The public has been warned after a kite string became entangled with a vehicle travelling on a highway, creating a dangerous situation for the driver and other road users.

The incident, captured on video, demonstrates how even a small kite can trigger a serious accident. 

Police have repeatedly issued warnings that kite flying near expressways and busy roads poses a direct risk to motorists and passengers.

Parents are urged to ensure children do not fly kites in such areas, noting that what begins as a moment of fun can quickly escalate into a life‑threatening situation. (Newswire)

A small kite can cause a big accident.

This video shows how a kite string became entangled with a vehicle travelling on the highway, creating a dangerous situation for the driver and other road users.

Please avoid flying kites near expressways and busy roads. Parents are also… pic.twitter.com/rwk0IV7aJf

— NewsWire (@NewsWireLK) July 31, 2026

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The Road Development Authority today organized an awareness programme on the Electronic Toll Collection (ETC) service for motorists using the Colombo–Katunayake Expressway, highlighting the benefits of faster, more efficient toll payments.

According to the Ministry of Transport and Highways, ETC users enjoy separate entry and exit points, enabling smooth travel without delays, along with a 10% discount on each journey. 

The service is currently available at Peliyagoda, Kerawalapitiya, Ja‑Ela and Katunayake interchanges, with plans to extend it to Kadawatha in the near future.

The Ministry of Transport and Highways, together with the Road Development Authority has simplified registration through the website www.exway.rda.gov.lk, allowing vehicle owners to sign up online, collect an RFID tag at a convenient interchange, and top up their ETC accounts via GovPay or bank cards.

Motorists are advised to maintain a speed of 15 km/h at entry and exit points and keep a 20‑meter distance from the vehicle ahead when using ETC lanes. (Newswire)

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Four leading building contractors have been debarred from participating in tenders for periods of between three years and six months by the Ministry of Transport, Highways and Urban Development. 

According to the Sunday Times, the companies blacklisted last week are M/s Consulting Engineers & Contractors (Pvt) Ltd (three years),  M/s V.V. Karunaratne & Company (one year), M/s HOVAEL Construction (Pvt) Ltd (one year), and W.K.K. Engineering Company (Pvt) Ltd (six months).

The companies are also debarred from entering into any new contracts or subcontracts under the purview of the Ministry.

The report further states that, according to a Cabinet paper, three of the companies are alleged to have provided false information to secure a lucrative contract under Section 3 of the Central Expressway Project.

It is reported that due procedure was followed, including the appointment of an independent committee, the inspection of documents submitted by the companies, a hearing on October 10, 2025, and further communications related to the allegations, before the initiation of action. 

The entities are entitled to appeal. It is the first time such action has ever been taken in the highways sector. (Newswire)

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The proposal for the procurement of 200 new super luxury buses for expressway operations of the Sri Lanka Transport Board (SLTB) has received a Cabinet nod. 

The SLTB has pointed out the urgent need to introduce new buses to its fleet, as nearly 52% of the regular bus fleet and nearly 94% of the luxury bus fleet have exceeded their economic life span. 

Due to the insufficient buses to meet the passenger demand on the expressway, the SLTB is currently operating 61 luxury buses belonging to the private sector on a profit-sharing basis. 

As such, the SLTB has decided to purchase 200 new super-luxury buses using its own funds. The Cabinet of Ministers has approved the proposal presented by the Minister of Transport in this regard.

Per the proposal, 29 super luxury buses are to be purchased through financially capable depots, the remaining buses are to be bought by making a down payment using SLTB funds, and the balance is to be paid in monthly instalments over a period of 5 years. (Newswire)

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Minister of Transport and Highways Bandula Gunawardena undertook an inspection tour of the ongoing construction of the Port Access Elevated Highway (PAEH) on Thursday.

Speaking to reporters, Minister Gunawardena said that the highway was a US$ 300 million project, which is being designed to include advanced technology in the world. 

The Port Access Elevated Highway Project will construct about 5.3 kilometres of an elevated toll highway with related facilities between the New Kelani Bridge and Galle Face in Colombo.  

Secretary to the Ministry of Transport and Highways Eng. Ranjith Ganganath Rubasinghe told the media that all highways will be connected via the Port Access Elevated Highway.

He further said that for the first time in Sri Lanka, automated payment for vehicles will be introduced on the highway. 

Meanwhile, Project Director K.W.Kandambi told the media that the Port Access Elevated Highway is considered the longest highway in Sri Lanka. 

He further said that by July 24 the Port Access Elevated Highway will be connected to all other highways in the country.

The Port Access Elevated Highway Project is expected to be opened and handed over to the public in October. (Newswire)

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An Austrian national is reported dead following a motor accident on the Kerawalapitiya Expressway.

According to the Police, three others who sustained injuries in the accident have been hospitalised.

The accident had occurred between Kerawalapitiya and Kadawatha on the expressway.

It is reported that the van in which the victim was travelling had collided with the rear end of a lorry. (NewsWire/ Pic- Accident1st)

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The Highway Traffic Police has issued an advisory to the public using the expressways in the country, concerning the inclement weather experienced at present.

Motorists have been requested to maintain a distance of 50 metres between vehicles while travelling on the expressways.

Due to dull light as a result of gloomy weather, motorists have been urged to drive with their headlights switched on.

The appeal comes as heavy rains and gloomy weather have been reported in various parts of Sri Lanka since this morning. (NewsWire) 

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