News

Fare increases expected for buses, school vans, and three-wheelers in January

Published

1 year ago

December 30, 2023

editor

The Inter-Provincial Private Bus Association (IPPBA), the All Island School Van Operators Association (AISVOA), and the All-Island Three-Wheeler Drivers’ Union (AITWDU) are planning to raise fares in January due to the introduction of a new 18% value-added tax (VAT).

IPPBA Secretary Anjana Priyanjith said after imposing the new VAT, the diesel price would increase by Rs. 50, and therefore the minimum bus fare should also be increased.

However, they hope to increase the minimum bus fare to Rs. 36 while increasing the remaining rates according to the percentage.

The minimum bus fare is Rs. 30 as of March 31, 2023.

Meanwhile, AISVOA chairman Malsiri de Silva told the Daily Mirror that they have not come to a conclusion about the charges that need to be increased.

“We know that increasing the school van fee is a huge burden to the parents, but in the current situation, we also cannot do anything to reduce the school van fare,” he told the media.

Moreover, AITWDU president Lalith Dharmasekera told the Daily Mirror that there is a possibility of petrol prices increasing by more than Rs. 50 from January, and if that happens, the charges for the first kilometre would increase according to the fuel price.

“We did not take any measures to revise fares on previous occasions where the government had increased petrol prices. But this time, we cannot remain so. We have to increase the fares according to the price increases,” he told the media.

News

12-hr water cut in several areas of Colombo

Published

17 hours ago

May 23, 2025

editor

The National Water Supply and Drainage Board (NWSDB) has announced a 12-hour water cut from 8:00 a.m. to 8:00 p.m. on Sunday (May 25) in several areas, including Colombo, due to essential maintenance work at the Ambatale Water Treatment Plant.

Due to this, the public is urged to make prior arrangements and store an adequate supply of water to avoid inconvenience during the period of the suspension.

Accordingly, the water cut will affect the following areas:

Colombo 01 to Colombo 15
Sri Jayawardenepura Kotte
Kaduwela
Battaramulla
Kolonnawa
Kotikawatta
Mulleriyawa
IDH (Infectious Diseases Hospital) area
Maharagama
Dehiwala
Mount Lavinia
Ratmalana and Moratuwa

News

Investigations underway to arrest 20 criminals hiding overseas

Published

17 hours ago

May 23, 2025

editor

The Ministry of Public Security states that investigations are underway to arrest 20 members of major organized crime gangs currently hiding overseas.

Minister Ananda Wijepala stated that Interpol has already issued red notices for their arrest and that the countries where these criminals are hiding have been identified.

He added that investigations into the group have been expanded in coordination with the Ministry of Foreign Affairs.

Since the new government came to power, 11 members of organized crime gangs hiding abroad have been brought back to the island and produced before courts.

Meanwhile, operations to arrest members of organized crime gangs involved in various criminal activities, including murder and drug trafficking, within the country are also ongoing.

The Minister added that the Police Special Task Force and the Criminal Investigation Department (CID) are jointly conducting investigations into the allegations against them.

News

Ex-Minister Duminda Dissanayake arrested

Published

17 hours ago

May 23, 2025

editor

Former Minister and Anuradhapura District Organiser of the Sri Lanka Freedom Party (SLFP) – Duminda Dissanayake, has been arrested in connection with the ongoing investigation into the discovery of a gold-colored T-56 assault rifle at a luxury apartment complex in Havelock Town, Wellawatte.

The firearm, found earlier this week, led to the arrest of 03 suspects, based on information revealed during interrogations conducted in connection with the incident.