<ul><li>Transmission chief warns salary demand could double electricity tariffs</li><li>CEB losses as of 31 Dec 2025 amount to Rs. 35 b</li><li>Task Force Head says none of the 64 demands benefits electricity consumers</li><li>Essential services rules invoked; workers ordered back to duty</li></ul> Claiming that power sector trade unions are demanding a 40% salary increase, the National Transmission Network Service Provider (NTNSP) warned yesterday (11) that meeting the demand could force electricity tariffs up by nearly 100%.NTNSP Chairperson Nusith Kumaratunga, addressing a joint media briefing of the newly formed CEB successor companies, said the proposed hike would increase salary expenditure by Rs. 1.8 billion per month, amounting to almost Rs. 22 billion annually.“As at 31 December 2025, the CEB recorded losses of around Rs. 35 billion. If this additional burden is added, electricity tariffs may have to be increased by nearly 100%,” he cautioned, stressing the impact on the public, industries and the national economy.He confirmed that trade unions had presented 64 demands. Of these, 62 have been agreed upon. The remaining two, including the 40% salary increase, have been referred for discussion with President and Finance Minister Anura Kumara Dissanayake.According to Kumaratunga, most demands relate to retaining privileges enjoyed under the former CEB structure. During the initial round of discussions, 59 demands were agreed upon, with three more settled following talks with the subject Minister.Among concessions granted are the temporary continuation of bonuses previously paid under the CEB until a performance-based system is introduced, and an additional Rs. 11,000 allowance plus cost-of-living allowance, bringing the average monthly increase to about Rs. 17,000 per employee.However, he said granting a 40% salary hike would be unfair to other public sector employees and financially unsustainable.He further revealed that unions are demanding that a 25% salary adjustment granted to senior executives in 2024 be extended to all employees retroactively from 1 January 2024. Such a move would require amending a Cabinet decision, which company boards are not authorised to do.“We cannot change a Cabinet decision. We have asked the unions to meet the President and discuss the matter,” he said, expressing concern that trade union action continues despite most demands being addressed.The strike comes days after the operations of the CEB were formally transferred to successor companies under the Sri Lanka Electricity (Amendment) Act, No. 36 of 2024. The transition took effect on 9 March, with new companies commencing operations on 10 March.Electricity Distribution Lanka (Pvt) Ltd and the NTNSP have issued directives instructing employees to report to work immediately, citing the Extraordinary Gazette No. 2477/47 of 28 February, which declares electricity supply services as essential services.The companies warned that failure to perform assigned duties constitutes a serious offence under Essential Services Regulations and may result in disciplinary action.They also confirmed that appointment letters for employees assigned to the four successor companies are currently being issued in line with the approved transition plan.Meanwhile, CEB Transformation Task Force Head Pubudu Niroshan Hedigalla said none of the 64 demands put forward by unions include measures benefiting electricity consumers.“If consumers see these demands, they will hit us. The unions claim this action is for consumers, but none of the demands are about consumers,” he said.In a joint statement, the chairpersons of four key subsidiary companies appealed to unions to call off the strike, noting the inconvenience caused to the public. They assured that discussions with the President would be facilitated on the two outstanding demands if employees resume duties.The management expressed hope that normal operations could be restored while dialogue continues to resolve remaining issues.

