<ul><li>&nbsp;2-3 months harvest duration paddy varieties to be cultivated </li><li>Available stocks sufficient for 4-5 months </li><li>&nbsp;8-month repayment purchasing loans to small-medium-scale mill owners&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;</li></ul> The Government plans to begin the 2026 Maha cultivation season about a month earlier than usual to safeguard the country’s rice supply against any disruption that could arise from the anticipated El Niño conditions, according to the Trade, Commerce, Food Security, and Cooperative Development Ministry. The Maha season normally runs from around September to March and is closely linked to the North-East monsoon. Speaking to The Daily Morning yesterday (25), Deputy subject Minister R M Jayawardena said that the Government is planning to address any possible disruption to the rice supply due to El Niño conditions through a number of measures. “We have an idea of the situation with regard to rice. At present, we believe that there’re sufficient paddy stocks for at least four to five months.” He said that the Government is already providing several forms of assistance to small- and medium-scale rice mill owners to enable them to purchase paddy. “We are giving loans to them to purchase paddy, and these loans can be repaid over a period of eight months. They are encouraged to purchase paddy and keep it in their stores. So, we can get them to release rice to the market without any shortage,” he said. Jayawardena further said the early start to the Maha season and the use of shorter-duration paddy varieties are also part of the efforts to ensure that rice supplies would not be disrupted. “We are planning to start this Maha season one month earlier than usual. We hope to sow the paddy before 15 October, and we’re looking at cultivating varieties that can give a harvest within two to three months,” he said. The Government’s move comes as the relevant institutions continue to monitor the development of El Niño, a climate pattern associated with changes in rainfall and temperature across different parts of the world. The World Meteorological Organisation stated in June that there is an 80 per cent probability of El Niño conditions emerging between June and this month (August), with the likelihood rising to around 90% for the next month (September)-December period. Most forecast models indicated that the event could reach at least moderate strength, with the possibility of becoming strong.&nbsp;&nbsp;Meanwhile, the Paddy Marketing Board has purchased 45,362 metric tonnes of paddy under the Government’s paddy purchasing programme for the Yala season, Cabinet Spokesperson Dr. Nalinda Jayatissa said yesterday.

El Niño’s impact on agriculture: Maha to be advanced by one month 

<ul><li>High cost of rooftop solar systems, BESS, inverters, batteries, equipment cited&nbsp;</li><li>Quarterly energy requirement plan, competitive procurement per capacity urged </li></ul> Tax concessions and other benefits offered under the country's renewable energy policy should be extended to households and small- and medium-scale businesses instead of being confined to large-scale energy investors, the Electricity Consumers’ Association (ECA) stated. The call comes after the Public Utilities Commission of Sri Lanka (PUCSL) approved a new feed-in tariff structure for renewable energy projects, including projects equipped with battery storage. The revised tariffs took effect yesterday (25) and will remain valid until 24 February of next year (2027). The tariff methodology was approved under Section 29 of the Electricity Act, No. 36 of 2024. Speaking to The Daily Morning, the ECA’s General Secretary Sanjeewa Dhammika said that the Government should provide special tax concessions, affordable loans and other financial assistance to households installing rooftop solar systems and to small- and medium-scale businesses seeking to purchase battery energy storage systems (BESS), inverters, batteries and other essential equipment. “We aren’t against renewable energy. What we oppose is a system where people’s money is directed towards the business profits of a few in the name of renewable energy.” He also said that the cost of importing batteries and related equipment remained a major barrier for ordinary consumers seeking to install solar systems with battery backup. "It is unfair to provide tax concessions to large-scale investors without addressing the tax burden faced by households and smaller businesses. People installing rooftop solar systems and small- and medium-scale businesses should also receive special tax concessions for batteries and BESS equipment,” he added. Dhammika further called on the Government and the PUCSL to publish, on a quarterly basis, the amount of solar capacity that needs to be added to the national electricity system, together with the required battery storage and backup capacity. "The relevant authorities should prepare a quarterly energy requirement plan and conduct competitive and transparent procurement based on the solar, BESS and backup capacity required during each period. Every feed-in tariff should be assessed in terms of how it’ll ultimately affect the electricity bill, and that impact should be made clear to the public.” He also said that the country should not enter into unlimited or long-term purchasing arrangements without first determining whether they are in the best interest of electricity consumers. “If consumers have to pay higher electricity bills in the future in the name of renewable energy, that can’t be considered a victory for the people.” The ECA’s comments come as the PUCSL seeks to increase renewable generation and address a projected electricity capacity shortage in the first quarter of 2027. Under the new tariff decision, the National System Operator (NSO) has been directed to ensure that at least 450 megawatts (MW) of solar photovoltaic combined with BESS is added to the national electricity system by March 2027. The measure is intended to provide sufficient capacity to meet the peak demand without scheduled power cuts caused by capacity shortages. The NSO has also been directed to ensure that the monthly average cost per unit of the 160 MW of BESS capacity already offered does not exceed Rs. 20 per kilowatt hour. Any amount above that threshold will not be recognised, recovered or allowed to be passed on through the end-user electricity tariff.

