Opposition Leader Sajith Premadasa has criticized the government’s management of the power sector, citing a fragile grid that struggles to integrate solar energy growth and balance low-demand periods.
Taking to Twitter, Premadasa stated:
“First, they blamed the monkeys. Then, they blamed past governments. But the real issue? A fragile grid that can’t handle solar growth & low-demand periods. Misinformation won’t fix power outages—serious reforms will, especially in the power sector. A real system change starts with transparency.”
As evidence, he shared a letter from the Ceylon Electricity Board’s (CEB) Deputy General Manager (System Control), dated November 2024, which highlighted concerns over the instability caused by rooftop solar installationsand low system inertia during weekends and holidays.
The Opposition Leader’s remarks come after a nationwide power outage on February 09, which officials initially linked to an incident involving a monkey at the Panadura grid substation. The subsequent shutdown of the Norochcholai Power Plant exacerbated the crisis, leading to scheduled power cuts across the country.
Premadasa has called for comprehensive reforms in the energy sector, advocating for greater transparency and a modernized grid that can efficiently manage renewable energy sources without compromising stability.
The Ceylon Electricity Board (CEB) has announced that power from the Norochcholai Coal Power Plant is expected to be restored to the national grid by Friday, February 14.
CEB Engineer Dhammika Wimalaratna stated that efforts are underway to expedite the restoration process, adding:
“We believe we will be able to restore the power supply to normal within the next three to four days. By February 14, we expect full restoration, which would eliminate the need for demand management. However, we are also working to restore power earlier than expected, and if successful, we will notify the public in advance.”
He also mentioned that the ongoing one-and-a-half-hour power cuts may be gradually reduced as restoration progresses.
Recent Power Outages
On February 09, Sri Lanka faced a nationwide power outage at around 11:15 a.m., linked to an incident at the Panadura grid substation, where a monkey reportedly entered the facility, triggering an imbalance in the system.
Power was fully restored by 6:00 p.m., but an automatic shutdown at the Norochcholai Power Plant led to another 900 MW loss, exacerbating the crisis.
CEB implemented scheduled power cuts on February 10 and 11, with one-and-a-half-hour outages occurring between 3:30 p.m. and 9:30 p.m.
To manage the shortfall, the CEB relied on thermal power plants, ensuring full restoration by 9:45 p.m.
CEB assures the public that normal power supply will resume soon and will provide further updates on the progress.
A meeting between President Anura Kumara Dissanayake and Nippon Foundation Chairman Yōhei Sasakawa took place at the Presidential Secretariat.
President Dissanayake emphasized that eradicating rural poverty is the government’s top priority, expressing hope that this initiative would also lead to improvements in education.
During the discussion, Mr. Sasakawa reaffirmed the Nippon Foundation’s commitment to supporting public health, education, and the welfare of differently-abled individuals in Sri Lanka. He particularly highlighted the foundation’s focus on educational development in Jaffna.
The Sri Lankan government is set to launch special projects to address rural poverty as part of its national development agenda, the President noted.
The meeting also underscored the importance of strengthening diplomatic ties between Sri Lanka and Japan, according to the President’s Media Division (PMD).
Attendees included Labour Minister and Deputy Minister of Economic Development Anil Jayantha Fernando, Secretary to the President Dr. Nandika Sanath Kumanayake, Japanese Ambassador Akio Isomata, Chairman of the Sasakawa Health Foundation Dr. Takahiro Nanri, Executive Director of The Nippon Foundation Ichiro Kabasawa, and other representatives.
Recent research by the Medical Research Institute (MRI) has found that the highest prevalence of dengue-carrying Aedes aegypti mosquitoes occurs between 7:00 AM and 11:00 AM, with the risk of infection significantly lower in the evening.
MRI Entomology Officer Gayan Kumarasinghe stated that the findings, based on a year-long study led by MRI Director Dr. Suranga Dolamulla and Chief Specialist Dr. Rohitha Muthugala, highlight how Aedes aegypti adapts rapidly to environmental conditions.
Unlike common belief, the dengue mosquito cannot see but is attracted to human body temperature through emitted radiation.
To reduce the risk of bites, experts advise: Using citrus oil or perfumes as natural repellents Wearing clothing that covers the entire body
Further research is ongoing to understand the mosquito’s adaptation mechanisms and develop better prevention strategies.
Sigiriya, Sri Lanka’s iconic ancient fortress, has been named the World’s Most Welcoming City for 2025 by Booking.com, topping the platform’s annual Traveller Review Awards list.
