News
Electricity tariff reduction will take three years: Govt.
By Saman Indrajith
Energy Minister Engineer Kumara Jayakody informed Parliament yesterday (9) that reducing electricity tariff could not be effected overnight and it would take up to three years. He emphasised that no assurances had been given to reduce electricity prices immediately and urged patience as the government works toward achieving this goal.
Responding to a query raised by Kurunegala District SJB Parliamentarian Dayasiri Jayasekara, Minister Jayakody said, “Our goal is to reduce electricity tariff. However, we never claimed that would be done in a day or two; it will take up to three years. The public is currently bearing the consequences of corruption under the previous administration. The Ceylon Electricity Board (CEB) is burdened with Rs. 332 billion in debt due to excessive purchases of electricity at higher rates. Addressing these issues systematically is our priority.”
The Minister also noted that the CEB had initially proposed a 37% tariff hike, but the government had revised the proposal to minimise its impact. “We need to clear the lingering burdens from the past. We will not offer projects to associates or friends but will focus on implementing necessary reforms to lower electricity tariffs,” Jayakody assured.
MP Jayasekara highlighted earlier promises made by President Anura Kumara Dissanayake, who pledged to reduce electricity tariffs by 35% within a short period and lower the cost for households consuming 5,000 units from Rs. 6,000 to Rs. 3,000. “These promises influenced voters, but now the CEB says tariff reductions will not be possible until June. Small-scale industries are collapsing under the burden of excessive electricity costs,” he said.
Jayasekara also accused the government of failing to deliver on its promises and questioned the CEB’s reported profit of Rs. 167 billion, demanding clarity on when the issues would be resolved. “Over 56% of the electricity supply comes from hydropower, yet the public continues to suffer from high costs,” he remarked, calling the government a “fraudulent administration.”In response, Minister Jayakody denied that the government had absorbed any of the CEB’s debts and reiterated the need for systemic reforms to address the challenges in the energy sector.
The second day of the “Vesak Bhakti Gee Saraniya”, held in parallel with the “Buddha Rashmi Vesak Kalapaya” jointly organized by the Hunupitiya Gangaramaya Temple, the Presidential Secretariat and the Prime Minister’s Office, commenced on Tuesday (13) at 6:30 p.m. under the patronage of Secretary to the President Dr. Nandika Sanath Kumanayake, at the Presidential Secretariat premises.
The evening featured musical performances by renowned vocalist Ilyas Beg and the Sri Lanka Air Force Bhakti Gee Troup, accompanied by the Air Force Band. A Vesak lantern exhibition was also held at the venue. The event was attended by the Chief Incumbent of Gangaramaya Temple Venerable Dr. Kirinde Assaji Thero, along with several senior officials of the Presidential Secretariat.
This Bhakthi Gee programme will continue today [May 14] and tomorrow at the same location. Additionally, a short-eats dansala is being held near the Presidential Secretariat for the benefit of the public visiting Colombo for Vesak, and will continue until May 16.
Meanwhile, a ‘Buth Dansala’ organized jointly by the Presidential Secretariat and the Sri Lanka Army was inaugurated yesterday near the Presidential Secretariat, with the participation of senior military officers. A large number of devotees from across the country attended the event.
In line with the ‘Buddha Rashmi’ and ‘Bauddhaloka Vesak Kalapya’, several Vesak programmes have been organized in the vicinity with the support of the Presidential Secretariat. These include the illumination of nearby government buildings and roads with decorative lights, and the display of Vesak lanterns, with the active participation of the Presidential Secretariat staff.
[PMD]
The French Navy Ship ‘BEAUTEMPS BEAUPRE’ which arrived in Sri Lanka on a goodwill visit (09 May 25), departed the island on Tuesday (13 May).
The Sri Lanka Navy bade customary farewell to the departing ship at the Port of Colombo, following naval traditions.
During the ship’s stay in Colombo, crew members of ‘BEAUTEMPS BEAUPRE’ visited some tourist attractions in the country. In addition, the Commanding Officer and a group of
crew members of the ship called on senior officers of the Sri Lanka National Hydrographic Office (SLNHO) to discuss key hydrographic matters of bilateral importance.
News
“Clean Sri Lanka” joins hands to Improve facilities and sanitation at Kotmale Regional Hospital
Following the bus accident in the Garandiella area of Kotmale, a large number of injured individuals were admitted to the Kotmale Regional Hospital for treatment. In response, the “Clean Sri Lanka” programme has collaborated to improve the facilities and sanitation of the hospital.
Accordingly, the “Clean Sri Lanka” programme actively worked to clean the hospital ward complex and the hospital premises, aiming to create a comfortable environment for the patients’ treatment and to enhance other facilities.
A notable aspect was the voluntary participation of the local community in this effort. The “Clean Sri Lanka” secretariat appreciates the dedication shown by the doctors and hospital staff of the Kotmale Regional Hospital, who provided emergency treatment to those injured in this unexpected incident despite having access to limited resources.
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