April 20, Colombo (LNW): Sri Lanka is set to introduce a new low-floor bus service designed specifically for passengers who are differently-abled, with operations scheduled to begin tomorrow (21) from the Makumbura Multimodal Centre, according to the Ministry of Transport, Highways and Urban Development.

The initiative forms part of the government’s broader efforts to promote inclusivity and safeguard equal access to public services, while also aligning with its “Clean Sri Lanka” programme. Authorities have committed an investment of approximately Rs. 430 million to support the rollout.

Chanuka Jayanga, Chief Operating Officer of Sri Lanka Metro Transit Ltd, stated that the first phase will see 10 newly imported, air-conditioned buses introduced. These vehicles have been purpose-built with low-floor entry and wheelchair access, making boarding significantly easier for passengers with mobility challenges.

Each bus is expected to carry up to 80 persons, with seating for 33, and includes dedicated safety mechanisms to secure wheelchairs during transit. Officials say the design reflects international accessibility standards, marking a step forward for the country’s public transport system.

Initially, the service will connect Makumbura with key routes between Pettah and Kadawatha, while also providing access to major medical facilities such as Maharagama Apeksha Hospital and National Hospital Colombo. Authorities expect the service to be particularly beneficial for patients requiring regular hospital visits.

In preparation for the launch, 28 drivers from the Sri Lanka Transport Board have undergone specialised training to handle the vehicles and assist passengers with special needs. Plans are already under discussion to expand the service to additional routes if the initial phase proves successful.

April 20, Colombo (LNW): Preparations have been completed for the International Walk for Peace, set to commence in Sri Lanka on April 22 and continue until April 28, bringing together religious leaders and participants from several countries.

The initiative, aimed at promoting a universal message of non-violence and harmony, will be led by Ven. Pannakarar Thera, a Vietnamese monk who previously drew global attention for undertaking a high-profile peace march across the United States. He will be joined by members of the Maha Sangha and other spiritual representatives, with organisers expecting a strong local and international turnout.

In conjunction with the walk, a significant religious ceremony known as the As Disa Pooja is scheduled to begin tomorrow afternoon at the revered Ruwanwelisaya, adding a spiritual dimension to the broader event. Devotees from across the island are expected to gather for the observances.

The entire programme is being coordinated by the Maharaja Media Network, which has overseen logistics, outreach, and event planning. Organisers say the walk will pass through several प्रमुख locations, with participants engaging in prayers and community interactions along the route.

Officials involved in the event have expressed hope that the initiative will not only highlight Sri Lanka’s cultural and religious heritage but also reinforce a timely global call for peace amid ongoing international tensions.

April 20, Colombo (LNW): India’s Foreign Secretary, Vikram Misri, has indicated that key energy initiatives between India and Sri Lanka gained renewed momentum during the recent visit of Indian Vice President C. P. Radhakrishnan to the island.

Speaking to journalists in Colombo on Sunday (19), Misri confirmed that discussions centred on the proposed development of an oil storage and distribution hub in Trincomalee, as well as a planned cross-border petroleum pipeline. The matters were raised during talks with Sri Lankan President Anura Kumara Dissanayake, signalling continued political backing for the projects.

The Trincomalee initiative, which also involves the United Arab Emirates, has been under negotiation since 2023 and is widely viewed as a major strategic undertaking in the region. While a firm completion schedule has yet to be outlined, officials suggest the financial scale and long-term benefits make it a priority for all parties involved.

Misri stressed that there is growing urgency to move forward, noting that such infrastructure could play a crucial role in strengthening energy security, particularly during periods of global instability. He hinted that delays in execution may have already cost the region valuable opportunities, especially in light of ongoing tensions affecting global oil supply chains.

An agreement signed last year between Sri Lanka, India and the UAE laid the groundwork for both the oil pipeline and the redevelopment of Trincomalee’s storage facilities. With groundwork already in place, officials from all sides are now expected to intensify efforts to translate plans into tangible progress in the coming months.

April 20, Colombo (LNW): The Department of Registration of Persons has reinstated all its public services from today, including the much-used one-day issuance of National Identity Cards, after resolving a recent technical disruption.

