Kanchana Wijesekera: Latest News

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COLOMBO (News 1st); Sri Lankan President Ranil Wickremesinghe said that the government has taken a principled decision to expand the distribution of fuel.He also noted that Hambantota has been identified as a primary energy hub. According to the President's Media Division, he made these comments during a discussion with the representatives of the Sinopec Group held at the President's Office in Colombo on Monday (13).Sinopec has also pledged to invest in a refinery in Hambantota, said the PMD.The representatives informed the Sri Lankan Government that their organization has adhered to the existing system and has applied accordingly. They further conveyed their readiness to fully finance the construction of a refinery in Hambantota, which has been identified as a central energy hub by the government.Moreover, the representatives stated that their company is prepared to respond to future solicitations that align with the aspirations of the country.

COLOMBO (News 1st) – Sri Lanka's Minister of Power and Energy Kanchana Wijesekera said that the officials from the Ministry of Power and Energy who attended a recent meeting with the Human Rights Commission of Sri Lanka had disclosed that they were pressurized to sign two documents that they did not agree do.The Minister tweeted on Friday (27) that the officials were pressurized by two members of the Human Rights Commission, and that they were threatened with jail sentences.On Wednesday (25), the Human Rights Commission of Sri Lanka revealed that all the  necessary stakeholders including Ceylon Electricity Board (CEB) agreed to provide uninterrupted power supply during the advanced level examination period until February 17th.However, despite the statement from the Human Rights Commission of Sri Lanka, power outages were experienced on Wednesday (25) and Thursday (26).The Human Rights Commission of Sri Lanka on Friday (27) said it will elaborate facts to the Supreme Court against officials including the Chairman of the Ceylon Electricity Board and the Secretary to the Ministry of Power and Energy for breaching an agreement by suspending the supply of power. Speaking further, an official from the HRCS said it has been observed that the CEB and the Ministry of Power and Energy are operating arbitrarily, going against the laws of the land. Meanwhile, the Public Utilities Commission of Sri Lanka directing a letter to the Chairman of the HRCSL said that it will not approve power outages occurring during the period between the 26th of January and 17th of February. The Human Rights Commission emphasized that if the CEB does not act according to the directive, the HRCSL has the ability to act according to Section 21 of the Sri

COLOMBO (News 1st) – Sri Lanka's Former Power and Energy Minister Patali Champika Ranawaka has dismissed claims made by the present Power and Energy Minister Kanchana Wijesekera over the profits made by the Ceylon Electricity Board.On Tuesday (3), Minister Wijesekera tweeted that the Ceylon Electricity Board was making operating profits during October & November each year due to the increase in hydropower usage.Wijesekera stressed that the operational profits were not due to the tariff adjustments made in August 2022, and states that the CEBs own financial statements from 2017 to 2022 highlight the false and misleading comments made by the Public Utilities Commission of Sri Lanka and Former Minister Champika Ranawaka.However, in response to the Minister, Former Minister Champika Ranawaka pointed out that if the tariff was not increased in October 2022 the Ceylon Electricity Board would be making a loss of a whopping Rs.

COLOMBO (News 1st) – The proposal containing the electricity tariff amendment that will be in effect from 2023, will be presented to the Cabinet of Ministers on Monday (2).The Cabinet Paper will be presented by Energy Minister Kanchana Wijesekera.The process that should be followed with respect to amending the elctricity tariffs is mentioned in Article 30 of the Sri Lanka Electricity Act.Accordingly, the Ceylon Electricity Board must prepare a proposal and produce it to the Public Utilities Commission of Sri Lanka.Thereafter, the proposal will be reviewed for justification, and when necessary public opinion will also be obtained.If concessions are to be provided, the treasury needs to be consulted and thereafter a process will be adopted to amend the electricity tariff.According to the country's Power & Energy Minister the objective of this tariff hike is to cover the cost of providing a continuous supply of electricity. He made this remark during a media briefing in December 2022.One of the scenarios presented by the CEB engineers will be used for this purpose, and according to the Minister the generation plan is as follows:27% from hydro-power 28% from Coal 13% from Diesel and Furnace Oil 2% Wind Power  12% from Private Diesel or Furnace Oil Power Plants.

COLOMBO (News 1st) – Sri Lanka's Cabinet of Minister granted approval to the recommendations proposed by the committee appointed to explore restructuring the CEB.The Electricity Reforms Bill will be drafted within a month to begin the unbundling process of the Ceylon Electricity Board, said Sri Lanka's Power and Energy Minister Kanchana Wijesekera.

