September 21, Colombo (LNW): The Department of Motor Traffic has concluded its investigation into the tragic bus crash on the Ella–Wellawaya road, which resulted in the loss of 16 lives earlier this month.

The department’s findings point to a combination of mechanical failure and human error as the primary causes of the fatal incident.

A five-member panel, tasked with examining the circumstances of the crash, determined that the bus involved had significant faults in its braking system—an issue which rendered the vehicle incapable of slowing down on a descent.

Investigators also noted that the driver, faced with a critical situation, was unable to regain control of the vehicle in time to prevent it from veering off the road and plunging into a ravine.

The full report is expected to be formally handed over to the Ministry of Transport and Highways tomorrow (22). The findings are likely to influence future regulatory reforms related to vehicle maintenance and public transport safety, especially on hilly and high-risk routes.

The accident occurred on September 04 near the 23rd kilometre post on the Ella–Wellawaya stretch, a winding mountainous road known for its sharp bends and steep inclines. The bus was transporting municipal workers from Tangalle and their family members on a group outing when the tragedy struck. Fifteen individuals lost their lives at the scene, while a sixteenth victim—a woman who had been hospitalised—succumbed to her injuries on September 12.

In the wake of the accident, the bus owner was taken into custody for alleged negligence in maintaining the vehicle. Authorities charged him under public safety laws but later granted bail pending further legal proceedings.

September 21, Colombo (LNW): An official investigation has been initiated into the large-scale fire that swept through an electrical goods store on 1st Cross Street in Pettah.

The inquiry will be led by Deputy Minister of Public Security Sunil Watagala.

The fire, which broke out in the heart of Colombo’s bustling commercial district yesterday afternoon, triggered an extensive emergency response lasting close to 12 hours. Firefighters battled towering flames and thick smoke as they worked to contain the blaze, which threatened to engulf neighbouring shops and warehouses in the densely packed marketplace.

Responding swiftly, the Colombo Municipal Council Fire Department was joined by personnel from both the Sri Lanka Air Force and Navy, reflecting the seriousness of the incident. Approximately 15 fire engines were dispatched to the scene, along with a Bell-212 helicopter from the Air Force that was used to assist from above by directing water onto the rooftop of the burning building.

Authorities have confirmed that the quick coordination between multiple agencies was crucial in preventing the fire from spreading further and causing even greater damage. Fortunately, there have been no reports of casualties so far, although a full assessment of structural damage and potential losses is still underway.

Deputy Minister Watagala stated that the appointed committee will examine several aspects of the incident, including the cause of the fire, the adequacy of fire safety measures in place at the premises, and the effectiveness of the emergency response.

The findings are expected to inform future regulatory action, particularly with regard to fire safety compliance in high-density commercial areas.

September 21, Colombo (LNW): Prime Minister Dr Harini Amarasuriya has firmly stated that the government has no plans to diminish the role of religious or aesthetic subjects within the national school curriculum, amid ongoing discussions about the structure of future education reforms.

Speaking in her capacity as Minister of Education during a meeting held at the ministry yesterday (20), Dr Amarasuriya addressed concerns raised by members of the Buddha Sasana Task Force regarding proposed changes to the Buddhism syllabus for students entering Grade 6 under the new 2026 curriculum framework.

The Prime Minister reassured attendees that religious instruction remains a vital part of holistic education and will not be sidelined. She emphasised that the upcoming reforms aim to strengthen, rather than dilute, students’ cultural and moral grounding.

In response to specific queries about the structure of religious studies in the new syllabus, officials from the Ministry’s Religion and Values Branch clarified that students will begin Grade 6 with an introductory unit offering a foundational understanding of all major religions. Following this, pupils will continue their religious education within their own faith tradition, as has been the longstanding practice.

The discussion also touched upon the existing shortage of qualified teachers in religious subjects, particularly Buddhism, across the country. Prime Minister Amarasuriya acknowledged the issue and confirmed that a national-level assessment is currently underway to gather accurate data on teacher availability in all provinces.

