News

“Curtailing solar power generation while signing new power plant deals, a political farce”

Published

2 months ago

April 8, 2025

editor

National United Republic Front Leader Patali Champika Ranawaka has warned of the first ‘post-election blow’ that the public would face due to the government’s recent measures taken with regard to solar power generation.

He has said this during a media briefing held in Rajapihilla, Kandy.

Ranawaka pointed out that the Sampur power plant project has a 20-year history, which was first initiated in 2004 under President Chandrika Kumaratunga but delayed due to the war. Former President Maithripala Sirisena had proposed a renewable energy project using gas, which has now shifted to solar power, a move he welcomed.However, Ranawaka noted that the real issue lies in the government’s recent decision to curtail solar power during the New Year season, starting from Feb. 09, replacing it with power generated from oil and coal.

While the Sampur plant generates 120 megawatts, solar power currently produces 1,300 megawatts, he said. Reducing solar power generation while simultaneously signing deals for new power plants is not only a political farce but a betrayal of the public. According to Ranawaka, the Ceylon Electricity Board has spent an additional Rs. 14 billion on oil and coal during February and March, and the resulting financial burden is likely to be passed on to the public through an increase in electricity tariffs by June. He concluded that this increase may be the first “post-election blow” the public will feel after the upcoming local government elections.

(Excerpts : dailynews.lk)

News

COVID subvariants spreading in Asia detected in Sri Lanka

Published

9 hours ago

May 31, 2025

editor

The Medical Research Institute of Sri Lanka has confirmed that the COVID-19 variant currently spreading in the Asian region has also been identified in the country.

Dr. Jude Jayamaha, a specialist in viral diseases at the Medical Research Institute, stated that patients infected with the Omicron subvariants LF.7 and XFG are being reported locally.

Dr. Jayamaha explained that this finding was confirmed through research conducted on biological samples collected from several hospitals across the island.

However, he emphasized that there is no need for undue fear regarding these COVID-19 variants.

Health authorities have also stressed the importance of vulnerable groups—such as pregnant mothers, the elderly, and those with chronic illnesses—following health guidelines, including wearing face masks and avoiding crowded places.

Dr. Jayamaha reiterated that new COVID-19 variants emerge periodically, and health authorities are continuously monitoring the situation, so the public should remain calm.

(newswire.lk)

(This story, originally published by newswire.lk has not been edited by SLM staff)

News

Anudi misses out from Miss World Quarter-Finals

Published

9 hours ago

May 31, 2025

editor

The Miss World organization has announced its quarter-finalists, selecting 40 contestants from across Asia, Europe, Africa, and the Americas.

Sri Lanka’s Anudi Gunasekara, was not selected in the top 40, despite being recognized for her impressive performances in the Multimedia and Head-to-Head challenges.

The top 40 consisted of 10 contestants each from Asia & Oceania, Europe, Africa and the Americas.