News
Engineers’ fight at CEB heading for showdown
By Ifham Nizam
The Ceylon Electricity Board Engineers’ Union (CEBEU) was trying its utmost to block ongoing investigations into the countrywide blackout on 03 December and undermine the Ceylon Electricity Board (CEB) General Manager M.R. Ranatunga, a senior official of the Ceylon Electricity Board Senior Engineers’ Association (CEBSEA) alleged yesterday.
CEBSEA spokesperson Engineer Nandika Pathirage told The Island yesterday that CEBEU was strongly opposed to the General Manager getting an extension in service although according to the new government policy as stated in the budget 2022 he could serve the Board until he reached 62 years.
“This is a fundamental right issue concerning the most senior engineer of the CEB. The CEBEU non-cooperation strategy is to get rid of the General Manager,” he claimed.
He also said that as senior engineers, they were well aware that a thorough investigation would undoubtedly reveal the ‘culprits’ including the team behind the recent sabotage and that the breakdown in the main transmission line and the power outages were pre-planned.
Pathirage, himself a former CEBEU President, also stressed that attempts had been made to delete the relevant data as soon as the power was disrupted.
CEBSEA had asked the government and the Public Utilities Commission to conduct a prompt and fair investigation into recent Power outages. “The General Manager foiled the move to delete the real cause of the power outage, and there is another conspiracy to remove him and obstruct the investigation,” he said.
Meanwhile, denying charges levelled by its rivals, the CEBEU said that it would go all out to win its demands especially the cancellation of the backdoor deals with the US firm.
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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