Based on this assessment, the ministry plans to implement a coordinated recruitment and placement strategy to ensure balanced distribution of educators where they are most needed.

September 21, Colombo (LNW): Allegations have surfaced surrounding the unauthorised use of more than eight billion rupees from the Central Cultural Fund (CCF), sparking concerns over serious lapses in financial governance within one of Sri Lanka’s key heritage institutions.

A dedicated investigative committee has unearthed substantial evidence indicating that this vast sum of public money was expended without the formal approval of the Fund’s Board of Governors, Deputy Minister of Buddhasasana, Religious and Cultural Affairs Gamagedara Dissanayake revealed.

Speaking on the matter, the Minister expressed deep concern over the findings, noting that the committee’s interim observations already point to extensive mismanagement, potentially spanning several years. The final report, expected shortly, is anticipated to name individuals and outline the specific mechanisms through which the financial misconduct was carried out.

September 21, Colombo (LNW): President Anura Kumara Dissanayake is set to deliver his inaugural address at the United Nations General Assembly during its 79th session, taking place in New York later this month.

The Sri Lankan Head of State is scheduled to speak on Wednesday (24) during the afternoon segment of the General Debate, according to the latest list of speakers released by UN officials.

This marks President Dissanayake’s first appearance at the UN since assuming office, and is seen as a key opportunity for him to introduce Sri Lanka’s renewed global outlook to the international community. His speech is expected to lay out a comprehensive vision for the country’s path forward, touching on domestic reform efforts, strategies for economic recovery, and Sri Lanka’s stance on pressing international concerns.

Sources familiar with the planned address suggest that the President will underscore the importance of climate resilience, equitable development, and stronger multilateral partnerships. He is also anticipated to call for fairer international financial structures and more inclusive global dialogue, particularly from the perspective of developing nations navigating post-crisis recovery.

The annual General Debate, which runs from September 23 to 29, will bring together heads of state and government from across the globe. Leaders from major powers including the United States, China, India, Brazil, and the European Union are also expected to address the assembly under a theme designated by the current UNGA President, aimed at fostering global unity and action on shared challenges.

September 21, Colombo (LNW): Sri Lanka’s law enforcement authorities have reported significant progress in their ongoing campaign against drug trafficking, organised crime, and unlawful possession of firearms, with large-scale operations conducted across the island throughout the year.

According to the latest update released by Police Media Spokesperson Assistant Superintendent F.U. Wootler, anti-narcotics and anti-crime efforts have resulted in the confiscation of vast quantities of illicit substances.

Among the narcotics seized to date are approximately 955 kilogrammes of heroin, 1,422 kilogrammes of crystal methamphetamine (commonly known as ICE), 471 kilogrammes of hashish, 29 kilogrammes of cocaine, and over 13,770 kilogrammes of cannabis. In addition, authorities have intercepted some 3.5 million narcotic tablets, believed to be part of large-scale smuggling operations.

The intensified operations, launched earlier this year, have also disrupted numerous criminal networks. Police have recovered a total of 1,721 illegal firearms, including 61 T-56 assault rifles and 62 handguns. Since January, 328 individuals linked to gun-related violence have been taken into custody, among them hired shooters, motorcycle getaway drivers, and other associates involved in planning or executing attacks.

ASP Wootler noted that the momentum of these efforts has been sustained through daily targeted operations, which have been in place since January 12. In that period, over 5.1 million people have been stopped and searched, leading to the arrest of more than 104,000 suspects. Among those, 4,630 have been identified as being directly involved in ongoing criminal activity.

Traffic enforcement has also seen a surge in activity, with nearly 47,000 individuals arrested for driving under the influence. In parallel, more than 3,400 drivers have faced legal action for reckless driving offences, a sign of the growing emphasis on public safety on the roads.

September 21, Colombo (LNW): All individuals operating passenger transport vehicles will be required to hold a valid Public Transport (PT) Licence by December 31, according to Minister of Transport, Highways, Ports and Civil Aviation Bimal Rathnayake.

