<ul><li>Current procurement plan unlikely to deliver gap-filler in time</li></ul>Sri Lanka is expected to face an electricity shortfall of around 450 MW by January 2027 as prolonged dry weather linked to the anticipated El Niño event reduces hydropower generation, prompting authorities to fast-track Battery Energy Storage Systems (BESS) through a proposed Feed-in Tariff (FIT) mechanism instead of the lengthier competitive procurement process.National System Operator (NSO) Chairman Dr. Pradeep Perera told The Sunday Morning that the country had little choice but to rapidly introduce battery-backed renewable energy if it was to bridge the looming supply gap while avoiding greater dependence on expensive diesel-fired generation.“We expect an additional requirement of around 450 MW by early next year. With hydro generation declining during the dry period, we cannot depend solely on coal. The practical alternatives are diesel generation or battery energy storage integrated with renewable energy, and BESS is considerably cheaper than diesel,” he said.The warning comes amid forecasts of below-average rainfall associated with El Niño, which is expected to significantly reduce hydropower output during the first quarter of 2027.Although the NSO’s preferred procurement model remains competitive bidding, Dr. Perera said that the process could not deliver capacity in time.“Our preference is always competitive bidding because it ensures the best price. However, tenders take several months to complete. Given the urgency of the requirement, introducing a FIT is the only practical option available at present,” he said.He confirmed that negotiations were underway to revise the tariff levels proposed by the Public Utilities Commission of Sri Lanka (PUCSL), with the NSO seeking rates closer to the cost of furnace oil generation rather than the initially proposed figures.According to Dr. Perera, the batteries would be charged using electricity generated from renewable energy sources, enabling intermittent renewable power to be dispatched during periods of peak demand.“BESS enables renewable energy to function as firm energy, which is essential for a country like Sri Lanka because of our dependence on imported fossil fuels,” he said.He also dismissed claims that engineers attached to the NSO had objected to the proposed tariff framework, stating that the criticism had come from retired Ceylon Electricity Board (CEB) engineers rather than serving NSO officials.As reliably learnt by The Sunday Morning, should the proposal proceed, developers investing in battery energy storage projects are expected to receive 15-year Standardised Power Purchase Agreements (SPPAs) under the new tariff mechanism.The proposed tariff structure is currently under public consultation by the PUCSL.&nbsp;The consultation paper proposes differentiated FITs for renewable energy projects equipped with battery storage, with electricity supplied during the evening peak period (5.30 p.m. to 9.30 p.m.) attracting significantly higher payments than energy supplied at other times.For utility-scale projects, the consultation document proposes a feed-in tariff of Rs. 51.55 per unit for ground-mounted solar projects with battery storage and Rs. 60.26 per unit for floating solar projects with battery storage during the priority evening peak period, while lower tariffs would apply outside those hours.The consultation paper also proposes battery-inclusive rooftop solar tariffs for a 15-year period, with rates varying according to system size and reaching up to Rs. 66.53 per unit during prioritised feed-in hours for certain categories. The commission has noted that the proposed rates remain under stakeholder consultation and may be revised before being finalised.According to the PUCSL, the proposed tariff framework has been developed under the Sri Lanka Electricity Act No.36 of 2024 and is intended to facilitate the deployment of renewable energy backed by battery storage to improve system reliability. The regulator is currently seeking stakeholder comments before determining the final FITs.With hydropower expected to decline sharply during the anticipated dry spell, the NSO maintains that rapidly deploying battery-backed renewable generation is critical to preventing a 450 MW electricity deficit by January, while reducing reliance on costly diesel generation during peak demand periods.Attempts made to contact PUCSL Director General Damitha Kumarasinghe were futile.&nbsp;

Power supply: 450 MW power shortfall by Jan.

