<ul><li> Cites sudden changes in electricity dispatch order&nbsp;&nbsp;</li></ul>In the wake of the Technical Engineers and Supervisors Association of the Ceylon Electricity Board (CEB) raising concerns over the CEB’s recent decision to purchase electricity from private thermal power plants despite heavy rains filling reservoirs to maximum capacity for hydropower generation, the CEB defended the move, stating that the purchase may have been made to address sudden changes in the electricity dispatch order.&nbsp;Speaking to The Daily Morning yesterday (11), the CEB Media Spokesperson engineer Dhanushka Parakramasinghe denied any ulterior motives behind the decision and assured that it was done to ensure a stable power supply, in response to allegations on the need for such purchases when hydropower plants and the Norochcholai coal power plant could meet the current electricity demand. Parakramasinghe said: "There is a dispatch order based on availability and the cost of power plants. Accordingly, we use all the available sources to their maximum levels. For example, hydropower generates about 50% of the total electricity requirement, and we also use coal and other sources. In this process, the purchase might have been necessary to address certain sudden changes that occurred in the dispatch order."&nbsp; He further stressed that the decision was not made to favour any private entities. “I don’t know the exact date of the purchase, but it wasn’t done for any other purpose. It was simply to ensure the smooth supply of electricity,” he added. Parakramasinghe also mentioned that the CEB would also release a video on its website to explain the process to the public.However, the Technical Engineers and Supervisors Association questioned the timing of the purchase. The Association’s Vice President, Nandana Udayakumara called for an investigation into the decision. He argued that recent rains had provided sufficient water to run hydropower plants at full capacity, and that the Norochcholai coal power plant had enough coal stocks to operate fully. Udayakumara also pointed out a discrepancy in the CEB’s operational records. “Last week, the records showed that only two-thirds of the Norochcholai power plant was operational. One unit was even running at low capacity. Despite this, electricity was purchased from private thermal power plants,” he said. He questioned as to whose interests were being served by the purchases, especially when cheaper sources of electricity, such as hydropower and coal were available. “In this situation, when hydropower and Norochcholai are capable of meeting the demand, the decision to rely on thermal power plants raises serious concerns. For whose benefit was this electricity bought?,” Udayakumara queried.

Despite hydropower generating capacity: CEB defends thermal power purchasing

<ul><li>Spkr. says he’ll address matter at ‘apt’ time</li></ul>The main Parliamentary Opposition Party, the Samagi Jana Balawegaya (SJB), called on Speaker of the Parliament Ashoka Ranwala, who is facing allegations of academic fraud, to make haste in stating his position regarding the accusations.&nbsp;A controversy has emerged regarding the doctorate allegedly held by Ranwala, with Opposition parties demanding a clarification on whether he genuinely holds a Doctor of Philosophy degree.&nbsp;They have called on the Government to clarify and dispel growing public suspicion surrounding the matter. The Speaker had reportedly used the title ‘Dr.’ in his introductions prior to contesting the General Election. Following his election as the Speaker, his name was listed as Dr. Ashoka Ranwala on the official website of the Parliament.&nbsp;However, the issue gained attention when university professors and other individuals questioned on social media whether the Speaker’s doctorate was legally granted or recognised. Adding to the speculation, doubts have been raised about the removal of the prefixed title ‘Dr.’ from his name on the Parliament’s website.Responding to an inquiry made by Ada Derana, Speaker Ranwala had stated that he would address the allegations at the appropriate time. The Speaker did not specify a date or time when he would respond and all attempts to contact him proved futile.The SJB stated however that the Speaker should not delay his response following allegations of academic fraud. “We encourage the Speaker to avoid remaining silent and to make his address on the matter without delay,” SJB National Organiser Tissa Attanayake told The Daily Morning yesterday (11) when queried as to whether they would take action in this regard in the form of reporting the same to the Parliament’s Ethics Committee (the option of putting forward a no-confidence/faith motion is also available per law), now that some proof of the issue had been furnished and made public. “If he keeps silent, it will look highly suspicious.”&nbsp;Earlier, SJB Member of Parliament Hector Appuhamy told The Daily Morning that the SJB would await proof of academic fraud before deciding whether to take this matter to the Parliamentary Committee on Ethics and Privileges.&nbsp;However, United National Party (UNP) member and former MP Thalatha Athukorala claimed that the institution that the Speaker claimed to have graduated from had announced that they had no record of his studentship.Earlier, Cabinet Spokesperson Dr. Nalinda Jayatissa said that Ranwala will soon make a ‘responsible’ statement regarding the same. Furthermore, he mentioned that the Government will arrive at a decision regarding the matter after the Speaker reports on his qualifications to the relevant authorities.&nbsp;“I will make a statement on what decision the Government will take if the claims are true as well as if the claims are false,” he added.The Daily Morning’s attempts to contact member of the New Democratic Front (NDF) and Opposition MP Anuradha Jayaratne proved futile while NDF member, President’s Counsel Faiszer Musthapha declined to comment.&nbsp;The Daily Morning’s attempts to contact various members of the National People’s Power (NPP) including Foreign Affairs Minister Vijitha Herath, Deputy Minister Prof. Anil Jayantha Fernando, and NPP General Secretary MP Dr. Nihal Abeysinghe proved futile.

