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Govt. under fire over itsdecision to abolish PUCSL

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‘Corrupt elements behind the move’

By Rathindra Kuruwita and Ifham Nizam

Consumer rights groups and opposition lawmakers yesterday alleged that the CEB and some power producers had engineered the disbanding of the Public Utilities Commission of Sri Lanka (PUCSL), and the government’s decision to close down the PUCSL would pave the way for backdoor power project deals, which would send electricity prices through the roof. They vowed to take legal action if the government went ahead with its decision to abolish the PUCSL.

In a letter dated 10 December 2020, Dr. P. B. Jayasundara, Secretary to the President, has instructed S. R. Attygalle, Secretary to the Treasury, to take steps to close down the PUCSL and to adsorb its technical staff to the Department of National Planning, Ministry of Power and to the Treasury.

The letter says the decision was taken in line with the budget proposal referring to the PUCSL and the CEB to create an efficient work environment to implement power generation plans that have remained unimplemented for years.

The letter says, “As tariff and connected regulatory work is within the government purview, certain relevant provisions in the PUCSL Act could be incorporated in Consumer Affairs Authority and CEB act when PUCSL Act is replaced in due course.”

Commenting on the move, Ranjith Vithanage, President of the Movement for the protection of consumer rights said that the PUCSL was the only place where consumers could seek solutions to their power related problems.

Vithanage said: “Actually we wanted the scope and operations of the PUCSL expanded to regulate water and lubricants as well. But the government is trying to do away with this independent institution. Certain people didn’t like the PUCSL because the PUCSL prevented questionable power deals. There is a move to start power plants violating environmental and procurement process and to increase electricity tariffs. If anything happens to the PUCSL, we as a union will take legal action and take to the streets.”

Sanjeewa Dhammika, Convenor of the Electricity Users Association said that the current administration was attempting complete what the yahapalanaya government had started. He said that the then Prime Minister Ranil Wickremesinghe and minister of Power Ranjith Siyambalapitiya had attempted to get rid of the PUCSL a few years back. He added that the PUCSL had attempted to stop illegal power purchases the CEB made from power plants owned by powerful businessmen and that could be the reason for the government move.

The CEB Engineers Union (CEBEU), which has been at loggerheads with the PUCSL for years, said it was not in support of scrapping the PUCSL. Saumya Kumarawadu, President of CEBEU said that a regulator was essential for the power sector.

“We don’t know if the government will really go ahead with this. We had issues with the current officials of the PUCSL, but we have always insisted that a regulator is needed. In fact, we asked for a regulator a long time ago. We had problems with this PUCSL, but what is needed is a good team. The government just haven’t appoint a competent team. We will decide what to do if the government actually goes ahead with its decision.”

SJB MP Harsha de Silva told The Island that he was shocked by the development and that the CEB and connected private energy producers had got the President to shut down the PUCSL. “This will open doors to massive corruption.”

Jayanath Herath, Director Information at PUCSL, contacted for comment, said they had not been informed of the government decision officially.



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Family discovers rare species thought to be extinct for over a century in home garden

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Finding a species long thought to be extinct is a dream of many naturalists and ecologists. One family in Sri Lanka got to have this amazing experience. Journalist and naturalist Sajeewa Wijeweera was shocked to see a bizarre-looking red mushroom with a rounded base emerging from the soil near his home, according to Mongabay.

He hadn’t seen it before, so he snapped a photo and sent it to some botanists. A doctoral researcher from the University of Peradeniya, Bhathiya Gopallawa, responded quickly. “This looks like a mushroom not recorded from Sri Lanka before,” he said.

They started digging through records of mycological research, trying to figure out what it was. Finally, they identified it as a Mutinus bambusinus, a mushroom that hadn’t been seen in Sri Lanka for more than 100 years. Usually, it grows around bamboo groves. However, Wijeweera said, “There were no bamboos in that area for as long as I can remember.”

Now, they think the mushroom is likely more common than previously thought. Gopallawa explained, “It’s likely that the mushroom survives in many locations but has been overlooked for years. … We expect more reports in the coming months.”

This mushroom isn’t the only species once thought extinct that has been found again. The World Economic Forum noted that even some animals have been rediscovered after we thought they were gone forever. Other botanists have found supposedly missing species in photos and videos, too.

Since extinction is tied to biodiversity loss, per the United Nations, finding these species is encouraging. It doesn’t replace species that no longer exist, and it doesn’t mean we should stop our efforts to end extinction, but it suggests there’s always hope.

Biodiversity enables us all to thrive, according to the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency. Having more species helps different ecosystems remain healthy, which in turn leads to greater overall well-being for the planet that supports us all.

This story shows that you don’t have to be a scientist to look out for lost species. You just have to keep your eyes peeled. In fact, University of Peradeniya botanist Deepthi Yakandawala said, “This is a great example of how citizen science can contribute to formal research.”

Electing politicians who will work to change laws in support of biodiversity can make a big difference, while reducing pollution to stop the planet from overheating goes a long way toward preserving all life on Earth.