The Colombo Permanent High Court Trial-at-Bar on Friday (31 July) sentenced former Secretary to the Ministry of Defence Hemasiri Fernando and former Inspector General of Police (IGP) Pujith Jayasundara to death after finding them guilty of criminal negligence over their failure to prevent the 2019 Easter Sunday terror attacks despite receiving prior intelligence information.The verdict was delivered in the case filed by the Attorney General (AG) against Jayasundara and Fernando on charges of criminal negligence and dereliction of duty for failing to act on intelligence concerning the impending attacks.The trial-at-bar delivered a divided verdict, with Justices Priyantha Liyanage and Thilakarathna Bandara finding Jayasundara guilty of the charges.Announcing the majority decision, presiding Justice Liyanage said that the defendant had failed to take action despite receiving prior intelligence warning of an imminent terrorist attack on Easter Sunday.The court observed that this failure had resulted in the deaths of 268 people and injuries to another 586. Jayasundara was serving as the IGP at the time and had been entrusted with protecting citizens and ensuring public safety, the majority bench noted.The court said the then Chief of the State Intelligence Service (SIS) Nilantha Jayawardena had informed Jayasundara on the evening of 20 April 2019 that attacks had been planned against Catholic churches and tourist hotels in Colombo and its suburbs the following day.&nbsp;However, Jayasundara had failed to take measures to prevent the attacks despite receiving the warning. As the State official appointed to prevent crime, he had failed to discharge his responsibilities, the majority held. Considering the nature and gravity of the offence, the majority of the bench sentenced Jayasundara to death.Delivering the minority judgment, Justice Viraj Weerasooriya ruled that the prosecution had failed to prove the charges against Jayasundara beyond reasonable doubt and ordered that he be acquitted.Hearings in the case against Jayasundara concluded on 12 June while proceedings in the case against Fernando concluded on 13 June.&nbsp;The case centred on allegations that both officials had failed to act on actionable intelligence warnings, provided primarily by Indian intelligence agencies weeks before the attacks, regarding coordinated strikes planned by the local extremist group National Thowheeth Jama’ath (NTJ).&nbsp;The AG indicted the pair on hundreds of counts of criminal negligence under the Penal Code, though initial efforts by State prosecutors to frame charges closer to grave crimes against humanity were scaled back by courts during earlier hearings.Both Jayasundara and Fernando were arrested in July 2019 by the Criminal Investigation Department (CID). Subsequently, both were indicted before the Colombo High Court-at-Bar.On 18 February 2022, the then Colombo High Court-at-Bar acquitted and released both officials, discharging them under Section 200(1) of the Code of Criminal Procedure Act without calling for a defence, on the basis that the prosecution had failed to establish a prima facie case.&nbsp;The AG appealed the acquittal to the Supreme Court. In late 2024, a five-judge bench of the Supreme Court set aside the High Court’s acquittal, ruling that the trial judges had misapplied procedural law, including provisions on abetment, and had prematurely halted the trial.&nbsp;The Supreme Court held that the gravity of the defendants’ national security responsibilities and their documented possession of prior intelligence warranted a full defence hearing, and directed the case back to the High Court-at-Bar.The two former officials also faced civil accountability proceedings separate from the criminal case. In January 2023, a full bench of the Supreme Court delivered a Fundamental Rights judgment ruling that State authorities, including former President Maithripala Sirisena, Jayasundara, Fernando, and Jayawardena, had violated citizens’ Fundamental Rights by failing to prevent the attacks despite clear intelligence. The court ordered them to personally pay compensation to victims’ families, with Fernando ordered to pay Rs. 50 million and Jayasundara Rs. 75 million.

Easter Sunday terror attacks: Hemasiri, Pujith sentenced to death 

&nbsp;<ul><li>New pipeline to be built alongside expansion</li><li>Plans to renovate tanks and pipeline system in two years</li></ul> The Ceylon Petroleum Corporation (CPC) expects to complete the next phase of the Trincomalee Oil Tank Farm development, including the refurbishment of 29 oil tanks and the construction of a new oil pipeline, within the next two yearsWhen contacted by The Sunday Morning, CPC Managing Director Dr. Mayura Neththikumarage stated that Requests for Proposal (RFP) for 29 tanks within the oil farm were ready, with approval pending from procurement committees.“We are expecting that we can develop 29 tanks in two years’ time. Once the RFP is approved, we will publish it,” he said.At present, the CPC has completed the renovation of two oil tanks, while tenders have been called for the repair of three more oil tanks.According to Dr. Neththikumarage, out of the complex’s 99 oil tanks, 61 oil tanks are owned by the Sri Lankan and Indian joint venture company named Trinco Petroleum Terminal Ltd., while 24 tanks belong to the CPC. The remaining 14 oil tanks belong to Lanka IOC (LIOC).Dr. Neththikumarage said that the proposed new oil pipeline would be developed by the CPC, with the expectation of it also being completed within a two-year time period.A special observation tour led by Minister of Ports, Civil Aviation, and Energy Anura Karunathilake, was conducted to inspect the development activities of the Trincomalee Port, the oil tank complex, the new pipeline system, and the China Bay Airport.These development projects are expected to strengthen Sri Lanka’s energy security and increase fuel storage and distribution capacity.&nbsp;

