A solution to the fuel crisis by a German.
A German mastermind living in Sri Lanka has developed a three- wheeler that runs on batteries, which he says is a result to the energy extremity faced by Sri Lankans. The German mastermind who’s presently in Sri Lanka on vacation and living in Kundasale, Kandy noted that for this design expand, the Sri Lankan government must intermediate and support similar sweats.The each- electric three- wheeler run on the eight rechargeable batteries. With a full charge of 4 to 5 hours, the three- wheeler can operate for around 70 to 80 kilometers.
CEB Chief resigns
The Chairman of the Ceylon Electricity Board M. M. C. Ferdinando who was at the center of controversy following his remarks to COPE, has resigned. Power and Energy Minister Kanchana Wijesekera tweeted “I have accepted the letter of resignation tendered to me by the CEB Chairman Mr MMC Ferdinando. Vice Chairman Nalinda Ilangaokoon will take over as the New Chairman CEB.” M.M.C. Ferdinando, the Chairman of the Ceylon Electricity Board said that he mistakenly told the Parliamentary Watchdog COPE that the President told him that Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi insisted that a Wind Power Project be awarded to the Adani Group. Speaking exclusively to News 1st, the CEB Chairman said he was very emotional when allegations were leveled at him at the Committee on Public Enterprises session on Friday (10). He said he was under pressure at the COPE session and admitted that he made a false statement. “I have withdrawn that statement,” he told News 1st. M.M.C. Ferdinando said he only reaslized that he mistakenly made such a comment, when the Minister inquired from him about the matter on Saturday (11) morning. Speaking on the letter sent to the Treasury Secretary, the CEB Chairman said he directed it as it was a matter related to the Board of Investment. COPE Session: However, the Ceylon Electricity Board Chairman told the Parliamentary Watchdog on Friday (10) that he was told by the President that Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi was insisting that the energy investments projects be awarded to the Adani Group. Appearing at the Committee on Public Enterprises hearing in Parliament on Friday (10), the CEB Chairman said that following a meeting chaired by the President, he was summoned by the Head of State and was told that the Indian Prime Minister was insisting that the 500 MW wind power plant be given to India’s Adani Group. “I told him (President) that this is not a matter related to me or the CEB and it should be referred to the Board of Investment,” he told COPE. The CEB Chairman said that he thereafter informed the Treasury Secretary in writing, and requested him to look into the matter while noting that there was a government to goverment requirement on the matter. However, he admitted that the agreement can be termed as unsolicited as it is a G2G agreement. President denies claims: Sri Lankan President Gotabaya Rajapaksa categoriacally denied the statement made by the Chairman of the Ceylon Electricity Board with regard to awarding a Wind Power Project. “Statement made by the #lka CEB Chairman at a COPE committee hearing regarding the award of a Wind Power Project in Mannar, I categorically deny authorisation to award this project to any specific person or entity. I trust responsible communication in this regard will follow,” the President tweeted. Electricity Act: In Parliament, Sri Lanka’s Opposition charged that an unsolicited government-to-government agreement to build a 500 MW wind power plant in the northern coast with the involvement of the Adani Group was the main reason to bring forward amendments to the 1989 Act. The main Opposition SJB wanted projects beyond 10 MW capacity to go through a competitive bidding process, but the majority of the government MPs voted against the clause. This Bill, introduced in Parliament on May 17th, 2022 by the Minister of Power and Energy, qualifies a person to apply for a generation license to generate electricity. Accordingly, this amendment will remove the restrictions on the issuance of a power generation license for a person whose generating electricity over and above the generation capacity of 25 M.W and will allow anyone to apply for it without any restriction on the generation capacity. The Sri Lanka Electricity Amendment Bill No. 20 of 2009 was passed in Parliament without amendments by a majority of votes on Thursday (09). Following the debate on the second reading of the Bill, the Opposition demanded a vote. 120 votes were cast in favor and 36 were cast against. 