Electricity sector crisis: 40% Hike, 100% Tariffs

<ul><li>Galle Magistrate orders release of 84 bodies to Iranian Embassy</li></ul>Iran has accused the US of obstructing rescue operations after the sinking of its IRIS Dena vessel near Sri Lanka earlier this month (March).Iranian Foreign Ministry spokesperson Esmaeil Baghaei said the vessel had been invited by the Indian Navy to take part in a joint Naval exercise and port visit when it was attacked near the coasts of India and Sri Lanka on 4 March. In a post on the social media platform X, Baghaei described the attack as a “brutal act amounting to a war crime” and alleged that the US had “deliberately obstructed rescue operations for the sailors”.Iran says that 104 sailors were killed in the incident. Earlier, Iran reported that the bodies of 84 of the sailors have since been identified and will be repatriated to Iran with the cooperation of the Sri Lankan Government. Iran said that the bodies of dozens of sailors killed when the US attacked and sank the IRIS Dena vessel close to Sri Lanka will soon be returned to the country. In a statement reported by Iran’s Fars News Agency, the Army’s public relations office said that 84 of the 104 bodies had been identified and would soon be transferred back to Iran. The repatriation was being carried out with the efforts of Iran’s Foreign Affairs Ministry and the cooperation of the Sri Lankan Government.The bodies of 84 Iranian sailors, currently placed in two mobile cold storage units at the Galle National Hospital in Karapitiya, have been ordered to be handed over to officials of the Iranian Embassy in Sri Lanka. The order was issued yesterday (11) by the Galle Chief Magistrate, Sameera Dodangoda. Accordingly, the Magistrate ordered the Hospital’s Director to release the remains to the Iranian Embassy representatives. The directive was made following a request submitted to the Galle Magistrate’s Court by the Galle Harbour Police.The announcement comes after the ship was sunk by a US submarine last week. Media reports previously suggested that Washington was pressing Sri Lanka not to repatriate the bodies of the Iranian sailors.With inputs from Al Jazeera

US-Iran conflict: Iran accuses US of obstructing rescue

<ul><li>Sulochana’s notebooks allegedly snatched at Karapitiya Hospital</li></ul>In a serious allegation raising fresh concerns over press freedom, a senior journalist attached to Ceylon Today has accused individuals claiming to be police officers of disrupting her professional duties, verbally abusing her, and forcibly seizing her notebooks while she was interviewing Iranian sailors at the Karapitiya Hospital, Galle.Deputy Editor Sulochana Ramiah Mohan has lodged a complaint with the Galle Police, alleging&nbsp; the incident occurred while she was gathering information from Iranian sailors who are currently receiving treatment at the hospital.According to Ramiah Mohan, she was carrying out her duties in a lawful and professional manner, with translation assistance from an official attached to the Iranian Embassy, who was present at the time of the incident. She has stated that a group identifying themselves as police officers intervened without justification, obstructed her work, and forcibly removed her notebooks.The journalist has further alleged that a police officer and a security personnel present at the scene subjected her to verbal abuse, including the use of obscene language, while preventing her from continuing her interview.She has since informed the Inspector General of Police (IGP) via telephone regarding the matter and proceeded to lodge a formal complaint with the Galle Police.However, when inquiries were made from the Galle Police regarding the complaint, officials reportedly stated that no such complaint had been received. Ramiah Mohan has also claimed that she was not provided with a complaint reference number at the time of filing.The incident has drawn strong condemnation from the Free Media Movement (FMM), which described the alleged actions as an unnecessary and unwarranted police intervention that directly obstructed the media’s right to engage in free and independent professional activity.In a statement, the FMM called upon the IGP to conduct an immediate and impartial investigation into the incident and to take appropriate disciplinary and legal action against those responsible.The organisation warned that any attempt to intimidate or harass journalists in the discharge of their duties poses a grave threat to media freedom and democratic accountability.When contacted by The Daily Morning late last evening, Police Spokesman ASP F.U. Wootler said the journalist had lodged a complaint with the Galle ASP’s Office.“The ASP is carrying out an inquiry into this. If any of the officers have done anything wrong, they’ll be dealt with in a court of law, and also disciplinary procedures,” he said.

