<ul><li>Port City Commission questions permission despite CAA assurances of clearance</li><li>Ministers take inaugural flight, discover administrative row only after landing</li><li>Chinese investor disappointed over overlapping authority and approval confusion</li></ul> Sri Lanka's first passenger drone taxi took off with two Ministers on board yesterday (11), but its maiden demonstration soon ran into a very different kind of turbulence, with a permissions dispute at the Colombo Port City exposing confusion among State authorities over who had the final say.Civil Aviation Minister Aruna Karunathilaka and Deputy Minister Janitha Ruwan Kodithuwakku took the inaugural three-minute flight, only to learn after landing that the planned demonstration had run into objections from the Port City Economic Commission, despite the Civil Aviation Authority of Sri Lanka (CAASL) maintaining that the necessary clearances had been obtained.The Commission, reportedly headed by Harsha Amarasekera, questioned whether permission had been obtained from it for the demonstration, disrupting the planned programme of three test flights, each lasting approximately three minutes.The intervention reportedly led to a confrontation between a Commission official and the project team, with the former challenging the organisers over the authority under which the demonstration was being conducted.However, CAASL Director General Daminda Rambukwella maintained that the necessary regulatory and security approvals had been obtained from the relevant Government authorities, including the Ministry of Defence and the Sri Lanka Air Force.The dispute has raised questions about the coordination between State institutions and the respective jurisdictions of the aviation regulator and the Port City Economic Commission, particularly over the use of airspace above the Port City.A senior Government official reportedly pointed out that although the land within the Port City was under the control of the Chinese developers through the relevant development arrangements, this did not automatically give them authority over the airspace above it.Rambukwella explained that advanced air mobility operations broadly involved two categories: piloted aircraft and fully autonomous, pilotless aircraft. The EHang aircraft used in yesterday's demonstration belonged to the latter category.He said the aircraft had received type certification from the Civil Aviation Administration of China (CAAC), with the relevant certification documents forming the basis of the CAASL's regulatory assessment.The CAASL had developed the necessary implementing standards based on the Chinese certification framework to ensure that the aircraft and its proposed operations met Sri Lanka's aviation safety requirements, he said.These included the relevant certificates of registration and airworthiness as well as operational approvals, including an air operator certificate where applicable.Preliminary technical assessments had also been carried out ahead of the demonstration, with the designated operational area located within the Port City.The matter subsequently reached political levels, with Minister Prof. Anil Jayantha Fernando reportedly contacting the relevant parties in an attempt to resolve the administrative impasse and facilitate the demonstration. However, the intervention failed to resolve the dispute.The Chinese investor is understood to have expressed disappointment over the administrative obstacles, raising concerns about the country's ability to facilitate emerging technology projects when multiple institutions appear to exercise overlapping or unclear authority.The trial marked Sri Lanka's initial step towards introducing autonomous passenger drone transportation. The project was initially envisaged as a pilot initiative rather than a commercial operation, following a special discussion held at the Civil Aviation Ministry in August. Trial runs were expected to be conducted at the Port City over approximately six months.The aircraft used for the trial was an EHang E216, an electric vertical take-off and landing (eVTOL) passenger aircraft manufactured by Chinese company EHang Intelligent Technology.Capable of carrying two passengers, the aircraft can take off and land vertically without requiring a conventional runway. It is equipped with 16 propellers, 12 battery packs and three flight control systems and operates through a computer-based control system. It can also be remotely operated from a central control station.In the event of an emergency or communication failure, the aircraft is reportedly capable of automatically activating safety procedures.The manufacturer claims that the system has undergone more than 100,000 test flights and incorporates extensive autonomous flight and safety features. It is also understood to be among the first autonomous passenger-carrying eVTOL systems to receive type certification.The technology is being considered for passenger transportation, tourism and emergency services, with the possibility of eventually transporting tourists to destinations such as Sigiriya, Pidurangala and island-based tourist attractions.

