News
ETCs cards to be made available at emission test centres
Plan to reduce delays on expressway:
Chief Government Whip and Highways Minister Johnston Fernando says that he has instructed Highways Secretary RWR Pemasiri to inspect the possibility for Vehicle Emission Test Centers to issue prepaid cards used for the ETCs (Electronic Toll Collection) at expressways.
Minister Fernando said that he promotes the ETCs to eliminate delays on expressways. ETC booths are available at the Colombo-Katunayake expressway and they would be introduced to other toll collection centres and inter-changes soon. Currently, the ETC pre-paid cards are issued only at the Expressway offices at Seeduwa, Ja-Ela and Thorana Junction in Kelaniya.
“We are planning to introduce the ETC system at the Kerawalapitiya Interchange soon and at other inter-changes in the expressways. People should be able to buy the pre-paid cards hassle-free from places close to them. It will be convenient for motorists if the ETCs are made available at the Vehicle Emission Test Centers. We have commenced a project to promote the use of ETCs at expressways to help alleviate traffic congestion, reduce delays, fuel consumption, and vehicle emissions,” the Minister said.
Currently, the facility of ETC payments is available only through Direct Debit Authorisation systems operated by the Bank of Ceylon, Sampath Bank and the Commercial Bank.
“We plan to extend the availability of this facility in other private and public banks,” the Minister said.
The Indian Naval Ship (INS) Sahyadri which arrived at the Port of Colombo on a formal visit on 04 Apr 25, departed the island today (07 Apr). The Sri Lanka Navy bade customary farewell to the departing ship at the Port of Colombo, following naval traditions.
During the ship’s stay in Colombo, crew members of INS Sahyadri took part in several programmes organized by the Sri Lanka Navy, aimed at enhancing mutual cooperation. In addition, they also explored some tourist attractions in the country. Further, personnel of Sri Lanka Navy had the opportunity to visit INS Sahyadri, gaining insights into her operational capabilities.
Latest News
Advisory for severe lightning issued for Sabaragamuwa, Central and Uva provinces and in Hambanthota district
The Natural Hazards Early Warning Centre has issued an Advisory for Severe Lightning for the Sabaragamuwa, Central and Uva provinces and in Hambanthota district.
The advisory issued at 02.00 p.m. today [07 April 2025] is valid for the period until 11.00 p.m. 07 April 2025
The public are warned that thundershowers accompanied by severe lightning are likely to occur at several places in for Sabaragamuwa, Central and Uva provinces and in Hambantota district. There may be temporary localized strong winds during thundershowers. General public is kindly requested to take adequate precautions to minimize damages caused by lightning activity.
ACTION REQUIRED:
The Department of Meteorology advises that people should:
Seek shelter, preferably indoors and never under trees.
• Avoid open areas such as paddy fields, tea plantations and open water bodies during thunderstorms.
• Avoid using wired telephones and connected electric appliances during thunderstorms.
• Avoid using open vehicles, such as bicycles, tractors and boats etc.
• Beware of fallen trees and power lines.
• For emergency assistance contact the local disaster management authorities.
The report of the “Census of Population and Housing 2024,” conducted by the Department of Census and Statistics, was officially handed over to President Anura Kumara Disanayake this morning (07) at the Presidential Secretariat.
This preliminary report has been prepared based on island wide data collected between October and December 2024.
The report provides details on Sri Lanka’s population, its growth and the distribution of the population across districts.
The information gathered through the census is vital not only for the government but also for other institutions in formulating policies and development plans essential for the country’s progress. Significantly, for the first time in the history of census-collecting in Sri Lanka, data collection was carried out using tablet computers and user-friendly mobile devices.
The event was attended by Deputy Minister of Finance & Planning, Harshana Suriyapperuma, Secretary to the President Dr. Nandika Sanath Kumanayake, Secretary to the Ministry of Finance Mahinda Siriwardana, Director General of the Department of Census and Statistics D.D.G.A. Senevirathne and several other officials.
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Advisory for severe lightning issued for Sabaragamuwa, Central and Uva provinces and in Hambanthota district
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