February 17, Colombo (LNW): The Public Utilities Commission of Sri Lanka (PUCSL) has announced that it will open the floor to public representations on a proposed revision of electricity tariffs starting February 27, as part of the regulatory process governing price adjustments.

The Commission stated that members of the public, consumer groups and industry stakeholders will be given a three-week window to submit written observations, objections or alternative proposals. Public hearings are also expected to be scheduled, enabling oral submissions before a final determination is reached.

The move follows the submission of revised tariff proposals by the Ceylon Electricity Board (CEB), which has sought an overall increase of 13.56 per cent for the second quarter of 2026. The proposed adjustment would apply from April 01 to June 30.

According to officials, the CEB has cited rising operational costs, maintenance requirements and financial recovery targets as factors underpinning the request. Energy analysts note that the proposed increase, if approved in full or in part, could have implications for both domestic consumers and commercial users already grappling with cost-of-living pressures.

The PUCSL indicated that it intends to conclude its review and announce a final decision before April 01, ensuring clarity ahead of the new billing cycle. The Commission emphasised that any revision would be determined after carefully weighing public feedback, economic conditions and the sustainability of the power sector.

February 17, Colombo (LNW): Sri Lanka’s Supreme Court has ruled that it is unnecessary to issue a formal determination on two contentious draft laws concerning tenant protections and rental regulations, after the Government indicated that the measures would not proceed in their current form.

Addressing Parliament today (17), Speaker Dr Jagath Wickramaratne informed the House that the Bills titled “Protection of Occupants” and “Rent Repeal” had been challenged before the apex court under Article 121(1) of the Constitution. However, subsequent developments rendered a judicial pronouncement unnecessary.

According to the Speaker, the Secretary to the Ministry of Justice provided an undertaking to the Attorney General on February 06 confirming that the proposed legislation would be withdrawn for further review.

The draft laws are now set to be referred to a panel of subject-matter experts, who will examine their legal, social and economic implications before revised versions are introduced afresh in Parliament.

Following this assurance, the petitioners who had sought judicial scrutiny withdrew their applications. In light of the withdrawal, the Supreme Court concluded that there was no requirement to deliver a determination under Article 121(3) of the Constitution.

The Speaker further stated that he had directed the court’s communication on the matter to be incorporated into the official parliamentary record, ensuring transparency in the legislative process.

February 17, Colombo (LNW): David Lammy, the Deputy Prime Minister of the United Kingdom, is due to arrive in Sri Lanka today (17) for an official visit aimed at strengthening bilateral ties and reviewing ongoing humanitarian efforts.

The visit is expected to underscore the longstanding partnership between London and Colombo, with particular emphasis on economic collaboration, post-crisis recovery and social development initiatives. A key component of the trip will involve observing the United Kingdom’s assistance to communities affected by Cyclone Ditwah, which struck the island late last year, leaving extensive damage to homes, infrastructure and livelihoods.

During his stay, Mr Lammy is scheduled to hold talks with President Anura Kumara Dissanayake. Discussions are anticipated to focus on boosting trade and investment links, supporting reconciliation efforts, and coordinating humanitarian priorities in the wake of recent natural disasters.

The agenda is also expected to include Sri Lanka’s engagement with the Global Charter on Children’s Care Reform, an international initiative promoting family-based care systems and enhanced protections for vulnerable children.

In addition to official meetings, the Deputy Prime Minister will meet representatives of aid organisations and local partners implementing UK-funded relief projects. These engagements are likely to highlight the impact of British assistance on rebuilding homes, restoring essential services and strengthening disaster resilience in affected regions.

February 17, Colombo (LNW): A pivotal debate on legislation seeking to abolish the parliamentary pension scheme is set to take place in Parliament today (17), marking a significant moment in the Government’s reform agenda.

The second reading of the Parliamentary Pensions (Repeal) Bill will be debated from 11.30 a.m. until 5.00 p.m., according to the Office of the Secretary-General of Parliament. Proceedings will begin at 9.30 a.m. under the chairmanship of Speaker Jagath Wickramaratne, with the morning session reserved for routine parliamentary business and oral questions before the House moves on to the main item of the day.

The Bill, which proposes the complete removal of pension entitlements for Members of Parliament, has generated considerable public interest and political discussion, with supporters describing it as a step towards greater accountability and critics raising concerns about its long-term implications for parliamentary service.

