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India hands over successor Donier-228 surveillance aircraft

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India officially handed over a substitute Donier-228 maritime surveillance aircraft to Mr. Sagala Ratnayaka, President’s Senior Advisor on National Security to be used by the Sri Lanka Air Force, today (16) as the Donier-228 aircraft previously handed over to SL a year ago was sent to India for obligatory yearly maintenance.

The formal handover of this successor aircraft took place at the Sri Lanka Air Force Base Katunayake, with Indian High Commissioner in Sri Lanka – Mr. Gopal Baglay officiating.

In addition to the Indian High Commissioner and Mr. Ratnayaka, Secretary of the Defence Ministry – General Kamal Gunaratne (Rtd) and other officials also attended the event.

During the bilateral security discussions that transpired between India and Sri Lanka on January 9, 2018, in New Delhi, the potential acquisition of maritime surveillance aircraft akin to the Dornier type from India was brought to attention. The aim was to bolster Sri Lanka’s capabilities in maritime surveillance. In response, the Indian government had taken proactive measures and decided to provide a Donier-228 maritime surveillance aircraft, which was part of the Indian Navy’s fleet, to Sri Lanka for a span of two years. The aircraft was handed over to the Sri Lanka Air Force on Aug. 15, 2022.

Since its initial arrival in Sri Lanka, the Donier-228 maritime surveillance aircraft has significantly contributed to numerous operations. These encompass a spectrum of activities such as monitoring and safeguarding Sri Lanka’s airspace and exclusive economic zone through maritime and coastal surveillance operations, executing search and rescue missions, and monitoring and controlling maritime pollution.

Speaking during today’s event, Mr Sagala Ratnayaka thanked the Indian government and said, “Our friends, our neighbouring friends, were gracious enough to assist us. It is not only with this aircraft that we have received India’s assistance. It’s been a longstanding relationship, but in more recent times, when we were going through the economic crisis, India stepped up beyond the call of duty to lend us a hand… And we, in our recent visit to India, have developed a closer bond and a vision for how we will work together in the future as well,” he said.

“Connectivity is the key word. It’s a big word, actually. It has a wide area of meaning. It can be road connectivity, it can be people to people connectivity, economic connectivity, logistical connectivity, security connectivity, you know, it’s a large sphere. And we as neighbours cannot change the fact that we are neighbours. We will have to work together to ensure the safety of each other,” he added.

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Measures to formulate national road safety plan

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A discussion on preparing a national-level road safety plan under the “Clean Sri Lanka” programme was held today (April 30) at the Presidential Secretariat.

The incidence of road accidents in Sri Lanka is on the rise, leading to a growing number of fatalities and injuries.

Recognizing the urgent need to raise public awareness on accident prevention and promote discipline in road use, this national plan is being formulated as a key initiative under the “Clean Sri Lanka” programme.

The programme aims to uplift society by fostering social, environmental and moral consciousness. A central focus is placed on building a disciplined society and responsible citizens.

The discussion was attended by the senior officials representing the Insurance Regulatory Commission of Sri Lanka, the National Council on Road Safety, the Independent Television Network (ITN), representatives from the Ministry of Health and Mass Media (Social and Ethics Divisions), Dr. Indika Jagoda, Director of the National Hospital (Accident and Emergency Department), Prof. Sivakumar and Prof. H.R. Pasidu from the University of Moratuwa, the Deputy Inspector General of Police (Traffic) and other relevant officials.

(President’s Media Division (PMD)
30. 04.2025

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Fuel prices slashed

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The CPC has reduced fuel prices with effect from midnight today (April 30).

The price reductions of a litre of fuel are as follows : 
Octane 92 Petrol – reduced by Rs.06 to Rs.293
Octane 95 Petrol – reduced by Rs.20 to Rs.341
Auto Diesel – reduced by Rs.12 to Rs.274
Super Diesel – reduced by Rs. 06 to Rs.325
Kerosene – reduced by Rs.05 to 178

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Laugfs Gas says no price revision in May

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Laugfs Gas PLC, one of the two largest liquefied petroleum (LP) gas suppliers in the country, announced that the company will not revise domestic LP gas prices for the month of May 2025.

This was communicated by the Cluster Director/CEO of Laugfs Gas PLC, Dr. Niroshan J Peiris.

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