Energy security: CPC to call bids for 29 tanks

<ul><li>Says current production exceeds annual demand</li><li>Early Maha cultivation, water conservation measures planned</li></ul> Sri Lanka currently has sufficient rice stocks, with paddy production already exceeding the country’s annual requirements, Deputy Minister of Agriculture and Livestock Namal Karunaratne claims.&nbsp;This, despite growing concerns over the potential impact of El Niño-related weather conditions on cultivation.“We generally require around 2.4 million MT of rice annually. A production that exceeds that requirement is already available in the country,” Karunaratne told The Sunday Morning.Addressing measures to safeguard rice security amid rising temperatures and declining reservoir water levels, he said that the Government had developed several contingency plans to minimise any impact on paddy cultivation.“With the El Niño condition, temperatures have increased and water levels in reservoirs are declining rapidly. We have created awareness among the public and farmers to use water sparingly.&nbsp;“We have also decided to begin the Maha cultivation season about two weeks earlier than usual. In addition, we plan to cultivate mung beans as an intermediate crop on around 16,500 hectares of paddy fields that are already being harvested, while also promoting home gardening,” Karunaratne said, adding that these measures were aimed at ensuring that rice production was maintained and any potential shortages were minimised.Experts have cautioned that El Niño-related weather changes could put a strain on water supplies and agricultural productivity, making preparedness measures critical to ensuring rice security in the country.

Food security: Rice stocks adequate, claims Agri Min.

<ul><li>Additional bowsers to be sourced from local authorities if needed</li></ul>Despite warnings that an intensified El Niño could trigger widespread drinking water shortages between January and April 2027, the National Water Supply and Drainage Board (NWSDB) has only around 100 water bowsers available nationwide for emergency distribution.While authorities insist reservoir levels remain stable for now, officials acknowledge that additional bowsers may have to be sourced from local authorities or hired from private entities if the anticipated dry spell escalates into a major water supply crisis, The Sunday Morning reliably learns.NWSDB Chairman Chandana Bandara told The Sunday Morning that the board was operating at its normal maximum production capacity and had not encountered any immediate difficulties in obtaining water.“We usually obtain water from reservoirs managed by the Irrigation Department and the Mahaweli Authority. We also have about five reservoirs of our own, including Labugama, Kalatuwawa, and Basnagoda,” he said.The Department of Meteorology warned that there was a strong possibility that the phenomenon could develop into a more intense El Niño event in the coming months.“While we do not expect a severe water shortage, the prudent use of available water resources remains essential. With proper management, we believe the country will be able to manage the situation, particularly as rainfall conditions are expected to improve after October under the influence of El Niño,” Department of Meteorology Director of Forecasting Meril Mendis said.The NWSDB Chairman said that neither the Mahaweli Authority nor the Irrigation Department had imposed restrictions on the water released to the NWSDB, while reservoirs managed by the board also had sufficient capacity.“There are no restrictions at present. We don’t expect a severe water shortage to arise this year,” he said.However, citing forecasts by the Department of Meteorology, Bandara warned that comparatively severe drought conditions could develop during February, March, and April 2027, potentially placing pressure on drinking water supplies.As part of its preparations, the NWSDB is developing tube wells across the country, with particular attention to dry areas and the Western Province. These wells are expected to provide supplementary supplies if water levels in reservoirs, tanks, and rivers decline.Bandara cautioned, however, that groundwater could provide only a temporary and limited solution during an intense drought.“We can extract only a very limited quantity of groundwater compared to what we obtain from tanks and rivers. If a severe drought occurs, tube wells may not be sufficient, but they can be used as a temporary solution,” he said.The NWSDB is also conducting awareness programmes through universities, schools, and its Environmental and Social Division to discourage water wastage and encourage the careful use of available supplies.Bandara said that about 100 NWSDB-owned bowsers were available across the country, with the largest number stationed in the Western Province. If conditions deteriorate, additional bowsers can be obtained from Local Government authorities and disaster management agencies or hired from other sources.“If a worst-case situation arises in 2027, we will have to take measures according to the conditions prevailing at that time. We have bowsers allocated to every district and managerial division,” he said.He added that the NWSDB could use its own funds to respond to an emergency situation. The board’s General Manager and a team of officials, including a social scientist, are also representing the institution on the ministerial committee appointed to prepare for the anticipated climatic conditions.Concerns over Sri Lanka’s preparedness were also raised during a meeting of the Committee on Public Finance (COPF) last week. Disaster Management Centre (DMC) Director General Maj. Gen. (Retd) Sampath Kotuwegoda said forecasts indicated that the current dry spell could continue until the end of September, followed by heavy rainfall from late September through November and December.The rainfall could be intense enough to cause minor or major floods in some areas, he warned. The more critical period is expected to begin in January 2027 and continue until around April, when the dry conditions could develop into a drinking water crisis.Although reservoirs currently contain sufficient water for cultivation, Kotuwegoda said priority was being given to protecting drinking water supplies. The DMC is identifying and mapping bowsers and water sources in every district to improve its emergency response capacity.Housing, Construction, and Water Supply Minister Susil Ranasinghe told The Sunday Morning that Sri Lanka was entering a period of heightened climate risk, with the most severe conditions expected later this year.While August and September are traditionally dry, the current dry spell is forecast to be more severe than usual. According to the Minister, peak El Niño-related conditions are expected during October, November, and December.A Cabinet Subcommittee has been appointed to monitor developments and revise the Government’s action plans every few weeks in consultation with the Meteorology Department and other relevant agencies.&nbsp;

