By: Staff Writer

June 07, Colombo (LNW): Sri Lanka’s public transport sector has entered a new phase of digital transformation with the launch of an online bus ticket reservation platform designed to simplify long-distance travel and improve operational transparency.

Introduced alongside the reopening of Colombo’s renovated Central Bus Stand, the pilot project currently covers the Makumbura–Matara and Makumbura–Galle routes. The system enables passengers to check seat availability, select preferred seats, and secure bookings before arriving at the terminal, reducing the need for lengthy queues and last-minute uncertainty.

Transport sector analysts suggest that the initiative addresses several persistent challenges faced by commuters, particularly during peak travel periods and festive seasons when demand often exceeds available seating. By digitizing reservations, authorities hope to introduce greater predictability into the travel experience while improving service standards.

Beyond passenger convenience, the platform is expected to deliver operational benefits for regulators and bus operators. Digital booking records can provide greater visibility into passenger volumes, departure schedules, and seat utilization rates, helping authorities monitor compliance and improve planning. Increased transparency may also contribute to stronger discipline in scheduling and departures.

The project has been developed through collaboration among the Ministry of Transport, Highways and Urban Development, the National Transport Commission (NTC), Sri Lanka Transport Board (SLTB), private bus operators, and SLT-MOBITEL. Stakeholders worked within tight implementation timelines to establish a platform that can potentially be expanded nationwide.

Officials indicate that the pilot phase will focus heavily on gathering feedback from passengers, terminal staff, and operators. Insights collected during this period will be used to refine the system, strengthen security features, improve scalability, and evaluate readiness for broader deployment.

Travelers can currently access the service through the official booking website, self-service kiosks at the Makumbura Multimodal Centre in Kottawa, or a dedicated hotline. If successful, the initiative could become a cornerstone of Sri Lanka’s efforts to modernize public transportation and create a more efficient, accountable, and commuter-friendly travel network.

June 07, Colombo (LNW): Commuters across Sri Lanka may face reduced public transport availability from 8 June, after private bus operators announced plans to cut services in response to mounting operational costs and the absence of a revised fare structure.

The Lanka Private Bus Owners’ Association (LPBOA) said transport providers are increasingly struggling to absorb rising expenses, particularly following the recent increase in fuel prices. As a result, operators have decided to reduce the number of buses on the road, with service levels expected to fall significantly over the coming days.

Addressing a briefing in Colombo, LPBOA Chairman Gemunu Wijeratne stated that a sizeable number of operators had already begun withdrawing vehicles from service on a voluntary basis. He estimated that roughly a quarter of the private bus fleet is currently inactive, a figure that could increase if the ongoing dispute remains unresolved.

According to the association, repeated appeals for temporary relief measures and an early review of fares have failed to secure a favourable response from transport authorities. Bus owners argue that current fare levels no longer reflect the realities of operating costs, which they claim have risen sharply over the past year.

Under the planned action, services will be prioritised during the busiest travel periods, including morning rush hours, school dismissal times and the evening commute. However, even during these periods, operators are expected to reduce the number of scheduled journeys. Routes that previously operated several trips within a given timeframe may see frequencies cut, resulting in longer waiting times for passengers.

The association also signalled that this year’s annual fare revision, traditionally implemented in early July, could result in a noticeable increase due to escalating costs associated with fuel, maintenance, spare parts and labour. Industry representatives warned that many operators are now functioning at a loss and may be unable to continue normal operations without financial adjustments.

Wijeratne maintained that bus owners had sought assistance within the existing legal framework, including measures to offset fuel-related expenses, but claimed those requests had not been addressed. He added that the industry would continue to escalate its response if a solution is not reached, while emphasising that responsibility for the disruption rests with the relevant authorities.

Passengers have been advised to expect service interruptions and plan their journeys accordingly as discussions between transport stakeholders and government officials continue.

June 07, Colombo (LNW): Legal representatives of former State Intelligence Service Director Major General (Retired) Suresh Sallay have formally appealed to the Criminal Investigation Department (CID), expressing serious concerns over his current health condition while in custody.

In a communication addressed to CID Director Shani Abeysekara, Attorney-at-Law Asith Siriwardena claimed that Sallay’s physical and psychological wellbeing has deteriorated significantly in recent days, warranting urgent medical attention.

The letter urges authorities to arrange his admission to a medical facility without delay so that he can undergo a comprehensive assessment and receive appropriate treatment.

The legal team has requested that any examination be carried out by suitably qualified and independent medical practitioners to ensure an impartial evaluation of his condition. According to the letter, a transfer to a hospital equipped to conduct detailed investigations and provide specialised care is considered necessary.

Counsel further informed the CID that Sallay has sought permission to consult with his lawyers regarding personal legal matters, including the preparation of a last will and testament and other related documents. The request, the letter argues, reflects the seriousness of his present circumstances.

The correspondence contends that Sallay’s reported condition raises concerns about his ability to make informed decisions regarding his health and personal affairs. It also alleges that his continued detention under the current circumstances could present an immediate threat to his wellbeing.

