News
Final word on electricity tariff hike in two weeks

By Shiran Ranasinghe
The Public Utilities Commission of Sri Lanka (PUCSL) will announce the new tariffs for electricity in two weeks.The period allocated for public consultations on the tariff review ended on Thursday. On Thursday, 50 people proposed recommendations and presented their ideas to the PUCSL on the proposed power tariff hike.
The PUCSL will take this into consideration when reviewing the tariffs.PUCSL Chairman Janaka Ratnayake said they were considering a tariff hike of about 60 percent.
“This is a reasonable increase, given that we have not increased tariffs in eight years,” he said.
Ratnayake said the CEB had asked for a higher tariff increase and that without a tariff hike now, the CEB may collapse.
“The price of everything has gone up. A lot of inputs needed for electricity generation have increased, too,” he said.
Ratnayake said the CEB had asked the PUCSL to approve an 82% increase in tariffs for the year 2022 under Section 30 of the Sri Lanka Electricity Act No. 20 of 2009.
The PUCSL Chairman said that while they will approve a tariff hike, but the CEB must take immediate steps to implement PUCSL recommendations made in 2014.These recommendations will reduce the operating costs of the utility significantly.
“They are the implementation of proper agreements to generate and supply electricity from power plants owned by the Ceylon Electricity Board; the implementation of a proper agreement method for electricity transactions between the Transmission and Distribution Divisions (between licensees) of the Ceylon Electricity Board; the introduction of a proper system for keeping separate accounts for the financial activities of the various divisions of the Ceylon Electricity Board (Generation, Transmission and Distribution) and the determination of the subsidy requirements and the introduction of an independent audit system for the process of purchasing electricity,” he said.
News
Govt. plan to boost revenue with taxes on vehicle imports unrealistic, warns Harsha

By Saman Indrajith
SJB Colombo District MP Dr. Harsha de Silva told Parliament yesterday that vehicle imports would be affected by unusually high prices. Commencing the Second Reading debate from the Opposition side, Dr. de Silva said that President Anura Kumara Dissanayake had, in his Budget speech, projected a substantial portion of tax revenue from vehicle imports. “What is the feasibility of such expectations, given the current price surge,” the MP queried.
“Who can afford to import vehicles at these rates? I do not believe there are enough affluent individuals in Sri Lanka to sustain vehicle imports at these exorbitant prices.”
Providing examples of the dramatic price increase, Dr. de Silva pointed out that a Toyota Raize now cost Rs. 12.2 mn, a Toyota Yaris Rs. 18.5 mn, and a Toyota Prius a staggering Rs. 28.9 mn.
“Someone mentioned that a Toyota Vitz could be available at Rs. 1.4 mn.”
Dr. de Silva said that the government aimed to increase tax revenue by 1.6% of GDP with a significant portion expected from vehicle imports. However, he warned that achieving that target was unrealistic under current circumstances. The government must reassess its reliance on this sector for increasing tax revenue,” he said.
News
SLN receives shallow water multi-beam echo sounder from Australia

Giving a significant boost to Sri Lanka’s hydrographic capabilities, the government of Australia handed over a state-of-the-art Shallow Water Multi-Beam Echo Sounder to the Sri Lanka Navy Hydrographic Service (SLNHS) during a ceremony held at SLNS Rangalla today (18 Feb 25). The formal ceremony was held under the auspices of the High Commissioner of Australia to Sri Lanka, Paul Stephens and the Commander of the Navy, Vice Admiral Kanchana Banagoda, marking new chapter in the discipline of hydrography.
The Australian government provided the Sri Lanka Navy with this Multi Beam Echo Sounder to enhance its hydrographic capabilities. This advanced equipment will enable the Sri Lanka Navy Hydrographic Service (SLNHS) to conduct precise hydrographic surveys, essential for creating nautical and electronic charts for international use. The device will also facilitate the production of high-precision nautical charts, ensuring safer maritime navigation.
News
Japanese Ambassador visits women entrepreneurs in North

Japanese Ambassador Akio Isomata this week visited women entrepreneurs in the Mullaitivu district, Northern Province, supported by the project ‘Pathways to Peace’. The visit highlighted the impact of the business development and entrepreneurship trainings conducted by UN Women and Chrysalis with funding from the Government of Japan, the Embassy said.
Implemented across four districts – Anuradhapura, Batticaloa, Mannar, and Mullaitivu -– this initiative has empowered over 460 women entrepreneurs by enhancing their skills in business planning, financial literacy, and product development. These trainings have enabled participants to refine their business strategies, improve market access, and upscale their businesses.
At the event, Ambassador Isomata observed a variety of products manufactured by the women entrepreneurs and interacted with them, learning firsthand about their experiences and achievements. Ambassador Isomata stated: “Japan has been actively supporting women entrepreneurs and their families in vulnerable communities. This project goes beyond skill-building by sustaining women-led businesses, fostering peacebuilding, and strengthening social cohesion. By becoming economically active, women gain greater influence in decision-making and leadership roles within their communities, driving lasting and transformative change”.
-
News6 days ago
Oracle Corporation pledges support for Sri Lanka’s digitalization
-
Sports3 days ago
Remarkable turnaround for Sri Lanka’s ODI team
-
Editorial6 days ago
Groping in the dark
-
Opinion6 days ago
Shortage of medicines: Senaka Bibile Policy is the solution
-
Opinion6 days ago
The passing of Sarjana Karunakaran
-
News4 days ago
Speaker agrees to probe allegations of ‘unethical funding’ by USAID
-
Business3 days ago
UN Global Compact Network Sri Lanka: Empowering Businesses to Lead Sustainability in 2025 & Beyond
-
Features3 days ago
Scammed and Stranded: The Dark Side of Sri Lanka’s Migration Industry