The government expects to conduct the Provincial Council elections at the earliest possible time, Cabinet Spokesperson, Minister Nalinda Jayatissa said today.

Responding to a question at the post-Cabinet media briefing regarding a recent statement by MP Nilanthi Kottahachchi that the elections would not be held, the Minister clarified that the government has already allocated funds for the polls.

He explained that if Parliament enacts the necessary legislation and completes the delimitation process within this year, elections can be conducted.

“The expectation of the government is to hold the Provincial Council elections quickly. There is no idea that the elections will not be held. A committee has already been appointed in Parliament, and the work must proceed through it,” Jayatissa said.

The Minister stressed that elections cannot be held without a legal framework, underscoring the need for Parliament to pass the required law without delay. (Newswire)

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A new project named “SL-PULSE” is to be implemented to strengthen citizen-centred governance and frontline public services through the country’s regional administrative system.

The project will cover Sri Lanka’s 25 districts and 341 Divisional Secretariat divisions, according to the document.

The initiative is aimed at strengthening coordination among government institutions at the regional level and improving the delivery of public services to citizens.

The project will focus on areas including strengthening public administration, improving public service delivery, identifying and addressing service-related issues and enhancing coordination among government institutions.

The programme is also expected to provide support to public officers working at the regional level and improve their capacity to respond to the needs of the public.

According to the document, the project will involve the participation of government officials from seven key sectors and is expected to benefit around 13,000 to 15,000 public officers through capacity-building and related activities.

The initiative is intended to establish a more efficient and citizen-focused public service system by strengthening regional administrative mechanisms and improving coordination between institutions. (Newswire)

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The government will continue the QR system for fuel distribution as Middle East conflicts remain unresolved, Cabinet Spokesperson, Minister Nalinda Jayatissa said today.

Responding to a question at the post-Cabinet media briefing, the Minister said the QR mechanism must remain in place to manage supplies, noting that while consumption has reduced, the impact is limited. 

Minister Jayatissa further explained that instability in the Strait of Hormuz continues to affect global oil prices, with barrel costs fluctuating. “The oil crisis has not yet been resolved. As a country, we are using this system to maintain daily life as much as possible without disruption,” he said.

According to the Minister, diesel consumption has dropped by 10% and petrol by 9% since the QR system was introduced. Supplies are being prioritized for essential sectors. He added that the Ceylon Petroleum Corporation is expected to continue the system for some time. (Newswire)

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The Cabinet of Ministers has approved a proposal by the Minister of Ports and Civil Aviation to award concessions for operating six travel service counters at the arrival lobby of Bandaranaike International Airport in Katunayake.

The move follows a national competitive bidding process, with ten companies submitting proposals. 

After evaluation, the High‑Level Standing Procurement Committee recommended awarding the concessions for a three‑year period.

Among the selected bidders were:

• M/s Casons Travel (Private) Ltd — Rs. 251.03 million
• M/s J N W Lanka Tours — Rs. 209.67 million
• M/s Awavia Tours (Private) Ltd — Rs. 189.66 million
• M/s Ceylon Arrivals (Private) Ltd — Rs. 183.60 million
• M/s Ayubowan Tours & Travels (Private) Ltd — Rs. 171.53 million
• M/s Explore Vacations and Travels (Private) Ltd — Rs. 234.73 million (Newswire)

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The Cabinet of Ministers has approved the appointment of Retired Air Chief Marshal Thushara Indunil Fernando as the new Commissioner General of Motor Traffic.

The position has remained vacant, and Fernando has been appointed on a contract basis with immediate effect.

The proposal to make this appointment was presented by the Minister of Transport, Highways and Urban Development and received Cabinet approval. (Newswire) 

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The government has announced a project to repair 14 bridges damaged by Cyclone Ditwah across the Western, Sabaragamuwa, North Western, North Central, and Eastern provinces.

The People’s Republic of China has agreed to provide financial assistance for the initiative. 

The project will be carried out in two phases, with the first phase lasting 18 months to repair 9 bridges. China is expected to provide 7,929 million Renminbi for the repair work.

An agreement is to be signed between the Ministry of Transport, Highways and Urban Development and the Chinese government. 

The Cabinet has approved the proposal presented by the Minister of Transport, Highways and Urban Development, officially declaring the initiative a definite government project. (Newswire)

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The government has approved a major infrastructure initiative to develop link roads connecting the Central Expressway with existing road networks in the Western, Central, and North Western provinces. 

