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Sri Lankan transportation authorities announced special arrangements to ensure that people traveling to villages for the upcoming long week-long holiday have access to adequate transport services.

The Sri Lanka Transport Board (SLTB) has confirmed that approximately 60 additional buses will be put into operation starting today to accommodate the increased demand.

These additional buses aim to provide convenient and efficient travel options for holiday-goers.

In addition to the SLTB's efforts, the National Transport Commission has also planned to run extra buses without a fixed schedule, further enhancing the availability of transport services during this busy period.

The Railway Department has made arrangements to run special trains from Badulla to Colombo tonight and tomorrow morning, ensuring that travelers have multiple options for their journey.

President Ranil Wickremesinghe has appointed MP Seetha Kumari Arambepola as the Minister of State for Health, Women’s and Child Affairs, according to the President’s Media Division.

She had served as the State Minister for Health prior to this appointment.

A medical practitioner by profession, Dr. Seetha Arambepola had entered Parliament through the national List of the Sri Lanka Podujana Peramuna (SLPP).

A former State Minister of Skills Development, Vocational Education, Research and Innovation, she had also briefly served as the Governor of the Western Province from December 2019 to March 2020.

The government has announced the lifting of the temporary suspension on motor vehicle imports, effective October 1, 2024. This decision comes after over four years of stringent import restrictions that were initially imposed to safeguard the country’s foreign exchange reserves during the economic crisis.

The import ban, introduced in March 2020, was aimed at curbing the outflow of foreign exchange amidst the country’s deepening economic troubles. With this ban now lifted, Sri Lanka will begin importing motor vehicles again, starting in stages, as part of a broader economic recovery strategy tied to the Extended Fund Facility (EFF) Programme of the International Monetary Fund (IMF).

Having considered the current economic and environmental factors, the government has decided to make the following proposals for the consideration of the Cabinet of Ministers:

1. The removal of the temporary suspension on the importation of motor vehicles and non-motorized goods, classified under a total of 304 HS Codes, will be done in three stages:

o Stage 1: The importation of public passenger transport vehicles, special purpose vehicles, and other non-motorized goods will be allowed starting October 1, 2024.

o Stage 2: The temporary suspension on the importation of commercial or goods transportation vehicles will be lifted on December 1, 2024.

o Stage 3: The importation of personal usage motor vehicles (including cars, vans, sports utility vehicles, pickups, etc.) will be permitted starting February 1, 2025.

According to the Cabinet Memorandum, the phased lifting of restrictions is anticipated to inject much-needed energy into the auto industry and the broader economy, addressing challenges like an aging vehicle population, declining fuel efficiency, and rising maintenance costs.

The prolonged import restrictions had left Sri Lanka with an aging fleet of vehicles, characterized by declining roadworthiness and environmental concerns due to poor fuel efficiency. Importation of new vehicles is expected to stimulate economic activity by increasing government revenue, particularly from vehicle imports, which have historically been a significant revenue stream for the country. However, while the reintroduction of imports will put pressure on foreign exchange reserves, measures have been implemented to balance this, including additional duties on motor vehicle imports.

Sri Lanka’s commitment to the Paris Agreement’s Nationally Determined Contributions (NDCs) and its goal to achieve “Net Zero” by 2050 was also a key factor in the government’s decision. The import policy will prioritize environmentally friendly vehicles, with the introduction of stricter emissions standards, shifting from Euro 4 to Euro 6 compliance. The policy will also promote electric vehicles, especially the local assembly of electric three-wheelers, while disallowing the import of petrol or diesel-powered three-wheelers, a category notorious for causing traffic accidents.

In an effort to further reduce road accidents, which average 30,087 per year (primarily caused by motorcycles and three-wheelers), the government has also included safety measures in its import policies.

Starting October 1, 2024, imports of motor cars, sports utility vehicles, motorcycles, and pickups will be limited to those less than three years old. Public passenger and commercial vehicles will be limited to five years, while special purpose and defence vehicles can be up to ten years old. Importers will be required to sell and register vehicles within 90 days of importation, with penalties introduced for any delays.

Furthermore, an annual licensing system will be introduced for importers, manufacturers, and traders to regulate the motor vehicle market and ensure they contribute to the national tax system.

