News

The National Transport Commission has decided to rigorously inspect whether private long-distance bus operators are adhering to their license/permit conditions.

Acting Director General, Nayomi Jayawardena, stated that one of the conditions requires two drivers to be present on long-distance buses.

However, complaints have been received that some buses are not complying with this requirement.

As a result, mobile inspection teams will be deployed during nighttime to conduct these checks.

The Acting Director General also mentioned that instructions have been given to intensify the inspection of the condition of long-distance buses.

Meanwhile, the Sri Lanka Transport Board has decided to implement several safety measures for long-distance bus operations.

Chairman Jeevaka Prasanna stated that for journeys exceeding six hours, two buses will be deployed, connecting two depots.

The death toll in the devastating bus accident at Gerandi Ella in Kotmale has risen to 21, authorities confirmed on Sunday. The crash occurred when a private bus traveling from Kataragama to Kurunegala veered off the road and plunged into a ravine early in the morning.

At least 35 others have been injured and are receiving treatment at hospitals in Nuwara Eliya and surrounding areas.

Survivors described the terrifying moment the accident occurred. “The driver hit the brakes suddenly, and the bus skidded and went straight off the road,” one injured passenger recalled from his hospital bed.

The bus was carrying over 50 passengers at the time of the incident. According to police, an initial investigation suggests that the vehicle may have been speeding, and the road at the location was wet and winding.

Rescue operations were carried out by local police, emergency services, and residents, who worked for hours to recover victims trapped inside the wreckage.

Police say further investigations are underway to determine whether mechanical failure or driver negligence contributed to the tragedy. The Road Development Authority is also expected to inspect the area for road safety compliance.

This is one of the deadliest road accidents reported in Sri Lanka this year.

The Government of Sri Lanka has expressed strong objections to the Canadian High Commissioner regarding unfounded genocide allegations and the construction of a misleading monument in Canada.

Foreign Minister Vijitha Herath met with the Canadian High Commissioner today to reiterate Sri Lanka's stance.

Sri Lanka maintains that allegations of genocide during the final phase of its conflict are unsubstantiated by any credible authority, either nationally or internationally, and are based on misleading information.

The government believes these false narratives are propagated primarily for electoral gains within Canada.

In April 2021, the Department of Foreign Affairs, Trade, and Development of Canada confirmed that the Canadian government has not made any finding of genocide in Sri Lanka.

Additionally, Canada designated the Liberation Tigers of Tamil Eelam (LTTE) as a terrorist organization in 2006 and reaffirmed this designation in June 2024.

Sri Lanka has repeatedly objected to the construction of a so-called Tamil Genocide Monument at Chinguacousy Park in Brampton, Canada, urging the Federal Government of Canada to intervene and prevent this initiative by the Brampton City Council.

Sri Lanka views this development as offensive to the broader Sri Lankan and Canadian communities.

It strongly believes that the propagation of such unfounded allegations and the construction of monuments based on fabrications not only mislead the public but also hinder Sri Lanka’s genuine efforts toward reconciliation, national unity, and lasting peace among all communities.

In this regard, Foreign Minister Vijitha Herath met with the Canadian High Commissioner to reiterate the Government of Sri Lanka’s strong objections regarding the unfounded genocide allegations and the approval of constructing such a monument, which complicates and undermines the government’s efforts toward reconciliation and national unity.

A total of 8,581 dansals have been registered for Vesak Poya, according to the Public Health Inspectors’ Union of Sri Lanka.

Union Secretary Chamil Muthukuda said the dansals were registered through area Medical Officer of Health (MOH) offices and will be subject to inspections on Vesak Day and in the days following.

Health officials are urging organizers to comply with hygiene guidelines due to past increases in food and waterborne illnesses linked to dansals during Vesak.

Popular tuition teacher Hayeshika Fernando, known as ‘Teacher Amma,’ was granted bail by the Negombo Magistrate’s Court today (14 May) in connection with an alleged assault on a youth.

Three others, including her husband and manager, who were arrested earlier by the Katana Police, also received bail.

Fernando had reportedly gone into hiding following the incident but surrendered to the court through her legal team today. Two more suspects were also presented in court.

The Police launched an investigation into the incident after a complaint was filed over the alleged assault.

Relatives and friends of the alleged victim held a silent protest outside the courthouse as the suspects were escorted in today.

Actress Semini Iddamalgoda, who was arrested by the Welikada Police last evening (10), has been granted bail.

She was produced before Colombo Additional Magistrate Bandara Ilangasinghe and was ordered to be released on bail.

During the hearing, Police informed court that the suspect had been operating a private security firm and had failed to make several payments, including Employees’ Provident Fund (EPF) contributions, for which seven arrest warrants had been issued against her.

