News
CEB denies unofficial power cuts, disburses Rs 600 mn to buy emergency power from private sector
By Ifham Nizam
The Ceylon Electricity Board Engineers’ Union (CEBEU) and other CEB trade unions yesterday dismissed speculation that they would resort to unofficial load shedding or unofficial power cuts due to the breakdown of the Unit Three of the Norochcholai Power Plant Complex.
Senior Trade Unionist cum Convener of the Lanka Viduli Bala Sevaka Sangamaya, Ranjan Jayalal told The Island that if the Board had such a plan to go for power shedding they would have done it by now.
He said that the CEB had released Rs. 600 million for power purchasing from privately owned companies. “They should have had proper plans than wasting monies at times like this, the Board lacks management skills ,” he added.
A senior Electrical Engineer told The Island the breakdown of the Unit Three of the Plant Complex in Norochcholai 270 MW intake of the 300MW will cost an additional minimum Rs. 20 a unit due to thermal power generation.
He added: “It will cost the CEB Rs. 96 million extra a day, while the Norochcholai machine is out of order.”
CEBEU Vice President Dhanushka Parakramasinghe also dismissed rumours on power shedding adding now the Board is getting165MW from Naphtha and the balance from diesel.
He added that the broken down plant is in the cooling process for a couple of days and the repair work will commence shortly and it will be back in operation by March 27.
He also said that the scheduled annual maintenance of the plant is unlikely to take place in April as planned earlier due to shortage of resources.
CEB Chairman Nalinda Illangakoon also assured that there won’t be any power cuts due to the breakdown of the Norochcholai Power Plant.
Power and Energy Minister Kanchana Wijesekera said that CEB-owned Diesel and furnace oil run power plants will be utilised to ensure an uninterrupted supply of electricity until the said Unit is reconnected to the national grid.
News
Pakistan High Commissioner pays courtsey call on PM
High Commissioner of the Islamic Republic of Pakistan to Sri Lanka Major General (Retd) Nayyar Naseer met with the Prime Minister Dr. Harini Amarasuriya at Temple Trees on 30th April
Welcoming the High Commissioner of the Islamic Republic of Pakistan to Sri Lanka, the Prime Minister expressed sincere appreciation for the continued support and cooperation extended by the Government of Pakistan to Sri Lanka, particularly the assistance provided following the Ditwah Cyclone.
Both sides reaffirmed the longstanding and cordial relations between Sri Lanka and Pakistan, which are founded on mutual respect, friendship, and shared interests.
The meeting also focused on the importance of further strengthening collaboration in key sectors such as education, tourism, and sports, with a view to enhancing people-to-people ties and creating new opportunities for cooperation reiterating Sri Lanka’s commitment to deepening bilateral engagement.
The meeting was attended by the Deputy High Commissioner of Pakistan to Sri Lanka Ms. Zunaira Latif, Secretary to the Prime Minister, Pradeep Saputhanthri, Additional Secretary Ms. Sagarika Bogahawatta, and officials from the Ministry of Foreign Affairs, Foreign Employment and Tourism.
(Prime Minister’s Media Division)
News
Ambassador of Nepal to Sri Lanka pays farewll call on PM
The Ambassador of Nepal to SriLanka, Dr. Purna Bahadurn Nepali paid a farewell courtesy call on Prime Minister Dr. Harini Amarasuriya on Thursday (30th of April) at Temple Trees.
During the meeting, the Prime Minister conveyed sincere appreciation for the dedicated service and valuable contributions towards strengthening the longstanding bilateral relations between Sri Lanka and Nepal during the tenure of Dr. Purna Bahadurn Nepali.
Both parties reaffirmed the longstanding bilateral relations between the two countries, which are based on shared cultural, religious, and historical linkages. The Prime Minister also reaffirmed Sri Lanka’s commitment to further deepening bilateral relations with Nepal and enhancing cooperation for the mutual benefit of both nations.
The meeting was attended by the Secretary to the Prime Minister, Pradeep Saputhanthri, Additional Secretary Ms. Sagarika Bogahawatta, and officials from the Ministry of Foreign Affairs, Foreign Employment and Tourism.
(Prime Minister’s Media Division)
Latest News
Heat Index at Caution Level in the Northern, North-central, Eastern, Sabaragamuwa, North-western provinces and in Monaragala district during the day time
Warm Weather Advisory
Issued by the Natural Hazards Early Warning Centre
Issued at 3.30 p.m. on 01 May 2026, valid for 02 May 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, Eastern, Sabaragamuwa, North-western provinces and in Monaragala district 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.
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