<ul><li>Calls for assistance to equip buses before regulations are strictly enforced</li><li>Charges disparity in how law enforcement treats State-owned and private buses</li><li>NTC calls for the law to be strictly enforced from tomorrow (1 July)</li></ul> The Lanka Private Bus Owners’ Association (LPBOA) urged the Government to provide standard seat belts to private buses at concessional prices before enforcing the regulation that makes seat belts mandatory for bus drivers.Last week, the National Transport Commission (NTC) announced that it will be mandatory for bus drivers to wear seat belts starting from 1 July. NTC Chairperson, Engineer P.A. Chandrapala, stated that strict action would be taken against drivers who fail to comply with the regulation. Against this backdrop, LPBOA President Gemunu Wijeratne told the media yesterday (29) that if the Government is planning to introduce such a regulation, standard seat belts must be provided. Otherwise, he said, there is no point in wearing substandard seat belts that do not ensure safety. He added that the Government should provide those seat belts at concessionary prices for private buses, especially if they are being given free of charge to State-owned buses, claiming that law enforcement must be done equally. “Many people complain about the safety issues in Sri Lanka Transport Board (SLTB) buses. Everything is being given free to them. But, we have to maintain our facilities without any support. When it comes to law enforcement, however, we are treated differently,” he alleged.However, Wijeratne said that only discussions have been held regarding this matter and no final enforcement date has been announced. “The Police have the power to implement this. It was just an awareness programme. We have no issue with it. But the necessary facilities must be provided before such laws are enforced,” he said.The requirement for drivers to wear seat belts has been in effect since 1 October, 2011 under the provisions of the Motor Traffic Act. However, non-compliance remains widespread, according to the NTC.The rise in road accidents has also been linked to the failure of bus drivers to follow safety regulations, including the law requiring them to wear seat belts.As a result, in response to the continuing increase in traffic accidents in the country, the NTC has decided to strictly enforce the seat belt law from 1 July. Sub head for BOX – LPBOA calls for assistance&nbsp; Noting that the private bus sector is facing various issues, including bus fare-related concerns, private bus owners urged the Government to introduce a programme to protect and support the sector. They cautioned that the failure to do that would result in the sector’s collapse.Lanka Private Bus Owners’ Association’s President Gemunu Wijeratne made these remarks during a press briefing, where he raised concerns about bus fare revisions which are based on fuel price revisions.He opined that the existing bus-fare revision system is not designed for the recently introduced monthly fuel-price revision system: “When the national policy on bus fares was introduced, there were no monthly fuel price revisions. But, it exists now. The bus fare formula is 23 years old as it was introduced in 2002. Accordingly, it has to be updated now.”Noting that bus owners will keep an eye on whether fuel prices will be revised today (30), he added that in the event of a fuel price revision, bus owners will most likely have to revoke the fare that has been decided for the month of July. He expressed hope that the authorities will keep fuel prices unchanged during the monthly fuel price revision.	(Sumudu Chamara) ===================BOX ENDS====================

Safety in public transport: LPBOA seeks seatbelts at concession price

<ul><li>Wants to encourage use of life jackets at sea</li><li>Committee appointed to look in to safety shortcoming</li></ul> The Government is considering options to encourage the use of life jackets among fishermen, adding that it has been pointed out as a step to improve fishermen’s safety. Fisheries, Aquatic and Ocean Resources Deputy Minister Rathna Gamage made this statement during a press briefing yesterday (29), where he expressed concerns about accidents involving fishermen and fishing vessels which seem to be on the rise. Pointing out that several such accidents have been reported during the past few weeks alone, he added that storms and vessel collisions have been identified as the reason for some of these accidents. Noting that the Navy, Air Force and the Police are conducting continuous operations to ensure fishermen’s safety, Gamage explained that more systematic and long-term steps are also necessary. According to him, the ministry has appointed a committee led by the Fisheries Department’s Director General, and joined by the Navy, Army and the Air Force. This committee will investigate safety-related concerns faced by fishermen, identify lapses, and recommend solutions to address the identified issues. The minister stressed that he will take action as soon as the committee issues its report. Meanwhile, the body of one of the two fishermen who went missing after a multi-day fishing vessel capsized in the seas off the coast of Paravi Wella in Tangalle, has been recovered. The Sri Lanka Navy confirmed that the fisherman’s body was recovered during search operations, which were conducted with the assistance of the Sri Lanka Air Force . The fishing vessel, named ‘Maxim Putha 1’, was carrying six fishermen when the accident occurred while returning to shore after poaching. A total of six fishermen were onboard the vessel when it capsized off the coast of Paravi Wella Beach in Tangalle, four of whom were rescued with the help of a dinghy. Efforts are underway to locate the remaining missing fisherman. Meanwhile, three other boat accidents were reported over the weekend in seas off Galle, Kalutara and Hikkaduwa.

