Sri Lanka has recorded 97,027 dengue cases so far this year, with 1,536 cases reported during the first part of September, according to the National Dengue Control Unit.

The dengue death toll has also risen to 74, highlighting the continuing threat posed by the mosquito-borne disease.

The Western Province has recorded the highest number of cases, with 51,180, followed by the Southern Province with 14,036, the Central Province with 8,958, and Sabaragamuwa with 7,998.

At district level, Gampaha has recorded the highest number of cases at 20,622, followed by Colombo with 19,168.

Kandy has reported 7,199 cases, while Matara and Kalutara have recorded 6,186 and 6,218 cases, respectively.

The Health authorities continue to identify 40 Medical Officer of Health (MOH) areas across the country as high-risk zones.

The National Dengue Control Unit has urged the public to remain vigilant and take necessary measures to prevent mosquito breeding, particularly as dengue transmission continues to affect several parts of the country.

More than 2,700 megawatts of power generation and storage capacity are expected to be added to the national grid through solar, wind and battery storage projects between 2027 and 2029, Power and Energy Minister Anura Karunathilaka said in Parliament yesterday.

He said the plans include 1,392MW of solar power, 370MW of wind power and 1,000MW of battery storage capacity.

The Minister said rooftop solar generation had increased significantly in recent years, with such systems currently contributing around 2,500MW.

However, he noted that excess power generation occurs particularly on Sundays and public holidays when electricity demand is relatively low.

As a result, restrictions sometimes have to be imposed on solar power generation to maintain the stability of the national grid, he said.

The Government expects battery storage systems to help address the issue by storing surplus electricity generated during the day and releasing it to the grid during peak nighttime demand.

The Minister said the planned expansion of renewable energy and battery storage would, therefore, help Sri Lanka make greater use of its renewable power resources while improving grid stability.

The SJB has held discussions with representatives of the Free Operations Centre on strengthening Opposition unity, following the parliamentary debate and approval of the 22nd Constitutional Amendment, party sources said yesterday.

The meeting, held at the SJB Headquarters, reviewed the collective action taken by Opposition parties and other stakeholders during the parliamentary process.

Both sides agreed that further discussions were necessary to strengthen cooperation among Opposition forces and decided to convene a broader dialogue next week involving Opposition political parties, trade unions and civil society organisations.

The proposed discussion is expected to focus on coordinated action and the future course of the Opposition.

SJB General Secretary Ranjith Madduma Bandara and MPs Sujeewa Senasinghe, Kavinda Jayawardena, J.C. Alawathuwala and Sujith Sanjaya Perera represented the party at the meeting.

Attorney Shiral Lakthilaka, President’s Counsel Maithri Gunaratne, former MPs Premanath Dolawatta and Saman Rathnapriya and several others represented the Free Operations Centre.