13 Members of Parliament abstained from casting their vote. Thus the second reading was passed by a majority of 84 votes. Subsequently, during the committee stage, the Opposition objected to the amendment brought by the Minister of Energy to an Article 4 and the ruling party had to withdraw the amendment. Accordingly, (Dr.) Harsha de Silva, Member of Parliament on behalf of the Opposition moved an amendment to Article 4 which the Minister of Power and Energy rejected. Thus, the opposition called for a division and the amendment moved by the Opposition was rejected by a majority of 64 votes. 51 votes were cast in favor and 115 votes were cast against. The Opposition then called for a vote for Article 4 in its entirety, which was passed by a majority of 70 votes to which 116 votes were cast in favor and 46 cast against. Accordingly, the Electricity (Amendment) Bill was passed by a majority in Parliament. India: Indian Congress Member of Parliament Rahul Gandhi has hit out at Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s Government stating that the Bharatiya Janata Party’s cronyism has now crossed the Palk Strait and moved into Sri Lanka. He was quoting a report where Sri Lanka’s Electricity Chief had told the country’s Parliamentary Watchdog COPE that President Rajapaksa told him that Prime Minister Narendra Modi Insisted that the Wind Power Project be awarded to India’s Adani Group. Newsfirst.lk
British Prime Minister Boris Johnson has won a no-confidence motion against him.
Foreign media reported that 211 out of 359 Parliament ministers supported him and 148 voted against him. British Prime Minister Boris Johnson has been widely criticized for holding a series of parties in the prime minister’s office and elsewhere during a time of lockdowns due to corona. Following the victory of the no-confidence motion, Boris Johnson will continue as Prime Minister of Britain. Boris Johnson is faced controversy after photos showing him drinking at an event during a Covid lockdown were published.
British Prime Minister Boris Johnson has won a no-confidence motion against him.
Foreign media reported that 211 out of 359 Parliament ministers supported him and 148 voted against him. British Prime Minister Boris Johnson has been widely criticized for holding a series of parties in the prime minister’s office and elsewhere during a time of lockdowns due to corona. Following the victory of the no-confidence motion, Boris Johnson will continue as Prime Minister of Britain. Boris Johnson is faced controversy after photos showing him drinking at an event during a Covid lockdown were published.
Minister Patali becomes independent in Parliament
MP Patali Champika Ranawaka says that he will be an independent member of the opposition from today (08). He said that he had also informed the leader of the Samagi Jana Balawega in writing about this. He further added that he did not decide out of personal anger or hatred towards anyone. Also, he rejected the media claims that he’s expecting a ministry.
The Sri Lankan smartphone market has shrunk due to import restrictions imposed by the government
The Sri Lankan smartphone market has shrunk due to import restrictions imposed by the government. Mobile phone sellers and businessmen say the price of smartphones has dropped to at least Rs. 80,000 as the government raises taxes. The Ministry of Finance imposed a surcharge on several imported goods on the 1st. In addition, VAT has been increased by 4% as a measure to increase government revenue. This increase in taxes will eventually lead to higher prices. People feel the rising cost of services that are essential for everyday activities such as online classes, online shopping and e-payment to deliver call messages. Merchants say the average smartphone is now priced at Rs. 55,000 or Rs. 60,000 and shortly the price of a phone will be Rs. 80,000 or Rs. 90,000. Merchants also said that consumers tend not to buy when informed of prices. The government has also increased the telecommunication tax from 11.25% to 15%. Telephone call charges have risen. In addition, the increase in VAT from 8 per cent to 12 per cent will increase telephone bill charges. With the 4 per cent increase in VAT, internet service charges by telephone service providers have also been increased. In addition, mobile phone monthly package tariffs and satellite TV package tariffs have been increased.
