<ul><li>To foot 50 per cent bill of 2 more companies&nbsp;</li><li>Rs. 8.5 b needed to pay 1,896 employees&nbsp;</li><li>Payments expected to be made within a week&nbsp;</li></ul> The Treasury is to bear 100 per cent of the voluntary retirement scheme (VRS) compensation for employees attached to two newly established successor companies following the restructuring of the Ceylon Electricity Board (CEB). In addition, 50 per cent of the compensation for employees attached to two other post-CEB restructuring companies will also be borne by the Treasury. The total amount needed to compensate 1,896 employees is Rs. 8.5 billion. Speaking to the media yesterday (11), Energy Minister Anura Karunathilaka said that employees who did not wish to continue their service in the four main newly created entities had been given the opportunity to retire voluntarily.&nbsp;“We initially expected to pay the VRS compensation very quickly, but, due to several reasons, especially the financial condition of the CEB, we could not do so,” he said adding that nearly Rs. 8.5 billion would be required to pay compensation for 1,896 employees who had opted for voluntary retirement under the restructuring process. According to him, Cabinet of Ministers approval is to be granted for the Treasury to bear 50 per cent of the compensation payable to employees attached to the National System Operator (Private) Limited and the National Transmission Network Service Provider (Pvt) Ltd. He added the Treasury would bear 100 per cent of the compensation payable to employees attached to two other companies, Lanka Electricity Generation Lanka (Pvt) Ltd and Electricity Distribution Lanka (Pvt) Ltd established under the restructuring process, and that the necessary Cabinet approval would be obtained shortly. Speaking further, Karunathilaka said that steps are expected to be taken within this week to release the compensation payments. The comments came after the six new companies established through the dissolution of the CEB officially came into operation on 9 March. Under the restructuring process, the CEB Act, No. 17 of 1969 was repealed and the CEB ceased to exist as a corporate entity. The six newly established companies are Lanka Electricity Generation Lanka, the National Transmission Network Service Provider, the National System Operator, Electricity Distribution Lanka, Employees Fund (Pvt) Ltd and Energy Ventures Lanka (Pvt) Ltd.

VRS payments of two post-CEB companies: Treasury to bear 100 per cent cost

<ul><li>Farmers complain of non-receipt of fertiliser&nbsp;</li></ul>The Government has decided to permit the private sector to distribute urea fertiliser, Agriculture Department’s Director General, Dr Thushara Wickramaarachchi, said.&nbsp;He said the prevailing fertiliser issue would be resolved within this week and urged that no false narrative of a fertiliser shortage be created, noting that farmers are particularly sensitive to such reports. Dr Wickramaarachchi further stated that sufficient fertiliser stocks are available in the country and that the Government has already prepared a programme to procure fertiliser supplies for the forthcoming Maha season.Meanwhile, despite having made payments to obtain the fertiliser required for cultivation, farmers have stated that they have yet to receive their allocations. Further, farmers in Dehiattakandiya are reportedly facing considerable difficulties due to the distribution of substandard fertiliser through Agrarian Service Centres.&nbsp;However, reports from several Districts indicate that a number of farmers have still not received fertiliser. Farmers have indicated that the existing shortage is adversely affecting crop health and increasing the vulnerability to fungal diseases. They have also stated that the situation has been aggravated by the unavailability of Triple Super Phosphate (TSP), or mud fertiliser, despite the urgent requirement.&nbsp;According to farmers, although payments were made to Agrarian Service Centres last month (in April) to obtain mud fertiliser, sufficient quantities have not been received to date. Meanwhile, farmers allege that the mud fertiliser distributed through the Sandunpura Agrarian Service Centre to farmers in Dehiattakandiya and the Mahaweli “C” Zone at a price of Rs. 13,250 is of substandard quality. Farmers further claim that the fertiliser sacks supplied do not carry the product name, manufacturing date or expiry date, and that it cannot be used in paddy fields.This is despite repeated assurances by several political representatives, including the Agriculture, Livestock, Land and Irrigation Minister K.D. Lal Kantha, that all types of fertiliser required for the Yala season are available in the country and that the mechanism for distribution to farmers has already been launched.

