News

Nine-arch bridge, Demodara railway loop to be protected under new heritage management program

Published

9 months ago

July 30, 2024

editor

A memorandum of understanding among the Ministry of Transport and Highways, Urban Development Authority, and the Central Cultural Fund regarding the tourism management project in the area around Ella Nine-Arch Bridge was signed yesterday at the Prime Minister’s Office under the patronage of Prime Minister Dinesh Gunawardena.

For the first time in Sri Lanka, an ambulance service is to be commenced adjoining to a national heritage site. As the second step of this project, it has been proposed to start a tourism management project in connection with Demodara railway station.

The Prime Minister commenting on this occasion stated that he wish to express his appreciation for developing tourism hubs through such projects and working to increase tourist attraction. Pointing out that 9-arch bridge in Ella was an engineering marvel in that era, the Prime Minister emphasized that while carrying out these projects, the existence and stability of the natural environment should be protected and the heritage of the future generations should also be taken into consideration.

Mr. Bandula Gunawardena, Minister of Transport, stated that Ella Odyssey, Dunhinda Odyssey and Calypso trains are important steps in promoting tourism. He further stated that the proposal to modernize and develop the railway service, which is very important in connection with these projects, has already been submitted to the President as the Minister of Transport.

Mr. Gamini Ranasinghe, Director General of the Central Cultural Fund, and Mr. S.S. Mudalige, General Manager of Sri Lanka Railway Department signed this agreement.

Minister of Buddha Sasana, Vidura Wickramanayake, Member of Parliament, Yadamini Gunawardena, Secretary to the Prime Minister Anura Dissanayake, Secretary to the Ministry of Transport Ranjith Rubasinghe, Secretary to the Ministry of Buddha Sasana H.M.P.B. Herath and officials from the ministries participated in this event.

(dailynews.lk)

(Except for the headline, this story, originally published by dailynews.lk has not been edited by SLM staff)

News

“Reports of Wijepala – Nissanka meeting, fake”

Published

9 hours ago

April 18, 2025

editor

The Public Security Ministry has denied media reports claiming that the Public Security minister – Ananda Wijepala had met Nissanka Senadhipathi.

The Minister’s media secretary had clarified this in a letter to Acting IGP Priyantha Weerasuriya.
Adding that the neither the Minister or a representative had ever met Senadhipathi as claimed, the letter calls for proper investigations into the fake news and legal action against those responsible.

News

Special allowance for policemen on duty at ‘Siri Dalada Vandanawa’

Published

14 hours ago

April 18, 2025

editor

A special transport allowance and a combined allowance will be provided to police personnel assigned to ensure the safety of devotees attending the exposition of the Sacred Tooth Relic (Siri Dalada Vandanawa) in Kandy, the police said.

The measure has been taken over the instructions of the Acting IGP, in consideration of the fact that these police personnel will be on continuous day and night duty for over 10 days, away from their regular stations and incurring additional personal expenses.

News

Ravi K’s Bill to repeal Online Safety Act, gazetted

Published

14 hours ago

April 18, 2025

editor

The Bill to repeal the Online Safety Act, No. 9 of 2024, and other regulations concerning the Act, has been gazetted.

The Online Safety Bill was passed by a majority vote in Parliament on Jan. 24, 2024.

The Bill that has been gazetted was submitted by opposition MP Ravi Karunanayake.

On Feb. 28, 2025, MP Karunanayake submitted a private member’s Bill to the Parliament Secretary-General, aiming to repeal the controversial Online Safety Act.