<ul><li>Utility regulator insists only it can draft and approve tariff methodology</li><li>Warns Energy Ministry ‘cannot act as both owner and regulator’</li><li>Says existing tariff system already based on PUCSL formula</li><li>Govt. mulls annual revisions to replace current quarterly system</li></ul> In the wake of reports that the Energy Ministry and the Finance Ministry are in the process of introducing a new electricity tariff formula, the Public Utilities Commission of Sri Lanka (PUCSL) stated that any tariff methodology has to be prepared and approved by the PUCSL to ensure reasonable costs and fair profits within the electricity sector.When contacted by The Daily Morning, PUCSL Director - Communication, Jayanat Herat said that electricity tariffs are determined based on the principle of reasonable cost and fair profit, and that this responsibility has been entrusted to the PUCSL under both the previous and current legal framework.He stressed that fulfilling this responsibility requires an approved tariff formula prepared by the regulator itself. “We cannot ensure reasonable cost and profit without a tariff formula. We also cannot do that using a formula that is prepared by another party. So, our stance is that the methodology should be prepared and approved by the PUCSL.” Herat also pointed out that the Energy Ministry functions as the owner of the utility, and therefore should not be involved in drafting the tariff methodology. “The Ministry is the utility’s owner, so the owner cannot do it.” He further explained that the tariff methodology currently in use was developed by the PUCSL and has been the basis for all previous tariff revisions. “The previous tariff methodology is what is being used now. It was prepared by the PUCSL. It is based on the fact that all previous tariff revisions were done,” it said. However, he acknowledged that related policy decisions — such as determining how frequently tariffs should be revised a year — fall within the purview of the Government. “The Energy Ministry can decide on policies such as how many times they are going to revise tariffs in a year. That is done by the Cabinet of Ministers. However, the tariff formula is prepared and approved by the PUCSL.” <blockquote>Recent reports stated that the Energy Ministry and the Finance Ministry are currently engaged in discussions to introduce a new electricity tariff formula under which revisions would take place only once a year, instead of the present system where tariffs are reviewed four times within the year. According to the reports, the proposed mechanism is expected to take into account seasonal weather patterns when determining tariffs, with the intention of reducing frequent price fluctuations faced by consumers.</blockquote>

 Talks on annual electricity tariff formula: PUCSL sidelined?

Trade, Commerce, Food Security, and Cooperative Development Minister Wasantha Samarasinghe claimed that certain findings in the Auditor General’s (AG) report on the controversial coal importation cannot be accepted.He made these remarks while participating in a television programme aired on Monday (20). He pointed out the AG’s report does not indicate that any fraud had taken place, but rather presents observations on possible scenarios. Expressing his views, Samarasinghe emphasised the Government’s position that no fraud occurred in relation to the incident.&nbsp;He added that both he and other Ministers maintain this stance, noting that bringing a no-confidence motion in Parliament under such circumstances is questionable, especially when the Government is confident of securing a majority. He further stated the Government does not believe there were any shortcomings in the procurement process followed. According to him, if there had been any issues, the AG’s report should have clearly identified specific violations of procurement guidelines or conditions.&nbsp;He stated that in that case, the AG’s report should clearly specify that the registration under the Procurement Commission or procurement conditions had not taken place at the relevant time, and that this is why it is considered invalid. He further pointed out that there is a letter issued by the Procurement Commission in August of last year (2025), which clearly states in its fourth paragraph the matter in question is not considered a fundamental error.&nbsp;‘‘This is the concern,’’ he said. ‘‘There are issues with the way certain reports have been compiled and how specific details have been included. However, I am not saying that the AG’s report is entirely wrong, but some parts and statements within it are inaccurate,’’ he added.

