<ul><li>SLAB notes absence of mandatory accreditation&nbsp;</li><li>No SLSI facilities for coal testing&nbsp;</li><li>Would require substantial investment&nbsp;</li><li>Talks underway to strengthen regulatory framework</li></ul> In the wake of the severe impact caused by substandard coal consignments on the Lakvijaya Power Plant in Norochcholai and the resulting losses exceeding billions of rupees, the Sri Lanka Accreditation Board (SLAB) noted that discussions have commenced with State and Government authorities on the need to introduce accreditation for coal testing laboratories and at related regulatory facilities.&nbsp;According to sources, talks are currently being held with several line Ministries on strengthening the regulatory framework governing coal quality testing in the country.Meanwhile, when contacted by The Daily Morning, Acting Director and Chief Executive Officer of the SLAB, Chanditha Ediriweera said yesterday (16) that at present, there is no mandatory requirement in Sri Lanka for accreditation.&nbsp;This requirement pertains to laboratories conducting tests including coal testing. Ediriweera indicated that accreditation requirements could become mandatory in the future, in a bid to enhance standards and ensure reliability in energy-related testing processes.“If coal testing labs seek accreditation, the SLAB is ready to prioritise assistance, mainly as a national and regulatory requirement. The SLAB has already initiated discussions with the line Ministry (Trade, Commerce, Food Security, and Cooperative Development Ministry under which the SLAB comes) for this process. Accreditation is a voluntary process. It becomes mandatory if a regulation requiring it exists. The Ministry is also aware of the importance of accreditation,” she elaborated.Deputy Trade Minister R.M. Jayawardhana was unavailable for comment.Meanwhile, in the wake of the special audit report on the controversial coal consignments, the Deputy Director General of the Sri Lanka Standards Institution (SLSI), Sunanda Fernando said that his establishment currently lacked the facilities to carry out coal testing, and that therefore, such testing is not conducted by it at present.Fernando noted yesterday the Institution could establish its own coal testing facilities in the future. However, he noted that it would require substantial investment in specialised equipment and would depend on a clearly defined national need for such a facility.He noted that in Sri Lanka, laboratory accreditation is handled by the SLAB, which is responsible for accrediting local laboratories. Similarly, other countries maintain their own accreditation bodies. Fernando noted they are not aware of the specific origin of the laboratory that conducted the coal testing in question, but stated that it may have been accredited by a recognised foreign accreditation body. He further pointed out that it is not mandatory to obtain accreditation solely from the SLAB, as laboratories can also obtain accreditation from foreign bodies.Fernando said that according to the available reports, the coal consignment in question had been tested using internationally recognised methods such as the American Society for Testing and Materials (International) or International Organisation for Standardisation standards.He further noted that he is unaware as to whether the coal in question had been tested after arriving in Sri Lanka (unloading port), adding that such requirements would typically be outlined in the tender documents handled by the Ceylon Electricity Board.While coal is meant to be tested at both ends of its journey, the said audit found that the Indonesian laboratory used at the loading port, PT Mitra SK Analisa Testama Samarinda, had its licence revoked on 29 December of last year (2025). There is no evidence that the licence was renewed by the end of March, yet, 12 shipments were certified through this arrangement. Discrepancies were also found between the laboratory reports and the actual performance data at the Lakvijaya Plant, the Lanka Coal Company had failed to use its available systems to verify these inconsistencies.

