The Colombo District Waste Management Subcommittee convened at Parliament on Wednesday (22), focusing on municipal solid waste disposal in the Western Province and future plans to strengthen waste management. 

The session was chaired with the participation of Prime Minister Harini Amarasuriya.

The meeting reviewed current measures already in place, while also following up on matters discussed at previous sittings. 

Special attention was given to improving solid waste management systems and encouraging the public to make proper use of compost bins.

Addressing the gathering, Prime Minister Amarasuriya stressed the need for an effective mechanism to ensure proper implementation of existing waste management policies. 

She also emphasized the importance of raising public awareness about citizens’ responsibility in disposing of waste appropriately.

Deputy Minister of Urban Development Eranga Gunasekara, Member of Parliament and Chairman of the Colombo District Development Committee Lakshman Nipuna Arachchi, Colombo District Secretary Ginige Prasanna Janaka Kumara, and Western Province Chief Secretary Pradeep Pushpakumara were among those present. 

Officials from the Colombo District Secretariat, the Waste Management Authority, the Urban Development Authority, the Central Environmental Authority, and the Colombo Municipal Council also attended. (Newswire)

The post PM calls for stronger waste management mechanism in Western Province appeared first on Newswire.

Sri Lanka’s Provincial Gross Domestic Product (PGDP) data for 2024 highlights the continued dominance of the Western Province in the national economy, while other provinces recorded notable increases in their contributions.

According to official figures from the Central Bank of Sri Lanka, the Western Province accounted for 42.4 per cent of the country’s nominal GDP in 2024, maintaining its position as the largest contributor. The province’s prominence was driven by strong activity across both the Services and Industry sectors.

The North Western Province followed with an 11.5 per cent share, while the Central Province contributed 10.7 per cent, making them the second and third highest contributors to the economy.

Contributions from the Central, Eastern, North Western, Sabaragamuwa, and Uva provinces also increased compared with 2023, reflecting a broader distribution of economic activity across the country.

In terms of sectoral contributions, the North Western Province led agricultural activities, accounting for 20.0 per cent of the national total. The Central Province (13.9 per cent) and Southern Province (11.8 per cent) were the next highest contributors to agriculture.

Industry activities remained concentrated in the Western Province, which contributed 47.6 per cent of the total industry value. The North Western Province (12.0 per cent) and Central Province (9.6 per cent) followed as key contributors.

Meanwhile, the Western Province also led services activities, accounting for 44.5 per cent of the national total. The Central Province contributed 10.7 per cent, while the North Western Province added 10.1 per cent.

The data underscores the Western Province’s continued economic dominance, while also highlighting the growing role of other provinces in shaping Sri Lanka’s overall economic landscape. (Newswire)

The post Western Province maintains lead in 2024 provincial GDP data appeared first on Newswire.

Prime Minister Harini Amarasuriya says the waste accumulated as a result of the disaster situation should be systematically removed and that all cleaning processes must be completed within three weeks.

The Prime Minister made the statement during a meeting of the Western Provincial Waste Management Committee held at the Prime Minister’s Office yesterday (04 Dec) under the patronage of PM Harini Amarasuriya. 

As part of this programme, the committee decided that the waste currently piling up can be removed without difficulty, as a five-acre land plot owned by the Land Development Corporation in Kerawalapitiya has been allocated for this purpose. 

According to the PM’s Office, the relevant institutions also agreed to systematically remove the waste that will be stored on this land.

The meeting was attended by Minister of Urban Development Eranga Gunasekara, Western Province Governor Haniffa Yusuf, Member of Parliament and Chairman of the Colombo District Coordinating Committee Lakshman Nipuna Arachchi, Mayor of Colombo Vraie Cally Balthazaar, Secretary to the Prime Minister Pradeep Saputhanthri, Colombo District Secretary Ginige Prasanna Janaka Kumara, Additional District Secretary Kaushalya Kumari, Additional Secretary to the Prime Minister Sagarika Bogahawatta, officials including the Chairman of the Land Development Corporation, officials including the Director General of the Central Environmental Authority, and officials including the Additional General Manager of the Ceylon Electricity Board. (Newswire)

The post PM Harini orders disaster waste cleanup within three weeks appeared first on Newswire.