El Niño: NWSDB has only 100 water bowsers

<ul><li>Feasibility studies, design complete</li></ul>The Government is in the final stages of negotiations with India on the proposed renovation of the Kankesanthurai (KKS) Port, with feasibility studies, design, and other major technical decisions completed.Deputy Minister of Ports and Civil Aviation Janitha Ruwan Kodithuwakku told The Sunday Morning that the Memorandum of Understanding (MOU) governing the project was still under negotiation between Sri Lanka and India.“The MOU with India is still at the negotiation stage right now,” he said.&nbsp;Kodithuwakku confirmed that physical construction work on the project had not commenced yet.“We sent the conditions and negotiations to the Attorney General’s Department and received some concepts. We have complied with those concepts and submitted them to the Indian HIgh Commission. Before the MOU is signed, matters such as verification of the conditions have to take place, which is taking place these days.”However, the necessary preparatory work for the project has already been completed. “Feasibility studies and design have been done, and many decisions have been finalised. Now, all we have to do is sign the MOU, receive the grant, and start the work,” the Deputy Minister said.Speaking on the proposed $ 60 million Indian grant for the project, Kodithuwakku stated that the funding remained available, even though discussions and negotiations on the implementation framework were ongoing.“That $ 60 million is there as a grant for us. The discussions now are on how we are going to utilise the grant, what the ownership of the project will be, and what kind of partnership we are going into,” he added.&nbsp;

Indo-Lanka projects: KKS MOU negotiations reach final stages

Negotiations between the Government-appointed committee and representatives of the X-Press Pearl’s insurers are continuing as Sri Lanka pursues a negotiated settlement, while legal proceedings in Singapore remain on hold pending developments in related litigation before the London courts, The Sunday Morning learns.A member of the Government-appointed negotiating committee, speaking on condition of anonymity, confirmed to The Sunday Morning that discussions with the ship’s insurers were ongoing in an effort to reach a settlement.Meanwhile, a source at the Attorney General’s Department confirmed that no substantive progress had been made in the Singapore proceedings as authorities awaited the outcome of the limitation action currently before the London courts.“The Singapore matter is in abeyance at the moment because we first have to get the limitation issue in London out of the way. We can revive the Singapore action only after that,” a senior official from the Attorney General’s Department said on condition of anonymity.The official added that both the London limitation proceedings and the Singapore action remained active, although a negotiated settlement could make further litigation unnecessary.“If the parties are able to reach a settlement and agree on compensation, then all the litigation would become unnecessary,” the official said.According to the Attorney General’s Department, responsibility for the negotiations now rests with the Government-appointed committee, while the department’s involvement has become limited.The ongoing negotiations follow repeated attempts by the X-Press Pearl’s liability insurer, the London P&amp;I Club, to engage with the Sri Lankan Government after the Supreme Court’s landmark judgment on the environmental disaster.In September last year, the club wrote to President Anura Kumara Dissanayake seeking the appointment of a high-level Government representative to facilitate discussions with the Government, the London P&amp;I Club, X-Press Feeders, and other stakeholders. The insurer said it was seeking a dialogue without prejudice to the parties’ legal rights and proposed time-bound negotiations to resolve the dispute.In a follow-up letter sent in November, the London P&amp;I Club said it remained ready to meet with the Attorney General or any Government representative nominated by the President to discuss “a potential way forward” while preserving the parties’ legal rights and defences.The insurer also sought support from the UK Government. In a letter to former Chancellor of the Exchequer Rachel Reeves, the London P&amp;I Club argued that Sri Lanka’s interim $ 1 billion compensation award exceeded internationally recognised maritime liability limits and warned of wider implications for the global marine insurance industry. It called for diplomatic engagement with Sri Lanka to help facilitate a negotiated resolution that would balance environmental accountability with the commercial realities of international shipping.&nbsp;

