February 03, Colombo (LNW): The Ceylon Electricity Board has recovered in excess of Rs. 90 million after intensifying action against electricity theft across the country last year, officials confirmed.
A series of island-wide inspections carried out by the Board’s Special Investigation Unit during 2025 exposed widespread abuse of the power supply, including tampered meters and unauthorised connections drawn directly from mains lines. In total, investigators detected more than 1,300 violations, causing significant revenue losses to the state utility.
According to Special Investigation Unit Manager Indika Fernando, the enforcement drive resulted in the recovery of nearly Rs. 93 million. The bulk of the amount was collected as compensation for losses incurred by the CEB, while a smaller portion covered court-imposed charges arising from prosecutions.
He said those apprehended came from a range of backgrounds, including commercial operators and professionals, and were found to have manipulated metering systems or bypassed them altogether to avoid paying for electricity consumed.
Fernando noted that surveillance and enforcement efforts would continue and encouraged members of the public to report suspected cases of power theft through the dedicated hotline. He stressed that the CEB remains firm in pursuing legal action to safeguard public funds and ensure fair use of electricity.
CEB Recovers Over Rs. 90 Million in Crackdown on Power Theft
Harry J : The Unforgettable
By Krishantha Prasad Cooray
Harry Jayawardena passed away a year ago. Twelve months. Three hundred and sixty five days. The time has ticked quickly. And yet, it is as though it was just the other day that we last spoke.
It is not surprising, really. After all, we were the closest of friends. There were no filters between us when we spoke. It was brutally honest conversations that we had. We spoke our minds freely. Although he was very much older, he treated me like a friend he had known all his life. He even called me ‘Lokka’ – a private joke between us, because that is also how I addressed him. He didn’t feel ‘older.’ He was, not in years, but in life experiences.
Harry Jayawardena, as everyone knows, was an iconic businessman and industrialist. He was in fact a kind of King Midas of Sri Lankan enterprise; whatever he touched, prospered. The fearlessness, the uncompromising relentlessness and attention to detail are unmatched. He didn’t exactly lecture me, but I knew him enough and listened to him enough to be privy, in a sense, to the man and his thinking. He didn’t set out to impart knowledge but he was so generous with advice and honest in our interactions that I could not but learn from him.
We spoke every single day. Maybe that’s why I miss him so much. It was part of my day to exchange a few words with Harry J, as I fondly refer to him. It’s been long enough for me not to expect, unconsciously, a call from him, but it’s still too soon not to remember him every day. Harry’s voice is in my ear. His advice guides me. Even though I don’t attribute analysis and decisions to him at the particular moment, there are innumerable times when I recognise how much he has shaped my thinking, not just by the things he’s said but his life work. In such moments, I feel an immense sense of gratitude. In such moments I am overwhelmed by sadness.
Loyalty was something he valued. Life, for Harry, centred on genuine relationships over success or power. He valued and fiercely protected friendships. Our friendship too was defined by absolute trust. Harry J didn’t trust easily. He assessed, weighed, let words and actions define the particular person. But when he did trust someone, it was for life. He would stand by friends through thick or thin, regardless of costs. That’s a measure of the man’s sincerity. A man’s word was his bond; that’s how it was for Harry. Once trust was established, there was no room for interference, misunderstanding, and most of all, no chance whatsoever of betrayal. Our conversations were unguarded. We didn’t have to second-guess. That, to me, is a rare and precious bond.
Harry loved challenges. He was, as mentioned, fearless. This doesn’t mean he walked into difficult situations with his eyes closed. He did his homework. He didn’t skim over the small print. He was meticulous when it came to assessing the pros and cons of any situation, be it in business or otherwise. Once he committed himself, he poured energy, passion and resources without fear. There was no retreat as far as he was concerned. He never gave up, whether it was a difficult business negotiation or standing up firmly for a friend. Harry was an unbelievable fighter. He believed in seeing things through no matter how tough it was.
We spent a great deal of time together and therefore understood each other well. Harry always gave me sound advice: practical, thoughtful, and rooted in experience. It was the kind of guidance that stayed with me shaping decisions long after the conversation ended. It is not that I ask myself, ‘what would Harry have done had he been in my shoes?’ I go ahead and later realise, ‘that’s what Harry would have wanted me to do.’
He was a religious man in his own way. A devout Catholic, he exemplified the ethics associated with those convictions. He did what he believed was right, and privileged truth and friendship over success or power.
