<ul><li>ECA also queries accountability for environmental damage in Norochcholai</li><li>PUCSL says relevant procurement authorities should take necessary action&nbsp;</li></ul> The Electricity Consumers' Association (ECA) organisation claimed the Government is incurring an estimated loss of around Rs. 75 million per day due to substandard coal procured under a controversial tender.Cabinet Spokesperson Dr. Nalinda Jayatissa said on 25 January that it was confirmed that coal samples sent to India in connection with the shipment that has sparked public debate did not meet the required calorific value.Speaking to The Daily Morning, the ECA General Secretary Sanjeewa Dhammika said the losses stem from poor-quality coal supplied to the Lakvijaya Coal Power Plant in Norochcholai, which has affected electricity generation and forced the authorities to rely on diesel-based power to make up the shortfall. “Particular attention should be paid to three coal shipments linked to this tender. Due to coal used from the first shipment between 2 and 9 January, one generator lost 15 megawatts (MW) of production capacity, resulting in a total loss of 45 MW across all three generators. There is still no clear information regarding the second shipment. Coal from the third shipment resulted in a shortfall of nearly 100 MW compared to the electricity output that should have been generated," he alleged.To compensate for this deficit, he said that electricity had to be generated using diesel, resulting in an additional cost of Rs. 75 million per day, which he said would ultimately have to be borne by electricity consumers. Although the Government has indicated that compensation will be received, Dhammika questioned as to who would be held accountable for the environmental damage caused by the use of substandard coal. He stressed that compensation should be paid immediately to the communities living around the Norochcholai Plant. "Ash released from the boilers could pose health risks, particularly during rainy weather, and could also cause serious damage to the vegetation in the surrounding areas. The acceptable ash content in coal is 11 per cent, and that coal should be rejected if the ash content exceeds 16%. However, they did not reject it." Speaking further, he called for the relevant reports within the Norochcholai Power Plant and on quality obtained from India to be tabled in the Parliament and made public. "The President should immediately remove the Energy Minister. If such action is not taken, the truth could be concealed due to political influence, and the public would be made to suffer to cover up the authorities' failures. The Public Utilities Commission (PUC) should also urgently initiate an investigation, calculate the total financial loss incurred, and disclose the findings to the public." When contacted by The Daily Morning, the PUC Director-Communication, Jayanat Herat said that the issue relates to a procurement matter and does not fall directly within HIS mandate. He said the relevant authorities should take necessary action regarding the issue. Attempts to contact the Energy Ministry Secretary and Acting Ceylon Electricity Board Chairperson, Prof. Udayanga Hemapala proved futile.

Substandard coal tender: Rs. 75 m daily loss alleged 

<ul><li>Post-CAA registration, SIS-MoD security clearance to be followed by CAA training and licensing&nbsp;</li><li>To cover permitted flying height, the operating range, whether an area is allowed or prohibited via maps with marked zones&nbsp;</li></ul>All drone owners would have to register themselves with the Civil Aviation Authority (CAA) and receive training on their operation, the Deputy Defence Minister, Aruna Jayasekara said.&nbsp;Responding to a question from The Daily Morning yesterday (26), he said that persons who use drones for commercial and recreational purposes are required to register and undergo training to improve their competence in using the technology. He added the competence of those who operate drones with approval from the CAA is assessed. Jayasekara noted there are rules on how high a drone could be flown, the distance they could be flown, and areas where it is permitted to operate, and areas where they are not allowed. Jayasekara said that after registration with the CAA, security clearance is obtained from the Defence Ministry. Based on this clearance, the CAA provides training and issues a licence to drone operators. He said that operators are to be made aware of matters such as the permitted flying height, the operating range, and whether an area is allowed or prohibited. Also, separate maps have been prepared, clearly marking zones where drones can be flown and areas that are restricted. He reiterated that training would be provided, awareness would be given, and licences would also be issued after obtaining security clearance from the State Intelligence Service (SIS) under the Defence Ministry.