Private sector to distribute urea

The next revision of water tariffs will take place on 30 June, the Housing, Construction and Water Supply Minister, Dr Susil Ranasinghe has stated.&nbsp;Speaking on the matter, Dr Ranasinghe noted that water charges are reviewed twice a year in line with existing conditions. He said that accordingly, the upcoming water tariff revision will be implemented based on the situation prevailing by 30 June.

Water tariff revision on 30 June 

<ul><li>Kataragama-Menik Ganga pilgrims cautioned&nbsp;&nbsp;</li></ul>Heavy rainfall caused by the prevailing weather conditions may lead to rising water levels in reservoirs across the country, according to the Irrigation Department.&nbsp;Director of Irrigation (Hydrology and Disaster Management), Lasantha Sooriyabandara said that the authorities have already begun releasing water from reservoirs identified as being at risk. Sooriyabandara stated that approximately 65 per cent of the country’s total reservoir capacity is currently filled. Of the 73 major reservoirs, 12 are already spilling, along with six medium-sized reservoirs.&nbsp;He warned that the spilling of the Weheragala Reservoir has created a potentially dangerous situation in Kataragama. Sooriyabandara noted that large numbers of pilgrims and visitors travelling from outside the area to the Kataragama site may not be familiar with the behaviour of the Menik Ganga. He urged the public to remain cautious when using the River and surrounding areas.He further stated that additional rainfall in the coming days could result in increased water releases from reservoirs, raising the risk level further.However, he emphasised that no flood conditions have been reported so far as a result of the controlled water releases.The Department also warned that the current rainfall pattern is capable of producing intense showers within a short period of time, increasing the possibility of sudden inundation in low-lying areas even where there are no nearby rivers.Meanwhile, the atmospheric disturbance that prevailed over the Bay of Bengal has developed into a low-pressure area, the Meteorology Department has stated. Issuing an amber advisory, the Met. Department said that the low-pressure area is currently located near 10.1 North and 82.5 East. Therefore, the prevailing showery conditions over the island are expected to continue. Strong winds and rough seas can be expected over the deep and shallow sea areas around the island, as well as over the deep sea areas of the Bay. The general public, as well as the Naval and fishing communities have been requested to be attentive to future forecasts and bulletins issued by the Department.

Low-pressure in Bay of Bengal: Heavy rains lead to reservoirs spilling 

<ul><li>Property owners advised on rentals-crime link</li><li>To crack down on vehicle owners with dangerous modifications, noisy exhausts&nbsp;&nbsp;</li></ul>The Police have issued public advisories warning property owners and vehicle owners against activities that could lead to legal action and public safety risks.Property owners have been urged to exercise caution when renting or leasing houses, apartments, hotels, lodges, commercial buildings, and other premises, as such locations are increasingly being used for fraudulent and criminal activities. Police noted a rise in arrests of foreign nationals involved in sophisticated online financial fraud operations during 2025 and 2026, many of which were run covertly from rented premises. In several cases, suspects were also found violating immigration laws, while computers and electronic equipment used in the offences were seized.Police reminded the public that, under Section 76 of the Police Ordinance, household heads must provide details of residents, domestic staff, and temporary occupants to the relevant Police station, and report any changes in occupancy. Failure to comply is a punishable offence. Property owners were also advised to verify the identity, background, and purpose of prospective tenants before entering into rental agreements. Information on suspicious individuals or activities can be reported to Police emergency hotlines 119 or 118, the nearest Police station, or Public Safety Committees within Police divisions.Meanwhile, Police warned against illegally modified vehicles operating without valid fitness certificates, noting that recent analyses of road accidents revealed many buses involved had undergone unauthorised modifications. Authorities said dangerous alterations, unauthorised lights, non-standard horns, changes to vehicle colour or design, excessive decals, and structural modifications without approval are illegal under the Motor Traffic Act.Police also highlighted the growing issue of excessively noisy exhaust systems and smoke-emitting vehicles, stating that such modifications cause public nuisance and noise pollution. Complaints regarding vehicles emitting excessive black smoke can be made to 0703500525 by providing the vehicle registration number, date, time, and location of the incident.