Drone taxi flies into a turf war

Venerable Balangoda Kassapa Thera and two other Buddhist monks have launched a fast unto death in protest against the proposed Anuradhapura Sacred Site Development Project, escalating an ongoing protest near the Ruwanweli Maha Seya.The three monks commenced the hunger strike following a Satyagraha launched earlier by a group of Buddhist monks at the Dansala premises near the Ruwanweli Maha Seya, opposing the proposed development initiative.Meanwhile, an arrest warrant was issued against Kassapa Thera yesterday (11) after he failed to appear before the Trincomalee Magistrate’s Court in a case concerning alleged unauthorised constructions along the Trincomalee coast and a controversial Buddha statue.The case was taken up for hearing yesterday, but Kassapa Thera and several other individuals named in the proceedings were absent when the matter was called. The Court subsequently issued the warrant against the monk and postponed the hearing until 6 January 2027.Commenting on the ongoing protest, Cabinet Spokesperson Dr Nalinda Jayatissa said on Tuesday (10) that those seeking clarification on the proposed development plan could raise their concerns directly with the Acting Atamasthanadhipathi, Ven. Eethalawetunuwewe Gnanathilaka Thera.Speaking at the weekly Cabinet media briefing, he said a 32-member Presidential Advisory Committee had been appointed to oversee decision-making on the project. The committee is chaired by the Acting Atamasthanadhipathi and Presidential Chief of Staff Prabath Chandrakeerthi.Jayatissa also disclosed that the Anuradhapura Police had submitted a fresh B-report to Court over the protesters' continued occupation of the site in alleged violation of a court order. Five individuals had been directed to appear before Court on 20 November in connection with the matter.He further said discussions on an alternative location could be considered once the ongoing protest ended.

Monks begin death fast over Anuradhapura project

President of the Court of Appeal (CA), Justice Rohantha Abeysuriya, has appointed a three-Judge bench to hear the appeal filed by former Parliamentarian Hirunika Premachandra challenging her conviction and prison sentence.The appeal was referred to the CA President for further action following a division among the Judges when considering the verdict. Accordingly, the matter was taken up before Justice Abeysuriya yesterday (11).During the proceedings, he appointed a three-member bench comprising Justices P Kumararatnam, R Pradeep Hettiarachchi and himself to hear the appeal.The Court directed that the appeal be taken up before the newly appointed bench on 21 January 2027.Premachandra was convicted by the Colombo High Court (HC) over charges including the abduction of a young man employed at a shop in the Dematagoda area on 21 December 2015, using a Defender vehicle, unlawful detention and assault.The HC sentenced her to three years of rigorous imprisonment and imposed a fine following her conviction.Premachandra subsequently appealed against the conviction and sentence, seeking to have both set aside and to be acquitted and released from the charges.

Three-Judge CA bench to hear Hirunika’s appeal 

<h3> </h3><h3>President Anura Kumara Dissanayake, in his capacity as Finance Minister, will present the 2027 Budget to Parliament today (12) at 1.30 p.m., delivering the Second Reading speech of the Appropriation Bill for the coming year.</h3>The Budget debate is scheduled to continue for 26 days, concluding on 14 December, with the final vote on the Bill's Third Reading scheduled for 6 p.m. that day.The Appropriation Bill was presented to Parliament for its First Reading on 7 October. The Second Reading debate will commence tomorrow (13) and continue until 20 November, spanning seven sitting days. The vote on the Second Reading is scheduled for 6 p.m. on 20 November.The Committee Stage debate will then take place from 21 November to 14 December over 19 days, including four Saturdays.The final vote on the Third Reading will be held at 6 p.m. on 14 December, marking the conclusion of the Budget process.The Budget debates will be held daily from 11 a.m. to 6 p.m.

Budget 2027 presented to Parliament today

<ul><li>Move would imbalance market share agreements&nbsp;</li></ul> The Government is planning to release an additional 200,000 to 300,000 Litro Gas Lanka Ltd. liquefied petroleum gas (LPG) cylinders to the market as a last resort if LAUGFS Gas PLC continues to fail to maintain its required supply, Deputy Trade, Commerce, Food Security and Cooperative Development Minister R M Jayawardena said.Speaking to The Daily Morning, he said the Government was attempting to resolve the shortage through LAUGFS rather than immediately increasing Litro's market share, as doing so could create complications under existing supply agreements."LAUGFS supplies 20% of the market, while Litro supplies 80%. Litro has already released around another 3% above its 80% share to the market," he said.He explained that releasing more Litro cylinders would create an imbalance under the agreements governing the two companies' respective market shares."We've planned to release another 200,000 to 300,000 Litro cylinders if LAUGFS continues to fail to supply the market properly. However, when we do that, there's an issue regarding the balance in the market. We can't increase the market share at once. Therefore, we're trying our best to resolve this issue through LAUGFS Gas itself," he said.However, Jayawardena said the Government would have to take a different approach if the company failed to address the situation."If LAUGFS continues to fail in supplying gas to the people adequately, we'll have to set aside or cancel the agreements and take a decision. In such a case, we'll release more Litro cylinders," he said.The Government's plans come amid continuing difficulties in securing adequate cooking gas supplies, with shortages affecting consumers in several areas.The Government has previously accused LAUGFS of delaying or failing to place gas orders, while the company has attributed recent disruptions mainly to difficulties in international LPG procurement, shipping and supply chains.&nbsp;

