News

Kanchana calls for CID probe

Published

2 years ago

March 31, 2023

editor

Minister of Power and Energy Kanchana Wijesekera has requested the IGP to conduct an investigation via the Criminal Investigations Department against individuals who disrupted the process of distributing fuel from the Ceylon Petroleum Storage Terminals Limited in Kolonnawa on March 28.
A letter to the IGP notes that a group that engaged in a fast opposite the CPSTL premises forced their way in to the safe zone where fuel distribution was taking place, and chase away the employees.

Noting that the group of had also turned back the fuel tankers that arrived to obtain their consignment of fuel, the minister had further added that an attempt was made o damage the fuel distribution pipes, and the automates system in order to disrupt the fuel distribution process which was declared as an essential services.

The letter notes that among those who stormed the premises were Trade Union Representatives, employees on leave after submitting nominations to contest the Local Government Election, as well as retired petroleum workers.

The Ministwe notes as a result of the act of sabotage the fuel distribution process was disrupted leading to the formation of fuel queues and that legal measures are being taken to recover the losses from the said individuals.

News

Heat Index expected at ‘Caution’ level

Published

3 hours ago

April 16, 2025

editor

Heat index, the temperature felt on human body is expected to increase up to ‘Caution level’ tomorrow (April 16) at some places in Northern, North-central, North-western, Western, Southern and Eastern provinces and in Rathnapura and Monaragala districts, the Meteorology Department warned.

Effect of the heat index on the human body is prepared on the advice of the Ministry of Health and Indigenous Medical Services.

Accordingly, people at jobsites are urged to stay hydrated and take breaks in the shade as often as possible.

Also, constant checks should be made up on the elderly and the sick.

Adults are advised to not leave children unattended and limit strenuous outdoor activities, find shade and stay hydrated.

The public is also urged to wear lightweight and white or light-colored clothing.

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News

Heavy traffic on Ella-Wellawaya road

Published

4 hours ago

April 16, 2025

editor

Heavy traffic congestion has been reported along the Ella-Wellawaya road due to continuous rainfall.

According to the police, vehicle queues had stretched up to five kilometres.
Motorists are advised to use alternate routes to avoid the traffic congestion.

News

Govt. needs a plan to face US taxes – RW

Published

8 hours ago

April 16, 2025

editor

Former President – Ranil Wickremesinghe has emphasized that the Sri Lankan government needs to unveil a plan to face the situation created by the US reciprocal taxes.

Making a special statement, Mr. Wickremesinghe points out that although the taxes have been paused at the moment, it will not be scrapped altogether as it is a part of Trump’s manifesto.

As a direct consequence of these taxes, around 100,000 jobs are at risk, he warned, adding that the consequences would ripple across the broader economy.

“Even if the taxes imposed on Sri Lanka are slashed, we will be compelled to pay taxes of 25% – 30%, resulting in exports still declining” he said.

Noting that Sri Lanka will have to generate funds to start setting its debts by 2028 as per the debt restructuring programme, Mr. Wickremesinghe emphasizes that the Government will have to treat this as an emergency situation and come out with a plan to face the situation.

He emphasizes that firstly, discussions must be held with the US and secondly, it must be planned how to solve this issue domestically.