<ul><li>Civil Aviation Minister says operational revenue to be&nbsp;utilised for legacy debt servicing&nbsp;</li><li>Notes that national carrier is at present operationally profitable</li></ul>Deputy Civil Aviation Minister Janith Ruwan Kodithuwakku said yesterday (19) that the Government will continue to operate SriLankan Airlines under State control, stating that retaining ownership enables revenue from the airline’s operations to be used to service long-standing debt obligations.Speaking to The Daily Morning on the future of the Airline, the minister said SriLankan is presently functioning as an operationally profitable entity, though its overall financial position continues to reflect losses due to historical borrowings accumulated over many years. He explained that the Airline recorded an operational profit as recently as January, indicating that its day-to-day aviation operations are generating income.&nbsp; "The losses reflected in financial statements are largely the result of legacy debt repayments rather than weaknesses in current operations. Each time loan installments linked to past borrowing are settled, the accounting position shows a loss despite operational earnings." He further noted the Government has already initiated a restructuring programme aimed at managing these liabilities. "The Government will still be responsible for repaying the Airline’s debt even if SriLankan Airlines is to be sold or transferred to another party. In such a situation, the Government would lose the income generated by Airline operations but remain liable for debt servicing." Kodithuwakku added that retaining the Airline enables the Government to continue earning revenue that contributes, at least partially, towards settling outstanding financial obligations. Selling the Airline under the current conditions, he said, would require the Government to assume and repay existing debt without receiving any operational income in return. "For that reason, we will continue to operate SriLankan Airlines under the Government's control."SriLankan Airlines, operates passenger and cargo services connecting Sri Lanka with destinations across Asia, Europe, the Middle East, and Australia. The Airline has long been viewed as strategically important for tourism promotion, trade connectivity, and maintaining direct international air links, particularly during periods of economic recovery. Despite its operational significance, the Airline has faced persistent financial challenges for a few decades. Successive Governments have explored restructuring plans, strategic partnerships, and privatisation proposals as mounting debt and accumulated losses placed pressure on public finances.

Fate of national carrier: Govt. to keep control of SriLankan

<ul><li>Labour authorities obtain NLAC approval for proposals&nbsp;</li><li>Documentation related requirements to be removed</li></ul> The Labour Ministry has submitted a set of progressive recommendations to the National Labour Advisory Council (NLAC) aimed at improving conditions for Employees' Provident Fund (EPF) holders.Speaking to The Daily Morning yesterday (19), the Ministry Secretary S.M. Piyatissa detailed the proposals, which have already received approval from the Council as the Government seeks to streamline access to EPF benefits and reduce bureaucratic hurdles.Under current regulations, EPF holders are entitled to a 30 per cent loan payable in two installments, permitted for specific purposes such as medical treatment, land purchases, or educational needs. However, he noted that economic pressures have driven many individuals to seek these loans for reasons other than those stipulated, inadvertently falling victim to bureaucratic red tape. "Because they must provide documents to prove these needs, people are forced to use mediators to create these documents," he explained. "For these mediators alone, they have to pay. Sometimes, those taking a loan of Rs. 150,000 pay around Rs. 40,000 just for these documents. This is a mafia that exploits these people." To address this issue, the Ministry has proposed removing the document submission requirement entirely, allowing members to access their loans without needing to justify the purpose.The Ministry has also suggested reforms regarding women accessing their EPF upon marriage. Currently, female employees must submit a letter of resignation to withdraw their funds. However, many later rejoin the workforce, which adversely affects their gratuity and promotional opportunities, as they are treated as new employees. "We have suggested that we can give them the EPF without submitting the said letter," he said.Additional recommendations include changes for employees aged 55, who are currently entitled to withdraw their EPF in full. The Ministry noted that many return to work after withdrawal, and that some employers have been accused of requesting resignation letters with promises of rehiring that are not always honoured. "We requested that they not be required to end their employment by that time," he added.The Ministry has further proposed revising the withdrawal frequency from the current five-year intervals to one-year intervals for employees aged 55 and above, allowing them to access their funds annually until the age 60 and beyond.&nbsp;The Ministry has also recommended establishing a committee that includes employer’s representatives to ensure that all stakeholders have input in future Fund improvements. "Even though it is the employee and the employer that are beneficiaries of the Fund, we should be taking their suggestions as well in doing further changes or improvements," he noted.The NLAC operates as a tripartite organisation comprising representatives from the Government, the trade unions, and employers. The Government typically consults the Council before implementing decisions affecting the labour system. The proposed reforms are part of ongoing efforts to enhance the EPF's effectiveness, with the Fund managing over Rs. 4 trillion in assets and covering more than three million workers nationwide.&nbsp;

EPF access issues to be resolved?