As a result, the legal representatives have called on the CID to take prompt action on a number of requests outlined in the letter. They further indicated that a failure to adequately address these concerns could lead to legal proceedings in the future, including action through domestic courts or other legal mechanisms relating to the treatment of their client while in custody.

June 07, Colombo (LNW): Health authorities are set to intensify efforts to curb the spread of dengue through a three-day nationwide intervention campaign beginning on 8 June and continuing until 10 June, targeting areas identified as having the highest risk of transmission.

The National Dengue Control Unit (NDCU) has flagged 14 districts and 74 Medical Officer of Health (MOH) divisions as priority locations following a steady increase in infections reported in recent months. Public health teams, local authorities and field inspectors are expected to carry out extensive inspections, awareness programmes and source reduction activities during the operation.

Community Physician Specialist Dr. Prashila Samaraweera said the campaign will focus on identifying and eliminating mosquito breeding sites, particularly in residential properties, construction sites, commercial premises and abandoned lands where stagnant water is commonly found.

Authorities have also warned that stricter enforcement measures will accompany the programme. Property owners and occupiers found to have allowed mosquito breeding grounds to develop through negligence may face legal action. In addition, Red Notices will be issued to locations deemed to pose a significant public health risk, requiring immediate corrective action.

Health officials stressed that community participation remains vital in controlling the disease, noting that a large proportion of breeding sites continue to be found within private premises. Residents have been urged to inspect their surroundings regularly and remove any containers capable of collecting rainwater.

So far this year, more than 36,000 dengue infections have been recorded across the country, highlighting the continued threat posed by the mosquito-borne disease. The outbreak has also claimed 20 lives, prompting authorities to strengthen preventive measures ahead of the anticipated monsoon-related increase in mosquito populations.

The NDCU has called on the public to cooperate fully with inspection teams and to treat dengue prevention as a shared responsibility, warning that sustained vigilance will be essential to reducing transmission in the months ahead.

June 07, Colombo (LNW): The government is preparing to introduce stricter controls on residential facilities for senior citizens, with authorities warning that care homes operating without official approval could soon face regulatory action.

Minister Dr. Upali Pannilage, whose portfolio covers Rural Development, Social Security and Community Empowerment, said a substantial number of elderly care institutions across the country currently function outside the formal regulatory framework. According to ministry data, only 148 of the 455 identified care homes have completed registration with the National Secretariat for Elders.

In response to growing concerns about standards, safety and accountability, the Ministry has drafted a new set of regulations designed to establish a comprehensive registration and monitoring system.

The proposed framework is expected to provide authorities with stronger powers to inspect facilities, enforce compliance and take action against operators who fail to meet required standards.

The Minister noted that consultations are presently being held with Provincial Councils to secure the necessary approvals before the regulations can be formally implemented. Once agreement is reached, the new rules are expected to come into force without delay.

Officials believe the reforms will help improve living conditions for elderly residents by introducing clearer operational guidelines and minimum care requirements. The initiative is also intended to enhance transparency within the sector and provide greater protection for vulnerable senior citizens.

The issue has gained renewed attention following the recent fire at an elderly care home in Anguruwatota. Eight residents aged over 60 who survived the incident have since been transferred to a state-run care facility in Kataragama, where arrangements have been made to ensure their continued welfare and medical support.

Meanwhile, authorities are continuing investigations into the fire, while post-mortem examinations related to the fatalities are still underway. The findings are expected to assist officials in determining the circumstances surrounding the tragedy and identifying any potential lapses in safety measures.

June 07, Colombo (LNW): Health professionals are encouraging prospective parents to undergo a simple blood screening test that could play a crucial role in reducing the number of children born with serious inherited blood conditions.

Consultant Haematologist Dr. Chathurma Piyarathna highlighted the importance of early detection, noting that genetic disorders such as thalassaemia continue to pose a significant public health challenge. She explained that the likelihood of these conditions being passed on to children increases when both parents carry the thalassaemia trait. Marriages between close relatives can also heighten the risk of inherited disorders due to shared genetic characteristics.

According to Dr. Piyarathna, if two carriers have a child, there is a one-in-four chance that the child will be born with severe thalassaemia, while there is a 50 per cent probability that the child will inherit the carrier status without developing the full condition.

She stressed that a routine blood test, which is both accessible and relatively inexpensive, can identify carriers before marriage or pregnancy, allowing couples to seek medical advice and make informed decisions regarding family planning.

Medical experts say greater awareness of carrier screening could significantly reduce the incidence of severe thalassaemia cases, easing both the emotional and financial burden on affected families. Patients with major thalassaemia often require lifelong medical care, including regular blood transfusions and specialised treatment.

Dr. Piyarathna further revealed that an estimated three per cent of Sri Lanka’s population are carriers of the thalassaemia gene, underscoring the importance of expanding public education and screening programmes across the country.

Health authorities continue to encourage young adults and couples planning to start families to consider genetic screening as part of routine healthcare, describing it as a simple step that can have a lasting impact on future generations.