COLOMBO (News 1st) – Sri Lanka's Power and Energy Minister Kanchana Wijesekera said that electricity tariffs will be increased, again."No matter who becomes, President, Finance Minister, or Government we cannot avoid another hike in tariffs.," he told Parliament on Friday (25) adding that Sri Lanka will not receive rainfall in 2023 as it did in 2022.Therefore, according to the Minister it costs Rs. 56.90 to generate a unit for the CEB to deliver around clock electricity."We charge Rs.

ABU DHABI (Reuters) – Sri Lanka's energy and power minister Kanchana Wijesekera said on Tuesday his country was expecting a diesel shipment from China that will possibly arrive by the end of November, as his country faces a deep financial crisis.Wijesekera was answering reporters' questions on the sidelines of an industry conference in Abu Dhabi on whether Sri Lanka had received any support.

COLOMBO (News 1st) – Minister of Power and Energy Kanchana Wijesekera says that the new tariff rates will be applied only to New Roof Top Solar Systems."There will be no change of rates for already signed Power Purchasing Agreements & systems in use.", Minister Wijesekara said.Cabinet approval was granted to revise Roof Top Solar Tariff Rates.Two tiers' current tariff rates of Rs 22 & Rs 15.50 will be revised to a flat rate of Rs 37 for less than 500KW & Rs 34.50 for above 500KW RoofTop Solar for 20 years.

COLOMBO (News 1st) – Power and Energy Minister Kanchana Wijesekera says that proposals for the restructuring of the power sector are expected to be submitted to the Parliament next month.In a Twitter message, the Minister said that he has received the report of the Cabinet Appointed Committee on Power Sector Reforms.The Minister added the report will be handed over to the President and the Cabinet of Ministers.

COLOMBO (News 1st) – Petroleum Trade Unions have decided to report sick on Tuesday (18).Trade Unions said that they will step away from work on Tuesday (18) Petroleum Products (Special Provisions) Amendment Bill that will be presented to Parliament.Petroleum Trade Unions Alliance Spokesperson Dr.

COLOMBO (News 1st) –  Sri Lanka's Power and Energy Minister Kanchana Wijesekera thanked SJB MP, Dr. Harsha De Silva, for calling for an investigation into the tender that was called for the procurement of coal for the Norochcholai Power Plant.The Minister said that the COPF in its report on the investigation into Coal Procurement has said that Auditor General preliminarily observes that a fair & sufficient time was not accommodated to suitable bidders & thereby has deviated from the Procurement guidelines.The Minister added that the Auditor General's observations said certain limitations on their investigation & unavailability of information in a short time."Officials of the procurement committee has been notified of the observations & recommendations & will respond accordingly," tweeted the Minister.Kanchana Wijesekera said that it would be appropriate for the Committee on Public Finance to consider responses of the officials in this regard & direct to be fully investigated by a suitable authority.Sri Lanka's Auditor General has reported that the tender to procure coal for the Norochcholai Power Plant from 2022 to 2025 did not follow the approved procurement process.Dr.

COLOMBO (News 1st) – The Ministerial Consultative Committee on Justice is scheduled to meet on the 4th at 2.00 pm in Parliament to consider the twenty-second Constitution Amendment Bill to be debated in Parliament on the 6th and 7th.Members of Parliament will also have the opportunity to present their views and proposals regarding this bill in the committee chaired by the Minister of Justice, Prison Affairs and Constitutional Reforms, (Dr.) Wijeyadasa Rajapakshe.Meanwhile, the Ministerial Consultative Committee on Power and Energy is scheduled to meet at 11.00 am on that day under the chairmanship of Minister Kanchana Wijesekera.The Committee on Public Finance is scheduled to meet on the 3rd at 1.00 pm and the Committee on Ethics and Privileges is scheduled to meet on the 4th at 3.00 pm.Also, a special meeting of the Select Committee of Parliament to look into and report to Parliament its recommendations to ensure gender equity and equality in Sri Lanka will be held on the 5th at 11.00 a.m.

