<ul><li>Opposition cites Rs 18.4b in identified losses</li><li>Ravi K estimates Rs 25 b spent on additional diesel-based power generation</li><li>Presidential Commission’s deadline extended by two months to 16 Dec</li></ul> The Opposition yesterday (20) put the losses linked to substandard coal supplied for electricity generation at between Rs 18.4 billion and Rs 56 billion, with the higher estimate including Government subsidies and the additional cost of diesel-based power generation.SJB MP S M Marikkar told Parliament that an investigation had identified losses of Rs 18,368.89 million from the use of substandard coal and emergency purchases. New Democratic Front (NDF) MP Ravi Karunanayake, however, estimated the overall cost at around Rs 56 billion, including direct losses, subsidies and additional expenditure on diesel generation.Presenting findings from an investigation into the use of imported coal without proper quality inspections, Marikkar said the losses covered reduced electricity generation, additional maintenance, excess ash transportation and emergency coal purchases.According to the figures he presented, the use of substandard coal had resulted in losses of Rs 7,099 million, while additional maintenance cost Rs 80.4 million and excess ash transportation Rs 13.1 million.The loss of 300 megawatts (MW) of electricity generation had necessitated alternative power purchases costing Rs 8,572 million. Emergency purchases involving five coal shipments had resulted in a further loss of Rs 2,284 million, while delays involving an emergency shipment had cost another Rs 402.8 million.Marikkar said the Rs 18,368.89 million figure did not include the Government’s Rs 100 subsidy introduced amid rising global diesel prices or losses borne by the Ceylon Petroleum Corporation (CPC). The relevant parties had been instructed to calculate these additional costs, he said.Karunanayake estimated the total loss at around Rs 56 billion, comprising Rs 16 billion in direct losses, Rs 15 billion in Government subsidies and Rs 25 billion in additional expenditure on diesel-based electricity generation due to the poor quality of the coal.The claims follow Energy Minister Anura Karunathilaka’s statement in Parliament on 8 October that Electricity Generation Lanka (EGL) Pvt Ltd and National System Operator (NSO) Pvt Ltd had incurred estimated combined losses of Rs 15.765 billion due to substandard coal supplied between 2025 and 2026.He said Lanka Coal Company Pvt. Ltd. had recovered Rs 16.989 billion from the supplier through performance guarantees and penalties. The NSO had incurred Rs 8.572 billion in additional costs to replace electricity lost due to the coal quality issue, while EGL had spent Rs 7.192 billion on additional coal, maintenance and handling.The controversy concerns coal supplied to the Lakvijaya Power Plant in Norochcholai in 2025. It also led to the resignations of former Energy Minister Kumara Jayakody and Energy Ministry Secretary Prof. Udayanga Hemapala.A Special Presidential Commission of Inquiry was subsequently appointed to investigate past coal procurement and supply arrangements and the circumstances surrounding the allegations.Meanwhile, the Commission’s term has been extended by two months, until 16 December. President Anura Kumara Dissanayake extended the deadline for its final report from 16 October under Section 4 of the Special Presidential Commissions of Inquiry Law, No. 7 of 1978.

Marikkar presents findings of parliamentary probe: Coal losses put at Rs 56b

A 13-member parliamentary committee has been appointed to oversee the implementation of actions assigned to Parliament under the National Anti-Corruption Action Plan 2025-2029.The committee, chaired by the Deputy Chairperson of Committees, is tasked with providing leadership and overseeing the implementation of the actions assigned to Parliament under the plan.The decision to appoint the committee was taken at a meeting of the Committee on Parliamentary Business held on 25 September.The nominated Parliamentarians are Harshana Nanayakkara, Sunil Watagala, Dr Kaushalya Ariyarathne, J C Alawathuwala, Anuradha Jayaratne, Shanakiyan Rajaputhiran Rasamanickam, Oshani Umanga Hapuarachchi, Prageeth Madhuranga, Chandima Hettiaratchi, Darmapriya Wijesinghe, Dewananda Suraweera and M Nizam Kariapper.

