News
‘Lucrative emergency power purchases planned again’
Electricity Consumers’ Association alleges combined bid to justify move
By Anuradha Hiripitiyage
Secretary of the Electricity Consumers’ Association, Sanjeewa Dhammika, yesterday (01) alleged that Power and Energy Minister Kanchana Wijesekera and Agriculture Minister Mahinda Amaraweera were making a case for emergency power purchases.
Addressing the media in Colombo, Dhammika said that public declarations by the two ministers on the water level in the Samanalawewa reservoir on Monday was meant to pave the way for a lucrative power purchasing project.
Minister Wijesekera claimed that the water level had receded to such an extent that water couldn’t be released for agriculture purposes, as required, unless power cuts were imposed in the South. Minister Amaraweera warned that water should be made available to farmers, regardless of consequences as a drop in paddy yield could be devastating in view of the ban on Indian rice exports.
Alleging that the government had never evinced any interest in building smaller, low-cost power plants, Dhammika said that the interested parties were bent on buying costly power from the private sector. Dhammika alleged that since 2016, every Power Minister had resorted to emergency purchases at a tremendous cost to the consumers, and the current dispensation was no exception. Dhammika said that the warning issued by Minister Wijesekera that power cuts lasting up to four to five hours would have to be imposed in five districts, was meant to justify their despicable project.
In case the government went ahead with emergency power purchases, the electricity rates would go up again, he warned.
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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