It’s been a year. That’s a long time and yet it’s as though it was just the other day that he called me and in his booming voice greeted me as always with ‘Lokka’ and I would respond with the same one-word address with similar enthusiasm, ‘Lokka.’ He is missed. Immensely. It was such a privilege to have known him. It is, one might say, an obligation to remember. It is not just that. He just cannot be forgotten.
Government Rejects Claims of Falling Reserves, Cites USD 6.8bn Holdings
February 03, Colombo (LNW): The Government has dismissed claims that Sri Lanka’s foreign reserves have declined, asserting instead that holdings rose to US$ 6.8 billion by the end of 2025.
Deputy Minister of Economic Development Nishantha Jayaweera made the clarification in Parliament today while responding to a question raised by MP Dayasiri Jayasekara. The MP contended that reserves stood at around US$ 6 billion when the National People’s Power administration assumed office and have since slipped below that level.
Rejecting the assertion, the Deputy Minister told the House that official figures show a steady improvement in reserve levels, reaching US$ 6.8 billion as at December 31, 2025. He added that the increase reflects tighter fiscal management and improved inflows over the past year.
The exchange came amid ongoing parliamentary debate over the state of the economy and the government’s handling of external finances, with officials maintaining that recent data points to gradual stabilisation rather than deterioration.
CEB Restructuring Nears Conclusion as Liquidation Set for February
February 03, Colombo (LNW): Sri Lanka’s power sector overhaul has entered its final stretch, with the Ceylon Electricity Board’s long-running restructuring programme now approaching completion.
Officials confirmed that the formal announcement on the liquidation of the CEB is expected before the end of February, marking a major milestone in the government’s energy reform agenda. The process has been rolled out in five stages, four of which have already been wrapped up.
Pubudu Niroshan Hedigalla, who heads the CEB Transformation Task Force, said key components — including the Basic Assignment Plan, the annual power purchasing framework, and the long-term strategies for electricity generation and transmission — have all been finalised.
Work is currently focused on drafting the National Electricity Policy and the National Electricity Tariff Policy, the last remaining phase, which is due for completion by the third week of this month.
Alongside structural reforms, arrangements are also in place to settle compensation for staff opting to leave under the voluntary retirement scheme introduced as part of the restructuring. Of the 2,173 employees who initially applied, 20 later withdrew, leaving 2,153 staff members cleared to exit the organisation and receive the agreed payments.
Authorities say the final steps will pave the way for a reconfigured electricity sector aimed at improved efficiency, financial sustainability and long-term planning.
Constitutional Council Meets to Decide on Long-Vacant Auditor General Post
February 03, Colombo (LNW): The Constitutional Council is due to convene today at midday at the Parliament Complex, with proceedings chaired by Speaker Jagath Wickramaratne, amid expectations of a key decision on a long-delayed senior appointment.
According to parliamentary sources, the Council will review a fresh set of nominees put forward by the President for the post of Auditor General. A determination on the appointment is anticipated before the close of the meeting, potentially bringing an end to months of uncertainty surrounding the position.
The office of Auditor General has remained without a permanent head since April 2025, following the retirement of W. P. C. Wickramaratne. Although senior official Dharmapala Gammanpila was later appointed to serve in an acting capacity, his tenure concluded in early December last year.
Previous attempts by the President to secure approval for nominees were unsuccessful, with the Constitutional Council declining to endorse earlier recommendations. The latest submissions, however, are expected to be deliberated with a view to reaching a final outcome.
Meanwhile, Parliament commences its first sitting for February today and is scheduled to meet through to next Friday. The Parliamentary Secretariat has confirmed that there will be no sitting tomorrow, as proceedings will be suspended to mark Independence Day.
Sri Lankan Mission in New Delhi to Mark 78 Years of Independence
February 03, Colombo (LNW): The Sri Lankan High Commission in New Delhi has called on Sri Lankan citizens living across India to take part in a flag-hoisting ceremony to mark the 78th anniversary of Sri Lanka’s Independence.
The commemoration is scheduled for the morning of February 04, 2026 at 9.00 a.m. at the High Commission premises on Kautilya Marg in Chanakyapuri. The event will be held under the auspices of Sri Lanka’s High Commissioner to India, Mahishini Colonne.
Organisers have advised invitees to attend in national attire, official uniform or formal dress, reflecting the significance of the occasion. Entry to the premises will be limited to those who have registered in advance, with prior confirmation required for security and logistical purposes.
Sri Lankan nationals wishing to attend have been asked to submit their attendance details by January 30 via email to the High Commission.