The Special Sub-Committee appointed for Western Province Waste Management has held discussions focused on the current status of managing municipal solid waste generated through households, streets, institutions, and businesses, challenges, and the way forward in Western Province.

According to the Prime Minister’s office, the sub-committee convened this week (19) in Parliament with the participation of Prime Minister Harini Amarasuriya.

Extended discussions were also held on issues such as the lack of designated, dedicated and knowledgeable officers for waste management in local authorities, the shortage of suitable land and infrastructure for waste management, as well as solutions to address these issues.

Addressing the discussion, the Prime Minister highlighted the importance of creating proper awareness on waste management at both community and school levels, stressing that progress can be achieved through programmes such as Praja Shakthi and Clean Sri Lanka.

PM Amarasuriya further noted that introducing waste management as a new vocational subject in collaboration with the vocational education sector could help raise public awareness on waste management while also creating career paths.

The discussion was attended by the Deputy Minister of Urban Development Eranga Gunasekara; MP and Chairman of the Colombo District Coordination Committee Lakshman Nipunarachchi; MP and Chairman of the Advisory Council to the Ministry of Public Administration, Home Affairs, Provincial Councils and Local Government Chandana Suriyaarachchi,  Secretary to the Prime Minister Pradeep Saputhanthri; Colombo District Secretary Ginige Prasanna Janaka Kumara; officers of the District Secretariat; officials from the Central Environmental Authority; and officials from the Urban Development Authority. (Newswire)

The post Western Province Waste Management Sub-Committee discusses challenges, solutions appeared first on Newswire.

Sri Lanka Police has introduced an alternative number for the public to contact the Senior Officer in Charge of the Western Province to report corruption and drug-related complaints. 

According to the Police, the number of Senior DIG Sanjeewa Dharmaratne was issued in September 2025 for this purpose.

However, as he has been transferred to an administrative role, SDIG Sanjeewa Medawatte has been appointed as the Officer in Charge of the Western Province.

As such, the public can contact him via 071-8592621 to file corruption and drug-related complaints in the province. (Newswire)

The post Police introduce new hotline for corruption & drug complaints in WP appeared first on Newswire.

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) 

The post Registration of three-wheelers resumes in Western Province appeared first on Newswire.

Plans are underway to introduce a humane, sustainable, and evidence-based dog population management programme for the Western Province, Governor Hanif Yusoof said. 

In a post on’X’, Hanif Yusoof said that a discussion was held on Thursday (28) with experts, local councils, health officials and animal welfare organisations on the next steps to be taken in this regard. 

He further said that the strategy is built on the globally endorsed One Welfare model, where animal welfare, human well-being, and environmental sustainability go hand in hand.

Providing details of the programme, Hanif Yusoof said it will include the following;

• Ramping up a province-wide sterilisation campaign
• Establishing pet registration systems
• Designating safe public spaces 
• Building a shared dashboard with MOH, local councils & NGOs to ensure better collaboration and flow of information. 

The Western Province Governor revealed that the authorities are also planning a public education programme on responsible pet ownership and bite prevention. 

He pointed out that mass media and social media will play a key role in shaping how the communities understand and support this work. 

“I want to thank everyone involved, especially our animal welfare advocates. We value your expertise, and we need your continued partnership. You’ve been key in saving lives and improving practices. We’re building a system where those gains are protected and expanded,” he added. (Newswire)

The post Western Province to roll out dog population management programme appeared first on Newswire.

Governor of the Western Province, Hanif Yusoof, has refuted reports claiming that he is leaving the government, stating that they are baseless and untrue.

Issuing a statement, Hanif Yusoof said he stands firm in his commitment to the President’s vision.