13-member panel to oversee anti-corruption plan 

<ul><li> Sajith seeks special task force for tuskers&nbsp;</li></ul> A total of 784 wild elephants have died from gunshot injuries, electrocution, hakka patas explosives and train collisions in Sri Lanka from 2023 to date this year, Environment Minister Dr Dammika Patabendi told Parliament yesterday (20), as Opposition Leader Sajith Premadasa called for stronger protection measures and an independent investigation into the death of elephant Kavanthissa.Gunfire accounted for the highest number of deaths at 303, followed by electrocution (229), hakka patas (193) and train collisions (59).The figures show that gunfire killed 98 elephants in 2023, 84 in 2024, 79 in 2025 and 42 so far this year. Electrocution claimed 72 lives in 2023, 56 in 2024, 69 in 2025 and 32 this year. Hakka patas caused 52 deaths in both 2023 and 2024, 56 in 2025 and 33 this year. Train collisions killed 24 elephants in 2023, 11 in 2024, 21 in 2025 and three so far this year.Against this backdrop, Premadasa questioned the Government over the treatment provided to Kavanthissa before its death on 16 October. He asked the Minister to table records of medical decisions and treatment, and clarify whether specialist veterinary assistance, military support or specialised rescue equipment had been considered.He also asked whether shortages of equipment, laboratory facilities or personnel had affected treatment, whether officials had visited the site and whether a post-mortem report would be tabled. “Does the Government accept that Kavanthissa’s death was a killing?” he asked, seeking an update on the investigation.Premadasa proposed bringing in foreign specialists to assist the investigation and including civil society environmental organisations in a committee appointed by the Director General of the Department of Wildlife Conservation. He also called for foreign assistance to establish mobile laboratories and emergency wildlife treatment units.Referring to elephant Mahasen, which he described as the country’s tusker with the longest tusks, he urged the Government to introduce a special programme to locate and protect it. He also proposed a dedicated task force to protect elephants, citing measures taken in India and African countries, and called for action over firearms distributed for crop protection.Responding, Dr Patabendi said the present Government had not distributed firearms for crop protection, adding that most elephant shootings involved illegal weapons. He said the Government would give serious consideration to Premadasa’s proposals.The Minister said Kavanthissa’s illness was first reported on 23 September, with treatment beginning the following day. The elephant was anaesthetised on 25 September to collect wound samples, and blood tests were also conducted. Veterinary teams discussed its condition online and assessed it daily. The initial illness was brought under control, and by 30 September the wound had healed and the elephant could walk, bearing weight on all four legs.However, its condition deteriorated after it was observed in the Anuradhapura area on 6 October, suffering from diarrhoea. Attempts to collect dung samples for testing were unsuccessful due to the rain and diarrhoea. Despite treatment, nutritional supplements and medication to stimulate its appetite, the elephant weakened and stopped eating. It died at 6.44 p.m. on 16 October, the Minister said, adding that numerous veterinary surgeons had been involved.He said preparations for a mobile wildlife hospital were 90% complete, with vehicles being adapted and equipment purchased. Land had also been allocated at Ulukkulama, about four kilometres from Anuradhapura on the Anuradhapura-Puttalam road, for a veterinary hospital, with a concept paper submitted and Government approval obtained.“If there has been any shortcoming by anyone in this matter, I am prepared to accept responsibility as the Minister of Environment,” Dr Patabendi said.

