By: Staff Writer

March 17, Colombo (LNW): Vehicle owners across Sri Lanka are encountering an increasingly visible form of pollution enforcement: random roadside emission inspections.

The move comes as the government tightens environmental regulations and restructures the country’s vehicle emission monitoring system, signaling a shift toward more aggressive compliance measures.

Officials from the Department of Motor Traffic and the Sri Lanka Police have intensified surprise roadside checks to identify vehicles exceeding emission limits.

Authorities say the inspections are necessary as Sri Lanka reforms its emission testing framework and addresses longstanding issues of malpractice in the certification process.

Transport Minister Bimal Rathnayake acknowledged that some testing centers had previously issued fraudulent emission certificates, undermining the integrity of the system.

“Emission testing remains a legal requirement and an essential environmental safeguard. We are strengthening enforcement to eliminate malpractice and ensure compliance,” the minister said.

Sri Lanka’s emission testing programme requires all vehicles to obtain a valid emission certificate before receiving their annual revenue license. The tests are currently conducted through private operators contracted by the government.

Two major companies involved in the programme LAUGFS Eco Sri and CleanCo Lanka—operate testing centers across the country. Their contracts are scheduled to expire at the end of 2026, with new agreements expected to introduce tighter oversight and improved monitoring systems.

In the meantime, enforcement authorities are filling regulatory gaps with direct field inspections.

Vehicle owners report that police checkpoints now include portable emission analyzers capable of detecting excessive pollutants on the spot.

Officials say the increased monitoring is also linked to new environmental regulations taking effect in 2026.

Among them are proposed monthly quality inspections for passenger transport vehicles, particularly buses and vans operating long-distance routes exceeding 100 kilometers. Under new rules being considered, such vehicles may be required to obtain updated emission certificates within 48 hours of major trips.

The government has also introduced stricter internal controls. A circular issued in February 2026 mandates annual fuel efficiency testing and detailed logbook inspections for all government-owned vehicles, aimed at reducing public sector fuel consumption and emissions.

At the same time, Sri Lanka is restructuring the Vehicular Emission Test Trust Fund (VETTF) under the Public Financial Management Act No. 44 of 2024, transferring its financial assets to the Treasury to improve fiscal oversight.

Some vehicle owners, however, view the rise in roadside inspections as a sign that authorities are moving away from relying solely on testing centers.

Environmental experts say a combination of stricter regulations, improved technology, and stronger enforcement could significantly reduce urban air pollution.

But whether the new system will deliver cleaner ai or simply more inspections remains to be seen as Sri Lanka reshapes its emission control strategy.

By: Staff Writer

March 17, Colombo (LNW): Despite billions of rupees raised for post-disaster recovery, Sri Lanka’s ambitious rebuilding programme is facing bureaucratic delays that are slowing the relocation of vulnerable communities and the reconstruction of housing.

The government established the “Rebuilding Sri Lanka” Fund to finance reconstruction following recent disasters, with a powerful seven-member Management Committee overseeing spending under the Presidential Secretariat of Sri Lanka.

However, progress on some key initiatives particularly housing relocation has stalled due to administrative bottlenecks.

Officials say one of the most pressing obstacles is the shortage of technical officers from the National Building Research Organisation (NBRO), whose safety assessments are required before communities can be relocated from disaster-prone areas.

Communities in regions such as Ududumbara and Gampola remain in temporary conditions even though funding has been allocated for relocation.

The issue was highlighted during a progress review meeting chaired by Nandika Sanath Kumanayake, where officials called for urgent action to accelerate reconstruction efforts.

According to government sources, stronger coordination between agencies—including the Disaster Management Centre, local authorities, and technical institutions—is now being prioritized.

The reconstruction programme involves massive financial commitments.

More than Rs. 8.5 billion has been collected domestically through donations from businesses and citizens, while international contributions exceed US$9.49 million, according to Finance Ministry data.

In addition, the government has already released Rs. 24.4 billion in state funds to support relief measures and economic recovery.

Nevertheless officials acknowledge that funding alone cannot guarantee progress.

“Coordination between institutions remains a key challenge. We need faster approvals and technical clearances to move people to safe housing,” a government official involved in reconstruction planning said.

Technology is also being introduced to improve transparency. Researchers at the Massachusetts Institute of Technology have developed a digital reporting system for the reconstruction fund free of charge, with technical support from Microsoft.

The platform will allow authorities to track project progress and financial disbursements in real time.

Meanwhile, the government is planning to construct over 50,000 new houses in 2026, supported by a US$4.1 billion reconstruction estimate prepared with the World Bank.

But until safety clearances, administrative coordination, and project approvals accelerate, thousands of families displaced by disasters may continue waiting for permanent homes.