Speaker’s edu. qualifications: SJB tells Spkr. to make haste over ‘suspicious’ silence 

<ul><li>Epidemiologists call for patients symptomatic for leptospirosis to seek urgent medical attention&nbsp;</li><li>Proper waste mgt. and env. cleanliness, and not bathing in unknown water bodies, urged&nbsp;</li></ul>The Epidemiology Unit of the Ministry of Health said that an unidentified fever is spreading in the Jaffna District, raising concerns among the health authorities.&nbsp;Meanwhile, the death toll from the unidentified fever spreading in Jaffna has risen to five, according to the Jaffna Teaching Hospital’s Director Dr. T. Sathyamoorthy.&nbsp;Speaking at a media briefing, Dr. Sathyamoorthy confirmed that the deceased, aged between 20 and 65, succumbed to the fever and respiratory complications.&nbsp;While the illness is suspected to be leptospirosis, commonly known as rat fever, he stated that blood samples have been sent to Colombo for further testing to confirm the diagnosis.&nbsp;Previously, three deaths were reported from this illness.&nbsp;The health authorities have since launched investigations to determine the nature of the disease, with preliminary tests underway to assess whether it is related to leptospirosis.&nbsp;Detailed investigations are underway to identify the exact nature of the disease. The health authorities continue to monitor the situation closely, with measures being taken to contain the spread of the illness and provide necessary medical care to the affected individuals.&nbsp;Dr. Kumudu Weerakoon of the unit addressed the issue at a media briefing held at the Health Promotion Bureau yesterday (11). She explained that patients in the affected areas are presenting with fever and respiratory issues.&nbsp;Health officials are collecting samples from these individuals to confirm the exact cause of the illness, Dr. Weerakoon added.Leptospirosis is a disease caused by bacteria that affects humans as well as animals and is spread by the urine of infected animals like rats. Leptospirosis continues to be a major health concern in Sri Lanka. Last year (2023), the country recorded over 9,000 cases of rat fever, resulting in nearly 200 deaths.&nbsp;Dr. Weerakoon revealed that the number of reported cases this year, around 10,000, has already surpassed those recorded during the same period last year.&nbsp;She emphasised that individuals engaged in occupations involving exposure to water and mud, such as paddy farming and mining, as well as those affected by floods, are particularly vulnerable to the disease.&nbsp;The risk of contracting rat fever is particularly high among farmers, gem miners and workers who engage in cleaning waste or drainages. Cases are frequently reported in districts such as Ratnapura, Galle, Kegalle, Matara, Kalutara, Monaragala and Kurunegala. Dr. Weerakoon highlighted the symptoms of leptospirosis, which include high fever, severe muscle pain, red eyes, vomiting, headache, body aches, blood in urine, and decreased urination.&nbsp;If untreated, the illness can cause significant damage to vital organs such as the kidneys, liver, and brain, and in severe cases, it can be fatal.&nbsp;Dr. Weerakoon urged individuals experiencing symptoms to seek immediate medical attention, noting that timely intervention is critical to recovery.&nbsp;She stressed the importance of early detection and treatment to prevent complications and save lives.&nbsp;&nbsp;To combat the spread of the disease, the Ministry is providing free antibiotics to individuals at high risk, including those involved in water-related occupations. These antibiotics can be obtained from Public Health Inspectors attached to the relevant Medical Officer of Health offices, Dr. Weerakoon noted.The prevailing weather has created a situation that is favourable for the spread of leptospirosis, which calls for steps such as proper garbage management and maintaining clean environments in order to reduce the spread of animals such as rats.&nbsp;Noting this, Dr. Weerakoon cautioned that in a context where there are many groups whose professions involve coming into physical contact with soil and water contaminated by the bacteria that causes rat fever, both precautions and prompt responses to early symptoms are necessary. She pointed out the importance of taking seriously the early symptoms of the disease which some may consider to be insignificant.&nbsp;Highlighting farmers as a key group that is facing the risk of contracting rat fever due to the nature of their profession, Dr. Weerakoon added that the recent rainy period has posed a threat to other groups including those working in flood affected areas and those engaged in jobs near water bodies and muddy areas. Preventing direct physical contact with water and mud was recommended.&nbsp;“It is not only those engaged in paddy cultivation who are in a high-risk situation,” she stressed, adding that revealing to health professionals the risky conditions in which one functions is important for effective treatment.The Health Ministry also advised individuals to avoid bathing in unknown and potentially unclean bodies of water. “We advise people to avoid dirty and unclean water, especially if they have wounds,” Dr. Weerakoon elaborated.&nbsp;

