News
‘CAA has so far not given the nod for LPG and milk food price revisions’ – senior official

By Suresh Perera
The Consumer Affairs Authority (CAA) has so far not agreed on the respective price increases sought by Litro Gas Lanka and Laugfs Gas PLC and milk food importers, a senior official said on Friday.
Responding to a claim by a minister that the CAA has given the nod for a Rs. 375-400 price revision on a 12.5kg cylinder of cooking gas, he said there’s no such approval granted by the regulatory authority so far.
“It’s true that the two gas companies and milk food importers have filed applications for price revisions. However, the CAA has so far not given the green light for a price hike”, he said.
Litro and Laugfs have sought a Rs. 750 increase on a 12.5kg cylinder, while milk powder importers want to push up the price of a 400g pack by Rs. 140 and a kilo pack by Rs. 350.
Whatever the increase, it has to be determined by the regulatory body’s pricing committee, the official pointed out.
Meanwhile, the CAA will continue raids on LPG distributors/retailers who refuse to sell 12.5kg cylinders to consumers, he said.
“They will face legal action in terms of the gazette notification issued last week”, he warned.
He said the regulatory authority is also working on finalizing a maximum retail price (MRP) for the controversial 18-litre hybrid cylinders introduced to the market.
“We are looking at a MRP of Rs. 1,100 as the hybrid cylinders contain three kilograms less in terms of gas in comparison to the regular 12.5kg cylinders”, the official said.
News
At least 17 killed after explosion in Peshawar mosque

BBC reported that at least 17 people have been killed in an explosion at a mosque in the Pakistani city of Peshawar.
The blast happened when the mosque was packed with worshippers and more than 90 people were injured.
A section of the building was destroyed, and officials say people are buried under the rubble. Several others are being taken to local hospitals.
The cause of the explosion is unclear.
News
More heavy rain ahead for New Zealand’s largest city

BBC reported that residents in flood-hit northern New Zealand are bracing for more heavy rains as officials issued severe weather alerts.
At least four people have died and a state of emergency was declared in Auckland, which on Friday experienced its worst downpour on record.
News
Information Dept. media release: EC Chief asks public not to be misled

by Priyan de Silva
Chairman of the Election Commission of Sri Lanka, Nimal Punchihewa, asked to comment on a special news release, purportedly issued by the Director General of the Department of Government Information, on Sunday (29), told The Island that preparations for the 09 March local government elections were going ahead, as planned, and that the media statement at issue was misleading.
The media statement says: “The gazette notice with signatures of the Chairman and other members of the Election Commission required for the commencement of the Local Government election process has not been sent to the Government Press for printing.”
Punchihewa requested the public not to be misled by any misinformation being spread in an attempt to create doubts in their minds.He also reiterated that the EC would not be deterred by any acts of intimidation.
Three of the EC members have been threatened with death by an unidentified caller to resign from their posts. They are S. B. Divaratne, M. M. Mohamed and K. P. P. Pathirana. The Opposition has accused the government of trying to sabotage the LG polls.
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