<ul><li>CTSU won’t join the 12 Dec. strike led by CTU et al., to decide next steps per Edu. Min. actions&nbsp;&nbsp;</li></ul> The Ceylon Teachers’ Services Union (CTSU), which is affiliated with the Janatha Vimukthi Peramuna (JVP) – the main constituent Party of the National People’s Power Government – has stated that it also supports the view that school hours should continue to be from 7.30 a.m. to 1.30 p.m.Speaking to The Daily Morning, CTSU President Dhammika Alahapperuma said that the Union had met with the Education Ministry officials including its Secretary and presented its proposal on the matter. “We are also of the view that the school time should be from 7.30 a.m. to 1.30 p.m. We have informed the Ministry on several occasions of our position.”When questioned about the Ministry’s statement that it would not be possible to change its decision to extend school hours, Alahapperuma said that what they had submitted was a proposal and that the Union would decide on its next steps depending on how the Ministry proceeds.However, he also said the CTSU would not take part in the strike action organised by the Ceylon Teachers’ Union (CTU) and several other teachers’ unions on 12 December of this year against the Government’s decision to extend the school time by half an hour (to 2 p.m.).The dispute between the Ministry and several teachers’ trade unions (TUs) arose after the Government decided to extend the school hours from January of next year (2026). The CTU has maintained that any education reform should be implemented within the existing school timetable, from 7.30 a.m. to 1.30 p.m., in a way that fits the current structure. CTU President Priyantha Fernando told The Daily Morning earlier that the Union would launch a one-day strike on 12 December as the first step in its TU actions.However, the Ministry has maintained that there will be no change to its decision to extend school hours until 2 p.m. starting from 2026. Ministry Secretary Nalaka Kaluwewa told The Daily Morning last week that although TUs are free to share their views, the decision is final. “We can discuss the matter, but, we can’t change this decision. It is final.”

Edu. reforms: JVP Teachers TU opposes school hour extension 

<ul><li>Upon identifying illegal settlers and unauthorised constructions, ongoing programmes 2nd phase will decide on removal&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;</li><li>Land and Irrigation Ministry says some illegal occupants voluntarily vacated in 1st phase&nbsp;</li></ul> The Land and Irrigation Ministry stated that under the programme to remove illegal occupants and unauthorised constructions within tank reserves, the remarking of boundaries is being carried out first, and that a policy decision will be taken thereafter at the second stage regarding the removal of such settlers and structures.Land and Irrigation Deputy Minister Aravinda Senarath told The Daily Morning that the boundary marking is being conducted in collaboration with the Survey Department. “The first phase involves surveying and marking the boundaries. Through this process, we are identifying the illegal settlers and unauthorised constructions within the reserves. It is in the next phase that we take a decision regarding removing them. It is a policy decision.”He also said that some people have voluntarily vacated these areas during the initial phase, which he described as a positive development.The Ministry earlier announced plans to introduce legal amendments aimed at protecting tank reserves and preventing further encroachment, including by politically connected individuals. The then-Deputy subject Minister Dr. Susil Ranasinghe said that large portions of land belonging to these reserves had already been occupied, noting that the absence of clearly demarcated boundaries had made it difficult to identify and address illegal settlements. The Ministry had therefore instructed the Irrigation Department not to permit any new settlements in such areas and also decided to amend the Irrigation Ordinance, No. 32 of 1946 to close existing legal loopholes.

Tank reserves: Survey underway to mark boundaries

<ul><li>PUCSL exhorts after approving special rate for street lamps for LG bodies&nbsp;</li></ul> In the wake of revelations that most Local Government (LG) authorities, including the Colombo Municipal Council (CMC), have defaulted on paying electricity bills for street lamps, the Public Utilities Commission of Sri Lanka (PUCSL) stated that the Ceylon Electricity Board (CEB) should take steps to recover the dues in the same manner that it does with ordinary consumers.When queried by The Daily Morning regarding the matter, PUCSL Director – Communications Jayanath Herath said that while determining the relevant electricity charges is the Commission’s responsibility, collecting those payments is the duty of the CEB. “We have no responsibility in that regard. The LG institutions have to pay, and the CEB has to collect the payments. If it does not happen, it is a deficiency on the part of the CEB.”Minister of Public Administration, Provincial Councils, and LG, Prof. A.H.M.H. Abayarathna and Deputy subject Minister Prabha Ruwan Senarath were not available for comment.Minister of Energy, engineer Kumara Jayakody told the Parliament on Wednesday (12) that almost all LG authorities, including the CMC, have failed to settle their electricity bills for street lighting. Responding to an oral question raised by Parliamentarian Dharmapriya Dissanayake, he said that a special rate for street lamps had already been approved by the PUCSL.Meanwhile, the Electricity Consumers’ Association (ECA) recently urged the authorities to ensure that bills for streetlights are paid on time, claiming that the burden of unpaid costs is being unfairly passed on to ordinary consumers through tariff revisions. ECA General Secretary Sanjeewa Dhammika said that there are more than 700,000 streetlights across the country, with the responsibility for payment resting on institutions such as the Road Development Authority, MCs, Urban Councils, and Pradeshiya Sabhas.Street lighting accounts for about 1.5% of Sri Lanka’s total electricity demand. Most of the approximately 700,000 street lamps are mounted on medium voltage or low voltage poles used in the distribution network, with dedicated street lighting poles mainly found in urban areas.