Coal testing gaps: Govt moves to accredit labs 

<ul><li>Question unrealistic eligibility criteria</li><li>Plantation Ministry to consider concession&nbsp;&nbsp;</li></ul> The National Tea Planters’ Association (NTPA) said the recent fertiliser subsidy recommended by the Government for smallholder tea planters is not being distributed efficiently, adding that what planters truly need is not a subsidy but a reduction in fertiliser prices.Speaking to The Daily Morning yesterday (16), the Association’s President Saman Geeganage said that even the fertiliser subsidy provided previously had not reached some Tea smallholders and planters, nor is it offered to them when it is most needed. “We have to add fertiliser four times a year, and an acre needs at least 150 kg of fertiliser. The Government releases the fertiliser once every six months or so, even though we should provide it every three months. Furthermore, to avail of this subsidy, growers need to prove that they have plucked an average of 150 kg a month. Sometimes, because it is hard to find labour, we cannot achieve this target,” he said. “What we need is not a subsidy. If the Government can reduce the tax on fertiliser for tea, we can buy fertiliser ourselves when the plants need it. Now, a 50 kg fertiliser bag is Rs. 12,000, and this is found to be unbearable by the planters,” he lamented. Previously, a 50 kg bag of tea fertiliser cost Rs. 9,500, but, tensions in the Middle East have triggered an abrupt Rs. 2,500 price increase. In this context, the Government has announced an additional subsidy of Rs. 5,000 per 50 kg fertiliser bundle for small tea estate owners, to be provided once this year under the quick response code-based distribution system.When contacted by The Daily Morning, the Deputy Plantation Minister Sundaralingam Pradeep said this concern had not been raised earlier, and that he would be suggesting a concession for planters at the meeting taking place with the Plantation Ministry today (17).

Tea smallholdings: Planters reject subsidy, seek cheaper fertiliser

The Labour Ministry is holding discussions to implement policies for immigrant construction workers, at a time when the country is seeing a lack of labour in the field, while the Housing Ministry is implementing better work conditions and rebranding it as a stable job to attract local labour to the field, The Daily Morning learns.When contacted, Labour Ministry Secretary S.M. Piyatissa said that at the moment, the recommendations for visas for immigrant construction workers are offered by the relevant Ministries at the request of the construction companies without the mediation of the Labour Ministry. Hence, the Ministry has identified the need for a policy to regulate the sector and it is now working on obtaining Cabinet of Ministers approval in order to make a policy regarding the immigrant construction workers. "We are making arrangements to obtain approval by the end of April or the beginning of May," he said."The reason we lack local labour for construction sites is there is a reluctance of the labour force of the country in choosing this sector. That is because of the lack of recognition. As a solution for this, the Housing Ministry has already taken initiatives," he added. According to him, the construction workers too will be paid a regular salary for the hours they work and overtime (OT) payments will be given when they work OT.&nbsp;“Furthermore, uniforms for them will be introduced too. Training also will be given”. He added the Labour Ministry is ready to give those trained construction workers training on professional security also. According to him, another issue with construction workers is that their financial literacy is less, hence that also makes them economically challenged. Therefore, they are also planning to launch programmes to give them financial literacy too, to make them financially more stable.When contacted by The Daily Morning, Deputy Housing Minister, T.B. Sarath, confirmed the initiatives taken by the Housing Ministry.The Housing Ministry had plans to bring 7,500 construction workers to the country for post-disaster constructions, citing a lack of labour in the field within the country. The sector currently faces nearly 10,000 vacancies, with officials projecting a shortfall of up to 20,000 workers by 2026 as major firms seek to recruit from India, Bangladesh and Nepal to meet the growing demand.

