<h3> </h3><ul><li>PUCSL warns of higher demand, lower hydro generation</li><li>450 MW solar-plus-storage capacity ordered by March ’27</li><li>New renewable energy tariffs take effect today</li></ul> Sri Lanka could face a fresh threat of power cuts as the prevailing El Niño conditions push up electricity demand while reducing hydropower generation, the Public Utilities Commission of Sri Lanka (PUCSL) warned yesterday (24).PUCSL Chairman K.P.L. Chandralal said electricity demand could increase under the prevailing weather conditions, while hydroelectricity generation could decline if water sources begin to dry up.He warned that the combination of rising demand and reduced generation capacity could place significant pressure on the national electricity supply.Chandralal made the remarks while addressing a media briefing yesterday on the announcement of new electricity purchase prices for renewable energy-based power plants.The warning comes as the PUCSL approved new feed-in tariffs for electricity generated from renewable energy sources, with the revised rates coming into effect today (25). The tariffs will remain valid until 24 February 2027 and apply to renewable energy power plants, rooftop solar prosumers and projects incorporating battery energy storage systems (BESS).The tariff methodology was approved under Section 29 of the Electricity Act, No. 36 of 2024.The new tariff structure covers mini-hydro, wind, biomass, municipal solid waste, waste heat recovery, ground-mounted solar photovoltaic (PV) and floating solar PV projects.Under the approved rates, the non-escalable component of the tariff has been set at Rs 30.37 per unit for mini-hydro, Rs 20.80 for wind, Rs 16.43 for dendro biomass, Rs 14.29 for agricultural and industrial waste biomass, Rs 41.72 for municipal solid waste, Rs 14.29 for waste heat recovery, Rs 18 for ground-mounted solar PV and Rs 23.58 for floating solar PV.The new framework also introduces tariffs for renewable energy projects combined with battery storage, with higher payments available during the prioritised feed-in period.For new rooftop solar PV systems, the feed-in tariff ranges from Rs 23.11 per unit for systems up to 10 kilowatts (kW) to Rs 15.81 per unit for systems above 250 kW.New rooftop solar PV systems combined with BESS will receive Rs 45.53 per unit during the first 15 years for systems above 250 kW and up to 1,000 kW during the prioritised period. The corresponding rate for systems above 1,000 kW is Rs 42.49 per unit.Separate feed-in tariffs have also been approved for ground-mounted and floating solar PV plants equipped with BESS.As part of the tariff decision, the National System Operator (NSO) has been directed to ensure that at least 450 megawatts (MW) of solar PV with BESS capacity is added to the electricity system by March 2027.The measure is intended to address the forecast capacity deficit during the first quarter of 2027 and ensure sufficient capacity to meet peak demand without scheduled power interruptions caused by capacity shortages.The NSO has also been directed to ensure that the per-unit cost of the already offered 160 MW of BESS does not exceed Rs 20 per kilowatt-hour on a monthly average basis. Any amount above this threshold will not be recognised, recovered or allowed under the end-user electricity tariff.The feed-in tariff methodology was developed following a public consultation process, with stakeholder comments and cost data taken into consideration before the tariffs were finalised.The Commission's renewable energy framework covers technologies including solar, wind, hydro and biomass, as Sri Lanka seeks to expand renewable generation capacity as part of its longer-term energy transition.