The announcement was made during a meeting held in Ampara yesterday (20), where the Minister outlined a series of reforms aimed at improving safety and accountability in the public transport sector.

The PT Licence, which will serve as a formal authorisation for drivers responsible for carrying passengers, is being introduced to ensure that only qualified and disciplined individuals are entrusted with the lives of commuters.

Minister Rathnayake confirmed that the necessary administrative groundwork for the new licensing system is already underway, with full enforcement expected before the year’s end.

Highlighting broader concerns about road safety, the Minister also addressed the mandatory implementation of seat belts in all passenger vehicles. While acknowledging that some older buses were manufactured without built-in restraints, he revealed that retrofitting efforts are currently being carried out to bring these vehicles up to standard.

Expressing serious concerns over irresponsible behaviour by some drivers, Rathnayake pointed out instances where individuals had attempted to deceive authorities by fastening school bag straps in place of proper seat belts.

“We cannot allow the safety of fifty passengers to be compromised by the recklessness of a few,” he stated. “This is precisely why we are determined to ensure that only those who demonstrate a clear sense of responsibility and professionalism are permitted to operate public transport vehicles.”

The Minister reiterated that failure to comply with the new licensing requirement by December 31 deadline would result in strict penalties, and urged all drivers currently engaged in passenger services to initiate the application process without delay.

September 21, Colombo (LNW): Health Minister Dr Nalinda Jayatissa has clarified that the ongoing shortage of essential medicines across the country is not the result of a lack of funding, but rather stems from delays and complications in the procurement process.

Speaking at a public function in Ampara, the Minister explained that administrative setbacks within the medical procurement system have led to disruptions in the timely import of pharmaceuticals. He assured that remedial steps have already been taken, with fresh procurement procedures now underway. Deliveries of the much-needed medical supplies are expected to begin arriving from November onwards.

Dr Jayatissa also pointed out that the issue is not confined to public hospitals alone. A number of essential medications have also become scarce in private pharmacies, raising broader concerns about availability in the open market.

Addressing the underlying reasons for the gaps in private sector supply, the Minister emphasised the government’s commitment to maintaining affordability in medicine pricing.

“We do not permit arbitrary pricing during the drug registration process. Instead, we have established a regulated price band that reflects the prevailing market trends within the South Asian region,” he stated.

According to him, certain pharmaceutical companies have opted not to supply medicines after refusing to comply with this pricing framework.

To mitigate the impact of the shortages, the State Pharmaceuticals Corporation (SPC) has been tasked with overseeing the importation process. The Minister reported that between 80 and 85 per cent of the procurement work has already been finalised, suggesting that a resolution may be in sight.

Dr Jayatissa also drew attention to the significant fiscal strain caused by stalled development projects. He noted that 17 major initiatives, which were originally scheduled for completion as far back as 2018, remain unfinished.

“These abandoned projects have already drained Rs. 59 billion from the treasury, and completing them will require an additional Rs. 29 billion,” he said, indicating that the cumulative effect of mismanaged development continues to weigh heavily on public finances.

September 21, Colombo (LNW): The Indian Navy’s frontline warship has made port in Sri Lanka, with the guided-missile frigate INS Satpura arriving in Colombo yesterday (20) for logistical support and servicing. The vessel’s arrival marks yet another chapter in the enduring maritime cooperation between India and Sri Lanka.

The Sri Lanka Navy greeted the Indian warship with traditional naval honours, reflecting the mutual respect and longstanding camaraderie between the two maritime forces. Naval officials and ceremonial contingents welcomed the vessel as it berthed at the Colombo harbour.

INS Satpura is a formidable stealth frigate, extending over 142 metres in length, and operates with a complement of 403 naval personnel. Built to undertake a variety of missions including anti-air, anti-surface and anti-submarine warfare, the vessel stands as a symbol of India’s maritime capability and strategic reach in the Indian Ocean Region.

During its stay in Sri Lanka, the crew is expected to participate in a series of onshore activities, including cultural excursions and informal engagements.