News

Electricity tariff hike in June!

Published

2 weeks ago

May 3, 2025

editor

Sri Lanka President Anura Kumara Dissanayake has revealed that a June electricity tariff revision will see a hike.

Speaking during the ‘SATANA’ televised political discussion last night (May 02), President Dissanayake had emphasised the need for cost-reflective electricity pricing, aligning with recommendations from the International Monetary Fund (IMF).

Addressing speculations on the upcoming electricity tariff changes, the President confirmed that the next revision will take place on June 01st.

“The Treasury cannot continue to subsidize the CEB indefinitely. Electricity must be priced based on actual production costs,” he pointed out.

He also revealed that the CEB is burdened with Rs. 220 billion in legacy debt, which has now been restructured. “A portion of this debt will be factored into the tariff. While there may be a slight increase, it will still be lower than the rates in December 2024,” he assured.

Delay in 5th IMF tranche if not tariff increase”

Meanwhile, speaking at a media briefing yesterday, United National Party (UNP) National Organiser Sagala Ratnayake has said that the government is facing a dilemma as it must either increase the power tariff or face a delay in receiving the fifth tranche under the Extended Fund Facility (EFF) agreement signed with the IMF.

He pointed out that although Sri Lanka reached a staff-level agreement on the fourth review under the EFF agreement, approval from the IMF’s Executive Board is still pending.

“The staff-level agreement is subject to IMF Executive Board approval, contingent on (i) the implementation of prior actions relating to restoring electricity cost-recovery pricing and ensuring the proper function of the automatic electricity price adjustment mechanism, and (ii) the completion of the financing assurances review,” Mr. Ratnayake said, quoting the release issued by the IMF.

“The government will have to increase the power tariff to obtain the fifth tranche under the EFF agreement, as per the IMF release. Industries will be affected if the government increases power tariffs to recover costs,” he said, adding that the Sri Lankan government should issue a clear statement on this situation.

News

PC suspended for WhatsApping confidential police info

Published

1 hour ago

May 15, 2025

editor

.A constable attached to the Parliamentary Security Division has been suspended for allegedly sharing confidential police information through a WhatsApp group, violating official protocols.

According to Police Headquarters, the suspect had been operating a WhatsApp group under the name “CRTM / RTM message No. 3” on his personal phone without authorization from senior officers.

Investigations revealed that several members of the group were civilians or unaffiliated with the police, and that sensitive internal communications meant for police personnel were shared with unauthorized individuals.

The SSP, Director of the Parliamentary Security Division, has suspended the constable for breaching discipline by irresponsibly disclosing confidential police matters to outsiders.

News

DMT holds “Vehicle tuning dansala” for Vesak

Published

2 hours ago

May 15, 2025

editor

The Department of Motor Traffic (DMT) has organized a special “vehicle tuning Dansala” to be held today and tomorrow (May 15 and 16) in front of its head office in Narahenpita.

In an official statement, the department noted that old motorcycles and three-wheelers – comprising the majority of Sri Lanka’s vehicle population – often lack systematic maintenance due to economic constraints, leading to harmful emissions.

The initiative, organized for the third time by the DMT’s Motor Vehicle Emissions Trust Fund, aims to address this issue.

Free tuning services for motorcycles and three-wheelers will be provided at the dansala, with support from some of Sri Lanka’s most experienced vehicle technicians.

Through this effort, the DMT hopes to improve fuel efficiency, reduce unnecessary fuel expenses, and minimize harmful emissions.

News

New conditions for bus imports from Jan. 2026

Published

2 hours ago

May 15, 2025

editor

Minister of Transport, Highways, Ports and Civil Aviation – Bimal Rathnayake has announced that the government will implement new regulations for the import of public transport buses starting January next year.

Speaking at a media briefing yesterday (May 14), the Minister stated that under the revised guidelines, only buses meeting modern safety and quality standards will be approved for import.

He further stated that the Ministry of Transport will begin inspections to ensure all public transport vehicles currently in operation comply with required safety and operational standards.