News
WNPS partners with HFS on scientific research for habitat conservation of SL’s Knuckles World Heritage Site
The Wildlife and Nature Protection Society of Sri Lanka (WNPS) signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) with the Herpetological Foundation of Sri Lanka (HFS) on a project to help habitat conservation of Sri Lanka’s Knuckles World Heritage Site, a WNPS news release said.
Mr L. J. Mendis Wickramasinghe is an ecologist, herpetologist and well-known wildlife photographer. He formed the Herpetological Foundation of Sri Lanka (HFS) in 2007, to pursue independent research on Sri Lanka’s herpetofauna (reptiles and amphibians of a particular region, habitat, or geological period) and also provide a platform for young herpetologists to initiate research. He is credited with the discovery of no less than 34 novel species.
This new project will comprise three main components specifically Research, Education and Advocating Policy Planning, aligning well with WNP’s goal of biodiversity conservation through education, research and policy.
The Knuckles Conservation Forest is part of Sri Lanka’s central highlands and part of the region considered to be a super biodiversity hotspot, comprising the Peak Wilderness Protected Area, the Horton Plains National Park and the Knuckles Conservation Forest.
These montane forests, where the mountains rise to 2,500 metres above sea-level, are home to an extraordinary range of flora and fauna, including several endangered species. The Knuckles landscape is home to 29 endemic species of fauna and flora, of which 23 are herpetofauna. Research indicates that there is a vast number of new species yet to be discovered!
Most of the habitats of these species are under severe anthropogenic pressures. Some may even be hyperendemic, any adverse effect which might change or destroy their habitats and even result in complete extinction. Hence, these species are classified as threatened, according to IUCN Red List criteria. Therefore, there is a great urgency to publish these species to sustainably manage our ecosystems and conserve their habitats and biodiversity.
The Society is funding the Herpetological Foundation of Sri Lanka (HFS) to help conduct the research which spans several months, with the project results to be published in peer reviewed international scientific journals as well as WNPS’s Loris Magazine. The rights of the intellectual property arising from the MOU will be shared equally amongst both organizations.
During an operation conducted in the dark hours of 01 Jan 26, the Sri Lanka Navy seized an Indian fishing boat and apprehended 11 Indian fishermen while they were poaching in Sri Lankan waters, off Kovilan of Kareinagar, Jaffna.
The Northern Naval Command spotted a group of Indian fishing boats engaging in illegal fishing, trespassing into Sri Lankan waters. In response, naval craft of the Northern Naval Command were deployed to drive away those Indian fishing boats from island waters off Kovilan.
Meanwhile, compliant boarding made by naval personnel resulted in the seizure of one Indian fishing boat and apprehension of 11 Indian fishermen who continued to engage in illegal fishing in Sri Lankan waters.
The seized boat (01) and Indian fishermen (11) were handed over to the Fisheries Inspector of Myliddy, Jaffna for onward legal proceedings.
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Tri-Forces donate LKR. 372 million, a day’s pay of all ranks to ‘Rebuilding Sri Lanka’ Fund
Members of all ranks from the Sri Lanka Army, Sri Lanka Navy and Sri Lanka Air Force have collectively donated a day’s basic salary to the ‘Rebuilding Sri Lanka’ Fund, which was established to restore livelihoods and rebuild the country following the devastation caused by Cyclone Ditwah.
Accordingly, the total contribution made by the Tri-Forces amounts to LKR. 372,776,918.28.
The cheques representing the financial contributions were handed over on Wednesday (31 December) at the Presidential Secretariat to the Secretary to the President, Dr. Nandika Sanath Kumanayake.
The donations comprised LKR. 250 million from the Commander of the Army, Major General Lasantha Rodrigo; LKR. 73,963,879.71 from the Commander of the Navy, Rear Admiral Kanchana Banagoda and LKR. 48,813,038.97 from the Commander of the Air Force, Air Marshal Vasu Bandu Edirisinghe.
Secretary to the Ministry of Defence, Air Vice Marshal Sampath Thuyacontha, was also present on the occasion.
The Ceylon Electricity Board (CEB) has submitted a proposal to the Public Utilities Commission of Sri Lanka (PUCSL) seeking an 11.57 percent increase in electricity tariffs for the first quarter of 2026, citing an estimated revenue shortfall and additional financial pressures, including cyclone-related damages.
According to documents issued by the PUCSL, the proposed tariff revision would apply to electricity consumption from January to March 2026 and includes changes to both energy charges and fixed monthly charges across all consumer categories, including domestic, religious, industrial, commercial and other users.
Under the proposal, domestic electricity consumers would face increases in unit rates as well as fixed monthly charges across all consumption blocks.
The CEB has estimated a deficit of Rs. 13,094 million for the first quarter of 2026, which it says necessitates the proposed 11.57 per cent tariff hike. The utility has noted that any deviation from this estimate whether a surplus or a shortfall will be adjusted through the Bulk Supply Tariff Adjustment (BSTA) mechanism and taken into account in the next tariff revision.
In its submission, the CEB said the proposed revision is aimed at ensuring the financial and operational stability of the power sector and mitigating potential risks to the reliability of electricity supply. The board-approved tariff structure for the first quarter of 2026 has been submitted to the PUCSL for approval and subsequent implementation, as outlined in Annex II of the proposal.
The CEB has also highlighted the financial impact of Cyclone Ditwah, which it said caused extensive damage to electricity infrastructure, with total losses estimated at around Rs. 20 billion. Of this amount, Rs. 7,016.52 million has been attributed to the first quarter of 2026, which the utility said has a direct bearing on electricity tariffs.
The CEB warned that if external funding is not secured to cover the cyclone-related expenditure, the costs incurred would need to be recovered through electricity tariffs in the second-quarter revision of 2026.
Meanwhile, the PUCSL has said that a decision on whether to approve the proposed tariff increase will be made only after following due regulatory procedures and holding discussions on the matter.
By Sujeewa Thathsara ✍️
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