Safety at Sea: Govt. to improve safety of fishers

<ul><li>Claims they take appropriate action if misconduct is found</li></ul> Sri Lanka Medical Council (SLMC) states that it has the authority to investigate complaints against medical officers (MO) working in prison hospitals if formal complaints are submitted.When contacted by The Daily Morning, SLMC Registrar Dr. Hemantha Herath said that although the council does not have powers to carry out field inspections like Public Health Inspectors (PHI) do under the Food Act No. 26 of 1980, it does carry out investigations through an established process when a complaint is officially filed.He added that the SLMC is already looking into a number of complaints and does not ignore any serious allegations made through proper channels.“If any MO registered with the SLMC – whether working in hospitals or prisons – is accused of misconduct or wrongdoing, and a formal complaint is filed, we first assess whether there is a reasonable basis for the complaint through a preliminary inquiry. If so, the matter is referred to our Professional Conduct Committee (PCC). The PCC follows a quasi-judicial process, where charges are presented, inquiries are held, and appropriate action is taken if misconduct is found.”The SLMC’s response comes after the Medical and Civil Rights Professional Association of Doctors and the Committee for the Protection of Prisoners’ Rights recently called for a formal investigation into several MOs attached to prison hospitals, who are suspected of misusing their authority. There are allegations that some MOs at prisons have issued false medical reports to provide special treatment to certain individuals held in remand custody, including politicians and senior Government officials.The SLMC is a statutory body established for the purpose of protecting health care seekers by ensuring the maintenance of academic and professional standards, discipline and ethical practice by health professionals including MOs who are registered with it.

Prison Doctor misconduct: Can probe if complaint is filed: SLMC

The Katchatheevu Island belongs to Sri Lanka and will not be handed over to any other party under any circumstances, Minister of Fisheries, Aquatic and Ocean Resources Ramalingam Chandrasekar asserted yesterday (29).Fisheries Minister Chandrasekar noted that illegal fishing carried out by Indian fishermen in the Northern waters are leading to the destruction of marine resources.The minister expressed these views following a statement made by Minister of External Affairs of India Dr. S. Jaishankar at a public event, where he claimed that the rights of Indian fishermen to fish in Sri Lankan waters granted under an emergency agreement with Sri Lanka, had been violated.Minister Ramalingam Chandrasekar opined that it is common during election periods in India, discussions about the Katchatheevu Island and Indian fishermen surface on political platforms.Chandrasekar highlighted the destruction brought by Indian fishermen who illegally enter Sri Lankan waters in enmasse and use banned fishing practices like bottom trawling has caused irreversible damage to coastal marine ecosystem.He said more than 30% of the Northern population relies on the fishing industry and therefore they will take required measures to safeguard their livelihoods.

Sovereignty: Katchatheevu will remain with SL: Fisheries Min.

<ul><li>Calls Govt. plans to import 40,000 MT of rice a short-sighted decision</li></ul> Farmers from the North Central and North Western Provinces yesterday claimed that a decision by the Government to import rice at this stage would be akin to abandoning the domestic paddy farming community during the peak of a major harvesting season.This is because the Government is planning to import 40,000 metric tonnes of Keeri Samba and substitute rice amidst recent shortages.Speaking to The Daily Morning yesterday (29), National Organiser of the Farmers' Struggle Movement, P. K. D. Wijeratne said that importing rice during a harvesting season when farmers have the opportunity to make a profit, would be a “short-sighted” decision for any Government. He alleged that the Government is ignoring its priorities, such as purchasing paddy from local farmers at a fair price and distributing fertiliser, while focusing on "useless" things like importing rice.He argued that the Government should instead support local farmers to increase rice production, rather than discourage them with arbitrary decisions. “This decision will discourage farmers. As you know, people mortgage their assets to cultivate. How can such people survive if the Government itself dismantles the country's agriculture? This shows that the Government lacks knowledge about farming. We will ensure that we show the correct path to this Government if it continues to take the wrong one,” he added.The Government has reportedly taken this decision due to the lack of sufficient rice stocks in the country and to meet the demand for Keeri Samba rice, as announced by the President’s Media Division (PMD). The move has been recommended by the Food Security and Cost of Living Committee, which convened at the Presidential Secretariat. Accordingly, around 5,000 metric tonnes of rice will be imported through State institutions, while the remainder will be brought in through the private sector based on market demand, the PMD stated.

Rice wars: Importing Keeri Samba is a death blow: Farmers

<ul><li>Argues that decision will not impact customers</li><li>Concerns mount about demurrage payment for vehicles left in Port</li></ul> &nbsp;Vehicle importers having raised concerns regarding the issues following the Sri Lanka Customs’ decision to halt the clearance of vehicles imported under cross-border Letters of Credit (LCs), confirms that there is no halt in clearing other vehicles and goods, and no change in the decision is being discussed at present.Speaking to The Daily Morning yesterday (29), Customs Spokesperson ADG Seevali Arukgoda said that the decision will not be changed immediately, claiming that it was taken to ensure that no tax evasion is taking place. He also stated that this will not severely affect the functions of Sri Lanka Customs, as some have claimed.Responding to the allegations made by vehicle importers regarding congestion caused by 200-300 vehicles not being cleared, he noted that Customs has no involvement in issues such as the payment of demurrage. He explained that demurrage is paid to terminals and shipping companies, not to Customs, and therefore it is not their responsibility.According to Customs, the measure has been taken as a crucial step to combat significant tax evasion through fraudulent under-valuation. However, vehicle importers urge the relevant authorities to look into the matter immediately and find a resolution, as the companies have to pay significant amounts in demurrage, which could lead to an increase in the prices of imported vehicles.Several attempts made to contact the President of the Vehicle Importers' Association of Sri Lanka (VIASL) Prasad Priyanga were unsuccessful.