784 elephants killed since 2023

<ul><li>Minister says consumer losses cannot be quantified</li><li>Govt rejects link between coal quality and Norochcholai breakdown</li></ul> Energy Minister Anura Karunathilaka yesterday (20) indicated that losses incurred by electricity sector companies including the National System Operator (NSO) Private Limited following the nationwide power outage on 17 October would be reflected through electricity tariffs, but that the losses suffered by consumers could not be calculated.Responding to a question by New Democratic Front Opposition Parliamentarian Ravi Karunanayake in Parliament about the financial impact of the blackout including on the NSO and other electricity sector companies in Parliament yesterday (20), he said: “When a loss of this nature occurs, the NSO generally reflects it through tariffs. However, it is not possible to calculate the losses suffered by consumers.”Karunanayake also asked what action would be taken over damage to electrical appliances and what compensation would be paid to the affected consumers. In response, Karunathilaka said: “The Public Utilities Commission of Sri Lanka (PUCSL) is the body responsible for regulating this matter. It is dealing with the issue, and the relevant action will be taken in line with the criteria that it has issued."The nationwide outage on 17 October began at around 11.45 a.m. and resulted in a total failure of the electricity system. Power was gradually restored across the country, with supply returning to most areas by around 7.50 p.m. The NSO attributed the failure to severe instability in the transmission network. Karunathilaka previously said that a technical issue detected at a hydropower plant in Kotmale may have contributed to the system becoming unstable.Furthermore, NSO Chairperson Pradeep Priyadarshana said that the Company launched an internal investigation to establish the sequence of events and identify the causes of the outage. A formal report, including recommendations to prevent similar incidents, is expected to be submitted to the PUCSL and the Energy Ministry within one month.Meanwhile, Cabinet Spokesperson&nbsp; Nalinda Jayatissa has rejected claims that the use of substandard coal at the Lakvijaya Power Plant in Norochcholai led to the need for power cuts. Speaking at the weekly Cabinet media briefing held yesterday, he said that the Plant’s Generator Number One had been shut down for maintenance for 61 days, from 30 July until 4 September, and that newly imported coal had been used at the Plant from 4 September onwards. Accordingly, he dismissed allegations linking the generator’s shutdown to the quality of coal used at the Plant. He noted that generator outages at the Plant had occurred from time to time, but said that the latest incident should not be attributed to coal quality without considering the maintenance period.&nbsp; Jayatissa also said that an internal investigation is underway to determine the circumstances surrounding the breakdown of Generator No. 1.&nbsp; Jayatissa expressed hope that the unit would return to normal operation after today (21), adding that the findings of the ongoing inquiry would help clarify the cause of the breakdown.

Blackout losses may be passed on through tariffs

<ul><li>Pera Uni in charge of post-mortem&nbsp;</li></ul> Two suspects have been arrested and remanded until 28 October over the death of tusker Kavantissa, with three separate investigations now underway into the incident, Cabinet Spokesperson Dr Nalinda Jayatissa said yesterday (20).Speaking at the weekly Cabinet media briefing, he said the suspects were arrested following information provided by the public to the Western Province Range Forest Office. The arrests were made by the Walana Central Anti Vice Striking Force.Several firearms and ammunition were recovered from the residence of the first suspect, while the second was arrested based on evidence gathered during the investigation, he said.Dr Jayatissa clarified that four other individuals arrested by the Striking Force had been taken into custody over unrelated matters. Further action would be taken based on evidence uncovered as the investigations progressed, he added.The Criminal Investigation Department (CID) is conducting a separate investigation into the tusker’s death, while an internal inquiry is also underway with the involvement of officials from outside the Department of Wildlife Conservation (DWC).The internal inquiry includes the Director of the National Zoological Gardens Department, a Director from the Environment Ministry and three senior lecturers from the Faculty of Veterinary Medicine at the University of Peradeniya.Dr Jayatissa said the post-mortem examination had been assigned to the University of Peradeniya’s Veterinary Division on court orders, with the Division expected to submit its findings to the court.Meanwhile, President Anura Kumara Dissanayake has appointed a six-member expert committee to investigate the death of Kavantissa in the Siyambalangamuwa area of Galgamuwa on or around 16 October and recommend measures to improve wild elephant welfare and conservation.The committee, chaired by former Ministry Secretary A H Sarath Wijesinghe, comprises Professors T. Saminda Fernando, A G Anil Pushpakumara and U K Kalinga Padmalal, along with attorneys Dr Jagath Gunawardena and Charaka Jayaratne. Additional Secretary to the President W W Harrison will coordinate its work.The committee has been tasked with examining the immediate and underlying causes of the elephant’s death, including whether there were any lapses or negligence in its treatment. It will also develop standard operating procedures for wild elephant welfare and make recommendations for a national elephant conservation programme.The panel may seek assistance from local and international experts and is expected to submit a comprehensive report to the President within 30 days, including its findings and a proposed framework for the standard operating procedures.