MV X-Press Pearl tragedy: Singapore case on hold as settlement talks continue

One inmate is confirmed dead while at least six persons are injured and receiving treatment following the tense situation reported at the Mahara Prison.&nbsp;Seven persons were admitted to the Ragama Hospital following the unrest as the Mahara Prison while one of them succumbed to injuries, according to hospital sources.&nbsp;&nbsp;Following reports of a tense situation, a major fire had broken out in a building at the Mahara Prison and several persons, including inmates, have been injured in the incident. The injured were rushed to the Ragama Hospital.&nbsp;&nbsp;Earlier, it was reported that a tense situation was prevailing within the premises of the Mahara Prison.&nbsp;Sri Lanka Police said that several special police teams have been deployed to the location to look into the matter.&nbsp;&nbsp;Police Special Task Force (STF) personnel have reportedly been deployed outside the Mahara Prison following reports of a tense situation within the prison.&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;The Prisons Department says that steps have been taken to control the tense situation that has been reported within the Mahara Prison.&nbsp;A dispute between inmates and prison officers had reportedly led to the tense situation in the Mahara Prison this evening (01).&nbsp;Additional prison officers have also been called in to control the situation and it is said that Police and Police Special Task Force (STF) personnel have been deployed for security outside the prison.&nbsp;However, prison sources said that the inmates have set fire to the office of the Chief Jailer and the Disciplinary Division of the prison and that measures have been taken to extinguish the fire.&nbsp;Meanwhile, it is reported that although relatives of inmates had arrived at the Mahara Prison this afternoon to visit the inmates, they were not allowed to enter the prison premises.&nbsp;Accordingly, it is reported that the relatives are currently waiting outside the Mahara Prison.&nbsp;However, relatives of inmates who are outside the prison have told the media that several gunshots were heard from inside the prison.&nbsp;The Prisons Department has not yet made an official statement regarding the incident.

One inmate dead, 6 persons injured in unrest at Mahara Prison

Following reports of a tense situation, a major fire has broken out in a building at the Mahara Prison and several persons, including inmates, have been injured in the incident.&nbsp;The injured have been rushed to the Ragama Hospital.&nbsp;&nbsp;Earlier, it was reported that a tense situation was prevailing within the premises of the Mahara Prison.&nbsp;Sri Lanka Police said that several special police teams have been deployed to the location to look into the matter.&nbsp;&nbsp;Police Special Task Force (STF) personnel have reportedly been deployed outside the Mahara Prison following reports of a tense situation within the prison.&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;The Prisons Department says that steps have been taken to control the tense situation that has been reported within the Mahara Prison.&nbsp;A dispute between inmates and prison officers had reportedly led to the tense situation in the Mahara Prison this evening (01).&nbsp;Additional prison officers have also been called in to control the situation and it is said that Police and Police Special Task Force (STF) personnel have been deployed for security outside the prison.&nbsp;However, prison sources said that the inmates have set fire to the office of the Chief Jailer and the Disciplinary Division of the prison and that measures have been taken to extinguish the fire.&nbsp;Meanwhile, it is reported that although relatives of inmates had arrived at the Mahara Prison this afternoon to visit the inmates, they were not allowed to enter the prison premises.&nbsp;Accordingly, it is reported that the relatives are currently waiting outside the Mahara Prison.&nbsp;However, relatives of inmates who are outside the prison have told the media that several gunshots were heard from inside the prison.&nbsp;The Prisons Department has not yet made an official statement regarding the incident.

Power supply: 450 MW power shortfall by Jan.

Easter Sunday terror attacks: Hemasiri, Pujith sentenced to death

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One inmate dead, 6 persons inj ...

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Easter Sunday terror attacks: Hemasiri, Pujith sentenced to death

Easter Sunday terror attacks: ...

Energy security: CPC to call bids for 29 tanks

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Food security: Rice stocks adequate, claims Agri Min.

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El Niño: NWSDB has only 100 water bowsers

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MV X-Press Pearl tragedy: Singapore case on hold as settlement talks c ...

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One inmate dead, 6 persons injured in unrest at Mahara Prison

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Fire in building amidst tense ...

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Easter Sunday terror attacks: Hemasiri, Pujith sentenced to death

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