<ul><li>&nbsp;Merit and qualifications to be prioritised along with proper assignment&nbsp;&nbsp;</li></ul>In a move to address long-standing concerns over politically motivated appointments, the Transport Ministry has announced that it will conduct interviews to fill positions within the Sri Lanka Transport Board (SLTB) based on merit and qualifications.Speaking to The Daily Morning yesterday (19), a ministry official said that nearly all positions at the SLTB are currently occupied on an acting basis.&nbsp;They explained that the ongoing interview process is intended to grant permanent appointments to existing staff members in accordance with their qualifications, while also ensuring that suitably qualified individuals are placed in the appropriate roles. "Other than the Chairperson, everyone else is serving in acting roles. Permanent appointments have not been made for years. The Chair is appointed as a political appointee, and all other positions are on an acting basis. It is against this backdrop that the interviews are being held," they stated.They also assured that the process would not result in any job losses. Instead, existing staff will be reassigned based on their qualifications, while vacancies will be filled through a formal tender process.The official highlighted a key administrative issue that prompted the review. "On official reports, there is no shortage of bus drivers and conductors in the country at present. But, practically, there is a severe shortage. When we went to the Prime Minister’s Office to request new appointments, we realised that we don’t have vacancies&nbsp;because some individuals who should be serving as drivers and conductors are currently occupying other management positions, despite lacking the necessary educational qualifications," they noted adding, "This issue will be sorted out by the interviewing process." The decision follows a statement made last week by Deputy Transport Minister Dr. Prasanna Gunasena, who announced plans to assess the qualifications of the SLTB's current workforce, stating that certain appointments had been made on political grounds. The interviews commenced on Monday (16), and Dr. Gunasena has indicated that the process is expected to be completed within two months.The Ministry has further assured that the ongoing interviews will not disrupt the operational efficiency of the SLTB.

SLTB staffing issues: Interviews underway for permanent cadre 

<ul><li>Cops including an OIC transferred over not taking action against the unruly&nbsp;</li></ul>Five individuals arrested on Wednesday (18) over attempting to enter the Southern Expressway near the Mattala Exit in a bus without seat belts and for obstructing Police duties have been remanded by the Hambantota Magistrate’s Court (MC). The Magistrate ordered the suspects be remanded until today (20).A video circulated on social media showing a group who arrived by bus near the Mattala Exit of the Southern Expressway behaving in a disorderly manner over a seat belt-related incident, verbally abusing the President and obstructing Police officers from carrying out their duties. The five individuals had been arrested by the Katana Police for allegedly directing verbal abuse towards President Anura Kumara Dissanayake near the Southern Expressway entry point in Mattala and subsequently posting the video on social media. The incident occurred on Tuesday (17) when a tense situation prevailed after Police officers prevented a private bus returning from a pilgrimage to Kataragama from entering the Expressway, due to the absence of seat belts. An argument then broke out between the group travelling in the bus and the Police officers on duty. During the incident, the group onboard the bus allegedly proceeded to utter profanities while referring to President Dissanayake and making harsh and insulting remarks.&nbsp;The incident was recorded on a mobile phone and later circulated widely on social media.Five individuals connected to the incident were arrested by officers of the Peliyagoda Traffic Division and handed over to the Hambantota Police through the Katana Police. After being produced before the Hambantota MC, they were remanded until today and are also scheduled to be produced for an identification parade today.Four Police officers who were on duty at the location of the Expressway interchange on the day of and at the time of the incident have been transferred with immediate effect for failing to take legal action against those who behaved in a disorderly manner. The Police stated the Officer-in-Charge (OIC) of the Mattala Expressway Exit, a Chief Inspector, along with a Police Sergeant and a Police Constable, were transferred. The transfers were made on the instructions of the Deputy Inspector General of Police in charge of Traffic and Road Safety. Accordingly, the OIC has been transferred to the Police Headquarters, while two other officers have been transferred to the Kottawa and Kadawatha Police Stations. It is reported that these transfers were carried out due to the officers’ failure to take legal action against the individuals involved, despite the country’s Executive President being allegedly publicly verbally abused and the group allegedly behaving in an indecent manner.