Drone owners to register 

The Education Ministry stated that it plans to launch a pilot project for Grade Six education reforms during the course of this year (2026). Speaking to The Daily Morning on the education reform programme planned for this year, Ministry Secretary Nalaka Kaluwewa said the Ministry is considering introducing the pilot phase as part of efforts to address shortcomings that emerged during the initial rollout. "We have not decided on a timeframe yet. However, we are intending to launch a pilot project this year." The Ministry had earlier decided to open the concept paper on education reforms for public discussion in the coming days. Kaluwewa said last week that public input would be considered during the process of making necessary changes to education reforms. The education reform process has faced a series of setbacks in recent months. These include problems linked to the Grade Six modules, allegations that key stakeholders such as teachers and principals were not adequately consulted, and criticism over how decisions were taken within the reform framework. The situation escalated after an inappropriate web link was found in the Grade Six English module, which led to the Government halting the implementation of Grade Six education reforms until next year. Several parties including teachers' and principals' trade unions have stated that many of the problematic situations could have been avoided if a pilot project had been introduced, as was done with education reforms in the past.

Grade 6: Education reforms pilot project this year

Following the strike by State hospital doctors demanding the Health Ministry proceed with further action to establish a special service category titled the ‘Sri Lanka Medical Service’, the Ministry said that it is “closely observing the situation.”The Ministry Secretary, Dr. Anil Jasinghe, responding to questions from The Daily Morning yesterday (26) regarding the long drawn-out demand by doctors in the Government service for several monetary gains for their service category, said that the Ministry was “keeping a close watch on the situation in the State medical service at present.”The Government Medical Officers Association demands that the Ministry proceed with further action after obtaining Cabinet of Ministers approval for the Cabinet paper drafted with the participation and consensus of all stakeholders to establish a special service category called the “Sri Lanka Medical Service”, incorporating doctors from all categories, updating the Disturbance, Availability and Transport allowance of doctors, resolving transport-related issues in line with Circular 22/99, converting the additional duty allowance into a permanent allowance and resolving issues related to the research allowance.&nbsp;They called for the Ministry to commence discussions with the Finance Ministry from this month (January 2026) to resolve the above issues within a given time frame.However, as reported by The Daily Morning last week, the Association of Medical Specialists has called for the Government to separate them from the Grade Medical Officers’, claiming that medical specialists need clear administrative recognition and a pay structure that mirrors their postgraduate training and additional responsibilities in the medical field.&nbsp;

State med. service:  Health Ministry observing strike situation

<ul><li>Priority also to clearing silt to restore capacity and proper functioning&nbsp;</li></ul> The Land and Irrigation Ministry stated the Government is focusing on restoring and properly maintaining existing tanks, while also planning to build new tanks only in carefully identified areas where there is a clear need. Speaking to The Daily Morning, the Deputy subject Minister Aravinda Senarath said that Sri Lanka already has tanks in many Districts, but that a major issue is the failure to maintain their full capacity over the years. “Many tanks have been filled with silt. Our first priority is to clear these tanks and restore their capacity so that they can function properly,” he said. He added that the Government has no plan to build tanks in every District, noting that such an approach would not be necessary. However, he said that the authorities are identifying specific locations where additional tanks are required, and financial provisions have already been allocated to construct tanks in such areas. The remarks come amid efforts by the Ministry to strengthen the country’s irrigation network through short-, medium-, and long-term measures, particularly in response to extreme weather events and climate-related risks. In the aftermath of Cyclone&nbsp;Ditwah&nbsp;in November of last year (2025), the Ministry stated that it would take steps to improve the irrigation system so that they could withstand similar conditions in the future. Sri Lanka’s irrigation system is among the oldest in Asia, dating back to ancient kings who built massive reservoirs such as Minneriya, the Kala Wewa, and the Parakrama Samudraya. These interconnected tanks formed one of the world’s earliest hydraulic civilisations, enabling water storage during dry periods and supporting agriculture. Many of these ancient structures remain in use today. Modern developments, particularly under the Mahaweli Development Programme, further expanded the system through river diversions, new reservoirs, and the opening up of agricultural land. Reservoirs such as Victoria, Kotmale, and Randenigala have contributed to flood control, hydropower generation, and irrigation across the dry zone.