Multiple probes into ‘Kavantissa’s death

Cabinet Spokesperson Dr Nalinda Jayatissa yesterday (20) rejected claims that the proposed Protection of the State from Terrorism Bill would allow people to be arrested simply for having long hair or tattoos, urging those concerned about its provisions to challenge them before the Supreme Court (SC).Speaking at the weekly Cabinet media briefing, he responded to public concerns about the proposed legislation, including those raised by President’s Counsel Saliya Pieris in a social media post.Dr Jayatissa said legal professionals, including those working in the field and individuals taught by Pieris, had been involved in drafting the Bill. He maintained that provisions allowing people to be arrested solely for having tattoos or long hair would not be included in the proposed legislation.“If such provisions exist, anyone can go to the SC and challenge them. That is the best course of action,” he said, adding that the Bill should be considered as a whole rather than judged on one or two disputed provisions.He said the Government had proposed repealing the Prevention of Terrorism (Temporary Provisions) Act and introducing a new legal framework to protect the State from terrorism while safeguarding human rights. He urged those concerned about specific provisions to seek judicial review rather than relying solely on public debate through the media.Meanwhile, Justice Minister Harshana Nanayakkara told Parliament yesterday that provisions in the proposed Bill were being misinterpreted on social media, particularly claims that tattoos or long hair could constitute criminal offences punishable by imprisonment.He explained that Section 4(2) sets out rebuttable presumptions that may be used to determine whether a person belongs to a criminal organisation. These are not conclusive evidence and can be challenged, he said.Section 4(2)(b) refers to whether a person uses hairstyles, tattoos, hand signs, attire or language commonly used by known members of a criminal organisation.Nanayakkara said organised crime gangs in countries such as Japan, the US, Australia and Singapore used common hand signals, rituals and tattoos to indicate rank. Examining tattoos and attire to help identify suspected gang members was an internationally used method, he added.Describing claims that people could be arrested for having tattoos and detained for days as “totally misleading”, he stressed that citizens had the fundamental right to choose their hairstyles and clothing.He also challenged anyone who believed a provision of the proposed legislation violated the Constitution to seek a determination from the SC.

Protection of the State from Terror Bill: Govt denies targeting long hair, tattoos 

The Government cannot act contrary to the Supreme Court (SC) ruling against Bodu Bala Sena General Secretary Venerable Galagodaaththe Gnanasara Thera, Cabinet Spokesperson Dr Nalinda Jayatissa said yesterday (20), stressing that the law must be upheld without exception.Speaking at the weekly Cabinet media briefing, he was responding to a question on why the Government could not grant a Presidential pardon to the imprisoned monk.Dr Jayatissa said Gnanasara Thera had been sentenced following judicial proceedings and that the Government could not disregard a decision delivered by the SC.He said the Government had come to power with a commitment to uphold the rule of law and could not defy a court order in response to public demands.Emphasising that the law must apply equally to everyone, regardless of status, position or power, he said even those who had not voted for the Government expected it to uphold the law without making exceptions based on an individual's standing or influence.Accordingly, Dr Jayatissa said the Government would act in accordance with existing laws and the orders issued by the SC.