El Niño could trigger power cuts 

<ul><li>Police consulted on reducing prison overcrowding&nbsp;</li></ul> The Government has been requested to make arrangements to provide compensation to inmates who died during the violent disturbance at the Negombo Prison last month, according to the Prisons Department.The request comes in the aftermath of the disturbance, in which 31 people, including 10 prison officers and 21 inmates, were killed and several others injured.“We have requested the Government to provide compensation to the inmates who died as well. We have already submitted the relevant request to the Government, and the necessary arrangements will be made in the future,” Prisons Commissioner and Spokesperson Senaka Pallethenna said.The Negombo Prison incident caused extensive damage to the Prison and brought attention to long-standing problems in the prison system, including overcrowding, shortages of prison officers and security lapses.Further incidents were subsequently reported at Mahara Prison, the New Magazine Prison in Colombo, Kuruwita Prison and Pallansena Open Prison.Meanwhile, the Parliamentary Sectoral Oversight Committee on Governance, Justice and Civil Protection focused on obtaining the views and proposals of the Police Department on measures that could be taken to reduce overcrowding in prisons.At a recent meeting of the Committee held at Parliament under the chairpersonship of Dr Najith Indika, discussions focused particularly on the Police Department’s procedures from the arrest of suspects in connection with drug-related offences through to the filing of cases, as well as on removing existing legal obstacles affecting these processes.The Committee also discussed delays in proceedings relating to drug-related cases and delays in obtaining reports from the Government Analyst, which have contributed to an increase in the number of suspects being held in remand custody.It was emphasised that, in combating drug-related offences, it is necessary not only to arrest individuals but also to use modern technology to identify and disrupt drug-trafficking networks and the illegal financial transactions associated with them.The need to introduce appropriate regulatory mechanisms to prevent the misuse of digital money-transfer systems operated by telecommunications companies by drug traffickers for illegal financial transactions was also highlighted.The meeting also discussed the need to strengthen community-based rehabilitation programmes as an alternative to imprisoning persons addicted to drugs, increase public participation in crime prevention, and amend existing laws to bring them in line with current requirements.Views were also expressed on the need to establish a modern forensic laboratory within the Department to expedite criminal investigations. It was pointed out that speeding up the analysis of scientific evidence could accelerate court proceedings and thereby help reduce prison overcrowding.In addition, attention was given to improving the welfare of Police officers, enhancing their professional training and investigative skills, and strengthening mechanisms for evaluating Police performance.

Negombo Prison incident: Prisons Dept seeks compensation for dead inmates

Vedda Chieftain Uruwarige Wannila Aththo has requested a copy of the draft Indigenous Rights Bill from Prime Minister Dr Harini Amarasuriya to ascertain whether proposals submitted by the indigenous community have been incorporated into the legislation.Speaking to The Daily Morning, Wannila Aththo said the Premier had informed him that the Bill, which has been sought by the indigenous community for many years, had now been drafted and that only Parliamentary approval remained.He said the community had previously submitted its proposals and views to the Government but had not yet been given an opportunity to examine the draft that had been prepared.“I asked her to give us a copy of the draft because we need to see whether our proposals have been included in it. We also need to understand how the provisions in the Bill will affect our community,” he said.Speaking as the chief guest at the “World Indigenous Day 2026” celebrations held at the Dambana Indigenous Peoples Heritage Museum, Dr Amarasuriya said the long-awaited Indigenous Rights Bill had been submitted to the Cabinet of Ministers.She also said a special Gazette notification had been signed under the leadership of Environment Minister Dhammika Patabendi covering several matters concerning the Vedda community, including access to forests, the registration of indigenous Vedda people and the issuance of legal identity cards.

 Vedda Chief seeks Indigenous Rights Bill 

Although university students cannot be dealt with in the same manner as schoolchildren as they are adults, universities have been instructed to take all possible measures to curb drug use among students, Education Ministry Secretary Nalaka Kaluwewa said.He said that while the Government is already paying attention to drug use among both school and university students, universities require a different approach as their students are adults and must take responsibility for staying away from narcotics.“Universities are a different context. The students there are adults, so we can’t deal with them in the same way as school students. They themselves have to stay away from activities such as drug use. However, we have paid attention to this issue and have given the necessary instructions and approval to universities to take all possible measures,” Kaluwewa said.He also said that university students involved in drug-related offences would face the law in the same manner as any other person accused of such offences.The comments come amid growing attention to drug use among university students and young people.Professor of Psychiatry and Head of the Psychiatry Department at Rajarata University, Amila Isuru, recently said that a considerable number of university students use or are addicted to narcotic substances.He said that around 70% to 80% of male students who drop out of universities are reportedly found to be addicted to some form of narcotic substance.