Controversial coal imports: Govt claims ‘inaccuracies’ in AG’s report 

Seven Buddhist monks, led by Vietnamese monk Pannakara Thera arrived in the country yesterday morning (21) to take part in the ‘Walk for Peace’ in Sri Lanka.&nbsp;The rescue dog Aloka has also arrived along with the delegation.&nbsp;The international Walk for Peace programme is scheduled to be held in Sri Lanka until 28 April, under State patronage. The procession, led by Pannakara Thera along with the Buddhist clergy, will carry a Bodhi sapling obtained from the Jaya Sri Maha Bodhi in Anuradhapura.A large number of State and private institutions, including the Presidential Secretariat, the Clean Sri Lanka programme, the Buddhasasana, Religious and Cultural Affairs Ministry, the Public Administration, Provincial Councils and Local Government Ministry, the Tri-Forces and the Police, as well as the National Design Centre, are extending support for the peace walk.&nbsp;During the event, Sri Lanka’s Buddhist heritage as well as traditional crafts and cultural features are expected to be showcased to the public.President Dissanayake has expressed his full support for the ‘Walk for Peace’ initiative, which officially commenced in Sri Lanka yesterday. In a post shared on the social media platform X, the President stated,&nbsp;“I am honoured to support the ‘Walk for Peace’ journey across Sri Lanka, which commenced yesterday, promoting mindfulness, loving-kindness, unity, and harmony among all people.” Highlighting the significance of the journey, which carries the relics of the Buddha and a Bodhi tree sapling from Dambulla across the island, the President added, “As this walk sets out from Dambulla and travels across our island, carrying the relics of the Buddha and a Bodhi tree sapling, I invite all Sri Lankans to reflect on the enduring values of peace and compassion that define our heritage.” Concluding his message, President Dissanayake expressed his hope that this spiritual initiative would help strengthen national unity and convey a profound message of peace to the global community.Also, the Veterinary Association has announced that all necessary measures will be taken to ensure the health and safety of Aloka, the rescue dog arriving in Sri Lanka to participate in the peace march titled ‘Walk for Peace.’ The Association stated that a 24-hour ambulance service, essential medicines, and dedicated medical teams have been deployed for ‘Aloka’. They further noted that a specialised emergency response team has also been placed on standby. The Association highlighted that the highest level of protection will be provided for Aloka.

Till 28 April: International ‘Walk for Peace’ commences in SL

<ul><li> Seeks full, transparent, and truthful probe&nbsp;</li></ul>Colombo Archbishop Malcolm Cardinal Ranjith has urged Anura Kumara Dissanayake to honour his October 2024 pledge to victims of the Easter Sunday attacks by ensuring a full, transparent investigation that reveals the truth behind the 2019 massacre.Addressing the seventh anniversary commemoration at St. Anthony’s Church, he alleged that successive power holders—including former Presidents, Police chiefs, and officials of the Attorney General’s Department—had failed to pursue the truth, instead confusing the public, undermining investigations, and appointing questionable committees. He further claimed that elements within a “deep State” had obstructed progress.He noted that recommendations by the Presidential Commission of Inquiry to take legal and disciplinary action against political figures and security officials for criminal negligence remain largely unimplemented. Recent findings, including material highlighted in a Channel 4 programme suggesting possible involvement of senior security officials, must be thoroughly examined, he said, adding that political resistance to such probes may stem from fear of exposure.The Archbishop stressed that no individual—whether in politics, security, or business—should be above the law. Holding officials accountable is not a betrayal of national service, he said, rejecting attempts to frame such scrutiny as unpatriotic. “Truth and justice must prevail over narrow interests,” he asserted.The coordinated bomb attacks of the 2019 Easter Sunday bombings killed 278 people, including 45 foreign nationals and 68 children, and injured over 500. Attacks targeted churches in Kochchikade, Katuwapitiya, and Batticaloa, as well as leading Colombo hotels.He also highlighted post-attack violence in May 2019, including assaults on Muslim communities in areas such as Negombo and Minuwangoda. Alleging police inaction, he called for investigations into whether these incidents were linked to the main attacks and whether security officials failed or were prevented from intervening.Ranjith criticised what he described as politically driven attempts to promote one-sided narratives while ignoring contradictory evidence. He warned that interference aimed at blocking investigators, discouraging scrutiny of key actors, or dismissing new leads must be condemned. A comprehensive inquiry, he said, must consider all evidence, contradictions, and emerging revelations.Among specific concerns, he called for further investigation into the figure known as Abu Hind and the fate of Sarah Jasmine, believed to possess critical information. He also raised alarm over deleted data from devices handed to the Criminal Investigation Department by former State Intelligence Director Nilantha Jayawardena, questioning whether evidence had been deliberately erased.He urged authorities to examine why prior intelligence warnings—reportedly from Indian agencies—were not acted upon, and to investigate alleged attempts by intelligence and military officials to obstruct inquiries, including blocking the questioning of key suspects and influencing narratives around the attacks.Ranjith further pointed to allegations that certain intelligence-linked individuals sought to attribute responsibility to the Islamic State to obscure other actors, and questioned why such lines of inquiry were halted on grounds of national security.He also called for a probe into a pre-attack incident involving a suspicious lorry allegedly allowed to pass through a highway checkpoint on police orders, asking who authorised the decision and what it may have been transporting.“What we ask,” he said, “is a serious, impartial investigation that reveals who was truly behind these attacks.”

