Minister of Transport Bimal Rathnayake says 246 roads that were affected by the recent disaster situation have been reopened as of 01.00 pm yesterday (03 Dec).

Addressing the Parliament, Minister Rathnayake said that it is expected to reopen 98% of the affected roads by December 10.

He further said that 4200 Sri Lanka Transport Board (SLTB) buses are expected to operate today (04 Dec), while 150 trains operated yesterday.

The Transport Minister went on to note that special discussions were held on restoring public transportation facilities.

He said that a joint operation is also being planned to operate the train services from Kandy to Ambepussa, and from Ambepussa to Polgahawela, along with SLTB and private buses.

Rathnayake further said that the programme is being fine-tuned and is most likely to be launched either today or the tomorrow.

He added that during this period, passengers will be allowed to use their train tickets to travel in public transport buses. (Newswire)

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Police state that the arrival of large numbers of relief teams has obstructed road‑clearing operations in disaster‑affected areas.

Expressing gratitude for the relief teams’ efforts, Police Media Spokesperson ASP F. U. Wootler noted that in some districts, the influx of heavy vehicles into areas where road repairs are underway has disrupted the work. 

He further said that certain motorcyclists visiting affected sites to observe and record videos have also hindered officials engaged in duties.

The Police Media Spokesperson emphasized that such situations pose risks to those arriving and requested relief teams to coordinate with the respective Divisional Secretaries to deliver assistance to the public.

He also urged the public to contact the Disaster Operations Centre to provide relief.

Police Special Operations Centre contact numbers: 

• 071‑8595884 
• 071‑8595883 
• 071‑8595882 
• 071‑8595881 
• 071‑8595880 (Newswire)

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The Ministry of Transport has announced the reopening of several roads that were affected due to the inclement weather experienced in Sri Lanka.

Accordingly, the Ella-Wellawaya, Padeniya-Anuradhapura, and Kurunegala- Trincomalee Roads are currently open for vehicular movement. 

Meanwhile, several roads in the Badulla District have also been reopened for traffic. 

It is also reported that the Kandy- Jaffna A9 Road has also been opened for traffic. 

Several of the roads were previously closed after being blocked due to floods and landslides following adverse weather conditions in the areas. (Newswire)

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