Universities to tackle undergrad drug use

The body of an anaesthesiologist attached to the Badulla Teaching Hospital, who had been reported missing since 23 August, was found on a rock near Mapakadawewa in Mahiyanganaya yesterday (24).Police said the doctor had been on duty at the hospital on 23 August but was subsequently reported missing.Investigations found that the doctor’s car had been captured on CCTV cameras in the Meegahakiula area travelling towards Mahiyanganaya.The vehicle was later found abandoned on the night of 23 August near the 17th Mile Post along the Badulla-Mahiyanganaya canal road in the Mapakadawewa area.Following the discovery of the vehicle, a joint search operation involving the Police and Army was launched yesterday to locate the missing doctor.The doctor’s body was subsequently found on a rock in the area.Police are conducting further investigations into the circumstances surrounding the doctor’s death.

Missing doctor found dead

The mother of former State Intelligence Service (SIS) chief Major General (Retired) Suresh Sallay has appealed to President Anura Kumara Dissanayake not to extend her son’s detention, while stressing that she is not seeking to halt any investigation against him.In a letter sent to the Presidential Secretariat on 23 August, she said her son had served in the Army for 37 years, dedicating his youth and valuable years that could have been spent with his family to the country.However, she stressed that she was not requesting that any investigation against her son be stopped. If there were allegations against him, she urged the authorities to investigate them, examine all available evidence and establish the truth.At the same time, she appealed, as a mother, that her son’s detention not be extended further while investigations are ongoing.She further emphasised that investigations should be based on evidence and that detention should not be used as a substitute for evidence.Sallay’s mother also requested an opportunity to meet President Dissanayake, stating that she was seeking no special privilege, but only justice, humanity and a fair opportunity.She further appealed to the President to allow her son to face the law freely.

Non-extension of detention: Sallay’s mother appeals to President

Both upcoming cultivation seasons can be successfully managed without difficulty if the Maha season is commenced early and without delay, according to Mahaweli Authority Director of the Water Management Secretariat, engineer Nilantha Dhanapala.He said starting the Maha season early would help conserve a portion of the available water, allowing the subsequent Yala season to commence by 15 March or in early April.Dhanapala made these remarks while participating in a television programme.Citing statistics, Dhanapala noted that reservoirs under the Mahaweli system currently hold approximately 54% of their capacity, which he said remained a significant level. He added that the water capacity of the Walawe system stands at approximately 57%.He further pointed out that rainfall is expected to increase during October and November, while the Dry Zone is likely to receive negligible rainfall between December and April.Accordingly, he emphasised that both cultivation seasons could be successfully maintained by efficiently managing available water resources, commencing the Maha season earlier than usual and starting the Yala season ahead of its regular schedule.Meanwhile, nearly 8,000 acres of cultivated land have been damaged due to the prevailing dry weather conditions, affecting around 7,000 farmers, according to the Agricultural and Agrarian Insurance Board.Board Chairperson Pemasiri Jasingarachchi said crop damage had been reported in several Districts, including Monaragala, Polonnaruwa, Hambantota, Anuradhapura and Puttalam.He said inspections and assessments of the affected farmlands are currently underway to determine the extent of the damage.Jasingarachchi said compensation for the affected crops is expected to be provided before the end of the current cultivation season.He further said Rs. 3 billion has been allocated for crop-damage compensation, adding that steps would be taken to compensate farmers whose cultivations have been affected by the dry weather once the damage assessments are completed.