Police accused of harassing journalist

<ul><li>Rice and curry pack hiked by Rs. 25</li><li>Bakery owners struggle to find LPG</li><li>&nbsp;Hotel industry in talks over possible price hikes</li></ul> The food industry is reeling in the wake of the recent fuel and liquefied petroleum gas (LPG) price hikes, with businesses grappling to contain the fallout.&nbsp;Food industry associations across the country are actively taking measures to address the situation, The&nbsp;Daily Morning&nbsp;learns.&nbsp;Speaking to&nbsp;The Daily Morning&nbsp;yesterday (11), President of All Ceylon Canteen Owners' Association, Harshana Rukshan, announced that canteens across the country would see a price hike starting today (12).&nbsp;"Fried rice, kottu, and rice and curry packets will be increased by Rs. 25, short eats by Rs. 10, egg hoppers by Rs. 10, hoppers by Rs. 5, a plain tea by Rs. 5, and a milk tea by Rs. 10 as of midnight yesterday (11)," he said. "We also assure that we will be decreasing the prices immediately once the energy prices go down," he concluded.Further, when contacted by&nbsp;The Daily Morning&nbsp;yesterday, Coordinating Secretary of All Ceylon Bakery Owners' Association, Anil Hettiarachchi stated the industry is facing significant challenges due to difficulties in accessing energy sources.&nbsp;"It is hard to find LPG despite the price hike. Since the petrol sheds have been asked not to issue fuel to cans, we cannot operate the machines that run on diesel or kerosene," he explained. "However, our committee has not decided on any price hike for the food items as of now. Yet, we are urging the Government to solve these issues," he added.&nbsp;Hettiarachchi also noted that the Association has verbally informed the Trade, Commerce, Food Security, and Cooperative Development Minister of the issue and has requested that measures be taken to address it.Also, the Hotel Association of Sri Lanka (THASL) too has not yet taken any decision to increase the prices of food items. When contacted by&nbsp;The Daily Morning&nbsp;yesterday, Manager of Leisure Sector at THASL, Chamathka Mallikaarachchi, confirmed that no price hikes are currently planned. "Discussions are going on internally, yet the management has not been informed of any price hike yet," she said.The concerns over food prices come on the heels of the recent increase in energy costs.&nbsp;

As energy costs rise: Food prices soar 

<ul><li>Follows Labour CG’s assurance of audience with Prez today&nbsp;</li><li>12,000 electricity breakdowns reported islandwide&nbsp;</li></ul> More than 12,000 electricity breakdowns were reported islandwide as a trade union action by power sector workers disrupted distribution services, despite uninterrupted generation and transmission operations, officials said yesterday (11).Around 25 power sector TUs launched strike action from 3 p.m. on Monday (9), citing the Government’s failure to positively respond to workers’ demands, particularly over the restructuring of the Ceylon Electricity Board (CEB). While power plants and essential operations continued, unions halted breakdown repairs and maintenance work.Power outages were recorded in Gampaha, Kalutara, Ratnapura, Beruwala, Puttalam, and Anuradhapura, causing inconvenience to thousands of households and businesses. Authorities said technical teams are now working to restore supply in affected areas.The TUs called off the strike yesterday evening following discussions with the Labour Commissioner General and the management of the newly established electricity sector companies. An agreement was signed after talks, during which the Labour Commissioner General assured that union representatives would be granted a meeting with the President today (12).Power sector unions had submitted 64 demands relating to sector restructuring and employee rights. According to officials, 62 demands have been agreed upon, while arrangements have been made for discussions with the President on the remaining two.Speaking at a media briefing, Chairperson of Electricity Generation Lanka (Private) Limited, Dr. J.G.A. Saliya Jayasekara, said all power plants are operating normally.“All power plants are generating electricity. Employees are carrying out their duties without any act of sabotage. There is no issue. We request consumers and industrialists not to fear,” he said.Chairperson of Electricity Distribution Lanka (Pvt.) Ltd., Engineer Rohitha Jayarathna, said electricity is distributed through four main networks and that certain issues were reported during the TU action. He confirmed discussions had been held with the Energy Minister regarding the situation.“Employees have a right to engage in TU action, but we urge them not to inconvenience consumers. We are making all possible efforts to restore breakdowns,” he said.Meanwhile, the CEB Engineers’ Union (CEBEU) wrote to Energy Minister Engineer Kumara Jayakody outlining its position. The Union cited a Supreme Court ruling stating that employee privileges should not be reduced during the CEB restructuring process. It alleged that current steps to assign staff to successor companies violate workers’ rights.The Union stated that after prolonged negotiations failed to secure assurances, 25 affiliated TUs initiated the strike. A discussion held on Tuesday with board members of the successor companies on the proposed collective agreement reportedly ended on a positive note. According to the letter, the chairpersons of the four successor companies have agreed to discuss unresolved matters with the Minister and provide final decisions.With the strike now called off, electricity sector workers are expected to resume full duties and expedite restoration work in affected areas.&nbsp;&nbsp;