Renewable energy policy: Tax concession benefits sought for households, SMEs

<ul><li>Seek resolution from the next Budget&nbsp;</li></ul> Grama Niladhari (GN) officers, who are currently engaged in a limited trade union (TU) action by restricting their participation in meetings and several Government programmes, have warned that they will step up their action if their demands are not addressed through the upcoming Budget. When contacted by The Daily Morning, GN Officers’ TU Alliance (GNOTUA) Convenor Jagath Chandralal said that they had deliberately limited the TU action to activities that would affect the administration rather than the public, and that the current measures would continue until the Budget is presented. “We are currently limiting our visits to Divisional Secretariat offices. We are also not participating in meetings and various programmes conducted by the Government, such as Praja Shakthi and Clean Sri Lanka. We are doing this until the Budget. If we don’t receive relief through the Budget, we will intensify our TU action,” he said. A key demand of the GN officers is an increase in their travel allowance, which has remained at Rs 600 a month for the past eight yeaRs Chandralal said that the amount is inadequate and that an allowance equivalent to the cost of 20 litres of fuel, approved by the Cabinet of Ministers in 2024, had still not been implemented. “We receive only Rs 600 a month as a fuel allowance. In 2024, it was approved to provide us with the cost of 20 litres of fuel. It was supposed to be implemented, but, this Government didn’t give it to us.” The latest action follows earlier TU measures by GN officers over the same issue and several other demands. GN officers had previously announced that they would report sick and refrain from reporting for duty across the country for two days (on 11 and 12 August) in protest against the failure to increase the travel allowance and implement the Cabinet-approved benefit. The unions later called off that island-wide TU action following discussions with Public Administration Minister, Prof. Chandana Abayarathna and Ministry officials. TU representatives said that President Anura Kumara Dissanayake also joined the discussions by telephone and assured them that their demands would be addressed through the upcoming Budget.

GNs threaten to escalate TU action

<ul><li>Age 23 years sought for all public transportation drivers </li></ul> The All-Island Three-Wheeler Drivers' Association called on the Government to enforce the minimum age limit of 23 years for engaging in public transportation, rather than imposing a minimum age specifically for three-wheeler drivers.Speaking to The Daily Morning, the Association’s President Lalith Dharmasekara said that previous Governments had planned to regulate the three-wheeler profession, with proposals suggesting that citizens could obtain a driving licence at age 18, a heavy vehicle licence at 21, and a licence for public transport at age 23. "This would have enabled a minimum age for public transport drivers to be ensured. It would have prevented students joining this profession just at 18 as well. But, it was never established. This is the move that we need the Government to take. Not to impose a minimum age for three-wheeler drivers," he said."The Government also needs to regulate the three-wheeler driver profession and to standardise it first. If anyone is willing to go for the profession, they should have the right to choose their occupation and do it," he further added.The comments come in light of remarks made by the Deputy Vocational Education Minister Nalin Hewage who stated that one of the end goals of vocational education development is to see the country's youth having more opportunities to choose, and that in the future, where the goals are achieved, they would be able to make the minimum age for three-wheeler drivers 40 years.The remarks have ignited public debate over the three-wheeler driving profession and its social standing, with some observers suggesting that enforcing such an age restriction could encourage young people to pursue skill-based occupations instead of entering the three-wheeler field. However, no official record has been reported that the National Transport Commission is planning to gazette any such condition.Also, the Government has not yet considered a proposal to increase the minimum age for driving three-wheelers to 40, Cabinet Spokesperson Dr Nalinda Jayatissa said yesterday (25). Speaking at the weekly Cabinet of Ministers media briefing, Dr Jayatissa said that various proposals had been received from individuals and institutions on providing vocational education and training to those who had left school before completing their education or after sitting for the General Certificate of Education Advanced Level Examination. His remarks came after Hewage recently said that the Government is considering raising the minimum age for three-wheeler drivers to 40. Dr Jayatissa said that some of the proposals concerning vocational training are already being implemented, while others are still under discussion. He stressed that the proposal to raise the minimum age for three-wheeler drivers had not yet been considered by the Government and that no decision had been taken on a specific age limit. “The Government will make the final decision on what should be implemented,” he said.