Mahaweli Authority urges:  Early Maha key to saving Yala 

A total of 21 petitions have been filed before the Supreme Court (SC) challenging the Government’s proposed 22nd Amendment to the Constitution, with petitioners arguing that the Bill could undermine public sovereignty and the independence of the Judiciary.The latest petitions were filed by a group including Vinivida Foundation Treasurer Sunil Jayasundara, Dr Ajantha Perera, attorney-at-law Shiral Lakthilaka and the Young Lawyers’ Association.Earlier, petitions challenging the constitutionality of the Bill were filed by the Bar Association, former Minister Prof G.L. Peiris, Prof Ranjan Abeyratne and several others.The proposed Amendment has become the subject of legal and political debate following its presentation to Parliament by the Government.Among the key proposed changes are provisions relating to the retirement ages of Judges of the Superior Courts. The Bill proposes to increase the retirement age of Supreme Court Judges from 65 to 67 and that of Court of Appeal Judges from 63 to 65.The Government has maintained that the proposed reforms are aimed at strengthening the judicial system and improving its efficiency, including by addressing delays and the backlog of cases.However, petitioners have raised concerns over the constitutional implications of the proposed changes, particularly in relation to judicial independence and the exercise of the judicial power of the people.Some petitioners have also challenged the application of the proposed retirement-age changes to serving Judges, arguing that such provisions could affect the independence of the Judiciary and the separation of powers.The petitioners are asking the SC to determine that the Bill is inconsistent with the Constitution and cannot be enacted through Parliament alone. They have accordingly requested the Court to rule that the Bill must receive approval at a public referendum, in addition to securing the constitutionally required Parliamentary majority, before it can become law.Under the Constitution, the SC has jurisdiction to determine whether a Bill is inconsistent with the Constitution when a petition challenging its constitutionality is filed within the prescribed period following its presentation to Parliament.The SC’s determination will therefore be crucial in establishing whether the proposed 22nd Amendment can proceed through the ordinary Parliamentary process or whether a referendum would be required.

21 petitions against 22A

Child representatives from the Western, Eastern and Central Provinces yesterday (24) highlighted the serious challenges faced by children from underprivileged communities, including drug use, school dropouts, poor sanitation and shortages of educational resources.Addressing the media in Colombo, a child representative from Batticaloa District said addiction to dangerous substances had affected the lives of schoolchildren in the area.She said around 1.6% of students in the District use cannabis, while 0.6% use heroin. She also noted that recurring floods in the District had resulted in several children dropping out of school. “A lot of children have stopped their education in a bid to help support their families,” she lamented.Meanwhile, a child representing children from Greater Colombo said that although there was a perception that children in Colombo faced fewer difficulties, those living in underprivileged areas continued to experience serious problems, particularly in health and education. Citing Maradana and Rajagiriya as examples, she said children in these areas faced several challenges.She noted that the Gothamipura Canal was not only home to crocodiles and serpents but had also become a health hazard due to the accumulation of garbage.Although the Government had taken measures to clean the canal, these efforts had not proved effective, she said.She also said children were exposed to adults using drugs, which could tempt them to experiment with narcotics themselves.Several schools in Maradana and surrounding areas were also unable to adequately cater to the educational needs of children due to shortages of human resources and infrastructure facilities, she said.

El Niño could trigger power cuts

Negombo Prison incident: Prisons Dept seeks compensation for dead inma ...

Negombo Prison incident: Priso ...

Vedda Chief seeks Indigenous Rights Bill

Vedda Chief seeks Indigenous ...

Universities to tackle undergrad drug use

Universities to tackle undergr ...

Missing doctor found dead

Missing doctor found dead

Non-extension of detention: Sallay’s mother appeals to President

Non-extension of detention: Sa ...

Mahaweli Authority urges: Early Maha key to saving Yala

Mahaweli Authority urges: Ear ...

21 petitions against 22A

21 petitions against 22A

Children voice concerns over drugs, education

Children voice concerns over d ...

Negombo Prison incident: Prisons Dept seeks compensation for dead inma ...

Negombo Prison incident: Priso ...

Vedda Chief seeks Indigenous Rights Bill

Vedda Chief seeks Indigenous ...

Universities to tackle undergrad drug use

Universities to tackle undergr ...

Missing doctor found dead

Missing doctor found dead

Non-extension of detention: Sallay’s mother appeals to President

Non-extension of detention: Sa ...

Mahaweli Authority urges: Early Maha key to saving Yala

Mahaweli Authority urges: Ear ...

21 petitions against 22A

21 petitions against 22A

Children voice concerns over drugs, education

Children voice concerns over d ...

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Universities to tackle undergrad drug use

Universities to tackle undergr ...

Missing doctor found dead

Missing doctor found dead

Non-extension of detention: Sallay’s mother appeals to President

Non-extension of detention: Sa ...

Mahaweli Authority urges: Early Maha key to saving Yala

Mahaweli Authority urges: Ear ...