News

Seat-only rule for buses withdrawn

Published

2 years ago

January 6, 2023

editor

Health Minister Keheliya Rambukwella said the law on transporting passengers according to the number of seats will be removed from today (06) and the Transport Minister will be informed of this decision in writing.

In view of the rapid spread of Covid-19 pandemic, the Director General of Health Services imposed a law to limit passengers to the number of bus seats. This resulted in a 20 per cent increase in bus fares.

However, at the end of the pandemic, only 10 per cent of the increased percentage was reduced.

Today, the said law is not in force and the National Transport Commission (NTC) has requested the Director General of Health Services on many occasions to reduce the 10 per cent increase.

Transport Minister Bandula Gunawardana has told Health Minister Rambukwella yesterday that the price of diesel has decreased by 15 rupees recently and by 10 rupees earlier.

In total, this amount is a 3.8 per cent of a reduction and in order to reduce bus fares, there should be a decrease of at least 4 per cent.

Therefore, the Transport Minister has further said that there is a possibility of reducing bus fares if the Health Ministry withdraws the law on limiting passengers to the number of bus seats.

If the total percentage of 13.8 is reduced in this manner, the current minimum bus fare of 34 rupees can be reduced by five rupees and other fares will also be reduced similarly, the NTC said.

The NTC said steps would be taken to provide the concession of the bus fare reduction to the passengers as soon as it was officially notified that the law has been removed.

(Aruna)

News

Police media spokesman resigns

Published

9 hours ago

March 20, 2025

editor

The Sri Lanka Police Media Spokesman SSP Buddhika Manatunga has tendered his resignation from the position.

According to reports, he has handed over his letter of resignation to the Acting IGP Priyantha Weerasooriya.

News

Speaker endorses certificate on Inland Revenue (Amendment) Bill

Published

9 hours ago

March 20, 2025

editor

Hon. Speaker of Parliament endorses the certificate on the Bill

The Inland Revenue (Amendment) Bill was passed without amendments in Parliament today (20).

The debate on the Second Reading of this Bill was held today from 5:40 PM to 7:10 PM. Subsequently, following the consideration of the Bill at the Committee Stage, the Inland Revenue (Amendment) Bill was passed in Parliament.

The Inland Revenue (Amendment) Bill was presented to Parliament for its First Reading on 01.03.2025.

Furthermore, Speaker, Dr. Jagath Wickramaratne endorsed the certificate on Inland Revenue (Amendment) Bill today (20), in accordance with Article 79 of the Constitution.

Accordingly, this Bill will be enforced as the Inland Revenue (Amendment) Act No. 02 of 2025.

News

Japan provides fire trucks to Sri Lanka

Published

9 hours ago

March 20, 2025

editor

The Government of Japan, through a grant assistance of JPY 300 million, has decided to provide state-of-the-art Japanese fire trucks to the Government of Sri Lanka to strengthen disaster response capabilities in the country’s Export Processing Zones (EPZs), ensuring a safer business environment and contributing to economic and social stability.

Ambassador of Japan to Sri Lanka – Mr. Akio Isomata SOMATA and Secretary of the Finance Ministry – Mr. K. M. M. Siriwardana, today (March 20) signed and exchanged notes in Colombo on this grant assistance.

The EPZs play a crucial role in Sri Lanka’s economy by attracting investment and driving industrial growth.

The increasing risks of fire hazards and other emergencies risk hampering its critical functions.

The Japanese fire trucks, equipped with cutting-edge technology, will bolster the capacity of EPZs, safeguarding businesses, workers, and communities.

The project also underscores Japan’s unwavering commitment to addressing Sri Lanka’s socio-economic challenges and promoting sustainable development.