September 15, Colombo (LNW): The Ministry responsible for Transport, Highways, Ports, and Civil Aviation has launched a procurement drive to acquire 100 state-of-the-art low-floor buses, intended to improve urban mobility and enhance commuter experience across major cities.

The planned fleet will feature modern, passenger-friendly designs focused on comfort, efficiency, and accessibility. According to Ministry sources, the initiative is aimed at alleviating the mounting pressures of urban traffic while encouraging a shift away from private vehicle use.

By offering a more reliable and inclusive public transport option, officials hope to reduce road congestion and support environmentally sustainable commuting practices.

Particular emphasis is being placed on ensuring these buses are suitable for all members of the public, including senior citizens and individuals with limited mobility. Low-floor access, priority seating, and advanced boarding features are expected to form part of the design requirements, enabling a more equitable transit experience.

To move the project forward, the Ministry has issued an open call for bids from qualified suppliers and manufacturers. Interested parties have been invited to submit detailed proposals through the Ministry’s Procurement Division, situated at Sethsiripaya Stage II in Battaramulla.

The bidding process is expected to adhere strictly to national procurement regulations, ensuring transparency and value for public funds.

Officials believe that the introduction of these modern buses will mark a turning point in Sri Lanka’s approach to public transport planning—moving towards a system that is not only more efficient but also inclusive and forward-thinking.

Further information regarding technical specifications and submission guidelines can be found on the Ministry’s official website or by contacting the department directly through the provided communication channels.

http://www.transport.gov.lk

September 15, Colombo (LNW): A comprehensive national campaign to revitalise towns and cities across Sri Lanka was officially launched today, as the country embarks on a week-long programme aimed at fostering sustainable urban development under the theme of creating a “City of Renaissance.”

Spearheaded by the Ministry of Public Administration, Provincial Councils, and Local Government, the initiative will run from September 15 to 21, engaging local authorities islandwide in a coordinated effort to reimagine urban spaces, improve civic infrastructure, and strengthen community services.

Deputy Minister of Provincial Councils and Local Government P. Ruwan Senarath noted that the project seeks to go beyond short-term beautification efforts. He emphasised that the campaign is designed to cultivate long-lasting improvements that respond to the practical needs of residents while safeguarding the natural and built environment.

The programme encourages local councils to tailor their activities to the specific needs of their communities. Planned efforts include town clean-up drives, infrastructure repairs, community outreach programmes, tree-planting campaigns, and educational workshops on civic responsibility and environmental stewardship.

September 15, Colombo (LNW): A rift within Sri Lanka’s rice industry has led to a notable shortage of Keeri Samba rice in Pettah, one of the country’s busiest wholesale trading hubs, as traders refuse to sell the premium variety due to price disputes.

According to several wholesalers operating in Pettah, they have temporarily halted sales of Keeri Samba rice after receiving stock from suppliers at prices exceeding the government’s mandated maximum retail price of Rs. 260 per kilogramme.

With the wholesale acquisition cost already higher than the price ceiling, sellers argue that continuing to trade would result in significant financial losses.

This impasse has trickled down to the retail level, with many shopkeepers also withdrawing Keeri Samba from their shelves, citing unsustainable costs and shrinking profit margins.

In response to the growing tension, the United Rice Producers’ Association has urged the government to reconsider the imposed price controls on Samba and Keeri Samba varieties, claiming that the current cap is no longer viable given rising production and transportation costs. They argue that maintaining an artificial price limit is distorting the market and discouraging fair trade practices.

However, not all stakeholders share this view. The Sri Lanka Small and Medium Scale Paddy Mill Owners’ Association has issued a warning against lifting the price cap, alleging that powerful millers are manipulating the market to engineer an artificial scarcity.

According to the association, such tactics are designed to drive prices higher and maximise profit at the expense of both consumers and small-scale producers.

Amidst the ongoing debate, the National Farmers’ Union has called on the government to step in urgently and mediate a resolution. They warn that continued inaction could lead to widespread supply chain disruptions, placing additional strain on both farmers and consumers, especially as demand increases during the festive season and upcoming religious observances.

September 15, Colombo (LNW): Trade unions representing workers across the Ceylon Electricity Board (CEB) have declared that their industrial action will be significantly intensified starting today, in protest against the government’s proposed plan to restructure the utility into four separate entities.

The protest, which has been gaining momentum since its launch earlier this month, was originally rolled out in stages. The initial phase took the form of a “work-to-rule” campaign, during which employees limited their duties strictly to those outlined in their official job descriptions, avoiding any voluntary or additional responsibilities.

The strike action, now entering its twelfth day, has been spearheaded by the Ceylon Electricity Board Engineers’ Union (CEBEU) in collaboration with a broad coalition of affiliated unions. Despite nearly two weeks of sustained action, union leaders claim that the authorities have yet to open any meaningful dialogue to address their grievances.

September 15, Colombo (LNW): Deputy Minister of Public Security, Attorney-at-Law Sunil Watagala has strongly denied rumours circulating on certain social media channels alleging that he has recently acquired a high-end residence in Colombo, describing the claims as entirely baseless and part of a calculated effort to discredit him.

In a public statement, Watagala clarified that all his possessions have been truthfully disclosed in his official declaration of assets and liabilities, and that he has not made any recent property acquisitions beyond what is legally recorded. He attributed the emergence of these rumours to the growing backlash he has faced after raising serious allegations against drug networks and their affiliates.

