News

Plans to amend Electricity Act & Tariff system

Published

8 months ago

October 9, 2024

editor

The Ministry of Power has announced plans to amend the Electricity Act and the Tariff system.

Secretary to the Ministry, Prof. Udayanga Hemapala has stated that reviews shall be done to identify necessary amendments and the ministry plans to gather input from representatives of electricity sector trade unions for this.

The proposed amendments are expected to be approved by the new Parliament.

Professor Hemapala has emphasized that the President, who is also the subject minister, has instructed that the restructuring of the CEB be carried out in a manner beneficial to the country.
The Electricity Act, passed on June 06 this year, included provisions to divide the CEB into 12 entities and to streamline the workforce but faced stiff opposition from CEB trade unions.

Prof. Hemapala has also announced the commencement of a study to revise the current electricity tariff formula, aiming to introduce a more consumer-friendly electricity tariff system.

The new methodology will be presented to the President before being submitted to the Cabinet. It will then be presented to the Public Utilities Commission.

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.