News
138 unauthorised travel passes to eight trade unions (last year cost SLTB Rs 43 mn)
An audit report has revealed that the issuance of 138 unauthorised travel passes to eight trade unions (TUs) caused the Sri Lanka Transport Board (SLTB) a loss of approximately Rs. 43 million in 2023.
The report also highlights that the Department of Railways allocated 22 free train travel passes to the same unions, resulting in an additional loss exceeding Rs. 25 million to the government during the same period.
According to the Establishments Code, only two officials from a recognised trade union congress can be assigned full-time for organisational duties. These officials are entitled to free travel permits, including train and SLTB passes.
However, the audit report revealed that the issuance of 138 travel permits far exceeded the permissible limit, leading to significant financial losses. The losses incurred due to the unauthorised SLTB passes total Rs. 43,046,993, while the free train passes accounted for Rs. 25,294,500.
The Auditor General has recommended immediate action to revoke the unauthorised permits or recover the losses caused by their issuance.
The Ambassador of Indonesia to Sri LankaDewi Gustina Tobing, met Prime Minister Dr. Harini Amarasuriya at the Parliament of Sri Lanka to discuss strengthening bilateral relations between the two nations.
The discussions focused on enhancing cooperation in trade, tourism, technology, and education, with both sides reaffirming their commitment to fostering diplomatic and economic ties for mutual benefit.
A key area of focus was expanding tourism exchanges, including religious tourism, which holds significant potential for growth.
The two delegations also explored opportunities in trade, particularly the importation of palm oil and the introduction of organic liquid fertilizers to support Sri Lanka’s agriculture sector.
Collaboration in the IT industry was highlighted as another promising area of partnership, alongside discussions on integrating electric vehicles into Sri Lanka’s public transport system.
The Sri Lankan delegation, led by Additional Secretary to the Prime Minister, Mrs. Sagarika Boghawatta, included officials from the Ministry of Foreign Affairs. The Indonesian delegation was represented by Deputy Ambassador . Fiki Oktanioand Minister Counsellor Mrs. Lailal K. Yuniarti.
[Prime Minister’s Media Division]
The Matara Magistrate’s Court today [20], ordered that former Inspector General of Police (IGP), Deshabandu Tennakoon be further remanded until April 03..
The Election Commission of Sri Lanka has announced that the upcoming Local Authorities Poll will be held on Tuesday 06th May 2025
The acceptance of nominations for the poll concluded at 12.00 noon today (20).
Ambassador of Indonesia to Sri Lanka calls on PM
Former IGP Deshabandu Tennakoon further remanded until April 03.
Local Authorities poll on 6th May
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