News

No option but to increase electricity tariff – Prez

Published

3 years ago

2022/12/9

By Saman Indrajith

President Ranil Wickremesinghe yesterday (08) told Parliament that Ceylon Electricity Board (CEB) had incurred losses to the tune of Rs 300 billion since 2013.

“We increased electricity tariff in August, but we will lose Rs 150 billion this year. If there is a drought next year we will need to find Rs 420 billion extra to ensure an uninterrupted power supply. If we get rain, we still need an additional Rs 352 billion. If there is a lot of rain and we get floods, we still needs 295 billion more. How will we find this money? The government has no revenue, if we print more money, the rupee will depreciate further,” he said.

Wickremesinghe added that another option was to increase VAT to pay for electricity. The CEB can also increase the tariff, he said.

“We can also extend power cut. I don’t want to do it. The GCE AL exam will take place in January or February. So, what can we do? We understand the plight of the people but what is the solution but to increase the tariff? We can just hold on. If we can get by and talk to China, we might be able to take the next step. We have to make tough decisions. We didn’t increase the tariff from 2012. Everyone is responsible for that. We are here because we didn’t take tough decisions,” he said.

The President also said that the line minister and the cabinet of ministers had the authority to increase the price of electricity. The Chairman of the Public Utilities Commission of Sri Lanka (PUCSL) did not have the power to decide on the price, he said.

“The Chairman of the PUCSL says that he will not allow the government to increase prices. If so, how can we manage the electricity. He has no power. He is the owner of a company that consumes a lot of electricity. He has several companies and if electricity tariff increases his costs go up. He should not have taken up the post,” he said.

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News

Pakistan High Commissioner pays courtsey call on PM

Published

18 hours ago

2026/05/2

Priyan

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

Published

19 hours ago

2026/05/2

Priyan

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

Published

19 hours ago

2026/05/2

Priyan

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.