Govt warns LAUGFS: 300,000 more Litro cylinders ready 

The Police have raised concerns over an increase in fatal and serious road accidents across the country, attributing many of the incidents to excessive speeding, reckless driving and disregard for traffic regulations.In a statement, the Police said many motorists continued to endanger lives through negligent driving, showing little consideration for the safety of other road users.They also warned of the dangers posed by vehicles fitted with unauthorised and hazardous modifications, which could cause accidents, injuries and fatalities.An examination of recent road accidents had revealed that several buses involved in such incidents had undergone modifications and were operating without valid vehicle fitness certificates or the necessary regulatory approvals, the Police said.As part of efforts to strengthen public participation in road safety, the Police have introduced dedicated WhatsApp channels for the public to submit video footage of reckless and dangerous driving.The initiative has already helped identify and arrest several suspects, who have subsequently been brought before the law, based on information and footage received from the public.Members of the public can submit video footage of reckless or dangerous driving to the Police via WhatsApp on 0704755600, the Police Emergency Hotline on 119 or the Colombo District Emergency Call Division on 0112433333.Meanwhile, complaints regarding vehicles emitting excessive black smoke can be made to the National Transport Commission via its hotline 1955 or WhatsApp on 0703500525. Complainants have been requested to provide the vehicle registration number, date and location of the incident, together with supporting photographs or video footage.The Police have also urged vehicle owners and drivers to familiarise themselves with relevant legal requirements and ensure that their vehicles meet prescribed standards before being driven on public roads.Island-wide traffic enforcement operations will continue, with strict legal action to be taken against those violating traffic laws and regulations.

Police seek public help to crack down on reckless driving 

The proposed Hasthi Sena operation does not require special legal backing as Wildlife Conservation officers involved in the initiative already have the authority to enforce the Fauna and Flora Protection Ordinance, with specially trained Military personnel being deployed only to support them, the Deputy Environment Minister Anton Jayakody said.Speaking to The Daily Morning yesterday (11), he said that the Government had decided to seek Cabinet of Ministers approval for the operation through a Cabinet memorandum. However, he stressed that the legal authority to enforce the Wildlife Conservation law remained with officers of the Department of Wildlife Conservation (DWC). “Under the law, the authority to enforce the said Ordinance has been given to Wildlife Conservation officers. Tri-Forces personnel with special training will be involved to assist them. Therefore, there’s no need for specific legislation for this. The operation will be carried out under the Ordinance,” he said.The Government recently initiated the Hasthi Sena programme as part of efforts to address the growing human-elephant conflict (HEC) and strengthen measures to protect both people and elephants. The programme involves coordinated action by Wildlife Conservation authorities and other State agencies in areas affected by the HEC, with Military personnel expected to provide specialised support where required.

DWC legally empowered for Hasthi Sena 

Parents and family members of the infant Hamdi Fazlim, who died in July 2023 when he was two-years-old after a kidney surgery at the Lady Ridgeway Hospital for Children in Borella, staged a silent protest in front of the Health Ministry yesterday (11), demanding answers over the child's kidneys going missing after the surgery.The protest was attended by the child's parents and family members. They held placards calling for action against the primary surgeon, Dr Naveen Wijekoon, who left Sri Lanka and migrated to Australia shortly after the procedure. Others asked what had happened to the investigative report that the Ministry had promised, even after three years, and urged the authorities to "tell us what happened to our child".According to the court case, Fazlim developed complications in his urinary system as an infant. Following scans, doctors at the Hospital determined that his left kidney was malfunctioning, functioning at only nine per cent, while the right kidney was healthy, functioning at 91%. They recommended removing the left kidney.Paediatric surgeon Dr Wijekoon performed the surgery on 24 December 2022. Following the operation, the child ceased passing urine, and subsequent DMSA and computed tomography scans revealed that both of his kidneys were missing.The then Hospital Director, Dr G Wijesuriya, initially stated that the child had a congenital abnormality in which the two kidneys were fused together, and that when one kidney was removed, the second, which was attached to it, had also come away.The parents rejected this explanation, alleging that preliminary tests had established that the kidneys were separate within the abdominal cavity and that the child was admitted to the Hospital directly for surgery. Fazlim spent seven months on intensive medical support before he died of kidney failure on 28 July 2023.The post-mortem examinations revealed that both the kidneys had been removed during the operation. Court proceedings disclosed that the Hospital authorities have so far been unable to produce the organs. It was also confirmed in court that Dr Wijekoon left for Australia shortly after the procedure.The judicial medical officer who conducted the initial post-mortem was suspended from duty at the time. Courts have since issued orders in the matter, including the Colombo Magistrate's Court ordering the arrest of those responsible for the child's death. The most recent order directed that the responsible health officials be produced before the Court.Meanwhile, the Medical and Civil Rights Professional Association of Doctors’ organisation’s President, specialist Dr Chamal Sanjeewa said that it was regrettable that the Ministry had acted negligently despite the facts presented by the parents and the Court. He said that it was suspicious and questionable that the Ministry had not given sufficient support to enforce the law. He added that the Ministry Secretary should conduct an internal inquiry and promptly submit the relevant reports to the Court.&nbsp;Multiple attempts to contact the Ministry were unsuccessful.

