General Manager of Sri Lanka Railways – Dhammika Jayasundara says arrangements have been made to import 05 power-set trains equipped with automatic doors. 

These fully air-conditioned trains with doors that automatically open at arrival and close at departure, will enhance passenger safety and convenience.

He noted that the carriages are designed for economy-class passengers and are similar to those used internationally. 

He further said that an international tender has already been called for the procurement, and the trains are expected to arrive in Sri Lanka by the latter half of 2026.

The Meteorology Department says that several spells of showers will occur in the Western, Sabaragamuwa and North-western provinces and in Nuwara-Eliya, Kandy, Galle and Matara districts today (June 21).

Showers or thundershowers may occur at a few places in the Uva province and in Ampara and Batticaloa districts during the afternoon or night.

Fairly strong winds of about 30-40 kmph can be expected at times over Western slopes of the central hills and in Northern, North-central, Southern and North-western provinces and in Trincomalee District.

The general public is kindly requested to take adequate precautions to minimize damages caused by temporary localized strong winds and lightning during thundershowers.

Dr. Harshana Suriyapperuma, who served as the Deputy Minister of Finance and Planning, has resigned from Parliament. 

He is reportedly tipped to be appointed as the new Secretary to the Ministry of Finance after the retirement of Mahinda Siriwardana at the end of the month.

Meanwhile, the Secretary General of Parliament – Mrs. Kushani Rohanadeera has informed the Chairman of the Election Commission in writing that a vacancy has arisen in Parliament due to the resignation of Dr. Suriyapperuma.

Dr. Suriyapperuma, a National List Member of Parliament representing the National People’s Power (NPP) and the Deputy Minister of Finance and Economic Stabilization, submitted his letter of resignation to the Secretary General of Parliament.According to the letter submitted by Dr. Suriyapperuma, the resignation is effective from June 20, 2025.

Accordingly, the Secretary General has informed the Chairman of the Election Commission that, in terms of Section 64(5) of the Parliamentary Elections Act No. 1 of 1981, the seat held by Dr. Harsha Suriyapperuma in the Tenth Parliament is now vacant.