The number of Sri Lankan retired military personnel who have lost their lives in the Russia-Ukraine war has climbed to 14, according to Defense sources.
The Defense authorities have disclosed that 134 complaints have been lodged concerning the suspected human trafficking of the country’s retired military personnel into the conflict zone.
These complaints, spanning from the 9th of May to 10 pm last night, underscore the urgency of addressing the illegal trafficking activities surrounding the Russia-Ukraine war.
The Criminal Investigation Department is conducting further investigations into this smuggling ring.
The Ministry of Defense introduced a hotline to report any information regarding this illegal human trafficking racket. The hotline is 0112 441 146
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.
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.
Several Opposition parties have agreed to work together to secure power in 139 Local Government bodies, reports say.
Several opposition party leaders, including those from the SLPP and SLFP, had met with former President Ranil Wickremesinghe yesterday (May 14) to discuss forming joint administrations in local government bodies and they have agreed in principle to collaborate moving forward.
MP Namal Rajapaksa, Nimal Siripala de Silva, Anura Priyadharshana Yapa, Duminda Dissanayake, Udaya Gammanpila, Mano Ganesan, and P. Digambaram met Mr. Wickremesinghe and decided to collaborate in this manner, reports add.