Construction sector: Labour Ministry to regulate immigrant workers

<ul><li>Police warn fines up to Rs. 25,000</li></ul> The Police have announced that vehicles fitted with number plates that do not comply with prescribed standards will be taken into custody and produced before court, warning of fines ranging from Rs. 15,000 to Rs. 25,000 for offenders.Deputy Inspector General of Police (Traffic Control and Road Safety) W.P.J. Senadheera, speaking at a press conference yesterday (16), said that legal action will be initiated against vehicles using number plates that fail to meet required specifications.He noted that while there had been delays in issuing number plates for new vehicles in recent months, the issue is expected to be resolved within the next few weeks. The Department of Motor Traffic (DMT) has already informed vehicle owners of the correct specifications and proper installation procedures.According to the prescribed standards, the front number plate must display black letters and numbers on a white background, while the rear plate must display black letters and numbers on a yellow background.Police also pointed to a rise in vehicles operating with modified number plates in various colours and formats, stressing that such alterations hinder vehicle identification, particularly in cases involving accidents or criminal activity.Senadheera further warned that strict legal action will be taken against vehicles emitting excessive black smoke on public roads. He said that Police have received multiple complaints regarding such vehicles and noted that air pollution remains a serious global concern, contributing to nearly one million deaths annually.To address the issue, authorities will work in collaboration with DMT inspectors to identify offending vehicles, take them into custody, and proceed with legal action. The public has been urged to report vehicles emitting excessive smoke via a dedicated WhatsApp number, 0703500525, by sending the vehicle number or a video clip. Based on the information received, DMT inspectors will take further action.Meanwhile, Police reported a total of 42 road traffic accidents across the island between 10 April and Wednesday (15), resulting in 44 fatalities. Of these, 19 accidents and 19 deaths were recorded during the festive period from Monday (13) to Wednesday (15).An analysis by vehicle type showed that motorcycles accounted for the highest number of accidents, with 16 incidents. The remaining cases involved four three-wheelers, four vans, two motor cars, two cab trucks, two bicycles, and one hit-and-run.Senadheera noted that during the corresponding festive period last year, there were 25 accidents and 26 fatalities, indicating a reduction in both accidents and deaths this year. He added that driving under the influence of alcohol has been identified as the primary contributing factor in these accidents.

 Crackdown on non-standard number plates

<ul><li>Says festive period electricity production decline due to temporary factory non-operation&nbsp; </li></ul> The Energy Ministry rejected allegations the Government has decided to release water from the Victoria Reservoir in an unusual manner for electricity generation, stating that national electricity production declines during the festive season due to the temporary shutdown of factories across the country.Speaking to&nbsp;The Daily Morning&nbsp;yesterday (16), Deputy Energy Minister Arkam Ilyas said that releasing water from a reservoir cannot be done arbitrarily, adding that such matters are handled via the Water Management Secretariat. “It is the Water Management Secretariat that decides whether water can be released for any such purpose. It consists of the Ceylon Electricity Board, the National Water Supply and Drainage Board, the Wildlife Conservation Department, and the Irrigation Department, etc. Such an arrangement of a meeting has not happened,” he said. He further added that since the demand for electricity in the country has gone down during the festive season, a need for extra power generation has not arisen either.However, the Frontline Socialist Party (FSP) alleged on Wednesday (15) that the Government has decided to release water from the Victoria Reservoir in an unusual manner. According to the Party’s President, Duminda Nagamuwa, the decline in electricity generation at the Norochcholai Power Plant due to poor-quality coal has forced increased reliance on costly diesel-powered generation.&nbsp;He alleged that in order to avoid public backlash over higher electricity costs, the Government has opted for alternative measures, including the increased use of reservoir water. Nagamuwa claimed that the water level of the Victoria Reservoir, which must be maintained at around 422 metres above the sea level for drinking water requirements, is now being reduced due to what he described as “arbitrary decisions.” As a result, he said that the Balagolla Barrage pumping station, which supplies drinking water to areas including Kandy, Kundasale, and Digana, is at risk of becoming non-operational.