Revered by Sri Lankans as the Eighth Wonder of the World, Sigiriya is an archaeological marvel that attracts thousands of tourists each year. The prestigious ranking is based on traveler reviews from around the world, recognizing destinations that provide exceptional hospitality and visitor experiences.
Sigiriya leads a list of 10 cities known for their warm welcomes, including:
Cazorla, Spain
Urubici, Brazil
Taupo, New Zealand
St. Augustine, United States
Orvieto, Italy
Manizales, Colombia
Quedlinburg, Germany
Ko Lanta, Thailand
Chester, United Kingdom
This recognition highlights Sri Lanka’s reputation as a top travel destination, further solidifying Sigiriya’s status as a must-visit location for global travelers.
The Justice and National Integration Ministry has announced plans to establish an Independent Prosecutor’s Office, in line with the National People’s Power (NPP) Government’s policy statement, A Thriving Nation, a Beautiful Life.
As a preliminary step, the Ministry will appoint an expert committee to oversee the foundational aspects of this initiative. The committee will comprise the Attorney General (AG) or two representatives nominated by the AG, the Justice Ministry Secretary, a senior judge with expertise in the subject, and the President of the Bar Association of Sri Lanka (BASL) or a representative nominated by the BASL President.
The committee’s primary responsibility will be to draft initial plans for the establishment of the Independent Prosecutor’s Office. Following this, the Ministry intends to seek public and civil society input before finalizing the concept paper for implementation.
The proposed Independent Prosecutor’s Office aims to address concerns over prosecutorial independence in Sri Lanka. Currently, the Attorney General serves both as the government’s legal advisor and the chief prosecutor, which has raised concerns about potential conflicts of interest. The new office is expected to enhance transparency and public confidence in the judicial process by ensuring greater independence in criminal prosecutions.
The Central Bank of Sri Lanka has announced the appointment of a High-Level Task Force on Anti-Money Laundering and Countering the Financing of Terrorism (AML/CFT) to oversee preparations for the country’s third Mutual Evaluation on its AML/CFT framework.
The Task Force is chaired by Justice Buwaneka Aluwihare, PC, Retired Judge of the Supreme Court, and includes Justice Minister Harshana Nanayakkara, Labour Minister and Deputy Minister of Economic Development Prof. Anil Jayantha Fernando, Deputy Minister of Finance and Planning Dr. Harshana Suriyapperuma, Central Bank Senior Deputy Governor Nelumani Daulagala, and Finance Ministry Additional Director General A. K. D. Arandara.
Sri Lanka’s third Mutual Evaluation, coordinated by the Asia Pacific Group on Money Laundering (APG), will assess the country’s compliance with the 40 Recommendations of the Financial Action Task Force (FATF) and their effective implementation through 11 Immediate Outcomes.
The government has approved action plans to address gaps in the AML/CFT framework, with key institutions such as the Attorney General’s Department, Sri Lanka Police, and the Commission to Investigate Allegations of Bribery or Corruption tasked with implementing necessary reforms.
Originally established in 2023, the AML/CFT Task Force has now been reconstituted with high-level ministerial representation under the President’s direction, reinforcing the government’s commitment to combating financial crimes and corruption.
At its first meeting on January 29, 2025, Task Force members emphasized the strategic importance of the upcoming Mutual Evaluation and called for full cooperation from all stakeholders to ensure a successful assessment.
Mainly fair weather will prevail over most parts of the island.
There is a possibility of ground frost at some places in Nuwara-Eliya district in the early hours of the morning.
Misty conditions can be expected at some places in Western, Sabaragamuwa and Central provinces and in Galle, Matara, Badulla and Kurunegala districts during the morning.
February 10, Colombo (LNW): Sri Lanka is set to implement a large-scale initiative aimed at preserving its beaches for tourism while ensuring long-term environmental sustainability. The move follows strong backing from key stakeholders, including The Hotels Association of Sri Lanka (THASL), which has pledged its full support for the ‘Clean Sri Lanka’ program.
THASL President M. Shanthikumar emphasized the significance of this initiative, stating that it introduces critical improvements across environmental, social, and governance (ESG) aspects. With hotels spread across the country, the hospitality sector is fully committed to this government-led effort.
In alignment with ‘Clean Sri Lanka,’ THASL has introduced its own set of sustainability guidelines for member hotels, focusing on three key areas: business practices, environmental responsibility, and community engagement. These guidelines will be rolled out through Regional Hotels Associations to ensure seamless implementation.