 Missing kidneys case: Parents of child conduct protest three years on

<h3> </h3><h3>Opposition Leader Sajith Premadasa has challenged the Government’s claim that a person could live on Rs 17,000 to Rs 18,000 a month, questioning the basis on which the figure had been calculated amid rising living costs and inflation.</h3>Speaking to journalists after a meeting of the Samagi Jana Balawegaya (SJB) Working Committee at the party headquarters yesterday (11), he said the claim was not supported by scientific data or a data-driven policymaking process.He said recent fuel price increases had further pushed up the cost of living and inflation, worsening the economic difficulties faced by the public.Premadasa also questioned whether a Budget was necessary to provide relief to the people if, as claimed, the Treasury was holding sufficient funds."Whether relief is provided through the Budget or not is a decision for the President. But, if the Treasury is full of money, we have to ask whether a Budget is needed at all to provide relief to the people," he said.He further raised concerns over the departure of professionals, including doctors and engineers, saying the situation was placing the country at risk. He added that sections of the population ranging from schoolchildren to those dependent on the free healthcare system were becoming increasingly vulnerable.Premadasa also accused the Government of violating the democratic rights of the public through various measures and criticised what he described as attempts to introduce laws to suppress the people under the guise of preventing organised crime and terrorism against the State.He alleged that the Government was violating the fundamental and human rights of the people while also treating Buddhist clergy disrespectfully.Referring to proposed legislation on terrorism, he said laws introduced in the past to protect the State against terrorism were intended to prevent such threats. However, he warned that giving the Executive the authority to determine who should be classified as a terrorist could have serious consequences.He said international institutions and organisations had also raised concerns over such an approach, warning that it could lead the country towards an authoritarian, one-party system.

Drone taxi flies into a turf war

Monks begin death fast over Anuradhapura project

Monks begin death fast over An ...

Three-Judge CA bench to hear Hirunika’s appeal

Three-Judge CA bench to hear H ...

Budget 2027 presented to Parliament today

Budget 2027 presented to Parli ...

Govt warns LAUGFS: 300,000 more Litro cylinders ready

Govt warns LAUGFS: 300,000 mor ...

Police seek public help to crack down on reckless driving

Police seek public help to cra ...

DWC legally empowered for Hasthi Sena

DWC legally empowered for Hast ...

Missing kidneys case: Parents of child conduct protest three years on

Missing kidneys case: Parents ...

Sajith challenges Govt’s Rs 18,000 living cost claim

Sajith challenges Govt’s Rs 18 ...

Monks begin death fast over Anuradhapura project

Monks begin death fast over An ...

Three-Judge CA bench to hear Hirunika’s appeal

Three-Judge CA bench to hear H ...

Budget 2027 presented to Parliament today

Budget 2027 presented to Parli ...

Govt warns LAUGFS: 300,000 more Litro cylinders ready

Govt warns LAUGFS: 300,000 mor ...

Police seek public help to crack down on reckless driving

Police seek public help to cra ...

DWC legally empowered for Hasthi Sena

DWC legally empowered for Hast ...

Missing kidneys case: Parents of child conduct protest three years on

Missing kidneys case: Parents ...

Sajith challenges Govt’s Rs 18,000 living cost claim

Sajith challenges Govt’s Rs 18 ...

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Monks begin death fast over Anuradhapura project

Monks begin death fast over An ...

Three-Judge CA bench to hear Hirunika’s appeal

Three-Judge CA bench to hear H ...

Bringing the news paper to your fingertips

Budget 2027 presented to Parliament today

Budget 2027 presented to Parli ...

Govt warns LAUGFS: 300,000 more Litro cylinders ready

Govt warns LAUGFS: 300,000 mor ...

Police seek public help to crack down on reckless driving

Police seek public help to cra ...

DWC legally empowered for Hasthi Sena

DWC legally empowered for Hast ...