News

SLTB overpaid Rs. 3.01 billion for bus procurement in 2024

Published

2 weeks ago

January 3, 2025

editor

Sri Lanka Transport Board (SLTB) has overpaid Rs.3.01 billion in 2024 to purchase 500 buses, each costing Rs.6 million more than the estimated price, according to a report by the National Audit Office.

The loss occurred due to changes made to the decision of purchasing 500 new buses with the remaining US$ 20 million from an Indian loan agreement, based on the Minister’s verbal instructions without any scientific basis.

The SLTB aimed to replace buses older than 15 years and maintain urban services without disruptions.

The procurement process for 400 new buses with 50-54 seats (2×2) and 100 new buses with 32-35 seats (2×2) began on May 23, 2018, based on a Cabinet decision.

All necessary steps for inviting tenders were taken until the Transport Minister changed the decision on January 1, 2020, to purchase 500 new small buses with 32-36 seats and 100 new buses with 42-45 seats.

However, on January 3, 2023, a decision was made to procure 500 new Ashok Leyland Kynx buses with 32 seats each at US$ 26,662.50 per bus (USD 13,311,250 total) from Ashok Leyland Limited India.

The total amount paid for these buses was Rs.5,551 million, with each bus costing Rs.11.02 million. The estimated price for a 32-35 seat bus was Rs.5 million.

News

SJB appoints committee for talks on working together with UNP

Published

9 hours ago

January 16, 2025

editor

The Working Committee of the Samagi Jana Balawegaya (SJB) has approved a proposal for discussions to work together with the United National Party (UNP).

Accordingly, a five-member committee, headed by SJB General Secretary – Ranjith Madduma Bandara, has been appointed for the discussions.

News

China pledges to back sovereignty, territorial integrity & independence of SL (Video)

Published

9 hours ago

January 16, 2025

editor

Zhao Leji, Chairman of the Standing Committee of the National People’s Congress (NPC) of China, stated that China is committed to supporting Sri Lanka’s sovereignty, territorial integrity, and independence.

This statement was made during a meeting between President Anura Kumar Disanayake and Zhao Leji, which took place earlier today (Jan. 16) as part of President Disanayake’s four-day official visit to China.

During the meeting, Chairman Zhao warmly welcomed President Disanayake, further emphasizing that working with Sri Lanka in a continuous and cooperative manner is a key expectation of the Chinese National People’s Congress.

Minister of Foreign Affairs, Foreign Employment, and Tourism – Vijitha Herath, Minister of Transport, Highways, Ports, and Civil Aviation – Bimal Rathnayake, Chinese Ambassador to Sri Lanka – Qi Zhenhong and Sri Lankan Ambassador to China – Majintha Jayesinghe, were also present at the event.

(President’s Media Division)

BIZ

SL President holds talks with globally renowned Chinese companies (Pics)

Published

10 hours ago

January 16, 2025

editor

During his four-day state visit to China, President Anura Kumara Disanayake held a series of strategic discussions with several globally acclaimed leading Chinese corporations following his participation in an investment forum organized by both public and private sector entities in China.

Among the prominent companies involved in these discussions were the China Communications Construction Company Ltd (CCCC), China Petrochemical Corporation (SINOPEC Group), Metallurgical Corporation of China Ltd (MCC), Huawei and BYD Auto.

President Disanayake highlighted the investment opportunities available in Sri Lanka and assured these corporations that the government is committed to providing all necessary facilities and support to investors to foster a business-friendly environment.

Minister of Foreign Affairs, Foreign Employment and Tourism Vijitha Herath and Minister of Transport, Highways, Ports and Civil Aviation Bimal Rathnayake also participated in these significant engagements.

(President’s Media Division)