Operations had been brought to an abrupt halt on April 17 when a critical failure in the department’s computer network forced officials to suspend services nationwide. The outage caused delays and inconvenience for applicants awaiting identity documentation.

Authorities have now confirmed that the system fault has been successfully rectified, with technicians working around the clock to restore full functionality. Additional safeguards are also said to have been introduced to minimise the risk of similar disruptions in the future.

Members of the public are therefore able to access all standard services once again, with normal processing and expedited options now fully operational. Officials have advised applicants to proceed as usual while allowing for minor backlogs as the department works through pending requests.

April 20, Colombo (LNW): Gold prices in Sri Lanka have climbed sharply, reflecting a broader upswing in international markets, with local traders reporting a noticeable increase in rates over the past 24 hours.

Market observers note that the global price of gold has risen to approximately 4,829 US dollars per ounce, fuelling a corresponding jump in domestic prices. The upward trend has been attributed to heightened investor demand and ongoing economic uncertainty in key financial regions.

In Colombo’s well-known bullion trading hub at Sea Street, the price of a 22-carat gold sovereign has risen significantly, now reaching around Rs. 370,000.

Traders say customer activity has remained steady despite the higher prices, as many continue to view gold as a safe-haven investment.

Meanwhile, 24-carat gold has also recorded an increase, with a pound now priced at roughly Rs. 402,000, up from Rs. 400,000 the previous day. Dealers expect fluctuations to continue in the coming days, depending on movements in the global market and currency exchange rates.

April 20, Colombo (LNW): Sri Lankan authorities have carried out an extensive nationwide crackdown targeting crime and drug-related offences, resulting in the arrest of 98 individuals with outstanding warrants.

The coordinated operation, led at divisional level and involving police stations across the country, was designed to track down suspects believed to be involved in a range of illegal activities. Officers conducted widespread checks and patrols, signalling a renewed push to curb organised crime and narcotics distribution.

In total, approximately 26,600 people were stopped and searched during the raids, leading to the detention of 608 individuals on suspicion of various offences.

Among those taken into custody, 26 suspects have already been directly linked to ongoing criminal investigations. Authorities suggest further inquiries are underway, with additional arrests likely as follow-up operations continue.

April 20, Colombo (LNW): Classrooms across Sri Lanka came back to life today (20) as the second school term of 2026 commenced in all government and state-assisted Sinhala and Tamil schools, following the New Year holiday break.

The Ministry of Education confirmed that Muslim schools have also resumed academic activities, with the next phase of their first term beginning simultaneously. The reopening follows a pause in studies after the previous phase concluded in early April, allowing students and teachers to observe the Sinhala and Tamil New Year festivities.

According to the academic calendar, the newly started term is scheduled to run until late July, marking one of the longest uninterrupted learning periods of the year. Education officials have encouraged schools to focus on covering missed portions of the syllabus and maintaining steady attendance after the holiday season.

In a parallel development, authorities announced the successful completion of a large-scale distribution of school uniform material for 2026. The fabric, provided as a grant from the Government of China, has been allocated to millions of students across the island, including those in Pirivenas as well as young members of the clergy.

By: Isuru Parakrama

April 20, Colombo (LNW): Sri Lanka’s New Year celebrations have been overshadowed by a surge in fatal incidents, with police confirming that more than 80 people lost their lives over the holiday period.

The deaths, recorded between April 10 and 18, include a significant number linked to road traffic accidents. Authorities reported that 53 individuals were killed in crashes, with the highest toll occurring on the opening days of the festive season, when travel activity was at its peak.

In addition, at least 27 people died in drowning incidents, many of which are believed to have taken place at rivers, reservoirs and coastal areas popular with holidaymakers. Police indicated that a combination of overcrowding, risky behaviour and limited safety precautions may have contributed to the increase.

Officials have expressed concern over the upward trend, noting that this year’s figures exceed those seen in previous New Year periods. They have urged the public to exercise greater caution, particularly when travelling long distances or visiting water bodies during holidays.