Vehicle imports:  Customs sticks to its guns

<ul><li>Says that it will take action against errant sale of products with misleading packaging information</li></ul> The Consumer Affairs Authority (CAA) yesterday (29) strongly denied media reports claiming that a maximum retail price for salt was determined during a discussion held between the CAA and the Salt Manufacturers’ Association of Sri Lanka.In a statement issued in this regard, the CAA clarified that no such discussion took place between the CAA and the Salt Manufacturers’ Association.However, it is reported that the Consumer Affairs Council, which operates independently under the CAA, convened a meeting with the Salt Manufacturers’ Association to obtain their views regarding the imposition of a maximum retail price for salt.The statement said that if the Consumer Affairs Council decides to set a maximum retail price based on the facts raised during the discussion, it will inform the Consumer Affairs Authority accordingly in that regard.The CAA will then take the necessary steps to publish the approved prices through a gazette notification, the statement said.According to the statement, the Salt Manufacturers’ Association had shared salt prices with the media and claimed that the CAA had agreed to them. However, the CAA strongly denies this, stating that the claim is false.In addition, the CAA noted that some importers and manufacturers have released packaged salt to the market without displaying the importers or manufacturer’s information or the retail price.The CAA warned that legal action will be taken against such products, and all merchants are advised not to purchase or sell them. Vendors are also advised to retain a formal invoice with accurate information and pricing from the importer or manufacturer who supplied the goods. Legal action will be taken if goods are kept without such an invoice, the CAA stated.

Salt supply: CAA rejects reports of MRP

A Civil Society Organisation (CSO) has lodged a complaint with the Commission to Investigate Allegations of Bribery or Corruption (CIABOC) seeking investigations into close relatives of former Health Ministry Secretary Janaka Chandragupta who was recently arrested.The complaint, submitted by the Citizens of the People’s Struggle (CPS) organisation during the weekend, alleged that there are serious concerns about the savings, businesses and assets of Chandragupta’s wife and brother-in-law. It further claimed that money earned by Chandragupta through illegal means are suspected to have been invested in local businesses and also hidden in the United Kingdom.The organisation’s General Secretary Chanaka Bandara told The Daily Morning that the investigations concerning Chandragupta should focus on his close relatives as well, and that attention should be paid to investigating them under the Anti-Corruption Act No. 9 of 2023.Chandragupta was arrested last Thursday (26) after he appeared before the CIABOC to record a statement regarding the alleged procurement of substandard drugs.

Corruption allegations: CSO asks CIABOC to expand probe on Chandragupta

A third earthquake within 24 hours jolted Pakistan on Sunday, a statement by the National Center for Seismology (NCS) said.The earthquake of magnitude 3.8 units occurred at a shallow depth of 15 km, making it susceptible to aftershocks. In a post on X, the NCS said: “EQ of M: 3.8, On: 29/06/2025 11:21:10 IST, Lat: 32.03 N, Long: 72.31 E, Depth: 15 Km, Location: Pakistan.”Earlier in the day, an earthquake of magnitude 4.5 jolted Pakistan, a statement by the National Center for Seismology (NCS) said. In a post on X, the NCS said: “EQ of M: 4.5, On: 29/06/2025 08:02:51 IST, Lat: 30.24 N, Long: 69.86 E, Depth: 10 Km, Location: Pakistan.”Shallow earthquakes are generally more dangerous than deep earthquakes.This is because the seismic waves from shallow earthquakes have a shorter distance to travel to the surface, resulting in stronger ground shaking and potentially more damage to structures and greater casualties.There were no immediate reports of casualties or major damage. Further details are awaited.Earlier in the day, another earthquake of magnitude 5.2 jolted Pakistan. In a post on X, the NCS said: “EQ of M: 5.2, On: 29/06/2025 03:54:02 IST, Lat: 30.25 N, Long: 69.82 E, Depth: 150 Km, Location: Pakistan.”Pakistan is one of the most seismically active countries in the world, being crossed by several major faults. As a result, earthquakes in Pakistan often occur and are destructive. Pakistan geologically overlaps both the Eurasian and Indian tectonic plates. Balochistan, the Federally Administered Tribal Areas, Khyber Pakhtunkhwa and Gilgit-Baltistan provinces lie on the southern edge of the Eurasian plate on the Iranian Plateau.Sindh, Punjab and Pakistan-occupied Jammu and Kashmir provinces lie on the northwestern edge of the Indian plate in South Asia. Hence, this region is prone to violent earthquakes as the two tectonic plates collide. (Asian News International)

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