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Automobile service providers warn of disruptive trends

Published

4 years ago

2022/01/24

Leading members of the Sri Lanka Automobile Service Providers Association (SLASPA) say they have observed several disruptive trends in the country’s automobile industry and the time has come for the transformation of Sri Lanka’s automobile repair services.

Addressing the media in Colombo on Thursday, Secretary of SLASPA Sunil Devasurendra, said: “The present macroeconomic challenges caused by the pandemic have impacted the local automobile repair and maintenance industry. We see a price increase for every relatable aspect of the industry —from lubricants, body parts, material, fuel and other equipment costs to labour charges of technicians. This has resulted in vehicle owners compromising the quality and safety of their vehicles by choosing cheaper and low-quality auto repair and maintenance options due to price increases. Even amidst an economically-challenged period, the SLSPA does not encourage this. You put yourself and your loved ones in danger if you try to save money on DIY repairs.”

Several disruptive trends and automotive industry challenges were poised to transform Sri Lanka’s automobile repair services industry’s outlook for 2022 and beyond. Local auto repair shops that want to ensure tackling these disruptive trends and thrive in 2022 must take steps now to prepare their shops and their staff for a future in which transformative trends will drive it. The association pointed out that for the local industry to sustain business continuity, three key factors will play a crucial role in 2022 and beyond: professionalism, quality processes and procedures, and customer safety.

“To address these issues and sustain the industry’s momentum, SLSPA recommends three key elements— professionalism, quality processes and procedures and customer safety—for all industry representatives to adhere to. We need to be professional about our business, especially the pricing. The industry needs to properly analyse the market trends, global pricing patterns and set benchmarks to impose proper price controls. And these price changes have to be properly communicated to customers to avoid less friction between the client and the service provider,” Devasurendra said.

SLASPA President Amal Piyatilake said: “The automobile repair industry in Sri Lanka has a history of more than 100 years. Given the present situation of our island-nation, SLSPA believes that our industry could play a key role as a fundamentally crucial component of the overall economy of Sri Lanka, helping the country to thrive in these unprecedented times. Against this backdrop, our clear-cut vision for 2022 will provide a window of opportunity to address and resolve longstanding common issues confronting the trade collectively. We will endeavour to ensure an efficient, courteous and expeditious service to clients of the members whilst improving the standards and quality of our workshops.”

SLASPA Media Coordinator Shashika De Silva said that the general public should prioritise a SLASPA certified workshop for all the repairs and maintenance. SLASPA ensures that such establishments would carry out the repair or service in high moral and technical standards to keep the vehicle performing to its original condition for a longer period. SLASPA would also ensure that the organisation will independently assess all customer grievances or disagreements to ensure the vehicle owner’s interest is kept at the peak.

“Similarly, suppose consumers visited any NON-SLASPA workshop for any repair or maintenance job. In that case, they may be victimised by inferior repairs done according to financial benefits that favour the repairer or any other directives by third party financial interest holders. This may devalue their vehicle at resale and breakdowns at unknown times and places. At such a point, there would be no mediation opportunities to solve such calamities,” he said.

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Navy seizes a consignment of narcotics and apprehends 06 suspects in offshore operation

Published

8 hours ago

2026/03/8

Priyan

Answering to the call of the national mission ‘A Nation United,’ the Navy has tightened its grip on the island’s maritime boundaries.

Striking deep in the southern waters, a successful naval mission
resulted in the seizure of a local fishing trawler and six (06) suspects, foiling a major drug smuggling attempt.

The intercepted trawler, carrying 02 suspicious sacks, and suspects were escorted to the Dikowita Fisheries Harbour today (08 Mar 26).

A specialised inspection conducted by the Police Narcotic
Bureau (PNB) confirmed that the sacks contained more than 102kg of heroin and over 900g of cocaine.

The detection was inspected on-site by the Deputy Minister of Defence, Major General Aruna Jayasekara (Retd), alongside the Commander of the Navy, Vice Admiral Kanchana Banagoda.

Speaking on this occasion, the Deputy Minister emphasized that under the guidance of the President and the supervision of the Ministry of Defence, the Tri-Forces, Police, and intelligence
agencies have intensified the “A Nation United” national mission, leaving no stone unturned.