“These falsehoods are a deliberate attempt to tarnish my name,” Watagala said. “The individuals and interests behind these fabrications are clearly unnerved by the exposure I have brought upon narcotics operations and those connected to them. In response, they have launched an organised campaign to undermine my integrity.”

Watagala revealed that he plans to take formal legal action, both by lodging a complaint with the Criminal Investigation Department (CID) and initiating defamation proceedings against those responsible for spreading the misinformation.

September 15, Colombo (LNW): Several spells of showers will occur in Western and Sabaragamuwa provinces and in Galle, Matara, Kandy and Nuwara-Eliya districts, the Department of Meteorology said in its daily weather forecast today (15).

Showers or thundershowers will occur at several places in Uva and Eastern provinces and in Hambantota district after 1.00 p.m. Fairly heavy falls about 50 mm are likely at some places.

Cloudy skies can be expected over Eastern, Uva, Central and Southern provinces.

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


Marine Weather:

Condition of Rain:
Showers will occur at several places in the sea areas off the coast extending from Chilaw to Matara via Colombo and Galle.

Winds:
Winds will be south-westerly and wind speed will be (30-40) kmph.

Wind speed can increase up to (50-55) kmph at times in the sea areas off the coast extending from Matara to Pottuvil via Hambantota.

Wind speed can increase up to (40-50) kmph at times in the sea areas off the coast extending from Kankasanthurai to Matara via Puttalam, Colombo and Galle.

State of Sea:
The sea areas off the coast extending from Matara to Pottuvil via Hambantota may be rough at times.

The sea areas off the coast extending from Kankasanthurai to Matara via Puttalam, Colombo and Galle may be fairly rough at times.

September 14, Colombo (LNW): The Ministry of Education has officially released the national examination schedule for the 2026 academic year, confirming the dates for several key public exams, including the G.C.E. Ordinary Level, Advanced Level, and Grade 5 Scholarship examinations.

According to the announcement, the 2025 (2026) G.C.E. Ordinary Level examination—originally scheduled for the end of 2025 but postponed due to academic calendar adjustments—will now be held from February 17 to 26, 2026.

The G.C.E. Advanced Level examination is set to take place from August 10 to September 05, 2026, allowing candidates nearly a full month to complete assessments across various subject streams.

In the case of younger pupils, the Grade 5 Scholarship examination as been scheduled for August 09, 2026.

Looking ahead, the Ministry also confirmed that the regular 2026 G.C.E. Ordinary Level examination will return to its standard December slot and will be conducted from December 08 to 17, 2026.

By: Staff Writer

September 14, Colombo (LNW): Sri Lanka’s public finances showed a marked turnaround in the first half of 2025, with higher revenues and a sharply reduced deficit boosting hopes of meeting year-end fiscal targets.

Yet, analysts warn that the recovery rests on a fragile base, heavily dependent on volatile import duties and overshadowed by steep debt servicing costs.

According to the Finance Ministry’s Fiscal Review Report for January–June, government revenue rose 24.7 percent year-on-year to Rs. 2.3 trillion, while the budget deficit narrowed by 32.3 percent to Rs. 405.6 billion, compared with Rs. 598.9 billion during the same period in 2024.

Officials expressed confidence that the government is on course to limit the deficit to 6.5 percent of GDP by year-end, a key target under fiscal consolidation.

Much of the revenue surge, however, stemmed from a one-off boost in excise duty on motor vehicles, which climbed to Rs. 129.1 billion following the relaxation of import restrictions earlier this year.

Economists cautioned that such windfalls make fiscal performance vulnerable to swings in import demand, exchange rate volatility, and policy changes.

The International Monetary Fund (IMF) has also stressed the need for broader, more sustainable tax reforms to reduce reliance on unpredictable revenue streams.

Beyond vehicle duties, other tax categories performed relatively well. Income tax collections increased by 9.2 percent to Rs. 489 billion, while VAT receipts jumped 27.6 percent to Rs. 876 billion, including Rs. 354 billion from imports.

The Special Commodity Levy soared 70.5 percent to Rs. 77.6 billion. Both the Inland Revenue Department and Customs reported stronger compliance and enforcement, helping them achieve a large share of their half-year targets.

Yet the structure of revenue growth remains skewed towards trade-related duties, keeping the country’s tax base narrow and highly sensitive to external conditions.

On the expenditure side, pressures remain persistent. Government spending expanded by 10.9 percent to Rs. 2.7 trillion, driven by a 13 percent rise in recurrent expenditure to Rs. 2.5 trillion. Debt servicing continues to weigh heavily, with interest payments alone consuming Rs. 1.2 trillion in the six-month period.

Meanwhile, capital expenditure and net lending contracted by 8.6 percent to Rs. 224 billion—a reduction that helps contain the deficit in the short term but risks undermining long-term economic growth by cutting back on infrastructure and development projects.

Sri Lanka’s mid-year fiscal performance highlights tangible progress in deficit reduction, but it also underscores the delicate balance policymakers face.

While headline numbers point to recovery, the country’s dependence on volatile import-related taxes, coupled with soaring debt obligations and underfunded investment, threatens to erode the foundations of fiscal stability.