Street lighting LG dues: CEB should recover same as from consumers 

Chairperson of the committee appointed to review and make recommendations on the repeal of the Prevention of Terrorism (Temporary Provisions) Act as amended (PTA), President’s Counsel Rienzie Arsecularatne has officially handed over the committee’s report and recommendations to the Justice Minister, attorney Harshana Nanayakkara.The Justice and National Integration Ministry announced on 13 April of this year (2025) that the committee had been established to study the repeal of the PTA and propose appropriate legislative measures.&nbsp;The committee was also tasked with obtaining input from civil society organisations and feedback from international institutions and communities to ensure a broad and inclusive reform process. A preliminary discussion regarding the repeal of the PTA was held on 11 April under the leadership of Nanayakkara, at the Ministry premises. During the discussion, Nanayakkara reiterated that the repeal of the PTA is a policy priority of the Government.&nbsp;He emphasised that any new legislation introduced must be capable of addressing contemporary global terrorism related challenges while upholding constitutionally guaranteed human rights and freedoms of expression, in line with international standards. He further stated that past Governments have not acted with due diligence in bringing about these legal reforms, and that the appointed committee has therefore been instructed to comprehensively identify the relevant matters for repealing the Act within a short timeframe.

PTA ‘repeal’ comm. report to Justice Min.

The Animal Welfare Coalition (AWC) has raised concerns over the rising number of dog bites in the country, citing a significant increase in the stray dog population.AWC Executive Committee member Champa Fernando stated that more than 250,000 dog bite incidents are reported in Sri Lanka every year.Addressing a media briefing held in Kandy, Fernando emphasised the need for a systematic and well-coordinated sterilisation program to effectively control the growing dog population.Speaking at the same event, AWC Executive Committee member Gihan Dinushka, said: “We estimate that there are between two to three million street dogs in Sri Lanka. Although no official census has been conducted, we calculate that there is around one dog for every eight people, which helps us plan sterilisation programs.”The AWC noted that while some view the establishment of dog shelters as a solution for managing stray dogs, certain policy decisions by previous administrations have contributed to the current challenges.“The growing street dog population has also led to an increase in road accidents, particularly involving motorcycles and three-wheelers, as well as a rise in dog bite cases and the spread of rabies,” he said.The AWC called on the Government to address the matter with urgency, seek expert guidance, and implement effective measures.

Stray dogs: Hike in dog bites, rabies: AWC

<ul><li>Authorities call for tech solutions to monitor in real-time local vessels deliberately disabling VMS</li></ul> A high-level meeting was held at the Parliament premises on Tuesday (11) to review strategies for curbing illegal, unreported, and unregulated (IUU) fishing and illicit activities in Sri Lankan waters including poaching.&nbsp;The discussion focused on preventive measures, law enforcement actions, and inter-agency cooperation to effectively counter these emerging challenges. Several key issues, including poaching by local and foreign fishing vessels in local waters, expediting court cases related to arrested fishing boats, the use of unauthorised radio frequencies, and non-fishing activities such as smuggling carried out under the guise of fishing were taken up for deliberation at the meeting. Particular attention was given to the practice of local fishing vessels deliberately disabling their Vessel Monitoring System (VMS) to engage in unlawful fishing and illicit activities within prohibited areas.The participants highlighted the urgent need to strengthen maritime law enforcement, enhance inter-agency coordination, and implement technological solutions to ensure the real-time monitoring of fishing vessels. The importance of enforcing strict legal actions against violators to protect national fisheries resources and the livelihoods of legitimate fishermen was also underscored.