He noted that during 2025, the tri-forces and police, in coordination with domestic and international agencies, conducted numerous successful operations. Notably, the Navy seized over 75 billion rupees worth of narcotics.

Despite national disasters and the escalating global conflicts
and growing reports of vessel distress in Sri Lankan waters, the Sri Lanka Navy stands vigilant around the clock, tirelessly fulfilling its critical mission in alignment with international maritime conventions.

Accordingly, the Deputy Minister commended, on behalf of the President, the Navy’s vital role in ensuring public safety and protecting the youth from drugs.

Adding further, he declared drug trafficking has become a major menace, stressing that all of society, not just authorities, must help eradicate it. He urged traffickers and dealers to quit the trade, noting that drugs cannot enter the country by sea or air. Addicts were also urged to do away with the habit, as a huge amount of money is spent on their rehabilitation.

The Deputy Minister further stated that the toxic drugs seized will remain in highly secure custody until the conclusion of legal proceedings, and arrangements have been made to destroy a large quantity of toxic drugs and case exhibits for which legal proceedings have been completed.

He also emphasized that law enforcement agencies have been granted the opportunity to operate independently. Accordingly, the public was urged to provide information regarding drug
traffickers via the hotline numbers 1818 and 1997.

Additionally, the event acknowledged the responsible journalism carried out by media institutions and journalists in raising public awareness about the drug menace.

The multi-day fishing trawler, along with the haul of narcotics and 06 suspects was handed over to the Police Narcotic Bureau for further investigation and legal proceedings.

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Our goal is to build a “Thriving Nation” where a woman can walk without fear or doubt, where her talents are duly recognized, and where she can lead a life of dignity – PM

Published

19 hours ago

2026/03/8

Priyan

Prime Minister Dr Harini Amarsooriya in her message on International Women’s Day 2026 says that the governments goal is to build a Thriving Nation where a woman can walk without fear or doubt, where her talents are duly recognized, and where she can lead a life of dignity.

The PM’s message:

“I extend my greetings to all sisters and daughters in Sri Lanka and around the globe on the occasion of International Women’s Day.This year, the United Nations has declared the global theme for International Women’s Day as “Rights. Justice. Action. For ALL Women and Girls,” emphasizing the realization of rights, the delivery of justice, and meaningful action for all women and girls.

Women are the true pillar of Sri Lankan society and economy. The role they play within the family and in society has today become a decisive factor in shaping the future of our nation. Through the Government’s policy statement, “A Thriving Nation – A Beautiful Life,” we envision going beyond treating women as mere beneficiaries and recognizing them as active partners in national development, ensuring that they receive the dignity and opportunities they rightfully deserve.

Within our policy framework, special focus has been placed on women. We are committed to recognizing the economic contribution extended by women as housewives, promoting women’s entrepreneurship, and expanding access to the technical and financial support necessary for self-employment alongside strengthening the legal framework required to ensure women’s safety in public transport, workplaces, and within the family environment. Further, we are taking steps to create the environment to increase women’s representation in decision-making bodies at national and regional levels. Special attention is also being given to implementing targeted programmes aimed at improving women’s nutrition, reproductive health, and mental well-being.

Women are not a group seeking sympathy; they are vital social partners endowed with intelligence, resilience, and creativity. Our goal is to build a “Thriving Nation” where a woman can walk without fear or doubt, where her talents are duly recognized, and where she can lead a life of dignity

On this International Women’s Day, I sincerely hope that it marks the beginning of a new era in which the aspirations of all women in our country are realized as they shine before the world.

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Heat Index at Caution Level in the Sabaragamuwa, North-western and North-central provinces and in Colombo, Gampaha, Vavuniya, Mannar, Hambantota and Monaragala districts

Published

20 hours ago

2026/03/8

Priyan

Warm Weather Advisory issued by the Natural Hazards Early Warning Centre of the Department of Meteorology at 3.30 p.m. on 07 March 2026, valid for 08 March 2026.

Heat index, the temperature felt on human body is likely to increase up to ‘Caution level’ at some places in the Sabaragamuwa, North-western and North-central provinces and in Colombo, Gampaha, Vavuniya, Mannar, Hambantota and Monaragala 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.