Sri Lanka’s main zoo in Dehiwala decided to free animals into forests due to the food crisis
Dr Thilak Premakantha, Director General of the National Zoological Gardens, said that in the event of a food crisis at the Dehiwala Zoo, it has been decided to release more populated animals to sanctuaries where no more endangered animals can be found. He said that only four animals of one species would be sufficient for display in the zoo and that large numbers of animals such as deer and deer would be released to such a selected area with the approval of the Wildlife Department. However, a spokesman for the zoo stated that the food crisis in the country has already affected the animals at the Dehiwala Zoo. He said the zoo did not have the money to pay the people who fed the animals through tenders and therefore delayed the supply of food until the caterers paid. When we inquired about this, the Director said that the food items would be procured through an annual tender and that no such issue had arisen as the tender period had not yet expired. He added that the zoo was now accustomed to substituting expensive foods for animals that had long been used as a solution to the food crisis and to save money. Accordingly, animals that eat fruits such as apples and oranges will be given fruits such as avocados and other small seeds that will be eaten by birds that eat expensive sunflower seeds, he said. Measures have also been taken to increase food production on farms belonging to the Department of Zoology, he said. At present, a large number of grasses and crops are cultivated at the Gonapola farm and a 20-acre farm is to be set up at the Ridiyagama Park, the Director said. He also said that the zoo is ready to reactivate various activities that were stopped during the covid period to increase its revenue. The director further stated that feeding outside the animals has been stopped due to the germs entering the body. He also said that anyone who wants to feed the animals can get dry food, milk powder for the tiger cubs and materials like sugarcane for the elephants at the zoo.
Rumors about Salman Khan’s girlfriend Shehnaz
Bollywood actor Salman Khan is still unmarried. There were also rumours that he would not marry for the rest of his life. However, the Indian media has been making up stories about girls approaching him from time to time. Jacqueline, who is of Sri Lankan origin, has also been his girlfriend for some time and his latest girlfriend is Shehnaz Gill. She and Salmon have been presenters of the popular ‘Bigg Boss’ reality show in India for a long time and have always had the opportunity to work together. The Indian media is reporting on their relationship more suspiciously due to a meeting and an unusual kiss between them during a recent Eid celebration. Shehnaz Gill was rumoured to be too close to Salman Khan at the Eid party hosted by superstar Salman Khan’s sister Arpita Khan Sharma. It was also reported that Shehnaaz will be starring in Salman’s Kabhi Eid Kabhi Diwali’s upcoming film with her arrival at the party. The actress’ posture with the superstar all revealed a bond between her and Salman Khan. Salman Khan is Shehnaaz Gill’s mentor. He has said that he loves her very much because of her honesty and innocence. After the untimely death of Indian TV star Sidharth Shukla last year, Bollywood fans were talking about Shehnaz as his girlfriend. After his death, Salman Khan has a lot of sympathy for Shehnaaz. She is also said to guide and assist, especially in making professional decisions. She never hesitates to hide her love for the person she loves. She is also very fond of salmon. Salman Khan is a perfect professional, but the Bollywood media has reported that his relationships with people are very secure. There are various stories about people he loves with a smile on his face but their relationship cannot be questioned. The short answer he gives when asked about it is, these are just my friends.
Controversy in India over a young woman claiming to be married alone- A slap to male-dominant Indian society
The decision to marry a young woman from Vadodara Subhanpura in the Indian state of Gujarat has been hotly debated. She has also been opposed by society. Shama Bindu, 24, has been invited to get married on June 11 But her marriage without an assistant is currently under discussion. The fact is that Shama is going to marry herself. She has no groom. This marriage is known as the first self-marriage in Gujarat. “I never wanted to get married, but I wanted to be a bride, so I decided to marry myself,” Shama Bindu said. “Perhaps I was the first girl to set an example of self-love in our country.” She said. The Deputy Chairman of the Bharathiya Janatha Party in Vadodara has protested against this. He had stated that The marriage of this girl should not be performed in any temple in Vadodara, even in the Mahadev Kovil. Also, He says marriage is against Indian culture and Hinduism. Shama Bindu works for a private company in Vadodara Subhanpura. The protesters told that she is a woman with a distorted mentality. “This is an act that damages the faith of the temple. This is not a marriage but an act of distorting the minds of the children of society. It is an anti-Hindu act. The charges should be f filed against her.” They said However, Shama Bindu’s parents are also happy with their daughter’s decision. Men may think this kind of marriage is inappropriate, but we want to say that women are also important. She marries the man she loves. I love myself so I’m going to get self-married. she says. We let her. Parents have informed the media. After the wedding, Shama chose Goa for her honeymoon, where she would stay for two weeks.