Public health: Jaffna swept by unidentified fever; 5 deaths 

<ul><li>Points out the importance of Oppo. helming oversight Comms. of COPE, COPA, COPF</li></ul>Former Speaker of the Parliament and incumbent patron of the National Movement for Social Justice Karu Jayasuriya, has written to President Anura Kumara Dissanayake, urging the Government to prioritise the protection and strengthening of democratic institutions.&nbsp;In his letter, Jayasuriya emphasised the importance of an active and inclusive Parliamentary system while calling for unity among the Janatha Vimukthi Peramuna-led National People’s Power, the civil society, and the opposition. Highlighting Sri Lanka’s democratic traditions, Jayasuriya stated: “Sri Lanka has a history of maintaining democratic principles, even through challenges.” He urged the Government to build on this legacy to strengthen democracy for future generations.&nbsp;He drew attention to the role played by the Opposition during the Eighth Parliament (2015-2020), where oversight Committees such as the Committee on Public Enterprises (COPE), the Committee on Public Accounts (COPA), and the Committee on Public Finance (COPF) were led by Opposition members. He praised then-Parliamentarian and incumbent Minister Sunil Handunnetti for his leadership of the COPE, demonstrating how an Opposition MP can effectively perform such duties without disrupting governance.&nbsp;He expressed concerns about the abolition of Sectoral Oversight Committees (SOCs) during the Ninth Parliament, despite their significant contributions to governance. Jayasuriya noted that the brief revival of these Committees under the 21st Amendment to the Constitution last year (2023), proved their value.&nbsp;“A key strength of the SOCs is their all party representation, which promotes inclusivity and collaboration,” he remarked, adding that Sri Lanka’s model allowed for youth participation, a unique feature rarely seen globally. Jayasuriya also warned against replacing the SOC model, warning that such changes could harm Parliamentary efficiency and public trust.&nbsp;He reminded the President of the strong mandate given to the Government to uphold democratic principles, saying: “Any significant policy changes that undermine these principles risk eroding public trust and damaging the credibility of the Government.”Jayasuriya urged the President to act with care, stating that while the civil society may not hold political power, it carries significant social influence. He called for unity and collaboration to protect Sri Lanka’s democratic institutions.Efforts made to contact Minister of Public Security and&nbsp;Parliamentary Affairs Ananda Wijepala proved futile.