COLOMBO (News 1st) – The Ceylon Electricity Board (CEB) says that the operations at the Kelanitissa power plant have resumed. The CEB says that the Ceylon Petroleum Corporation (CPC) had taken the necessary steps to provide the required diesel and furnace oil for the operations of the Kelanitssa Power Plant.Repairs have begun on Generator 3 at the Norocholai Power plant following the breakdown that took place on 27th September, and the CEB says that it will be added to the main grid by next Monday (3).On the 27th of September 2022, Sri Lanka's energy regulator approved for the Ceylon Electricity Board to purchase power from Private Plants until Norochcholai Power Plant is restored.Minister of Power and Energy Kanchana Wijesekera said on that day that the Ceylon Petroleum Corporation will provide the necessary Diesel, Naphtha, and Furnace Oil requirements to the CEB to maintain power generation without extending the power cuts.This announcement came after Generator 3 at the Norochcholai Coal Power Plant failed.The Chairman of the Public Utilities Commission of Sri Lanka said that the Generator failed due to a fault.Generator 2 at the Norochcholai Coal Power Plan is already out for repairs.Accordingly, only 300 MW of a total of 900 MW is being generated from the Norochcholai Power Plant.The Kerawalapitiya Yugadanavi Power Plant has also recommenced its operations to generate electricity after being provided with the necessary stocks of furnace oil.The Ministry of Power and Energy said that 300 MW of electricity will be added to the National Grid.It added that the reactivation of the Kerawalapitiya Yugadanavi Power Plant will allow authorities to limit power cuts to two hours and twenty minutes without extending them,

COLOMBO (News 1st) – The Kerawalapitiya Yugadanavi Power Plant has recommenced its operations to generate electricity after being provided with the necessary stocks of furnace oil.The Ministry of Power and Energy said that 300 MW of electricity will be added to the National Grid.It added that the reactivation of the Kerawalapitiya Yugadanavi Power Plant will allow authorities to limit power cuts to two hours and twenty minutes without extending them, despite issues at the Norochcholai Coal Power Plant.On the 27th of September 2022, Sri Lanka's energy regulator approved for the Ceylon Electricity Board to purchase power from Private Plants until Norochcholai Power Plant is restored.Minister of Power and Energy Kanchana Wijesekera said the Ceylon Petroleum Corporation will provide the necessary Diesel, Naphtha, and Furnace Oil requirements to the CEB to maintain power generation without extending the power cuts.This announcement came after Generator 3 at the Norochcholai Coal Power Plant failed.The Chairman of the Public Utilities Commission of Sri Lanka said that the Generator failed due to a fault.Generator 2 at the Norochcholai Coal Power Plan is already out for repairs.Accordingly, only 300 MW of a total of 900 MW is being generated from the Norochcholai Power Plant.

COLOMBO (News 1st) – Sri Lanka's energy regulator has approved for the Ceylon Electricity Board to purchase power from Private Plants until Norochcholai Power Plant is restored.Minister of Power and Energy Kanchana Wijesekera said the Ceylon Petroleum Corporation will provide the necessary Diesel, Naphtha, and Furnace Oil requirements to the CEB to maintain power generation without extending the power cuts.This announcement came after Generator 3 at the Norochcholai Coal Power Plant failed.The Chairman of the Public Utilities Commission of Sri Lanka said that the Generator failed due to a fault.He warned that lengthy power cuts are expected in the future, and the power cut schedule will be announced soon.Generator 2 at the Norochcholai Coal Power Plan is already out for repairs.Accordingly, only 300 MW of a total of 900 MW is being generated.

COLOMBO (News 1st) – The Minister of Power and Energy noted that the Ceylon Petroleum Corporation (CPC) will respond legally to the Chairman of the Public Utilities Commission of Sri Lanka (PUCSL) on the accusation of quality of Crude oil.Minister Kanchana Wijesekera tweeted that the CPC has adequate stocks of Diesel & Fuel Oil.Further, the extended Power Cuts were requested by Ceylon Electricity Board (CEB) due to a breakdown at Lakshapana, and insufficient funds at CEB for diesel & fuel oil & Hydro management.

COLOMBO (News 1st); Sri Lanka's Minister of Power and Energy Kanchana Wijesekera said that there was a delay in unloading the super diesel cargo on Wednesday (24) due to bank clearances.He said that the unloading commenced on Thursday (25) afternoon. "Auto Diesel cargo arriving tonight (25) will commence unloading tomorrow (26). CPSTL Distribution will continue during the night today to make up for the delays," tweeted the Minister.There was a delay in unloading the super diesel cargo yesterday due to bank clearances & discharging has commenced an hour ago.