CEB TUs call off strike 

<ul><li>US destroys 16 Iranian naval vessels</li><li>White House demands unconditional surrender</li><li>Iran claims ‘most intense’ missile and drone operation</li></ul> At least three commercial ships were struck in the strategically vital Strait of Hormuz yesterday (11), triggering a sharp military escalation between the US and Iran.Among them were Thailand-flagged bulk carrier Mayuree Naree, struck about 11 nautical miles north of Oman, which then caught fire, and most of the crew evacuated before the blaze was extinguished.Japan-flagged container ship One Majesty was hit by a projectile about 25 nautical miles northwest of Ras al-Khaimah (UAE) and it sustained minor damage but was able to make way to a safer anchorage.Marshall Islands-flagged bulk carrier Star Gwyneth took hull damage around 50 miles northwest of Dubai, and its crew remained safe.&nbsp;The fresh attacks in one of the world’s most critical oil transit routes prompted immediate retaliation from Washington.The US Central Command announced they attacked and destroyed 16 Iranian mine-laying vessels near the Strait of Hormuz amid reports that Iran has begun laying explosive devices in the strategically vital waterway.Citing intelligence sources, CNN on Tuesday reported that Iran has laid a few dozen mines in the strait in recent days and has the capability to sow hundreds more.&nbsp;US officials described the action as a defensive measure aimed at safeguarding freedom of navigation and preventing the closure of the Strait.Speaking at a press briefing, US War Secretary Pete Hegseth said the strikes were necessary to neutralise imminent maritime threats. He characterised the latest phase of operations as among the most intense since hostilities escalated.Meanwhile, the White House confirmed that President Donald Trump had demanded what officials termed Iran’s unconditional surrender, warning that further escalation would invite stronger military consequences.Iran responded with defiance. The Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps stated that it had launched its most intense missile and drone operation to date, targeting US and allied assets in the region. Gulf states reported heightened air defence activity, though several incoming projectiles were intercepted.Tehran accused Washington of aggression and warned that continued US military presence near Iranian waters would provoke further retaliation.

