News

15,000 tonnes of ash at Kerawalapitiya power plant awaits environmentally friendly disposal

Published

1 year ago

2025/02/21

by Saman Indrajith

Energy Minister Kumara Jayakody informed Parliament on Wednesday that approximately 15,000 tonnes of ash, a byproduct of waste incineration, had accumulated at the Waste-to-Energy Power Plant in Kerawalapitiya.

Responding to a query from Kalutara District SJB MP Ajith P. Perera regarding the environmentally friendly disposal of ash, the Minister stated that the plant operates under an Environmental Protection License issued by the Central Environmental Authority. The disposal of ash, he assured, would be carried out in accordance with the conditions outlined in the license.

The Minister also disclosed that the Ceylon Electricity Board (CEB) paid Rs 36.20 per unit of electricity generated by the plant, with Rs 13.10 being reimbursed to the CEB by the Treasury. The plant requires 650–700 tonnes of waste per day for optimal operation, but in 2024, it received an average of 584 tonnes daily.

The Colombo Municipal Council primarily supplies waste to the plant, with additional contributions from local government bodies in the Western Province under the directives of the Solid Waste Management Authority.

The Kerawalapitiya plant had an Environmental Protection Licence from January 2023 to July 2023 and has since obtained a new licence valid from August 2024 to August 2025.

MP Perera inquired about the progress of a similar Waste-to-Energy plant in Ratmalana, which was designed to convert waste from Karadiyana into energy and was expected to generate 10 MW per day. In response, Minister Jayakody said the Ratmalana plant was under the Urban Development Authority’s purview and had not yet been transferred to the CEB or the Energy Ministry. He said inquiries regarding its progress should be directed to the relevant overseeing Ministry.

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Heat Index at Caution Level in the North-central, Eastern, and Sabaragamuwa provinces and in Kurunegala, Monaragala, Vavuniya, Mullaittivu and Kilinochchi districts during the day time

Published

20 mins ago

2026/04/30

Priyan

Warm Weather Advisory
Issued by the Natural Hazards Early Warning Centre
Issued at 3.30 p.m. on 29 April 2026, valid for 30 April 2026.

The Heat index, the temperature felt on the human body is likely to increase up to ‘Caution level’ at some places in the North-central, Eastern, and Sabaragamuwa provinces and in Kurunegala, Monaragala, Vavuniya, Mullaittivu and Kilinochchi districts during the day time.

The Heat Index Forecast is calculated by using relative humidity and maximum temperature and this is the condition that is felt on your body. This is not the forecast of maximum temperature. It is generated by the Department of Meteorology for the next day period and prepared by using global numerical weather prediction model data.

Effect of the heat index on the human body is mentioned in the above table and it is prepared on the advice of the Ministry of Health and Indigenous Medical Services.

ACTION REQUIRED
Job sites: Stay hydrated and takes breaks in the shade as often as possible.
Indoors: Check up on the elderly and the sick.
Vehicles: Never leave children unattended.
Outdoors: Limit strenuous outdoor activities, find shade and stay hydrated.
Dress: Wear lightweight and white or light-colored clothing.

Note:
In addition, please refer to advisories issued by the Disaster Preparedness & Response Division, Ministry of Health in this regard as well. For further clarifications please contact 011-7446491

Latest News

President and Exco of Sri Lanka Cricket step down

Published

14 hours ago

2026/04/29

Priyan

Sri Lanka Cricket has announced today (29) that the President of Sri Lanka Cricket and members of the Executive Committee have tendered their resignations.

The decision has been formaly communicated to President Anura Kumara Dissanayake and the Minister of Youth Affairs and Sports.

Latest News

Heat Index at Caution Level in the Northern, North-central and North-western provinces and in Kegalle, Trincomalee and Batticaloa districts during the day time

Published

21 hours ago

2026/04/29

Priyan

Warm Weather Advisory
Issued by the Natural Hazards Early Warning Centre
Issued at 3.30 p.m. on 28 April 2026, valid for 29 April 2026.

The Heat index, the temperature felt on human body is likely to increase up to ‘Caution level’ at some places in the Northern, North-central and North-western provinces and in Kegalle,
Trincomalee and Batticaloa districts during the day time.

Effect of the heat index on human body is mentioned in the above table and it is prepared on the advice of the Ministry of Health and Indigenous Medical Services.

ACTION REQUIRED
Job sites: Stay hydrated and takes breaks in the shade as often as possible.
Indoors: Check up on the elderly and the sick.
Vehicles: Never leave children unattended.
Outdoors: Limit strenuous outdoor activities, find shade and stay hydrated.
Dress: Wear lightweight and white or light-colored clothing.

Note:
In addition, please refer to advisories issued by the Disaster Preparedness & Response Division, Ministry of Health in this regard as well. For further clarifications please contact 011-7446491.