Crime: 5 disorderly bus passengers remanded 

<ul><li>Seek mechanism for handling land matters concerning political authorities&nbsp;</li></ul> The Association of Divisional Secretaries (DSs) and Assistant DSs has written to the Land and Irrigation Ministry requesting the establishment of a formal mechanism which will enable DSs to handle land-related matters received by political authorities without undue political interference.In a letter addressed to the Ministry Secretary, the Association raised concerns over alleged instances in which N.T. Rukmal Jayaweera, said to be the Private Secretary to Deputy Land and Irrigation Minister Aravinda Senarath, had issued letters directly to DSs on land-related matters using the Ministry’s letterhead. When contacted by The Daily Morning, Association's President R. Senthil said that Jayaweera, serving as the said Deputy Minister’s Private Secretary, had on several occasions sent communications to DSs including himself and attempted to influence decisions relating to land administration. "When observations or reports are required on public requests submitted to a Minister or Deputy Minister, such information should be sought through established administrative channels within the Ministry. Such requests could be forwarded to DSs through an Additional Secretary, Senior Assistant Secretary, or another officer formally authorised by the Ministry Secretary," he said. He added that when political authorities issue letters favouring a particular party involved in a dispute, DSs find it difficult to make decisions in a transparent and impartial manner. "Practices of this sort risk eroding public confidence in State institutions and the land administration system. If decisions appear to be influenced politically, the public will gradually lose trust in the State mechanism.” The Association, in its communication to the Ministry Secretary, expressed its opposition to undue political interference in land-related matters and urged the Ministry Secretary to introduce a clear institutional process through which land issues received by political authorities could be referred to DSs without compromising administrative independence. Attempts made by The Daily Morning to obtain a response from the Deputy Minister were unsuccessful.

DSs complain to Land Ministry

Prime Minister Dr. Harini Amarasuriya yesterday (19) revealed allowances and benefits provided to Parliamentarians at present. She made this revelation while responding to a question raised by SJB Opposition MP Chaminda Wijesiri.According to the disclosure: An MP receives a monthly allowance of Rs. 54,285, with an entertainment allowance of Rs. 1,000 per month; the Drivers allowance is Rs. 3,500 per month. However, if the MP is provided a driver by the Parliamentary Affairs Ministry, no driver allowance is paid; Telephone allowance is Rs. 50,000, while transport allowance is Rs. 15,000 per month; Office allowance amounts to Rs. 100,000; MPs attending Parliamentary sessions receive Rs. 2,500 per day, while Rs. 2,500 per day is given for MPs attending committee meetings on non-sitting days; and MPs also receive a fuel allowance based on the distance from their elected District to the Parliament, and for national list MPs, this is calculated as 419.76 litres of diesel per month, paid at the approved market rate on the first day of each month.Dr. Amarasuriya also emphasised that these allowances are structured to cover official duties and transportation costs.

MPs received Rs. 228,785+ monthly in allowances

The State-owner importer and supplier of liquefied petroleum gas (LPG), the Litro Gas Lanka Limited Company has assured the public that sufficient cylinder stocks have been secured and that hence there is no need for panic buying.&nbsp;Issuing a special statement yesterday (19) to address recent concerns regarding a temporary shortage of LPG cylinders in the market, the Company clarified that the temporary supply constraint was caused by an “unexpected surge in the market demand” for Litro Gas, combined with two days’ of gas supply interruption from 14 February.&nbsp;Accordingly, the Litro Gas Lanka Chairperson, Channa Gunawardana detailed that the Company has taken immediate measures to restore normal distribution.&nbsp; He revealed that they have already issued 284,000 domestic refill cylinders on Tuesday (17) and Wednesday (18) while a further 351,000 domestic refill cylinders are being issued from yesterday till tomorrow (21).&nbsp;The Company said that it has already placed orders for adequate stocks as needed, with three shipments scheduled to arrive before the end of this month (February) to further stabilise the supply.&nbsp;“Therefore, there will not be any shortage of gas in the future”.

