<ul><li>Gen. Secy. says party yet undecided on response&nbsp;</li><li>Weighs options ahead of final position&nbsp;</li></ul> The ruling National People's Power (NPP) is yet to make a decision on how it will respond to the no-confidence motion (NCM) brought against Energy Minister Kumara Jayakody, its General Secretary and Government Parliamentarian Dr. Nihal Abeysinghe said. Speaking to The Daily Morning yesterday (2), he said the Party had not reached a final position and is still weighing its options. “We’ll see how it goes. There is some time. We have not made a decision yet. We know that there is a moral issue, and we are considering what we need to do,” he said. The remarks come after Opposition MPs handed over an NCM against Jayakody to the Speaker of Parliament a few days ago. The motion alleges that Jayakody failed in his primary responsibility to ensure the procurement of sufficient quantities of quality coal for the Lakvijaya Coal Power Plant in Norochcholai. It claims that this failure amounts to gross negligence in overseeing a critical national energy asset and constitutes a fundamental breach of Ministerial responsibility.&nbsp;Opposition MPs have also pointed out that Jayakody has been formally charged in the Colombo High Court by the Commission to Investigate Allegations of Bribery or Corruption under the Anti-Corruption Act, No. 09 of 2023. The charge relates to an alleged act of corruption that is said to have taken place during his tenure as the Procurement Manager of the Ceylon Fertiliser Company Limited. Parliament has scheduled the debate on the NCM for 10 April. The debate is set to take place from 11.30 a.m. to 5.30 p.m.

Anti-Kumara Jayakody NCM: NPP acknowledges moral issue 

The SLPP National Organiser and Opposition Parliamentarian Namal Rajapaksa yesterday (2) alleged that President Anura Kumara Dissanayake is complicit in the alleged coal-related fraud, claiming the Government is protecting those involved.Addressing the media at the Party headquarters on Nelum Mawatha, Rajapaksa said that if the President fails to recognise the coal issue as a scam and continues to safeguard those accused, it indicates direct involvement. He further claimed the conduct and statements of the President, along with decisions taken by the Government, suggest an attempt to shield individuals linked to the alleged irregularities.&nbsp;Rajapaksa also alleged that a figure previously associated with the Agriculture Ministry had been elevated to a senior position despite past accusations, and is now connected to the current controversy.Criticising broader Government policies, Rajapaksa said the administration’s approach mirrors that of previous Governments, accusing it of placing economic burdens on the public while failing to address rising living costs. He pointed out that fuel prices have increased without a corresponding rise in allowances for public sector workers, including doctors and field officers, placing them under financial strain.&nbsp;He also raised concerns over the rising cost of living, the lack of price control measures, and uncertainty in agricultural policy, particularly regarding rice imports and fertiliser shortages.