COLOMBO (News 1st); Sri Lanka's Ministry of Power and Energy has observed that 2100+ Businesses have Setup their own Fuel Storage Tanks as consumer points, & many without approval.Minister Kanchana Wijesekera said that the Ceylon Petroleum Corporation will not distribute fuel to businesses that have no approvals & doesn’t comply with guidelines.He said the priority will be given to distribute to 1250+ Fuel Stations across Sri Lanka.He went on to note that upon evaluating consumer points, CPC will continue distribution to Essential Consumer Points. "Export businesses will be required to pay in USD. Businesses can also make arrangements to fulfill their requirements from Bunker Suppliers.

COLOMBO (News 1st); Sri Lanka's Minister of Power and Energy Kanchana Wijesekera said that the registration for Non-vehicle fuel requirements will commence from the 1st week of September.He added that the Tourist Fuel Pass is to be made available from the 1st week of September as week,The Minister noted a Special Category for quota additions for essential services is to be introduced.

COLOMBO (News 1st); The Minister of Power and Energy Kanchana Wijesekera said that the National Fuel Pass will be implemented across the country from today (26) in Multiple locations at CEYPETCO & Lanka IOC filling stations.The system will be in place with the Last Digit of Number Plate until the 1st of August, he tweeted.The Minister said that filling stations that are not equipped or having technical difficulties will follow the last digit & fuel quota allocation until the technical issues are rectified, and 60% of the locations have already been equipped & tested, and will be given a priority in fuel distribution.The Minister requests all fuel station owners at CEYPETCO & Lanka IOC to adopt the system immediately & distribution will be strictly enforced to fuel stations with the QR facilities by the 1st of August. "We request the public to register with National Fuel Pass & Support the initiative," he tweeted."Options will be given to users to register multiple vehicles with their business registration by the end of the week.

COLOMBO (News 1st): Minister of Power and Energy Kanchana Wijesekera said that the QR system was introduced since the daily fuel demand cannot be fulfilled.Due to Forex issues, Fuel imports has to be restricted in the next 12 months, he said.

COLOMBO (News 1st); The Ministry of Power and Energy said that a vessel carrying 40,000 MT of Petrol is scheduled to reach the country tonight (22).Also, the Ministry confirmed that a vessel carrying 40,000 MT of Diesel has reached the country last (21) night.The National Fuel Pass QR program will be implemented across the Island from Monday, the 25th of July, tweeted Minister Kanchana Wijesekera.The Minister said that the QR Code will be tested at multiple locations in Colombo from 21-24th July.Changes to the last Digit of Number Plate for Fueling – Will be effective from 21st July, Island wide.0,1,2 – Tuesday & Saturday3,4,5 – Thursday & Sunday6,7,8,9 – Monday, Wednesday & Friday

COLOMBO (News 1st); The National Fuel Pass QR program will be implemented across the Island from Monday, the 25th of July, tweeted Minister Kanchana Wijesekera.He said that a Pilot Project will be conducted in multiple locations in Colombo from the 21st July along with the last digit of the number plate for QR Quota.The Minister said that the QR Code will be tested at multiple locations in Colombo 21-24th July.Changes to the last Digit of Number Plate for Fueling – Will be effective from 21st July, Island wide.0,1,2 – Tuesday & Saturday3,4,5 – Thursday & Sunday 6,7,8,9 – Monday, Wednesday & Friday

COLOMBO (News 1st); The Minister of Energy, Kanchana Wijesekara yesterday (16) said that unloaded fuel will not be distributed until registration for the National Fuel Pass is completed.Moreover, the Minister said today (17) that the introduced National Fuel Pass will be upgraded to grant an option for businesses and organizations that operate multiple vehicles to register all their vehicles with the business registration number.Accordingly, each vehicle will br given a specific QR code after verification.Meanwhile, another ship carrying 40,000 metric tons of diesel reached the island last night.The petroleum storage terminal said that the unloading of diesel aboard the ship has already started.A diesel ship arrived in Sri Lanka yesterday (16) as well.Moreover, Energy Minister Kanchana Wijesekera said that a ship carrying petrol will reach the island on the 18th or 19th July.The Minister of Energy stated that all these three fuel shipments have been paid for.

