News

Train fares to be revised

Published

12 months 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

Racket using Alipay accounts?

Published

7 mins ago

May 3, 2024

nipuni

Details of an organized gang that creates Alipay accounts by paying Rs. 3,500 to passport holders, have been revealed.

It is said that the gang uses the passport details to create Alipay accounts which they take over with the passwords after the payment.

It is yet to be revealed whether they are misusing these AliPay accounts for criminal activities.

The CID has also initiated an investigation over financial frauds being committed via online banking services.

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SJB rally gets 2 groups from Kelaniya

Published

16 mins ago

May 3, 2024

nipuni

It is reported that two groups representing the Kelaniya area have participated in the recent May Day rally of the Samagi Jana Balawegaya (SJB).

The groups include that of SJB chairman – Sarath Fonseka and former opposition leader of the Kelaniya Pradeshiya Sabha – Vipula Peiris.

Reports say that Peiris’ group was significantly larger.

Meanwhile it is reported that Fonseka had attended the rally without an invite and had made a quick exit as well.

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Visa issue : Measures against officials challenging cabinet decision

Published

1 hour ago

May 3, 2024

nipuni

The government has issued a statement following the recent chaos at the Bandaranaike International Airport in Katunayake and allegations over outsourcing the on arrival visa process.

In a statement, the Department of Government Information refutes claims stating that the on arrival visa process has been outsourced sans a cabinet decision. It notes that Cabinet approval was granted last September to a proposal tabled by Minister Tiran Alles.

As per the procurement process, it was outsourced to VFS Global, a company with over 3388 centres across 151 countries, it adds.

The statement also mentions that the government has decided to look into issues that had recently taken place due to the company’s visa issuing process.

It adds that reports claiming that the entire visa process has been outsourced to a foreign company, are also baseless, clarifying only the facilitation work for visa issuance has been assigned to this company.

The statement also notes that the government will take necessary action against officials who are challenging the aforementioned cabinet decision in action or by issuing statements.

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