Coal scam: Namal accuses President of shielding fraudsters  

<ul><li>Colombo suburbs face the brunt</li><li>Mahaweli reservoirs at 50%-60% capacity</li><li>NWSDB works round-the-clock</li></ul> The National Water Supply and Drainage Board (NWSDB) imposed a series of 24-hour water cuts across several parts of Colombo District from yesterday (2) until 10 April, citing limited water availability due to prevailing dry weather conditions and reduced reservoir capacity.Under the schedule, residents in Padukka, Homagama, Pelanwatta and Pannipitiya will experience 24-hour water interruptions once every four days, beginning at 8 p.m. on the designated dates. The staggered system has been introduced in a bid to manage dwindling supplies while avoiding prolonged daily disruptions across all areas.Padukka was the first to be affected, with a 24-hour water cut imposed from 8 p.m. yesterday (2) until 8 p.m. today (3). Supply to the area will then continue uninterrupted for three days before being suspended again on 6 April. Homagama will undergo a similar interruption from 8 p.m. today (3) to 8 p.m. tomorrow (4), followed by three days of continuous supply, with the next cut scheduled for 7 April. Pelanwatta will face its 24-hour cut from 8 p.m. tomorrow (4), with a subsequent interruption on 8 April, while Pannipitiya will experience a 24-hour suspension from 8 p.m. on 5 April.In addition to these extended outages, the NWSDB has also scheduled three-hour water cuts every other day in Battaramulla, Pamankada, Wellawatte, Nawala and surrounding areas. These interruptions will take place from 10 p.m. to 1 a.m. throughout the same period.The NWSDB stated that the staggered schedule has been designed to distribute available water equitably while ensuring that consumers are still able to meet their essential daily requirements. The Board emphasised that this approach would prevent the need for more severe, prolonged or islandwide water restrictions if the dry conditions persist.Explaining the situation further, NWSDB General Manager (Western Central) Disna Pannila said that the current shortages are primarily due to reduced water production at the Labugama and Kalatuwawa reservoirs, which are among the key sources supplying water to parts of the Western Province.Addressing a press conference at the Government Information Department, NWSDB Chairperson, Engineer Chandana Bandara, said that although the Ambathale Water Treatment Plant continues to operate at stable levels, approximately 150,000 consumers who depend on supplies from the Labugama and Kalatuwawa systems will not be able to receive a continuous water supply under the present conditions.He noted that, based on current consumption patterns, the Labugama Reservoir has sufficient capacity for around 50 days, while the Kalatuwawa Reservoir can sustain supply for only 20 to 22 days. However, he said that efforts are being made to extend the use of available water in Kalatuwawa to at least 30 days through careful management and scheduled distribution.Bandara further stated that if rainfall is received in the coming days, the NWSDB is prepared to revise the water cut schedule within hours, depending on improvements in reservoir levels and production capacity.He also pointed out that reservoirs linked to the Mahaweli system currently retain between 50% and 60% of their water capacity. These sources, he said, may be utilised to supplement supplies in affected areas if necessary, although logistical and operational considerations would determine the extent to which such measures could be implemented.Meanwhile, the NWSDB has appointed a special operations committee to monitor and manage the ongoing drinking water shortage. The committee, comprising relevant officials, has been tasked with overseeing water distribution, assessing production capacity and ensuring the efficient use of limited resources.According to the NWSDB, the committee will conduct daily and weekly reviews of water availability, supply patterns and consumption trends, while also coordinating with relevant sectors to address emerging challenges. It is also expected to submit regular management reports and recommend adjustments to the distribution plan as required.The Board stressed that the primary objective of these measures is to maintain minimum service levels, prevent prolonged daily interruptions and ensure that available water is distributed in a manner that minimises inconvenience to the public until reservoir levels recover.Bandara said that NWSDB staff are working around the clock to manage the situation, with leave for maintenance divisions having been cancelled to ensure uninterrupted operational support during the period of restricted supply.He further noted that water consumption has increased significantly due to the prevailing dry weather conditions, placing additional strain on already limited resources. In this context, he warned that further restrictions on water production and distribution may become necessary if the situation worsens.Urging the public to act responsibly, Bandara called on consumers to limit water usage to essential activities and avoid wastage, noting that public cooperation would be critical in preventing a more severe crisis.The measures come amid forecasts from the Meteorology Department indicating that little or no rainfall is expected over the next three weeks. The NWSDB has also observed a marked increase in water consumption during this period, further exacerbating pressure on available supplies.

From yesterday to 10 April:  24-hr water cuts commence

<ul><li>Legal consequences await those who violate directives</li></ul>The Education Ministry has issued a new circular outlining measures to ensure discipline within schools. The circular has been directed to Provincial Secretaries of Education, Provincial and Zonal Education Directors, Deputy and Assistant Directors in charge of divisions, heads of Pirivena institutions, and school principals.&nbsp;The new guidelines are to be implemented in addition to the instructions set out in the circular issued on 29 April 2016, concerning school discipline. The circular also references a section of a Supreme Court (SC) ruling. It stresses that no child should be subjected to physical or psychological harm under any circumstances, whether as punishment or otherwise. It further underscores that corporal punishment, in any form or at any level, is strictly prohibited, and that those who violate this directive will face legal consequences.&nbsp;The Ministry has emphasised that special attention must be paid to the principles outlined in the SC ruling when addressing matters related to student discipline.