Police issue public advisories 

Around 84 per cent of the population in Sri Lanka are willing to donate their eyes, according to the Health Ministry.The Ministry said that the National Eye Bank, established 15 years ago, has so far received around 17,000 corneas, which have been used in approximately 12,000 corneal transplant surgeries. It further noted that between 4,000 and 5,000 corneas have been provided to other countries based on the international demand and requests.The Ministry also highlighted the said Bank is an internationally recognised institution, with a continued demand for corneas from several countries, including Singapore and South Africa, as well as other Asian Nations.

84% Lankans willing to donate corneas 

<ul><li>Govt acknowledges indirect economic impact&nbsp;</li><li>Talks to be held on relief for industries&nbsp;</li></ul> Energy Minister Anura Karunathilaka said the Government will not propose another electricity tariff revision until September of this year (2026), expressing hope that improved rainfall and favourable movements in global fuel prices would help ease pressure on electricity generation costs. Speaking on the latest electricity tariff revision during a special media briefing yesterday (11), he said that the Government expected an increase in rainfall in the coming months until September, which would support hydropower generation. He also said there are “positive expectations” regarding fuel prices in the global market, adding that a reduction in fuel prices could provide some relief locally. “As the Energy Ministry, we don’t expect to request another electricity tariff increase until September,” he said. He also acknowledged that factors such as rising fuel prices and changing weather conditions affect electricity generation costs and utility bills, but stressed that the Government would not pass the full burden onto consumers. “As a Government, we are not going to place the entire burden on consumers or the relevant companies. A portion of that cost will definitely be borne by the Government,” he said. According to him, Sri Lanka currently has 7,913,820 electricity consumers, of whom 6,751,133 are domestic users. Of that number, 6,429,757 consumers use less than 180 units of electricity per month. He said that consumers using below 180 units would not be affected by the latest tariff revision and would not face an increase in electricity charges. The comments came as the latest 18 per cent increase in electricity tariffs for consumers using more than 180 units came into effect yesterday. The Public Utilities Commission of Sri Lanka (PUCSL) had earlier approved electricity tariff revisions for the second quarter of 2026 with effect from 1 April, increasing tariffs by between eight% and 14.4%. Subsequently, the National System Operator submitted a revised electricity cost estimate to the PUCSL on 27 April seeking a further increase due to rising fuel costs linked to power generation. The Government has also agreed in writing to provide a Rs. 15 billion subsidy to reduce the impact on consumers.The Government has meanwhile acknowledged that the recent 18% electricity tariff increase for consumers using more than 180 units would have an indirect impact on the wider economy and even on consumers using less than 180 units of electricity. The Government is also planning to continue discussions on possible relief measures for the affected sectors, particularly the industries. Karunathilaka said that increases in utility costs eventually affect the entire economy and not just electricity bills alone. “There is an indirect impact across all sectors. In the end, it affects the overall economy. We never deny it,” he said. He noted that industries such as the apparel and tea sectors would also be affected, adding that increased production costs could eventually influence both export markets and domestic prices. He admitted that industrial and commercial institutions consuming more than 180 units would experience higher electricity bills and that such businesses would eventually pass those costs onto consumers. “That creates an indirect impact on the public. We are not rejecting that reality,” he said. However, he stressed that if the entire burden is absorbed solely by the institutions concerned (electricity suppliers), it would become difficult for those entities to continue operations. He said that the Government had already provided relief to domestic consumers and would discuss what support may be required for industries depending on future developments. “As a Government, we cannot bear the entire burden of these costs. Therefore, one portion is borne by the Government and the remaining portion is passed on to consumers. In the coming days, we will discuss and see what relief measures can be taken regarding the affected sectors,” he said.

