News
CEB restructure must be apolitical says CEBEU
By Ifham Nizam
The restructuring of the Ceylon Electricity Board (CEB) should be done without any political interference as international funders like the IMF and particularly the Asian Development Bank (ADB) would not entertain ad hoc committee decisions in this regard, a senior member of the Ceylon Electricity Board Engineers Union (CEBEU) claimed last week.Responding to a question, he said that the top priority should be the consumers and then the employees of the CEB. “If everything is properly done, we (CEBEU) would certainly support the moves. However, we doubt that the restructure can be done within a month,” he added.
The engineer stressed that political non-interference is of paramount importance to persuade lenders to fund such reforms.The CEBEU believes that the young minister in charge would be neutral and that the restructuring should be done under a separate independent office as done previously Power and Energy Ministry Kanchana Wijesekera earlier said that the Cabinet had approved the restructuring of the debt ridden CEB stressing tht renewable energy was the way forward.It is also understood that the Cabinet endorsed revision of renewable power purchase prices. However, energy experts said that the methodology used must be properly devised.
Minister Wijesekara has said that a committee will be appointed to provide recommendations on a restructure plan within a month of appointment.
“The CEB needs restructuring. I hope to get the approval of the Cabinet to commence the unbundling of the CEB with generation, transmission and supply separated,” Wijesekara said in a tweet.
During the stakeholder consultation it was revealed that the CEB’s accumulated revenue shortfall is at Rs. 477 billion, whilst the gross liabilities are at a staggering Rs. 612.4 billion as of May 2022.
It has been reported that former Minister Mervyn Silva has been arrested by the Criminal Investigation Department (CID).
The Pakistan Navy Ship (PNS) Aslat arrived at the Port of Colombo on a goodwill visit this morning (05 Mar 25).
The visiting ship was welcomed by the Sri Lanka Navy in compliance
with naval traditions.
PNS ASLAT is a 123m long Frigate (FFG) commanded by Captain Muhammad Azhar Akram and is manned by a crew of 243.
During the ship’s stay in Colombo, its crew members will explore several of the city’s popular tourist destinations.
Wrapping up its visit, PNS Aslat is scheduled to depart the island on 06 Mar. As it sets sail, the vessel will engage in a Passage Exercise (PASSEX) with a Sri Lanka Navy ship in the waters off Colombo.
by Rathindra Kuruwita
The government has received information that an extremist group is operating in Kalmunai, in the Eastern Province, says Cabinet spokesman and Minister Nalinda Jayatissa.Security forces and intelligence agencies are uncovering information on this group, he has said.
“Addressing the Parliament last week President Anura Kumara Dissanayake revealed some information about this group and the security forces are keeping an eye on the activities of this group,” Minister Jayatissa said, adding that the government would not allow any extremism or racism in any part of the country.
Minister Jayatissa said so in response to a question posed by a journalist about a statement made by Minister of Public Security and Parliamentary Affairs Minister Ananda Wijepala, who said there was an extremist group operating in Kalmunai, in the Eastern Province.
“At this moment, we have only received information about such a group operating in the Eastern Province. Intelligence and security agencies are in the process of verifying and investigating the matter. The President had also addressed some concerns related to national security during discussions with officials. What we can confirm right now is that the security forces are closely monitoring the situation,” the Minister said.
Addressing the Parliament last week, during the debate on the expenditure for the Defence Ministry, the President said that there were certain groups in the North and East who might stir up trouble and they may be having links to political forces that were afraid of ongoing investigations.
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