(The Cooldown)

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Coast Guard launches 24/7 maritime emergency hotline – 106

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The Sri Lanka Coast Guard (SLCG) last week launched a dedicated 24-hour emergency hotline — 106 — directly connected to the SLCG Operations Room, to strengthen maritime safety and ensure a swift response to sea-borne emergencies, the Ministry of Defence announced.

According to the Ministry, the newly introduced hotline aims to minimize response times and enhance coordination during maritime distress situations. By providing seafarers, coastal communities, and the general public with an immediate and direct communication channel, the SLCG seeks to improve operational readiness and support national efforts in maritime security and environmental conservation.

As Sri Lanka’s premier maritime law enforcement agency, the SLCG plays a vital role in safeguarding the country’s territorial waters. With a core mandate focused on safety, security, and environmental protection, the Coast Guard serves as the first responder to oil spills and is actively involved in various maritime incidents, including search and rescue operations, human smuggling, drug trafficking, and other emergencies at sea.

The Coast Guard urges fishermen, maritime operators, and the public to use the emergency hotline 106 to report any maritime emergencies without delay, the Ministry of Defence added.

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IMRA Awards Night

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Prime Minister Harini Amarasuriya with IMRA President, Mrs. Fathima Aziz

This year’s Awards Night was as good as a theatre production with its slick programme starting at the proposed time and ending equally early leaving those attending to stay on if they wished to enjoy the music and the camaraderie that followed.

With the National Anthem taking its pride of place and an opening song by the Muslim Chorale Ensemble directed by Haadia Galely – a winner at last year’s event, the welcome address was made by Fathima Aziz the Founding Director of the IMRA Foundation and brainchild where recognition and felicitating Muslim Women Achievers who go unnoticed was born. Mrs. Aziz emphasized the fact that quote “Empowered women, empower women” and that you can’t be, what you can’t see” unquote was mainly to encourage young women.

The Chief Guest that evening was the Prime Minister Dr. Harini Amarasuriya who was warmly welcomed to the podium. Thereafter she made a heartwarming and thought provoking address to the gathering. The emcee for the evening Rezani Aziz (an award winner herself at the inaugural celebration) continued thereafter with the awards presentation where the Prime Minister handed out the awards to the deserving, excited and nervous recipients. Photo opportunities were soon grabbed making this a memorable evening for all.

The Shibly Aziz Memorial award for Legal and Advocacy went to Shaheeda Barrie, while the IMRA (Arabic word for woman/wife) Excellence Award for Arts and Culture was won by Ameena Hussain. The next Excellence Award for Scholarship and Education was awarded to Dr. Ramola Rasool followed by the Award for Health and Medicine which was given to Professor Faseeha Noordeen.

The Excellence Award for Architecture was awarded to Architect Shehla Latiff, the IMRA Award for Achievement in Media Communications to Shyama Yakoob, the IMRA Rising Star Award for Entrepreneurship was awarded to Himna Kizar, the proprietress of Wedding Artisans. Himna created the stunning and elegant table décor placed amidst crystal clear glass edged in black showplates, accessorized with dark metallic cutlery and black napkins creatively folded and placed on top of the side plate. The table also was lit with beautiful candles, with the stands decorated with a thin black ribbon adding an abundance of grace to the occasion. In addition, IMRA souvenirs were placed on the tables for every guest.

The Rising Star for Sports went to Sajida Razick and the Rising Start Award for Education went to Rizka Naushad. Four Lifetime Achievement Awards were also made to Anberiya Haniffa, Sandra Wanduragala, Shivanandi Duraiswamy and Sunela Jayewardene. Comments by Mr. Faisal Salieh the Chairman of the Panel of Judges were viewed on the video wall as he was overseas at the time. Concluding statements were made by Farzana Jameel PC (a winner from last year’s event). KPMG the knowledge partner was also given due recognition for their involvement for the second consecutive year.

To add excitement to the evening, Naomi Wijemanne and Umara made their renditions followed by a fashion show curated by Gayantha Perera showcasing clothes by Sara Deen Ismail of Fusion 14 who was the winner at last year’s event for the category Young Entrepreneur Award for 2024. The show was presented by Yasmin Cader an Awardee at IMRA 2024.

Dinner was soon announced where a steaming bowl of soup for every guest was brought to the table, and a fabulous buffet awaited those who attended the evening’s celebration. A combo of desserts beautifully plated was a fitting finale to the dinner which was also brought to the table. During dinner live music kept everyone’s toes a tapping with the ever poplular Sohan Weerasinghe making a guest appearance together with a trio backing him on keyboard, vocals and guitar.

The entire lighting, sound and video presentation was created by Imran Saibo of Fun Times creating the perfect ambience that evening. Indeed the work of a dedicated team headed by Mrs. Fathima Aziz, ably assisted by Nazli Zuhayle, Bushra, Rezani Aziz and Farzana Jameel was a clear testament of the success of another wonderful evening that celebrated Muslim Women Achievers.

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