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Environment Ministry Secretary urges switching to electric vehicles soon to combat air pollution

Published

4 years ago

2021/07/10

By Ifham Nizam

Each year the government spent close to Rs. 100 million to treat diseases caused by air pollution, which had to be reduced, Environment Ministry Secretary Dr. Anil Jasinghe said yesterday

Dr. Jasinghe told The Island that one of the solutions was to encourage the import of electric vehicles when the ban on imports was lifted. It might even be judicious to replace old vehicles with electric vehicles now, Dr. Jasinghe said.

The Environment Ministry Secretary said that industrial air pollution was less in Sri Lanka.

“However, we have a lot of vehicles powered by fossil fuel. Every day, these vehicles emit toxic fumes. So, on average, we spend quite a lot of our health budget on these diseases,” he said.

One of the main reasons that deter people from buying electric cars was the need to charge their vehicles once they run a few hundred kilometres. However, scientists were rapidly increasing battery life of electric cars and soon one could drive about 1,000 kilometres with one charge, Dr. Jasinghe said.

“We need to look at cheaper and better sources of energy as well because encouraging the use of electric vehicles would be pointless if we produce electricity at high cost and using high polluting fossil fuel sources. We can easily promote renewable energy at the domestic level.”

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Two books written based on parliamentary legacy presented to PM

Published

6 hours ago

2025/03/18

Priyan

Prime Minister Dr. Harini Amarasuriya was presented with two books namely ’Darkness at Daybreak’ by . Nandasiri Jasen Thuliyan and ’Memories of 33 Years in Parliament’ by Attorney-at-Law Nihal Senewiratne on March 15, at the Parliament premises.Both publications were written based on parliamentary recollection of events. Notably, Mr. Nihal Senewiratne, who served as the Secretary General to Parliament for 17 years, authored ’Memories of 33 Years in Parliament’ based on his extensive 33-year tenure in parliamentary service.The event was attended by the Attorney, Mrs. Dhanushki Liyanapatabendi.

(Prime Minister’s Media Division)

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Strengthen law enforcement processes to protect public law and order without any external influence – President

Published

7 hours ago

2025/03/18

Priyan

President Anura Kumara Disanayake instructed police chiefs of the Southern Province to carry out their duties without any influence. The President further stated that his government would facilitate this process by ensuring political authority provides the necessary assistance.

President Disanayake made these remarks during a discussion held today (18) at the Presidential Secretariat with police chiefs of the Southern Province.

The President emphasized that everyone must abide by the country’s fundamental laws and stated that enforcing these laws is the responsibility of the police department.

During the discussion, police chiefs of the Southern Province briefed the President on reports related to organized crimes and drug-related offenses. In response, President Disanayake instructed officials to take all necessary measures swiftly to combat crimes.

He also directed the officers to strengthen law enforcement processes to protect public law and order without any external influence.

Minister of Public Security and Parliamentary Affairs, Ananda Wijepala; Deputy Minister of Public Security and Parliamentary Affairs, Attorney-at-Law Sunil Watagala; Acting Inspector General of Police, Priyantha Weerasooriya; and several Southern Province police chiefs were also present at the discussion.

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President holds discussions with Western Province Police chiefs

Published

7 hours ago

2025/03/18

Priyan

President Anura Kumara Disanayake stated that steps will be taken to provide the necessary facilities to eliminate organized crime and drug abuse, as well as to introduce new legislation.

The President made these remarks during a discussion held today (18) at the Presidential Secretariat with the police chiefs of the Western Province.

He emphasized that maintaining the rule of law is a key responsibility of the Police Department.

President Anura Kumara Disanayake further stated that a just society cannot be established in Sri Lanka without ensuring the supremacy of the rule of law.

Minister of Public Security and Parliamentary Affairs, Ananda Wijepala; Deputy Minister of Public Security and Parliamentary Affairs, Attorney-at-Law Sunil Watagala; Secretary to the Ministry of Public Security, Ravi Seneviratne; Acting Inspector General of Police, Priyantha Weerasooriya; and several Western Province police chiefs were also present at the event.