News

No approval for power cuts until Feb. 17 – PUCSL

Published

8 months 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

Student caught selling moonshine at school

Published

5 hours ago

September 26, 2023

editor

A student of a popular school in Kalawana, has been nabbed for selling moonshine at his school.

Upon being discovered by a teacher, he had been handed over to the Kalawana police.

Police say that the Grade 09 student had brought moonshine into the school in his water bottle and sold cups of it to older students.

He had been released after being strongly warned.

News

One dead in explosion at Kalpitiya Air Force firing range

Published

5 hours ago

September 26, 2023

editor

An explosion reported at the Sri Lanka Air Force (SLAF) Field Firing Range in Kandakuliya, Kalpitiya earlier today (26 Sep.) resulting in one death, Sri Lanka Police has confirmed.

Accordingly, an explosion which had occurred at the Air Force Field Firing Range in Kalpitiya, has resulted in the death of an 28 year old airman while injuring another, Police Spokesman SSP Nihal Thalduwa has said.

Investigations into the cause of the explosion are underway, he added.

News

4 Excise officers interdicted for assaulting Beedi businessman

Published

5 hours ago

September 26, 2023

editor

Four Excise officers who were arrested for allegedly assaulting and soliciting a bribe from a ‘Beedi’ manufacturer in Walasmulla have been interdicted by the Commissioner General of Excise.

The decision has been taken following the instruction of State Minister of Finance Ranjith Siyambalapitiya.

The four Excise officers including the OIC of the Tangalle Excise station have been interdicted over the allegations of assault and soliciting a bribe from a ‘Beedi’ manufacturer for not implementing the law against him for possession of Beedi leaves without a valid license.