The National Transport Commission (NTC) has received 187 complaints over bus services during the recent New Year period.

NTC Director General Nayomi Jayawardena says that  63 of these complaints, made through the 1955 hotline, were related to bus operators not charging the approved fares.

She added that investigations into these complaints would be conducted once the New Year festivities conclude.

18 candidates contesting the 2025 Local Government (LG) Election have been arrested over election-related complaints during the period from March 03 – April 16.

According to a statement issued by the Police Media Division, 62 political party supporters and 14 vehicles have been taken into police custody during this period.

Meanwhile, 38 criminal complaints related to the LG Election and 138 complaints of election law violations have also been reported.

President Anura Kumara Dissanayake has today (April 17) announced that steps will be taken soon to resume ferry services between Mannar and Rameswaram.

Speaking during an election rally in Mannar, he said discussions have already begun with the Indian government in this regard.

The President also pledged to release lands seized during the war, reopen closed roads, and address land issues involving the Forest Department, enabling people to reclaim their lands and resume cultivations.

He has also said that steps will be taken to provide Aswesuma benefits to 400,000 new families from June this year.

The President further said that the government also hopes to connect Mannar and Puttalam through an alternative and new approach, through a road currently under construction. He added that discussions have been held on environmental concerns.