7th Easter attacks anniversary: Church reminds President of 2024 pledge 

<ul><li>Vatican rep urges justice that restores trust, honours truth, upholds sanctity of life</li></ul> Chief Sanganayake of the Amarapura Sect (Southern Sri Lanka), Ven. Omalpe Sobitha Thera said that despite three Presidents having left office and a fourth now in power, and with successive Governments coming and going, the shadow cast by the 2019 Easter Sunday attacks has still not been lifted.&nbsp;Addressing the gathering at the seventh-year commemoration of the victims of the Easter Sunday attacks at the Kochchikade Shrine yesterday (21), Sobitha Thera said the incumbent Government has been given a golden opportunity to provide proper answers to the mystery that shrouded the 2019 Easter Sunday bombings. He said that the public is eagerly awaiting the revelation of this dark truth.&nbsp;“That is the task that must be fulfilled by the present Government and the President.” He said that it is the hope of all concerned, including victims and their families, that the President and the Government would deliver on this vital responsibility. Only then, he added, will all those who value peace be able to move forward with a sense of ease.UN Resident Coordinator, Marc-André Franche said that the Easter attacks of 2019 had shaken the foundations of coexistence and peace in Sri Lanka, “sowing divisions between communities.” He noted that seven years on, families affected by the bombings are still waiting for answers. Accountability, he said, remained incomplete. “This moment, therefore, cannot be only about remembrance, but it must also be about resolve,” he pointed out.&nbsp;Franche said that the seventh-year commemoration comes at a time when there is renewed momentum to advance the investigations, including the ongoing legal proceedings linked to the attacks. These steps, alongside public commitments by the Government, are important and welcomed, he noted. He said that what mattered now are results.&nbsp;“Victims of the attacks deserved answers and the completion of the investigative and judicial process so that they could finally find closure. Strengthening and protecting the rule of law must remain central to this process, with due process, a fair trial, and credible and independent judicial proceedings which lead to a clear and credible outcome. Without this, closure for families and confidence in institutions will remain elusive,” he stressed.&nbsp;He said the UN stood with the families and victims in advocating for a credible and transparent process, which is essential to create conditions for healing and for moving forward with dignity. The investigations into the Easter attacks are one of the many longstanding issues in Sri Lanka where accountability, due process, and the rule of law have been delayed, he observed.Also, the Apostolic Nuncio to Sri Lanka, Archbishop Andrzej Józwowicz said that the Easter Sunday remembrance is a cry for justice and not vengeance. “Justice that restores trust, that honours truth, and upholds the sanctity of every human life.”

Easter victims commemoration: Monks, UN, Vatican urge accountability    

In the wake of social media allegations claiming that several politicians affiliated with the ruling NPP have financial investments in companies linked to microfinance and other financial services, NPP General Secretary and Government Parliamentarian Dr. Nihal Abeysinghe said the Party’s stance is that the microfinance sector should be properly regulated and that any irregularities must be addressed. Responding to questions by The Daily Morning on the matter, he said that he could not comment on the specific claims circulating online as he is not aware of the actions taken by the individuals named in the posts. “I cannot say anything about it because I am not aware of what they have done. However, as a political movement, we are of the stance that the microfinance sector should be well-regulated and irregularities should be dealt with,” he said.Janatha Vimukthi Peramuna’s General Secretary, Tilvin Silva was unavailable for comment.&nbsp;The social media posts in question alleged that several politicians from the NPP, including Prime Minister Dr. Harini Amarasuriya, and Ministers K.D. Lal Kantha and Wasantha Samarasinghe, have financial investments in companies involved in microfinance and other financial services. Related posts on social media claimed that Lal Kantha had previously expressed support for victims of microfinance practices during a protest held in 2021.&nbsp;However, the posts further alleged that subsequent asset declarations revealed that he had invested in shares of a particular institution in 2022, a company described as being engaged in microfinance-related services. The argument presented is that politicians maintaining investments in financial markets, particularly in sectors such as microfinance, may face ethical questions due to the possibility of conflicts of interest. They suggested that individuals holding political authority could be in positions to influence economic or regulatory decisions.&nbsp;The other is that the microfinance sector has been plagued by claims of predatory lending.&nbsp;On 4 March 2026, Parliament approved the Microfinance and Credit Regulatory Authority Act, No. 9 of 2026, repealing the Microfinance Act, No. 6 of 2016. The Law, which took effect on 20 March, sets up a new Regulatory Authority to oversee microfinance companies and money lenders and address predatory lending.

