News

Train fares to be revised

Published

2 years ago

May 24, 2023

editor

Transport Minister Bandula Gunawardana said that a fare revision should be made to keep train fares lower than bus fares by one third.

Speaking in Parliament today (24), the minister said that a decision based on principle should be taken in this regard.

He also said that the time has come to amend the laws to make the Railways Department an authority.

“We hope to fully digitize ticket issuance and seat reservation within three months. After that, there should be a revision in fares. We should take a policy decision to keep the train fares one-third lower than the bus fares and revise the fares accordingly. It is difficult to make some decisions since the Railways is a department. The institution should deviate from the departmental system in order to maintain efficiency. An Act was drafted in 2001 and 2002 to create a railways authority. I will release this draft to the trade unions and relevant authorities to amend it as necessary. We need support in this initiative on behalf of the future of the country,” he said.

(Aruna)

News

COVID subvariants spreading in Asia detected in Sri Lanka

Published

10 hours ago

May 31, 2025

editor

The Medical Research Institute of Sri Lanka has confirmed that the COVID-19 variant currently spreading in the Asian region has also been identified in the country.

Dr. Jude Jayamaha, a specialist in viral diseases at the Medical Research Institute, stated that patients infected with the Omicron subvariants LF.7 and XFG are being reported locally.

Dr. Jayamaha explained that this finding was confirmed through research conducted on biological samples collected from several hospitals across the island.

However, he emphasized that there is no need for undue fear regarding these COVID-19 variants.

Health authorities have also stressed the importance of vulnerable groups—such as pregnant mothers, the elderly, and those with chronic illnesses—following health guidelines, including wearing face masks and avoiding crowded places.

Dr. Jayamaha reiterated that new COVID-19 variants emerge periodically, and health authorities are continuously monitoring the situation, so the public should remain calm.

(newswire.lk)

(This story, originally published by newswire.lk has not been edited by SLM staff)

News

Anudi misses out from Miss World Quarter-Finals

Published

11 hours ago

May 31, 2025

editor

The Miss World organization has announced its quarter-finalists, selecting 40 contestants from across Asia, Europe, Africa, and the Americas.

Sri Lanka’s Anudi Gunasekara, was not selected in the top 40, despite being recognized for her impressive performances in the Multimedia and Head-to-Head challenges.

The top 40 consisted of 10 contestants each from Asia & Oceania, Europe, Africa and the Americas.