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Opposition Leader Sajith Premadasa on Tuesday raised strong objections in Parliament to the government’s proposal to increase electricity tariffs, warning that such measures would further strain the public at a time when many are already struggling due to natural disasters and rising fuel costs.Speaking under Standing Order 27(2), Premadasa said the current administration came to power with a clear pledge to cut electricity bills by 30 percent within three years by shifting away from fuel-based power generation toward more affordable renewable energy sources such as solar, wind, and hydropower. However, he argued that the government has since abandoned these commitments and is acting contrary to the expectations of the people.

The Opposition Leader noted that the Ceylon Electricity Board (CEB) has sought approval from the Public Utilities Commission for an 11.57 percent tariff increase for the first quarter of 2026, citing financial losses. He questioned whether the government had properly evaluated the impact of such an increase on low- and middle-income families, as well as public institutions.

Premadasa also asked why the administration has failed to honor its promise of reducing electricity tariffs by one-third through a transparent pricing formula. He added that the limited timeframe allocated for public feedback on the proposed energy policy was unreasonable, particularly while the country is dealing with multiple crises.

He further warned that removing competitive tariff structures for industries would be unfair to large-scale consumers using more than five million units of electricity, calling for comparative studies to be made public if subsidies are to be withdrawn.

The Opposition Leader also criticized the recent fuel price increases, pointing out that they come despite declining global prices. He accused the government of repeatedly breaking its election pledges and claimed it is constrained by International Monetary Fund conditions, leading to higher fuel and electricity costs that continue to worsen the financial burden on the public.

The National Building Research Organization (NBRO) has issued landslide warnings for several locations across four districts, with the alerts remaining in effect until 8.30 a.m. tomorrow.According to the NBRO, amber-level warnings have been declared for Ududumbara in the Kandy District, Wilgamuwa in the Matale District, and Walapane in the Nuwara Eliya District, indicating a heightened risk of landslides in these areas.

In addition, yellow-level alerts, signaling moderate risk, have been issued for multiple locations. In the Badulla District, the affected areas include Badulla, Hali Ela, Lunugala, and Welimada. Meanwhile, Doluwa in the Kandy District, Ambangaha Korale in the Matale District, and Hanguranketha, Nildandahinna, and Mathurata in the Nuwara Eliya District have also been placed under yellow alerts.

The NBRO has advised residents in these regions to remain vigilant, closely monitor official updates, and follow safety guidelines to minimize potential risks associated with landslides.

Sri Lanka Customs officers have arrested three Indian nationals at the Bandaranaike International Airport (BIA) after uncovering a large consignment of Kush cannabis during routine inspections.

Authorities said approximately 50 kilograms of the narcotic substance were seized, with the total value of the haul estimated at around Rs. 500 million. The detection was made shortly after the suspects arrived at the airport.The individuals, aged between 25 and 27, had traveled to Sri Lanka on a flight arriving from Bangkok. Further investigations are being carried out to identify possible links to an international drug trafficking network and to determine whether others were involved in the operation.

A fatal house fire in Galenbindunuwewa has claimed a third life after the wife of the suspected perpetrator died while receiving treatment for severe burn injuries, police confirmed.

The incident took place around 2.00 a.m. today at a residence in the Padikaramaduwa area of Nuwaragam Colony. According to police reports, a 43-year-old man allegedly set fire to his own house following a domestic dispute. The man and his 13-year-old daughter were found dead at the scene.

Galenbindunuwewa Police stated that the man’s 36-year-old wife, who had been admitted to hospital in critical condition, later passed away, raising the number of fatalities to three.

Meanwhile, a 15-year-old daughter, a 20-year-old son, and a 66-year-old mother-in-law sustained burn injuries and are currently receiving treatment at the Anuradhapura Teaching Hospital.

Police investigations revealed that at the time the fire broke out, the wife, her mother, and the two daughters were inside the house. The son, who arrived after learning of the incident, reportedly suffered serious burns while attempting to rescue his mother and sisters.

Preliminary findings indicate that the suspect was a habitual alcohol user and had a history of domestic violence. Police records show that several complaints related to family disputes had previously been filed at the Galenbindunuwewa Police Station, and warnings had been issued to both parties on multiple occasions.

