News

Now, electricity consumers entitled to interest on LECO deposits

Published

5 years ago

2021/04/8

Rathindra Kuruwita

The Public Utilities Commission of Sri Lanka (PUCSL) responsible for protecting the rights of electricity consumers in the country, together with the electricity service providers yesterday (7) affirmed a unique right for electricity consumers.

PUCSL Chairman Janaka Ratnayake told an event held at the BMICH that the regulator PUCSL together with Electricity Utility Provider, Lanka Electricity Company Private Limited (LECO) had launched an Interest Payment scheme for Electricity Security Deposits for LECO consumers.

Over Rs. 1.2 billion would be paid back to electricity consumers annually by the distribution licensee, Chairman of the Public Utilities Commission of Sri Lanka (PUCSL) Janaka Ratnayake said yesterday at an event in Colombo to mark the commencement of payment of interest on electricity consumer deposits.

When a person obtained an electricity connection from the CEB, he or she had to place a deposit at the regional CEB engineering office. As per Sri Lanka Electricity Act, No. 20 of 2009, the CEB had to pay consumers an interest on those deposits. Section 28.3 of the act says ‘(3) Where any sum of money is provided to a distribution licensee by way of security in pursuance of this section, the licensee (CEB) shall pay interest on such sum of money at such rate as may from time to time be fixed by the licensee with the approval of the Commission (PUCSL), for the period in which it remains in the hands of the licensee.’ It is estimated that there is over Rs. 25 billion of such deposits with the CEB.

The following is the text of Ratnayake’s speech: We have taken the steps to protect the rights of electricity consumers since the inception of the Commission in accordance with the powers vested in it. We have published the Declaration of the Rights and Obligations of Electricity Consumers and many regulatory decisions to protect the rights contained therein and to protect consumers. More than 20 different regulations, rules and guidelines have been enacted to protect consumers.

Payment of interest on electricity consumer deposits declared today is a benefit provided to the consumer under Section 28 of the Sri Lanka Electricity Act. Cooperation between the various parties were required to implement such a benefit. In the recent past, steps were taken to implement this interest rate scheme. Section 28 of the Sri Lanka Electricity Act stipulates that an electricity consumer must be paid interest on the security deposit paid by his client company or licensee.

The implementation of the decision to pay interest benefits was delayed due to various issues such as determining the interest to be paid and resolving issues.

But today we have been able to solve all those problems and The Public Utilities Commission of Sri Lanka has developed a methodology for determining interest rates in an accepted and transparent manner.

The Commission recently decided that the interest rate for this year would be 8.68 per cent. Licensed companies that provide electricity services based on that interest must calculate the interest benefit and pay it to their customers. Starting today the consumers will be able to get this unique benefit scheme.

Lanka Electricity (Pvt) Ltd, a distribution licensee, will start paying interest to its customers from today. LECO alone will pay Rs. 42 million annually to its customers as a benefit through the interest payment benefit on customer deposits.

We hope that in the future other licensees will implement this interest payment programme. When other electricity distribution licensees also implement this interest benefit scheme in the future, around Rs. 1,200 million will flow into the hands of electricity consumers annually.

On the one hand, it is a huge subsidy flowing to the country’s economy through the power industry. The Commission will also implement regulatory measures to meet the aspirations of the licensees to maintain a high quality and efficient electricity service.

The Commission was established in 2002 to regulate the multi-faceted industries of the country. The regulatory powers of the electricity industry were vested in the Sri Lanka Electricity Act passed by Parliament in 2009. Since then, the Commission has initiated the economic, technological and security regulation of the power industry.

Initially, the Commission was to be empowered to regulate the electricity industry and the water services industry. Later the petroleum industry was also listed as an area regulated by the Commission. Acts authorizing the Public Utilities Commission of Sri Lanka to regulate the water services and petroleum industries have not yet come into force.

Once we gain the powers through acts to regulate those industries, we are ready to initiate regulatory activities in the water services and petroleum industries to protect consumers.

The Commission has also been appointed as the regulatory body for the lubricant market in Sri Lanka and we provide the necessary advice and assistance to the Ministry of Energy for the promotion of the lubricant market.

Also, the Commission has been entrusted with the regulation of electric vehicle charging stations. We also have plans to expand the network of electric vehicle charging stations to protect the rights of electric vehicle owners.

This year, we are also implementing a programme to enhance the quality of professionals in the electricity sector and ensure the maintenance of high-security electricity service. At present, nearly 45,000 people are working as electricians in the country. Only by standardizing these people can the quality of home electrical systems in our country be guaranteed.

We have also paved the way for these electricians to be recognized nationally and internationally. The National Electrician Licensing Scheme prepared by the Public Utilities Commission of Sri Lanka will be introduced from this year. To obtain this license, we have implemented an expeditious process of awarding at least the 3rd level of National Vocational Qualification or NVQ 3 Certificate.