New school discipline circular issued

<ul><li>Focus on relief and infrastructure facilities&nbsp;</li><li>TPA briefs Prez on qualified teachers recruitment</li></ul>Prime Minister Dr. Harini Amarasuriya has informed that a Cabinet paper is to be submitted in the near future on relief measures and infrastructure facilities for the Malaiyaha people, the Civil Society Collective for Malaiyaha Reconstruction claimed.A special meeting between the Prime Minister and representatives of island-wide civil society organisations (CSOs) working with people affected by Cyclone Ditwah was held on 28 March at Temple Trees. During the meeting, several matters, including ongoing reconstruction efforts and alternative measures for those affected by Ditwah, were discussed in detail. The Collective presented the key issues affecting the Malaiyaha people, which included housing and land rights, transitional shelters and basic facilities in camps, livelihoods, infrastructure, as well as alleged irregularities and discrimination in the provision of relief.&nbsp;The Collective also highlighted the lack of implementation of the Tamil language in administrative processes, reiterated their rejection of multi-storey housing schemes, and stressed that affected Malaiyaha families must be provided with housing and land valued at no less than Rs. five million. Representatives of the CSOs further emphasised that multi-storey housing is unsuitable for the Malaiyaha region due to its unique geographical and social context.These demands were presented to the Prime Minister, the Commissioner General of Essential Services, Prabath Chandrakeerthi, and the Secretaries of the relevant Ministries. Chandrakeerthi further stated that, in line with provisions extended to other affected populations, those impacted by Ditwah in plantation areas would also be provided with housing and land valued at no less than Rs. five million.A group of Tamil Progressive Alliance (TPA) members, including its Leader and Opposition Parliamentarian Mano Ganesan, met President Anura Kumara Dissanayake yesterday (2) at the Presidential Secretariat. Extensive discussions were held on the issues faced by the Malaiyaha community, particularly in relation to education, housing, and land, as well as on the urgent measures required to address these longstanding concerns. The President paid special attention to these matters during the meeting.&nbsp;Attention was also drawn to the recruitment of qualified Tamil-medium teachers to address the prevailing teacher shortage in estate sector schools, and this issue too was discussed at length. Opposition Parliamentarians P. Digambaram and V. Radhakrishnan, along with several other party members, were also present at the meeting.At the request of the TPA, the President has nominated a coordinating officer at the Presidential Secretariat level to address issues affecting the Malaiyaha community. Commissioner General of Essential Services Prabath Chandrakeerthi has been appointed to this position by the President. The President has also approved a Rs. five million relief allocation for Malaiyaha community members who lost their homes during Cyclone Ditwah.

