I dont not approve of blocking social networks in Sri Lanka- Minister Namal Rajapaksa
Minister Namal Rajapaksa has stated that he does not approve of blocking social networks in Sri Lanka. He said in a note on his Twitter account that he would like to reconsider the decision in a more progressive manner. He also says that he also accessed the social network using alternative methods.
Power cut time will be reduced in coming days
The Public Utilities Commission (PUCSL) says it will significantly reduce power cuts in the coming days. Its Chairman Janaka Ratnayake stated that a written confirmation has been received from the Secretary to the Ministry of Power and Energy that a quantity of fuel will be allocated for power generation on behalf of the Ceylon Electricity Board. Accordingly, 12,000 metric tons of diesel is to be received today (03) under Indian loans, he said. Its Acting General Manager Dr. Rohantha Abeysekera said that the power plant is currently receiving the required stocks of diesel. Accordingly, steps will be taken to commence operations at the power plant soon, he said. The Kerawalapitiya power plant, which commenced power generation yesterday, has added 270 megawatts to the national grid.
Social media blocked in Sri lanka
In Sri Lanka, there are barriers to accessing social media networks through internet service providers since yesterday. A number of social networking sites have been blocked, including Facebook, YouTube, WhatsApp, Viber, Twitter and Instagram. The Ministry of Technology states that social media networks in the country have been blocked following a request made by the Ministry of Defense. Its secretary said the blockade was temporary.
A nationwide curfew imposed
The government has decided to impose a nationwide curfew. The Department of Government Information announces that the curfew imposed at 6.00 pm yesterday will be effective until 6.00 am on Monday the 4th. With this situation, all the protests that were being organized through Whatsapp to be held in cities across the country tomorrow will have to be stopped.
Currunt economic crisis in Sri Lanka, -There is a shortage of candles in the country
Businesses say that with the power cut, there is a shortage of candles in the local market and the price of candles currently on sale in the market has gone up. The traders said that a small candle sells for Rs. 15 / = and a large candle for Rs. 75 / =. In addition, a small battery costs Rs. 15 / =, each bar of soap costs Rs. 15 / = and there is a shortage of matches in the local market, the traders said.
Former US Ambassador to Sri Lanka convicted of financial fraud in US court
Former US Ambassador to Sri Lanka Jaliya Wickramasuriya has been convicted by a Sri Lankan court. He is accused of trying to defraud the Sri Lankan government of $ 332,027 to buy a Sri Lankan embassy building in Washington, DC. He has pleaded guilty to the charges, which were filed in Columbia District Court.. Under the US Constitution, the offense is punishable by up to five years in prison and a fine, and the verdict is set for July 20. From 2008 to 2014, he served as US and Mexican Ambassador to Sri Lanka.
The economic crisis in Sri Lanka-The current situation in Sri Lanka
Sri Lanka is facing a huge economic crisis these days and it has affected the country in all aspects. Here is the latest update of the condition Continuing Protests…… Residents of the area are protesting by blocking the Kottawa – Athurugiriya road at Rukmale junction. It is asking for a continuous supply of water for its use. They stated that they were severely affected by the Water Board not providing water properly. What is happening about the Mirihana incident The CID has obtained statements from more than 150 people regarding the Mirihana protest, police said. A protest was held in the Mirihana area in Nugegoda on the 31st blocking the entrance to the President’s residence. Meanwhile, 21 persons arrested in connection with the incident and produced before the Gangodawila Magistrate’s Court have been released on personal bail. Also, The Human Rights Commission (HRC) says it is closely monitoring the human rights abuses of those arrested on suspicion of participating in a public protest in the Mirihana area in Nugegoda last night (31). A spokesman said the Human Rights Commission would meet next Tuesday to discuss further action on the incident. The Human Rights Commission stated that it was paying special attention to the incident and would make recommendations on that day if there was a human rights violation by the government or any other party. The Human Rights Commission stated that it has obtained all the details of all those arrested in connection with the incident. The Human Rights Commission says that protesters in the Mirihana area in Nugegoda cannot be prosecuted under the Prevention of Terrorism Act. Ministers are