News
‘Out of over 10,000 discarded govt vehicles, 4,116 can be used’
Colossal waste due to poor maintenance
By Shamindra Ferdinando
A recent survey has revealed that 4,116 usable vehicles had been discarded by government institutions.
According to a proposal made by Finance Minister Mahinda Rajapaksa on Sept 2 to the Cabinet of ministers these vehicles could be used following repairs whereas 5,588 were in a depleted state due to the failure on the part of respective institutions to properly maintain them.
The revelation was made at yesterday’s post-cabinet media briefing at the Government Information Department where Co-Cabinet Spokesman and Minister of Plantations Dr. Ramesh Pathirana explained the circumstances leading to the government exploring ways and means of using abandoned vehicles against the backdrop of severe shortage of foreign exchange.
In addition to Dr. Pathirana, cabinet spokesman Keheliya Rambukwella, who holds the Mass Media portfolio and co-cabinet spokesman addressed the media on a number of issues. Referring to instructions received from Dr. P.B. Jayasundera, Secretary to the President Dr. Pathirana said that there was an excess of vehicles in the local market. Both Dr. Pathirana and Rambukwella emphasized that vehicle imports could be stopped for about a year.
Reference was made to the continuing balance of payments crisis and what they called serious issue of shortfall in foreign exchange against the backdrop of covid-19 pandemic paralysing economies everywhere.
The government intends to hand over repaired vehicles to those institutions that needed them through Comptroller General’s Office at the Finance Ministry.
Those who had duty free permits could use them to buy vehicle locally, the media was also told.
News
Financial allocations for the development of infrastructure in provincial schools have been provided to all provinces – PM
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]
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. 
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.
Russia, China raise diplomatic voices against US-Israeli attacks on Iran
Financial allocations for the development of infrastructure in provincial schools have been provided to all provinces – PM
Free 14 day visa extension for visitors unable to depart Sri Lanka
US embassy in Dubai hit; Israel pounds Tehran, Beirut
Perera, Sugandika, Ranaweera take Sri Lanka to T20I series win over West Indies
Maldives Coast Guard Ship Huravee arrives in Colombo
‘Dates have the highest sugar content to fight Coronavirus’
Sunday Island 27 December – Headlines
#SundayIsland 17th December – Headlines
Sunday Island – 28th March
Sunday Island Headlines – 21 March
Sunday Island – 21st February – Headlines
-
Opinion5 days agoJamming and re-setting the world: What is the role of Donald Trump?
-
Features2 days agoBrilliant Navy officer no more
-
Features5 days agoAn innocent bystander or a passive onlooker?
-
Features6 days agoRatmalana Airport: The Truth, The Whole Truth, And Nothing But The Truth
-
Opinion2 days agoSri Lanka – world’s worst facilities for cricket fans
-
Business6 days agoIRCSL transforms Sri Lanka’s insurance industry with first-ever Centralized Insurance Data Repository
-
Business5 days agoAn efficacious strategy to boost exports of Sri Lanka in medium term
-
Features3 days agoOverseas visits to drum up foreign assistance for Sri Lanka