News
CID probes attempts to sabotage operation of Ella and Seethawaka Odyssey luxury trains
By Norman Palihawadane
The Ministry of Transport has handed over the investigation into alleged attempts to sabotage the operation of Ella and Seethawaka Odyssey luxury trains.
The CID sources said that the investigation had been referred to them by the IGP following a request by the Minister of Transport that it suspected there had been a plot to disrupt the Ella and Seethawaka Odyssey luxury train project.
The Ministry of Transport sources said that the reason for the investigation was an attempt to sell a ticket for around 100 US dollars through the Internet to a passengers traveling on the Ella Odyssey train.
Sources said that some firms had attempted to sell a ticket online for 36,000 rupees each to passengers travelling on the Ella Odyssey. In addition many acts of sabotage have been reported, such as the Seethawaka Odyssey tourist train not running on time when the train was fully booked and full of passengers.
Ministry sources said that the IGP has been requested to probe whether a conspiratorial plan is being implemented in the Railway Department to sabotage this popular programme.
The special long-distance train services with tourist attractions such as Ella-Odyssey and Seethawaka Odyssey were introduced to attract foreign as well as local tourists and the services have grown to a point where demand couls not be met.
The CID sources said that they commenced an investigation on the matter.
The Cabinet of Ministers granted their concurrence to the resolution furnished by the Minister of Youth Affairs to appoint S. Achchudan of Special Grade of Sri Lanka Administrative Service, who is currently serving as an Additional Commissioner of Elections at the Elections Commission who is
recommended by the panel of interviewers to the post of Director General of the Sports Development Department with effect form 01.01.2026.
The Cabinet of Ministers granted approval to the proposal furnished by the Minister of Environment to publish the draft bill of the National Environment (Amended) Act in the government gazette notification and subsequently to submit the same to the Parliament for its concurrence.
The Cabinet of Ministers has approved the proposal presented by the Minister of Buddhism, Religious, and Cultural Affairs to provide tax relief on imported dates received as donations or gift for Ramadan.
This year’s Ramadan fasting season is scheduled to begin on 19-02-2026 and end on 21-03-2026.
S. Achchudan appointed as Director General of the Sports Development Department.
Amendment of the National Environment Act No. 47 of 1980
Tax relief for Dates received as donations or gifts for Ramadan
Cabinet nod to establish the Sri Lanka Industrial Transformation and innovation Authority
Temporary employment of Sri Lankan labour in the State of Israel
Cabinet approves liquidation of Sahasya Investment Company
‘Dates have the highest sugar content to fight Coronavirus’
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