The project, scheduled for implementation between 2026 and 2030, aims to strengthen connectivity, improve accessibility, and ease traffic flow across the regions.

According to the proposal presented by the Minister of Transport, Highways, and Urban Development:

• For Section I, 12 link roads spanning 117.68 km will be developed.
• For Section III, 14 link roads covering 83.98 km will be constructed.
• For Section IV, 09 link roads with a combined length of 81.36 km are planned.

The estimated total cost of the project is Rs. 104.9 billion.

Officials state that the link road development will integrate the Central Expressway into the broader national highway system, ensuring smoother transport of goods and passengers while reducing congestion on existing routes.

The Cabinet has formally endorsed the proposal. (Newswire)

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Minister Nalinda Jayatissa says several causes have been identified for recent clashes in prisons, and that remedies are being applied while investigations continue.

Speaking at today’s Cabinet decisions media briefing, the Minister confirmed that the Criminal Investigation Department (CID) has already launched probes into the incidents.

On the Negombo Prison clash, Jayatissa revealed that statements have been recorded from over 1,500 individuals, including inmates and officials. 

He added that 61 suspects have been named in connection with killings during the unrest, while one person was taken into police custody yesterday (10). Facts relating to the incident have been reported to the Negombo Magistrate’s Court.

Regarding the Mahara Prison incident, statements have been recorded from 925 individuals, while inquiries are also underway into the Kuruwita Prison clash.

The Minister emphasized that individuals connected to the clashes are being identified, and noted that the CID is investigating whether there are interconnections between the incidents as well as possible involvement of external parties. (Newswire)

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Cabinet Spokesman Nalinda Jayatissa clarified today that the government has explained its judicial reform programme to the Chief Prelates of the three Nikayas, following reports of a letter sent to the President opposing the constitutional amendment to extend the retirement age of judges.

Responding to a question at the post- Cabinet media briefing held today, Jayatissa said he and the Minister of Justice met the Chief Prelates of the Asgiriya, Malwathu and Ramanna Nikaya together, and later held discussions with the Chief Prelate of the Amarapura Nikaya.

He explained that the discussions went beyond the retirement age issue, covering the government’s broader judicial reforms aimed at reducing case backlogs, streamlining processes, and improving efficiency. 

Measures outlined included strengthening the Judiciary, Attorney General’s Department, Prisons, Government Analyst’s Department, and Judicial Services Commission; expediting recruitment and filling vacancies; increasing magistrates’ court hearings; establishing new appeal courts; digitalizing institutions; amending laws to address delays; and improving allowances and facilities for judges.

Jayatissa stressed that the extension of retirement age was not targeted at any single individual, but applied across the judiciary from magistrates to Supreme Court judges, covering around 400 judges whose retirement age would be extended by two years.

He added that the Chief Prelates listened to the government’s explanations, acknowledged the reforms, and expressed agreement if the measures would reduce delays and benefit the public. (Newswire)

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The Cabinet has approved long-term contracts for the supply of petrol, Murban crude oil and diesel to the Ceylon Petroleum Corporation (CPC), following an evaluation of bids submitted under a limited international competitive procurement process.

The procurement was conducted among suppliers registered with the CPC. The approved contracts cover three petroleum products to be supplied between September 2026 and February 2027.

Aditya Birla Global Trading (Singapore) Pte. Ltd. was selected to supply 1.2 million barrels, with a margin of 5%, of 92 Unl petrol from Sept. 1, 2026, to Feb. 28, 2027. Four bids were received for the contract.

The same company was also selected to supply 2.8 million barrels, with a margin of 5%, of Murban crude oil from Nov. 1, 2026, to Feb. 28, 2027. Four bids were received for this procurement.

Vitol Asia Pte. Ltd., Singapore, was selected to supply 1.12 million barrels, with a margin of 5%, of diesel with 0.05% M.S. from Sept. 1, 2026, to Feb. 28, 2027. Six bids were received.

The Cabinet approved the proposal submitted by the Minister of Energy based on recommendations of the High-Level Standing Procurement Committee, which identified the selected companies as the lowest substantially responsive bidders. (Newswire)

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The Cabinet of Ministers has approved the procurement of coal for the Norochcholai Lakvijaya Power Plant to meet requirements for the 2026/2027 period.

At its meeting on March 30, 2026, the Cabinet granted approval to secure 2.28 million metric tons of coal, ensuring uninterrupted supply and safeguarding national energy security. 

The National Procurement Commission authorized the selection of two suppliers following an international competitive bidding process, which attracted nine bids.

