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Govt. accused of jeopardizing 100,000 solar panel users                                   

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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.”

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Harshana Suriyapperuma resigns from Parliament

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Dr. Harshana Suriyapperuma, who served as the Deputy Minister of Finance and Planning, has resigned from Parliament. 

He is reportedly tipped to be appointed as the new Secretary to the Ministry of Finance after the retirement of Mahinda Siriwardana at the end of the month.

Meanwhile, the Secretary General of Parliament – Mrs. Kushani Rohanadeera has informed the Chairman of the Election Commission in writing that a vacancy has arisen in Parliament due to the resignation of Dr. Suriyapperuma.

Dr. Suriyapperuma, a National List Member of Parliament representing the National People’s Power (NPP) and the Deputy Minister of Finance and Economic Stabilization, submitted his letter of resignation to the Secretary General of Parliament.According to the letter submitted by Dr. Suriyapperuma, the resignation is effective from June 20, 2025.

Accordingly, the Secretary General has informed the Chairman of the Election Commission that, in terms of Section 64(5) of the Parliamentary Elections Act No. 1 of 1981, the seat held by Dr. Harsha Suriyapperuma in the Tenth Parliament is now vacant.

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UN High Commissioner for Human Rights to visit SL

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The United Nations High Commissioner for Human Rights Volker Türk will undertake an official visit to Sri Lanka from June 23 – 26, 2025. 

This marks the first visit by a UN High Commissioner for Human Rights to Sri Lanka since February 2016.
During the visit, the High Commissioner is scheduled to call on the President and the Prime Minister. He will also hold meetings with the Minister of Foreign Affairs, Foreign Employment, and Tourism, several other Cabinet Ministers, Members of Parliament, senior Government officials, religious leaders, representatives of civil society, members of the diplomatic community, and the Human Rights Commission of Sri Lanka.

As part of the programme, the High Commissioner will travel to Kandy where he will pay respects to The Temple of the Sacred Tooth Relic and call on the Chief Prelates of the Malwatte and Asgiriya Chapters. He will also travel to Jaffna and Trincomalee where he will meet with the Governors of the Northern and Eastern Provinces.

Substantive discussions during the visit will focus on further advancing the promotion and protection of human rights and reconciliation, in line with the Government of Sri Lanka’s ongoing constructive engagement with the Office of the High Commissioner for Human Rights.

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3 DMT officials remanded until July 07

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Three officials from the Narahenpita branch of the Department of Motor Traffic (DMT), including the Deputy Commissioner, have been remanded until July 07 following allegations of accepting bribes totaling nearly Rs. 04 million.

The suspects were presented before Colombo Chief Magistrate Tanuja Lakmali Jayatunga earlier today (June 20) and court ordered their continued detention as investigations are continuing.Authorities allege that the officials solicited bribes from members of the public seeking vehicle licenses and registration services with these bribes reportedly discovered in their possession during the arrest.

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