News

Several trains cancelled due to strike

Published

2 years ago

September 12, 2023

editor

Several train services have been cancelled today due to the strike launched by the Sri Lanka Railways Locomotive Operating Engineers’ Union since midnight yesterday (11).

According to the Sri Lanka Railways, about 20 train journeys scheduled to run this morning have been cancelled.

Railway Traffic Deputy General Manager M.J. Idipolage said that several trains coming from Chilaw, Ganewatta and Aluthgama to Colombo as well as several short train journeys scheduled to run from Colombo have been cancelled this morning.

However, he said that trains are arriving from Rambukkana, Polgahawela, Kandy, Maho, Kurunegala, Galle and Avissawella.

S.R.C.M. Senanayake, the Secretary of the Union said that the strike was launched based on an issue related to salary increments.

“Railways engine driver grade has had an issue of no pay code for years. Therefore, there is an issue related to promotions in our grade. Everything has come to a standstill due to lack of recruitment procedure as a result of lack of pay code. Two groups in the engine railway service face grave inconveniences. They continue to pressurise our union to back this. Accordingly, our union informed the President, Prime Minister, Minister of Transport and General Manager of Railways two weeks ago. We had to take trade union action since we have not received a proper answer so far. Only two train yards halted operations today. If there is no answer in the future, all the drivers will join the strike,” he said.

News

12-hr water cut in several areas of Colombo

Published

18 hours ago

May 23, 2025

editor

The National Water Supply and Drainage Board (NWSDB) has announced a 12-hour water cut from 8:00 a.m. to 8:00 p.m. on Sunday (May 25) in several areas, including Colombo, due to essential maintenance work at the Ambatale Water Treatment Plant.

Due to this, the public is urged to make prior arrangements and store an adequate supply of water to avoid inconvenience during the period of the suspension.

Accordingly, the water cut will affect the following areas:

Colombo 01 to Colombo 15
Sri Jayawardenepura Kotte
Kaduwela
Battaramulla
Kolonnawa
Kotikawatta
Mulleriyawa
IDH (Infectious Diseases Hospital) area
Maharagama
Dehiwala
Mount Lavinia
Ratmalana and Moratuwa

News

Investigations underway to arrest 20 criminals hiding overseas

Published

18 hours ago

May 23, 2025

editor

The Ministry of Public Security states that investigations are underway to arrest 20 members of major organized crime gangs currently hiding overseas.

Minister Ananda Wijepala stated that Interpol has already issued red notices for their arrest and that the countries where these criminals are hiding have been identified.

He added that investigations into the group have been expanded in coordination with the Ministry of Foreign Affairs.

Since the new government came to power, 11 members of organized crime gangs hiding abroad have been brought back to the island and produced before courts.

Meanwhile, operations to arrest members of organized crime gangs involved in various criminal activities, including murder and drug trafficking, within the country are also ongoing.

The Minister added that the Police Special Task Force and the Criminal Investigation Department (CID) are jointly conducting investigations into the allegations against them.

News

Ex-Minister Duminda Dissanayake arrested

Published

18 hours ago

May 23, 2025

editor

Former Minister and Anuradhapura District Organiser of the Sri Lanka Freedom Party (SLFP) – Duminda Dissanayake, has been arrested in connection with the ongoing investigation into the discovery of a gold-colored T-56 assault rifle at a luxury apartment complex in Havelock Town, Wellawatte.

The firearm, found earlier this week, led to the arrest of 03 suspects, based on information revealed during interrogations conducted in connection with the incident.