Irrigation: New tanks where necessary 

<ul><li>10,000 odd post-2000 complaints almost completed&nbsp;</li></ul> The Office on Missing Persons (OMP) said that they have received approximately 21,000 complaints so far, out of which approximately 10,000 belong to the years after 2000.Speaking to The Daily Morning, the OMP Chairperson, Mahesh Katulanda said that the complaints belonging to disappearances after 2000 have almost all been cleared, with the rest of the complaints, nearing 11,000, regarding disappearances before 2000. He claimed that most of these cases are from the North and the East of the country.Detailing the progress of clearing the files, he said that they have appointed 25 investigation committees and that they are hopeful that they can clear up to 5,000-6,000 cases by the end of the year. Further, he said that they have introduced an allowance programme as compensation for the families of the victims. "Some families have already received the allowance, and some are yet to receive it," he added.He further mentioned that despite the list that the Office has regarding missing persons, which includes details confirmed by the families, the Office is continuously receiving complaints.

OMP in 2026: 25 probe comms. to clear 5k-6k files 

The Government Medical Officers’ Association (GMOA) Secretary, Dr. Prabath Sugathadasa stated that the GMOA was compelled to take professional action as previous discussions with the Health Minister, in which agreements were reached in writing, were not implemented as promised.Addressing the media, he emphasised that if patient care services were disrupted due to this professional action, full responsibility should be taken by the Health Ministry, the Health Minister, and the Government.&nbsp;However, Dr. Sugathadasa stressed that these actions would not affect treatment for emergency patients and that the GMOA would not endanger patient lives.He further noted that if the authorities had properly fulfilled their duties, these trade union (TU) actions would not have been necessary. Dr. Sugathadasa added that the Health Minister had previously promised, during the Budget presentation to the Parliament, to recognise medical professionals as a specialised cadre including specialist doctors, medical officers in various grades, and administrative doctors and to introduce a distinct pay structure for them.&nbsp;However, Cabinet of Ministers approval for this has not yet been granted, he said.&nbsp;He also pointed out that proposals such as updating the duty allowance, converting the additional duty allowance into a permanent allowance, and incorporating it into salaries were supposed to be discussed with Treasury officials by 5 January of this year (2026), yet, no satisfactory response has been received to date.Consequently, following a lack of adequate response even after a two-day token strike, the GMOA decided to implement five TU actions: Not issuing prescriptions for medicines that are unavailable at clinics and outpatient departments (OPDs) to be purchased from outside pharmacies; Not issuing prescriptions or recommendations to obtain laboratory tests that are unavailable within the hospital system from external laboratories or private hospitals; Not permitting the establishment of new units within the hospital system if the approved number of doctors cannot be provided or if such approvals have not been granted; Not extending support to certain clinics and health camps conducted for political purposes or political requirements; and Doctors withdrawing from duties at hospitals, clinics, and OPDs if they are not provided with an assistant officer to support patient examinations. The GMOA had decided to launch an island-wide indefinite TU action from 8 a.m. yesterday (26). The decision has been taken owing to the alleged failure by the Ministry to implement agreed solutions. The Union’s Media Spokesperson, Dr. Chamil Wijesinghe stated that the strike will be implemented. “These actions are not about refusing to work. We will continue to work, but only within an environment where it is possible to do so. If the necessary facilities are not provided, the responsibility for the collapse of the free health service will rest with the Ministry, the Minister, and the Government. Furthermore, a GMOA Central Committee meeting will be convened tomorrow (28), at which further decisions regarding additional TU action will be taken. Accordingly, this continuous TU action will be intensified day by day. If the health system or patient care services collapse at any point as a result of these actions, the Ministry, the Minister, and the Government must take full responsibility.”

