The International Organization for Migration (IOM) has taken the lead in supporting Sri Lanka’s efforts to modernize its border management system through the introduction of an Automated Border Control (ABC) e-Gate system at Bandaranaike International Airport (BIA).

This marks a significant step in the country’s transition toward smarter and more secure travel infrastructure.

The project includes the deployment of a four-lane e-Gate system for arriving and departing passengers, aimed at improving processing efficiency, enhancing national security, and aligning with global travel standards.

While Sri Lanka has yet to issue electronic passports (e-passports), the new system will cater to foreign travelers using eMRTDs and pre-registered Sri Lankan citizens with machine-readable passports (MRTDs).

Recognizing the need for clear operational guidelines, IOM is engaging an international consultant to develop a comprehensive Standard Operating Procedure (SOP) for managing the new system.

This will be done in collaboration with the Department of Immigration & Emigration (DI&E) and other relevant agencies to ensure smooth operations, legal compliance, and effective integration with existing processes.

The initiative, which has faced multiple delays since its inception in 2017, is now being fast-tracked under the current government.

A high-level committee within the Ministry of Transport, Highways, Ports, and Civil Aviation recently reviewed the project’s progress and committed to accelerating approvals and improving inter-agency coordination. The system is being installed with support from a Japanese grant.

Originally, the project saw a slow rollout due to challenges in tender evaluation. A call for bids in December 2021 attracted four offers, yet the contract was only awarded in July 2022 to the highest bidder at Rs. 430 million.

This decision raised concerns, as significantly lower bids—ranging from Rs. 130 million to Rs. 240 million—were rejected without clear explanation.

Official sources suggest immigration authorities may have influenced the procurement timeline, with the chosen bidder later offering a 35% discount from the original quote of US$2.08 million.

Despite the progress, officials from the Finance Ministry caution that the success of the e-Gate system hinges on the issuance of e-passports and upgrading airport systems to support automation.

Current check-in and check-out processes at BIA lack compatibility with modern e-Gate infrastructure, necessitating further technological investment.

 With IOM’s guidance and international expertise, the e-Gate project signals Sri Lanka’s intent to modernize its airport operations and improve border security.

Once fully implemented, the system is expected to significantly reduce passenger congestion and set a new standard for travel efficiency and safety at the country’s main international gateway.

Cabinet Spokesman and Minister of Health and Mass Media, Dr. Nalinda Jayatissa, announced yesterday that the Government has approved a proposal to deploy 100 modern, low-entry, and comfortable buses for public transport through a newly established subsidiary company under the Sri Lanka Transport Board (SLTB).

Speaking at the weekly Cabinet press briefing, the Minister explained that the initiative will be launched as a pilot project, with the new buses to be imported and operated along several major transport corridors including Colombo, Makumbura (Kottawa), Kaduwela, Kadawatha, and Moratuwa.

The Minister emphasised that this initial rollout will be state-run, with the possibility of future expansion involving private sector collaboration based on the project’s success. He noted that the initiative was originally proposed in the 2025 Budget and has now received Cabinet approval. The proposal was submitted by the Minister of Transport, Highways, Ports and Civil Aviation, and the new subsidiary company will be formed under the SLTB in accordance with the Companies Act No. 7 of 2007.

Education Deputy Minister Madhura Seneviratne informed Parliament yesterday that the current restriction on admitting local civil students to the General Sir John Kotelawala Defence University (KDU) medical faculty will continue until the Government completes a comprehensive review of the country’s medical workforce requirements.

He clarified that the restriction—imposed from the third batch of admissions via the Z-score system through the University Grants Commission—is a temporary measure. Stressing that the Government has no intention of closing any university, the Deputy Minister reiterated that the move is part of an ongoing assessment and not a permanent policy shift.

Responding to a query raised by MP Ravi Karunanayake, Seneviratne noted that while the restriction had drawn criticism, particularly over concerns about its impact on student access, it is solely intended to allow time for a detailed evaluation of Sri Lanka’s future needs for medical practitioners.

Opposition Leader Sajith Premadasa and several opposition MPs strongly criticised the decision, arguing that it had deprived both local and international students of vital educational opportunities. They called on the Government to reverse the restriction and ensure continued access to medical education through institutions such as KDU.

Several spells of showers will occur in Western, Sabaragamuwa, Central and North-western provinces and in Galle and Matara districts.

Showers or thundershowers may occur at a few places in Uva province and in Ampara and Batticaloa districts during the afternoon or night.

Fairly strong winds of about (30-40) kmph can be expected at times over Western slopes of the central hills and in Northern, North-central, North-western and Southern provinces and in and Trincomalee district.

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

By: Isuru Parakrama

June 03, Colombo (LNW): Cabinet Spokesman Dr. Nalinda Jayatissa has firmly denied speculation about any plans to replace Prime Minister Dr. Harini Amarasuriya or to reorganise the current Cabinet.

Speaking at briefing held at the Department of Government Information in Colombo this (03) afternoon, Dr. Jayatissa addressed swirling rumours that have gripped political circles and media outlets in recent days.

Dr. Jayatissa dismissed suggestions of an impending Cabinet reshuffle as baseless, asserting that no discussions or decisions have been made to alter the government’s leadership structure.

He accused certain groups, in collusion with sections of the media, of spreading misinformation to serve their own agendas, urging the public to disregard such reports.