The Electricity Consumers’ Association (ECA) Friday (6) called on newly appointed Auditor General Samudika Jayarathne to begin her tenure by launching an investigation into the controversial coal procurement deal, which has drawn widespread public criticism.

Addressing a media briefing in Marandagahamula, Gampaha, ECA Secretary, Sanjeewa Dhammika, said the probe should be conducted independently. The appointment of a new Auditor General, following a vacancy of nearly six to seven months, was a crucial step in restoring the effectiveness of the state audit system, he said, extending congratulations to Jayarathne.

Dhammika urged the Auditor General to carry out a swift, independent investigation into the questionable coal procurement deals, alleging that they had caused significant economic and environmental harm to the country.

He called for the findings of such an investigation to be disclosed to the public as a priority.

He also called for an immediate audit of Lanka Transformer Ltd, which has faced severe criticism from the Committee on Public Enterprises (COPE). Dhammika said the audit should reveal details of alleged irregularities, identify those responsible, and disclose any misuse of public funds.

Noting that the government held a substantial share in Lanka Transformer Ltd, he stressed that the matter constituted a direct responsibility of the State.

“The audit system should not function to provide political protection, but to safeguard public funds,” Dhammika said, adding that the Association expected the new Auditor General to uphold this principle.

By Anuradha Hiripitiyage

A 150-hectare site near the Kalu Ganga Reservoir in Matale District has been earmarked for Sri Lanka’s first-ever holding centre for Toque Macaques, the Department of Wildlife Conservation (DWC) announced.

The centre will feature water, food, and security facilities, providing a safe environment to manage macaques that cause damage in nearby communities. The Matale District Development Committee has approved the project, following a recommendation from the DWC.

Wildlife Range Officer Chamath Lakshman Perera told the Committee that similar holding centres operate in several countries, including Malaysia. A total of Rs. 283.87 million has been allocated for the project.

Under the plan, macaques causing destruction will be captured and relocated to the centre. Population control measures will include fitting loops on female monkeys to prevent breeding. The facility will be secured to ensure the animals cannot escape back into the wild.

Officials said the site has sufficient natural food sources, but additional supplies will be provided if necessary. Each macaque is expected to require around 70 grams of food per day.

The project aims to balance wildlife conservation with community protection, offering a model for managing human-macaque conflicts in the country, Perera said.

by Nimal Gunathilake

The United Nations’ Humanitarian Priorities Plan (HPP), launched in December 2025 to aid those affected by Cyclone Ditwah, has received US$ 22.4 million in funding to date, the UN Office in Colombo said.

The Cyclone Ditwah – Situation Report, issued on Friday (6) by the UN Office in Colombo, said that the government-backed plan initially sought US$ 35.3 million to support victims between December 2025 and April 2026. Contributions have come from countries including Australia, Canada, Germany, Japan, New Zealand, the United States, the United Kingdom, and the European Union.

According to the latest UN update, more than 216,000 people have benefited from the HPP, which is being implemented by 68 partner organisations across all 25 districts.

Cyclone Ditwah caused the worst flooding and landslide damage in Sri Lanka in two decades, affecting around 2.2 million people. The Disaster Management Centre (DMC) reports 646 deaths and 173 missing persons as of 29 December 2025.

The overall response is led by the government at national and subnational levels, supported by the UN, humanitarian partners, civil society, the private sector, and bilateral and multilateral donors. The DMC continues to coordinate operational efforts with line ministries and local authorities.

Under the HPP, the UN Humanitarian Country Team is supporting government-led coordination across sectors including education, food security, agriculture and nutrition, health, protection, shelter, and early recovery.