Energy Ministry rejects FSP allegation

Former Parliamentarian Chandana Kathriarachchi has been arrested by the Colombo Crimes Division (CCD) following the recovery of a cache of arms and ammunition during a court-authorised search of his residence.Police Media Spokesman, Assistant Superintendent of Police and attorney F.U. Wootler said the arrest was carried out after officers executed a search warrant issued by the Kesbewa Magistrate’s Court yesterday (16), acting on a complaint alleging the possession of illegal firearms.During the raid, officers recovered a live hand grenade, reported to have been manufactured in Czechoslovakia, along with a substantial quantity of ammunition. This included 221 rounds used in T-56 assault rifles, two T-56 magazines, 31 rounds of 7.62 mm ammunition, 103 rounds of .22 calibre ammunition, and 30 unidentified rounds.Subsequent searches of the premises also led to the discovery of four registered firearms, comprising two shotguns and two 9 mm pistols.Investigations have revealed that one of the firearms was registered under Kathriarachchi’s name, while the remaining three were registered under his wife’s name.The CCD has launched a separate investigation to determine the reasons behind the possession of such a large quantity of firearms and ammunition.Further inquiries are being conducted under the supervision of the Deputy Inspector General of Police in charge of the Colombo Range, Nishantha Soysa.

Ex-MP arrested over arms cache 

<ul><li>Says fuel prices would be reduced post-ME war&nbsp;&nbsp;</li></ul>The Government has assured that fuel and electricity supplies will continue without interruption despite the ongoing conflict in the Middle East, while warning of a possible marginal increase in fuel prices due to global market fluctuations.Cabinet Spokesperson Dr. Nalinda Jayatissa, speaking to the media in Kalutara, said that although international price volatility may lead to a slight increase in domestic fuel prices, the full cost will not be passed on to consumers. He noted that the Treasury is expected to absorb a significant portion of any increase.He further stressed&nbsp; the Government intends to reduce the currently elevated fuel prices as soon as the prevailing wartime situation stabilises.Meanwhile, the Ceylon Petroleum Storage Terminals Limited (CPSTL) announced the first crude oil tanker to arrive since the onset of the Middle East conflict is scheduled to reach the island today (17).CPSTL Managing Director Dr. Mayura Neththikumarage said the vessel is carrying 97,500 metric tonnes of crude oil. He added that a second tanker is expected to arrive by the end of April.“The first crude oil ship following the war situation is arriving in Sri Lanka with 97,500 MT. Another ship is scheduled to arrive at the end of this month. Additionally, the WTI vessel from the US was being loaded and was expected to begin its voyage toward Sri Lanka yesterday (16),” he said.He noted the earlier challenge of securing a steady crude oil supply, which had been a major concern for the Ceylon Petroleum Corporation, has now been resolved.

Govt assures uninterrupted fuel, power 

Convicted murderer Chaminda Ravi Jayanath, alias Dematagoda Chaminda, has been transferred to the Welisara Navy Camp, with Police stating that recent death threats circulating on social media were orchestrated by the inmate himself.Jayanath, who was convicted over the killing of politician Bharatha Lakshman Premachandra and had been held at the Boossa High Security Prison, was moved as previously planned despite concerns raised by an alleged assassination plot.Police Media Spokesman, Assistant Superintendent of Police and attorney F.U. Wootler told The Daily Morning that investigations have revealed the widely circulated audio recording warning of Jayanath’s death at Welisara was fabricated as part of an attempt to avoid the transfer.“As planned, the inmate was transferred from Boossa to the Welisara Camp. The Welisara Camp is totally isolated, with no room to smuggle drugs or mobile phones. It is because of his reluctance to go there that he orchestrated the so-called audio recording circulated on social media. He is now safely imprisoned in Welisara,” Wootler said.He added that further investigations are being carried out by the Colombo Crimes Division, with more findings yet to be reported.Last week, the Central Crime Investigation Bureau launched a probe following reports of a possible assassination attempt targeting the death row inmate. The investigation was triggered after an audio clip surfaced online claiming that Jayanath would be killed upon arrival at the Welisara facility.Police suspect the alleged plot was staged by Jayanath himself in a bid to prevent his transfer from the Boossa High Security Prison to the Welisara Navy Camp.