According to Police, four of the warrants were issued by the Colombo Magistrate’s Court, two by the Matara Magistrate’s Court, and one by the Tangalle Magistrate’s Court.

Attorneys appearing on behalf of the suspect informed court that their client is a well-known actress and she had no intention of evading court proceedings.

They further explained that in relation to some of the cases, relevant payments have already been settled by their client and that those cases have been withdrawn by the Department of Labour.

After considering the facts presented, Colombo Additional Magistrate Bandara Ilangasinghe ordered the release of the suspect on surety bail amounting to Rs. 100,000 for each warrant.

Accordingly, the magistrate ordered the suspect to submit reports of the payments made in relation to the four cases presented before the Colombo Magistrate’s Court on May 19.

Prime Minister Harini Amarasuriya and Transport Minister Bimal Ratnayake on Sunday visited patients receiving treatment at Gampola and Peradeniya hospitals following the fatal bus crash at Gerandi Ella in Kotmale.

Deputy Minister Dr. Prasanna Gunasena also joined the visit to meet with the injured and their families.

“Even one life lost is a tragedy — each person is someone’s family member,” Prime Minister Amarasuriya said speaking to media after the visit.

“Motor accidents continue to claim lives every year. We recognize that this is becoming an issue,” she said, adding that the Minister of Transport is working to address this matter.

She also expressed gratitude to medical and emergency personnel, commending them for their service despite difficult conditions.

The death toll from the crash has risen to 21, with at least 35 others injured. The accident occurred early Sunday when a private bus traveling from Kataragama to Kurunegala veered off the road and fell into a ravine.

The parents of the child who tragically passed away in Kotahena, along with the police team conducting the investigation, met at the Prime Minister’s Office today for a detailed discussion.

The meeting was also attended by Minister of Health and Mass Media Dr. Nalinda Jayatissa, Minister of Women and Child Affairs Saroja Paulraj, and several other officials.

During the meeting, the police team was instructed to carry out a prompt, fair, and impartial investigation into the incidents that allegedly took place at the school and tuition class, which are believed to have contributed to the child’s death.

The Ministry of Education is currently conducting an internal inquiry to assess whether the appropriate procedures were followed effectively from the moment the incident was reported.

In addition, a three-member committee chaired by Consultant Paediatrician Dr. Asvini Fernando has been appointed to take necessary measures to strengthen coordination among government institutions responsible for responding to such cases. (PM Media)

President Anura Kumara Dissanayake has expressed deep shock and sadness over the tragic bus accident this morning (11) in the Garadiella area, Kotmale, along the Nuwara Eliya–Gampola road.

The President emphasized the rising concern over road accidents and confirmed that the government is taking steps to develop a sustainable strategy to prevent such incidents. This includes stricter enforcement of traffic laws and a new program under the “Clean Sri Lanka” initiative to improve driver awareness.

In his condolence message, the President extended heartfelt sympathies to the families of those who lost their lives and wished a speedy recovery to the injured. He assured that all necessary medical facilities and actions are in place to support the victims.

he National Vesak Week commences today, with this year’s theme being “Let's associate with noble people with good qualities.” 

Secretary to the Ministry of Buddha Sasana, Religious and Cultural Affairs, W.P. Senadheera said that it will continue until the 16th of May.

The official inauguration ceremony will take place today at the Nuwara Eliya Buddhist Center, under the patronage of President Anura Kumara Dissanayake.

All liquor stores and meat outlets across the island will remain closed for three days during the week.

Sri Lanka Railways has announced special train services to accommodate devotees attending the State Vesak Festival in Nuwara Eliya and those traveling to Anuradhapura.

These services will be operational from today through the 13th of May.

I warmly welcome the ceasefire between India and Pakistan. An immediate ceasefire is not just an urgent need to spare innocent lives on both sides; it is also a necessary first step in achieving lasting peace and regional stability.

Leaders of India and Pakistan must be commended for replacing guns with words before a conflagration broke out. This willingness to compromise demonstrates their wisdom and statesmanship.

As a neighbour and friend of India and Pakistan, Sri Lanka hopes that this ceasefire leads to the peaceful resolution of longstanding issues through constructive engagement. Sri Lanka reaffirms its unwavering support for continued dialogue and expresses its readiness to make whatever contribution necessary to achieve regional peace in our time.

Anura Kumara Disanayake

President

Democratic Socialist Republic of Sri Lanka

11.05.2025

Bids have been called for the auction of 27 luxury and decommissioned vehicles belonging to the President's Office.

These vehicles were manufactured between 1991 and 2016.

Tenders can be obtained until the 14th of this month, by visiting the President's Office between 9 am and 3 pm on weekdays.

These vehicles can be inspected in Salu Sala located on Jawatte Road, Colombo, on the 14th of May.

Under the first phase of the auction, 14 luxury vehicles and 6 decommissioned vehicles were auctioned.