Illegal acts at Sea: Use of unauthorised radio frequencies raised 

The public rally against the Government, scheduled to be held in Nugegoda on 21 November, is intended to remind the Government of the promises that it made to the people, said Sri Lanka Podujana Peramuna (SLPP) Opposition Parliamentarian Namal Rajapaksa.He made this statement while speaking to the media following a discussion held on Wednesday (12) at the former President Ranil Wickremesinghe’s party office in Flower Road, Colombo. Rajapaksa further stated that several Opposition parties have already joined these discussions.&nbsp;He noted that while in the past, deliberations were conducted solely within the SLPP, now, they are being held with all Opposition parties.He emphasised that the rally aims to press for the fulfillment of the Government’s promises, adding that “many people who have been affected by the Government’s policies will also participate in this rally.”Accordingly, the Sri Lanka Freedom Party, the United National Party, and several other parties have agreed to join the rally, while the participation of additional parties will be decided after the completion of their internal discussions, he added.

21 Nov. Oppo. rally: To remind Government of its promises: Namal

<ul><li>1/5 adults diabetic and 1/3 of them suffer eye diseases with 11% – most in 40-50 age group – at risk of blindness&nbsp;</li></ul> The health authorities have revealed that one in five adults in Sri Lanka is currently living with diabetes, underscoring a growing public health concern in the country.Speaking at a press conference held at the Health Promotion Bureau, Consultant Eye Surgeon at the National Eye Hospital, Dr. Kapila Banduthilaka revealed that nearly one-third of adults with diabetes also suffer from eye diseases.“According to the latest data, we are witnessing a 73% increase in the number of diabetic patients,” Dr. Banduthilaka said.&nbsp;“It has been identified that one in nine adults globally has diabetes. In Sri Lanka, the prevalence is estimated to be between 23% and 30%, meaning that approximately one in five adults are diabetic. Among them, one-third suffer from eye diseases, and 11% of this group risk going blind if untreated, as diabetes particularly affects the eyes. Therefore, our working-age population is significantly impacted,” he stated.Dr. Banduthilaka further noted that the economic consequences are substantial, with an estimated Rs. 923 million income loss each year due to diabetes-related blindness and vision impairment.He added that if anyone was to visit the Eye Hospital today, most of the aforementioned 11% of patients would not be elderly, as many of them are between the ages of 40 and 50 years.“This disease is preventable. There is no reason for these individuals to lose their sight. In its early stages, diabetes can be managed through lifestyle changes, dietary control, and regular medical check-ups. Even if total prevention is not possible, timely diagnosis and treatment can help preserve vision,” he added.

Hike in diabetes-ocular health concerns 

An invasive fish is threatening the livelihood of people in the North-Western village of Deduru Oya by aggressively eating traditional fish and shellfish species in the Deduru Oya reservoir, but the fishers want to turn the adversity into an advantage.Fishermen on the reservoir have noticed over the past two years a dwindling number of the fish that they have been typically catching, while the snakehead fish, which has never been seen in Sri Lanka before, has been appearing in droves.The snakehead fish, seen in countries like Thailand and Indonesia, could have arrived in Sri Lanka with imported ornamental fish, local officials said. When they started outgrowing the tanks, it was likely that their owners released them into the reservoir.An academic researching the fish, Dr. Kelum Wijenayake said that there is no species above the snakehead in the food chain of Sri Lanka’s ecosystem, and that the Deduru Oya reservoir has provided them with an ideal breeding ground with ample food and no predator. They also often come to the surface to inhale outside oxygen and are able to survive with just enough water to keep them hydrated, he said. They have sharp teeth, strong jaws and are aggressive eaters, which means their increased presence can damage the local ecosystem that evolved over millennia, he said. They also grow bigger compared to traditional freshwater fish species. Fisherman Nishantha Sujeewa Kumara said that he once caught a fish weighing seven kg, while the native species that he usually catches weigh mostly less than a kg.“Although we had heard of the snakehead fish before, none of us had ever seen one until a hobbyist angler came and caught it. That was the first time that we saw it, because this fish can’t be caught using nets — it has to be caught by angling,” said the secretary of the area’s fishers association, Ranjith Kumara. “We started fishing in this reservoir in 2016. Back then, we used to catch small prawns and other high-value varieties, but now, they’ve become very rare.”The authorities organised an angler competition to try to control the snakehead population, but it was unsuccessful.Fishers however, hope to turn the invasive species threat into an opportunity.Ranjith Kumara proposed that the authorities promote angler tourism as a consistent control method, which could also provide alternative economic avenues to the villagers who are mostly engaged in fishing and farming.Fisherman Sujeewa Kariyawasam, who produces salted dried fish using the invasive species, said that although fresh snakehead fish has a relatively low market demand, the dried fish made from it is tasty and a popular delicacy. “I am working to further develop this business. As the demand continues to grow, more snakeheads will be caught for production, which in turn will help control the spread of the snakehead population.”(Associated Press)

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