News
CEB engineers raise alarm over power sector stability
A senior electrical engineers attached to the Ceylon Electricity Board (CEB) have warned that unresolved structural and policy issues within the power sector could threaten the long-term stability of the national grid, urging authorities to act swiftly to address mounting technical and administrative concerns.
Speaking on condition of anonymity, they said the electricity network was operating under increasing strain due to delayed infrastructure upgrades, financial constraints, and growing demand.
“The national grid is not something that can be managed casually. It requires systematic planning, preventive maintenance, and timely investment. If these are compromised, the risk to system stability increases,” the engineers said.
They noted that several transmission and substation modernisation projects were behind schedule, while ageing thermal plants continued to shoulder a significant portion of the country’s base load demand.
“Engineers are committed to ensuring an uninterrupted supply. But professional expertise must be respected in decision-making. Technical matters cannot be subjected to short-term political considerations,” the engineers added.
Meanwhile, the powerful Ceylon Electricity Board Engineers’ Union (CEBEU) echoed similar concerns, warning that failure to address long standing professional and structural issues could have serious consequences for the power sector.
In a statement, the CEBEU has said that engineers have repeatedly called for reforms that safeguard the integrity of the utility and ensure that operational decisions remain grounded in technical evaluation.
“The electricity sector is a critical national asset. Any attempt to weaken institutional safeguards or bypass professional consultation will directly impact service reliability and long-term sustainability,” the union said.
The CEBEU has stressed the importance of transparent engagement between policymakers and technical personnel, noting that morale among engineers could be affected if their concerns continue to go unheard.
Industry analysts point out that the power sector plays a central role in Sri Lanka’s economic recovery efforts, particularly as the country seeks to expand industrial activity and attract investment. Stability in electricity supply remains a key determinant of business confidence.
The senior engineer stressed d that the objective of raising concerns is not confrontation but preservation of the grid’s integrity.
“Our responsibility is to the public. Electricity powers hospitals, industries, and homes. Safeguarding the system is a national duty,” he said.
With tensions simmering within the sector, stakeholders say meaningful dialogue between authorities, engineers, and trade unions will be crucial in ensuring that Sri Lanka’s power infrastructure remains resilient in the face of growing challenges.
By Ifham Nizam
During an operation conducted in the dark hours of 11 Mar 26, the Sri Lanka Navy seized an Indian fishing boat and apprehended 02 Indian fishermen while they were poaching in Sri Lankan waters, in the sea area North of Mannar.
The North Central Naval Command spotted a group of Indian fishing boats engaging in illegal fishing, trespassing into Sri Lankan waters. In response, naval craft of the North Central Naval Command were deployed to drive away those Indian fishing boats from island waters off Mannar.
The seized boat (01) and Indian fishermen (02) were handed over to the Fisheries Inspector of Kilinochchi for onward legal proceedings.
The bodies of 84 Iranian sailors killed in a torpedo attack by a US submarine last week in the Indian Ocean are due to be flown home on Friday, Sri Lanka’s defence ministry has said.
The seamen were among 130 thought to be aboard the Iranian warship, the Iris Dena, when it was sunk on 4 March about 40km (25 miles) from Sri Lanka’s southern coastline.
A police escort transferred bodies to Mattala Rajapaksa International Airport on Friday morning for the repatriation to Iran, after they were stored in two freezers at Galle National Hospital.
Sri Lanka said 32 sailors rescued by its navy after the torpedo attack “will remain in Sri Lanka”, according to news agency AFP.
A magistrate in the Sri Lankan city of Galle ordered that the 84 bodies should be released to the Iranian embassy.
US Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth said shortly after the sinking that the Iranian warship had died a “quiet death”.
Iran’s Foreign Minister Abbas Araghchi said the US had “perpetrated an atrocity at sea, 2,000 miles away from Iran’s shores”, adding that “the US will come to bitterly regret precedent it has set”.
Video released by the US Department of Defense after the incident showed a ship being struck, causing the stern to rise up before exploding.
The Iris Dena had been returning from a military exercise hosted by India when it was attacked.
Its sinking in international waters came during the current US-Israeli war with Iran and marked a dramatic widening of the conflict.
Iran has since launched retaliatory strikes across the Middle East – targeting Gulf countries allied with the US.
Latest News
Safeguarding linguistic heritage is not only a cultural responsibility, but also a shared commitment to preserving the diversity of our world – PM
Minister of Education, Higher Education and Vocational Education Prime Minister Dr. Harini Amarasuriya participated as the Chief Guest in the special event organized to commemorate International Mother Languages Day 2026 on 13 March 2026 at the New Arts Theatre of the University of Colombo. The event was held under the theme ’Languages Unite: Diverse Voices, Shared Humanity’.
The event was jointly organized by the High Commission of Bangladesh and the Ministry of Education of Sri Lanka with the support of the United Nations, the Sri Lanka Scout Association, and the Sri Lanka Girl Guides Association.
Certificates and awards were presented to school winners of the painting, essay, and short video creation competitions organized in conjunction with the celebration of International Mother Language Day 2026.
Addressing the occasion, the Prime Minister Dr. Harini Amarasuriya stated:
“International Mother Language Day stands as a powerful reminder of the profound connection between language, identity, and dignity.
This global observance owes its origins to the visionary initiative of the People’s Republic of Bangladesh. Bangladesh’s advocacy transformed a national commemoration into a global movement one that celebrates the rich mosaic of humanity’s linguistic heritage.
Sri Lanka’s language diversity reflects the richness of our pluralistic heritage. This diversity should not be seen as a challenge to be managed, but as a strength to be valued and cherished.
When we protect language rights, we nurture social harmony. When we promote multilingual education, we empower future generations. And when we listen to one another in our own languages, we affirm each other’s humanity. At a time when divisions can easily take root, respect for linguistic diversity can instead serve as a bridge of empathy and cooperation.
In an increasingly digital age, we must also reflect on the importance of preserving linguistic diversity in cyberspace. Thousands of languages around the world remain vulnerable. Without conscious efforts in education, technology, and policy, many risk fading into silence. Safeguarding linguistic heritage is therefore not only a cultural responsibility, but also a shared commitment to preserving the diversity of our world”.
The Prime Minister remarked that the partnership between Sri Lanka and Bangladesh continues to grow in friendship and cooperation with the shared commitment to multilateralism, cultural understanding, and people-to-people engagement strengthens the bonds between the two nations.
The event was attended by the Bangladesh High Commissioner, Andalib Elias, Deputy Speaker Dr. Rizvie Salih, Secretary to the Prime Minister Pradeep Saputhanthri, FAO Country Representative for Sri Lanka and Maldives Vimlendra Sharan, Chief Commissioner of the Sri Lanka Girl Guides Association Dr. Kushantha Herath, diplomatic crops, members of the Sri Lanka Scout Association, and the Sri Lanka Girl Guides Association and students.
[Prime Minister’s media division]
Navy seizes an Indian fishing boat poaching in Mannar seas
Bodies of 84 Iranian sailors killed in US torpedo strike to be repatriated
Four crew members killed after US refuelling plane crashes in Iraq
Safeguarding linguistic heritage is not only a cultural responsibility, but also a shared commitment to preserving the diversity of our world – PM
This is not an ordinary scholarship programme. It defines the future vision of our country – PM
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