Govt MPs’ microfinance investments?: NPP calls for sectoral regulation

A new low-floor bus service that gives priority to persons with disabilities and special needs was launched yesterday (21) from the Makumbura Multimodal Centre. The service was inaugurated under the patronage of Transport, Highways and Urban Development Minister, Bimal Rathnayake.&nbsp;Accordingly, 10 specially designed low-floor buses were introduced into the transport service yesterday. These buses are specially designed so that wheelchair users, visually impaired passengers and also expectant women can board the bus with ease. Each bus has 30 passenger seats and separate seating areas have been allocated for passengers using wheelchairs. The pilot project operates on routes from Makumbura to Colombo Fort and from Makumbura to Kadawatha. These routes also cover major Hospitals including the Colombo National Hospital and the Maharagama Apeksha Hospital/National Cancer Institute.Speaking at the event, Rathnayake stated that while these buses prioritise the differently-abled community, they will also provide a comfortable and reliable transport service for all passengers. He also noted that 122 low-floor buses are planned to be introduced into the service before the end of this year, and that in the future, the service will be expanded to areas such as Kandy, Batticaloa, Matara and Jaffna.Meanwhile, the Transport Ministry stated that more than Rs. 536 million was earned from operators of vehicles using expressways during the Sinhala and Tamil New Year period from 10 April to Monday (20). During the period, a total of 1,431,319 vehicles used the expressways. The revenue was generated from vehicles travelling on the Southern Expressway, the Colombo Outer Circular Expressway, the Colombo–Katunayake Expressway and the Central Expressway.

Low-floor bus fleet launched 

Despite complaints from school meal suppliers over rising costs of food items, fuel, and cooking gas, the Education Ministry stated that there is no possibility of revising the meal payment rates at present, as the rates have been fixed for a one-year period under the relevant tender system. Speaking to The Daily Morning yesterday (21), Ministry Secretary Nalaka Kaluwewa said that the Ministry has not received any official request from those providing school meals seeking an increase in the payment rates. “We have not received any request from those who provide school meals. I also saw these claims in the media, they have not informed us officially the rates are not enough,” he said. He further said the rates are determined based on data provided by the Census and Statistics Department and remain valid for one year once approved. “The Department provides us with statistics, and we decide on these rates based on that. These rates are valid for one year, and we cannot revise them from time to time. This is done through a tender procedure." He also noted that price fluctuations are taken into account when determining the rates, pointing out that the cost of certain items do not always remain high. “Sometimes, prices go down too. It is considering all that can happen that these rates have been decided. For instance, egg prices went up some time ago, but now, they have come down. Even today, the prices of rice and vegetables have not gone up that severely,” he added. Suppliers attached to the school mid-day meal programme have recently raised concerns over the rising cost of essential goods, cooking gas, and fuel, saying that the existing payment is no longer sufficient to meet expenses. In September of last year (2025), the Ministry doubled the allocation for the programme to expand it to 100 education zones across all Provinces. The World Food Programme’s Home Grown School Feeding project also supports some suppliers, complementing the national initiative. The school mid-day meal programme currently aims to provide meals to about 1.6 million students across nearly 7,000 schools nationwide.

No revision of school meal suppliers rates 

<ul><li>Hosp. assures docs’ attendance to patient despite TU action&nbsp;</li></ul> The Health Ministry has launched an investigation to ascertain whether an intrauterine fetal death reported at the District General Hospital (DGH) in Trincomalee was caused by an alleged failure of doctors to attend to a patient during recent trade union (TU) action launched by a medical officers' TU.Sources privy to the matter told The Daily Morning that there had been such a death at the Trincomalee DGH, with allegations suggesting the situation arose after doctors attached to the relevant TU did not attend to the patient. However, when contacted by The Daily Morning yesterday (21), the Hospital Director Dr. Sandamali Samarakoon rejected allegations that doctors had failed to attend to the patient due to TU action. “The allegation the doctors did not attend to the patient is not true. Consultant obstetricians and gynaecologists were in the Hospital and they attended to the patient. There are instances where such deaths occur even when doctors attend to patients,” she said. She further noted that the Ministry had already initiated an inquiry into the incident and that the exact cause could only be determined once the investigation is completed. The reports emerged amid a series of TU actions including strikes carried out by medical officers in recent weeks over several demands.&nbsp;

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