A three‑wheeler driver was reportedly killed this morning when his vehicle collided head‑on with a bus near Gothatuwa town on the Kolonnawa road.

According to reports, the crash occurred at around 9.10 am. The driver succumbed to injuries at the scene. 

Two passengers seated in the back of the three‑wheeler were also reportedly injured and were rushed to hospital for treatment. (Newswire/ Image – Accident1st)

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Two people were killed and three schoolchildren seriously injured when a three‑wheeler travelling from Nallathanniya to Maskeliya plunged into a precipice near Mohini Falls on the Nallathanniya–Maskeliya main road this morning.

Police said the accident occurred around 8:15 am when the vehicle, driven at high speed, went out of control and overturned into the precipice.

The deceased were identified as the driver of the three‑wheeler and an adult passenger. At the time of the crash, five people were travelling in the vehicle.

The three injured schoolchildren were rushed to Maskeliya Regional Hospital for treatment following the incident. 

Investigations are being carried out by the Nallathanniya Police. (Newswire/ Image- Accident1st)

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A passenger bus collided head‑on with a three‑wheeler in the Katukurunda area on the Galle–Colombo main road this morning, killing a woman and a child instantly.

Police said the bus, traveling from Colombo to Matara, struck the three‑wheeler heading from Beruwala to Kalutara. 

The victims, a 60‑year‑old woman and a 13‑year‑old male child from Kalutara South, were seated in the back of the three‑wheeler.

The driver of the three‑wheeler and another female passenger sustained serious injuries and were admitted to Kalutara Nagoda Hospital.

The bus driver has been taken into custody, while the Payagala Police are conducting further investigations into the fatal crash. (Newswire/ Image- Accident1st)

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Sri Lanka Police have arrested a 19-year-old three‑wheeler driver who fled after knocking down a motorcycle in Mount Lavinia.

According to the Police, the suspect was taken into custody on Tuesday (21) with the assistance of video footage circulated on social media and CCTV recordings.

The accident occurred on April 14, when the three‑wheeler struck a motorcycle and continued driving without stopping. A video of the incident was widely shared online in the days that followed.

Following statements recorded from the injured motorcyclists, a broader investigation was launched. 

Through analysis of the social media footage and CCTV cameras installed along the road, police identified the suspect and the vehicle involved.

The arrested suspect is a 19‑year‑old resident of Borupana, Ratmalana. He is scheduled to be produced before the Mount Lavinia Magistrate’s Court today (22).

Mount Lavinia Police are conducting further investigations into the incident. (Newswire)

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The Crimes Investigation Division of the Nugegoda Division has arrested three suspects involved in three‑wheeler thefts. 

Following investigations into a three‑wheeler theft reported to the Mirihana Police Station on December 28, 2025, two suspects were arrested on January 10, 2026. 

Subsequent inquiries led to the arrest of another suspect on January 11, 2026, and based on information revealed during questioning, the stolen three‑wheeler was recovered in the Kuruwita area.

Further investigations uncovered 10 additional stolen three‑wheelers in Yatiyantota, Balangoda, Badulla, and Battaramulla.

The suspects, aged 30, 32, and 46, are residents of Kelaniya, Ambalantota, and Parakaduwa.

Police revealed that the suspects had altered the colour, chassis numbers, and engine numbers of the stolen vehicles, preparing fake number plates and forged documents to sell them.

The Crimes Investigation Division of the Nugegoda Division is continuing further investigations. (Newswire)

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One person was reported dead in the tragic accident on the Rambukkana- Mawanella Road last night, where a tree had fallen onto a three-wheeler.

The deceased has been identified as a 38-year-old resident of Mawanella, and the driver of the three-wheeler. 

A tree had fallen onto a three-wheeler last evening, trapping 02 men, a woman, and a young child. 

The Police, together with area residents, rescued the trapped individuals and admitted them to the Mawanella Hospital, after which the driver of the three-wheeler succumbed to injuries. 

According to the Police, the other injured individuals are continuing to receive treatment in the hospital. (Newswire/ Image- Accident1st)

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Sri Lanka Police report a noticeable increase in motorcycle and three-wheeler thefts across Colombo city and the wider Western Province in recent days.

According to Police Spokesman, ASP Wootler, a significant number of complaints have been received regarding vehicles stolen while parked along public roads.

He further said that a total of 10 motorcycles and 3 three-wheelers were reported stolen within the province on November 8 and 9.

ASP Wootler said that in response, special investigation teams have been deployed to probe the incidents. (Newswire)

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The National Transport Commission has announced that a decision has been made to regulate three-wheelers, school transport services, and other hired vehicle operations.

The move was announced by the NTC Chairman, P.A. Chandrapala, during a press briefing held today (30).

