Basil admitted to Colombo National Hospital

Former Minister Basil Rajapaksa, who was arrested and remanded yesterday on charges of misappropriation of state funds, has been admitted to the Colombo National Hospital. As per the recommendation of the prison medical officer, he was admitted to the Colombo National Hospital for a medical checkup, prison spokesman Thushara Upuldeniya said.  Rajapaksa was arrested by the Financial Crimes Investigation Division (FCID) and remanded till August 01 after being produced before court.  He is charged with misappropriation of funds belonging to the Divi Neguma Department while he was the Minister of Economic Development.

The fares of Sri Lanka Transport Board (SLTB) buses will also be increased by 6 per cent with effect from August 01, Deputy Minister of Transport Ashoka Abeysinghe said.

The minimum fare of the state-owned bus operator in Sri Lanka will be Rs 9 from that date, he said.

Addressing an event in Kundasale, he stated that the fares would be increased due to the rising costs at the SLTB.

The deputy minister further said that the government has absolutely no plans to privatise the Sri Lanka Transport Board.

Last Thursday, the Cabinet approved the proposed 6% bus fare increase with effect from August 01.

The decision was made after a report with respect to the proposed bus fare revision based on the annual bus fare amendment was submitted to the Cabinet.