Under this expeditious programme, 2500 electricians will be issued NVQ 3 qualification and professional licenses by next July. The awarding of the license and NVQ 3 certificates to the first group of professional electricians is scheduled to take place next June under the patronage of His Excellency the President Gotabhaya Rajapaksa.

Over the next few years, we look forward to implementing special programmes for the advancement of all sectors under the purview of the Public Utilities Commission of Sri Lanka. Licensing licensees who provide utility services under our regulation are also required to improve in their respective fields.

We hope they will work with us to set the tone”.

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News

National Institute of Health Sciences celebrates a century of revolutionizing Public Healthcare Training in Sri Lanka – PM

Published

4 hours ago

2026/07/2

Priyan

The National Institute of Health Sciences (NIHS), Kalutara, the premier national training institution for public health in Sri Lanka, on Wednesday (01) officially inaugurated its historic Centenary Congress, commemorating 100 years of dedicated service to the nation (1926–2026).

The grand celebration, held at the NIHS Auditorium in Kalutara, marked a century of pioneering achievements that have contributed significantly to strengthening Sri Lanka’s public health system.

Addressing the gathering, the Prime Minister described the Institute’s centenary as a landmark moment in Sri Lanka’s public health journey, recognizing a century of service in developing the country’s public health workforce and advancing preventive healthcare.

Highlighting Sri Lanka’s achievements in maternal and child health, immunization, disease prevention, and equitable healthcare, the Prime Minister noted that these successes have been built upon strong public health institutions and the dedication of healthcare professionals.

She emphasized that as the health sector faces emerging challenges, including an ageing population, non-communicable diseases, climate-related health risks, and technological transformation, greater focus must be placed on education, research, innovation, and the development of a skilled and adaptable health workforce.

Reaffirming the Government’s commitment to building a resilient and people-centred health system, the Prime Minister stated that investments in modern health infrastructure, primary healthcare, digital technologies, and continuous professional development will remain national priorities.

The Prime Minister congratulated the National Institute of Health Sciences on reaching its centenary milestone and expressed confidence that the Congress would contribute valuable insights towards the future advancement of Sri Lanka’s public health sector.

The Centenary Congress programme included addresses by the Minister of Health and Mass Media, Dr. Nalinda Jayatissa, the Secretary to the Ministry of Health and Mass Media,the Director General of Health Services,and the Director of the National Institute of Health Sciences.

A keynote address on the theme “NIHS, Past, Present and Future” was delivered by Dr. Thushara Fernando. Highlighting the global significance of the Institute, the event also featured a special address by the WHO Regional Representative and a formal message delivered on behalf of the Director-General of the World Health Organization, acknowledging the Institute’s long-standing international collaboration and its contribution to sharing Sri Lanka’s globally recognized health achievements with the world.

The programme also featured the launch of the “NIHS – 100 Years” commemorative coffee table book and the unveiling of a commemorative postage stamp.

The event was attended by the Minister of Health and Mass Media, Dr. Nalinda Jayatissa, Secretary to the Ministry of Health and Mass Media, Dr. Anil Jasinghe,Member of Parliament Dr. Nihal Abeysinghe,the Director of the National Institute of Health Sciences, representatives of the World Health Organization and partner organizations, academics,health professionals, alumni, and invited guests.

[Prime Minister’s Media Division]

Business

IT, Electrical and Electronics sectors key to achieving 7–8% economic growth in coming years -President

Published

4 hours ago

2026/07/2

Priyan

President Anura Kumara Dissanayake stated that the Government aims to increase Sri Lanka’s economic growth from its current level of around 5 per cent to 7–8 per cent over the coming years, emphasising that the information technology, electrical and electronics sectors will play a pivotal role in achieving this target.

The President made these remarks while addressing a discussion with leading investors and industrialists from the information technology, electrical and electronics sectors, held on Wednesday (1 July) morning at the Presidential Secretariat.

Highlighting that Sri Lanka’s future can only be secured by strengthening domestic industries, the President invited entrepreneurs to work in partnership with the Government to unlock the country’s true economic potential. The President also requested that they submit, at the earliest opportunity, proposals for developing their respective sectors together with a report outlining the key challenges currently facing the industries.

The President further stated that the Government intends to allocate Rs. 2 trillion for capital expenditure next year to accelerate economic growth. He noted that the Government expects the export sector to make the maximum possible contribution towards meeting the country’s growing demand for foreign exchange resulting from this investment.

The discussion focused extensively on the significant contribution that the information technology, electrical and electronics sectors could make towards increasing Sri Lanka’s export earnings and foreign currency inflows.

It was highlighted that the information technology sector, currently Sri Lanka’s third-largest export revenue earner, has the potential to generate US$5 billion in annual export earnings. Likewise, the electrical and electronics sector, which currently generates approximately US$500 million in export revenue, has the potential to increase this figure to US$2 billion annually.