resigning from the posts Roshan Ranasinghe has resigned as the State Minister of Provincial Councils and Local Government and the Polonnaruwa District Leader of the Sri Lanka People’s Front. Minister of State has sent a letter to President Gotabhaya Rajapaksa stating that he will resign from the post of Minister of State. It has also been announced that he will resign from the post of Polonnaruwa District Organizer of the Shree Lanka People’s Front from the 1st of May. ATM s are not working at night The Bank of Ceylon Employees’ Union states that the operation of the bank has become a serious problem due to the fuel and electricity crisis in the country. Banks use generators to run their businesses during power outages, but getting fuel for them has become a serious problem, said union secretary Ranjan Senanayake Samatha. He also said that some banking activities were due to a lack of fuel. He said that although the banks were closed at night and the ATMs should be operational, it was being challenged due to the existing fuel shortage. He added that if the situation continues, the machinery will be out of order during the power outage. He added that some banks were already reported to be shutting down the machines at night. Continuing gas shortage Gas cylinders are selling for higher prices in the black market. Litro gas company urges people to refrain from buying gas at higher prices. Its chairman Thushara Jayasinghe stated that information has come to light that certain groups are selling gas at higher prices. Therefore, he advises the public to buy gas only at the stated prices of Litro. Accordingly, the price of a 12.5 kg cylinder is 2675 rupees. If there are vendors selling gas at higher prices, the chairman requests the nearest police to inform the Consumer Affairs Authority or Litro. Complaints can be made to Litro 1311 hotlines. Schools are closed from April 4 The Public Utilities Commission (PUCSL) has recommended to the Ministry of Education declare the school holidays from Monday, April 04. That is due to prolonged power cuts.
Todays power cut schedule
The Public Utilities Commission has approved an 8 hour and 30 minute power cut in stages today. Accordingly, the power cuts are as follows.
Economic crisis in Sri Lanka- State of emergency enforced throughout the island and security tighten in several places based on the intelligence received
The President has issued a special gazette notification enforcing the state of emergency throughout the island. The Department of Government Information stated that the state of emergency will be declared island wide from April 01 (yesterday) as per the gazette notification issued by the President. The statement said the move was in line with the powers vested in the President under the Public Security Act to ensure public safety and the well-being of the country, as well as to ensure the continuation of essential supplies and services to the lives of the people, in the event of a public emergency in the country. Meanwhile,the Ministry of Public Security says that steps have been taken to tighten security in several places based on the intelligence received. Retired Rear Admiral Dr. Sarath Weerasekera, Minister of Public Defense said that the relevant departments have been instructed to take necessary steps in this regard. The Minister stated that he respects the constitutional of the people to protest peacefully. However, the Minister of Public Defense, retired Rear Admiral Dr. Sarath Weerasekera has stated that the law will be enforced against those who act in a manner that damage public property. Also, The curfew imposed on all police areas in the Western Province from 12.00 midnight yesterday (01) was lifted at 6.00 am today (02), the Police Media Spokesman’s Office stated.
Russia Ukraine war-The United States is skeptical of Moscow’s claims that Ukraine is retreating
Russia’s statements that US and Ukrainian officials would reduce military operations around the Ukrainian capital “drastically” were questionable, with President Volodymyr Zelenskyy saying on Tuesday that “positive” signals from existing talks would not “suppress Russian shelling.” In the United States, President Joe Biden has said he will not “read” statements “until I see what their actions are.” Biden said the United States has no plans to lift sanctions or military aid to Ukraine. Pentagon press secretary John Kirby was also skeptical, describing the Russian military operation as a “relocation” and said only a small number of troops had left. . “We are not prepared to call this a setback or a withdrawal,” Kirby told reporters, warning that the shift could herald a “major” attack elsewhere in the country. Earlier, Russia’s Deputy Defense Minister said that Moscow would reduce military presence near Kiev when Russian and Ukrainian representatives meet in Istanbul for a round of peace talks.