News
SJB raises alarm over Colombo Port losing its position as regional shipping hub
The SJB yesterday raised concerns over continuing significant delays and congestion at the Colombo Port, already forcing some vessels to bypass it.The SJB has also warned that the vital money spinner, serving as a shipping hub to the sub-continent, is at risk of dropping in international rankings if the problem persists, to the benefit of rivals like Singapore and Dubai.
Addressing a press conference at the SJB headquarters, in Colombo, Chief Opposition Whip and Galle District MP Gayantha Karunathilake said that despite directives from President Anura Kumara Dissanayake to clear container backlogs within four days, the situation remained unresolved.
Karunathilake highlighted the far-reaching consequences of the delays, including cargo ships skipping the Colombo Port, importers being burdened with demurrage charges and extra customs fees, and increased demand for transport vehicles due to inefficiencies.
He said that several major shipping lines had rerouted their vessels to avoid congestion in the Colombo Port.
“The delays in the cargo unloading section last week caused a ripple effect, forcing vessels to turn back. If this continues, it could significantly impact the Colombo Port’s operations and lead to a decline in its global rankings,” Karunathilake warned.
He criticised the government’s inability to resolve the crisis, adding that while discussions have been held regarding the Port’s problems and other pressing issues, like the rice and coconut shortages, no concrete solutions have been implemented.
The SJB called on the government to take swift and effective measures to address the congestion and prevent long-term damage to the Port’s reputation as a key regional shipping hub.
A specialists committee has been appointed by the Secretary to the Ministry of Agriculture, Livestock, Lands and Irrigation adhering to the decision of the Cabinet of Ministers dated 29.12.2025 for submitting appropriate recommendations analyzing the provisions of the draft bill formulation in regard to Animal Welfare.
Based on the recommendations of the said Committee, the Legal Draftsman has been instructed at the meeting of the Cabinet of Ministers held on 18.05.2026 to prepare the final bill on the animal welfare.
Wherefore, the Legal Draftsman has formulated the draft bill and the clearance of the Attorney General has been received in the connection.
Accordingly, the Cabinet of Ministers granted approval to the resolution furnished by the Minister of Agriculture, Livestock, Lands and Irrigation to publish the said draft bill in the
Government Gazette Notification and subsequently forward the same to the Parliament for its concurrence.
Under the legal provisions for elections in this country since 2004, it is mandatory for voters who come to mark their votes to verify their identity through a valid identity card, and it is also mandatory for all such voters to be marked with an appropriate mark using indelible ink. The dual purpose of these two functions is to prevent a voter from voting more than once in a single election.
It has been observed that having to follow two different
methods at the same time to achieve the same objective hinders the efficiency of the duties performed at the polling stations and also incurs additional costs to the government.
Therefore, it has been deemed appropriate to remove the legal provisions regarding the use of indelible ink and marking the voter with the appropriate mark from all election acts.
Accordingly, the development activities of the province, as well as national security, will benefit. Therefore, the Cabinet of Ministers has approved the resolution furnished by the
President to take necessary steps to remove the legal provisions
• Section 36 of the presidential Election Act, No 15 of 1981
• Section 38 of the Parliamentary Election Act, No 01 of 1981
• Section 36 of the Provincial Council Election Act, No 02 of 1988
• Section 53 A of the Local Government Elections Ordinance (262 Authority)
• Section 21 of the Referendum Act No 7 of 1981
News
Showers will occur in the Western, Sabaragamuwa and North-western provinces and in Galle, Matara, Kandy and Nuwara-Eliya districts
WEATHER FORECAST FOR 24 JUNE 2026
Issued at 05.30 a.m. on 24 June 2026 by the Department of Meteorology
Several spells of showers will occur in the Western, Sabaragamuwa and North-western provinces and in Galle, Matara, Kandy and Nuwara-Eliya districts. Showers or thundershowers may occur at a few places in the Uva province and in Ampara and Batticaloa districts after 2.00 p.m.
Fairly strong winds about (30-40) kmph can be expectedat times over the Western slopes of the central hills, the Northern, North-central, North-western and Southern provinces and in Trincomalee district.
The general public is kindly requested to take adequate precautions to minimize damage caused by temporary localized strong winds and lightning during thundershowers.
Animal Welfare Draft Bill to be Gazetted
Legal provisions on marking voters using indelible ink during elections removed
Showers will occur in the Western, Sabaragamuwa and North-western provinces and in Galle, Matara, Kandy and Nuwara-Eliya districts
Court vacancy row throws Parliament into turmoil; sittings disrupted
Climate, pollution, forest loss now hitting economy: BASL chief
GSP+ in jeopardy: GL
‘Dates have the highest sugar content to fight Coronavirus’
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