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COPA wants Railways to revive goods transport business that has declined drastically

Published

4 years ago

2021/02/17

The Committee on Public Accounts (COPA) has asked the Secretary to the Ministry of Transport to implement an expeditious action plan to streamline and promote the transportation of goods by rail in Sri Lanka after it was revealed that freight revenue of the Railway Department had dropped drastically over the years, Parliament sources said yesterday.

From 1867 to 1934, freight accounted for 57% of the Railway Department’s revenue and it decreased by 9.3% in 2017, 8.5% in 2018 and 7.1% in 2019.

The Committee which met with State Minister Dayasiri Jayasekara in the chair emphasised the importance of streamlining the transportation of goods by rail to reduce traffic congestion and environment pollution caused by the entry of large containers into roads.

Special Audit Report to evaluate the use of the Railway for goods transportation was discussed at the meeting.

Railways General Manager Dilantha Fernando said that the railway service was currently mainly engaged in passenger transport and the existing infrastructure should be further developed for the transport of goods.

Although there were three agreements with a major cement company for the transportation of cement by rail, due to the lack of infrastructure development of the Railway Department, only the agreement to transport limestone from Aruwakkalu to Puttalam was currently in effect.

In consultation with the relevant parties, action should be taken to reconnect them and retain the existing customers, the committee said, noting the lack of a proper plan for goods transportation rates and recommended that a formal scheme be prepared for the same.

The committee also noted that resources including land and equipment owned by Department of Railways had not been properly identified and utilised for the betterment of the institution. The committee instructed the Secretary to the Ministry of Transport to look into the matter and submit a report immediately in that regard.

Officials of the Petroleum Storage Terminals Ltd. (CPSTL) revealed that 32% of the fuel transportation was currently carried by trains and it was expected to increase to 40% in the future and they pointed out the need to enter into an agreement with the Railway Department to increase this to 40% without any hindrances such as strikes.

The committee also emphasised the importance of changing the attitudes of the employees of the Railway Department.

State Ministers Lasantha Alagiyawanna, Duminda Dissanayake, MPs Tissa Attanayake, Prof. Ranjith Bandara, Dr. Upul Galappaththi, B.Y.G. Ratnasekera, Niroshan Perera, Weerasinghe Weerasumana, Dr. Harini Amasooriya and state officials were present at the meeting.

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Heat index, is likely to increase up to ‘Caution level’ at some places in Northern, Eastern and North-central provinces and Monaragala and Hambantota districts

Published

13 mins ago

2025/04/30

Priyan

Warm Weather Advisory
Issued by the Natural Hazards Early Warning Centre of the Department of Meteorology at 3.30 p.m. 29 April 2025, valid for 30 April 2025

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 Northern, Eastern and North-central provinces and Monaragala and Hambantota 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.

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AKD’s fourth state visit

Published

1 hour ago

2025/04/30

Sahan Weerasooriya

President Anura Kumara Dissanayake will undertake a four-day state visit to Vietnam on 03 May, Cabinet Spokesman Minister Dr. Nalinda Jayatissa said. Since the presidential election, President Dissanayake has so far visited India, China and the UAE.

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Sri Lanka-Pakistan bilateral defence dialogue strengthens strategic ties – MoD

Published

1 hour ago

2025/04/30

Sahan Weerasooriya

AVM Thuyacontha shaking hands with Pakistan Defence Minister Khawaja Muhammad Asif (pic courtesy MoD)

The 5th annual Sri Lanka-Pakistan Bilateral Defence Dialogue commenced on Monday (April 28) in Islamabad, Pakistan, marking a continued commitment to strengthening defence cooperation between the two nations.

The MoD statement: “The Sri Lankan delegation is led by Defence Secretary Air Vice Marshal (retd.) Sampath Thuyacontha accompanied by Commander of the Navy, Vice Admiral Kanchana Banagoda, and Additional Secretary (Defence) of the Ministry of Defence Jayantha Edirisinghe. The Pakistani delegation is headed by Lieutenant General (retd.) Muhammad Ali, Secretary Defence of the Islamic Republic of Pakistan.

In conjunction with the on-going defence dialogue, Defence Secretary Thuyacontha held a side-line meeting yesterday (April 29) with Defence Minister of Pakistan, Khawaja Muhammad Asif.

These high-level engagements aim to enhance bilateral cooperation, foster mutual understanding on regional security dynamics and explore opportunities for defence collaboration. Both nations share a longstanding relationship rooted in mutual respect and strategic cooperation. The dialogue reflects the growing importance of partnerships in maintaining stability and promoting peace in the South Asian region.

The three-day dialogue, which concludes today (April 30), is expected to reinforce bilateral defence ties and contribute to broader regional security objectives.