News
Police clamp down on Traffic light beggars, warn public against donations
Initiative launched to combat beggar menace at traffic lights in Colombo
The persistent issue of beggars crowding around traffic lights in Colombo, causing inconvenience to motorists and pedestrians alike, has prompted concerted action from authorities and stakeholders. Despite the socio-economic challenges underlying the situation, recent developments have underscored the urgent need for intervention to alleviate the growing menace.
Reports indicate that the presence of beggars, often accompanied by traders, has escalated to intolerable levels, particularly at traffic light intersections throughout the city. At a monthly meeting of the Executive Committee of the Automobile Association of Ceylon last July, concerns were raised regarding the worsening situation and its detrimental impact on road safety and public convenience.
Beggars resorting to disruptive tactics such as banging on car windshields, feigning accidents, and causing traffic congestion have exacerbated the problem. Recognizing the gravity of the issue, the Association on Road Safety convened a forum comprising key stakeholders to devise effective strategies for resolution.
A Special Sub-Committee, spearheaded by the Association’s Moderator, facilitated discussions among various stakeholders, including representatives from the Road Development Authority, Sri Lanka Tourism Authority, Colombo Municipal Council, National Child Protection Authority, Department of Social Services, and Sri Lanka Police.
Following thorough deliberations, it was determined that proactive measures, including public awareness campaigns, were necessary to address the issue comprehensively. Consequently, the Automobile Association of Ceylon, in collaboration with relevant authorities, developed multilingual advisory messages and video clips to educate motorists about the hazards of giving alms at traffic lights.
The initiative, titled “Refrain from Helping Beggars near Traffic Colour Lights,” was officially launched at a press conference held on April 29th, 2024, at the Ministry of Mass Media Auditorium. The event saw the participation of stakeholders and media officials, signaling a unified effort to combat the beggar menace and uphold the city’s image and cultural integrity.
Speaking at the inauguration, representatives expressed gratitude for the collective efforts and expertise dedicated to the project’s success. They urged continued support from all stakeholders to ensure the effective implementation of the initiative and maintain traffic light areas free from obstruction and inconvenience.
As Colombo strives to mitigate the challenges posed by urban beggary, initiatives like these underscore the importance of collaborative action and public awareness in fostering safer and more orderly urban environments.
Latest News
Heat Index at Caution Level at some places in the Western, Sabaragamuwa, Southern and North-western provinces and in Monaragala, Mannar, Vavuniya and Anuradhapura districts
Warm Weather Advisory Issued by the Natural Hazards Early Warning Centre of the Department of Meteorology at 3.30 p.m. on 17 March 2026, valid for 18 March 2026.
The general public are warned that the Heat index, the temperature felt on human body is likely to increase up to ‘Caution level’ at some places in the Western, Sabaragamuwa, Southern and North-western provinces and in Monaragala, Mannar, Vavuniya and Anuradhapura districts.
The Heat Index Forecast is calculated by using relative humidity and maximum temperature and this is the condition that is felt on your body. This is not the forecast of maximum temperature. It is generated by the Department of Meteorology for the next day period and prepared by using global numerical weather prediction model data.
Effect of the heat index on human body is mentioned in the above table and it is prepared on the advice of the Ministry of Health and Indigenous Medical Services.
ACTION REQUIRED
Job sites: Stay hydrated and takes breaks in the shade as often as possible.
Indoors: Check up on the elderly and the sick.
Vehicles: Never leave children unattended.
Outdoors: Limit strenuous outdoor activities, find shade and stay hydrated.
Dress: Wear lightweight and white or light-colored clothing.
Note:
In addition, please refer to advisories issued by the Disaster Preparedness & Response Division, Ministry of Health in this regard as well. For further clarifications please contact 011-7446491
The Commission to Investigate Allegations of Bribery or Corruption (CIABOC) yesterday (17) recorded a statement from former President Gotabaya Rajapaksa on the allocation of a house for a maid working at the residence of the then Chief Justice Mohan Peiris, PC.
Gotabaya Rajapaksa, in his capacity as the Secretary to the Ministry Defence and Urban Development, allegedly authorised the allocation of the house on the recommendation of the CJ during President Mahinda Rajapaksa’s second term. The Rajapaksa government brought in Peiris as the Chief Justice after impeaching Dr. Shirani Bandaranayake in January 2013.
The allocation of the house was made by the Urban Development Authority (UDA), following the mandatory examination of the request, sources said, adding that during that time the government had launched several mega housing projects in Colombo and its suburbs to accommodate those living in shanties, etc.
CIABOC is expected to record a statement from ex-CJ Peiris who subsequently served as the country’s Permanent Representative to the United Nations in New York.
By Shamindra Ferdinando
As part of the assistance extended by the Government of India towards rehabilitation and reconstruction efforts in Sri Lanka in the aftermath of Cyclone Ditwah, a four-member technical delegation of health experts from Sri Lanka visited India recently.
The Indian HC said: “The delegation studied the Indian models of Medical Kiosks/Health ATMs, Mobile Diagnostic Laboratories and the telemedicine platform ‘eSanjeevani’ to explore replicating these initiatives in Sri Lanka in order to strengthen the local healthcare delivery system.
During the visit, the delegation participated in a series of technical sessions organized by premier Indian institutions like National Health Authority, Indian Council of Medical Research (ICMR) and Centre for Development of Advanced Computing (C-DAC). Visits were arranged for the delegation to Combined Hospital at Loni, Ghaziabad, and Civil Hospital, Sector 10, Gurugram as part of exposure to India’s digital health ecosystem. Demonstrations were conducted on Mobile Health Kiosks / Health ATMs, including basic diagnostics and their role in strengthening primary healthcare delivery. The Sri Lankan experts were also provided an overview of India’s highly successful Ayushman Bharat Digital Mission. A live teleconsultation through eSanjeevani was demonstrated, highlighting the integration of remote consultations with digital health records.
The initiative reflects the continued robust cooperation between India and Sri Lanka in strengthening healthcare delivery systems, particularly in vulnerable areas, and supporting recovery efforts among affected communities.”
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Heat Index at Caution Level at some places in the Western, Sabaragamuwa, Southern and North-western provinces and in Monaragala, Mannar, Vavuniya and Anuradhapura districts
Showers above 50 mm can be expected at some places in the Central, Sabaragamuwa, Southern and Uva provinces and in Anuradhapura district
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