenienced commuters.
Accordingly, all the private bus operators on the Kadawatha – Pettah, Weliweriya – Pettah and Pettah – Kirillawala routes have withdrawn from passenger transport service.
The bus owners say that their income had been greatly affected by several new buses being permitted to operate on the Kiribathgoda – Pettah route.
They have also expressed concerns over a significant muddy pothole at the Kadawatha Bus Stand, which is causing damage to their buses and also highlighted the unpleasant smells in the area due to overflowing toilet pits at the bus stand.
They warn to continue their strike if their concerns are not addressed.
However, several buses of the Sri Lanka Transport Board (SLTB) were deployed promptly to ease the situation along the route.
A man from Milidduwa, Galle, was arrested after calling the 119 emergency hotline to complain that illicit liquor (moonshine) he had purchased was of poor quality and possibly adulterated.
After recording his statement, the suspect was released on police bail, with a court date scheduled for his appearance.
Following a complaint from the Police Emergency Unit, officers from Galle Police had visited the scene and arrested the man and seized the illicit liquor.
A man behaving violently in the Seeduwa area was shot by police after he allegedly attempted to attack officers with a sharp weapon, says Police Spokesperson Senior Superintendent of Police (SSP) Buddhika Manathunga.
The incident occurred when officers attempted to intervene and de-escalate the situation.
The suspect reportedly resisted and tried to assault the officers with a bladed weapon, prompting police to respond with a controlled shot to his leg in order to neutralize the threat.
The suspect was immediately taken to hospital, where he is currently receiving treatment.
The People’s Action for Free and Fair Elections (PAFFREL) has filed a complaint with the Election Commission, accusing Prime Minister Harini Amarasuriya of encouraging election campaigning during the legally mandated silent period.
The complaint was filed after the PM had allegedly made a statement that could be construed as a violation of electoral regulations. The incident had occurred during a National People’s Power (NPP) election rally held in Thelawala, Moratuwa, on May 03.
We have monitored that Prime Minister Amarasuriya has made a remark which could be seen as encouraging her supporters to engage in campaigning even after the silent period from May 3 2025. The Premier’s remark is an act of encouraging her supporters to violate electoral law while she has neglected the law herself,” PAFFREL Executive Director Rohana Hetiarachchi said in his letter.
“The encouragement to campaign during the silent period is not only a disregard for election regulations but also a serious blow to the culture of clean and fair politics we are trying to build,” Hettiarachchi has added.
PAFFREL has urged the Election Commission to launch a thorough investigation into the matter and take the necessary action to maintain the integrity of the upcoming Local Government Election.
Meanwhile, the Smagi Jana Balawegaya too has lodged a complaint with the EC over this event.
Speaking to media after lodging the complaint, SJB MP Mujibur Rahman has said that this statement was serious and as an independent commission, the EC will take measures to nullify all NPP nominations on this grounds.