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.
INS Sindhukesari, a submarine serving in the Indian Navy, arrived at the port of Colombo on 03 May 26 to undertake Operational Turnarounds.
The visiting submarine was welcomed by the Sri Lanka Navy in precision with naval traditions.
Throughout its stay in the island, the submarine’s crew is scheduled to participate in a variety of programmes organized by the Sri Lanka Navy, including visits to several tourist attractions in Sri Lanka.
Mikhail Murashko, Minister of Health of the Russian Federation, officially visited the Russian House in Colombo to attend the Sri Lanka–Russia Medical Forum, where members of the Sri Lanka Russia Business Council and graduates from the Association of Sri Lankan Graduates from Socialist countries (ASLGSC) attended.
This historic gathering was graced by rectors and representatives from several world-class Russian medical institutions, including Kursk State Medical University, Sechenov First Moscow State Medical University, and Tver State Medical University, among others.
The forum commenced with an address by Minister Murashko, during which Russian medical graduates in attendance raised pertinent questions regarding medical and pharmaceutical sector opportunities in Sri Lanka.
Levan Dzhagaryan, Ambassador of the Russian Federation to Sri Lanka and the Maldives, together with Madam Maria L. Popova, Counsellor of the Embassy of the Russian Federation in Sri Lanka & the Maldives and Director of the Russian House in Colombo, graced the occasion. Both officials expressed strong support for continued collaboration and future initiatives between the two nations.
The official appointment letters for the members of the newly established “Cricket Transformation Committee” (CTC) were handed over on Monday (04) by the Minister of Youth Affairs and Sports, Sunil Kumara Gamage.
The following members received their letters of appointment at the Ministry premises:
Sidath Wettimuny
Thushira Radella
Prakash Schaffter
Ms. Avanthi Colombage
The Ministry also noted that veteran cricketers Roshan Mahanama and Kumar Sangakkara, who are key members of the committee, are currently overseas. Their official appointments will be formalised immediately upon their arrival in Sri Lanka.
The Cricket Transformation Committee has been mandated to oversee the administration and drive structural reforms within Sri Lanka Cricket (SLC) in accordance with the powers vested in the Minister under the Sports Act No. 25 of 1973.
INS Sindhukesari arrives in Colombo
Minister of Health of the Russian Federation attends the Sri Lanka–Russia Medical Forum
Members of Sri Lanka Cricket Transformation Committee Officially Appointed
Three prison guards arrested following the death of an inmate
Showers or thundershowers will occur at most places of the island after 1.00 pm.
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