“I have dedicated myself fully to the mission of rebuilding our nation, without pause or hesitation,” he added. (Newswire)

The post “Baseless and untrue” : Hanif Yusoof refutes claims of leaving Govt appeared first on Newswire.

Minister of Public Security Ananda Wijepala says the payment of spot fines issued for traffic violations via the GovPay app commences today in the Western Province.

According to the minister, the payment of spot fines issued by the Police for traffic violations can be settled using the GovPay app starting today.

The introduction of the GovPay app for spot fines in the Western Province comes after Sri Lanka’s Information and Communication Technology Agency (ICTA) received Cabinet approval for the payment system in July.

As the first phase of the new online traffic fine payment system, it has been launched in connection with Police stations in the Western Province.

The ICTA expects to launch the system nationwide from September this year. (Newswire)

How to pay Traffic Fines Online

https://www.newswire.lk/2025/07/28/how-to-pay-traffic-fines-online-via-govpay/

The post GovPay rolls out traffic fine payments in Western Province appeared first on Newswire.

The government has decided to launch a project to maintain reservoirs and waterways within the Western Province under the ‘Clean Sri Lanka – 2025’ programme. 

According to the government, there are many canals in Northern Colombo and the highly dense Colombo city area that are not maintained by any state institution. 

Therefore, it has been planned to inaugurate a project under the ‘Clean Sri Lanka’ programme to clean and maintain those secondary channels that are not maintained and to increase the number of cleaning rounds of the main channel. 

Accordingly, the Cabinet of Ministers approved the proposal presented by the Minister of Urban Development, Construction and Housing to implement the proposed project by the Sri Lanka Land Development Corporation with the following objectives: 

• Flood control to prevent submerging Colombo city with rainwater and minimize public suppression. 
• Maintaining a clean, favourable and hygienic environment. 
• Upgrading the health and living standards of the public 
• Increase tourist attractions in the city. 
• Upgrading the water standards of inland waterways and water containing tanks. (Newswire)

The post Clean Sri Lanka : New project to maintain waterways in Western Province appeared first on Newswire.

The Western Province Chief Secretary has officially withdrawn a circular issued earlier this week advising government offices to encourage the use of face masks among staff.

Issuing a statement, the Chief Secretary clarified that the circular was initially intended only for internal use within the Western Provincial Council premises, in response to a general increase in respiratory illnesses such as influenza.

However, the letter drew wider public attention and concern, with many interpreting it as a sign of a new COVID-19 outbreak. 

The Chief Secretary stated that this misinterpretation had led to unnecessary alarm and therefore, the circular has been withdrawn to avoid confusion.

Earlier today, the Ministry of Health also clarified that there is no nationwide requirement for a general mask mandate in office environments, noting that such directives should be based on official ministry guidance to avoid misinformation and panic. (Newswire)

The post Western Province office face mask circular withdrawn appeared first on Newswire.

The Secretary to the Ministry of Health has clarified that there is no requirement at present to issue a general directive for wearing face masks within office premises. 

The clarification comes in response to a circular issued by the Western Provincial Council urging heads of institutions to encourage mask usage amid rising respiratory illnesses such as influenza and COVID-19 variants.

Dr. Anil Jasinghe, in a letter to the Western Province Chief Secretary, emphasised that such recommendations should be based on official guidance from the Health Ministry, noting that unnecessary directives could cause public fear and disrupt daily activities. (Newswire)

The post Western Province office mask circular: Health Ministry hits back appeared first on Newswire.

The Western Province Bus Sector Modernisation Task Force has reviewed and endorsed the roadmap for reform, aligning with the government’s priorities and the proposed World Bank-supported Bus Sector Modernisation Programme. 

Per the decision taken during the Task Force’s inaugural meeting, the Western Province will serve as a model for national rollout, with pilot initiatives to test and scale new operating structures, technologies, and infrastructure improvements.