Three-wheelers make clarion call : Set 23 as minimum age for public transport drivers 

The The All-Island Three-Wheeler Drivers' Association called on the Government to enforce the minimum age limit of 23 years for engaging in public transportatioAll-Island Three-Wheeler Drivers' Association called on the Government to enforce the minimum age limit of 23 years for engaging in public transportation, rather than imposing a minimum age specifically for three-wheeler drivers.Speaking to The Daily Morning, the Association’s President Lalith Dharmasekara said that previous Governments had planned to regulate the three-wheeler profession, with proposals suggesting that citizens could obtain a driving licence at age 18, a heavy vehicle licence at 21, and a licence for public transport at age 23. "This would have enabled a minimum age for public transport drivers to be ensured. It would have prevented students joining this profession just at 18 as well. But, it was never established. This is the move that we need the Government to take. Not to impose a minimum age for three-wheeler drivers," he said."The Government also needs to regulate the three-wheeler driver profession and to standardise it first. If anyone is willing to go for the profession, they should have the right to choose their occupation and do it," he further added.The comments come in light of remarks made by the Deputy Vocational Education Minister Nalin Hewage who stated that one of the end goals of vocational education development is to see the country's youth having more opportunities to choose, and that in the future, where the goals are achieved, they would be able to make the minimum age for three-wheeler drivers 40 years.The remarks have ignited public debate over the three-wheeler driving profession and its social standing, with some observers suggesting that enforcing such an age restriction could encourage young people to pursue skill-based occupations instead of entering the three-wheeler field. However, no official record has been reported that the National Transport Commission is planning to gazette any such condition.Also, the Government has not yet considered a proposal to increase the minimum age for driving three-wheelers to 40, Cabinet Spokesperson Dr Nalinda Jayatissa said yesterday (25). Speaking at the weekly Cabinet of Ministers media briefing, Dr Jayatissa said that various proposals had been received from individuals and institutions on providing vocational education and training to those who had left school before completing their education or after sitting for the General Certificate of Education Advanced Level Examination. His remarks came after Hewage recently said that the Government is considering raising the minimum age for three-wheeler drivers to 40. Dr Jayatissa said that some of the proposals concerning vocational training are already being implemented, while others are still under discussion. He stressed that the proposal to raise the minimum age for three-wheeler drivers had not yet been considered by the Government and that no decision had been taken on a specific age limit. “The Government will make the final decision on what should be implemented,” he said.

Petrol shed owners warn of long weekend shortage?

<ul><li> Water supply to Colombo and Gampaha temporarily suspended </li><li> Pvt factory non-toxic chemical release blamed&nbsp;</li><li>DMC and Tri-Forces probe, NWSDB complains to Police </li></ul>&nbsp;The risk to the water quality in the Kelani River around the right bank and the Ambatale intakes of the water treatment plants has been resolved with the assistance of the Tri-Forces, the National Water Supply and Drainage Board (NWSDB) said. Accordingly, laboratory tests were conducted to assess the water quality required for the resumption of the water supply, in line with recommendations issued by the Disaster Management Centre (DMC). The NWSDB said that the tests confirmed that the water meets the required quality standards, allowing steps to be taken to resume water distribution. The Board expected the water supply in areas surrounding the affected water treatment plants to return to normal within a few hours. However, delays may occur in the full restoration of the water supply to areas including Battaramulla, Kotte, Pamankada and Nugegoda.The NWSDB has requested the public’s cooperation with the measures being taken to safeguard consumers’ health and safety.The water supply to several areas in the Colombo and Gampaha Districts had been temporarily suspended due to the risk of the quality of water in the Kelani Ganga around the right bank and the Ambatale intakes of the purification plants being compromised. The NWSDB said that the supply from the Ambatale purification plant and the Kelani River around the right bank water purifiers was temporarily suspended following a notification from the DMC. The NWSDB has stated that the water supply to several areas in the Colombo and Gampaha Districts was temporarily suspended following the release of a chemical into the environment by a private factory. NWSDB Chairperson Chandana Bandara stated that the water supply was suspended as a precautionary measure until it could be confirmed whether any pollutants had entered the water supply. He further stated that a comprehensive investigation into the incident is being jointly conducted by the DMC and the Security Forces. He further stated that the NWSDB has lodged a complaint with the Police regarding the incident and that the relevant authorities have been informed to take appropriate legal action.The DMC has stated that necessary measures have been taken to prevent chemicals released into the environment by a private institution from contaminating the drinking water supply. Commenting on the incident, DMC Director Pradeep Kodippili stated that the Centre was informed of the situation on Monday evening (24) and immediately took the necessary measures. He added that testing is still ongoing, although preliminary findings have indicated that the chemicals concerned are non-toxic. Due to the emergency situation affecting the water quality near the intake point of the Kelani River, the NWSDB temporarily suspended the water supply to several areas in the Colombo and Gampaha Districts. However, the NWSDB later stated that the situation had been brought under control with the assistance of the Tri-Forces. Accordingly, on the recommendation of the DMC, laboratory tests were conducted to confirm that the water met the required quality standards before the water supply was restored.

