News

Govt. accused of jeopardizing 100,000 solar panel users

Published

1 week ago

March 8, 2025

editor

It is reported that over 100,000 homeowners who have installed solar power systems on their roofs are at serious risk.

Solar power industry professionals claim that this risky situation has arisen due to regulations introduced by the government.

‘Sathi Aga Aruna’ has reported that Javid Kamil, Chairman of the Solar Industry Association (SIA), stated, “Rooftop solar power systems alone will contribute 500 megawatts to the national electricity grid by 2024, about 5% of the national demand. Those who install solar power systems on their roofs are currently paid Rs.27 per unit if under 500 kilowatts and Rs.23 per unit if above 500 kilowatts. However, the government is attempting to reduce these rates by 30%. Under such circumstances, companies undertaking solar projects will face collapse.”

The SIA Chairman further emphasized, “A solar power system is installed with a 20-year warranty. Currently, over 100,000 people rely on these systems. If solar companies shut down, maintaining these systems will become impossible. We urge the government to maintain the current price paid per kilowatt unit and not impose reductions.”

The Chairman of the Solar Industry Association has further pointed out “The Ceylon Electricity Board’s statement that rooftop solar power systems were responsible for the island-wide power outage that occurred on February 9, 2025, is completely false. We urge the government to appoint an independent committee to investigate this matter. Based on that incident, the Ceylon Electricity Board has requested that rooftop solar energy systems be shut down every Sunday from 11:00 a.m. to 3:00 p.m.”

News

Boossa Prison jailor remanded over ‘Ganemulla Sanjeewa’ murder

Published

2 hours ago

March 17, 2025

editor

A Jailor at the Boossa Prison, who had brought underworld figure Sanjeewa Kumara Samararathne also known as “Ganemulla Sanjeewa” to court on the day he was killed inside the Hulftsdorp court premises, has been arrested by the Colombo Crimes Division (CCD).

Subsequently, he has been ordered to be remanded until March 21, after being produced before the Colombo Magistrate’s Court, Ada Derana reporter said.

Presenting the suspect to the court, the Colombo Crimes Division officials have stated that the murdered suspect, “Ganemulla Sanjeewa”, had been brought to court by the arrested Jailer on the day of the assassination.

Police informed the court that investigations are underway to determine whether the crime was committed due to the Jailor’s dereliction of duty.

Police also pointed out to the court that investigations have revealed that the suspected prison officer had not taken any steps to arrest the individual who shot at “Ganemulla Sanjeewa” within the court premises and fled.

During the trial, police also requested permission to obtain a record of the suspect’s mobile phone calls for further investigations.

The court granted permission for the requests and ordered the suspect to be remanded until March 21.

(adaderana.lk)

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