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No power cuts today as CBSL released dollars: Lokuge

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No power cuts today as CBSL released dollars: Lokuge

Power Minister Gamini Lokuge revealed that the one-hour power cut set for today (24) will not be taking place as the Central Bank of Sri Lanka (CBSL) has agreed to pay for two ships carrying diesel and petrol.

The CBSL has agreed to release US$ 53 million for the settlements following a discussion held with the President today.

Accordingly, two ships carrying 37,500 metric tonnes of diesel and 35,000 metric tonnes of petrol are due to be paid off by this evening.

Energy Minister Udaya Gammanpila also stated that the power cuts set on future course could be cancelled in order to provide a continuous supply of power by providing the required fuel to the Ceylon Electricity Board (CEB).

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We were the first to warn of Covid. Government paid no attention: Opposition Leader (VIDEO)

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We were the first to warn of Covid. Government paid no attention: Opposition Leader (VIDEO)

The Samagi Jana Balawegaya (SJB) was the first to forecast the risk of the Covid-19 pandemic and the crises to follow, reminded Leader of the Opposition Sajith Premadasa, speaking to a protest organised in Urubokka, Hakmana, Matara yesterday (23).

Despite the SJB’s warning, the government paid no attention whatsoever and today the people are suffering the consequences of it, he added.

Had the government acted on the SJB’s warning then, the number of Covid cases and deaths occurred could have been curbed saving many lives, the Opposition Leader noted.

The SJB, which is not on power, is doing what the government does not in its power, Premadasa went on, adding that the SJB-led CSR projects like ‘Samagi Jana Balawegayaen Husmak’ and ‘Sakwala’ are the best examples.

Promising that the SJB has the programme and the vision to build the country, the Opposition Leader called on the people to unite to form a pro-people government free from fraud, corruption, repression and threats.

Protestors joining the assembly said that the people of the country have been severely affected by the current regime and that the government’s reckless rule should be held accountable.

SL Embassy in Afghanistan closed. Ambassador returns to island

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SL Embassy in Afghanistan closed. Ambassador returns to island

The Sri Lankan Embassy in Kabul, Afghanistan has been closed amid growing tensions in the region due to the Taliban’s takeover.

The decision comes in as the Sri Lankan Foreign Ministry has concluded that the Embassy will no longer be able to operate amid the situation.

Following the Taliban takeover in Afghanistan, the Sri Lankan Ambassador to Kabul returned to Sri Lanka on private leave.

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Schedule for today’s power cuts announced

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Schedule for today’s power cuts announced

A power cut of about one hour is set to occur today (24). The power cut will occur in between 5.30 pm and 9.30 pm today.

Accordingly,

1 – Areas belonging to Section A will experience a power cut from 5.30 pm to 6.30 pm.

2 – Areas belonging to Section B will experience a power cut from 6.30 pm to 7.30 pm.

3 – Areas belonging to Section C will experience a power cut from 7.30 pm to 8.30 pm.

4 – Areas belonging to Section D will experience a power cut from 8.30 pm to 9.30 pm.

Meanwhile, a power cut of about two hours may likely to occur tomorrow (25), according to the Electrical Engineers’ Association of the Ceylon Electricity Board (CEB).

As of now, power generation at the Sapugaskanda Power Plant has come to complete standstill and two power generators at the Kelanitissa Power Plant have malfunctioned despite the availability of diesel. This is believed to be an act of sabotage, as per the view of the Association of Technical Engineers and Superintendents.

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Former MP Ramanayake in double jeopardy for Contempt of Court?

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Former MP Ramanayake in double jeopardy for Contempt of Court?

A case filed before the Supreme Court against former MP Ranjan Ramanayake, who is spending a prison sentence for Contempt of Court, was taken up before a three-member Bench comprising Justices S. Thurairaja, Yasantha Kodagoda and A.H.M.D. Navas today.

The former MP was produced before the Court under the protection of prison officers and the Bench declared that the case be heard on March 09, 2022.