Dematagoda Chaminda moved to Welisara

Stressing that the continued delay in holding Provincial Council (PC) Elections is a serious injustice to voters and potential representatives, the Election Commission (EC) stated that it expects the Parliamentary Select Committee (PSC), which is examining the related legal issues, to pave the way for the long-delayed Elections to be held as soon as possible. When contacted by The Daily Morning yesterday (16), EC Chairperson R.M.A.L. Ratnayake said that the Commission is awaiting the outcome of the PSC process before any decision can be taken regarding the conduct of the PC Elections. He said that EC officials have already appeared before the PSC and presented their position on the matter. “Our officers appeared before the PSC recently. Based on the outcome of the PSC, we will be able to decide on the holding of the Elections,” he said. “I think the Delimitation Commission has also been summoned before the PSC. We expect it to conclude its proceedings and present its recommendations. We don’t know what will happen until then. At the moment, there is nothing that we as the EC can do,” Rathnayake said. Further pointing out that PC Elections were last held in 2014, he said that the continued postponement of Elections for more than a decade is a serious injustice to the public and to those who seek to represent them. “PC Elections not having been held for more than a decade is a serious injustice to the voters, the people of the relevant Provinces, and the potential representatives." Speaking further, he said that the EC had repeatedly written to the Secretary to the President seeking clarity on the matter. “We have been writing to the President’s Secretary over and over again. In response to our letters, he recently informed us that the issue is being looked into by the PSC.” An 11-member special PSC was recently appointed by Speaker of Parliament Dr. Jagath Wickramaratne to examine the electoral system under which the PC Elections should be conducted. The Committee is chaired by Minister Vijitha Herath and has been tasked with studying the most suitable electoral framework and submitting its findings and recommendations to Parliament. PC Elections have remained stalled for more than a decade due to legal complications that arose from amendments introduced between 2015 and 2020. Although a delimitation report required to facilitate the Elections was completed and presented to Parliament, it was rejected at the time, resulting in the prolonged delay in holding the Polls.

Coal testing gaps: Govt moves to accredit labs

Tea smallholdings: Planters reject subsidy, seek cheaper fertiliser

Tea smallholdings: Planters re ...

Construction sector: Labour Ministry to regulate immigrant workers

Construction sector: Labour Mi ...

Crackdown on non-standard number plates

Crackdown on non-standard num ...

Energy Ministry rejects FSP allegation

Energy Ministry rejects FSP al ...

Ex-MP arrested over arms cache

Ex-MP arrested over arms cache ...

Govt assures uninterrupted fuel, power

Govt assures uninterrupted fue ...

Dematagoda Chaminda moved to Welisara

Dematagoda Chaminda moved to W ...

PC Polls: EC awaits quick PSC resolution

PC Polls: EC awaits quick PSC ...

Tea smallholdings: Planters reject subsidy, seek cheaper fertiliser

Tea smallholdings: Planters re ...

Construction sector: Labour Ministry to regulate immigrant workers

Construction sector: Labour Mi ...

Crackdown on non-standard number plates

Crackdown on non-standard num ...

Energy Ministry rejects FSP allegation

Energy Ministry rejects FSP al ...

Ex-MP arrested over arms cache

Ex-MP arrested over arms cache ...

Govt assures uninterrupted fuel, power

Govt assures uninterrupted fue ...

Dematagoda Chaminda moved to Welisara

Dematagoda Chaminda moved to W ...

PC Polls: EC awaits quick PSC resolution

PC Polls: EC awaits quick PSC ...

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Tea smallholdings: Planters reject subsidy, seek cheaper fertiliser

Tea smallholdings: Planters re ...

Construction sector: Labour Ministry to regulate immigrant workers

Construction sector: Labour Mi ...

Bringing the news paper to your fingertips

Crackdown on non-standard number plates

Crackdown on non-standard num ...

Energy Ministry rejects FSP allegation

Energy Ministry rejects FSP al ...

Ex-MP arrested over arms cache

Ex-MP arrested over arms cache ...

Govt assures uninterrupted fuel, power

Govt assures uninterrupted fue ...