Sri Lanka’s expressway network generated a record revenue of Rs. 170 million on the 16th, 23rd and 24th of this month, driven by a sharp increase in vehicular movement, the Road Development Authority (RDA) said yesterday.

RDA Director General Wimal Kandambi said more than 500,000 vehicles used the country’s expressways during the three-day period, reflecting a significant surge in travel. He noted that the Katunayake Expressway recorded the highest volume of traffic among all expressway routes.

In response to the increased demand, the RDA has decided to implement measures to ease congestion and ensure smoother traffic flow in the coming days. Kandambi said all entry gates, along the expressway network, will be kept open where possible to minimise delays, particularly during peak travel periods.

Officials attribute the record earnings to heightened travel activity, with commuters increasingly opting for expressways due to reduced travel times and improved road conditions. The RDA expects traffic volumes to remain high in the near term, especially during weekends and holiday periods.

The authority said it will continue to monitor traffic patterns closely and deploy additional resources as needed to maintain safety and efficiency on the expressways.

By Sujeewa Thathsara ✍️

A 21-year-old youth, who was seriously injured, in a shooting incident at Kohuwala, on 22 December, has died while receiving treatment at the Kalubowila Teaching Hospital, hospital sources said yesterday.The victim was shot while travelling in a three-wheeler and had sustained gunshot injuries to his right arm and abdomen. Despite medical treatment, he succumbed to his injuries several days later.

Police said the shooting was carried out by two unidentified suspects who arrived on a motorcycle, opened fire using a pistol-type firearm and fled the scene after firing three shots.

Investigations have revealed that the deceased was a close associate of a known drug trafficker, identified as Avishka, who is currently residing overseas. Police said the youth was allegedly responsible for handling Avishka’s financial transactions.

Further inquiries have indicated that the shooting was linked to an underworld rivalry. According to police, the attack was carried out by a faction associated with another drug trafficker known as Badovita Asanka.

Investigators believe the shooting was planned on the instructions of Badovita Asanka and executed by an individual known by the alias “Sando.”

Police said further investigations are continuing to apprehend those involved in the killing.

By Norman Palihawadane ✍️

A high-level delegation of the Communist Party of China (CPC) met with senior leaders of the JVP, including its General Secretary, Comrade Tilvin Silva, on Tuesday at the JVP’s main headquarters, reaffirming long-standing ties and exploring avenues for expanded cooperation.

The Chinese delegation was led by Wang Junzheng, a member of the 20th Central Committee of the CPC and Secretary of the Communist Party Committee of the Xizang Autonomous Region. The delegation also included Qi Zhenhong, Chinese Ambassador to Sri Lanka, and Peng Xiubin, Director General of the Bureau for Southeast and South Asian Affairs of the International Department of the CPC Central Committee, among others. Representing the JVP were Politburo member and Minister of Industry and Entrepreneurship Development Sunil Handunnetti, Central Committee member and Minister of Trade, Commerce, Food Security and Cooperative Development Wasantha Samarasinghe, along with several party representatives.

Discussions focused on the long-standing friendship and cooperation between the CPC and the JVP, as well as the history of the JVP and Sri Lanka’s current political context. The two sides also reviewed cooperation activities undertaken in 2025 in line with the Memoranda of Understanding signed during President Anura Kumara Dissanayake’s recent visit to China.

During the meeting, Tilvin Silva expressed gratitude and appreciation for the assistance provided by the Chinese government to communities affected by Cyclone Ditwah in Sri Lanka. In response, Wang Junzheng reaffirmed China’s commitment to continuing such support in the future.

Wang also briefed the JVP leadership on developments within the CPC, noting the successful conclusion of the Fourth Plenary Session of the 20th Central Committee held last October, as well as a related programme conducted in Sri Lanka on Tuesday. He further shared insights on China’s 15th Five-Year Plan, which is currently under active discussion within the country.