Police draw attention of motorists to hike in fatalities among increasing number of cyclists on roads

Published

4 years ago

2022/06/21

By Norman Palihawadane

Police Media Spokesman SSP Nihal Thalduwa yesterday called on motorists and motorcyclists to be considerate towards cyclists.

He said that there had been 1,202 fatal road accidents so far this year and 96 of those deaths were of cyclists.

SSP Thalduwa said that special instructions had been issued to the DIGs, Divisional Heads, HQIs and also District Secretaries to conduct awareness programmes for cyclists on safety rules.

He said that the police had yesterday commenced a special inspection and instruction programme for cyclists traveling on main roads. The programme would continue for two weeks.

DIG (Traffic and Road Safety) has said that due to the prevailing fuel crisis, the number of cyclists is increasing.

SSP Thalduwa said that the main causes of accidents were that many bicycles were not fitted with lights, and some cyclists did not heed road rules.

SSP Thalduwa said that cyclists should use reflective clothing and protective gear when cycling, especially at night.

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Financial allocations for the development of infrastructure in provincial schools have been provided to all provinces – PM

Published

42 mins ago

2026/03/4

Priyan

Prime Minister Dr Harini Amarasuriya stated that the necessary financial allocations for the development of infrastructure in provincial schools have been provided to all provinces. She emphasized that these funds must be utilized effectively for school development and requested that relevant authorities submit proposals to address existing shortcomings in school infrastructure.

The Prime Minister made these remarks during a cordial meeting with Muslim women in the Wellawaya area on 1st of March.

Subsequently, the Prime Minister met with the Chief Sanghanayake of the Uva Wellassa region and the Chief Incumbent of Yudaganawa Rajamaha Viharaya, Venerable Rajakeeya Panditha Most Venerable Galtemwatte Nandarathana Nayaka Thero, and briefed him on the current progress of the new education reforms.

She further stated that, while ensuring due recognition for vocational education, steps are being taken to develop 50 vocational training centers equipped with modern courses, covering all 25 districts of the country. She also noted that new education reforms will be introduced for Grade 6 starting in 2027, and that the printing of new textbooks will be entrusted to the Educational Publications Department of the Ministry of Education.

The occasion was attended by Uva Province Governor Attorney-at-Law Kapila Jayasekara, Deputy Minister of Trade, Commerce and Food Security R.M. Jayawardhana, Member of Parliament Ruwan Wijewardene, local government representatives, the Buttala Divisional Secretary and the District Secretary.

[Prime Minister’s Media Division]

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Free 14 day visa extension for visitors unable to depart Sri Lanka

Published

5 hours ago

2026/03/4

Priyan

The Department of Immigration and Emmigration has decided effective from 28th February 2026, to grant a free fourteen (14) day visa extension to all tourists who are unable to leave Sri Lanka due to flight cancellations.

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Maldives Coast Guard Ship Huravee arrives in Colombo

Published

7 hours ago

2026/03/4

Priyan

The Maldives Coast Guard Ship Huravee arrived at the Port of Colombo for replenishment purposes on 02 Mar 26. The visiting ship was welcomed by the Sri Lanka Navy (SLN) in compliance with time-honoured naval traditions.

The ship is a 48.9m long Offshore Patrol Vessel which is commanded by Lieutenant Colonel Ahmed Nafiu Mohamed.

Meanwhile, the ship’s crew is scheduled to visit several tourist attractions in the city of Colombo, during their stay in the island.