Cabinet paper on Malaiyaha Community soon

The Colombo Magistrate’s Court yesterday (2) ordered the issuance of open warrants for the arrest of a former Board member of SriLankan Airlines and the son of former Speaker of Parliament Chamal Rajapaksa, Shamindra Rajapaksa, as well as the wife of the former SriLankan Airlines Chief Executive Officer (CEO), Kapila Chandrasena, Priyanka Niyomali Wijenayake, in connection with the alleged Airbus aircraft deal. The order was issued by Colombo Chief Magistrate Asanga Bodaragama after considering a request submitted by the Commission to Investigate Allegations of Bribery or Corruption (CIABOC).Accordingly, the Chief Magistrate further directed that the warrants be circulated to all airports across Sri Lanka. The Controller General of Immigration and Emigration has also been informed of the order. Authorities have been instructed to arrest the suspects upon their arrival in the country and to notify the CIABOC without delay.Meanwhile, the Court rejected the bail application filed on behalf of Chandrasena, who remains in remand custody over allegations of accepting bribes in connection with the procurement of Airbus aircraft. The bail request was refused by Chief Magistrate Bodaragama, who stated that no exceptional circumstances had been presented to justify granting bail to the suspect. Accordingly, Chandrasena was ordered to be further remanded until 17 April. This order was issued following consideration of submissions made by officials of the CIABOC and counsel appearing for the suspect.Chandrasena was arrested by the CIABOC on 12 March for allegedly accepting a bribe amounting to United States Dollars ($) two million in relation to the Airbus aircraft deal. Chandrasena, who served as CEO of SriLankan Airlines at the time of a 2013 agreement to purchase 10 aircraft valued at $ 2.3 billion, is accused of conspiring to accept a total bribe of $ 16 million and of receiving Euros 1.45 million into a bank account in Singapore. Prosecutors further allege that Chandrasena established a shell company in Brunei under his wife’s name and arranged for the kickback to be channelled into its Singapore-based account.

Open warrants issued over Airbus deal

The Women and Child Affairs Ministry is planning to hold discussions with the Education Ministry on removing the requirement of birth certificates for school admissions, in a bid to ensure that a child’s right to be in the classroom is not hindered by the absence of such documentation, The Daily Morning learns.An official from the Women and Child Affairs Ministry, when contacted yesterday (2), stated that the Ministry has identified the need to issue a circular to prevent children from missing out on education due to the lack of a birth certificate. She added that internal discussions are currently underway within the Ministry, and that inter-ministerial discussions with the Education Ministry on the matter are expected to take place soon.“There are children with birth certificates that carry assumed ages in probationary centres, and also children in coastal areas who do not have these certificates at all. They face multiple difficulties when being admitted to schools,” she said, noting that the issue has affected access to education in several vulnerable communities.Women and Child Affairs Minister Saroja Savitri Paulraj had earlier this week stated that the Ministry has decided to safeguard a child’s right to “be in the classroom” by ensuring that the absence of a birth certificate does not become a barrier to school admission. She said that the Ministry intends to instruct Zonal Directors of Education to ensure that every child is admitted to school, while any documentation-related issues, including birth certificates, could be resolved subsequently.She further noted that some children are already lagging behind by nearly three months in their studies, and emphasised the need for immediate intervention to verify whether all children eligible for primary education are being enrolled in schools without delay.

School admissions: Birth certificates rule to be relaxed? 

Sarvajana Balaya Leader and Opposition Parliamentarian Dilith Jayaweera expressed concern that the International Monetary Fund (IMF) programme appears to prioritise creditors’ interests over the broader needs of the country. “There is little visible evidence of a clear pathway towards sustainable economic growth or a comprehensive strategy for national wealth creation,” he said.He made these remarks during a meeting with visiting IMF officials, presided over by Deputy Speaker of Parliament Dr. Rizvie Salih, where Party Leaders were present.“During the discussion, I conveyed the public perception that the current IMF-backed programme has imposed a significant economic burden on ordinary citizens, particularly the average Sri Lankan. Many feel that the cost of adjustment is being disproportionately borne by the people. When IMF Mission Chief for Sri Lanka Evan Papageorgiou noted that the programme had been successfully initiated by the previous Government and that the current administration is demonstrating improved fiscal discipline, I responded that this is precisely the issue. The public had expected a Government that claims to follow ‘so-called Marxist policies’ to deliver meaningful relief. Instead, the current approach is perceived as placing additional strain on the average citizen.”MPs Ravi Karunanayake, M.L.A.M. Hizbullah, and Dr. Ramanathan Archchuna were also present at the meeting.