Next electricity tariff revision in Sept

Deputy Energy Minister Arkam Ilyas said that more than Rs 10 billion is currently being withheld as penalties and performance-related recoveries from suppliers linked to the substandard coal imports controversy, and that the funds could be utilised to offset losses caused to the State. Speaking to the media yesterday (11), he said that 18 coal shipments had arrived so far, with 16 shipments supplied by the first supplier and two by the second supplier. According to him, around US$ 22 million had already been withheld as penalties, amounting to nearly Rs. six billion. “We have already withheld that amount. In addition, there is a $ 15 million performance bond. Altogether, more than Rs. 10 billion has been withheld. These can be utilised to recover the loss,” he said. The issue emerged amid the alleged import of substandard coal for the 900 megawatt Norochcholai Lakvijaya Power Plant earlier this year (2026). According to a report prepared by the Public Utilities Commission, the use of substandard coal led to operational disruptions, machinery shutdowns, environmental concerns and major financial losses to the State. The Government including President Anura Kumara Dissanayake has acknowledged that although the due tender process had been followed, the supplier had failed to deliver coal meeting the required quality standards.

Subpar coal supply: Rs. 10+ b withheld as penalties

There are no immediate plans to remove the QR code-based fuel distribution mechanism, although the Government may consider increasing fuel quotas in the future, said Energy Minister Anura Karunathilaka.In response to queries by the media during a media briefing yesterday (11), he said that there is currently no issue regarding the fuel supply and that sufficient fuel stocks had already been ordered to ensure uninterrupted distribution. “The QR code-based system was initially introduced to prevent panic buying, unnecessary queues and excessive fuel consumption. Now, we are in a position to carry out some level of assessment, but, we still believe that there should be some limitation on fuel consumption because fuel prices have increased significantly and we must prevent unnecessary outflows of foreign exchange,” he said. He said that the Government is therefore not expecting to completely remove the QR-based quota system any time soon, although increasing quota limits could be considered. Meanwhile, responding to reports that some filling stations had been issuing fuel without properly checking QR codes, Deputy subject Minister Arkam Ilyas said that the Ministry is continuously monitoring the system. “If there are major discrepancies between the quantity released and the quantity issued through the QR system, we will take necessary action against such filling stations,” he said. He added that the relevant information would be communicated to the Ceylon Petroleum Corporation and other fuel suppliers for further action where necessary.

VRS payments of two post-CEB companies: Treasury to bear 100 ...

Private sector to distribute urea

Private sector to distribute u ...

Water tariff revision on 30 June

Water tariff revision on 30 Ju ...

Low-pressure in Bay of Bengal: Heavy rains lead to reservoirs spilling ...

Low-pressure in Bay of Bengal: ...

Police issue public advisories

Police issue public advisories ...

84% Lankans willing to donate corneas

84% Lankans willing to donate ...

Next electricity tariff revision in Sept

Next electricity tariff revisi ...

Subpar coal supply: Rs. 10+ b withheld as penalties

Subpar coal supply: Rs. 10+ b ...

QR code to remain: Fuel quota hike in the future?

QR code to remain: Fuel quota ...

Private sector to distribute urea

Private sector to distribute u ...

Water tariff revision on 30 June

Water tariff revision on 30 Ju ...

Low-pressure in Bay of Bengal: Heavy rains lead to reservoirs spilling ...

Low-pressure in Bay of Bengal: ...

Police issue public advisories

Police issue public advisories ...

84% Lankans willing to donate corneas

84% Lankans willing to donate ...

Next electricity tariff revision in Sept

Next electricity tariff revisi ...

Subpar coal supply: Rs. 10+ b withheld as penalties

Subpar coal supply: Rs. 10+ b ...

QR code to remain: Fuel quota hike in the future?

QR code to remain: Fuel quota ...

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Private sector to distribute urea

Private sector to distribute u ...

Water tariff revision on 30 June

Water tariff revision on 30 Ju ...

Bringing the news paper to your fingertips

Low-pressure in Bay of Bengal: Heavy rains lead to reservoirs spilling ...

Low-pressure in Bay of Bengal: ...

Police issue public advisories

Police issue public advisories ...

84% Lankans willing to donate corneas

84% Lankans willing to donate ...

Next electricity tariff revision in Sept

Next electricity tariff revisi ...