News
CEB extends grace period for tourist hotels, etc.,
By Ifham Nizam
Power Minister Dullas Alahapperuma yesterday (23) instructed the Ceylon Electricity Board (CEB) to continue to supply electricity to registered hotels in the pandemic-hit even if their electricity bill have not been settled.
Alahapperuma also instructed the CEB to grant them a grace period
Alhapperuma said that due to the Covid-19 global pandemic, foreign tourists were not arriving in the country and the tourism sector was crippled.
Accordingly, the grace period for the payment of electricity bills for 2020 has been extended to September 2021 with the approval of the Cabinet of Ministers, the Minister said.
“This will enable hoteliers to pay their electricity bills in equal installments during the relevant year,” he said.
Alahapperuma said that the decision had been taken under the guidance of President Gotabaya Rajapaksa considering the fact that the tourism industry contributed greatly to the national economy, and the economic hardships now faced by those engaged in the field.
As at the end-2019, Sri Lanka had 2,620 accommodation establishments and 85 percent of which were small and medium-sized guesthouses, home-stays and bungalows. The remaining 15 percent, or 388 establishments, were hotels. Of them, 233 were unclassified, the Sri Lanka Tourism data shows.
The Ambassador of Indonesia to Sri LankaDewi Gustina Tobing, met Prime Minister Dr. Harini Amarasuriya at the Parliament of Sri Lanka to discuss strengthening bilateral relations between the two nations.
The discussions focused on enhancing cooperation in trade, tourism, technology, and education, with both sides reaffirming their commitment to fostering diplomatic and economic ties for mutual benefit.
A key area of focus was expanding tourism exchanges, including religious tourism, which holds significant potential for growth.
The two delegations also explored opportunities in trade, particularly the importation of palm oil and the introduction of organic liquid fertilizers to support Sri Lanka’s agriculture sector.
Collaboration in the IT industry was highlighted as another promising area of partnership, alongside discussions on integrating electric vehicles into Sri Lanka’s public transport system.
The Sri Lankan delegation, led by Additional Secretary to the Prime Minister, Mrs. Sagarika Boghawatta, included officials from the Ministry of Foreign Affairs. The Indonesian delegation was represented by Deputy Ambassador . Fiki Oktanioand Minister Counsellor Mrs. Lailal K. Yuniarti.
[Prime Minister’s Media Division]
The Matara Magistrate’s Court today [20], ordered that former Inspector General of Police (IGP), Deshabandu Tennakoon be further remanded until April 03..
The Election Commission of Sri Lanka has announced that the upcoming Local Authorities Poll will be held on Tuesday 06th May 2025
The acceptance of nominations for the poll concluded at 12.00 noon today (20).
Ambassador of Indonesia to Sri Lanka calls on PM
Former IGP Deshabandu Tennakoon further remanded until April 03.
Local Authorities poll on 6th May
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