Participants also discussed Sri Lanka’s potential to establish itself as a global brand in the information technology, electrical and electronics sectors. Attention was drawn to the country’s highly skilled workforce in both industries and the need to further improve facilities and infrastructure to support their continued growth.

Representatives of the business community briefed the President on a number of challenges affecting the sectors, including the complexities involved in importing electronic components, obstacles faced by companies operating in the Colombo Port City when conducting transactions through the banking system and difficulties encountered in promoting locally manufactured products within the domestic market. The discussion also focused on removing these barriers and introducing the necessary legislative and regulatory reforms.

Attention was also paid to establishing a special unit representing relevant parties to directly receive the issues and suggestions of industrialists and provide prompt solutions to them.

Business representatives were also briefed on a range of Government initiatives already planned to expand support and infrastructure for these sectors.

Meanwhile, Deputy Minister of Digital Economy Eranga Weeraratne outlined plans to establish a Virtual Special Economic Zone and a data centre, introduce a Green Channel mechanism to remove Customs-related obstacles to the import of electronic equipment required for research and development (R&D) and address banking and credit card limitations affecting overseas payments for essential services such as cloud computing and Software as a Service (SaaS). He also noted that the Government is considering alternative incentive schemes to help retain skilled professionals and reduce the migration of talent overseas.

Among those present were Minister of Labour and Deputy Minister of Finance and Planning Anil Jayantha Fernando; Secretary to the Ministry of Finance, Planning and Economic Development Dr..Harshana Suriyapperuma, Chief Advisor to the President on Digital Economy Dr. Hans Wijayasuriya, Senior Additional Secretary to the President Roshan Gamage; Secretary to the Ministry of Industry and Entrepreneurship Development Thilaka Jayasundara; Chairman of the Export Development Board Mangala Wijesinghe; Shehani Seneviratne and other representatives of the Sri Lanka Association for Software and Services Companies (SLASSCOM); Chairman of the Sri Lanka Electronic Manufacturers and Exporters Association (SLEMEA) Gamini Ranasinghe; former Chairman Dr Ajith Pasqual; Managing Director of VARIOSYSTEMS (Pvt) Ltd Thevan Satheeswaran; Managing Director of GPV Lanka Chandana Dissanayake; together with a large number of leading entrepreneurs and representatives from the information technology, electrical and electronics industries.

[PMD]

News

Dengue toll mounts; cases pass 55,000

Published

18 hours ago

2026/07/2

Thilina Walpola

Dr. Kapila Kannangara

More than 1000 cases detected in 24 hrs

Sri Lanka’s dengue caseload has surpassed 55,000 this year after more than 1,000 new infections were reported in the 24 hours ending at 6 am yesterday, accordingt to health authorities..The National Dengue Control Unit has said a total of 55,406 cases have been recorded so far in 2026, while the death toll has risen to 32.

Acting Director of the National Dengue Control Unit, Dr. Kapila Kannangara, said 1,024 new cases were confirmed during the latest 24-hour reporting period, reflecting a continuing increase in infections across the country.

In response to the escalating outbreak, the Ministry of Health and Mass Media has established a Dengue Operations Centre to strengthen the reporting of dengue-related information and complaints.

The Ministry has also launched a dedicated public hotline (0117 966366) to provide information on dengue prevention and control, receive complaints and facilitate the reporting of mosquito breeding sites and other dengue-related concerns.

Health authorities have urged the public to support dengue control efforts by eliminating mosquito breeding grounds and promptly reporting potential risk areas, stressing that community participation remains vital in curbing the spread of the disease.

Sri Lanka has experienced repeated dengue outbreaks, with the most severe epidemics recorded in 2017 and 2019. The 2017 outbreak was the worst in the country’s history at that time, with over 186,000 reported cases and more than 400 deaths. A second major surge in 2019 recorded over 105,000 cases. These outbreaks placed significant strain on hospitals, particularly in the Western Province, including Colombo, Gampaha, and Kalutara districts, which consistently report the highest case numbers due to dense population and urbanisation.

Transmission is influenced by seasonal rainfall patterns, temperature, and urban environmental conditions such as improper waste disposal and construction sites that collect water. All four dengue virus serotypes circulate in Sri Lanka, which increases the risk of repeated infections and severe disease manifestations.

In recent years, periodic resurgences have continued, with health authorities warning that case numbers can rise rapidly when environmental conditions favour mosquito breeding. The National Dengue Control Unit has therefore maintained continuous surveillance, public awareness campaigns, and mosquito control programmes to reduce transmission.

Despite these efforts, dengue remains a persistent public health concern, requiring coordinated action between health services, local authorities, and the public to reduce breeding sites and prevent outbreaks.

by Chaminda Silva ✍️