<ul><li>Food Security Min. says Yala production, stocks purchased by PMB/Lanka Sathosa, small-medium-scale millers stocks, sufficient for Nov.-Jan.</li></ul> The Government stated that there would be no shortage of other varieties of rice in the coming months, despite the ongoing scarcity of Keeri Samba and the disputes surrounding its price. Speaking to The Daily Morning, Deputy Minister of Trade, Commerce, and Food Security R.M. Jayawardana said that the rice shortages usually occur in the months of November, December, and January.However, he said that they do not anticipate a shortage of other varieties of rice this year due to several reasons. “The production in the Yala cultivation season was higher than expected. Also, there is a certain quantity of paddy purchased by the Paddy Marketing Board (PMB) and the Lanka Sathosa. We have provided loans to small- and medium-scale mill owners to purchase paddy, and they too have stocks. With all this, we think that we will be able to manage the supply of other types of rice without a shortage in the coming months.” Commenting on the prevailing shortage of Keeri Samba earlier, he claimed that large-scale mill owners are exploiting the shortage of Keeri Samba that typically emerges in October and November by pushing prices above the Government’s maximum retail price.&nbsp;“We said that a kilogram (kg) of Keeri Samba paddy should be purchased at Rs. 132. But, the large-scale mill owners bought it at Rs. 170–175. At those prices, it became impossible for them to sell a kilo of rice at the Government’s set price of Rs. 260. They have therefore been trying to sell Keeri Samba rice at higher prices. Now, they are misusing the usual shortage that arises in October and November to sell rice at higher prices,” he said.

Rice: Govt. assures varieties except Keeri Samba

The main Opposition, the Samagi Jana Balawegaya (SJB) stated that it is currently studying the possibility of bringing a no-confidence motion (NCM) against the Speaker of the Parliament Dr. Jagath Wickramaratne, with a final decision expected by the next Parliamentary week. Speaking to The Daily Morning, Chief Opposition Whip Gayantha Karunathilleka said: “We are currently studying the loss of confidence in the Speaker. Several of our Parliamentarians raised in the Parliament that we should consider bringing an NCM against him. We will make a final decision by the next Parliamentary week.” SJB General Secretary and Parliamentarian Ranjith Madduma Bandara warned last week that an NCM would be brought against the Speaker if he failed to safeguard the democratic rights of the Opposition. The dispute arose after Dr. Wickramaratne announced his decision regarding the NCM submitted by the Opposition against the Deputy Defence Minister, (retired) Major General Aruna Jayasekera. On 10 September, the Speaker ruled that the motion could not be accepted in its current form, citing advice from the Attorney General’s (AG) Department and the Parliamentary Secretariat. The Opposition has since demanded that the reports submitted by the AG’s Department and the Parliamentary Secretariat be tabled in the Parliament, but the Speaker has not given any indication that he intends to do so.

Speaker NCM: SJB mulls decision next week

<ul><li>Wants Col.-Galle office trains’ broken/faulty windows and fans repaired, washrooms maintained&nbsp;&nbsp;</li></ul> Transport Minister Bimal Rathnayake has issued a stern warning to officials attached to the Railways Department, stating that those who fail to ensure the proper functioning and maintenance of the Railway services should be prepared to step down.Speaking at a discussion held at the Kalutara District Secretariat, Rathnayake criticised the poor condition of train compartments, highlighting issues such as broken windows, non-functional fans and unsanitary washrooms, especially on key office trains such as those operating between Galle and Colombo.He also referenced an incident where a young boy lost two fingers after falling against a faulty window during his first train ride. “These trains are meant for the working people. How can we justify such poor service? Within a month, I want to see clear repairs – washrooms, windows, fans. And, in three days, send me a WhatsApp message telling me what you’re going to do. If you can’t provide a basic service, then leave. This is the final warning. I’m seriously fed up,” he said.

Railways: Transport Min. reads riot act

The Electricity Consumers’ Association (ECA) stated that the Ceylon Electricity Board (CEB) would have to be maintained for at least a few more months as the restructuring process continues, and stressed that it should therefore have a permanent chairperson other than the Energy Ministry Secretary Prof. Udayanga Hemapala, who is currently serving as the acting CEB Chairperson.ECA General Secretary Sanjeewa Dhammika told The Daily Morning that although the CEB has already been divided into four companies under the restructuring, the institution itself would need to operate for several more months until the process is complete.&nbsp;“The Ministry Secretary, who now holds the post, is already overburdened. He doesn’t even respond to telephone calls, likely because of his workload. The Government should therefore appoint someone else as the CEB Chairperson,” he said.He further said that there could be issues in the CEB’s decision-making process due to the Energy Ministry Secretary serving as its acting chairperson. “When we point out that there will be problems because of his presence, the response that we get is that there is no issue since the decisions are made by the CEB’s Board of Directors. But, isn’t there a possibility for the directors to be influenced, given that he is the Ministry Secretary?”Energy Minister, engineer Kumara Jayakody and Prof. Hemapala were not available for comment.Following the resignation of Dr. Tilak Siyambalapitiya as the Chairperson of the CEB early this year, Prof. Hemapala was appointed as the acting CEB Chairperson. The CEB announced Siyambalapitiya’s resignation to the Colombo Stock Exchange on 27 May, and on the same day ratified Hemapala’s appointment as the Chairperson and Non-Executive/Independent Board Member.