The decision to lift import restrictions marks a new phase in Sri Lanka’s recovery and modernization efforts. While it brings relief to industries and consumers after years of restrictions, the government remains focused on balancing economic growth with environmental sustainability and safety concerns. The phased removal of the suspension is part of a calculated approach to stimulate the economy without compromising the country’s foreign exchange reserves or its commitments to climate change mitigation.

 (PMD)

Former Health Minister Keheliya Rambukwella, who was remanded over the alleged import of substandard human Immunoglobulin injections, has been granted bail by the Maligakanda Magistrate’s Court.

Former Health Minister was arrested in February 02nd in connection with his alleged complicity in the procurement of substandard human intravenous immunoglobulin.

President’s Counsel Kaushalya Nawaratne has resigned from his position as the President of the Bar Association of Sri Lanka (BASL) with immediate effect.

The Bar Council of the Bar Association of Sri Lanka (BASL) has unanimously called for the resignation of its President, Kaushalya Nawaratne PC, following a report by a five-member committee.

The committee, which was appointed to investigate the JAICA fund controversy, found that Nawaratne had failed to act with transparency in handling the contract between the BASL and JICA, a violation of the trust placed in him as President.

Independent presidential candidate Ranil Wickremesinghe has addressed concerns regarding the recent public sector salary increases, following reports from election monitoring organizations that the cabinet had not approved such hikes.

Wickremesinghe clarified, "It should be noted that the cabinet has indeed made a decision regarding salary increases. The role of election observers in this matter is unclear, and questions may arise about whether their involvement is independent or politically motivated."

He explained that in 2022, financial constraints limited expenditures, causing the GDP to fall to USD 76 billion. However, it rose to USD 84 billion in 2023. With the funds received, including support from the World Bank, the priority was to provide “Aswesuma” to low-income earners.

"Our GDP has continued to improve this year, leading to an initial allowance of Rs. 5,000 for government employees in January. By March, we observed that the economy was performing better than anticipated, allowing us to increase the allowance to Rs. 10,000. By 2025, we anticipate having sufficient funds to fully implement the recommendations from Udaya R. Seneviratne’s report," Wickremesinghe added.

Warrant Officer II Samitha Dulan, who recently set a new world record and won a silver medal in the F44 javelin throw event at the Paris 2024 Paralympic Games, was honoured by the Sri Lanka Army Military Police, at the Sri Lanka Army Military Police Regimental Centre in Polhengoda.

Colonel Commandant of the Sri Lanka Army Military Police, Major General Najeeva Edirisinghe, along with Officers and Other Ranks of the Regiment, extended a warm welcome to the silver medalist, Samitha Dhulan Kodithuwakku, his wife, and his sports coach.

The event featured a traditional cultural dance troupe that escorted Dulan to the assembly area, and a documentary video highlighting his previous sporting achievements was also presented. In recognition of Samith Dulan’s exceptional performance, Colonel Commandant presented a special token of appreciation on behalf of the Sri Lanka Army Military Police.

President Ranil Wickremesinghe has removed five state ministers, including Geetha Kumarasinghe, with immediate effect. The others include Shasheendra Rajapaksa, Amith Thenuka Vidanagamage, Prasanna Ranaweera & D.V. Chanaka. The removals were made under Article 47 (3) (a) of the Constitution –

Reports claiming that the Cabinet has not yet approved the salary increase for public sector employees set to be implemented in 2025 are false and the necessary approval has already been granted.

The President's Media Division issued the following statement on Tuesday (10).

On May 27, 2024, under Cabinet Decision No. 24/Misc. (020), a study was initiated to address salary disparities among different public sector groups.

A special committee was appointed to analyse salaries, wages, and other allowances across all public sector divisions to make necessary adjustments, which would then be included in the 2025 budget proposals.

The expert committee has held discussions with 81 major trade unions and government officials in the public sector. Following these discussions and an analysis of the relevant information, an interim report has been prepared.

In this context, Udaya R. Senewiratne, the Chairman of the expert Committee clarified that while preparing this report, additional information was gathered from 391 trade unions, organizations, institutions, and individuals.

The interim report takes into account the existing fiscal constraints and challenges faced by public sector employees. It includes recommendations for revising the existing salary structures, along with measures to manage government spending more effectively. The report also proposes a policy framework that includes strategies for reducing government expenses and enhancing revenue generation, while implementing salary revisions based on established standards and benchmarks.

