A total of 37 shooting incidents have been reported across Sri Lanka so far this year, resulting in 18 deaths, Cabinet Spokesman and Minister Nalinda Jayatissa said today (15) at the post‑Cabinet media briefing.

The Minister noted that police have seized 867 firearms between 1 January and 10 September 2026, including 14 T‑56 assault rifles, 31 pistols, 25 revolvers, and 797 other weapons. He pointed out that in comparison, police recovered 2,404 firearms during the entire year of 2025.

Commenting on ongoing investigations, Jayatissa said that in connection with the Dehiwala grenade attack incident, two suspects have already been arrested, while the main suspect remains at large. He added that authorities expect to apprehend the suspect soon. (Newswire)

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The Ceylon Petroleum Corporation (CPC) has not yet submitted a proposal regarding fuel prices, Cabinet Spokesman and Minister Nalinda Jayatissa announced today (15) at the post‑Cabinet media briefing.

He explained that the country is currently relying on fuel stocks previously ordered, and that no discussions have been initiated at this stage on revising prices.

The Minister acknowledged that some distributors are struggling to sell fuel at the prevailing rates, noting that the government had provided concessions for a three‑month period to ease the burden. A total of Rs. 57 billion was allocated from the Treasury to support this measure.

Jayatissa said that future decisions on fuel pricing will depend on global price movements, adding that the government will act only after assessing whether international fuel prices increase further. (Newswire)

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The Cabinet of Ministers has approved a proposal to award the contract for the improvement of the Blackpool–Ambewela–Pattipola–Horton Plains Road (B 512), covering the stretch from kilometer 5+200 to kilometer 12+000, which sustained damage during Cyclone Ditwah in late November 2025.

The project was tendered under the national competitive bidding process, with four bids received.

Following evaluation, the High‑Level Procurement Committee recommended awarding the contract to M/S Asset Engineering (Pvt) Ltd, identified as the lowest responsive bidder.

The road upgrade will be carried out at a cost of Rs. 791.68 million (tax‑free). 

The proposal was presented by the Minister of Transport, Highways, and Urban Development and subsequently endorsed by the Cabinet. (Newswire)

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The government has approved a proposal to implement a stormwater drainage and environmental improvement project along the Piliyandala–Kesbewa Bypass Road (Road No. 120), following concerns that urban development in the area has disrupted natural water flow and increased flood risks.

Over the past decade, projects such as the Piliyandala bus stand construction and other urbanization activities have significantly altered the natural drainage patterns of the region.

Officials noted that the filling of low‑lying paddy lands has reduced the ground’s natural water retention capacity, leading to higher surface runoff and creating flood risks even during minor rainfall.

To address these issues, the new project will focus on:

• Upgrading existing drainage systems
• Constructing canal embankments
• Rehabilitating and building culverts
• Establishing water retention zones
• Designating sensitive environmental areas

The proposal was presented by the Minister of Transport, Highways, and Urban Development and received approval from the Cabinet of Ministers. (Newswire)

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The SAARC Energy Centre has announced that Colombo will host a regional training workshop on ‘Financial Modeling for Renewable Energy Projects’ from 05 to 07 October 2026.

The program will bring together two participants from each SAARC member country, including Sri Lanka, to strengthen expertise in project evaluation and financial modeling within the renewable energy sector.

According to officials, the SAARC Energy Centre will cover airfare, while all other local hospitality and airport transport facilities will be provided for participants.

The initiative, presented by the Minister of Power, was approved by the Cabinet of Ministers, with Sri Lanka confirming its cooperation in hosting the event. (Newswire)

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The Ministry of Digital Economy, together with GovTech Sri Lanka (Pvt) Ltd, has announced plans to host a landmark national technology summit and innovation festival titled ‘Disrupt Asia 2026’.

The two‑day event will feature a startup showcase, main sessions under multiple themes, an exhibition, a networking festival, and several other parallel programs. 