IMF delegation meets Party Leaders: IMF programme burdens public, favours creditors: Dilith 

Dermatologist and Consultant Cosmetic Dermatologist, Dr. Indira Kahawita said the hot weather conditions had increased the number of patients with fungal and bacterial skin infections.&nbsp;Dr. Kahawita told The Daily Morning yesterday (2) that amongst them is the fungal infection Tinea (a fungal skin infection caused by dermatophytes). She noted that although the fungal infection could be treated, it is less responsive to medication. Explaining, she noted that there are strong possibilities of the organism recurring. She said that the infection affected the armpits, groin and other parts of the body where sweat accumulated. However, she said that instead of resorting to home remedies or asking the pharmacy for a cream, patients should seek specialised treatment.&nbsp;Dr. Kahawita said that there are also younger children suffering from a bacterial infection which developed on the faces. They are like pustules and require treatment with antibiotics.&nbsp;She noted that there are more young children below the age of 12 years who suffer from a sweat rash. However, there are adults who sought treatment for the same during this period. Dr. Kahawita advised those suffering from a sweat rash to refrain from using hot water and to instead use water at room temperature.&nbsp;She said that additionally, there are those who contract sun rashes – especially amongst children due to the overexposure to the sun. Although instructions were issued by medical professionals to shelter from the mid-day sun, there are ongoing school sports activities where students and teachers are exposed to the sunlight for longer periods. She said that sun rashers appeared as itchy white patches – especially in the face area and appeared lighter than the skin colour.&nbsp;Responding to further queries, Dr. Kahawita noted that it is best for people to wear cotton clothing which covered the body. Carry a hat or umbrella and remain hydrated at all times.&nbsp;Focusing on the use of sun creams, she noted that besides taking a heavy toll on the user’s pocket, it also caused discomfort as it caused the users to sweat heavily while using these sun protection creams. Therefore, it is more advisable to use a sun lotion if the person feels a pressing need to put on a sun protection cream. But, in the long run, it is best and easier on the pocket to use the more physical method of maintaining good hygienic conditions, carrying an umbrella or hat, and to remain hydrated, Dr. Kahawita added.&nbsp;

Anti-Kumara Jayakody NCM: NPP acknowledges moral issue

Coal scam: Namal accuses President of shielding fraudsters

Coal scam: Namal accuses Presi ...

From yesterday to 10 April: 24-hr water cuts commence

From yesterday to 10 April: 2 ...

New school discipline circular issued

New school discipline circular ...

Cabinet paper on Malaiyaha Community soon

Cabinet paper on Malaiyaha Com ...

Open warrants issued over Airbus deal

Open warrants issued over Airb ...

School admissions: Birth certificates rule to be relaxed?

School admissions: Birth certi ...

IMF delegation meets Party Leaders: IMF programme burdens public, favo ...

IMF delegation meets Party Lea ...

Hot weather: Dermatologists warn of skin conditions

Hot weather: Dermatologists wa ...

Coal scam: Namal accuses President of shielding fraudsters

Coal scam: Namal accuses Presi ...

From yesterday to 10 April: 24-hr water cuts commence

From yesterday to 10 April: 2 ...

New school discipline circular issued

New school discipline circular ...

Cabinet paper on Malaiyaha Community soon

Cabinet paper on Malaiyaha Com ...

Open warrants issued over Airbus deal

Open warrants issued over Airb ...

School admissions: Birth certificates rule to be relaxed?

School admissions: Birth certi ...

IMF delegation meets Party Leaders: IMF programme burdens public, favo ...

IMF delegation meets Party Lea ...

Hot weather: Dermatologists warn of skin conditions

Hot weather: Dermatologists wa ...

Bringing the news paper to your fingertips

Coal scam: Namal accuses President of shielding fraudsters

Coal scam: Namal accuses Presi ...

From yesterday to 10 April: 24-hr water cuts commence

From yesterday to 10 April: 2 ...

Bringing the news paper to your fingertips

New school discipline circular issued

New school discipline circular ...

Cabinet paper on Malaiyaha Community soon

Cabinet paper on Malaiyaha Com ...

Open warrants issued over Airbus deal

Open warrants issued over Airb ...

School admissions: Birth certificates rule to be relaxed?

School admissions: Birth certi ...