News
CEB Chairman says New Fortress deal beneficial

By Ifham Nizam
Ceylon Electricity Board (CEB) Chairman M. M.C. Ferdinando yesterday assured that the picketing campaign or the trade union action would not lead to blackouts.
Speaking to journalists via WebEx organised by the President’s Media Centre, Ferdinando however warned that if the CEB failed everything would fall.
He claimed that the ongoing campaign was based on personal issues of a few engineers.
The CEB Chairman said that the agreement with the New Fortress had been signed on 17 September. “These are commercial deals. If they go to the wrong hands that could be misused and would lead to a number of other issues,” he added.
He also said that CEB trade unions had not informed them that they would refrain from restoring power in the event breakdowns.
The CEB workers’ are protesting against a government’s decision to transfer 40 percent of shares of the Yugadanavi Power Plant in Kerawalapitiya to US-based company New Fortress Energy along with a number of other contracts, including one to supply LNG.
The CEB Chief said the matter was a political decision and the CEB had no say in it, but benefits would accrue from the deal.
Ferdinando said the CEB would gain full control of the power plant in 2035 at no extra cost.
Latest News
Heat index is likely to increase up to ‘Caution level’ at some places in Eastern and North-central provinces and Monaragala, Hambantota, Vavuniya, Mullaitivu and Kilinochchi districts.

Warm Weather Advisory
Issued by the Natural Hazards Early Warning Centre of the Department of Meteorology At 3.30 p.m. 30 April 2025, valid for 01 May 2025
The general public are warned that the Heat index, the temperature felt on human body is likely to increase up to ‘Caution level’ at some places in Eastern and North-central provinces and Monaragala, Hambantota, Vavuniya, Mullaitivu and Kilinochchi 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 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.
News
Major May Day rallies in Colombo and Talawakelle

NPP, SJB and SLPP won’t have parades
The ruling party National People’s Power (NPP) will celebrate May Day at Galle Face Green in Colombo. However, the NPP wouldn’t have a parade, party sources said.
The Wickremesinghe-Rajapaksa government in 2023 made Galle Face Green off limits for political rallies. But the incumbent government lifted the restrictions in November 2024.
The main Opposition Samagi Jana Balawegaya (SJB) will have its May Day rally at Talawakelle town. The meeting is scheduled to begin at 2 pm with the participation of SJB’s coalition partners, including Digambaram, Mano Ganesan.
The SLPP, too, decided against having a parade this time though it will hold a rally at the Ananda Samarakoon Open Air Theatre in Nugegoda.
The SLFP will hold its May Day event at its headquarters on Darley Road.
News
Navy cleans up Kandy Lake

The Navy on April 28 carried out post-event maintenance efforts at Kandy Lake, following the Siri Dalada Vandanawa.
The collaborative efforts of the officials from the Clean Sri Lanka Secretariat, the Department of Irrigation, the Department of Archaeology and the Navy ensured the preservation of the lake’s natural beauty.
(Pic courtesy Navy media)
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