Upholding P’ment SOCs: Ex-Spkr. Karu writes to Prez 

<ul><li> Legal action against hoarding, non-display of price tags, expired rice sale</li></ul>Officers of the Consumer Affairs Authority (CAA) carried out a series of inspections at rice wholesale shops on Fifth Cross Street, Pettah yesterday (11).&nbsp;The operation followed complaints alleging unethical practices, including the hoarding of rice stocks.During the inspection, legal action has been taken against a shop found selling rice at inflated prices, violating consumer protection laws.Further investigations have been initiated into other violations, including the failure to display price tags and the sale of expired rice.

CAA raids rice wholesalers in Pettah 

<ul><li> No 2 times the charm as his nomination too under NDF fire in Ravi K sequel&nbsp;</li></ul>The Election Commission (EC) has issued a Gazette notification confirming that President’s Counsel and former Minister Faiszer Musthapha has been elected as a Member of Parliament through the National List of the New Democratic Front (NDF), which contested the 2024 General Election under the ‘gas cylinder’ symbol.On Tuesday (10), it was reported that the NDF had nominated Musthapha for the remaining National List seat out of the two won by the party in the Parliament.However, a dispute has emerged within the NDF concerning the nomination of Musthapha for a National List MP position with the coalition partners alleging that this decision has been made without consulting them. Former Parliamentarian Dr. Ramesh Pathirana stated that there was unanimous agreement to appoint former Minister Kanchana Wijesekera to the remaining National List MP position.&nbsp;However, the Sri Lanka Freedom Party, a key partner in the NDF, had proposed Musthapha’s name for the position.&nbsp;&nbsp;The other National List MP seat had been filled by former Minister Ravi Karunanayake of the United National Party (UNP), also under somewhat controversial circumstances.The NDF, which contested under the ‘gas cylinder’ symbol in the 2024 General Election, secured two National List seats.&nbsp;Accordingly, it had been proposed to name one member each from the ‘Podujana Eksath Nidahas Peramuna’ and the UNP for the two National List seats while the final decision on the matter was expected to be taken collectively by all parties in the alliance. A proposal had also been put forward to nominate Wijesekera, who contested the Election from the Matara District but was not elected, for the position of the National List MP from the ‘Podujana Eksath Nidahas Peramuna’ faction while a decision was yet to be taken on the other seat. However, despite this, the name of Karunanayake had been sent to the Election Commission on 18 November, in writing, by NDF General Secretary, Sharmila Perera, nominating him for one of the National List MP seats of the NDF. This move had come under backlash from within the alliance with it also being reported that former President Ranil Wickremesinghe had informed the representatives of the NDF that Karunanayake’s name had been forwarded for the position of National List MP in an arbitrary manner without his consent and the approval of the other parties in the alliance. A committee was later appointed to look into the matter.

EC gazettes Faiszer M as NDF Nat'l List MP

<ul><li>Call made for public not to exercise extra-judicial actions, and to amend domestic violence laws to cover household members</li></ul>In a context where the National People’s Power Government has informed that it would consider the option of a new Constitution&nbsp;within their governmental tenure, it has also been suggested that the civil society embark upon and engage in a ‘shadow Constitution-making process’ to ensure greater civic participation.&nbsp;&nbsp;Speaking at an event held yesterday (11) to commemorate the International Human Rights Day, the Right to Life Human Rights Centre organisation’s Chairperson attorney Lakshan Dias stated that the civil society must lobby the Government and other legal institutions to reform certain “draconian” laws, such as the Prevention of Terrorism (Temporary Provisions) Act as amended. He urged the Human Rights Commission of Sri Lanka (HRCSL) to take the lead in initiating a dialogue that brings together all stakeholders to amend such laws.&nbsp;&nbsp;Commenting on the role of the civil society in the Constitution-making process, Dias noted that civil groups must undertake a “shadow Constitution-making process” to make the procedure more participatory.&nbsp;“We did this process during the period of President Chandrika Bandaranaike Kumaratunga’s Government in 2001. We advocated for a federal Constitution. I myself addressed hundreds of meetings on this matter. Therefore, we, the civil society, should take the lead in this mechanism,” he said.&nbsp;Dias also emphasised that such an approach would ensure broader civic involvement in shaping the Constitution, making it more representative of public aspirations. He highlighted the importance of collaboration between the civil society and institutions like the HRCSL to push for meaningful legal and constitutional reforms.&nbsp;&nbsp;Meanwhile, he said that although Sri Lanka has in place significant legal provisions to protect human rights, there is however a lacuna when it comes to the enforcement of those laws and a general reluctance to make interventions to uphold each other’s human rights.&nbsp;“We talk about torture at the hands of the Police. But, when a pickpocket thief is caught, people still assault such persons and we don’t intervene. There is a concern as to whether we can intervene because we may also have to get assaulted. But, at the very least, we have not been able to seek the necessary approaches to make such interventions,” he added.&nbsp;He stressed that tolerating such human rights violations is tantamount to tolerating human rights violations against known offenders, as both acts amount to an extrajudicial punishment. He added that the public should be encouraged to intervene to oppose such.Elsewhere, he said that the laws pertaining to domestic violence is one example for laws that need to be updated, regarding which more interventions need to be initiated. Moreover, he noted that domestic violence can occur not only against women but any member of a residence, and that the relevant laws and interventions should therefore be updated to expand their scope.&nbsp;