COLOMBO (News 1st); Minister of Power and Energy Kanchana Wijesekera says that the Ceylon Electricity Board (CEB) System Control DGM & System Control Chief Engineer Kudahewa has been placed on compulsory leave for June 9th Power Failure.The Public Utilities Commission of Sri Lanka (PUCSL) recommended investigations on Power Failure & Operation of Sojitz & Westcoast Power plants out of the schedule incurring a cost of Rs.

COLOMBO (News 1st); Sri Lanka has decided to implement a token system dedicated for filling stations to supply fuel for motorists waiting in line to obtain Petrol & Diesel.Minister of Power and Energy Kanchana Wijesekera said the program will come into effect from Monday (27) and the assistance of Sri Lanka Police and Sri Lanka Army, Navy, and Air Force will be obtained to ensure the process is carried out smoothly.The Minister said the token will be awarded dedicated to filling stations, and it cannot be tampered with.Updating the press on the latest developments on delayed fuel shipments, the Minister said that four separate groups from the Ministry are working on Petrol, Diesel, Crude / Furnace Oil, and Jet Fuel imports.He said the teams are working on 130 plus proposals for fuel delivery to Sri Lanka.The Minister said the next 12 months will be a challenging period of Sri Lanka in terms of fuel delivery, adding that it may or may be not possible to completely eliminate the fuel queues.” USD 500 Million is something that Sri Lanka cannot bear at the moment.

COLOMBO (News 1st); Sri Lankan authorities have decided to provide fuel to health staff from selected filling stations from Friday.The Secretary to the Ministry of Health Janaka Chandragupta said that necessary steps will be taken to provide fuel to the health staff at selected filling stations in each district.He said the support of the general public was also required for the successful implementation of this program.Accordingly, 9 filling stations have been selected for the Colombo District and 6 filling stations have been selected for the Gampaha District for this purpose.Meanwhile, there are still long queues at many filling stations across the country while many filling stations are closed due to a lack of diesel and petrol.However, Minister Kanchana Wijesekera has requested the public NOT to visit filling stations until the 23rd if it is NOT for an essential requirement.The public is urged NOT to join fuel queues for the next three days.He said letters of credit of $90 Million had been opened to secure a petrol vessel on the 23rd and a diesel ship on the 24th of June.Meanwhile, the Ceylon Petroleum Corporation (CPC) noted that the registration of vehicles for fuel supply has commenced.

COLOMBO (News 1st); Fuel cargo carrying 40,000 MT of Petrol 92 scheduled to arrive early this morning has been delayed by one day, said Minister Kanchana Wijesekera.He said on twitter that a limited amount of Petrol will distributed today (23) and Tomorrow (24) island wide. Auto Diesel distributed at full capacity island wide, he added noting that there will be a limited distribution of Super Diesel.

COLOMBO (News 1st); Sri Lanka’s Power & Energy Minister Kanchana Wijesekera said that the licenses of three fuel trucks have been suspended with immediate effect by the Ceylon Petroleum Corporation and Lanka IOC.He said investigations are underway in to three individual incidents reported on social media of fuel transporting trucks illegally unloading fuel. License of 3 Fuel trucks have been suspended immediately by CEYPETCO and LIOC pending further investigations in to the 3 Incidents reported on social media on fuel transport trucks illegally unloading fuel.

COLOMBO (News 1st); A letter dated the 25th of November 2021 from the now-resigned Chairman of the Ceylon Electricity Board M. M. C.

COLOMBO (News 1st); Sri Lanka’s Minister of Power and Energy Kanchana Wijesekera noted that the fuel shipment that reached Sri Lanka on Thursday (16) is the final shipment under the Indian Line of Credit and NOT the final shipment ever to reach the country.‘This shipment comprises of 44,000 MT of Diesel and it is being subject to quality checks. Once it is cleared, the shipment will be unloaded on Thursday (16) evening,” he told reporters.The Minister said that the Cabinet-appointed Sub-Committee granted approval to enter into agreements with two entities to import Petrol and Diesel to Sri Lanka in the long term.“These agreements are letters of Awards.

COLOMBO (News 1st); The Chairman of the Ceylon Electricity Board M. M.

