News
Restructuring of CEB not a matter that can be addressed solely through SC determination – Prof. Peiris
Alleging that the Wickremesinghe-Rajapaksa combine was in an indecent hurry to privatise the Ceylon Electricity Board on the pretext of restructuring, dissident SLPP MP Prof. G. L. Peiris yesterday (29) said that the issues arising out of the move couldn’t be addressed by seeking the Supreme Court determination in that regard.
Addressing the media at his Kirula Road residence, the former law professor pointed out that the SC would determine whether the relevant Bill would be compatible with the Constitution.
Acknowledging the pivotal importance of the SC determination in respect of the relevant Bill, the former External Affairs Minister found fault with the government for not discussing the vital issue with stakeholders in and out of Parliament.
A section of the SLPP dissidents, led by Prof. Peiris, has aligned with the Samagi Jana Balawegaya (SJB). Prof. Peiris questioned the rationale in pushing ahead with the privatization of the CEB in the run-up to the presidential election scheduled for Sept/Oct this year.
On behalf of the Opposition, Prof. Peiris urged the Wickremesinghe-led government to put on hold the proposed CEB restructuring plan meant to break-up the state enterprise into eight sections.
The ex-top law academic emphasized that it would be a grave mistake on the part of the government to deal with this particular issue on the basis of the SC determination alone.
Prof. Peiris said that the ruling SLPP couldn’t throw its weight behind President Wickremesinghe move to sell state enterprises in violation of mandates received at presidential and parliamentary polls in 2019 and 2020, respectively.
The former Minister reminded the SLPP that it secured 145 seats, including 17 National List slots, at the last general election, whereas UNP leader Wickremesinghe couldn’t even retain his Colombo District seat. The UNP was reduced to just one NL slot, Prof. Peiris said, reiterating the Opposition call for the suspension of privatization until the conclusion of the presidential poll.
The ex-Minister questioned whether the government pursued a hidden agenda in seeking to privatize key institutions ahead of the presidential poll. (SF)
Police urge motorists who intend to use the Ella – Wellawaya Road to use alternative roads as there is a severe vehicle congestion due to inclement weather condition.
The oil anointing ceremony for the Sinhala and Tamil New Year was held on April 16 at the historic Rajamaha Viharaya in Kolonnawa, with the participation of Prime Minister Dr. Harini Amarasuriya.
Following the chanting of pirith, the oil anointing ritual was carried out at the auspicious time of 9:04 a.m., by the Chief Incumbent of the temple, Venerable Kolonnawa Dhammika Thero.
Speaking after the ceremony the Prime Minister said that:
“The Sinhala and Tamil New Year is one of the most important festivities in our country. It is a celebration with our families, reflecting our traditions and customs while strengthening the ties.
This festival leads the path for renewing unity, love, and bonds stronger. These values enrich a country. Development of a country is not limited by one-dimensional; a true development includes spirituality, relationships, and connections. The reason why we uphold these customs in such ceremonies is to remind ourselves of the significance and to pass on their value to future generations.
Therefore, today marks a significant day. Throughout this week, we came together and engaged in various activities. Followed by, the next event will mark the leaving for employment at the auspicious time and we should start working collectively to rebuild the country.
I wish everyone a New Year that is prosperous, peaceful, joyful, full of strengthened relationships, and most importantly, safe for all.”
The ceremony was graced by the presence of the Maha Sangha, and attended by the Deputy Minister of Youth Affairs Eranga Gunasekara, Divisional Secretary to Kolonnawa Priyanath Perera, Municipal Secretary Nelum Kumari Gamage, and the residents of the area.
[Prime Minister’s Media Division]
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Heat Index at ‘Caution Level’ at some places in Northern, North-central, North-western, Western, Southern and Eastern provinces and in Rathnapura and Monaragala districts today [16]
Warm Weather Advisory Issued by the Natural Hazards Early Warning Centre of the Department of Meteorology for 16 April 2025
The Heat index, the temperature felt on human body is likely to increase up to ‘Caution level’ at some places in Northern, North-central, North-western, Western, Southern and Eastern provinces and in Rathnapura and Monaragala districts.
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 human body is mentioned in the table below 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.
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