Civil society should start ‘shadow Constitution-making’

<ul><li>To finance via internal accruals and capital management plan</li></ul>India’s Adani Ports and Special Economic Zone Limited said on Tuesday (10) that it would finance its Colombo Port West Terminal project through internal accruals and a capital management plan, withdrawing its request for funding from the United States (US) International Development Finance Corporation (DFC).The DFC said last year (2023) that it would provide US Dollars ($) 553 million in financing for the Port Terminal project, which is partly owned by the Adani Group.The company said however that the Colombo West International Terminal project is progressing well and is on track for commissioning by early next year (2025).The DFC did not immediately respond to a request for comment.Adani Group, controlled by Indian billionaire Gautam Adani, holds a 51% stake in the West Container Terminal of the Port, which also has a Terminal run by the China Merchants Port Holdings Company Ltd.The Sri Lankan conglomerate John Keells Holdings owns 34% of the Terminal and the rest is held by the State-run Ports Authority.Last month (November), US authorities accused Adani Group Chairperson Gautam Adani and seven others of being part of a $ 265 million scheme to bribe Indian officials, and of misleading US investors while raising funds there.The ports to power conglomerate has termed the allegations “baseless” and said that it would seek “all possible legal recourse”.Attempts to contact Foreign Affairs Minister Vijitha Herath, Deputy Economic Development Minister Prof. Anil Jayantha Fernando, Deputy Finance and Planning Minister Dr. Harshana Sooriyapperuma, and the Finance and Ports Ministries were to no avail.&nbsp;(Reuters)

Colombo Port West Terminal project: Adani Ports withdraws US DFC funding request 

<ul><li> AG instructs amendment of LG Polls (Spl. Provisions) Bill to use 2024 voter list&nbsp;</li></ul>The Attorney General (AG) yesterday (11) informed the Supreme Court that the Cabinet of Ministers has instructed the Legal Draftsman to amend the Local Government (LG) Elections (Special Provisions) Bill in order to make necessary provisions for holding the LG Elections using the 2024 voters’ list, in order to ensure the right of young voters to vote.&nbsp;Appearing on behalf of the AG, Deputy Solicitor General Nirmalan Wigneswaran informed this to the Court when a Fundamental Rights petition filed seeking an order that the LG Elections be held using the 2024 voters’ list was taken up for hearing. This petition was taken up for hearing before the three-Judge bench comprising President’s Counsel (PC) and Chief Justice Murdu Fernando, and Justices Arjuna Obeysekere and Priyantha Fernando.Additionally, Wigneswaran stated that it has also been instructed to amend the legislations allowing the invalidating of previously submitted nominations and to freshly call for nominations for the LG Elections.M.U.M. Ali Sabry PC, who appeared for the petitioning party, requested the Court to issue an order to publish advertisements in newspapers in all three languages regarding this case in a manner that would enable every person to intervene in it, since this is a case of great importance to the public.The bench granted permission for the request and also informed the petitioning party to issue notices to the respondents of the case including the Election Commission Chairperson to appear before Court.Later, the petition was ordered to be recalled on 29 January 2025.

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