In addition to the pensions debate, lawmakers are expected to consider a motion seeking approval to establish a Parliamentary Select Committee tasked with reviewing existing election laws. The proposed committee would be mandated to examine current legislation, identify shortcomings and submit recommendations aimed at modernising and strengthening the electoral framework.

The House is convening for the second parliamentary week of February, which will run until 20 February 2026, and a packed legislative agenda has been scheduled.

On Tuesday (18 February), members are due to deliberate on three regulations introduced under the Special Commodity Levy Act, as well as two orders made under the Motor Traffic Act, with debates and votes expected to follow.

The legislative focus will shift on 19 February to proposed amendments to the Judicature Act and the Poisons, Opium and Dangerous Drugs Act, both of which are set to be taken up at the second reading stage.

Proceedings for the week will conclude on Friday (20 February) with an Opposition-led Adjournment Motion entitled “Issues Prevailing in the Energy Sector”, which is likely to spark a wide-ranging debate on the country’s power supply challenges, pricing structures and long-term energy policy.

February 17, Colombo (LNW): President Anura Kumara Dissanayake is set to depart for India today (17) to participate in the India AI Impact Summit 2026, which will take place in New Delhi over the coming days.

The visit follows a formal invitation from Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi, under whose patronage the high-profile gathering is being organised.

The summit is expected to serve as a major international platform for dialogue on the ethical development and responsible deployment of artificial intelligence, with a strong emphasis on ensuring that emerging technologies contribute positively to societies worldwide.

President Dissanayake is scheduled to address the summit on February 19, where he is anticipated to outline Sri Lanka’s vision for harnessing AI-driven innovation to accelerate economic growth, improve public services and bridge digital divides in developing nations.

His speech is also expected to touch on the importance of international cooperation in establishing regulatory frameworks that balance innovation with accountability.

The five-day event will convene Heads of State and senior representatives from more than 45 countries, including leaders from approximately 20 nations. Policymakers, technology experts, industry pioneers and academics are also due to attend, reflecting the growing global urgency surrounding AI governance.

Key discussions are likely to centre on the evolving landscape of artificial intelligence, including its applications in healthcare, climate resilience, education and cybersecurity. Delegates will explore how collaborative efforts can mitigate risks while maximising the transformative potential of AI technologies.

On the sidelines of the summit, President Dissanayake is expected to engage in bilateral meetings with Prime Minister Modi and several other international leaders. These talks are anticipated to focus not only on digital cooperation but also on strengthening economic and strategic ties between Sri Lanka and its regional and global partners.

February 17, Colombo (LNW): Showery condition is expected to enhance in Northern, Northcentral, Central, Uva and Eastern provinces in next few days from today (17), the Department of Meteorology said.

Showers will occur at times in Northern, Northcentral, Central, Uva, Eastern provinces and in Hambantota district. Fairly heavy falls above 75 mm are likely at some places in Central, Uva and Eastern provinces and in Polonnaruwa district.

Showers or thundershowers will occur at several places elsewhere after 1.00 p.m. Fairly heavy showers about 75 mm are likely at some places.

Misty conditions can be expected at some places in Northcentral, Sabaragamuwa and Central provinces and in Galle and Matara districts during the early hours of the morning.

The general public is kindly requested to take adequate precautions to minimise damages caused by temporary localised strong winds and lightning during thundershowers.


Marine Weather:

A low-pressure area formed over the central parts of south Bay of Bengal to the south east of Sri Lanka. Navel and fishing communities are requested to be attentive to the future forecasts and bulletins issued by the Department of Meteorology in this regards.

Condition of Rain:
Showers or thundershowers will occur at times in the sea areas off the coast extending from Hambantota to Trincomalee via Batticaloa. Showers or thundershowers may occur at a few places in the other sea areas around the island in the evening or night.

Winds:
Winds will be north-easterly and wind speed will be (30-40) kmph. Wind speed can increase up to 50 kmph at times in the sea areas off the coast extending from Kaluthara to Mannar via Puttalam and from Matara to Pottuvil via Hambantota.

State of Sea:
The sea areas off the coast extending from Kaluthara to Mannar via Puttalam and from Matara to Pottuvil via Hambantota will be rough at times. Other sea areas around the island will be moderate.

Temporarily strong gusty winds and very rough seas can be expected during thundershowers.