News

No approval for power cuts until Feb. 17 – PUCSL

Published

2 years ago

February 1, 2023

editor

The Public Utilities Commission of Sri Lanka (PUCSL) has said that it will not approve any scheduled power cuts until February 17 in order to protect the rights of over 331,000 students sitting for the 2022 G.C.E. Advanced Level examination.

Accordingly, PUCSL Chairman Janaka Ratnayake stated that any such power cuts imposed during this period will be considered unauthorized and illegal.

Earlier today (01 Feb.), the Ceylon Electricity Board (CEB) had requested the PUCSL permission to impose power cuts for 2 hours and 20 minutes today and tomorrow (02 Feb.) after the Water Management Secretariat has restricted the release of water from reservoirs for hydro power generation since the expected rainfall was not experienced.

PUCSL files Writ application
Meanwhile, the PUCSL has filed a writ application with the Court of Appeal against the CEB, seeking a court order preventing the power interruptions imposed during the GCE A/L examination.

In addition, the Ceylon Teachers’ Union has also filed a petition with the Supreme Court over the same matter, naming the CEB chairman, the secretary to the Power & Energy Ministry, the Ceylon Petroleum Corporation (CPC) chairman, the Human Rights Commission (HRCSL) and several others as its respondents.

News

COVID subvariants spreading in Asia detected in Sri Lanka

Published

9 hours ago

May 31, 2025

editor

The Medical Research Institute of Sri Lanka has confirmed that the COVID-19 variant currently spreading in the Asian region has also been identified in the country.

Dr. Jude Jayamaha, a specialist in viral diseases at the Medical Research Institute, stated that patients infected with the Omicron subvariants LF.7 and XFG are being reported locally.

Dr. Jayamaha explained that this finding was confirmed through research conducted on biological samples collected from several hospitals across the island.

However, he emphasized that there is no need for undue fear regarding these COVID-19 variants.

Health authorities have also stressed the importance of vulnerable groups—such as pregnant mothers, the elderly, and those with chronic illnesses—following health guidelines, including wearing face masks and avoiding crowded places.

Dr. Jayamaha reiterated that new COVID-19 variants emerge periodically, and health authorities are continuously monitoring the situation, so the public should remain calm.

(newswire.lk)

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

News

Anudi misses out from Miss World Quarter-Finals

Published

9 hours ago

May 31, 2025

editor

The Miss World organization has announced its quarter-finalists, selecting 40 contestants from across Asia, Europe, Africa, and the Americas.

Sri Lanka’s Anudi Gunasekara, was not selected in the top 40, despite being recognized for her impressive performances in the Multimedia and Head-to-Head challenges.

The top 40 consisted of 10 contestants each from Asia & Oceania, Europe, Africa and the Americas.