News

Heavy showers and strong winds expected

Published

10 months ago

September 2, 2024

editor

The Department of Meteorology has forecasted showers or thundershowers at times in the Western, Sabaragamuwa, and North-western provinces, as well as in Galle, Matara, Kandy, and Nuwara-Eliya districts today (2).

Heavy showers exceeding 100 mm are likely in some areas within the Western and Sabaragamuwa provinces, and in Galle and Matara districts.

Additionally, a few showers or thundershowers are expected in the Eastern and Uva provinces during the evening or night.

Strong winds of 40-50 km/h are anticipated over the Western slopes of the central hills, Northern, North-central, and North-western provinces, and in Hambantota and Trincomalee districts.

The public is advised to take precautions against potential damage from strong winds and lightning during these thundershowers.

The sun will be directly overhead in specific locations across Sri Lanka, including Marawila, Narammala, Mawathagama, and Kalmunai, around 12:09 PM today due to its apparent southward relative motion.

News

Ex-Immigration Controller pleads guilty

Published

1 hour ago

July 1, 2025

editor

Controller of Immigration and Emigration – Harsha Illukpitiya, today (July 01) unconditionally pleaded guilty before the Supreme Court in a case related to contempt of court.

The charge stemmed from his failure to comply with a court order related to the e-visa issuance process.

The Supreme Court announced that sentencing will take place on July 24.

News

Nishantha Wickramasinghe remanded again (Update)

Published

1 hour ago

July 1, 2025

editor

Former SriLankan Airlines Chairman – Nishantha Wickramasinghe has been remanded till July 15 by Chief Magistrate Thanuja Lakmali Jayathunga.

(Previous news 2025 July 01,12.15pm.)

Ex-SriLankan Airlines chief produced before court

Former Chairman of SriLankan Airlines – Nishantha Wickramasinghe has been produced before the Colombo Magistrate’s Court by prison officials today (July 01).

Wickramasinghe was arrested last week by the Commission to Investigate Allegations of Bribery or Corruption (CIABOC) and is currently in remand custody,

News

Seat belt compulsory for bus drivers from today

Published

3 hours ago

July 1, 2025

editor

The National Transport Commission (NTC) has announced that starting today (July 01), it will be mandatory for all bus drivers to wear seat belts, with strict penalties for non-compliance.

Under the MotorTraffic Act, bus drivers are legally required to wear seat belts, but a rise in accidents due to drivers ignoring this rule has prompted the authorities to re-enforce it.

Police confirmed that action will be taken against drivers who fail to comply.

Seat belts to be made mandatory for all passengers in expressways

Meanwhile, the Ministry of Transport has also stated that wearing seat belts will be made mandatory to all passengers of light vehicles travelling on expressways from August 01, 2025.

Meanwhile, wearing seat belts will also be mandatory to all passengers of all vehicles on expressways from September 01, 2025.

Minister of Transport, Highways, Ports, and Civil Aviation Bimal Rathnayake also confirmed the directive while speaking to media this morning (July 01) during an inspection tour at the Colombo Central Bus Stand.