COLOMBO (News 1st); The Minister of Power and Energy, Kanchana Wijesekera says steps are being taken to inform general fuel consumers to register at the nearest filling station in their area.He stated that, once registered, the authorities could determine the monthly requirement of fuel of each consumer, so that the relevant amount can be supplied.Minister Kanchana Wijesekera also noted that a coupon system will be introduced for the issuance of fuel in the future to prioritize the transport and industrial sectors.According to Minister Wijesekera, steps have been taken to appoint a representative of the Private Bus Association for each SLTB depot for the issuance of fuel as well.He added that Private Bus Associations have been instructed to send the relevant representative to regularize the fuel supply to private buses through SLTB depots.

COLOMBO (News 1st); Sri Lanka’s Power and Energy Minister said that authorities have no choice by to register consumers at filling station and provide them with a guaranteed weekly quota.Minister Kanchana Wijesekera said this will be until Sri Lanka is able to strengthen the financial situation, restore 24 Hour Power and a steady Supply of fuel.“I hope to have this system in place by the 1st week of July,” said the Minister on Twitter.He further noted that until Sri Lanka has an uninterrupted power supply and steady fuel supply, fuel line management will be impossible.“With the Financial restrictions, CPC imports fuel to manage for a week but some consumers collect Fuel for a month or more for their machinery and generators,” remarked Wijesekera on Twitter.He also added that a 24 Hour Power Supply costs an additional USD 100 million monthly for Diesel, Furnace Oil and Naptha.He noted that the shortage in Gas supply has increased the demand for Electricity and Kerosine. “Monthly Fuel bill that was USD 200 Million 4 months ago is at USD 550 Million at present,” he added.

COLOMBO (News 1st); The money collected in tills at several filling stations in Anuradhapura were sent via money order to the Minister of Power and Energy Kanchana Wijesekera on Wednesday (1).Sri Lankans in Anuradharapura stepped up to help the ailing Ceylon Petroleum Corporation which has been suffering losses for many years, especially even after a price hike on 24th May 2022.A group of Sri Lankans placed tills at filling stations to collect the rupee loss from every litre of 92 Octane Petrol.Sri Lanka’s Energy Minister Kanchana Wijesekera told reporters that even after the massive price revision the CPC incurs a rupee loss for a litre of 92 octane petrol and 60 cents for every litre of Auto Diesel.The money collected in these tills were sent to the Minister via money order from the Anuradhapura Post Office to the Parliament Post Office.A sum of over Rs. 2,000/- was collected from one filling station in Anuradhpaura, and the money from other tills will also be sent to the Minister.These Sri Lankans who placed the tills said this was a measure taken by them to show the government that they do not wish to live as a nation in debt.

COLOMBO (News 1st); Sri Lanka’s Energy Minister Kanchana Wijesekera said that the Sapugaskanda Oil Refinery will commence operations for the first time since March 20th with the unloading of a Crude Oil shipment on Friday (27).The refinery will start producing Fueling in 6 days, he said.The Chairman of the Ceylon Petroleum Corporation Sumith Wijesinghe stated that steps were taken to make payments for the Crude Oil shipment that will be unloaded on Friday (27).

COLOMBO (News 1st); Sri Lanka’s Minister of Energy Kanchana Wijesekera said that authorities have explored the idea to increase prices in premium products.In a tweet, the Minister said that 95 Petrol and Super Diesel daily requirements are less than 10% of the market share.“Driving up prices significantly on both will not be a solution. It will create an artificial demand for lesser priced products,” he tweeted. 95 Petrol and Super Diesel daily requirements are less than 10% of the market share.

COLOMBO (News 1st); Sri Lanka has decided to revise fuel Prices with effect from Tuesday (24) 3 AM.Minister Kanchana Wijesekera tweeted that the Fuel pricing formula that was approved by the cabinet was applied to revise the prices.The revised prices are as follows:

COLOMBO (News 1st); Sri Lanka’s Energy Minister Kanchana Wijesekera says that posts shared on MPs being given subsidized fuel rates are false.“No MP from either side or anyone has been given subsidized rates than the current market prices given to the public,” he tweeted.Further, the Minister said he instructed the Ceylon Petroleum Corporation to carry out an investigation on the rates displayed in the dispenser at the Police garage and will make a statement in parliament.“No one will be extended privileges on fuel stations other than ambulance essential services,” he further tweeted.In his statement to Parliament, the Minister said the Ceylon Petroleum Corporation has never sold fuel to any MPs at a price less than the market rates, on any occasion.“You (Speaker) has requested the Inspector General of Police over the possibility of providing fuel for MPs to visit Parliament during the days that Parliament convenes,” he told Parliament.“The filling station in question does not sell fuel as Sri Lanka Police usually makes the payment to the CPC for their fuel requirements and the Narahenpita Police Garage only issues fuel for police officers in liters, and not for cash,” he explained.He said following the Speaker’s request to the Inspector General of Police, the Ceylon Petroleum Corporation has made it clear to sell Petrol for Rs. 334.19/-, Auto Diesel for Rs.