Ongoing restructuring: ECA wants actg. CEB Chair replaced

Saudi Arabia and nuclear-armed Pakistan have signed a formal mutual defence pact in a move that significantly strengthens a decades-long security partnership amid heightened regional tensions.The enhanced defence ties come as Gulf Arab States grow increasingly wary about the reliability of the United States (US) as their longstanding security guarantor – concerns heightened by Israel’s attack in Qatar last week.“This agreement is a culmination of years of discussions,” a senior Saudi official said. “This is not a response to specific countries or specific events but an institutionalisation of longstanding and deep cooperation between our two countries.”Israel’s attempt to kill the political leaders of Hamas with airstrikes on Doha, while they were discussing a ceasefire proposal that Qatar is helping to mediate, infuriated Arab countries.The pact on Wednesday (17) could shift the strategic calculus in a complex region. Gulf monarchies – allies of Washington, District of Columbia, US – have sought to stabilise ties with both Iran and Israel to resolve longstanding security concerns.But, the Gaza war has upended the region and Qatar has been subjected to direct hits twice in a year, once by Iran and once by Israel.The senior Saudi official acknowledged the need to balance relations with Pakistan’s rival, India, also a nuclear power.“Our relationship with India is more robust than it has ever been. We will continue to grow this relationship and seek to contribute to regional peace whichever way we can.”Asked whether Pakistan would be obliged to provide Saudi Arabia with a nuclear umbrella under the pact, the official said: “This is a comprehensive defensive agreement that encompasses all military means.”Pakistani State television showed Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif, and the Kingdom’s de facto ruler Saudi Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman, embracing after signing the agreement. In attendance was Pakistan’s Army Chief Field Marshal Asim Munir, regarded as the country’s most powerful person.A statement from the Pakistani Premier’s office said: “This agreement, which reflects the shared commitment of both nations to enhance their security and to achieve security and peace in the region and the world, aims to develop aspects of defence cooperation between the two countries and strengthen joint deterrence against any aggression. The agreement states that any aggression against either country shall be considered an aggression against both.”(Reuters and The Guardian)

Saudi-Pakistan sign mutual defence pact

Sri Lanka’s third nano satellite, developed with the technical expertise of local engineers, is scheduled to be launched into orbit today (19), the Arthur C. Clarke Institute for Modern Technologies in Moratuwa, has announced.Named ‘BIRDS-X Dragonfly’, the satellite was carried to the International Space Station (ISS) aboard the SpaceX-33 rocket, launched by the United States’ National Aeronautics and Space Administration on 24 August.Previously, in 2019, Sri Lanka successfully launched its first nano satellite, ‘Ravana-1’, and in 2022, the ‘KITSUNE’ satellite was launched.Accordingly, the BIRDS-X Dragonfly nano satellite is scheduled to be released into its designated orbit from the ISS at 2.15 p.m. today.The main missions of BIRDS-X: In-orbit testing of a new communication sub-system design (Testing in the space-conditions, a new low-cost ultra high frequency transceiver, and exploring affordable and reliable ground-to-space communications), automatic packet receiving system (APRS) Digipeater (Provide a satellite-based platform to relay APRS messages, enabling radio operators and researchers to experiment with satellite communication using their own Digipeater designs), and store-and-forward communication (Demonstrate a data relay system where user messages can be uploaded, stored onboard, and later downlinked to ground stations in different regions).