Based on recommendations from the High‑Level Standing Procurement Committee, the Cabinet endorsed the Minister of Power’s proposal to award contracts as follows:

• Aditya Birla Global Trading Singapore Pte. Ltd. – 70% share, amounting to 1.596 million metric tons
• Mohit Minerals Limited (India) – 30% share, amounting to 0.684 million metric tons

The move is expected to stabilize coal supplies for the Norochcholai plant and reinforce Sri Lanka’s energy security strategy. (Newswire) 

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The Cabinet has approved the award of a contract worth US$3.04 million and Rs. 2.796 billion, excluding VAT, for the construction of three new fuel storage tanks at the Muthurajawela terminal.

The project, funded by the Ceylon Petroleum Storage Terminals Limited (CPSTL), involves the construction of two 15,000-cubic-metre fuel storage tanks and one 10,000-cubic-metre tank.

Cabinet approval for the project was initially granted on June 2, 2025. A subsequent Cabinet decision on July 20, 2026 called for discussions with relevant stakeholders to determine the procedures required to meet environmental, legal and other requirements before proceeding with the project.

The Minister of Energy and the Minister of Environment have informed Cabinet that recommendations and conditions imposed by the Central Environmental Authority (CEA) have been incorporated into the procurement contract.

They also confirmed that the project will be implemented in compliance with provisions relating to the protection of wildlife and flora.

The contract was awarded following an international competitive bidding process to the joint venture of Indo-East Engineering & Construction (Lanka) (Private) Limited and Ceylex Engineering (Private) Limited.

The joint venture was identified as the lowest substantially responsive bidder based on the recommendation of the High-Level Procurement Committee.

Cabinet approved the proposal submitted by the Minister of Energy to award the contract for US$3.04 million and Rs. 2,796.14 million, both excluding VAT. (Newswire)

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The Cabinet of Ministers has approved a proposal to procure new vehicles and equipment for the operation and maintenance of Sri Lanka’s expressway network, which currently spans 312 kilometers and is set to expand further by 2027–2028.

The decision follows the Road Development Authority’s identification of worn‑out equipment on existing expressways and the need to prepare for upcoming routes, including the Port Access Expressway, Section 1 of the Central Expressway, and Section 111 from Pothuhera to Galagedara.

Under the plan, Rs. 1,200 million from expressway earnings will be allocated to procure 21 types of vehicles and equipment, including:

• Double‑cab pickup trucks – 4 (management, toll collection, and police use)
• Expressway ambulances – 2
• Aerial platform trucks – 2
• Telescopic boom trucks – 2
• Pedestrian walkway cleaning vehicles – 2
• Water jetting cleaning trucks – 2
• Fire trucks – 2
• Tow trucks / accident recovery trucks – 3
• Boom mower vehicles – 2

The proposal, presented by the Minister of Transport, Highways and Urban Development, was endorsed by the Cabinet to ensure efficient operations and safety across the expanding expressway network. (Newswire)

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The Cabinet of Ministers has approved a proposal by President Anura Kumara Dissanayake, in his capacity as Minister of Finance, to obtain a concessional loan of USD 200 million from the Asian Development Bank (ADB).

The approval follows Cabinet consent on 15 June 2026 to conduct loan agreement discussions under Sub‑Programme 1 of the ADB’s Trade, Investment and Industrial Development Programme, which have now been successfully concluded.

Clearances for the loan have been received from the Attorney General’s Department and the Central Bank of Sri Lanka, with the arrangement subject to conditions set by the State Debt Management Office.

The loan is expected to support ongoing economic development initiatives while strengthening trade and investment programmes. (Newswire)

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The Cabinet of Ministers has approved a proposal by the Minister of Labour to draft amendments to the Employees’ Provident Fund (EPF) Act No. 15 of 1958, aimed at strengthening social security for private and semi‑government sector employees who are not entitled to pensions.

The EPF Act, introduced in 1958, is administered under the Commissioner General of Labour, with the Monetary Board of the Central Bank of Sri Lanka serving as custodian of the Fund. 

While provisions of the Act have been revised periodically, the government notes that further reforms are necessary to address challenges faced by members in line with current social, economic, and technological changes.

Taking into account proposals submitted by the Central Bank, the Department of Labour has prepared a preliminary draft. Based on this, instructions have been issued to the Legal Draftsman to prepare a Bill to amend the EPF Act. (Newswire)

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The Government has extended by three months the concessionary period granted to vehicle manufacturers to install seat belts in vehicles operating on expressways, following requests from industry stakeholders.