Sri Lanka Railways has announced the resumption of the Pulathisi Intercity Express Train and the Ella Odyssey tourist train, as well as special trains for school students. 

According to the Railway Department, the Pulathisi Intercity train service will resume operations from January 9, 2026. 

It will run every Friday from Colombo Fort to Batticaloa, and every Sunday from Batticaloa to Colombo Fort. Plans are in place to increase the number of train compartments in response to passenger demand.

Train operations:

• Train No. 6075 departs Colombo Fort at 12:45 pm and arrives in Batticaloa at 8:07 pm.
• Train No. 6076 departs Batticaloa at 4:00 pm and arrives in Colombo Fort at 11:30 pm.

Meanwhile, the Ella Odyssey tourist train will resume operations from January 7, 2026. 

It will run every Saturday from Colombo Fort to Badulla and return from Badulla to Colombo Fort. Plans are also in place to increase the number of train compartments in response to passenger demand.

Train operations:

• Train No. 1043 departs Colombo Fort at 1:30 pm and arrives in Badulla at 4:15 pm.
• Train No. 1044 departs Badulla at 7:45 am and arrives in Colombo Fort at 10:58 am.

The Railway Department further states that special trains for school students will operate on January 5 and 6, 2026, between Nawalapitiya and Hatton, and between Waththegama and Kandy. 

These services are arranged to facilitate students travelling for school term examinations.

Train operations:

• Waththegama – Kandy: departs Waththegama at 5:45 am, arrives Kandy at 6:30 am.
• Kandy – Waththegama: departs Kandy at 2:00 pm, arrives Waththegama at 2:39 pm.
• Hatton – Nawalapitiya: departs Hatton at 5:00 am, arrives Nawalapitiya at 6:29 am.
• Nawalapitiya – Hatton: departs Nawalapitiya at 2:12 pm, arrives Hatton at 3:11 pm.

Sri Lanka Railways states that the above train services have been introduced to meet the increased demand from the public.

(Source:Newswire)

Sri Lankan MP Dr. Kavinda Jayawardena on Monday handed over a letter to the Indian High Commission expressing Sri Lanka’s gratitude for India’s assistance during the recent disaster caused by Cyclone Ditwah.

The letter, addressed to Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi, commended India for being the first country to extend support following the cyclone, which triggered widespread flooding and landslides across several parts of Sri Lanka.

Jayawardena highlighted India’s humanitarian assistance delivered under Operation Sagar Bandhu, which included emergency relief supplies, disaster response coordination and logistical support to affected areas. He noted that India’s swift response provided critical relief to displaced communities during the early stages of the crisis.

The MP also recalled India’s broader contribution to Sri Lanka during its 2022 economic crisis, when New Delhi extended approximately USD 4 billion in financial assistance through credit lines, currency swaps and deferment of payments, helping Sri Lanka secure fuel, food, medicines and other essential supplies.

The letter further acknowledged the role played by Indian High Commissioner Santosh Jha and officials at the High Commission in Colombo in coordinating relief operations and ensuring assistance reached those most in need.

Jayawardena said the message was conveyed on behalf of the people of his electorate as well as Sri Lankans who benefited from India’s support, describing India as a close neighbour and long-standing partner whose assistance has strengthened ties between the two countries.

Deputy Minister of Foreign Affairs, Foreign Employment, and Tourism, Arun Hemachandra, highlighted key initiatives for 2026 aimed at enhancing Sri Lanka’s foreign relations and improving the welfare of migrant workers. His remarks came during a media briefing at the Ministry of Foreign Affairs yesterday .

The Deputy Minister pointed out that the existing Foreign Service Appointments Act, which has been in place for decades, contains several gaps. He announced that it will be revised and reintroduced as a new Foreign Employment Act later this year.

To support migrant workers, a range of welfare measures is planned, including the provision of housing loans up to Rs. 10 million. Discussions are also underway to establish a pension scheme for migrant workers, with Deputy Minister Hemachandra pledging to personally oversee the resolution of their concerns.

In addition, migrant workers will soon be able to submit complaints through social media platforms. A dedicated investigation unit will be set up to address these complaints, and a WhatsApp service will be introduced in the future to streamline communication.

