Connect with us

News

SL – Pakistan hold talks in Islamabad on defence ties

Published

on

The 5th annual Sri Lanka-Pakistan Bilateral Defence Dialogue commenced on Apr 28 in Islamabad, Pakistan, marking a continued commitment to strengthening defence cooperation between the two nations.

The Sri Lankan delegation is led by Defence Secretary Air Vice Marshal Sampath Thuyacontha (Retd), accompanied by Commander of the Navy Vice Admiral Kanchana Banagoda and Additional Secretary (Defence) of the Ministry of Defence Mr. Jayantha Edirisinghe. The Pakistani delegation is headed by Lieutenant General Muhammad Ali (Retd), Secretary Defence of the Islamic Republic of Pakistan.

In conjunction with the on-going defence dialogue, Air Vice Marshal Thuyacontha (Retd) held a side-line meeting yesterday (Apr 29) with the Defence Minister of Pakistan, Khawaja Muhammad Asif.

These high-level engagements aim to enhance bilateral cooperation, foster mutual understanding on regional security dynamics and explore opportunities for defence collaboration. Both nations share a longstanding relationship rooted in mutual respect and strategic cooperation. The dialogue reflects the growing importance of partnerships in maintaining stability and promoting peace in the South Asian region.

The three-day dialogue, which concludes on today (Apr 30), is expected to reinforce bilateral defence ties and contribute to broader regional security objectives.

(Excerpt and pic – defence.lk)

News

Electricity tariff hike in June!

Published

on

By

Sri Lanka President Anura Kumara Dissanayake has revealed that a June electricity tariff revision will see a hike.

Speaking during the ‘SATANA’ televised political discussion last night (May 02), President Dissanayake had emphasised the need for cost-reflective electricity pricing, aligning with recommendations from the International Monetary Fund (IMF). 

Addressing speculations on the upcoming electricity tariff changes, the President confirmed that the next revision will take place on June 01st. 

“The Treasury cannot continue to subsidize the CEB indefinitely. Electricity must be priced based on actual production costs,” he pointed out.

He also revealed that the CEB is burdened with Rs. 220 billion in legacy debt, which has now been restructured. “A portion of this debt will be factored into the tariff. While there may be a slight increase, it will still be lower than the rates in December 2024,” he assured.

Delay in 5th IMF tranche if not tariff increase”

Meanwhile, speaking at a media briefing yesterday, United National Party (UNP) National Organiser Sagala Ratnayake has said that the government is facing a dilemma as it must either increase the power tariff or face a delay in receiving the fifth tranche under the Extended Fund Facility (EFF) agreement signed with the IMF.

He pointed out that although Sri Lanka reached a staff-level agreement on the fourth review under the EFF agreement, approval from the IMF’s Executive Board is still pending.

“The staff-level agreement is subject to IMF Executive Board approval, contingent on (i) the implementation of prior actions relating to restoring electricity cost-recovery pricing and ensuring the proper function of the automatic electricity price adjustment mechanism, and (ii) the completion of the financing assurances review,” Mr. Ratnayake said, quoting the release issued by the IMF.

“The government will have to increase the power tariff to obtain the fifth tranche under the EFF agreement, as per the IMF release. Industries will be affected if the government increases power tariffs to recover costs,” he said, adding that the Sri Lankan government should issue a clear statement on this situation.

Continue Reading

News

Suspected shooter in Dan Priyasad murder arrested

Published

on

By

A suspect believed to be the gunman involved in the murder of political activist Dan Priyasad, has been arrested in the Cinnamon Gardens area of Colombo, police say. 

Priyasad was gunned down at the ‘Laksanda Sevana’ Housing Complex in Wellampitiya on April 22 by two individuals who had arrived at the scene on a motorcycle.

Continue Reading

News

Student at  J’pura Uni. assaulted after opposing ragging

Published

on

By

A third-year student from the Faculty of Technology at the University of Sri Jayewardenepura, who had opposed ragging within the university, has been assaulted by a group of fellow students from both the third and fourth years.

The injured student is currently receiving treatment at the Weligama District Hospital.

According to reports, around 20 students had reportedly entered the victim’s hostel and assaulted him severely, striking his head and spine with motorcycle helmets.

This incident comes just days after a student at the University of Sabaragamuwa took his life, allegedly due to mental distress caused by ragging.

Continue Reading

Trending

Copyright © 2024 Sri Lanka Mirror. All Rights Reserved