The NTC Chairman said that the first phase of the programme will involve data collection related to these transport services, and that the programme will commence on November 1st.

“This initiative by the National Transport Commission aims to regulate three-wheelers, school and office transport services, hired vehicles, and special tour services. As part of this, we are working to establish an organization that will act as a union for non-state transport workers, ensuring their safety and improving their living standards,” he said.

Meanwhile, Director General of the National Transport Commission, Nilan Miranda, said data will also be collected on three-wheelers, school and office transport services, hired vehicles, and special tour services.

“Stickers will be displayed at government institutions and vehicle stands with instructions on how to submit the required information. Data collection will begin on November 01,” he added. (Newswire) 

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Two three-wheeler drivers have been arrested for defrauding two foreign tourists by charging excessive amounts for their travel during their holiday in Sri Lanka. 

According to the Police, two complaints have been filed with the Tourism Police, after which investigations were launched. 

The Police said a Brazilian tourist and a Belgian tourist had been charged Rs. 10,000 and Rs. 30,000 during their travels on 02nd and 05th October. 

The arrested three-wheeler drivers are aged 40 and 48 years, and are residents of Imbulgoda and Wellampitiya. 

The three-wheeler drivers have been handed over to the Cinnamon Gardens and Colpetty Police Stations for further investigations. (Newswire/ Image- file pic)

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The registration of three-wheelers operating as a passenger transport service in the Western Province resumed today (01 Oct). 

Chairman of the Western Province Road Passenger Transport Authority, Gamini Jasinghe, said the registration of three-wheelers will continue until 31 December 2025.

He further said that currently, over 250,000 three-wheelers are operating as a passenger transport service in the Western Province.

“The registration is for any three-wheeler operating in the Western Province. Therefore, a driver from any province who is working within the Western Province can register,” he added. (Newswire) 

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Three suspects involved in three-wheeler thefts have been arrested following a raid conducted by the Police in Polgasowita, Kahathuduwa on Monday (21). 

Following the raid, the Police had arrested two suspects with 12 grams of heroin. Further interrogations have found that the suspects were involved in three-wheeler thefts in various areas.

The Police said the suspects, who had pretended to be customers hiring three-wheelers, had thrown chilli powder on the drivers’ faces midway through the journey, and had stolen three-wheelers. 

The wife of one suspect has also been arrested for aiding the three-wheeler thefts. The male suspects are aged 24 and 27, while the woman is 29 years old, and all three are residents of Kahathuduwa.

The group has stolen three-wheelers from the Kahathuduwa, Boralesgamuwa, and Moragahahena areas, while the Police have recovered four of the stolen three-wheelers. (Newswire)

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The Sri Lanka Police has initiated necessary action regarding a group that is said to be intimidating three-wheeler drivers of online ride-hailing services near the Fort Railway Station.

Issuing a statement, the Police said it has been notified of three-wheeler drivers of such taxi services facing intimidation. 

The Police advised the drivers and public to inform the Police checkpost at the Railway Station in the event of encountering such a situation. 

The public can also inform the Police of such incidents via the hotlines 071-8591560 or 071-8591559. (Newswire)

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One person was reported injured after a container toppled onto a three-wheeler near the Orugodawatte junction this morning.

It is reported that a container travelling from Avissawela to Ingurukade had toppled over at around 02.30 am today.

The driver of the three-wheeler was hospitalised with serious injuries, while the vehicle was completely destroyed in the incident. (Newswire/ Image – Accident1st)

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A new initiative has been launched under the ‘Clean Sri Lanka’ national programme, aimed at improving the attitudes, ethics, and service standards of three-wheeler drivers operating within the tourism sector.

The President’s Office states that an initial discussion regarding the implementation of the program was held at the Clean Sri Lanka Secretariat on Wednesday.

It was revealed that the initiative will train 10,000 three-wheeler taxi drivers engaged in the tourism sector, covering all nine provinces of the island within this year. 

The program, which aims to enhance the drivers’ attitudes and ethical conduct, is estimated to cost Rs. 25 million. Ten training sessions are scheduled to be conducted in each province as part of the island-wide initiative. 

The program aims to provide three-wheeler drivers with comprehensive knowledge of traffic regulations, promote a sense of responsibility, and guide them on the appropriate steps to deliver quality transport services. It also seeks to improve their ability to meet the expectations of tourists by raising service quality. 

As part of the initiative, a specialized software application will be introduced for drivers serving the tourism sector. Through these measures, the program aims to elevate the overall standards and professionalism of services within the tourism industry. 

Additionally, the initiative aims to encourage three-wheeler drivers to adopt better attitudes, improve their personal hygiene and professionalism, and increase their familiarity with the areas they operate in, thereby ensuring friendly and quality service for customers. 

