By: Isuru Parakrama

March 29, Colombo (LNW): Public transport operators in Sri Lanka’s Western Province have been warned to clearly exhibit newly revised fare tables inside their buses or face tough penalties.

The Road Passenger Transport Authority (RPTA) has made it compulsory for all buses to display the updated pricing information in a visible manner for passengers.

Chairman Gamini Jayasinghe stated that this measure is intended to improve transparency and prevent disputes over fares.

Beginning Monday, inspection teams will be deployed across the province to carry out spot checks on both private and state-run buses. Authorities say the inspections will be unannounced and conducted at key transit points as well as along major routes.

Operators found flouting the directive risk severe consequences, including substantial fines and the possible suspension or cancellation of their route permits. Officials stressed that repeat offenders would face stricter enforcement action.

By: Isuru Parakrama

March 29, Colombo (LNW): Sri Lanka is preparing to phase out traditional paper train tickets as part of an ambitious plan to modernise its railway network with a fully digital ticketing system.

Deputy Minister of Transport and Highways, Prasanna Gunasena, announced that new electronic ticket validation devices have already begun appearing at selected stations, signalling the start of a broader technological upgrade. The initiative is intended to simplify travel for passengers while improving efficiency across the network.

According to officials, the new system will build upon existing online reservation services, allowing commuters to book, store, and present tickets digitally via mobile devices or smart cards. Authorities believe this shift will not only reduce queues at ticket counters but also curb ticket fraud and revenue leakages.

A pilot programme is set to commence in April along the Kelani Valley line, with initial implementation at stations including Narahenpita, Nugegoda, Makumbura, Homagama, and Padukka. During this phase, passengers will be able to test the new system while staff gather feedback to refine operations.

The government aims to complete the island-wide rollout before the end of the year, provided the pilot proves successful. Officials added that future enhancements could include real-time seat availability, integrated transport payments, and improved scheduling information, offering commuters a more seamless and modern travel experience.

By: Isuru Parakrama

March 29, Colombo (LNW): Sri Lanka is set to roll out a centralised electronic platform for the declaration of assets and liabilities from March 31, marking a significant shift towards digital governance.

The new system is designed to replace the largely paper-based process currently in use, enabling public officials and relevant individuals to submit their financial disclosures through a streamlined online interface. Authorities believe this transition will reduce delays, minimise errors, and improve overall accountability.

Officials noted that the platform will incorporate advanced verification tools capable of flagging inconsistencies in declarations, as well as identifying patterns that may suggest unexplained wealth accumulation. This is expected to enhance the ability of regulators to detect and investigate potential misconduct more effectively.

The Commission to Investigate Allegations of Bribery or Corruption (CIABOC) has described the initiative as a key milestone in modernising Sri Lanka’s anti-corruption framework. By leveraging technology, the commission aims to reinforce institutional independence while ensuring greater transparency in public service.

In addition, the system is expected to improve data accessibility for oversight bodies and could pave the way for closer coordination with other regulatory agencies, further tightening scrutiny over financial disclosures in the country.

By: Isuru Parakrama

March 29, Colombo (LNW): Sri Lankan authorities have initiated legal proceedings against a number of traders accused of stockpiling rice and withholding supplies from ordinary consumers.

The cases are being filed before the Maligakanda Magistrate’s Court following a series of enforcement நடவடitions carried out by the Consumer Affairs Authority (CAA), acting on public complaints about irregular trading practices.

One such operation took place earlier today at the Kirulapone Public Market, where officials uncovered alleged attempts to manipulate supply. Investigators reported that certain vendors were deliberately restricting access to rice stocks, choosing instead to channel supplies to bulk buyers.

In one instance, a trader holding a valid retail licence was found to be diverting rice exclusively to hotels, bypassing regular retail customers altogether. Authorities view this as a serious breach of trading regulations, particularly at a time when demand for staple foods remains high.

The inspection reportedly led to a tense confrontation between enforcement officers and a shop owner, highlighting the growing friction between regulators and some segments of the trading community.

The CAA has intensified its island-wide inspections in the run-up to the festive season, with a particular focus on essential commodities such as rice, sugar, and flour. Officials warn that those found hoarding goods, refusing to sell, or inflating prices unfairly will face strict legal consequences.

Consumers have also been encouraged to report suspicious market behaviour, as the government steps up efforts to stabilise food distribution and protect household budgets during a period of economic pressure.

By: Isuru Parakrama

March 29, Colombo (LNW): Sri Lanka’s nationwide State of Public Emergency has been extended for a further month, following a directive issued under the authority of President Anura Kumara Dissanayake.

The formal notification, released by Presidential Secretary Dr N. S. Kumanayake, confirms that the extension is intended to support ongoing recovery efforts after the severe impact of Cyclone Ditwah, which has disrupted several parts of the island in recent weeks.

Authorities indicated that the continuation of emergency provisions will enable the government to act swiftly in safeguarding communities, restoring stability, and preventing further deterioration of living conditions in affected regions. The move is also aimed at ensuring that relief operations and reconstruction work proceed without administrative delays.

In tandem with the extension, the government has renewed regulations designating a broad range of public sector functions as essential services. This includes operations carried out by state institutions, local authorities, and cooperative bodies, all of which are considered critical to maintaining day-to-day life.

Key sectors such as electricity generation and distribution, fuel and gas supply, healthcare delivery, and public transport will remain under essential service status. Officials say this measure is necessary to guarantee uninterrupted access to vital services while the country continues to recover from the cyclone’s aftermath.

By: Isuru Parakrama

March 29, Colombo (LNW): President Anura Kumara Dissanayake has conveyed his appreciation to Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi and the Government of India for their timely assistance in helping Sri Lanka navigate its ongoing energy shortfall.

The President revealed that he had recently held discussions with Prime Minister Modi regarding the disruption to fuel imports, which has been triggered by escalating tensions in the Middle East. These developments have significantly strained Sri Lanka’s already fragile energy supply chain.

In a message shared on social media, President Dissanayake acknowledged India’s rapid response, noting that a substantial fuel consignment had reached Colombo. He also extended thanks to India’s External Affairs Minister for maintaining close coordination throughout the process.

The shipment, comprising approximately 38,000 metric tonnes of diesel and petrol, docked at Colombo Harbour on 28 March. Officials confirmed that the delivery followed high-level diplomatic engagement between the two nations earlier in the week, underscoring the importance of regional cooperation during times of crisis.

Further discussions between senior foreign affairs representatives from both countries also contributed to expediting the arrangement, ensuring that the supply reached Sri Lanka without further delay.

Prior to this development, Lanka IOC had arranged fuel imports from suppliers in the Middle East and Singapore. However, those deliveries were cancelled after suppliers declared force majeure, citing logistical challenges and instability in the region that rendered transport unfeasible.

Faced with the risk of severe shortages, Sri Lanka turned to India for urgent assistance. The latest shipment forms part of these emergency measures, facilitated through Indian Oil Corporation.

Authorities in Colombo have indicated that this support will play a crucial role in maintaining uninterrupted fuel distribution across the country, easing pressure on both consumers and essential services.