COLOMBO (News 1st): The Managing Director of the Ceylon Fisheries Corporation has been dismissed with immediate effect.Secretary to the Ministry of Fisheries, Jayantha Chandrasoma stated that the decision was taken by State Minister Kanchana Wijesekera based on institutional considerations.He also said that a qualified person will be appointed for the relevant post.However, when News 1st inquired about this move from the Managing Director of the Ceylon Fisheries Corporation, Krishantha Ratnaweera, he stated that he had not yet been notified of his removal.

COLOMBO (News 1st); The sinking X-PRESS PEARL container ship is being towed into deep seas, said Navy Commander Vice Admiral Nishantha Ulugetenne on Tuesday (02).Andrew Leahy, the Director for South East Asia of MTI Pte Ltd representing the operators of the vessel speaking to News 1st said water was filling inside the hull of the X-PRESS PEARL and salvors from the Netherlands are assessing the situation.Sri Lanka’s State Minister of Fisheries Kanchana Wijesekera said the Department of Fisheries has suspended vessels entering from the Negombo Lagoon and fishing from Panadura to Negombo with immediate effect as the salvage company involved in the X-Press Pearl has indicated that the vessel is sinking at the current position.The Marine

Colombo (News 1st); The United States of America is attempting to destabilize the country politically and economically to achieve their political objectives, alleged State Minister Kanchana Wijesekera.He noted that ‘It was the US Ambassador to Sri Lanka who was the first to state the Colombo Port City paves the way for money laundering’.US Ambassador to Sri Lanka and the Maldives, Alaina Teplitz in April warned Sri Lanka of unintended consequences of ‘nefarious actors’ who may try to misuse a China-backed Colombo Port City’s easy business rules as a permissive money laundering haven amid concerns of tax leaks.Minister Mahindanda Aluthgamage, at the same Press Conference, dismissed the Money Laundering claims made by the US Ambassador

COLOMBO (News1st): Prime Minister Mahinda Rajapaksa has said that the government will focus on improving fisheries exports to generate revenue to the country.“We continue to import fish although our country is surrounded by an ocean.

COLOMBO (News 1st): The Government has paid its attention on the re-opening of the Peliyagoda Fish Market, State Minister Kanchana Wijesekera said on Saturday (Nov. 28).The Health authorities conducted an inspection at the premises this morning, in order to expedite the re-opening process, Kanchana Wijesekera, the State Minister of Ornamental Fish, Inland Fish & Prawn Farming, Fishery Harbour Development, Multiday Fishing Activities, and Fish Exports said.The traders at the market were informed on the health guidelines and regulations issued by the Ministry of Health on Saturday, he noted.According to the State Minister, the traders were informed on the measures to be followed to upgrade the infrastructure at the premises, the need to

COLOMBO(News1st); 36 employees of the Fisheries Corporation have contracted COVID-19, State Minister of Fisheries Kanchana Wijesekera said.The group consisted of contacts of the Peliyagoda fish market cluster, the State Minister said.Activities at the Fisheries Corporation have been temporarily suspended, he further added.Meanwhile, a doctor and a nurse at the Lady Ridgeway Children’s Hospital have also contracted the virus.Activities at the hospital have not been disrupted and PCR tests were conducted, Hospital Director Dr. G.

Sisira Jayakody, Piyankara Jayaratne and Janaka Bandara Tennakoon.Mohan de Silva, Nimal Siripala de Silva, Piyal Nishantha, S.B. Dissanayake, Wimalaweera Dissanayake, Duminda Dissanayake, Douglas Devananda, Vasudeva Nanayakkara, Sanath Nishantha, Ramesh Pathirana, Jagath Pushpakumara, Jayantha Ketagoda, Dilan Perera, Arundika Fernando and Johnston Fernando are also among those who voted in favour of both constitutional amendments.Sudarshani Fernandopulle, Susil Premajayantha, Shantha Bandara, Vijitha Berugoda, Anura Priyadarshana Yapa, C.B.