No pardon for Gnanasara: Govt says cannot act contrary to SC

<ul><li>Also cites evidence of formal burial rights being observed&nbsp;</li></ul> The Chemmani mass grave located in Jaffna may have resulted from an infectious disease outbreak or a natural disaster, and the site also contains some significant evidence suggesting that formal burial rites may have been observed, according to an interim report by an archaeologist involved in the Chemmani excavation, Professor Raj Somadeva.The archaeological expert overseeing the excavation and exhumation of human remains at the Chemmani mass grave, Prof Somadeva examines the archaeological context of the remains and documents findings relevant to the investigation. He submitted his report to the Jaffna Magistrate’s Court (MC) on Monday (19). The report was an expert archaeological assessment and not the final determination of how or why the people buried there died.Some of the key findings of the report are that the Chemmani mass grave exhibits notable differences from controversial mass graves documented in various parts of the world. In particular, it shows specific similarities to burial contexts in which the deceased were laid to rest in an orderly manner.&nbsp;The high concentration of human remains, however, does not conclusively establish the circumstances under which the bodies were buried. The report states that the necessary supporting evidence to determine those circumstances with accuracy has not been identified.&nbsp;The large number of skeletal remains recovered from the Chemmani mass grave may be attributable to an infectious disease outbreak or a natural disaster. Such circumstances may have necessitated the rapid disposal of bodies rather than the observance of conventional burial practices. This may also explain why only a limited number of objects typically associated with funeral rites have been recovered. However, some of the evidence uncovered so far indicates that formal burial rites may have taken place at the site.&nbsp;Explaining why no clothes were found, the report stated that there was no evidence of clothing directly preserved in association with the skeletal remains found among the human skeletons excavated at Chemmani. However, the absence of surviving textile remains should not be interpreted as proof that the deceased were buried without clothing. Organic materials, including fabrics, can deteriorate under unfavourable burial conditions. Their preservation is significantly influenced by the physical and chemical properties of the surrounding soil, moisture levels, microbial activity and the length of time that they have remained buried. In some instances, buttons, buttonhole rings and small metal fasteners used in clothing were recovered from locations associated with human skeletal remains. These findings provide evidence supporting the possibility that at least some individuals were wearing clothes when they were buried. Therefore, the absence of preserved textile remains at Chemmani should not be regarded as conclusive evidence that the deceased were unclothed at the time of burial. Rather, it should be understood as an archaeological observation that may have resulted from the deterioration of materials over time, the report states.

Chemmani mass grave: Chief archaeologist posits infectious disease

The SJB controlled Pathahewaheta Pradeshiya Sabha (PS) was suspended with effect from Monday (19), while investigations into irregularities are under way, the Governor of the Central Province said.

Marikkar presents findings of parliamentary probe: Coal loss ...

13-member panel to oversee anti-corruption plan

13-member panel to oversee ant ...

784 elephants killed since 2023

784 elephants killed since 202 ...

Blackout losses may be passed on through tariffs

Blackout losses may be passed ...

Multiple probes into ‘Kavantissa’s death

Multiple probes into ‘Kavantis ...

Protection of the State from Terror Bill: Govt denies targeting long h ...

Protection of the State from T ...

No pardon for Gnanasara: Govt says cannot act contrary to SC

No pardon for Gnanasara: Govt ...

Chemmani mass grave: Chief archaeologist posits infectious disease

Chemmani mass grave: Chief arc ...

Pathahewaheta PS suspended

Pathahewaheta PS suspended

13-member panel to oversee anti-corruption plan

13-member panel to oversee ant ...

784 elephants killed since 2023

784 elephants killed since 202 ...

Blackout losses may be passed on through tariffs

Blackout losses may be passed ...

Multiple probes into ‘Kavantissa’s death

Multiple probes into ‘Kavantis ...

Protection of the State from Terror Bill: Govt denies targeting long h ...

Protection of the State from T ...

No pardon for Gnanasara: Govt says cannot act contrary to SC

No pardon for Gnanasara: Govt ...

Chemmani mass grave: Chief archaeologist posits infectious disease

Chemmani mass grave: Chief arc ...

Pathahewaheta PS suspended

Pathahewaheta PS suspended

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13-member panel to oversee anti-corruption plan

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784 elephants killed since 2023

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Bringing the news paper to your fingertips

Blackout losses may be passed on through tariffs

Blackout losses may be passed ...

Multiple probes into ‘Kavantissa’s death

Multiple probes into ‘Kavantis ...

Protection of the State from Terror Bill: Govt denies targeting long h ...

Protection of the State from T ...

No pardon for Gnanasara: Govt says cannot act contrary to SC

No pardon for Gnanasara: Govt ...