Officials now say speeding up these processes has become a top priority as Sri Lanka attempts to translate reconstruction funding into visible recovery on the ground.

By: Isuru Parakrama

March 17, Colombo (LNW): The Attorney General’s Office has come under fire in the accusation of being a legal shield to teachers and principals who use corporal punishment to children.

Prominent child rights advocate Dr Thushara Wickramanayake has launched a scathing critique of the Attorney General’s Department, accusing the office of undermining the Constitution by providing a legal shield to teachers and principals who use corporal punishment on children.

In an open appeal addressed to President Anura Kumara Dissanayake, Prime Minister Dr Harini Amarasuriya, and the Ministers of Justice and Women and Child Affairs, Dr Wickramanayake called for the immediate withdrawal of a controversial police circular dating back to 2009.


The “Two-Tier” Justice System

The core of the dispute lies in a directive issued by the Attorney General on August 07, 2009. The circular instructs Sri Lanka Police to refer all complaints of physical abuse involving school staff to the AG’s office before taking further action, provided the incident occurred during school hours and the injuries are deemed “not serious.”

Dr Wickramanayake argues that this directive creates a legal loophole specifically for educators, effectively preventing the immediate arrest and prosecution of those accused of child cruelty.

“Section 12 of the Constitution of the Democratic Socialist Republic of Sri Lanka states that the law must be equal for every citizen and must be implemented equally,” she noted. “Why is the law being bent specifically for teachers while no other profession receives such special treatment?”


Mental Trauma Ignored

A significant point of contention raised by Dr Wickramanayake is the failure to account for psychological harm. Under Section 308A of the Penal Code, “Child Cruelty” encompasses both physical and mental abuse.

Dr Wickramanayake questioned the AG’s criteria for “serious” injury, asking: How can the AG assess a child’s mental trauma through a circular? Does the lack of visible scarring mean no crime was committed? By delaying legal advice for nearly a decade in some cases, is the AG’s office acting as a “secondary abuser” by allowing offenders to remain in classrooms?


A Call for Executive Action

The activist described the current state of child protection as a “farce,” stating that the Attorney General cannot act as “judge and jury” by overriding statutory laws through administrative circulars. She argued that the directive prioritises administrative convenience over the “best interests of the child.”

The appeal concludes with a firm demand to the new administration to uphold the rule of law and ensure that school environments are safe for all children, regardless of the perpetrator’s professional status.

March 17, Colombo (LNW): Private tuition classes across Sri Lanka will not be permitted on Wednesdays, now designated as a weekly public holiday, as part of a wider effort to curb fuel consumption, authorities have announced.

Prabath Chandrakeerthi confirmed that the restriction applies islandwide, bringing after-school academic activities in line with the government’s broader midweek closure policy.

At the same time, universities have been directed to shift teaching online where possible. According to Wasantha Liyanage of the University Grants Commission, vice chancellors have been advised to ensure lectures continue via digital platforms to minimise disruption to higher education.

Students currently residing in university hostels will be allowed to remain on campus, with their studies continuing remotely. However, individual universities have been granted discretion to decide whether students may return home or be granted leave, depending on prevailing circumstances.

The sweeping measures form part of a government strategy to brace for potential fuel shortages linked to ongoing global tensions. Weekly public holidays on Wednesdays will apply to most state institutions, including schools, universities, and courts, although critical sectors such as healthcare, ports, water services, and customs will continue to function as usual.

The policy was finalised following high-level consultations chaired by President Anura Kumara Dissanayake and Prime Minister Harini Amarasuriya, alongside senior ministers and top officials. Discussions centred on safeguarding essential services while preparing for possible constraints in fuel availability.

In a further move to conserve resources, all state-sponsored ceremonial events have been suspended indefinitely. Authorities are also engaging with private sector stakeholders, including business chambers and trade unions, to encourage similar energy-saving practices beyond the public sector.

Officials noted that fuel distribution continues under the existing QR-based system, with ongoing assessments to prioritise supply for vital industries such as agriculture, healthcare, tourism, and manufacturing. Special attention is being given to maintaining transport networks for essential goods, particularly food distribution.

To oversee the evolving situation, the Cabinet has established several dedicated committees tasked with ensuring continuity of public services, managing energy use, monitoring essential goods distribution, and addressing welfare concerns among vulnerable groups.

While Wednesdays are now largely non-working days for the public sector, ministry secretaries and department heads retain the authority to deploy limited staff where necessary to maintain critical functions. Weekend closures for most government offices will also remain in place.

Despite assurances that current fuel reserves are adequate, officials say these precautionary steps are intended to strengthen preparedness and minimise disruption should global supply conditions worsen.

March 17, Colombo (LNW): Sri Lanka’s education authorities have confirmed that government-run schools will not operate on Wednesdays until further notice, as the country grapples with persistent fuel shortages.