Kelani and Ambatale survive water quality scare 

A new 90-day detention order (DO) has been issued to further detain and question the former Director of the State Intelligence Service, Major General (Retired) Suresh Sallay in connection with the ongoing investigations into the 2019 Easter Sunday terror attacks. The order will allow investigators to continue questioning Sallay as part of the probe into the circumstances surrounding the April 2019 attacks.Meanwhile, the Court of Appeal will announce on 7 October whether notices should be issued on the intervening petitions filed in connection with a petition submitted by Sallay. Sallay has challenged his arrest and detention under the Prevention of Terrorism (Temporary Provisions) Act in connection with investigations into the 2019 Easter Sunday terror attacks. The Court made the announcement after considering the intervening petitions filed in relation to Sallay’s petition. A total of 12 parties, including Bengamuwe Nalaka and several Buddhist monks, as well as Colombo Archbishop Malcolm Cardinal Ranjith, have filed intervening petitions in the case.

Salley detained for another 90 days 

Cabinet Spokesperson Dr Nalinda Jayatissa said that yesterday (25), the petroleum exploration licence awarding round, was officially launched at the Ceylon Petroleum Corporation,&nbsp;offering four exploration blocks in the Mannar Basin – nearly 34,000 square kilometres - to international energy companies.According to geological data, Sri Lanka potentially has oil and gas resources including petroleum, natural gas and liquid hydrocarbons. However, assessment requires modern techniques and advanced technologies. Appraisal and extraction follows thereafter. “A certain extent of information exists regarding oil in the said Basin and several areas in the Indian Ocean Zone territory belonging to Sri Lanka. Let's see,” he explained.&nbsp;

Petroleum in Mannar Basin?: Exploration licence awarding round launched 

A petition has been filed before the Supreme Court in support of the 22nd Amendment to the Constitution Bill presented to Parliament by the Government. The petition was filed by National People’s Power Parliamentarian Lakshman Nipuna Arachchi.The petitioner argues that the provisions contained in the proposed Amendment do not violate the sovereignty of the people or the independence of the Judiciary. Accordingly, the petitioner states that the Bill does not require approval through a public referendum and can be enacted through the Parliamentary process prescribed by the Constitution.The petition has been filed amid a growing legal and political debate over the proposed 22nd Amendment. The amendment has already drawn challenges before the Court, with at least 21 petitions filed challenging its constitutionality.&nbsp; The Government has maintained that it is prepared to proceed with the proposed constitutional reforms and has indicated that it would comply with any direction issued by the Court regarding the need for a referendum.

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Three-wheelers make clarion ca ...

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Petrol shed owners warn of lon ...

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Kelani and Ambatale survive wa ...

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Salley detained for another 90 ...

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Petroleum in Mannar Basin?: Ex ...

Govt MP files Intervenient petition supporting 22A

Govt MP files Intervenient pe ...

Renewable energy policy: Tax concession benefits sought for households ...

Renewable energy policy: Tax c ...

GNs threaten to escalate TU action

GNs threaten to escalate TU ac ...

Three-wheelers make clarion call : Set 23 as minimum age for public tr ...

Three-wheelers make clarion ca ...

Petrol shed owners warn of long weekend shortage?

Petrol shed owners warn of lon ...

Kelani and Ambatale survive water quality scare

Kelani and Ambatale survive wa ...

Salley detained for another 90 days

Salley detained for another 90 ...

Petroleum in Mannar Basin?: Exploration licence awarding round launche ...

Petroleum in Mannar Basin?: Ex ...

Govt MP files Intervenient petition supporting 22A

Govt MP files Intervenient pe ...

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GNs threaten to escalate TU action

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Three-wheelers make clarion call : Set 23 as minimum age for public tr ...

Three-wheelers make clarion ca ...

Petrol shed owners warn of long weekend shortage?

Petrol shed owners warn of lon ...

Kelani and Ambatale survive water quality scare

Kelani and Ambatale survive wa ...

Salley detained for another 90 days

Salley detained for another 90 ...