The U.S. Embassy in Sri Lanka, in collaboration with the Ministry of Culture and the Central Cultural Fund, has launched a project to conserve the Thuparama Image House in the UNESCO World Heritage-listed Polonnaruwa Ancient City.

This initiative is supported by a $109,000 grant (over Rs. 32 million) from the U.S. Ambassadors Fund for Cultural Preservation (AFCP). U.S. Ambassador Julie Chung and Sri Lanka’s Minister of Buddhasasana, Religious and Cultural Affairs, Prof. Hiniduma Sunil Senevi, officially inaugurated the project, underscoring the United States’ dedication to safeguarding Sri Lanka’s cultural heritage.

Speaking at the event, Ambassador Chung highlighted the enduring partnership between the U.S. and Sri Lanka, rooted in shared values and mutual respect. She emphasized the importance of preserving cultural heritage to promote sustainable tourism and economic growth.

 “Through initiatives like the Ambassadors Fund for Cultural Preservation, we continue to help Sri Lanka protect its heritage and attract global visitors to experience its historical richness,” she stated.

Prof. Hiniduma Sunil Senevi praised the collaboration, acknowledging the U.S.’s ongoing commitment to preserving Sri Lanka’s cultural treasures. He remarked that the partnership strengthens bilateral ties and reflects the shared dedication to heritage conservation.

The Thuparama Image House, dating back to the 12th century, is a remarkable example of ancient Sri Lankan architecture, featuring a unique vaulted brick roof and intricate stucco decorations.

However, environmental factors have caused significant damage to the site over time. The conservation project aims to halt further deterioration, preserving the structure and raising awareness about its cultural significance.

Established over 23 years ago, the U.S. Ambassadors Fund for Cultural Preservation (AFCP) has supported projects in over 140 countries. Since 2001, the fund has provided $1.5 million to Sri Lanka for 17 preservation initiatives.

These include restoring the Rajagala Buddhist forest monastery, conserving artifacts at the Anuradhapura Archaeological Museum, and rehabilitating the Batticaloa Dutch Fort.

More recent efforts involve preserving the Kandyan Kings’ Palace within the Sacred Temple of the Tooth Relic complex and protecting the Godawaya shipwreck, the oldest known shipwreck in the Asia-Pacific region.

Through these projects, AFCP underscores the importance of cultural heritage as a shared human legacy. Its initiatives not only preserve history but also foster unity, dialogue, and sustainable growth.

By restoring ancient structures, conserving manuscripts, and safeguarding archaeological sites, the program promotes civil society and creates opportunities for economic and political stability.

 The conservation of the Thuparama Image House is yet another testament to the United States’ respect for global cultural diversity and its dedication to protecting irreplaceable treasures for future generations.

Sri Lanka’s Public Utilities Commission (PUCSL) has mandated a 20% reduction in electricity tariffs starting January 17, despite resistance from the state-owned Ceylon Electricity Board (CEB). The decision follows the PUCSL’s assessment projecting a 44 billion rupee surplus for the first six months of 2025, a significant divergence from the CEB’s projection of only 2.3 billion rupees.

The PUCSL’s director of communications, Jayanath Herath, stated that the Commission’s assessment, based on 2024 data, showed the CEB could maintain operations without financial loss at the reduced rates. This analysis, combined with extensive public consultations across all nine provinces, influenced the Commission’s final decision. Initially, the PUCSL recommended an 11% tariff reduction but revised it to 20% after receiving public feedback.

Public Demand for Relief amid Rising Profits

The decision comes amid widespread public dissatisfaction with high electricity costs, which have strained household finances. Since December 17, the PUCSL collected over 400 submissions during public hearings, with most advocating for significant tariff reductions. The Ministry of Energy has stated that the new tariffs will be implemented by the CEB upon approval from the Ministry of Finance.

The CEB has faced criticism for opposing tariff reductions, citing potential financial losses. However, financial reports reveal a starkly different picture. The CEB’s profits have surged, with a reported 157.5 billion rupees in 2024, including a depreciation gain of 30.7 billion rupees. This marks a significant increase from 2023 profits of 70.3 billion rupees. Critics argue that these profits undermine the utility’s claims of financial distress and justify calls for tariff reductions.

CEB’s Financial Performance under Scrutiny

The CEB’s financial justification for high tariffs has faced mounting skepticism. Audit reports suggest that the utilities past financial losses have largely been addressed through government subsidies and previous tariff increases. In 2024, the government collected 578 billion rupees from consumers, prompting further scrutiny of the CEB’s financial practices.

Former Power and Energy Minister Patali Champika Ranawake highlighted discrepancies in the CEB’s narrative, noting that despite claims of financial strain, the utility has consistently posted substantial profits. For example, while the CEB proposed a modest 3.4% tariff reduction in early 2024, the PUCSL approved a more substantial 21.3% reduction based on public input and financial reviews.

Calls for Accountability and Fairness

Critics argue that the CEB’s inefficiencies and excessive charges should be addressed to alleviate the burden on consumers. On average, households have been charged an additional 33,000 rupees annually, with no tariff revisions implemented since 2013. Public sentiment strongly favors using the CEB’s accumulated profits to offset these charges and reduce electricity costs.

The escalating cost of living in Sri Lanka has intensified demands for accountability. Public opinion reflects a growing expectation that the CEB’s profits should benefit consumers. Despite claims of rising operational costs, audit findings reveal that many of the CEB’s debts have already been mitigated through financial strategies, including debt-equity conversions.

Moving Forward

As the PUCSL finalizes its report on tariff revisions, the CEB faces mounting pressure to prioritize public welfare over profit margins. The significant profits reported in 2023 and 2024, totaling 178.7 billion rupees, underscore the utility’s capacity to implement meaningful tariff reductions.

For many Sri Lankans, this issue transcends financial relief. It represents a call for greater transparency, efficiency, and fairness in managing electricity costs. The PUCSL’s decision marks a critical step toward addressing public grievances, but sustained oversight will be essential to ensure that the benefits of reduced tariffs reach the people who need them most

Prime Minister Dr. Harini Amarasuriya stated that the Government’s primary objective during its first two years is economic recovery, with a focus on trade, tourism, and administrative reforms.

Dr. Amarasuriya shared these insights during a meeting with Saudi Arabia’s Ambassador to Sri Lanka, Khalid Hamoud Nasser Alkahtani, and Jose Ignacio Sanchez Amor, Chief Observer of the European Union (EU) Election Observation Mission and Member of the European Parliament. The discussions took place at the Prime Minister’s Office on Thursday (16).

The meeting was also attended by EU Ambassador to Sri Lanka Carmen Moreno and Deputy Head of the EU Delegation to Sri Lanka, along with officials from the Foreign Affairs Ministry and the Prime Minister’s Office.

The discussions underscored the Government’s commitment to economic revitalization and strengthening international partnerships, signaling a proactive approach to fostering trade and tourism while ensuring efficient governance.