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Proposal to slash electricity bill, in parliament this week

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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.

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Cultural celebration held to mark Chinese New Year (Pics / Video)

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To mark the upcoming Chinese New Year festival, the Chinese Embassy in Sri Lanka and the Chinese Ministry of Culture and Tourism jointly hosted a cultural celebration last night (Jan. 19) at the Cinnamon Life Hotel.

Prime Minister Dr. Harini Amarasuriya, who attended the event as Chief Guest, delivered a congratulatory message from President Anura Kumara Dissanayake for the Chinese New Year.

The celebration was also attended by former President – Maithripala Sirisena, former Prime Minister – Dinesh Gunawardena, Industry Minister – Sunil Handunnetti, Deputy Minister Finance and Planning – Dr. Harshana Sooriyapperuma and other political dignitaries, Chinese Ambassador to Sri Lanka – Qi Zhenhong, Prime Minister’s Secretary – Pradeep Saputhanthri as well as a large gathering of Sri Lankans and Chinese nationals.

Impressive Kungfu performances, colourful dances and musical performances graced the evening as well as traditional Chinese art forms such as paper cutting, calligraphy and sugar crafting.

A special delegation comprising 34 members from the Henan Art Troupe and the Sichuan Chef Team has also arrived in Sri Lanka as part of the New Year celebrations. In addition, the festivities will feature the “Chinese Food Festival” and the “Port City Chinese Cultural Night,” scheduled to take place from January 20 to 23.

According to the Chinese lunar calendar, 2025 is the year of the wood snake. The Snake is known for qualities such as grace, intelligence, and intuition.

(Pics – Shanika Jayasekara / Video – Kelum Shivantha)

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UNP – SJB talks to kick off tonight

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The Working Committee of the United National Party (UNP) has given the green light to initiate  discussions with the Samagi Jana Balawegaya (SJB) on the possibility of uniting for the upcoming elections.

The Working Committee of the UNP convened this afternoon (Jan. 20) at the party headquarters to deliberate on the matter.

Meanwhile, General Secretary of the Samagi Jana Balawegaya (SJB), Ranjith Madduma Bandara has said that the first discussion regarding the potential unification of the UNP and the SJB for the upcoming elections will take place in Colombo tonight (Jan. 20).

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Schools in North Central & Eastern Provinces to reopen tomorrow

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All government schools in the North Central Province which had remained closed today (Jan. 20) due to adverse weather conditions will also reopen tomorrow (21), the provincial education authorities said.

Earlier today, it was announced that all government schools in the Eastern Province will also be reopened from tomorrow.

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