News
Government prioritizes developing advanced public transport as nation moves to new heights – President
President Anura Kumara Disanayake stated that the primary objective of the current Government is not to pursue incremental reforms within the existing framework, but rather to transform and elevate the nation to a significantly higher level of development.
The President emphasized that the current political leadership has already taken steps to break away from the past political culture and that this transformation must now be developed into a stable and lasting system. Furthermore the President stressed the need for all sectors of the country to work collectively and in alignment to elevate the nation to a new level.
President Disanayake also stated that the government is placing particular emphasis on strengthening the public transport system as part of its broader agenda to elevate the country to a new level. He further affirmed that the government will not allow authorities or individuals to act arbitrarily. It has come to an end under the current administration.
The President further emphasized that society as a whole must develop a sense of fear and accountability when it comes to the misuse of public property and that every individual must be equally subject to the rule of law.
President Anura Kumara Disanayake made these remarks while attending the ceremonial launch of the “Dream Destination” project to modernise 100 railway stations, held on Friday (27) evening at the Presidential Secretariat.
Speaking at the event, President Disanayake further highlighted that statistics confirm approximately eight fatalities occur daily due to road accidents. Accordingly, he highlighted the need for a robust road regulatory framework and underscored that strengthening public transport is essential to reduce traffic congestion, minimise environmental damage by cutting down harmful emissions and ease the heavy financial burden the government bears due to vehicle imports.
Accordingly, the President stated that efforts to develop the country’s public transport system into a modern, accessible and efficient service have already begun. In addition to government investments, opportunities have been opened for private sector participation. He also invited the private sector to collaborate with the government in rebranding Sri Lanka’s railway stations with a fresh and distinctive identity that aligns with contemporary global standards.
The Ministry of Transport, Highways, Ports and Civil Aviation, in collaboration with the ‘Clean Sri Lanka’ Programme and with the support of the private sector, has launched a Public-Private Partnership (PPP) project to renovate 100 railway stations across the country.
The aim of this project is to create a clean, attractive railway station network that ensures the safety and comfort of all passengers, including those with special needs.
The Road Safety Action Plan 2025–2026 was formally presented to President Anura Kumara Disanayake by the Minister of Transport, Highways, Ports, and Civil Aviation, Bimal Ratnayake, during the event.
Speaking at the event, Minister Bimal Rathnayake stated that traffic congestion alone results in an estimated annual loss of 2% to 3% of the country’s Gross Domestic Product. Since around 2012, there has been a significant decline in the public’s reliance on public transport. As a result, even if massive road infrastructure is built in the future, it would not fully resolve the country’s transport challenges. Therefore, he stressed that strengthening public transport has now become an urgent necessity.
To address this, the Minister noted that his Ministry plans to propose the construction of new railway lines from Kottawa to Avissawella and from Avissawella to Ratnapura. It also intends to improve infrastructure to support cargo transportation via rail. Furthermore, while ownership of railroad corridors remains under the Department of Railways, the Ministry hopes to revive and develop the currently unused Nuwara Eliya–Nanu Oya line in collaboration with the private sector for tourism purposes. He added that several other railway development proposals are expected to be included in the upcoming budget.
Murad Ismail, Founder and Chief Architect of MICD Associates, presented the master plan for the railway station modernization initiative at the event. Representing the National Intelligence Organization (NIO – Engineering), Chartered Engineer M.M.S. Moremada shared insights based on pilot projects carried out at the Maradana, Mirigama and Moratuwa railway stations. He also stated that the organization is prepared to voluntarily offer technical guidance as needed to support future developments.
In parallel, Chief Engineer (Signal and Telecommunication) of the Sri Lanka Railways Department, V.C.E. Jayasekara, highlighted that there are currently 429 unprotected railway level crossings across the country. He noted that enhancing safety at 134 of the most critical locations in the initial phase could significantly reduce the risk of accidents.
During the event, an interactive discussion was held with the participants regarding the ‘Dream Destination’ initiative. They were also introduced to the online platform established for engagement and participation in the project.
Those present included Secretary to the President Dr. Nandika Sanath Kumanayake, Secretary to the Ministry of Transport, Highways, Ports and Civil Aviation, Senior Professor Kapila C.K. Perera, Software Engineer Sumudu Ratnayake as well as Heads of several prominent private sector companies and organizations.
[PMD]
The Sri Lanka Navy successfully recovered its Fast Attack Craft P 4447 following a successful salvage operation, bringing a multi-stage emergency response to a close.
The craft, which ran into distress during a routine patrol on 15th August 2026 off Angulana, was brought to the surface on 11th September, from a depth of approximately 80 feet. It was
subsequently towed to the Colombo Dockyard premises.
The initial phase of the operation immediately following the incident focused on search and rescue. A joint effort involving the Navy, Air Force, Police, and local fishermen from Angulana
resulted in the rescue of 11 crew members. The search and rescue phase drew to a close with the recovery of the remains of the Second in Command of the craft, on 4th September.
Following the search and rescue phase, specialized Navy diving and salvage teams launched a dedicated recovery phase against rough sea conditions and underwater challenges, adhering to
strict safety protocols. The Navy’s marine, hull, electrical, and electronic engineering teams utilized specialized technical know-how and equipment to raise the vessel in stages.