Accordingly, the Cabinet Paper No. 24/1609/601/097, titled “Interim Report of the Expert Committee Appointed to Address Salary Disparities in the Public Sector,” was communicated by the President and the Minister of Finance, Economic Stabilization, and National Policies on August 12, 2024.

Following a review and discussion of this interim report by the Cabinet, policy approval has been granted for the implementation of the recommendations specified in Sections 3.1 to 3.18 of the report. Additionally, these recommendations have been incorporated into the 2025 budget and approved for implementation.

For the year 2025, the following adjustments will be implemented for all government employees:

A monthly cost-of-living allowance of LKR 25,000 will be provided, subject to revision every three years.

The minimum starting monthly salary in the public sector will increase by 24% to a range of 50%–60%, with a total gross salary of LKR 55,000 including the cost-of-living allowance. Salaries for all other positions will be adjusted accordingly.

This new salary and allowance scheme will apply to all government institutions except for state-owned enterprises and banks.

Government pensioners who retired before 2020 will receive the salary increments to which they are entitled, with their pensions adjusted to eliminate existing disparities.

Starting from January 2025, pensioners will receive a cost-of-living allowance equivalent to 50% of the allowance provided to active government employees.

The Cabinet has authorized the gradual implementation of this salary structure, taking fiscal constraints into consideration, starting on January 1, 2025.

The expert committee submitted their final report to the President on September 3, 2024. This report, including recommendations numbered 01 to 08, addresses various aspects such as public sector classification, employee allowances, pension disparities, and recommendations regarding allowances and levies. The report has received policy approval for implementation starting January 1, 2025, and the recommendations have been included in the 2025 budget proposals.

Therefore, when disseminating such sensitive information, it is essential to avoid spreading misleading news and instead focus on verifying and communicating accurate details to the public.

Former Samagi Jana Balawegaya (SJB) MP Thalatha Athukorala, who recently resigned as a Member of Parliament, has extended her support to President Ranil Wickremesinghe at the upcoming Presidential Election.

Meanwhile, Athukorala has also joined a public rally held in support of President Wickremesinghe in Welimada today (08).

Thalatha Athukorala, who was elected to the Parliament representing the Samagi Jana Balawegaya (SJB) in the 2020 general election, informed parliament on August 21 that she will be resigning from her position as a Member of Parliament.

Athukorala, the sister of the late United National Party (UNP) politician Gamini Athukorala, first entered Parliament in 2004.

She has been re-elected in subsequent general elections in 2010, 2015, and 2020 from the Ratnapura District.

In the 2020 general election, she secured her seat in Parliament as a member of the Samagi Jana Balawegaya (SJB) with 45,105 votes from the Ratnapura District.

350 inmates convicted of minor offenses will be granted a special state pardon.

This special pardon will be given in line with the Prisoners' Day scheduled for tomorrow.

The president is vested with the authority to grant special state pardons by Article 34 of the Constitution of Sri Lanka.

President Ranil Wickremesinghe has met with Ilankai Tamil Arasu Kachchi (ITAK) senior leader MP Mavai Senathirajah at his residence in Kankasanthurai, Jaffna yesterday evening (07).

Meanwhile, during the meeting the ITAK Leader has reportedly expressed confidence that the President would win the election and ensure the development of the North.

This meeting has taken place following an invitation by the ITAK leader while Wickremesinghe is on a visit to Jaffna for a public rally as part of his “Puluwan Sri Lanka” presidential election campaign.

However, the stance of the ITAK, which is considered as the main political party of the Tamil National Alliance (TNA) remains controversial as the party earlier announced that they have decided to back the presidential candidate of the Samagi Jana Balawegaya-led alliance, Sajith Premadasa, during the upcoming presidential election.

This decision was communicated by the TNA MP M.A. Sumanthiran during a press briefing held on September 01, 2024.

MP Sumanthiran said that this decision was reached at the Central Committee meeting of the party.

ITAK is considered as the main political party of the Tamil National Alliance.

Meanwhile, it was also reported that the ITAK has also agreed not to support the Tamil common candidate P. Ariyanenthiran. The central committee of the ITAK has decided to request Ariyanenthiran not to contest in the 2024 presidential election.

Nevertheless, on Sunday (Sep. 01), the ITAK leader Mavai Senathirajah had stated that he was unaware of this decision which was said to have arrive by the party’s central committee.