News

PWJA calls to recall decision on ID requirement for cabinet briefing

Published

2 weeks ago

April 30, 2025

editor

The Professional Web Journalists Association (PWJA) has expressed concerns over the government’s decision to make state-issued media accreditation cards mandatory for journalists attending the weekly cabinet briefing.

The association was responding to a recent statement made by Minister of Media – Dr Nalinda Jayatissa, who stated that only journalists holding the media accreditation issued by the Department of Government Information would be permitted to attend the weekly Cabinet briefing in the future.

The PWJA further notes that the move restricts media freedom while harming democratic sentiments of the country.

Noting that the PWJA strongly feels that the cabinet briefing should remain open to all media stations and journalists, the collective urges the government and the Department of Government Information to recall this decision immediately.

The PWJA also urges the journalism fraternity to engage in their profession in a manner that safeguards media ethics at all times.

The full statement of the PWJA in Sinhala is shown below.

News

PC suspended for WhatsApping confidential police info

Published

2 hours ago

May 15, 2025

editor

.A constable attached to the Parliamentary Security Division has been suspended for allegedly sharing confidential police information through a WhatsApp group, violating official protocols.

According to Police Headquarters, the suspect had been operating a WhatsApp group under the name “CRTM / RTM message No. 3” on his personal phone without authorization from senior officers.

Investigations revealed that several members of the group were civilians or unaffiliated with the police, and that sensitive internal communications meant for police personnel were shared with unauthorized individuals.

The SSP, Director of the Parliamentary Security Division, has suspended the constable for breaching discipline by irresponsibly disclosing confidential police matters to outsiders.

News

DMT holds “Vehicle tuning dansala” for Vesak

Published

3 hours ago

May 15, 2025

editor

The Department of Motor Traffic (DMT) has organized a special “vehicle tuning Dansala” to be held today and tomorrow (May 15 and 16) in front of its head office in Narahenpita.

In an official statement, the department noted that old motorcycles and three-wheelers – comprising the majority of Sri Lanka’s vehicle population – often lack systematic maintenance due to economic constraints, leading to harmful emissions.

The initiative, organized for the third time by the DMT’s Motor Vehicle Emissions Trust Fund, aims to address this issue.

Free tuning services for motorcycles and three-wheelers will be provided at the dansala, with support from some of Sri Lanka’s most experienced vehicle technicians.

Through this effort, the DMT hopes to improve fuel efficiency, reduce unnecessary fuel expenses, and minimize harmful emissions.

News

New conditions for bus imports from Jan. 2026

Published

3 hours ago

May 15, 2025

editor

Minister of Transport, Highways, Ports and Civil Aviation – Bimal Rathnayake has announced that the government will implement new regulations for the import of public transport buses starting January next year.

Speaking at a media briefing yesterday (May 14), the Minister stated that under the revised guidelines, only buses meeting modern safety and quality standards will be approved for import.

He further stated that the Ministry of Transport will begin inspections to ensure all public transport vehicles currently in operation comply with required safety and operational standards.