GMOA to intensify strike daily  

<ul><li>SJB alleges shortage of 40 cancer meds and presence of unreg. cancer drugs in mkt.</li></ul> A complaint has been lodged with the Criminal Investigation Department (CID) yesterday (26), calling for an investigation into an alleged shortage of 40 cancer medications and claims that unregistered cancer drugs are currently circulating in the market. The complaint was lodged by the main Opposition, the Samagi Jana Balawegaya’s (SJB) Parliamentarian Mujibur Rahman, together with the Chairperson of the Doctors’ Trade Union Alliance for Medical and Civil Rights organisation, Dr. Chamal Sanjeewa.Commenting on the issue, Dr. Sanjeewa stated that particularly at the National Cancer Institute/Apeksha Hospital in Maharagama, there is a severe shortage of nearly 40 types of cancer medicines. Due to the unavailability of these drugs, patients are compelled to purchase them from external factions at excessively high prices. He further noted that serious concerns exist regarding the quality and safety of such externally procured medicines. Dr. Sanjeewa also alleged that unregistered cancer drugs are circulating in the market, raising uncertainty about their contents and safety.Meanwhile, addressing the media, Rahman emphasised that it is the Government’s responsibility to ensure that imported medicines meet the required quality standards and are duly registered before being made available to the public.

Medical drugs complaint to CID

The Opposition Leader, Sajith Premadasa has assured that he would extend his full support if educational reforms are implemented in a proper and effective manner.He noted that a large number of children have been adversely affected due to the failure to implement the proposed education reforms at the Grade Six level. Although the Government has attempted to place responsibility for the suspension of the said reforms on the Opposition, Premadasa emphasised that it was in fact the current administration, led by the President, that halted the implementation of these reforms. He further stated that hundreds of thousands of parents and students were anticipating the introduction of the Grade 6 reforms, however, the expectations have been undermined due to the Government’s decision to postpone them.Premadasa also stressed the reforms should be implemented within the current year, following consultations with experts in the field of education and the removal of inappropriate content. Additionally, he urged the Government to engage with experienced professionals in the education sector and to arrive at progressive and well-informed decisions. Premadasa reiterated that should a formal dialogue be initiated on the matter, the Opposition is willing to present its views and extend its cooperation to ensure the proper implementation of the proposed educational reforms.

Substandard coal tender: Rs. 75 m daily loss alleged

Drone owners to register

Drone owners to register

Grade 6: Education reforms pilot project this year

Grade 6: Education reforms pil ...

State med. service: Health Ministry observing strike situation

State med. service: Health Mi ...

Irrigation: New tanks where necessary

Irrigation: New tanks where ne ...

OMP in 2026: 25 probe comms. to clear 5k-6k files

OMP in 2026: 25 probe comms. t ...

GMOA to intensify strike daily

GMOA to intensify strike daily ...

Medical drugs complaint to CID

Medical drugs complaint to CID

Edu. reforms: Sajith to back effective implementation

Edu. reforms: Sajith to back e ...

Drone owners to register

Drone owners to register

Grade 6: Education reforms pilot project this year

Grade 6: Education reforms pil ...

State med. service: Health Ministry observing strike situation

State med. service: Health Mi ...

Irrigation: New tanks where necessary

Irrigation: New tanks where ne ...

OMP in 2026: 25 probe comms. to clear 5k-6k files

OMP in 2026: 25 probe comms. t ...

GMOA to intensify strike daily

GMOA to intensify strike daily ...

Medical drugs complaint to CID

Medical drugs complaint to CID

Edu. reforms: Sajith to back effective implementation

Edu. reforms: Sajith to back e ...

Bringing the news paper to your fingertips

Drone owners to register

Drone owners to register

Grade 6: Education reforms pilot project this year

Grade 6: Education reforms pil ...

Bringing the news paper to your fingertips

State med. service: Health Ministry observing strike situation

State med. service: Health Mi ...

Irrigation: New tanks where necessary

Irrigation: New tanks where ne ...

OMP in 2026: 25 probe comms. to clear 5k-6k files

OMP in 2026: 25 probe comms. t ...

GMOA to intensify strike daily

GMOA to intensify strike daily ...