Shanthikumar highlighted that Sri Lanka’s scenic landscapes and warm hospitality have attracted millions of tourists over the years. He stressed that even small contributions toward environmental conservation can help sustain the tourism industry for future generations.
The newly established guidelines prioritize protecting the country’s natural beauty and biodiversity, recognizing that modern travelers increasingly seek destinations with strong sustainability initiatives.
He acknowledged that achieving meaningful change will take time but underscored the importance of initiating efforts now. As a major foreign exchange earner, Sri Lanka’s tourism sector stands to benefit significantly from sustainable practices. THASL is confident that its members will recognize the value of these guidelines and adopt them proactively.
Massive Beach Clean-up Effort Underway
Additional Secretary to the President for Clean Sri Lanka, Eng. S.P.C. Sugeeshwara, announced that the program will focus on cleaning and preserving a 1,740-kilometer stretch of coastline. The official launch takes place today at Crow Island, Mattakkuliya, Colombo 15, with Prime Minister Dr. Harini Amarasuriya attending the event.
Sugeeshwara noted that while Sri Lanka boasts breathtaking beaches, their maintenance has often been neglected, impacting both tourism and local communities, particularly the fishing industry. The initiative will enhance beach cleanliness, conservation efforts, visitor safety, and overall tourist experience.
“For years, the importance of maintaining our beaches has been overlooked. This program aims to revitalize these coastal areas, preserving biodiversity while making them more visually appealing,” he explained.
During a media briefing at the Government Information Department, key officials outlined the program’s objectives. Marine Environment Protection Authority (MEPA) Director General Jagath Gunasekera emphasized that human activities, including poor waste management, lack of maintenance, and unregulated commercial practices, have negatively impacted Sri Lanka’s beaches. He warned that these issues threaten the tourism sector and require urgent intervention.
A dedicated program, titled Sundara Weralak, Aakarshaneeya Sanchaaraka Karmanthayak (Beautiful Beaches, Attractive Tourism Industry), will tackle these challenges, with initial efforts focused on the Western and Southern coastal regions.
Clean Sri Lanka Task Force Convener and Senior Additional Secretary to the President for Finance and Economic Affairs, G.N.R.D. Aponso, stressed that achieving true socio-economic development requires a fundamental shift in environmental, social, and economic attitudes. He stated that ‘Clean Sri Lanka’ is built on this broader, transformative vision, ensuring that sustainability remains at the heart of national development efforts.
February 10, Colombo (LNW): Link Natural, a subsidiary of CIC Holdings, and a trusted name that specialises in herbal pharmaceutical, herbal healthcare and personal care products that are rooted in Ayurvedic wisdom fused with modern science, took part in the Jaffna International Trade Fair (JITF) 2025, held recently for three consecutive days at the Muttraweli Grounds, Jaffna.
With around 25,000 visitors participating in the Link Natural stall, the event offered an excellent opportunity to connect with the lively Jaffna community and display a shared dedication to health and wellness.
Notable products from Link Natural’s trusted portfolio, including Link Samahan, Link Sudantha, Link Kesha, Swastha Amurtha, SP Balm, and many other prominent brands, were featured at the stall. These products continue to highlight Link Natural’s commitment to promoting holistic, healthy living through innovative Ayurvedic herbal solutions.
Visitors took advantage of a range of complimentary health services in addition to exploring these flagship products. These included exclusive hair scans and analysis, free dental examinations, and free health advice. These programs were designed to give attendees useful tools to improve their own health and well-being.
Additionally, the stall provides visitors attractive offers on Link Natural products making wellness both accessible and appealing, and held interactive competitions and digital challenges that gave participants the chance to win valuable prizes.
Commenting on the success of the event, Link Natural Head of Marketing Raj Kumar said, “Link Natural’s dedication to promoting wellbeing in communities throughout Sri Lanka is demonstrated by our participation in JITF 2025.
We were thrilled to witness the Jaffna community’s active involvement. We strived to create a significant experience that not only showcased our products but also demonstrated how our portfolio support to lead healthy lifestyles. We eagerly look forward to continuing this journey with the communities in Northern region.”
The JITF 2025 offered an exceptional platform for Link Natural to engage with customers, create enduring relationships, and improve the community’s general well-being. With its impactful presence at JITF 2025, Link Natural reiterated its role as a trusted partner in empowering communities to adopt healthier and more fulfilling lives.
