News

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

Published

1 month 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

8,742 Vesak Dansals registered islandwide

Published

39 minutes ago

May 12, 2025

editor

The Public Health Inspectors (PHI)’s Union states that a total of 8,742 Dansals have been registered islandwide, in line with Vesak celebrations this year.

According to the PHI’s Union chairman – Upul Rohana, the highest number of ‘Dansal’ is registered in the Western Province, particularly in the Colombo Municipal Council (CMC) area.

The union has also urged organiser to reduce the use of polythene and plastic during food distribution efforts.

News

Financial assistance from President’s Fund for Gerandi Ella bus accident victims

Published

2 hours ago

May 12, 2025

editor

A sum of Rs. 1 million from the President’s Fund will be granted for each individual who lost their life in the Kotmale bus accident, the President’s Media Division states.

President Anura Kumara Disanayake has directed that a sum of Rs. 1 million be granted from the President’s Fund to each individual who lost their life in the tragic bus accident that occurred early this morning (11) in the Garadiella area, Kotmale.

Accordingly, arrangements have been made to promptly disburse these funds to the next of kin of the deceased through the President’s Fund.

In addition to this assistance, compensation will also be provided to the affected families through the Sri Lanka Transport Board and relevant insurance schemes.

Meanwhile, authorities continue to investigate the cause of the accident, which has claimed 22 lives so far.

(Pic : Accident1st)

News

Maxwell gets 5-yr. ban

Published

2 hours ago

May 12, 2025

editor

Former Secretary of the National Olympic Committee of Sri Lanka (NOCSL) Maxwell de Silva was handed a five-year ban, sources revealed.

Earlier, De Silva was suspended by the International Olympic Committee (IOC) and the Ministry of Sports due to various irregularities committed by him over several years.

Accordingly, the NOCSL Executive Committee decided to hand down a five-year ban on De Silva, considering the recommendations made by the NOCSL Ethics Committee, NOCSL President Suresh Subramaniam told the Daily Mirror.

Subramaniam further stated that the penalty on De Silva has already been communicated in writing to the IOC.

Accordingly, the former secretary, who has been banned for five years, is now completely prohibited from representing the NOCSL at any foreign event or international conference.

(dailymirror.lk)

(Except for the headline, this story, originally published by dailymirror.lk has not been edited by SLM staff)