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.