Three ships hit in Strait of Hormuz

<ul><li>Proposes convening Colombo Security Conclave&nbsp;&nbsp;</li></ul>Following Sri Lanka’s silence over the recent US attack on an Iranian naval vessel, former External Affairs Minister Prof. G.L. Peiris yesterday accused the National People’s Power (NPP) Government of leaving the country adrift without any foreign policy at a time of rising regional tensions.Addressing a joint Opposition media briefing yesterday (11), Prof. Peiris said the issue was not whether Sri Lanka’s foreign policy was good or bad, but that there was none at all. “Buffeted by wind and wave without any conscious effort to formulate a foreign policy, the sad truth is that Sri Lanka today has no foreign policy,” he charged.He criticised the Government for maintaining what he described as a policy of silence over the US strike on the Iranian vessel, despite Sri Lanka’s strategic location and existing regional mechanisms. According to him, the country lacked the political will and resolve to act decisively.Referring to the Colombo Security Conclave comprising Sri Lanka, India, the Maldives and Mauritius, Prof. Peiris said the platform had been established to ensure peace and stability in surrounding waters. He argued that Sri Lanka should take the initiative to convene the grouping to explore ways of reducing escalating tensions in the Indian Ocean region.“Sri Lanka must not remain non-committal, disengaged and evasive. The Conclave exists to prevent big power rivalry and violence in the western Indian Ocean from spilling over into the Bay of Bengal, for the sake of our economy and the wellbeing of our people,” he said.Drawing comparisons with past leaders, Prof. Peiris said former Prime Minister Sirimavo Bandaranaike had intervened during the 1962 border conflict between India and China, while former President J.R. Jayewardene had urged forgiveness towards Japan at the conclusion of the Second World War. He also referred to former President R. Premadasa’s international engagement on poverty and housing, and former President Ranil Wickremesinghe’s address to the 78th Session of the United Nations General Assembly in 2023, where he outlined Sri Lanka’s recovery path following the economic crisis.He claimed that such proactive diplomacy stood in stark contrast to what he described as the present Government’s evasion and refusal to accept responsibility.Prof. Peiris further warned that Sri Lanka’s fragile economy could face serious repercussions from instability in nearby waters. He noted that the attack on the Iranian vessel close to Sri Lanka’s economic waters could threaten the country’s export lifeline.“There is every danger of ships bypassing the Port of Colombo owing to the violence and turbulence so close to the Island. Insurance premiums will inevitably rise,” he cautioned.He said higher insurance costs would undermine the competitiveness of key exports, including tea and apparel, placing further strain on an already vulnerable economy.&nbsp;

GL slams foreign policy vacuum

<ul><li> YZA calls for intelligence units in key Departments</li></ul>Sri Lanka risks becoming a major regional hub for illegal wildlife trafficking unless urgent and coordinated action is taken, the Young Zoologists’ Association (YZA) warned yesterday (11), urging the Government to immediately establish dedicated intelligence divisions within all key enforcement agencies.Addressing the media, Senior Instructor of the YZA, environmentalist and attorney Dr. Jagath Gunawardana, cautioned that the illegal wildlife trade has evolved into a sophisticated, network-based criminal enterprise that cannot be countered through conventional enforcement mechanisms alone.He stressed that while four institutions are tasked with curbing wildlife trafficking — the Department of Wildlife Conservation, the Forest Conservation Department, the Department of Fisheries and Aquatic Resources, and Sri Lanka Customs — only Customs currently operates with an intelligence division.“The other Departments do not have dedicated intelligence units to gather real-time information and respond swiftly to incidents. Without that capacity, enforcement becomes reactive rather than preventive,” Dr. Gunawardana said.He warned that the absence of institutional intelligence support would leave Sri Lanka vulnerable to organised trafficking networks.“If immediate action is not taken, it will be impossible to prevent the country from turning into a hub for illegal wildlife trading in a very short period of time,” he added.The YZA’s concerns follow recent findings by its researchers and analysts, who have identified an increase in cases involving the export of endemic and endangered species. According to the Association, Sri Lanka is also being used as a temporary transit and storage point for trafficked wildlife before the animals are shipped to their final destinations.Such practices, Dr. Gunawardana noted, are prohibited under the provisions and legal interpretations of the Fauna and Flora Protection Ordinance.He emphasised that combating the illegal wildlife trade requires a strengthened regulatory framework, inter-agency coordination, and access to timely intelligence to dismantle trafficking networks before species are irreversibly harmed.