No need for panic buying: Litro assures LPG cylinder stocks 

<ul><li>IGP to issue guidelines on arrests under ICCPR Act</li></ul>A former Officer-in-Charge (OIC) of the Computer Crimes Investigation Division of the Criminal Investigation Department (CID) expressed regret before the Supreme Court (SC) yesterday (19) over the arrest of comedian Nathasha Edirisooriya under the International Covenant on Civil and Political Rights (ICCPR) Act, over allegations of insulting Buddhism.A letter conveying this expression of regret was also submitted to the SC through a State Counsel representing the Attorney General’s (AG) Department. Apologising before the SC, the former OIC of the CID’s Cyber Crimes and Intelligence Analysis Unit, M.M.U. Subasinghe conveyed his regret in relation to the arrest, which had been carried out under the ICCPR Act in 2023. In his written letter of apology submitted to the Court, Subasinghe said, “As the Officer who effected the arrest, and having considered the totality of the circumstances, I express my profound regret over your arrest on 27 May 2023 and your subsequent placement in remand custody until 5 July 2023. I further express my deep regret for the damage caused to your reputation and dignity, as well as the mental and emotional distress suffered by you as a result of the arrest and remanding.” These submissions were made when Edirisooriya’s Fundamental Rights petition — filed over what she alleged was an unlawful arrest — was taken up before a three-Judge bench of the SC headed by Chief Justice (CJ) Preethi Padman Surasena. Edirisooriya was present in Court when the matter was called.&nbsp;Addressing her, Surasena CJ said the Court appreciated the manner in which the case had been resolved.Edirisooriya was arrested on 27 May 2023 and detained after receiving a complaint that she made jokes allegedly insulting to Buddhism during a stand-up comedy show.&nbsp;Edirisooriya was charged with "uttering words with deliberate intent to wound religious feelings" (Section 291A of the Penal Code), "deliberate and malicious acts intended to outrage religious feelings" (Section 291B of the Penal Code), and "propagating war and advocating national, racial or religious hatred that constitutes incitement to discrimination, hostility or violence" (Section 3 of the ICCPR Act).The State Counsel further informed the Court the Inspector General of Police (IGP) has decided to issue a set of guidelines outlining procedures to be followed when making arrests under the ICCPR Act, in order to prevent its potential misuse or unlawful actions. The AG’s Department, appearing for the respondents, informed the Court the IGP would issue a circular containing a set of guidelines to all Police officers in order to prevent unlawful arrests under the ICCPR Act in the future. The Court was told that the circular would be issued within two weeks. The Department further said that the petitioner Edirisooriya had reviewed the proposed guidelines and expressed her agreement. The Court then directed the respondents to notify it by way of motion within two weeks of issuing the IGP’s circular. Following these submissions, the Court ordered that the hearing of the petitions be concluded. The bench thereafter ordered that the proceedings be concluded.