Under the Motor Vehicles (Expressways) Order No. 2 of 2011, issued in line with the Motor Vehicles Act, seat belts are mandatory for all passengers in vehicles traveling on expressways. 

The initial grace period for manufacturers to retrofit seat belts in vehicles without them expired on 19 June 2026.

Considering appeals to extend the deadline, the Government amended the Order through Extraordinary Gazette No. 2493/19 dated 17 June 2026, pushing the grace period to 19 September 2026.

The proposal presented by the Minister of Transport, Highways and Urban Development for parliamentary approval has already been endorsed by the Cabinet of Ministers. (Newswire)

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The Cabinet of Ministers has approved a proposal by the Minister of Transport, Highways and Urban Development to procure 50 more low‑floor comfortable buses for urban passenger transport services, as part of the Government’s programme to modernize the public transport system.

The decision follows the recent import of 100 low‑floor buses by the contracted supplier under the agreement signed on 6 March 2026. 

Authorities noted that the additional procurement, made as a 50% repeat order in line with Government procurement guidelines, was necessary to meet rising passenger demand and to expand modern transport services beyond the Colombo metropolitan area.

According to the government, the first phase of the Metro Bus Project is planned for the cities of Kandy, Galle, and Jaffna, given their strategic importance as regional transport and tourism hubs. 

The expansion of the bus fleet is expected to strengthen connectivity, ease congestion, and improve commuter convenience in these urban centres.

The initiative is part of the broader effort to upgrade Sri Lanka’s public transport infrastructure and ensure safer, more accessible services for passengers across the country. (Newswire)

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Parliament is set to take up for approval the Motor Vehicles (Inspection) Order No. 03 of 2026, introduced to strengthen road safety following a series of serious accidents linked to structural weaknesses in passenger vehicles.

According to the government, recent investigations by motor vehicle inspectors revealed that mechanical and structural defects in vehicles had contributed to many of the accidents. 

In response, authorities identified the need to establish a formal procedure for checking the roadworthiness of passenger transport services, school transport, office transport, and rental vehicles used for special tours. 

These services fall under the regulation of the National Transport Commission, Provincial Passenger Transport Authorities, and the Sri Lanka Transport Board.

The Order, published in Extraordinary Gazette No. 2489/22 dated 19 May 2026, introduces the necessary provisions under the Motor Vehicles Act. 

The proposal to present the Order before Parliament was submitted by the Minister of Transport, Highways and Urban Development and has already been approved by the Cabinet of Ministers. (Newswire)

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The Cabinet of Ministers has approved the allocation of land plots in 13 regional industrial estates to investors for the establishment of new industries, under long‑term lease agreements.

The initiative is part of the Regional Industrial Estate Development Program implemented by the Ministry of Industries and Entrepreneurship Development to promote industrial growth at the regional level. Under the program, basic infrastructure is first developed on identified lands, which are then leased to suitable investors.

Following evaluation of proposals, the Regional Industrial Services Committee established under the Industrial Promotion Act No. 46 of 1990, together with the Ministry’s Project Evaluation Committee, recommended land allocations for 23 projects.

The approved projects represent a total investment of approximately Rs. 2,805.26 million and are expected to generate around 870 direct employment opportunities.

Accordingly, the Cabinet endorsed the proposal presented by the Minister of Industries and Entrepreneurship Development to lease land plots to the 23 investors for a period of 35 years, ensuring long‑term industrial development across the country. (Newswire)

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The Cabinet of Ministers has approved the restructuring of the Gem and Jewellery Research and Training Institute, integrating it as the Research and Training Division of the National Gem and Jewellery Authority.

The National Gem and Jewellery Authority was established under the Act No. 50 of 1993, while the Research and Training Institute was set up in 1995 to support industry‑related research and training.

Although both institutions have contributed to the development of Sri Lanka’s gem and jewellery sector, officials noted that the lack of an integrated mechanism has led to resource wastage and policy contradictions.

Following a review by an officials’ committee chaired by the Secretary to the Prime Minister, policy approval was granted at the Cabinet meeting held on March 17, 2025, to merge the two institutions. 

Subsequently, the Secretary of the Ministry of Industries and Entrepreneurship Development appointed a committee to recommend structural reforms.

Based on its report, the Cabinet endorsed the proposal presented by the Minister of Industries and Entrepreneurship Development to restructure the institute under the authority and to take necessary legal steps in line with the 1993 Act. (Newswire)

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