Nano satellites: SL’s ‘BIRDS-X Dragonfly’ orbit launch today

<ul><li>SJB queries how crypto currency was gained, funds earned</li></ul> Noting that it has been revealed that certain ministers own crypto currency, the main Opposition, the Samagi Jana Balawegaya (SJB) stressed the need to ensure transparency regarding such forms of currency.&nbsp;SJB Gampaha Seat Organiser Waruna Deeptha Rajapaksha raised these concerns in a context where details of the assets and liabilities of a number of key politicians, especially those in the governing party, went viral on social media platforms this week.“Certain ministers have used crypto currency as their investments. However, crypto currency is not legally recognised in Sri Lanka. There is no legal barrier to keeping crypto currency. But, it cannot be used for currency exchanges or for transactions,” he said during a press briefing held yesterday (18), adding that if someone has crypto currency as an asset, information should be presented including about how it was gained and how the necessary funds were earned.In the event of the failure to do that, he noted, the Commission to Investigate Allegations of Bribery or Corruption (CIABOC) has the powers to investigate such matters. He added that it is the CIABOC’s duty to probe whether crypto currency is being possessed in accordance with the law.

Crypto currency: Oppo. concerned with Mins’. ownership

<ul><li>Highlights financial viability, sustainability, consumer protection, cost recovery, cost reflectiveness, infrastructure, financing, incentive structures, investments in storage/emerging tech (green hydrogen), renewables, accurate forecasting, tariff methodology, predictability, targeted subsidies, restructuring, PPAs, cost breakdowns, info systems, governance, regulatory independence.</li></ul> Sri Lanka’s ongoing electricity sector reforms having highlighted the urgent need to align financial viability, sustainability, and consumer protection, a discussion on tariff methodology was held together with policymakers and experts underscoring that both cost recovery and cost reflectiveness are vital.These views were expressed at a discussion held in line with the International Monetary Fund (IMF) – Extended Fund Facility programme, to review the electricity tariff methodology in consultation with the IMF staff. As it had been prescribed as a prior action to be completed by the end of November of this year, a team led by Senior Economist – Fiscal Affairs Department Delphine Prady held a joint meeting with the Parliamentary Committee on Public Finance (COPF), the Committee on Public Enterprises (COPE) and the Parliamentary Sectoral Oversight Committee on Infrastructure and Strategic Development (SOC), other Parliamentarians, officials representing the respective ministries and other stakeholders. This technical discussion was held on 12 September at the Parliament premises.During the discussions held, it was noted that cost recovery ensures that the sector as a whole covers its total expenditure, thereby preventing inefficiencies and attracting the investment and credit needed to modernise. Meanwhile, cost reflectiveness ensures that consumers pay based on the actual cost of serving their demand, thereby reducing unfair cross-subsidies. Without recovering costs, inefficiencies multiply and there is no way to attract new investment.The country’s renewable energy target of 70% by 2030 was a central focus. Experts emphasised that to achieve this, Sri Lanka must establish the right infrastructure, financing, and incentive structures. Expanding solar, hydro, and wind energy, coupled with investments in storage and emerging technologies such as green hydrogen, will be essential. While thermal power continues to play a role, it was described as “super expensive” and highly volatile, exposing the sector to global price shocks. Renewables, by contrast, were recognised as increasingly competitive but requiring upfront investment.It was also cautioned during the discussions that the volatility of generation costs poses risks to both financial stability and consumers. The need for accurate forecasting and careful planning to avoid passing sudden cost spikes onto households and businesses was underlined. It was discussed that the tariff methodology must therefore provide not only cost recovery but also predictability, while steering investment towards least-cost and environmentally friendly generation.MPs highlighted the importance of safeguarding vulnerable households through targeted subsidies, protecting workers affected by restructuring, and ensuring that efficiency gains translate into fair outcomes for end-users.Concerns were also raised over data integrity and transparency, with gaps in power purchase agreements (PPAs), incomplete cost breakdowns, and weak information systems. It was stressed that without stronger governance and regulatory independence, a modern and effective tariff methodology cannot be applied successfully.It was agreed that tariff reform cannot be treated as a purely technical exercise. It must be grounded in policy objectives that deliver a financially viable power sector, ensure a sustainable shift to 70% renewables by 2030, protect vulnerable communities, and strengthen transparency and accountability across the industry.

Electricity sector: IMF-P’ment mting. on reforms

<ul><li>Org. seeks removal of 18% VAT and 2.5% Social Security Tax on brown sugar&nbsp;</li></ul> A petition campaign has been launched demanding that the taxes imposed on locally manufactured sugar be removed.The Citizens of the People’s Struggle organisation, which launched the campaign, said that this demand was put forward in a bid to strengthen the local sugarcane industry, especially to compete with imported, inexpensive sugar.The organisation's General Secretary Chanaka Bandara told The Daily Morning that the petition specifically seeks the removal of the 18% Value Added Tax (VAT) and the 2.5% Social Security Tax imposed on brown sugar. He opposed the importation of sugar in a context where the local sugar industry has the capacity to fulfill the sugar requirement.The petition is to be submitted to President Anura Kumara Dissanayake.

Rice: Govt. assures varieties except Keeri Samba

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