Transport, Highways, Ports and Civil Aviation Minister Bimal Ratnayake recently chaired a high-level discussion on the possible implications of rising tensions between India and Pakistan, as well as broader global political developments, on Sri Lanka’s port and airport operations.

During the meeting, attention was drawn to the increased number of shipping requests for docking at Colombo Port in light of the Indo-Pakistan crisis. Officials reviewed the country’s capacity to accommodate additional vessels without disrupting existing operations, while also examining strategic proposals to enhance efficiency.

Minister Ratnayake stressed the importance of preparedness and proactive planning, urging all relevant institutions to treat current geopolitical dynamics as an opportunity. He noted that Sri Lanka must ensure its port and airport systems are fully equipped to function smoothly, adapt to shifting global scenarios, and capitalise on emerging logistical demands.

The discussion brought together key stakeholders including officials from the Ports Authority, airport administrators, terminal managers from Colombo and Hambantota Ports, representatives from shipping companies, and Customs officials.

The Election Commission (EC) has issued a special notice directing all candidates who contested the 2025 Local Government Election to submit detailed reports of their election campaign income and expenditure by May 27, in line with the Election Expenditure Regulation Act No. 03 of 2023.

EC Chairman R.M.A.L. Ratnayake stated that the move is aimed at enhancing transparency and accountability in the country’s electoral process. As per the provisions of the Act, all candidates, whether affiliated with political parties or independent groups, are required to submit separate financial reports detailing their campaign incomes and expenses.

These reports must be handed over to the returning officers at the relevant Local Government institution in the district where the candidate contested. The deadline for submission is set for midnight on May 27.

Chairman Ratnayake also cautioned that any failure to submit the required reports by the deadline will be treated as a violation of the law, and legal action will be initiated against those who are non-compliant.

The Finance Ministry has announced that further bilateral discussions will be held soon regarding the US$1 billion financial facility pledged by the World Bank (WB) during the recent visit of WB Group President Ajay Banga to Sri Lanka. The announcement comes following President Banga’s meeting with President Anura Kumara Dissanayake in Colombo, where the World Bank expressed its readiness to extend the facility over a three-year period.

This financial support is intended to bolster Sri Lanka’s efforts towards rapid and sustainable economic recovery. Key goals include job creation for youth, private sector development, and growth across strategic sectors such as energy, agriculture, tourism, and rural development.

A senior official at the Finance Ministry said that the upcoming discussions will focus on finalising the structure and conditions of the facility. The official further emphasised that by channelling this funding into sectors with strong potential for employment and investment, the government aims to accelerate the pace of industrial and business development across the country.

The Ministry has also conveyed to the World Bank that unhindered access to development capital is critical for revitalising the private sector. The anticipated funding, therefore, will be directed towards providing this much-needed capital, supporting both start-ups and the expansion of existing businesses.

Initial investigations into the fatal bus accident at Gerandi Ella, which claimed 22 lives, have revealed that the passenger transport bus was carrying significantly more people than its permitted capacity. Central Province Senior DIG Lalith Pathinayake confirmed that over 80 passengers were on board the bus, although its capacity was limited to between 55 and 60. Following the accident, 59 passengers were hospitalised with injuries, while others with minor injuries are reported to have left after receiving initial treatment.

Senior DIG Pathinayake pointed out that navigating steep and narrow mountain roads with such a large number of passengers would have made it difficult for the driver to maintain control of the vehicle. The bus, known for running on time, had gained a reputation for reliability among locals, which led to it frequently being overcrowded—a likely contributing factor to the accident.

Although there are widespread claims that the driver may have fallen asleep, investigations have so far found no evidence to support that theory. A Motor Vehicle Inspector has been called to examine the wreckage for any mechanical or technical defects that might have led to the tragedy. The cause of the accident will be definitively determined following this inspection.

Eyewitness accounts and preliminary findings reveal that the bus had been swaying moments before it veered off the road and plunged approximately 100 feet down a steep slope. It rolled several times before coming to a stop, inflicting severe injuries and causing the deaths of many on board.

The Senior DIG commended the rapid response of local villagers and youth who were selling fruit nearby. Their immediate efforts to transport the injured to hospitals are believed to have saved several lives.

The incident has raised serious concerns about passenger transport safety, particularly on mountainous routes, and underscores the urgent need for stricter enforcement of safety regulations and capacity limits in Sri Lanka’s public transport sector.

Several spells of showers will occur in Western, Sabaragamuwa and North-western provinces and in Galle and Matara districts today (13), the Department of Meteorology says.  

The department noted that showers or thundershowers may occur at a few places in Central and Uva provinces and in Ampara and Batticaloa districts after 1.00 p.m.  

Fairly strong winds of about 30-40 kmph can be expected at times over Northern, North-central, North-westernand Southern provinces and in Trincomalee district, it added. 

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

The Consumer Affairs Authority (CAA) has announced that it will conduct awareness programs and carry out raids across Sri Lanka during the Vesak season to ensure fair pricing and protect consumers. The focus will be on monitoring vendors and products commonly associated with the Vesak celebrations, including Atapirikara, religious offerings, incense sticks, decorative items, and electric bulbs.

Special attention will be given to prevent overpricing and ensure that businesses comply with consumer protection regulations. The CAA will also implement a targeted program in the Nuwara Eliya District, aligning with the state Vesak celebrations in the area.

The authority aims to safeguard the public from unfair practices during the peak season of the religious festival, ensuring that all goods and services related to Vesak are sold at reasonable prices and meet the required quality standards.

Sri Lanka Police has announced the implementation of a special traffic plan in Colombo starting tomorrow (May 12), in conjunction with the 2025 Vesak Festival celebrations. The measures are aimed at managing increased vehicular and pedestrian traffic in and around the main Vesak zones and ensuring the safety of the public.

The Bauddhaloka Vesak Zone, organised by the All Ceylon Buddhist Congress, will be held from May 12 to 14, while the Buddha Rashmi Vesak Zone—jointly organised by the Hunupitiya Gangaramaya Temple and the Prime Minister’s Office—will run from May 12 to 16. Another Vesak zone will be hosted at Braybrooke Place from May 12 to 13.

According to a statement from the Police Media Division, the Bauddhaloka Vesak Zone will span a route beginning at Baseline Road near the Prison Junction, continuing through Borella Junction, D.S. Senanayake Junction, Kanatte Roundabout, and Bauddhaloka Mawatha, and concluding at the Bambalapitiya Junction.

The Buddha Rashmi Vesak Zone will encompass the area from the Kompanya Veediya Police Roundabout to Kumaratunga Munidasa Mawatha, passing through Kompanya Veediya Junction, James Pieris Mawatha, Pittala Junction, and Flower Road up to the Prime Minister’s Office. Surrounding roads including Jinarthana Mawatha, Navam Mawatha, and Perahera Mawatha will also be part of the traffic-managed zone.

Due to the anticipated influx of visitors to Galle Face Green and the surrounding areas, a dedicated traffic plan will also be enforced in Colombo Fort, Port City, and Kollupitiya Junction. On May 12 and 13, traffic flow in these areas will be restricted to one-way routes from 7:00 p.m. onwards.

Access will be granted to residents and vehicles bound for hospitals or other institutions providing essential services. However, container trucks and tipper lorries will not be permitted entry into the designated Vesak zones during this period.

Once traffic congestion subsides, normal two-way traffic operations will resume. The Police also announced that heightened security measures will be in effect throughout the Vesak festival to safeguard devotees and facilitate the smooth conduct of events.