News
Karu concerned over excessive electricity charges on religious places of worship
The government has to heed protests by religious leaders and civil society groups against excessive electricity charges imposed on religious places of worship and shrines, head of the National Movement for Social Justice (NMSJ) Karu Jayasuriya has said issuing a statement.
“At a time when fuel prices have significantly increased around the world, a tariff revision may be inevitable. However, the increase of tariffs by nearly four folds has left many places of worship in great difficulty. Officials must also inquire into how religious places have been singled out for excessively increased rates while other customers have not faced an unusual increase by four-fold,” he said.
Jayasuriya that it is the responsibility of the government to set necessary guidelines and to take steps to introduce alternative measures to provide relief to places of worship that spiritually nourish the society and perform a great social service.
“Experts in the field have already pointed out that it is possible to provide electricity in every religious place of worship through solar panels without burdening the government and the people. While we as an organisation studied this proposal, electrical engineers consulted were of the opinion that many temples, temples, churches, etc. in this country can be supplied with electricity by means of solar panels. We further suggested to the government that instead of using public funds, this scheme can be launched under international grants and other existing environmental aid schemes,” he said.
The NMSJ head said they have already submitted information about it to the President, the Minister of Buddhasasana and Religious Affairs and the Ceylon Electricity Board.
“We have been informed that the Minister of Buddhasasana has taken some important steps and that the President has understood the need for this. Accordingly, we strongly expect that these plans will be implemented immediately,” he said.
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]
Latest News
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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