"World's Best Dad 2023" Giveaway Winners.
"World's Best Dad 2023" Giveaway Winners.
The pilot programme of converting 200 four-stroke petrol three-wheelers to electric (e-Tuk Tuk) was launched at the Werahera branch of the Department of Motor Traffic (DMT).
The event was launched by Transport Minister Bandula Gunawardana, DMT Werahera branch Commissioner, Resident Representative of the United Nations Development Programme (UNDP) Ms Azusa Kubota, Sri Lanka Sustainable Energy Authority Chairman Ranjith Sepala and several other officials.
Addressing the event, DMT Commissioner General Nishantha Anuruddha Weerasinghe said more than 1.5 million three-wheelers were already registered at the DMT and the government had to bear the fuel cost of USD 5 billion.
"Even though two-stroke petrol three-wheelers were banned from import, a large number of three-wheelers are on the road, still operating. Using two-stroke three-wheelers causes heavy damage to the environment," he said.
Addressing the event Minister Gunawardana said the local manufacturers would be able to improve the local manufacturing of e-Tuk Tuks and battery manufacturing. The minister also said that experiments are underway to implement a mechanism to charge e-Tuk Tuk batteries using solar, he said.
The programme was launched with the collaboration of the Transport Ministry, the Power and Energy Ministry, the United Nations Development Programme (UNDP), the National Transport Commission and the DMT to enhance mobility.
The pilot programme of converting 200 four-stroke petrol three-wheelers to electric (e-Tuk Tuk) was launched at the Werahera branch of the Department of Motor Traffic (DMT).
The event was launched by Transport Minister Bandula Gunawardana, DMT Werahera branch Commissioner, Resident Representative of the United Nations Development Programme (UNDP) Ms Azusa Kubota, Sri Lanka Sustainable Energy Authority Chairman Ranjith Sepala and several other officials.
Addressing the event, DMT Commissioner General Nishantha Anuruddha Weerasinghe said more than 1.5 million three-wheelers were already registered at the DMT and the government had to bear the fuel cost of USD 5 billion.
"Even though two-stroke petrol three-wheelers were banned from import, a large number of three-wheelers are on the road, still operating. Using two-stroke three-wheelers causes heavy damage to the environment," he said.
Addressing the event Minister Gunawardana said the local manufacturers would be able to improve the local manufacturing of e-Tuk Tuks and battery manufacturing. The minister also said that experiments are underway to implement a mechanism to charge e-Tuk Tuk batteries using solar, he said.
The programme was launched with the collaboration of the Transport Ministry, the Power and Energy Ministry, the United Nations Development Programme (UNDP), the National Transport Commission and the DMT to enhance mobility.
Five people were injured after a massive tree fell on several houses in Mookalana, Delgoda. Two three-wheelers have also been damaged in the incident. The injured were admitted to the Gampaha Hospital, with one patient admitted to the intensive care unit with serious injuries.
Victims said several requests for the area's Disaster Management Centre to remove the tree had been ignored.
A considerably high level of rainfall recorded yesterday, has resulted in rising water levels in several rivers, Director of Irrigation Engineer S. P. C. Sugeeshwara said.
"Water levels have increased in the Attanagalu Oya, Kelani, Kalu, Gin and Nilwala rivers considerably. Further rainfall may result in flooding," he said warning residents to be vigilant of water levels.
Meanwhile the major reservoirs in the country have reached 68 per cent of their total capacity, he said, adding that spill gates of these reservoirs may need to be opened with persistent rain.
Opposition Leader Sajith Premadasa visited social media activist Piyath Nikeshala who was assaulted by former Kaduwela deputy mayor Chandika Abeyratne at the National Hospital.
"We are not surprised about this incident, especially when an illegitimate government which harasses the people is in power," Premadasa said. There would be no opportunity for thuggery and abuse under a Samagi Jana Balawegaya government, he said.
"I'm not a person who seeks political revenge. But under our future government, these thugs will have to face the law," he said.
A 45 year old man has been killed and another injured in a shooting by Police officers during a special operation to apprehend cattle thieves in Embilipitiya.
The deceased who had been driving a lorry transporting stolen cattle, was fatally shot by the Police after the driver refused to stop the vehicle.
