News
CAA a poor replacement for PUCSL, says LPVSS
By Rathindra Kuruwita
Given that the Consumer Affairs Authority (CAA) had completely failed to control the prices of essential items; it was highly unlikely that they would be able to fill the shoes of Public Utilities Commission of Sri Lanka (PUCSL), Lanka Podu Viduli Sevaka Sangamaya (LPVSS) yesterday said commenting on reports that some responsibilities of the PUCSL would be transferred to the CAA after the former’s dissolution.
Secretary of the LPVSS Kasun Boteju told The Island that the dissolution of the PUCSL would have disastrous consequences on consumers of electricity.
“The PUCSL did a relatively good job in protecting consumers. It was interested in regulating the electricity sector, which we all know is one of the most corrupt sectors. PUCSL managed to prevent the purchasing of emergency power, at high rates, on a number of occasions.”.
Boteju said there was a concerted effort by certain sections to rid the sector of a regulator. The absence of a regulator would allow the electricity mafia to sign emergency power purchase agreements at their whims and fancies.
“There are people who try to convince policymakers that the PUCSL is a hindrance to rapid implementation of power projects. This is false. When the CEB presented the generation plans, the PUCSL only objected to a few projects, but some members of the CEB used it as an excuse not to carry out any project. One must wonder why this is. Why are certain projects so important to certain officials?”
He said that although the government wanted to dissolve the PUCSL, it had also not provided an alternative. The electricity sector, like other utilities, needed a regulator to prevent a few senior officials, businessmen and politicians from making disastrous deals whose burden will be passed on to customers, while they amass massive wealth, Boteju said.
Victor Ivan, former editor of the Raavaya newspaper has passed away . He was 75 at the time of his demise.
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Landslide early warnings issued to the district of Badulla , Kandy , Kurunegala and Matale
The National Building Research Organization [NBRO] has issued landslide early warnings to the districts of Badulla, Kandy, Kurunegala and Matale at 0800 hrs today valid until 0800hrs on Monday 20th January 2025.
Accordingly,
Level II [Amber] landslide early warnings have been issued to the Divisional Secretaries Divisions and surrounding areas of Ududumbara in the Kandy district and Rattota, Yatawatta, Ukuwela and Wilgamuwa in the Matale district.
Level I [Yellow] landslide early warnings have been issued to the Divisional Secretaries Divisions and surrounding areas of Badulla, Passara and Hali Ela in the Badulla district, Meda Dumbara, Phatha Dumbara and Doluwa in the Kandy district and Laggala Pallegama, Ambanganga Korale, Pallepola, Naula and Matale in the Matale district
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It is the Government’s intention to provide justice to the grieving people – Prime Minister
Prime Minister Dr. Harini Amarasuriya said that it is the Government’s intention to provide justice to the people who are deprived of the same due to rewards and sponsorships.
The Premier made this statement at the occasion of handing over the renovated Court of Appeal building to the public on Saturday (18). The renovations was a donation from the People’s Republic of China.
Further she mentioned that the investment made in a country’s judicial system and in the provision of facilities for the delivery of justice to the people is a reflection of the commitment made towards the country and its people. “This is not just a building, but a symbol of the delivery of justice, fairness of law, equality and dignity. Our country has suffered for decades because many were denied justice under systems of rewards and sponsorships. Our intention is to resolve those deficiencies, bring forth fairness and ensure that everyone has access to justice”, she added.
“The people must be able to keep trust and rely on the judicial system by exemplifying that the legal powers granted to judges by the Constitution are exercised fairly and providing independent and fair judgment to the parties concerned. Everyone, including women, children and the disabled community, expects justice. Their aspiration is that such a system will ensure that no one faces hardships, an attention will be paid to their mental conditions, protection from the consequences they may face when seeking justice for them or defending their rights. All actors in this process must be treated with respect. There are people who have faced hardships for years in the pursuit of justice. We ensure that they are treated fairly. They should not be subjected to intimidation, harassment or threat in the pursuit of justice”, the Premier highlighted.
The Prime Minister further expressed her gratitude to the People’s Republic of China for their generosity and support.
A group of invitees including the Ambassador of the People’s Republic of China to Sri Lanka, Qi Zhenhong, Chief Justice Murdu Fernando and many others participated in this event.
[Prime Minister’s Media Division]
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