Ex-CID cop apologises to comedian 

Police yesterday (19) announced the launch of special inspections and traffic operations in response to an increase in road accidents involving foreign nationals.Police Headquarters said the programme has commenced in the Southern Province and is aimed at monitoring and preventing the provision of vehicles to foreign tourists who do not possess a valid driving licence.Police stated that foreign nationals visiting Sri Lanka frequently hire vehicles for travel within the country. However, investigations have revealed that certain taxi operators and vehicle owners have been renting or leasing motor vehicles, three-wheelers and motorcycles to foreign tourists without verifying whether they hold valid driving authorisation.Several such vehicles have subsequently been involved in road traffic accidents, Police said.Providing statistics, Police reported that in 2025, five foreign nationals lost their lives in road accidents while driving. In addition, seven serious accidents, 78 minor injury incidents and six vehicle damage cases involving foreign drivers were recorded.Investigations have confirmed violations of the Motor Traffic Act by both drivers and vehicle owners. Police warned that legal action will be instituted against tourism sector business operators and related parties found to be acting irresponsibly.Police also reminded motorists of the legal requirements prior to operating any vehicle. Drivers must ensure the availability and validity of the driving licence, insurance certificate, revenue licence and emission test certificate. They must also confirm the quality and roadworthiness of the vehicle and check for mechanical defects.Under the Motor Traffic Act, drivers are required to carry a valid driving licence at all times. Police noted that under Section 123(i)(a) of the Act, driving without a valid licence is a punishable offence.In addition to fines, Police said drivers who cause death or injury while driving without a valid licence may face prosecution under criminal law.Police further emphasised that when a person without a valid licence, or a minor, is permitted to drive a vehicle, both the driver and the vehicle owner are liable to prosecution under the Act.Clarifying regulations applicable to foreign nationals, Police said that any foreigner operating a motor vehicle, motorcycle or three-wheeler in Sri Lanka must possess one of the following valid authorisations:An international driving permit valid for the relevant vehicle classA Sri Lankan driving permit issued to a foreign resident by the Motor Traffic DepartmentA conversion certificate issued upon submission of a foreign driving licence to the Motor Traffic Department for the relevant vehicle classPolice noted that conversion certificates are issued at the Department’s head office in Werahera and at the special counter at Bandaranaike International Airport.Vehicle rental and hiring service providers have been instructed to verify that foreign clients hold one of the recognised driving permits before releasing any vehicle.Police warned that providing vehicles on a rental, lease or any other basis to a person without a valid driving licence constitutes an offence. In such instances, legal action will be taken against both the service provider and the driver.Police also cautioned that some foreign nationals have been misled and issued forged or invalid driving licences. Business owners and vehicle providers were advised to remain vigilant and verify the authenticity of documents before handing over vehicles.

Fate of national carrier: Govt. to keep control of SriLankan

EPF access issues to be resolved?

EPF access issues to be resolv ...

SLTB staffing issues: Interviews underway for permanent cadre

SLTB staffing issues: Intervie ...

Crime: 5 disorderly bus passengers remanded

Crime: 5 disorderly bus passen ...

DSs complain to Land Ministry

DSs complain to Land Ministry

MPs received Rs. 228,785+ monthly in allowances

MPs received Rs. 228,785+ mont ...

No need for panic buying: Litro assures LPG cylinder stocks

No need for panic buying: Litr ...

Ex-CID cop apologises to comedian

Ex-CID cop apologises to comed ...

Foreigners driving illegally: Police tighten rules on tourist vehicle ...

Foreigners driving illegally: ...

EPF access issues to be resolved?

EPF access issues to be resolv ...

SLTB staffing issues: Interviews underway for permanent cadre

SLTB staffing issues: Intervie ...

Crime: 5 disorderly bus passengers remanded

Crime: 5 disorderly bus passen ...

DSs complain to Land Ministry

DSs complain to Land Ministry

MPs received Rs. 228,785+ monthly in allowances

MPs received Rs. 228,785+ mont ...

No need for panic buying: Litro assures LPG cylinder stocks

No need for panic buying: Litr ...

Ex-CID cop apologises to comedian

Ex-CID cop apologises to comed ...

Foreigners driving illegally: Police tighten rules on tourist vehicle ...

Foreigners driving illegally: ...

Bringing the news paper to your fingertips

EPF access issues to be resolved?

EPF access issues to be resolv ...

SLTB staffing issues: Interviews underway for permanent cadre

SLTB staffing issues: Intervie ...

Bringing the news paper to your fingertips

Crime: 5 disorderly bus passengers remanded

Crime: 5 disorderly bus passen ...

DSs complain to Land Ministry

DSs complain to Land Ministry

MPs received Rs. 228,785+ monthly in allowances

MPs received Rs. 228,785+ mont ...

No need for panic buying: Litro assures LPG cylinder stocks

No need for panic buying: Litr ...