With one group supporting President Ranil Wickremesinghe and another supporting Basil Rajapaksa, a split within the Sri Lanka Podujana Peramuna (SLPP) is imminent, MP Field Marshall Sarath Fonseka said.
He said the Samagi Jana Balawegaya (SJB) Leader will decide on a Presidential candidate in the future.
It is reported that there is a high spread of the third dengue virus strain (DENV-3) in the country, Lady Ridgeway Hospital (LRH) consultant pediatrician Dr. Deepal Perera said.
He said what was earlier prevalent was the second dengue virus strain (DENV-2), but what is spreading now is the third strain of the dengue virus.
The depression over the Bay of Bengal will most likely develop into a cyclonic storm today, the Department of Meteorology said.
Naval and fishing community were advised to refrain from venturing into sea. Wind speeds are likely to increase up to 50 to 60 kmph in the coastal areas from Galle, Matara, Hambantota to Pottuvil as well as Mannar, Kankasantura and Trincomalee.
Scattered showers are expected in the Western, Central, Southern and Sabaragmuwa provinces, the Department said.
The Aragalaya was a conspiracy and the activists were oblivious to it, Former Colombo Municipal Councillor Mahinda Kahandagama said.
The Aragalaya was a conspiracy and the activists were oblivious to it, Former Colombo Municipal Councillor Mahinda Kahandagama said.
He said that he was thankful to the events that unfolded during the Aragalaya, adding that he was taking part in an act.
State Minister Indika Anuruddha addressing Parliament charged that his name has been needlessly dragged into an incident involving the assault of an Omani businessman in Katana.
State Minister Indika Anuruddha addressing Parliament charged that his name has been needlessly dragged into an incident involving the assault of an Omani businessman in Katana.
“There may have been political links to this incident. But the name Indika Anuruddha has not been at least mentioned in a police report,” he said.
President of the Railway Station Masters' Union Sumedha Somaratne said they have launched a 24 hour token strike against recent appointments made by the Transport Ministry Secretary.
President of the Railway Station Masters' Union Sumedha Somaratne said they have launched a 24 hour token strike against recent appointments made by the Transport Ministry Secretary.
"We have launched the strike against the appointment of unsuitable officials to the Finance unit of the Department. We apologize to the passengers for the inconvenience," they said adding that the Prime Minister will intervene in the matter.
Opposition Leader Sajith Premadasa said President Ranil Wickremesinghe today agreed to postpone the Central Bank Amendment Bill which is fixed for debate this Thursday (11).
The Opposition Leader told Parliament that the President agreed to do so when he contacted him over the phone this morning.
"I requested the President to postpone the Bill and allow for a broad discussion over it," he said.
Prime Minister Dinesh Gunawardena said a decision would be taken at the Business Committe meeting today to postpone the Central Bank Amendment Bill
The 29-year-old main suspect who had brought the 16-year old girl to a hotel in Kalutara and whose naked body was later found near the railway line, has been arrested in Hikkaduwa early this morning.
The Kalutara South Police had launched investigations after the naked body of the girl was found near the railway line behind a hotel on the main street of Galle Road in Kalutara.
The suspect, Danushka Gayan Sahabandu, a resident of Isuru Uyana in Kalutara was arrested while hiding in the Hikkaduwa area.
He is to be produced before the Kalutara Magistrate’s Court.
Following a proposal tabled during the 2023 budget by the President, Cabinet approval has been granted to introduce paying wards in state hospitals across the country.
The decision was taken to benefit the large number of government employees who are beneficiaries of the “Agrahara” health insurance cover under the National Insurance Trust Fund, as well as citizens who are willing to pay for additional facilities at government hospitals, Cabinet Spokesman Minister Bandula Gunawardana said.
The atmospheric conditions in the Southeastern Bay of Bengal are expected to develop into a cyclone today, moving towards Bangladesh and Myanmar, the Meteorology Department said.
Due to these conditions rains are likely to occur in many parts of the island, over the next few days, they said. Strong winds and showers are expected especially in the Western, Sabaragamuwa, Central, Southern and North Western Provinces, the Department said.
Vehicles which have not obtained revenue licenses for five consecutive years will be blacklisted and removed from the information system of the Department of Motor Traffic, its Commissioner General Nishantha Anuruddha Weerasinghe said.