Independence Day, observed each year on February 04, commemorates Sri Lanka’s emergence as a free nation in 1948 and remains a moment of national pride for Sri Lankans around the world, including those living overseas.
Prime Minister Highlights Stability, Climate Action and Reform at Regional Consuls’ Summit
February 03, Colombo (LNW): Prime Minister Dr Harini Amarasuriya reiterated the Government’s focus on economic resilience, long-term growth and social safeguards while addressing the South Asia Regional Conference of the World Federation of Consuls (FICAC) 2026, held in Colombo this week.
The high-level gathering, jointly organised by the Association of Consuls in Sri Lanka and the World Federation of Consuls, took place at Cinnamon Life on February 02 as part of a broader conference running from February 01 to 04.
The forum brought together diplomats, policymakers and business leaders from across the region to discuss cooperation, investment and sustainable development.
Speaking at the event, the Prime Minister said Sri Lanka’s selection as host carried added importance as the country works closely with international partners to re-establish itself as a dependable and forward-looking player in South Asia. She noted that engagement with global institutions and regional counterparts remains central to the government’s recovery and reform agenda.
Dr Amarasuriya also underscored Sri Lanka’s exposure to climate-related risks, referring to the recent effects of Cyclone Ditwah, and expressed appreciation for the assistance extended by international partners. She stressed that climate challenges transcend national borders and must be addressed through collective action, innovation and shared responsibility.
In her remarks, the Prime Minister outlined ongoing reforms aimed at strengthening public sector performance, enhancing transparency and accountability, advancing digital governance, and fostering national cohesion while respecting the country’s diversity.
She said the Government is pursuing a clear and disciplined policy direction focused on fiscal responsibility, sustainable debt management and productivity-driven growth, alongside expanded social protection measures to cushion vulnerable communities during the reform process.
Addressing the same forum, Minister of Foreign Affairs, Foreign Employment and Tourism, Vijitha Herath, highlighted efforts to promote Sri Lanka as a sustainable tourism destination while reinforcing its image as a stable and trustworthy international partner.
The conference was attended by Deputy Minister Arun Hemachandra, FICAC President Nikolaos K. Margaropoulos, President of the Association of Consuls in Sri Lanka Mahen Kariyawasam, and members of the diplomatic community.
Malinga to Rejoin National Side as T20 World Cup Bowling Consultant
February 03, Colombo (LNW): Former Sri Lanka pace spearhead Lasith Malinga is set to return to the national set-up, having been appointed as Fast Bowling Consultant for the opening phase of the T20 World Cup 2026.
Malinga is scheduled to link up with the players on February 05, marking another chapter in his post-retirement involvement with Sri Lanka cricket as the side prepares for the demands of the global tournament.
Appeal Court Upholds Remand of Monks Over Trincomalee Statue Dispute
February 03, Colombo (LNW): The Court of Appeal today (03) rejected petitions challenging a decision by the Trincomalee Magistrate’s Court to remand two Buddhist monks in custody over the controversial Buddha statue incident in Trincomalee.
The applications had sought to overturn the remand order imposed on Venerable Balangoda Kassapa Thero and Venerable Trincomalee Kalyanawansa Tissa Thero, who are under investigation in connection with the incident that drew national attention.
The ruling was delivered by a bench comprising the President of the Court of Appeal, Justice Rohantha Abesuriya, and Justice Priyantha Fernando. The court confirmed that it found no sufficient grounds to interfere with the magistrate’s earlier determination.
The decision had originally been scheduled for delivery on January 30, 2026 but was deferred after the President of the Court of Appeal indicated that the written order was not finalised at that time. As announced subsequently, the court issued its determination today, effectively allowing the remand order to stand.
Namal Rajapaksa Reports to CID Amid Underworld Allegations
February 03, Colombo (LNW): SLPP National Organiser and Parliamentarian Namal Rajapaksa appeared before the Criminal Investigation Department earlier today in response to a summons connected to alleged links with reputed underworld figure known as “Kehelbaddara Padme”.
Sources indicate that investigators had previously called for Rajapaksa to give a statement, but the appearance was deferred after he informed authorities that he was overseas at the time. A fresh date was subsequently fixed, prompting his visit to the CID today.
In a related development, former First Lady Shiranthi Rajapaksa also met with law enforcement officials this morning, reporting to the Financial Crimes Investigation Division. She has been asked to provide a statement in connection with inquiries into alleged financial mismanagement involving the ‘Siriliya’ fund.
The parallel summonses mark a renewed push by investigators to advance several high-profile probes currently under way.