In 2018, a number of fundamental rights (FR) petitions were lodged in the Supreme Court challenging the decision of then-President Maithripala Sirisena to dissolve Parliament. Ramanayake, who was then a MP, was accused of Contempt of Court for publicly criticising the five-member Bench appointed to hear the petitions during a television program.

It in this backdrop was the aforesaid case filed before the Supreme Court.

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Covid: Hospital capacity at brink of crisis amid growing cases

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Covid: Hospital capacity at brink of crisis amid growing cases

There is indication that the Covid situation is on the rise again could be having some effect on the general treatment of hospitals, warned Deputy Director of the Colombo National Hospital Chandana Gajanayake.

The situation has already affected up to a certain extent on general surgery, he revealed.

Pointing out that the number of people infected with the virus increases simultaneously with the number of patients who become critical ill and require intensive care units, Gajanayake warned that the condition could lead to disruption of normal functioning and even the postponement of essential surgeries.

As of now, a number of health workers have also been infected with Covid and the crisis in the Health Sector may worsen should the number grow. Many hospitals are running out of medical officers as well as nurses and other staff members, so it is imperative to protect them, Gajanayake emphasised.

He added that everyone should act responsibly to prevent the Health Sector from being driven into crisis.

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Covid: Legal actions to be taken against those denying booster dose

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Covid: Legal actions to be taken against those denying booster dose

The Health Ministry has focused on taking legal action against those who deny the reception of the booster dose against Covid-19. Accordingly, legal advice has already been obtained from the Attorney General in this regard, revealed Dr. Anwar Hamdani, Coordinator for Covid-19 in the Ministry.

Pointing out that some countries are making vaccination compulsory and penalising those who refuse, Dr. Hamdani added that such measures indicate the importance of being administered with the booster dose against the virus.

He added that legal advice has been sought to encourage the public to collect their dose and that the Ministry does not wish to embarrass the public by penalising them. Law would help make the vaccination process a success, Hamdani suggested.

He urged the public to consider the option in the event that vaccination backed by legal actions is carried out to protect the people.

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Thushan Gunawardena, who divulged Garlic Scam, named as suspect to case

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Thushan Gunawardena, who divulged Garlic Scam, named as suspect to case

Former Executive Director of the Consumer Affairs Authority (CAA) Thushan Gunawardena revealed that his flight to the United States for a business venture was not allowed and that officers from the Immigration and Emigration Department had detained him, due to what he described as being named as a suspect to a case pending trial in the Welisara Magistrate Court.

Pointing out that he was not informed of such a designation being made against him, Gunawardena added that this case involves the Garlic Scam, which was divulged before the country by none other than himself in the first place.

Accordingly, the former CAA Executive Director noted that him being named as a suspect to the Garlic Scam would be highly problematic.

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Body of late Neela Wickremasinghe to be brought to SL on Wednesday

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Body of late Neela Wickremasinghe to be brought to SL on Wednesday

The body of late Neela Wickremasinghe is to be brought to Sri Lanka at the dawn of Wednesday (26).

Wickremasinghe served as the Consul General for Sri Lanka to Milan, Italy and passed away on January 17 due to a heart attack.

Before her body is brought to Sri Lanka, it was laid at a private funeral home in Milan on January 22, giving Sri Lankans living in Italy the opportunity to pay their last respects.

The Ministry of External Affairs will be in the process of bringing her body back to Sri Lanka and the finals rites will be decided today (24).

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Kiriella challenges government to demonstrate administration for next three months

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Kiriella challenges government to demonstrate administration for next three months

Instead of making demonstrations for years ahead, the government should be demonstrating the country’s administration for the next three months, challenged Chief Opposition Whip and Samagi Jana Balawegaya MP Lakshman Kiriella, speaking to a briefing held in the Opposition Leader’s Office yesterday (23).

“We tell the government that you should be demonstrating your administration for the next three months instead of making claims for years ahead. There are no fuel this week; a four-hour power cut. What would be the answer to that? No answers. About 1000 containers are stalled in the Port, no answers. Money can’t be transferred for the expenses of children studying in foreign universities, made them vulnerable. So, who should be held accountable for this fraud? A single day would be enough for anyone with the talent. The one with nothing, even millennia won’t fit.”

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