Education Ministry Secretary Nalaka Kaluwewe stated that the move aligns with a broader government directive granting weekly leave to public sector workers in an effort to reduce fuel consumption and ease pressure on limited energy supplies.

The policy follows high-level discussions led by President Anura Kumara Dissanayake, who stressed the need for careful energy management while keeping vital economic and public services running. The meeting, held at the Presidential Secretariat, brought together senior ministers and top bureaucrats to map out immediate responses to the ongoing crisis.

Officials indicated that the weekly closure of schools is part of a wider administrative adjustment affecting much of the public sector. Prabath Chandrakeerthi confirmed that all state employees will be given leave every Wednesday beginning this week, with the arrangement extending to universities and courts as well.

Despite the sweeping changes, authorities have assured the public that critical services will continue uninterrupted. Sectors such as healthcare, port operations, water supply, and rail transport are expected to function normally, with employees in these areas exempt from the midweek break.

In addition, the Cabinet has reportedly established several specialised committees to monitor the evolving situation and recommend further measures. These groups are expected to play a key role in shaping both short-term responses and longer-term strategies as Sri Lanka navigates its energy constraints.

March 17, Colombo (LNW): Google has informed the Karnataka High Court that a petition lodged by a sitting Sri Lankan Supreme Court judge, seeking the removal of allegedly defamatory online reports, is not legally sustainable, a report by Indian Express disclosed.

The case centres on Justice A.H.M.D. Nawaz, who has asked the court to order Google India to take down links connected to news articles published in 2015 and 2020 by Sri Lanka-based outlets Colombo Telegraph and LankaNews. The judge contends that the material has harmed his professional standing.

Representing Google, advocate Manu P. Kulkarni argued that the Indian court lacks jurisdiction in the matter. He maintained that the petitioner, being a Sri Lankan judge, is challenging content that originated outside India, making the case inappropriate for adjudication by an Indian forum. Kulkarni further criticised the filing as overly speculative and urged the court to dismiss it outright.

He also emphasised that Google India should not be named in the proceedings, asserting that responsibility lies instead with Google LLC, the parent entity headquartered in the United States.

Google’s legal team warned that entertaining such petitions could set a precedent, encouraging individuals from across the globe to approach Indian courts over online content, thereby placing undue strain on the judicial system.

On the other side, counsel for Justice Nawaz, advocate Prabhakaran Ramachandran, pressed the court to adopt a firm stance against what he described as damaging and malicious reporting targeting members of the judiciary. He argued that judges must be safeguarded from reputational attacks that could undermine public confidence in the legal system.

During the proceedings, the petitioner’s counsel also raised concerns about social media activity allegedly linked to the journalist behind the disputed articles. It was suggested that commentary published while the matter is under consideration could potentially amount to contempt of court.

Addressing Google’s objections on jurisdiction, Ramachandran contended that the right to equality before the law, as enshrined in Article 14 of the Indian Constitution, extends to non-citizens as well. He argued that if harmful content is accessible within India, affected individuals—regardless of nationality—should be entitled to seek legal recourse in Indian courts.

Justice Nawaz has described the articles as deeply injurious, claiming they amount to a severe assault on his reputation. He further explained that initiating legal action in Sri Lanka would be problematic due to the principle that a judge cannot preside over a matter in which they have a personal interest.

Presiding over the case, Justice Sachin Shankar Magadum directed the petitioner to revise the filing and instructed both the central government and Google to submit their responses. The matter is scheduled to be heard again later this month.

March 17, Colombo (LNW): Sri Lanka’s road infrastructure is set for a significant technological upgrade following the recent delivery of state-of-the-art unmanned aerial vehicles (UAVs) to the Road Development Authority.

These sophisticated drones, provided through a collaborative initiative with the Japan International Cooperation Agency (JICA), are earmarked for critical safety operations aimed at mitigating the country’s persistent threat of earth slips and hillside collapses.

The partnership gained momentum in the wake of the devastating Cyclone Ditwah, which battered the island late last year. Responding to the urgent need for rapid damage assessment, Japanese technical experts assisted local engineers in conducting extensive surveys of the worst-hit transport corridors.

This latest equipment handover marks a formal evolution of that cooperation, shifting the focus towards long-term resilience and preventative maintenance for the national motorway network through 2028.

Equipped with high-precision sensors, the new fleet allows for the creation of intricate 3D topographical maps and real-time monitoring of unstable slopes that were previously inaccessible or too hazardous for manual inspection. By feeding crystal-clear visual data directly into the national road management database, the technology enables officials to pinpoint vulnerabilities before they lead to catastrophic failures.

This shift toward data-driven disaster management ensures that emergency teams can deploy resources more efficiently, ultimately safeguarding commuters and maintaining vital supply chains during the monsoon seasons.