News

CEB workers to fall sick tomorrow & hold protest in Colombo

Published

2 years ago

October 31, 2023

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Workers of the Ceylon Electricity Board are to apply for sick leave tomorrow (Nov. 01) before holding a protest noon before the CEB headquarters in Colombo.

According to a media release by the ‘Lanka Viduli Sevaka Sangamaya’, the protest will coincide with the 54th anniversary of the CEB since its inception.

The Trade Union states that a large number of CEB workers islandwide, is to join the TU action, which is being held to express their protest over several matters including a proposed Bill to sell off portions of the CEB, increasing electricity bills and salary irregularities.

Protest march from Divulapitiya

Meanwhile, The Electricity Consumers Association (ECA) has organised a protest march from Divulapitiya to the Ministry of Power and Energy in Colombo tomorrow (Nov. 01) in protest of the recent increase in electricity tariffs.

Following approval being granted by the Public Utilities Commission of Sri Lanka (PUCSL), the Ceylon Electricity Board (CEB) had raised the electricity tariffs by between 18 to 20%, with effect from 20 October.

Reforms Bill tabled before Cabinet

Meanwhile, Minister of Power – Kanchana Wijesekera had yesterday (30) published an X message that he had ‘tabled the proposed Electricity sector Reforms Bill for the observations & approval of the Cabinet of Ministers.’

“The proposed reforms will unbundle the services of CEB, improve efficiency, transparency, competition & allow private sector participation in the electricity industry,” he added.

“The Bill was prepared over the last 10 months with the assistance of energy & legal experts from development agencies & industry stakeholders. The Bill received the certification of the Attorney General last week after the proposed amendments by the AGs Dept was incorporated by the Legal Draftsman’s. Once the Cabinet of Ministers approves the Bill, it will be gazetted & tabled in the Parliament for approval,” he further said.

News

Japan grants US$ 2.5 mn. to SL to strengthen anti-corruption mechanisms

Published

3 hours ago

July 1, 2025

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The Government of Japan has granted USD 2.5 million to Sri Lanka to strengthen anti-corruption mechanisms under a 3-year project for Promoting Prosecution of Corrupt Practices through the Establishment of Anti-corruption Mechanism.

Japanese ambassador in Sri Lanka – Mr. Akio Isomata and UNDP resident representative in Sri Lanka – Ms. Azusa Kubota, in the presence of Justice Minister – Harshana Nanayakkara, launched ‘The Project for Promoting Prosecution of Corrupt Practices through the Establishment of Anti-Corruption Mechanism’

The three year initiative is supported by the Government of Japan and implemented by the UNDP Sri Lanka, working in close collaboration with the (CIABOC) and the Ministry of Justice.

The project aims to promote transparency, accountability and integrity in governance and business practices through effective and institutionalised preventive mechanisms in the public and investment promotion sectors, strengthen institutions to enhance corruption related investigative processes, improve coordination with stakeholders and ensure quality of prosecutions, empower citizens to effectively mobilise against corruption and enhance social accountability.

The project also seeks to engage and empower youth, children and journalists to actively contribute to the fight against corruption and promote a culture of integrity.

News

3 ex-DMT officials including ex-commissioner, remanded

Published

3 hours ago

July 1, 2025

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Former Commissioner General Nishantha Weerasingha and two other former officials of the Department of Motor Traffic (DMT) have been arrested by the Commission to Investigate Allegations of Bribery or Corruption (CIABOC).

The arrests were made as part of an investigation into vehicles that were illegally registered with the Department of Motor Traffic without receiving proper clearance from Sri Lanka Customs, CIABOC said in a statement.

According to CIABOC, former Commissioner General Nishantha Weerasinghe has been arrested for granting approval to issue a number plate for a jeep.

Additionally, a former Assistant Director of Information Technology at the department and a clerk have also been taken into custody for facilitating the illegal data entry and executing it.

The suspects were produced before the Colombo Magistrate’s Court and were ordered to be remanded until July 08.

News

Ex-Immigration Controller pleads guilty

Published

6 hours ago

July 1, 2025

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Controller of Immigration and Emigration – Harsha Illukpitiya, today (July 01) unconditionally pleaded guilty before the Supreme Court in a case related to contempt of court.

The charge stemmed from his failure to comply with a court order related to the e-visa issuance process.

The Supreme Court announced that sentencing will take place on July 24.