The Ministry of Transport, Highways and Urban Development has officially called for tenders to supply 200 new luxury diesel buses to the Sri Lanka Transport Board (SLTB), aimed at strengthening expressway and long‑distance bus services.

According to Deputy Minister of Transport Prasanna Guansena, the project seeks to modernize public transport and provide passengers with a more comfortable and high‑quality service, while raising national transport standards.

-Procurement details:

• Total buses: 200 new luxury diesel buses (49–54 seats each)
• First category: 29 buses to be purchased on direct purchase basis
• Second category: 171 buses to be purchased on a five‑year installment payment basis

-Key dates for bidders:

• Issuing of bid documents: March 20, 2026 – April 09, 2026
• Pre‑bid meeting: March 31, 2026 at 10:00 a.m. (SLTB Procurement Division, No. 200, Kirula Road, Colombo 05)
• Submission and opening of bids: April 10, 2026 at 2:00 p.m. (Sethsiripaya Stage II, Battaramulla)

Manufacturers bidding for the project must have more than 15 years of production experience and demonstrate an annual output of at least 1,000 units of the relevant bus model. 

In addition, a registered local agent is required, with a minimum of five years’ experience in repairs and maintenance, along with adequate workshop facilities to support after‑sales service.

For further information, interested parties may contact the Chief Procurement Manager at the Sri Lanka Transport Board, No. 200, Kirula Road, Colombo 05. 

Telephone inquiries can be made via 011 7706110 or 0771056110, and fax communications may be directed to 011 2588457. (Newswire)

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Minister of Health Nalinda Jayatissa says an intelligence report has been received regarding some politically involved groups attempting to sabotage the government’s efforts to improve the health sector.

Addressing the weekly post-Cabinet media briefing today, Minister Jayatissa said that the government will not allow such interference. 

“Some of these people are directly connected to some political parties, some are members of parties, and some are behind certain companies, receiving salaries. They are threatening and obstructing the work of certain genuine doctors. They are using social media to threaten families of doctors and instigate transfers. We have received an intelligence report on this,” he said. 

Responding to questions on the medicine and surgical equipment fraud being carried out by certain specialist doctors at state hospitals, the Health Minister said that currently, three methods are followed to provide medicines to hospitals.

He said, firstly, specialist doctors compile a list of medicines needed for their patients and inform the Health Ministry. 

“Currently, the Health Ministry follows this process and provides medicines through the Medical Supplies Unit. Through the Health Ministry, we are providing 862 types of medicines and 12,444 surgical equipment. The State Pharmaceutical Corporation (SPC) has submitted tenders for the procurement of 432 medicines and 5906 surgical equipment as of now. This is the standard procedure,” he said. 

Minister Nalinda Jayatissa said that secondly, if there is a delay on the Health Ministry’s end, then there is a system where heads of institutions at the district level can purchase medicines. 

“Commonly known as local purchase. We cross-check if the medicines are available in our storage and if we can manage this with a new order. If we can’t do these, then we go for a local purchase,” he said. 

The Health Minister went on to note that thirdly, sometimes, specialist doctors recommend the purchase of certain medicines from outside to relatives of patients or patients. 

“Patients and their relatives buy the medicine at a nominal cost after checking with various pharmacies. This was followed in a very minimal manner,” he said.

Minister Jayatissa pointed out that, however, an issue has arisen, with specialist doctors recommending the purchase of medicine or surgical equipment from a particular pharmacy, which is selling the products at inflated prices. 

“This is fraud. Investigations are underway into such incidents,” he added. (Newswire)

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The Government has taken a decision to halt the emergency procurement of medicinal drugs.

The decision was announced by Minister of Health Keheliya Rambukwella during a press briefing held today (Oct 02). 

Accordingly, a decision has been taken to halt the emergency procurement of medicinal drugs with immediate effect. 

Minister Keheliya Rambukwella further said that a Medicinal Management and Strategizing Committee (MMSC) has been appointed to overlook, evaluate, and regulate the purchasing processes within the ministry.

Taking to ‘X’, the Health Minister said that decisions have been taken to regulate, standardize, and further quicken the process of drug procurement for Sri Lanka.

“To date, it has largely been a singular effort because of the pressing need and lack of funds. This will ensure greater efficiency of delivery,” he added. (NewsWire)

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