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Premadasa Accuses Government of Corruption, Siding with ‘Fuel Cartel’ Amidst Solar Tariff Cuts

Business

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March 26, 2025

Premadasa Accuses Government of Corruption, Siding with ‘Fuel Cartel’ Amidst Solar Tariff Cuts

Opposition Leader Sajith Premadasa has launched a scathing attack on the government, alleging that they are being controlled by a “fuel cartel” that is deliberately obstructing renewable energy projects.

Premadasa’s accusations came in response to a recent reduction in solar feed-in tariffs, which he described as an act of “absolute corruption” devoid of any economic logic.

The Solar Industries Association (SIA) has also voiced its strong opposition to the proposed tariff cuts, warning that they could have a devastating impact on the renewable energy sector, potentially harming over 1,000 businesses and 40,000 jobs. In a letter to the Treasury Secretary, the SIA urged the government to reconsider the proposal, citing concerns over its potential impact on clean energy goals and the assumptions underlying the cost calculations.

Egg Prices Expected to Soar to Rs. 60 Amidst Production Drop

Business

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March 26, 2025

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Egg Prices Expected to Soar to Rs. 60 Amidst Production Drop

Small-scale egg producers in Sri Lanka are facing a crisis as rising production costs force them to leave the industry.

The cost of producing an egg for small producers is Rs. 26-28, while large-scale producers only spend Rs. 18-20 per egg.

This cost difference is attributed to the tax system, where small producers pay VAT on animal feed, while large producers, who make their own feed, do not pay taxes on the raw ingredients.

As a result, small producers are incurring losses due to falling egg prices and are selling their hens for meat. This has led to a rapid decline in egg production, and market analysts warn that egg prices could rise to Rs. 60 during the upcoming festive season.

Government Reverses Decision on SATHOSA-Lanka Sathosa Closure Amidst Tender Controversy

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March 26, 2025

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Government Reverses Decision on SATHOSA-Lanka Sathosa Closure Amidst Tender Controversy

The government has revoked a previous Cabinet decision to dissolve SATHOSA (Co-operative Wholesale Establishment) and has granted approval to resume its business operations. This reversal comes amidst allegations of tender irregularities favoring a company linked to a presidential advisor.

The initial decision to close Sathosa was made in September 2024, aiming to dissolve the institution by repealing the Cooperative Wholesale Establishment Act of 1949. However, the government has now justified the reinstatement, citing Sathosa’s potential role in ensuring fair prices and market competitiveness under its ‘Prosperous Nation – Beautiful Life’ policy framework.

Minister of Trade, Commerce, Food Security, and Cooperative Development, Vasantha Samarasinghe, presented the proposal for Sathosa’s revival, which received Cabinet approval.

Meanwhile, Samagi Jana Balawegaya MP Mujibur Rahman has accused the government of awarding a tender to Ernst & Young, a company associated with Duminda Hulangamuwa, an advisor to President Anura Kumara Dissanayake. Rahman alleges that the initial tender process for a systems audit at Lanka Sathosa was canceled due to “misplaced” documents, and a re-tender was awarded to Ernst & Young.

Minister Samarasinghe has denied any wrongdoing, stating that the company was awarded the tender following due process.

Ravi Karunanayake to work under SJB in local government elections

Politics

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March 26, 2025

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Ravi Karunanayake to work under SJB in local government elections

Ravi Karunanayake, who was elected to parliament under the leadership of UNP leader Ranil Wickremesinghe in the last general election, is reportedly ready to work with the Samagi Jana Balawegaya (SJB) for the upcoming local government elections.

It is reported that Mr. Karunanayake has had discussions to nominate several regional organizers who work with him as SJB candidates for the Colombo Municipal Council. Accordingly, a group including former municipal councilors who worked with him have been given the opportunity to contest for the Colombo Municipal Council under the SJB.

It is also reported that the UNP is taking steps to appoint another person to the post of organizer of the UNP’s Northern Colombo electorate, which was held by Mr. Karunanayake.

[Anidda]

Air Force Chief Denies Release of Wariypola Crash Report

Local

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March 26, 2025

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Air Force Chief Denies Release of Wariypola Crash Report

Air Force Commander Air Marshal Sudarshana Patirana has denied the spread of misinformation regarding the Wariypola air crash. He emphasized that the investigation is ongoing and a report has not been issued yet.