Although 8.3 million vehicles have currently been registered with the Department, only 6 million vehicles have been registered through the QR code system, he said.
The truth is that most opposition members are unwilling to work with the Opposition Leader, State Minister of Fisheries Piyal Nishantha de Silva said.
“This is the truth. It is something that many members including the closest people to the Opposition Leader have confided in us, both within and outside Parliament,” he said.
Italian musician Tetouze who is travelling in Sri Lanka made a special performance for other tourists in Elle recently.
The import duty waiver on wheat flour was withdrawn with immediate effect, State Finance Minister Ranjith Siyambalapitiya said. He said the decision was taken to protect the local paddy farmers, as wheat flour is the main substitute for rice.
“However, there is no reason for wheat flour prices to go up due to the appreciation of the rupee,” he added.
Colombo is ready to celebrate the Vesak festival after three years, with six Vesak zones and 125 dansal registered with the Colombo Municipal Council, Chief Medical Officer Dr. Ruwan Wijayamuni said.
Six teams of Public Health Inspectors have been deployed in North Colombp, Central Colombo, Borella, East Colombo and West Colombo to monitor dansal activities during the day and night, Dr. Wijayamuni said.
Sri Lanka Freedom Party (SLFP) MP Dayasiri Jayasekara demanded clarity from the government alleging that a domestic debt restructuring process would cause losses to the Employees' Provident Fund (EPF) and Employees' Trust Fund (ETF).
"If there is a domestic debt haircut out of the Rs. 12.35 trillion, the major impact would be to the EPF and ETF. The government will not be able to avoid this. The government must be clear with the public as it will directly impact the retired workers of this country," Jayasekara said.
"The economy can't be controlled by physical strength alone," he said.
The government has decided to suspend ‘Maga Neguma’ and four of its affiliated institutions, Cabinet Spokesperson Minister Bandula Gunawardena said.
The decision was taken due to the lack of funds to maintain these institutions, he explained
Cabinet Spokesperson Minister Bandula Gunawardana said several concerns including tax concessions, the legal framework, culture, and political instability were identified as reasons for Sri Lanka’s failure to attract more foreign direct investments (FDIs) relative to the region.
The President has instructed to formulate a special package addressing these concerns in order to attract more investments, Gunawardana said.
Consumers are not receiving the benefits of the recent fuel price reductions, All Island Canteen Owners' Association Chief Asela Sampath charged.
"Prices of goods and services must come down with the recent reductions in fuel and gas prices," he said, demanding the government to take immediate measures to provide relief to the consumers.
A video by a South African couple, of them being attacked by bees on the 9 Arch Bridge, has gone viral on social media.
"This was our worst travel experience. We were attacked by a swarm of bees on the 9 Arch Bridge in Elle, Sri Lanka. Before visiting this famous tourist destination, we had never heard of the bee hives under the bridge. There was not only 1 hive... but 4 hives under the arches. The bees inside these hives were giant honey bees, which are twice the size of a normal honey bee," Leanne and Dan said in the video initially posted on their YouTube Channel.
The couple are seen being assisted by locals following the attack and later receiving treatment in hospital.
Video Credit - The Buddymoon
Screen Idol Yashoda Wimaladharma appointed as Brand Ambassador for trusted household brand Soorya
Screen Idol Yashoda Wimaladharma appointed as Brand Ambassador for trusted household brand Soorya
"Commercial Bank Exploring Overseas Expansion" | Mr. Sanath Manathunge | Managing Director/CEO - Commercial Bank
"Commercial Bank Exploring Overseas Expansion"
Posting good income from overseas operations including Bangladesh and Maldives, the Commercial Bank, is keen to replicate similar overseas operations in the medium term to spread the single-country concentration. Commercial Bank Managing Director / CEO Sanath Manathunge in conversation with Duruthu Edirimuni Chandrasekera of timesonline.lk give an insight into the banking industry and what's in store for Commercial Bank.
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https://sundaytimes.lk/online/tol-exclusive/Commercial-Bank-exploring-overseas-expansion/164-1141184
West End stars Roshani Abbey and Nuwan Hugh Perera sang “Anagathaye” at the annual Commonwealth Day Service at Westminster Abbey.
The King and The Queen Consort attended the service - The King’s first as monarch. (Video courtesy BBC)