Among the key outcomes of the meeting are:

1. Unanimous agreement on the need to modernise the bus sector through public-private collaboration, digital integration, and institutional reform.

2. Formal establishment of two subcommittees to lead action in critical reform areas:

• A Working Group on Cashless Payments and Digitalisation, tasked with coordinating fare system reform and digital ticketing, and engagement with technology providers.
• A Cluster Bus Company Working Group, mandated to oversee the rollout of a new cluster company model that brings together SLTB and private operators under professionally-managed regional operating entities.

3. Consensus to accelerate infrastructure planning, regulatory alignment through coordination with various Government agencies and stakeholders. 

It has also been decided that the Western Province Governor’s Office will serve as the Secretariat for the Task Force, in close collaboration with the Ministry of Transport. 

The first meeting of the Western Province Bus Sector Modernisation Task Force was held last week under the joint chairmanship of the Governor of the Western Province, Hanif Yusoof, and the Secretary to the Ministry of Transport, Sr. Professor Kapila Perera.

The Task Force, which includes key stakeholders from the national and provincial transport authorities, the Sri Lanka Transport Board (SLTB), private bus operators and trade unions, and the World Bank Group, was convened to provide strategic leadership and coordination for the transformation of the Western Province’s bus transport sector.

Speaking at the meeting, Governor Yusoof reaffirmed his commitment to building a safer, cleaner, and more reliable public transport system in the Western Province. “Our goal is to create a transport system that respects the dignity of commuters, reduces congestion and emissions, and enables economic growth. Today’s meeting was an important step towards achieving that,” he said.

“This is not just a transport reform. It’s a quality-of-life reform. We are committed to delivering a bus system that is safe, modern, and works for everyone—from daily wage earners to students, from the elderly to working families,” the Governor further said.

The WP Governor and Secretary to the Ministry of Transport, Sr. Professor Kapila Perera, thanked all Task Force members for their active participation and emphasised that this transformation effort must be people-centred and inclusive. (Newswire)

The post Bus Modernisation : WP Task Force makes key decisions appeared first on Newswire.

A discussion was held between Western Province Governor Hanif Yusoof and World Bank representatives today (23 Apr), during which four key tourism projects were finalized. 

According to the Western Province Governor’s Office, the four key tourism projects are as follows;

1) Restoration of Colombo’s Colonial Heritage – Revitalizing historic buildings and tramway systems to create a cultural tourism hub.

2) River Cruise Along the Bentara River to Yagirala Rainforest – A 40-kilometer eco-tourism experience connecting river tourism with forest conservation.

3) Developing the Negombo Lagoon and Muthurajawela Wetlands  – Creating a nature-focused tourism corridor with environmental safeguards

4) Wreck Diving in Colombo – Developing shipwreck sites to attract high-value diving tourism while supporting marine conservation.

The Western Province Governor’s Office further said that the initiatives aim to drive sustainable tourism growth in the Western Province through a blend of history, culture, and biodiversity. 

It was also revealed that the next steps include establishing a joint working group, conducting feasibility assessments, and forming public-private partnerships. 

A heritage site walk-through in Colombo will soon be held to identify locations with historical importance, the Western Province Governor’s Office added. (Newswire)

The post Four new tourism projects finalized for Western Province appeared first on Newswire.

Deputy Minister of Labour Mahinda Jayasinghe has objected to the recent circular prohibiting school teachers in the Western Province from conducting paid tuition classes for students from their own schools.

This ban applies during school hours, after school, and on weekends or public holidays.

Minister Jayasinghe said that the Governor has instructed the circular to be suspended, pending a review of the issue and a policy decision on the matter.

The circular, signed by the Western Province Secretary of Education, K.A.D.R. Nishanthi Jayasinghe, has been sent to the Director of Education, Regional Directors, Divisional Directors of Education, and all school principals in the province.

It instructed all teachers be informed of the regulations and warns that disciplinary action will be taken against those who violate them. (Newswire)

The post WP teachers own school tuition ban : “Circular suspended” appeared first on Newswire.

