News

Problem lies within the CEB – Ravi

Published

1 year ago

December 12, 2023

editor

Former Minister of Power & Energy – Ravi Karunanayake has anticipated a programme in the coming months to decrease electricity bills.

Speaking to media recently, he has said that taxes on renewable energy projects have been removed since the time he was functioning as the Power & Energy Minister.

However, he attributed the overstaffed Ceylon Electricity Board, leading to higher production costs, as the reason behind the high electricity tariffs.

“The problem lies within the CEB as they have yet failed to present a proper solution. The CEB has a staff over around 27,000. However, even they accept the fact that the staff requirement is only 10,000 – 15,000. Because of that, electricity tariffs have increased unnecessarily due to the high production cost.The government is aware of this situation and is currently working to head the matter into a proper direction. So, I think in another two or three months, a program will be presented to reduce the electricity bill,” he said.

“The truth might be bitter. But it is only through that bitterness that a country can be led towards the correct path. We are working while accepting that challenge. It is not possible for a single person to change this situation… Everyone should join hands with the support of all parties… and the media should also contribute,” he added.

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

10 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.