An earthquake with a preliminary magnitude of 6.2 hit the western Chugoku region of Japan on Tuesday, followed by a series of sizeable aftershocks, the Japan Meteorological Agency said.

The epicentre of the first earthquake was in eastern Shimane prefecture, the agency said, adding that there was no danger of a tsunami.

Chugoku Electric Power, which runs the Shimane Nuclear Power Station about 32 km (20 miles) away, said operations were continuing as usual at its No.2 unit. Japan’s Nuclear Regulation Authority said there were no irregularities following the quake.

The plant’s No.2 unit restarted in December 2024 for the first time since all of Japan’s nuclear power plants were shut down in the aftermath of the March 2011 disasters in Fukushima.

The earthquake had a seismic intensity of upper-5 on Japan’s 1-7 scale, strong enough to make movement difficult without support.

Earthquakes are common in Japan, one of the world’s most seismically active areas. Japan accounts for about one-fifth of the world’s earthquakes of magnitude 6 or greater.

West Japan Railway said it had suspended Shinkansen bullet-train operations between Shin-Osaka and Hakata following the quake.

(Source: adaderana.lk)

The Sri Lankan Rupee experienced a slight depreciation against the US Dollar at commercial banks today , with most banks reporting a selling rate of approximately Rs. 313.

At Seylan Bank, the US Dollar’s buying and selling rates remained stable at Rs. 307.05 and Rs. 311.80, respectively. NDB Bank recorded a modest increase, with the buying rate at Rs. 306.75 and the selling rate at Rs. 313.25.

Similarly, People’s Bank reported a small uptick, noting the buying rate at Rs. 306.43 and the selling rate at Rs. 313.19. Commercial Bank showed an increase as well, with the US Dollar trading at Rs. 304.74 for buying and Rs. 313.25 for selling. Meanwhile, Sampath Bank maintained its rates at Rs. 306.75 for buying and Rs. 313.25 for selling.Overall, the market reflects a slightly weaker Rupee amid relatively stable currency trading conditions across major commercial banks.

National People’s Power (NPP) MP Lakshman Nipuna Arachchi has informed Parliament that a new legislative proposal has been submitted to address ongoing problems linked to microfinance lending practices in Sri Lanka.

Speaking at a public event in Colombo, the MP underscored the seriousness of the issue, noting that microfinance-related debt has had devastating consequences for many families. He said reports indicate that around 200 women have lost their lives after being driven to extreme distress due to overwhelming loan burdens.

 

Meanwhile, a separate financial controversy has emerged involving a large-scale scam that falsely used the name and logo of the Colombo Stock Exchange (CSE). Senior Vice President of the CSE, Niroshan Wijesundere, confirmed that the fraud was carried out through a fake mobile application that misleadingly claimed to be connected to the exchange.

Officials revealed that the fraudulent scheme has been operating since November last year and has caused significant financial losses to unsuspecting members of the public. The Criminal Investigation Department (CID) has initiated a full-scale investigation into the matter.

Wijesundere has urged investors to remain vigilant and to verify the legitimacy of any trading platform through official CSE communication channels before making financial commitments, in order to avoid falling prey to such deceptive schemes.

Authorities have arrested two suspects in connection with a social media lottery fraud that reportedly swindled Rs. 10 million from the public.

Police confirmed that a 29-year-old man and woman, both residents of Batticaloa, were taken into custody by officers from the Northern Division of the Criminal Investigation Department (CID) on Monday .The scam, carried out under the name ‘Dialog Mega Wasana,’ deceived participants through fake lottery claims on social media platforms. The CID is continuing its investigation to uncover the full extent of the operation and identify any additional individuals involved.

The Government Medical Officers’ Association (GMOA) will hold a special Central Committee meeting tomorrow to determine its next course of action in response to unresolved issues within the health sector.

GMOA Media Spokesperson Dr. Chamil Wijesinghe said that commitments previously made by the Minister of Health and the Ministry of Health have yet to be fulfilled, despite repeated assurances that the concerns raised by medical professionals would be addressed.

In light of the continued inaction, the association is considering the possibility of resorting to trade union action. Dr. Wijesinghe noted that a final decision on whether to proceed with such measures will be taken at the conclusion of tomorrow’s meeting.