Organizers expect participation from a wide range of stakeholders, including ministries, government institutions, the private sector, industry leaders, academia, development partners, and international organizations.

The United Nations Development Programme (UNDP) Sri Lanka office has confirmed its readiness to act as a strategic partner for the Ministry of Digital Economy in organizing the summit. With UNDP’s involvement, the festival is expected to gain significant international visibility and support.

The proposal to hold ‘Disrupt Asia 2026’, presented by the Minister of Digital Economy with the approval of President Anura Kumara Dissanayake, has been formally endorsed by the Cabinet of Ministers. (Newswire)

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The Cabinet of Ministers has approved a proposal by the Ministry of Women and Children’s Affairs to declare 25 September to 01 October 2026 as National Children’s Week – 2026, coinciding with the annual Children’s Day celebrations on October 01.

The initiative aims to strengthen social attention on children’s rights, education, health, and well‑being, while addressing the evolving challenges faced by children today. 

Officials noted that risks now extend beyond traditional child protection concerns to include internet and digital technology threats, psychological and social pressures, neglect, and socio‑economic vulnerabilities.

Authorities emphasized that awareness must be raised not only among children but also among parents, teachers, government officials, service providers, and the general public, all groups that interact closely with children.

By declaring a National Children’s Week, the government seeks to increase public awareness of children’s rights, enhance social sensitivity towards children, and strengthen community participation in child protection. 

Special programs will be implemented throughout the week to promote these goals. (Newswire)

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Minister Vijitha Herath clarified today that the case relating to the arrest of SLPP MP Namal Rajapaksa was not filed by the current administration but during Ranil Wickremesinghe’s tenure.

Speaking at the post‑Cabinet media briefing today, the Minister stressed that the case was initiated before the current government came to power.

“This is not a case filed by us. It was filed earlier, during Ranil Wickremesinghe’s time. He seems to have forgotten this,” Herath said.

The Minister further alleged that the previous administration had failed to conduct proper hearings or court proceedings on the matter, describing it as a “deal between them.”

He added that once the current government assumed office, it created the necessary facilities for all previously ignored cases to be heard. (Newswire)

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The Cabinet has approved a proposal by the Minister of Sports to call for fresh bids for the project to relay the 400, 200 and 80 meter artificial running tracks at the Sugathadasa National Sports Complex Authority.

The project, estimated at Rs. 1,062.543 million, had earlier received Cabinet approval on October 21, 2025 and March 3, 2026. Bids were invited under the international competitive procurement procedure, with three submissions received.

However, following evaluation, it was found that the only qualified bidder had quoted a price 70% higher than the estimated cost. 

Taking this into account, the high‑level procurement committee recommended that the tender process be reopened to ensure a suitable contractor is selected at a reasonable cost.

Based on this recommendation, the Cabinet has now cleared the way for fresh bidding to move forward with the project, which aims to upgrade the artificial running tracks at the Sugathadasa complex. (Newswire)

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The Cabinet of Ministers has approved a proposal by the Minister of Transport, Highways, and Urban Development to complete remaining road construction works that will improve access to the Homagama, Pitipana, Mahenawatta Tech City Project.

The Tech City initiative was launched to strengthen the national economy by focusing on innovation and knowledge‑based technology. 

To ease traffic congestion in Homagama town and provide direct access to the Tech City, construction of the Western bypass road from Homagama, Walawwatte to Kotuwana began in 2020. Only about 50 meters of road remains to be built to connect it with the High Level Road.

In addition, plans are underway to link the Pitipana–Dampe Road through the Tech City interior with the Kottawa–Talagala Road via an access road from the University of Sri Lanka to the Sri Lanka Institute of Biotechnology. About 650 meters of this road section remains incomplete.

Both the bypass road connection and the biotechnology access road will be completed using domestic funds, ensuring direct connectivity for the Tech City and easing regional traffic flows. (Newswire)

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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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