Countdown timers for 200 traffic lights

Published

2 months ago

March 7, 2025

editor

It has been decided to install countdown timers to 200 traffic lights across urban areas.

The Department of Motor Transport has announced that the Vehicle Emissions Trust Fund is financing the project.

The fund is scheduled to allocate Rs.56 million for its first phase of which Rs.33 million has recently been provided to the Urban Development Authority.

Once operational, these upgraded traffic signals will aid drivers know the precise time to proceed, allowing them to manage engine idling effectively.

The Department of Motor Transport stated that this measure is expected to improve fuel efficiency and reduce unnecessary vehicle emissions, contributing to environmental sustainability.

SLAF helicopter crashes into Maduru Oya during training session

Published

2 hours ago

May 9, 2025

editor

A Bell 212 helicopter belonging to the Sri Lanka Air Force (SLAF) has reportedly crashed today (May 09) into the Maduru Oya Reservoir.

The incident occurred during a training exercise held as part of the Sri Lanka Army Special Forces passing-out ceremony in Maduru Oya.

The aircraft was carrying ten Special Forces soldiers and two pilots at the time of the incident.

American Cardinal elected as new Pope: Pope Leo XIV

Published

2 hours ago

May 9, 2025

editor

Following a 02-day papal conclave, American Cardinal Robert Prevost has been elected as the new Pope yesterday (May 08) evening, Vatican time.

At 69, Cardinal Robert Prevost was elected as the 267th Pope, taking the name Pope Leo XIV.

He becomes the first American to ascend to the papacy in the 2,000-year history of the Catholic Church.

Pope Leo XIV now assumes spiritual leadership of the world’s 1.4 billion Catholics.

The election follows the death of His Holiness Pope Francis, who passed away on April 21 at the age of 88 at his residence in Casa Santa Marta, Vatican City, a day after participating in Easter Mass at St. Peter’s Basilica.

News

Heavy rains expected in the afternoon

Published

3 hours ago

May 9, 2025

editor

The Department of Meteorology says that showers or thundershowers will occur at most places of the island after 1.00 p.m. today (May 09).

Showers may occur in Western province and in Puttalam, Galle and Matara districts in the morning too.

Fairly heavy rains above 50 mm are likely at some places in Western, Sabaragamuwa, Central, Northern and North-central provinces.

The general public is kindly requested to take adequate precautions to minimize damages caused by temporary localized strong winds and lightning during thundershowers.

Misty conditions can be expected at some places in Sabaragamuwa, Central and Uva provinces and in Ampara and Polonnaruwa districts during the morning.