Senior Additional Secretary to the President, Mr. S.P.C. Sugeeshwara, along with officials representing the Ministry of Finance, Tourism Bureau Eastern Province, Sri Lanka Tourism Development Authority, Northern Provincial Council, Sabaragamuwa Provincial Council, Tourism Police, Sri Lanka Institute of Tourism and Hotel Management, and representatives from the All Ceylon Three Wheeler Drivers’ Trade Union, Western Provincial Three Wheeler Drivers and Owners’ Cooperative Society, National Taxi App Professional Drivers’ Union, Online Taxi Service Drivers’ Association, and Federation of App-based Transport Workers attended the discussion. (Newswire)

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Singer Sri Lanka PLC, one of the country’s most trusted names in lifestyle and home solutions, proudly unveiled the latest range of Piaggio Apé three-wheelers at a grand launch event held recently in Colombo.

This landmark occasion marked the full-scale return of the globally renowned Piaggio brand into the Sri Lankan market with a focused vision to uplift local livelihoods, strengthen economic activity, and provide versatile mobility solutions that can navigate Sri Lanka’s most compact and challenging road.

Backed by Singer’s extensive nationwide reach and customer trust the new Piaggio three-wheeler range is positioned as a game-changing mobility solution for Sri Lankans. It offers reliable, fuel-efficient vehicles tailored to the needs of passenger transport, goods delivery, and small-scale enterprises across the country.

Commenting on the launch, Mahesh Wijewardene, Managing Director of Singer Sri Lanka, stated, “The introduction of Piaggio Apé three-wheelers is a meaningful step towards improving mobility, income potential, and livelihood opportunities for Sri Lankans. These three-wheelers are tools for progress, enabling thousands of Sri Lankans to earn, grow, and thrive, even in hard-to-reach areas.”

With a legacy spanning over two decades in Sri Lankan and more than 100,000 vehicles already on the road, Piaggio brings advanced Italian design and robust engineering to the forefront of local transportation.

Leading the lineup is the Piaggio Apé Diesel Cargo Model (Ape Xtra DX) with its 435cc engine which is ideal for transporting goods across both urban and rural landscapes. With its enhanced load-carrying capacity and fuel efficiency, the Piaggio Cargo model is poised to be a workhorse for Sri Lankan SMEs, tradespeople, and delivery operators. Available in a range of vibrant colors it represents reliable transport and income-generation all in one.

The newly launched range also features the Piaggio Diesel Passenger (Ape Auto Dx), ideal for compact commuting through narrow streets and dense cityscapes. With its exceptional maneuverability and fuel efficiency, it’s a smart choice for transport operators and daily commuters. Also included is the Piaggio EV Passenger a zero emission electric model offering a clean, quiet, and vibration-free ride. Powered by an 8kW Lithium-ion battery, it delivers a sustainable and low-maintenance solution for environmentally conscious mobility.

Expressing his views, Diego Graffi, Chairman and Managing Director of Piaggio Vehicles Pvt Ltd, highlighted “Sri Lanka holds a strategic position in Piaggio’s vision for growth in South Asia. We are confident that our partnership with Singer Sri Lanka will pave the way for a strong and successful re-establishment of the Piaggio brand in the country. Singer’s trusted name, extensive customer reach, and solid after sales care make it an ideal partner to bring our innovative mobility solutions to the country.”

Mr. Anil Chandran, CEO, Silverline Ventura, UAE said, “We are proud to support Piaggio and Singer Sri Lanka in this strategic launch, which blends global engineering excellence with local empowerment. This range is purpose-built to drive micro entrepreneurship, and we are confident it will contribute meaningfully to income generation and economic revitalization at the grassroots level across Sri Lanka.”

Singer’s entry into the vehicle segment is a natural extension of its commitment to improving the lives of Sri Lankans through quality products. With more than 148 years of trust and over 400 showrooms across the country, Singer is uniquely positioned to support the rollout and servicing of these vehicles. Singer is also offering flexible financing and leasing solutions, making these vehicles accessible to a wider audience of aspiring business owners and transport providers.

As the country continues to adapt to a changing economic landscape, the Piaggio Ape range stands as an affordable option and a pillar of support, enhancing connectivity, powering entrepreneurship, and driving inclusive progress for communities nationwide.

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Bus and three-wheeler associations have announced that fares will not be reduced due to the recent fuel price revisions.

Chairman of the Lanka Private Bus Association, Gemunu Wijeratne, said the reduction of Rs. 12 for a litre of diesel was insufficient to reduce bus fares.

Gemunu Wijeratne further said the annual bus fare revision is scheduled for July this year. 

