News

Energy Ministry denies CEB Chairman’s resignation, Says he is on leave

Published

3 weeks ago

May 11, 2025

editor

The Media Division of the Ministry of Energy has dismissed media reports claiming the resignation of Ceylon Electricity Board (CEB) Chairman Dr. Tilak Siyambalapitiya, clarifying that he has only taken leave for personal overseas travel.

A senior ministry official stated that Dr. Siyambalapitiya had formally informed President Anura Kumara Dissanayake about his temporary leave and denied any resignation.

“There is no truth in the media reports suggesting the resignation of the CEB Chairman,” the official emphasized.

Dr. Siyambalapitiya was appointed as CEB Chairman on September 26, 2023, following the formation of the NPP-led government. The clarification comes amid ongoing discussions on electricity tariff revisions and financial reforms in the power sector.

The CEB has recently been under scrutiny over proposed tariff hikes and compliance with IMF-mandated cost-reflective pricing, with speculation rising over leadership changes.

The ministry’s statement seeks to quell rumors and ensure stability in the institution’s administration.

News

Ex-chairman of Lindula-Talawakelle UC, remanded

Published

3 hours ago

June 2, 2025

editor

Former chairman of the Lindula-Talawakelle Urban Council – Asoka Sepala has been arrested today (June 02).

The Colombo Chief Magistrate has ordered to remand the suspect until June 11.

The former chairman has been arrested by the Commission to Investigate Allegations of Bribery or Corruption (CIABOC) for causing a loss of Rs. 2.38 million to the government, during the issuance of a tender to lease stall belonging to the Urban Council.

It is said that instead of awarding the tender to the highest bidder, it was given to a lower bidder, resulting in the aforementioned loss.

News

Halloluwa further remanded

Published

3 hours ago

June 2, 2025

editor

Former Director of the National Lotteries Board (NLB) – Thusitha Halloluwa, has been further remanded until June 04, by the Fort Chief Magistrate’s Court.

Halloluwa remains in custody over alleged misappropriation of government assets belonging to the NLB.

He was previously arrested and released on bail on May 02 over the alleged misuse of a computer and a mobile phone valued at over Rs. 470,000 during his tenure as the Acting Director of the National Lotteries Board.

News

Electricity (Amendment) Bill challenged

Published

3 hours ago

June 2, 2025

editor

The Electricity (Amendment) Bill, which was recently tabled in Parliament, has been challenged in the Supreme Court.

Accordingly, the Supreme Court today (June 02) ordered that the petition filed by the Ceylon Electricity Board Engineers’ Union requesting a ruling that certain provisions of the Electricity Bill are unconstitutional be taken up for hearing on June 06.

The order was issued when the petition was taken up before a three-member Supreme Court bench comprising Justice A.H.M.D. Nawaz, Arjuna Obeyesekere and Priyantha Fernando.