The Western Province Governor’s Office is set to introduce a quick response special operations unit at the office premises from 02 December 2024.

The special unit, ‘TELL THE GOVERNOR HOTLINE’, is being introduced to further improve services offered to the public.

The public can express their grievances, views and suggestions related to policies, while discrepancies can be informed to the Governor after which the necessary measures will be taken by the Governor’s Office. 

The special unit will operate 24/7 throughout the year and can be contacted via the following contact details;

Tel. 011-2092720 / 011-2092721 

Fax.011-2092705 

Email – operationroomwpc@gmail.com (Newswire) 

The post WP launches ‘Tell the Governor’ hotline for public grievances appeared first on Newswire.

The newly appointed Governor of the Western Province, Hanif Yousoof has highlighted the importance of strengthening the public services in Sri Lanka. 

Speaking to the media, after assuming duties, Hanif Yousoof, a prominent figure in Sri Lanka’s business sector, pointed out that this could only be achieved with the combined effort of all officials. 

Stating that the President had discussed with him what change could be brought about, Hanif Yousoof said a system change is required to curtail bribery and corruption, which is currently rampant in public services. 

Sharing his experience of Dubai’s public services and digitalization, he revealed that Sri Lanka must look forward to such standards and that he expects to implement such plans by utilising the expertise of the officials.

“I will ensure that the change takes place and we will demonstrate this to the public. Let’s end corruption. Let’s all work together to develop the nation,” he added. (Newswire)

The post “Let’s end bribery & corruption” – new WP Governor appeared first on Newswire.

Cabinet approval has been given to sign an agreement with the Government of China for the construction of houses for low-income people within the Western Province.

According to the government, the Government of China has given its consent to finance a grant of Yuan 552 million to Sri Lanka for this project.

Under the project, a total of 1,996 housing units will be constructed as assistance for the urban restoration project.

The project will provide residents of low-facility housing schemes within the Western province with houses in the urban housing schemes with facilities. 

As per the agreement, the Government of Sri Lanka would be responsible for land development and supply of infrastructure facilities covering the site limit. 

Accordingly, the Cabinet of Ministers has approved the proposal submitted by the Minister of Urban Development and Housing to sign the agreement to the relevant project implementation with the Government of China. (NewsWire)

The post Cabinet approval for new China-funded housing project appeared first on Newswire.

The Western Province Director of Education Sri Lal Nonis has instructed authorities of all schools in the Western Province to postpone the term test examinations scheduled for tomorrow (15).

Sri Lal Nonis has directed the authorities to postpone the examinations of Grades 09 to 21st March and Grades 10 and 11 to 22nd March.

The Western Province Director of Education stated that the decision has been taken after taking into consideration the possible transportation issues that may arise tomorrow.

Several trade unions of essential services sectors have planned a strike action tomorrow against the government’s tax policy. (NewsWire)

The post Notice to Western Province schools appeared first on Newswire.

A pilot project on adding 50 electric buses operated by the Sri Lanka Transport Board (SLTB) will be launched covering the Western Province, Cabinet Co- Spokesman Minister Bandula Gunawardena said on Tuesday (28).

Addressing the media yesterday, the Minister of Transportation said that approval has been granted to implement a project to add 50 electric buses operated by the SLTB to Sri Lanka’s public transportation system.

“The bus project has been introduced to utilize solar energy which can reduce the cost of fossil fuels in the face of the international energy crisis. It is very difficult for a country like Sri Lanka to bear the cost of importing fossil fuels,” he pointed out. 

Minister Bandula Gunawardena stated that the introduction of electric vehicles is the best solution for this issue. 

The Minister of Transport also extended an invitation to local manufacturers and inventors of electric vehicles to join hands with the National Transport Board for the implementation of the electric bus project. (NewsWire)

The post Electric bus pilot project to be implemented in WP appeared first on Newswire.