Thus, the salvage operation marked an outstanding achievement attained through the professionalism, technical expertise of Navy divers, and coordinated contribution of all
engineering and technical branches of the Sri Lanka Navy. Technical support and specialized expertise were also extended by the Sri Lanka Ports Authority and Colombo Dockyard PLC.
By Shamindra Ferdinando
The Opposition should intensity its focus on the forthcoming selection of a member of the Commission to Investigate Allegations of Bribery or Corruption (CIABOC) and remain vigilant as Speaker Dr. Jagath Wickremaratne, MP, the head of the Constitutional Council (CC) tasked with making the relevant recommendation, is under investigation by the CIABOC, sources familiar with the ongoing inquiry told The Island.
Chethiya Goonasekara, PC, is expected to complete his three-year term on Dec 31, 2026. Sources pointed out that CIABOC Commissioners are appointed by the President on the recommendation made by the 10-member Constitutional Council.
The CIABOC initiated the investigation following a complaint lodged by suspended Chief of Staff and Deputy Secretary General of Parliament Chaminda Kularatne in early February this year. Sources said that as Goonasekera is scheduled to complete his term toward the end of 2026, the CC would have to call applications soon to choose the successor.
Goonasekara received his appointment from President Ranil Wickremesinghe in January 2024. A Justice W. M. N. P. Iddawala was appointed Chairman of the CIABOC. The other commissioner is K. Bernard Rajapakse.
Asked whether Iddawala and Rajapakse, too, would complete their terms soon, sources said that in terms of the Anti-Corruption Act No 09 of 2023, the Chairman of CIABOC would hold office for a period of five years, second commissioner (K. Bernard Rajapakse) for four years and the third commissioner (Chethiya Goonasekara) for a period of three years.
Sources said that the Opposition as well as civil society representatives in the CC should take up the issue of Speaker facing an investigation by the CIABOC taking part in the forthcoming selection process. Responding to queries, sources emphasized that the issue was whether in terms of Section 107 of the Anti-Corruption Act the participation of the Speaker in the selection process amounted to a violation of the Act itself.
The current members of the CC are Dr Jagath Wickramaratne, Speaker and Chairman of the Constitutional Council, Dr. Harini Amarasuriya, Prime Minister, Sajith Premadasa, Leader of the Opposition, Bimal Rathnayake, MP, Aboobucker Athambawa, MP, Ajith P. Perera, MP, Sivagnanam Shritharan, MP, Austin Fernando, Civil society representative, Prof. Wasantha Seneviratne, Civil society representative and Ranjith Ariyaratne, Civil society representative.
Sources pointed out that in spite of the sensitivity of the case, the CIABOC recorded Kularatne’s statement in the second week of August, six months after he lodged the complaint.
The CIABOC on 3, 8 and 10 Sept recorded the statements from the Transport Officer, Deputy Director, Administration and Assistant Director, Finance regarding the use of facilities by the Speaker, those assigned to his staff and other relevant matters.
The NPP named Dr. Wickramaratne as the Speaker after Asoka Ranwala resigned over controversy regarding his higher education qualifications.
SJB lawmaker Dayasiri Jayaskera has repeatedly raised the issues concerning the Speaker with the focus also on the Speaker using two government-managed residences, relevant staff in addition to expenditure on food, transport and fuel provided to the Speaker’s private secretary.
Political sources said that trouble erupted after the Parliamentary Staff Advisory Council in late January sacked Kularatne accusing him of providing false information to secure his appointment. Before being appointed as the Deputy Secretary-General of Parliament in 2023, Kularatne held several high-ranking positions, including Secretary to the Chief Government Whip, Additional Secretary to the President, Additional Secretary to the Prime Minister, and Additional Secretary to the Leader of the Opposition.
The SJB declared in Parliament that Ranwala should be brought back as the Speaker as they have no faith in Wickramaratne. MP Mujibur Rahuman jokingly told parliament that the Opposition wouldn’t raise Ranwala’s educational qualifications.
The Government Medical Officers’ Association (GMOA) has stressed the need to conduct a comprehensive countrywide cadre revision urgently.
GMOA spokesman Dr. Lasitha Dhammika told The Island that the failure on the part of successive governments to conduct cadre revision caused the deterioration of the public sector health services. Due to the absence of required statistics, they hadn’t been able to fully comprehend the situation on the ground and to ascertain the requirements of the public.
Dr. Dhammika pointed out the expansion of the services without supporting statistics and the need to initiate an immediate cadre revision. According to him, the GMOA had raised this issue with successive governments without success. The GMOA spokesman said that they also sought relevant information from the Health Ministry in terms of the Right to Information (RTI) Act two weeks ago but was yet to receive response.
(SF)
Fast Attack Craft P 4447 recovered in successful salvage operation
Showers above 100 mm are likely at some places in the Western, Central, Sabaragamuwa, Southern, North-central and North-western provinces
Shafali, Mandhana power India to eighth Asia Cup title
Tharanga wins Ultimate Javelin title
CIABOC member’s appointment: Controversy over Speaker under probe heading selection process
GMOA: Countrywide cadre revision not done since 2015
‘Dates have the highest sugar content to fight Coronavirus’
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