Deputy Defense Minister Aruna Jayasekara also confirmed that the committee report on the crashed Sri Lanka Air Force training aircraft has not been received. He stated that action will be taken based on the recommendations of the report once it is received.

However, Minister Bimal Rathnayake has claimed that the accident was due to an error by trainee pilots, citing the investigation report.

Deshabandu Granted Permission to Receive Home-Cooked Meals in Prison

Local

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March 25, 2025

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Deshabandu Granted Permission to Receive Home-Cooked Meals in Prison

Former Police Chief Deshabandu Tennakoon, who is currently detained at Dumbara Prison, has been granted permission to receive home-cooked meals three times a day.

This special privilege allows him to forgo the prison-provided food and instead consume meals brought in from outside.

Prison Commissioner Gamini Dissanayake stated that Tennakoon is permitted to receive food by the Department of Prisons’ conditions, and must adhere to the designated meal times set by the prison superintendent. With the approval of this request, the prison will cease its provision of food to Tennakoon.

Easter Attack Case Postponed; Key Witness Flees

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March 24, 2025

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Easter Attack Case Postponed; Key Witness Flees

The Colombo High Court has postponed the trial of millionaire businessman Mohamed Ibrahim and two others, accused of concealing the Easter Sunday terrorist attacks, until July 2nd.

The Attorney General’s Department informed the court that a key witness, a woman who worked at Ibrahim’s house, had left the country. Another witness is also at risk of leaving. The Criminal Investigation Department has been ordered to reissue the summons and provide the court with information about her departure.

Ibrahim’s nomination for a national list seat by the JVP in 2015 caused controversy. However, President Anura Kumara Dissanayake has stated that no Easter Commission report links Ibrahim and the JVP to the attacks.

UK Imposes Sanctions on Four Sri Lankans for War Crimes

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March 24, 2025

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UK Imposes Sanctions on Four Sri Lankans for War Crimes

The United Kingdom has imposed sanctions on four individuals for their involvement in serious human rights violations during Sri Lanka’s civil war.

The sanctioned individuals include former Army Commanders General Shavendra Silva and Lieutenant General Jagath Jayasuriya, and former Navy Commander Admiral of the Fleet Wasantha Karannagoda. Vinayagamoorthy Muralitharan, also known as Karuna Amman, who led the Eastern Armed Wing of the LTTE, is also on the list.

The sanctions prohibit these individuals from entering the UK and freeze any assets they may hold within the country.

Two SJB Parliamentarians Attend Ranil Wickremesinghe’s Birthday Celebration

Politics

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March 24, 2025

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Two SJB Parliamentarians Attend Ranil Wickremesinghe’s Birthday Celebration

Former President Ranil Wickremesinghe’s birthday was marked by a religious ceremony at the Sedawatta Weheragoda Purana Viharaya. During the event, Dodampahala Rahula Thero, the Chief Prelate of the Bambaranda Kurunduwe Purwarama Rajamaha Viharaya, commended Wickremesinghe’s leadership during the economic crisis. The Thero stated that Wickremesinghe’s tough decisions were necessary and have ultimately made life easier for the people. He emphasized that the former President never made decisions that were detrimental to the country.

The religious ceremony was presided over by the Chief Prelate of the Ittapana Dhammalankara Kotte Kalyani Samagri Dharma Maha Sangha Sabha and organized by the Chief Incumbent of the Sedawatta Weheragoda Rajamaha Viharaya.

Parliamentarian Kavinda Jayawardhana of the Samagi Jana Balawegaya and former SJB Parliamentarian Ajith Mannapperuma also attended the event. Wickremesinghe hosted a dana for the Maha Sangha.

A separate birthday celebration was held at Wickremesinghe’s political office in Colombo, attended by numerous political leaders.

SJB MP Prasad Sets an Example for Politicians

Politics

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March 24, 2025

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SJB MP Prasad Sets an Example for Politicians

An unusual incident occurred during the recent foundation stone laying ceremony for a swimming pool at Veyangoda Bandaranaike Central College. Parliamentarian Prasad Siriwardana declined the invitation to attend the event as a special guest and chose to participate as an ordinary alumnus.

This decision has been lauded on social media, particularly in light of the refusal by several members of the current government, including the former Speaker, to heed a request made by Prime Minister Harini Amarasuriya. Siriwardhana’s action stands in stark contrast to this behavior and has garnered widespread praise.