The ministry notes that this service is accessible at 35 interchanges and 119 departure gates along the expressways, and a team of officers has been trained for the purpose.

This program aimed at creating an efficient transportation service in the country is implemented under the government’s digitalization initiative.

The discussions aim to restart the first phase of the Expressway project, which has faced significant delays in recent years.

The Central Expressway, estimated to cost approximately Rs. 122 billion, has been stalled since construction companies abandoned the work. 

The loan agreement for the first phase, valued at $989 million, was signed in March 2019, with construction beginning in September 2020. 

However, the project was halted after Sri Lanka defaulted on its debt, leading to financial repercussions, including compensation claims.

President Anura Kumara Dissanayake raised the issue during his visit to China, and negotiations are ongoing to reduce compensation costs. 

Minister Rathnayake expressed optimism about reviving the project and highlighted efforts to resume other stalled infrastructure initiatives, including the Port Access Elevated Highway, Kandy Multimodal Transport Terminal, and Mattala Airport.

In a related development, Rathnayake announced plans to introduce card payment facilities on the Southern Expressway by April, enhancing convenience for motorists. 

The Road Development Authority is working to implement the system, marking a step towards modernizing Sri Lanka’s transportation infrastructure.

This brings the total IMF financial support disbursed to Sri Lanka to about $1.34 billion (SDR 1.02 billion) under the $3 billion program.

The IMF commended Sri Lanka’s strong performance under the program, noting that all quantitative targets for end-December 2024 were met, except for the indicative target on social spending. Most structural benchmarks due by end-January 2025 were either met or implemented with delay. 

The recent successful completion of the bond exchange was highlighted as a major milestone in restoring debt sustainability.

Key highlights from the IMF statement:
– Economic Recovery: Sri Lanka’s economy has shown remarkable recovery, with growth averaging 4.3% since the third quarter of 2023. By end-2024, real GDP had recovered 40% of the losses incurred between 2018 and 2023.
– Inflation and Reserves: Inflation remains low, revenue collection is improving, and foreign reserves continue to accumulate.
– Reform Momentum: Sustaining the reform agenda is critical to ensure macroeconomic stability, debt sustainability, and long-term inclusive growth. The IMF emphasized that there is no room for policy errors.
– Revenue Mobilization: Strengthening tax compliance and avoiding tax exemptions are essential for fiscal sustainability and continued provision of essential services.
– Social Spending: Meeting social spending targets and reforming the social safety net are crucial to protect the poor and vulnerable.
– Debt Restructuring: Progress in debt restructuring, including the successful bond exchange, is a significant step towards restoring debt sustainability. Finalizing agreements with bilateral creditors remains a priority.
– Monetary Policy: Maintaining price stability, prohibiting monetary financing, and safeguarding Central Bank independence are key priorities.
– Structural Reforms: Addressing non-performing loans, improving governance in state-owned banks, and enhancing insolvency frameworks are vital for reviving credit growth and supporting economic recovery.

IMF Deputy Managing Director Kenji Okamura had stated :
“Reforms in Sri Lanka are bearing fruit, and the economic recovery has been remarkable. Sustaining the reform momentum is critical to ensure macroeconomic stability, debt sustainability, and promote long-term inclusive growth. There is no room for policy errors.”

The IMF’s continued support underscores the importance of Sri Lanka’s commitment to reforms as the country works towards lasting economic recovery and stability.

The shooting took place near the W15 Hotel in Weligama, where a police officer was killed during an intervention.

He was aged 82.

Mr. Senathirajah being treated at the Jaffna Teaching Hospital for the last two days after an accident that occurred at his home. 

Senathirajah was the leader of the Illankai Tamil Arasu Kachchi (ITAK) from 2014 to 2024, the main constituent party of the Tamil National Alliance (TNA).

The suspect, originally from Kilinochchi, had left Sri Lanka in 2009 and later obtained British citizenship.  

The arrest was made upon his arrival at Bandaranaike International Airport (BIA) in Katunayake on November 30, 2024.

Authorities from the Immigration and Emigration Department had apprehended the individual, acting on an overseas travel ban issued by the Colombo Magistrate’s Court at the request of the Colombo North Crimes Division. The suspect was subsequently handed over to the Airport Police.

According to police sources, the suspect is accused of raising funds while based in the United Kingdom and channeling the money to individuals in Colombo and the Vanni region.  

The Airport Police, in coordination with the Colombo-North Crimes Division, is currently conducting further investigations.

(adaderana.lk)

(Except for the headline, this story, originally published by adaderana.lk has not been edited by SLM staff)

These cards belong to voters who are currently overseas or were not present at their residences to receive them.

However, 76,000 official polling cards were collected by voters within the past two days, he says.

Mr. Ranasinghe also says that official polling cards can also be obtained on the election day from the nearest post office upon confirmation of identity.

Distribution of official Polling Cards for the 2024 General Election concluded on Nov. 07.

President Anura Kumara Dissanayake states that the government has taken all necessary measures with regard to the recent intelligence reports.

The President made these remarks while addressing a public meeting held in Puttalam yesterday (Oct. 24).

He also assured that the government has ensured the safety and security of all Sri Lankan citizens.

“It is our responsibility to ensure the safety of our citizens. We’ve been enhancing security in various areas. Not only that, but the intelligence agencies acted swiftly on the information, and we have also taken action to arrest a few suspects. Today, I would like to assure that we have ensured the safety and security of all citizens of Sri Lanka,” he said.

The loan has an interest rate of 2.0 percent and will be repaid over 25 years including a 5 year grace period.

Treasury Secretary Mahinda Siriwardana and ADB Sri Lanka Country Director Takafumi Kadono signed the agreement.

The loan is Subprogram 01 of a 300 million dollar policy based loan program linked to power sector reforms.

The reforms support independent and financially sustainable electricity utilities, and “streamlined and accelerated development” of renewable energy.

(economynext.com)

This special lighting is part of the nationwide festivities marking this significant occasion.