News

Proposal to slash electricity bill, in parliament this week

Published

1 year ago

January 8, 2024

editor

MP Nalaka Bandara Kottegoda, Chair of the Sectoral Oversight Committee on Energy and Transport has said the committee has completed preparing necessary proposals to reduce the electricity bill.

He expressed this opinion while speaking to the media today. Accordingly, the Committee Chair said that the proposal is expected to be submitted to the Parliament this week.

The Chair pointed out that ordinary electricity consumers as well as manufacturers and export manufacturers have been put in a lot of trouble due to the increase in the price of an electricity unit.

Accordingly, the electricity bill which was increased by 18% in October 2023 has been proposed to be removed by 100% again. It has also been suggested that the Ceylon Electricity Board is making a lot of profit due to the heavy rainfall and that the benefits of that profit should be given to the electricity consumers.

Proposals to exempt solar panels from VAT

The Chair also stated that it has been proposed to add the electricity produced by rooftop solar panels installed to the national system as soon as possible and to exempt the import of solar panels from VAT.

It has also been proposed to revise the electricity charges only twice a year and to introduce a package system in the payment of electricity charges.

Moreover, the Committee Chair stated that he expects to discuss the new Electricity Act with all relevant parties through the Committee.

News

Internal disputes delay LG member lists

Published

8 hours ago

May 17, 2025

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Due to various issues that have arisen within many political parties during the selection of members for LG bodies, submission of name lists to the Election Commission (EC) are being delayed, reports say.

As a result, the establishment of LG bodies is expected to be delayed further.

In this backdrop, the EC has instructed all political parties and independent groups to submit their name lists within a week.

The gazette on the newly appointed members will follow only after the EC receives all lists.

(Source : Lankadeepa)

News

Ministry cancels Br. Charles’ program at Padeniya temple

Published

8 hours ago

May 17, 2025

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The Ministry of Buddhasasana, Religious and Cultural Affairs has issued a letter over a program organized by Br. Charles Thomas.

The relevant program is scheduled to be held today (May 17) at the historic Padeniya temple and is allegedly scheduled to be held in a manner that is harmful to Buddhism.

The letter notes that the Deputy Minister has taken steps to cancel the program following complaints from various parties, citing strong displeasure expressed by the local Buddhist community.

News

Applications open for A/L Vocational stream

Published

8 hours ago

May 17, 2025

editor

The Ministry of Education, Higher Education and Vocational Education has announced that applications are now open for admissions for Grade 12 students for the Advanced Level (A/L) Vocational stream subjects.

According to the Ministry, the vocational stream will be offered in 608 schools starting this year.

The Ministry further clarified that students who have not passed the GCE Ordinary Level (O/L) examination will still be eligible to apply, as O/L results will not be a determining factor for admission to this stream.

For this, students need to submit an application to the principal of the school they wish to enroll in.