 SL on brink of wildlife trafficking hub

One-time Power and Energy Minister Patali Champika Ranawaka accused the National People’s Power (NPP) Government of having dealt a devastating blow to the country’s energy security and the people’s economy.Speaking to the media in Colombo yesterday (11) at a briefing organised by the joint Opposition, Ranawaka said the Public Utilities Commission of Sri Lanka (PUCSL) has presented a very systematic investigative report on the environmental and financial damage that has occurred in the recent coal procurement.&nbsp;“According to the report, the entire coal procurement process itself is corrupt”. He said that in March of last year (2025), the Lanka Coal Company had submitted its procurement plan for 2026 to the Government.&nbsp;“However, the Government rejected it, as a result of which the relevant tender was delayed. At the same time, five additional shipments were awarded to a company which had earlier been described in unfavourable terms”.&nbsp;Ranawaka noted that the particular tender was finally called in August 2025. “The conditions in the tender were relaxed and the time period was reduced”. The manner in which these changes were made has openly raised suspicions that the process was adjusted in a way that suited certain parties, he said.&nbsp;“The first shipment itself failed and stocks arrived only in December 2025. According to the open report of the PUCSL, the Government had disgracefully undermined the energy security of the country”.&nbsp;Ranawaka lamented that under the current situation, two units of the Lakvijaya Power Plant in Norochcholai are scheduled to be shut down for 25 days each in the coming period. “The first unit will be closed for 25 days in June and the second unit will be closed for 25 days in July. In addition, the Wekanda Power Plant is also scheduled to be shut down for 10 days.&nbsp;Likewise, the Kelanitissa Combined Cycle Power Plant is also scheduled to be closed during May, June and July”. He said that even if all 25 ships reach the island — only 11 have arrived so far — the Coal Power Plant will shut down by 2 October under these circumstances.&nbsp;“At present, even the 12th and 13th shipments have not arrived. We cannot be confident that the 20th shipment will arrive before 20 April. Therefore, the Lakvijaya Power Plant is scheduled to shut down on 27 August”.&nbsp;He alleged that because low-quality coal was brought in, the relevant Company earned an additional profit of about United States Dollars ($) 20 to 30 per metric tonne. “Accordingly, from just one shipment out of the first 10 shipments, they would gain a benefit of between $ 1.2 and 1.5 million. Therefore, from the first 10 shipments alone, they have earned an additional profit of between $ 12 and 15 million,” Ranawaka alleged. PHOTO Ishan Sanjeewa

Electricity sector crisis: 40% Hike, 100% Tariffs

US-Iran conflict: Iran accuses US of obstructing rescue

US-Iran conflict: Iran accuses ...

Police accused of harassing journalist

Police accused of harassing jo ...

As energy costs rise: Food prices soar

As energy costs rise: Food pri ...

CEB TUs call off strike

CEB TUs call off strike

Three ships hit in Strait of Hormuz

Three ships hit in Strait of H ...

GL slams foreign policy vacuum

GL slams foreign policy vacuum

SL on brink of wildlife trafficking hub

SL on brink of wildlife traff ...

Patali slams Govt.: Death blow to energy security

Patali slams Govt.: Death blow ...

US-Iran conflict: Iran accuses US of obstructing rescue

US-Iran conflict: Iran accuses ...

Police accused of harassing journalist

Police accused of harassing jo ...

As energy costs rise: Food prices soar

As energy costs rise: Food pri ...

CEB TUs call off strike

CEB TUs call off strike

Three ships hit in Strait of Hormuz

Three ships hit in Strait of H ...

GL slams foreign policy vacuum

GL slams foreign policy vacuum

SL on brink of wildlife trafficking hub

SL on brink of wildlife traff ...

Patali slams Govt.: Death blow to energy security

Patali slams Govt.: Death blow ...

Bringing the news paper to your fingertips

US-Iran conflict: Iran accuses US of obstructing rescue

US-Iran conflict: Iran accuses ...

Police accused of harassing journalist

Police accused of harassing jo ...

Bringing the news paper to your fingertips

As energy costs rise: Food prices soar

As energy costs rise: Food pri ...

CEB TUs call off strike

CEB TUs call off strike

Three ships hit in Strait of Hormuz

Three ships hit in Strait of H ...

GL slams foreign policy vacuum

GL slams foreign policy vacuum