Meanwhile, the All Ceylon Three-Wheeler Owners and Drivers Association has also announced that three-wheeler fares cannot be reduced due to the recent fuel price revisions. 

Chairman of the Association Sudil Jayaruk said the reduction in petrol price was insufficient to reduce three-wheeler fares. 

The announcements come after the Ceylon Petroleum Corporation (CPC) reduced fuel prices effective from midnight yesterday (30 Apr).

Soon after, the Lanka Indian Oil Company (LIOC) and the China Petroleum & Chemical Corporation (Sinopec) announced they would match their fuel prices to that of the CPC. (Newswire)

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The Cabinet has approved a proposal to amend the Motor Traffic Act, allowing the gross weight of electric three-wheelers, including the battery system, to be increased to 650 kilograms.

According to the government, the gross weight of three-wheelers manufactured as electric three-wheelers or converted from petrol or diesel-driven three-wheelers into electric three-wheelers has increased. 

Due to this reason, the approval of the Cabinet of Ministers was granted in August 2022 to revise the Motor Traffic Act, making 600 kilos the maximum gross weight of such electric Three-wheelers to solve the issues related to the provisions encountered during the registration of electric three-wheelers. 

However, considering the facts of introduction of a battery system that enables long distance ride when charged, the requirement of a high capacity battery system for luxury electric three-wheelers with air conditioning facilities as well as considering the weight added when using electricity resistant breaks, the industrialists engaged in production and conversion industry of electricthree-wheelers in the local market have requested the Department of Motor Traffic to amend the provisions so that the gross weight of an electric three-wheeler will not exceed the weight limit of 650 kilos including the battery system. 

Accordingly, the Cabinet of Ministers, considering the proposal forwarded by the Minister of Transport, decided to approve the amendment of the Motor Traffic Act, including the proposed changes. (Newswire)

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The Western Province Threewheel Drivers & Owners Co-Operative Society Colombo says it will not reduce fares, despite the recent revision in fuel prices. 

A representative of the Association told the media that it was not practical to reduce three-wheeler charges by 50 cents or Rs. 1, due to a Rs. 10 reduction in petrol price. 

He further urged the government to regulate the three-wheeler taxi system to provide a more efficient service to the public. 

“A litre of petrol has been reduced by Rs. 10. A three-wheeler can travel for 20 kilometres using a litre of petrol. Even if we reduce fares by Rs. 10, a kilometre charge is Rs. 50. Can we reduce this by 50 cents? This is not practical,” he added. 

The decision comes as the Ceylon Petroleum Corporation (CPC) announced a reduction in fuel prices effective from midnight yesterday, with the Lanka Indian Oil Company (LIOC) and China Petroleum & Chemical Corporation (SINOPEC) also matching their prices to the CPC. (Newswire)

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The Sri Lanka Police has announced new regulations for organizations providing three-wheelers for rentals to tourists, in a bid to minimize road accidents.

According to the Police, along with an increase in tourists driving three-wheelers in Sri Lanka, the rate of accidents involving such three-wheelers has also gone up. 

Inquiries into these incidents have found that the tourists do not possess the necessary training or licences to drive three-wheelers. 

As such, the Sri Lanka Police has announced that a tourist must carry either one of the following three documents when renting three-wheelers;

• A valid Sri Lankan driving licence
• A valid international licence accepted in Sri Lanka (which includes the three-wheeler category)
• A valid driving licence from their respective country  

Stating that some three-wheeler rental companies are utilising the lack of proper documents to earn money, the Sri Lanka Police warned that legal action will be initiated for the failure to adhere to the new regulations.

In the event a tourist is found to be driving a three-wheeler without the essential licences, the Police have been authorized to record a statement from the owner of the three-wheeler and thereafter, file a case against them.

The Police further said that providing a three-wheeler to a person without a valid licence is a punishable offence, for which a fine of Rs. 25,000 can be imposed. 

Companies providing three-wheelers on rentals to tourists have been urged to verify the necessary valid licences prior to renting out their vehicles. (Newswire)

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A 47-year-old suspect wanted over the robberies of several three-wheelers and motorcycles has been arrested and placed under detention until tomorrow (27 Mar).

According to the Police, the suspect was arrested with 5.2 grams of ICE following a raid conducted at Kuliyapitiya Town last Thursday.

During the raid, the Police were able to recover 13 three-wheelers and 07 motorcycles that had been stolen from the Kuliyapitiya, Kurunegala, Narammala, Polgahawela, Alawwa, and Marawila Police areas.

The suspect, a resident of Narammala, was produced before the Kuliyapitiya Magistrate’s Court, after which he was placed under detention.

He will be produced before the Kuliyapitiya Magistrate’s Court once again tomorrow. (Newswire/ File pic)

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