victory for Johnny Depp
A jury has found both Amber Heard and Johnny Depp liable for defamation in their lawsuits against each other. The jury awarded significantly more damages to Depp, a legal win for the actor. Depp sued Heard, his ex-wife, for defamation over a 2018 op-ed she wrote for The Washington Post in which she described herself as a “public figure representing domestic abuse.” Though Depp was not named in the article, he claims it cost him lucrative acting roles. Heard countersued her ex-husband for defamation over statements Depp’s attorney made about her abuse claims. The jury found that Heard defamed Depp in three separate statements in The Washington Post piece, and that Depp defamed Heard with one statement his attorney made. The jury awarded Depp $10 million in compensatory damages and $5 million dollars in punitive damages. The jury awarded Heard $2 million in compensatory damages and no money for punitive damages. Depp sought $50 million in damages and Heard sought $100 million. Punitive damages in the state of Virginia are capped at $350,000, so the judge reduced the punitive damages award to that amount. The verdict is a “tremendous” legal win for Depp and a repudiation for Heard, according to CNN Legal Analyst Joey Jackson. “It’s a tremendous victory,” Jackson said. “What he had to overcome was a First Amendment issue which is that we all have the right to express our thoughts and opinions. What they (the jurors) said was that, yeah, you do have a First Amendment right unless you say something that is false that injures someone’s reputation and causes damages to them in their industry.” David Shane, a spokesman for Heard, said she plans to appeal the verdict. Depp and Heard react to the verdict “From the very beginning, the goal of bringing this case was to reveal the truth, regardless of the outcome. Speaking the truth was something that I owed to my children and to all those who have remained steadfast in their support of me,” he said. “I feel at peace knowing I have finally accomplished that.” Depp’s attorneys on Wednesday thanked the jury and said “it’s time to turn the page and look to the future.” “We are grateful, so grateful, to the jury for their careful deliberation, to the judge and the court staff who have devoted an enormous amount of time and resources towards this case,” attorney Camille Vasquez told reporters outside court. Heard said in a statement she is “heartbroken” over the verdict. “The disappointment I feel today is beyond words. I’m heartbroken that the mountain of evidence still was not enough to stand up to the disproportionate power, influence, and sway of my ex-husband,” Heard said. Depp and Heard met in 2009 on the set of their film “The Rum Diary” and were married from 2015-2016 before divorcing. The Trial In her testimony, Heard said that Depp was verbally and physically abusive during their relationship. She also accused Depp of sexual violence. Depp claimed multiple times on the stand that he has never struck a woman, denied Heard’s allegation of sexual battery and called himself a victim of domestic abuse by Heard, which she denies Attorneys for both Heard and Depp presented during the trial photographs and audio and video recordings to make their cases. One expert, Laurel Anderson, a clinical psychologist who worked with Depp and Heard in 2015 as their marriage counselor, said in testimony played on April 14 that the pair’s relationship had what she characterized as “mutual abuse.” During the trial, Depp’s team presented witnesses that included model Kate Moss, with whom he had a relationship previously, and Walter Hamada, the head of DC Films. (CNN and DC Films are both owned by Warner Bros. Discovery.) Actress Ellen Barkin and a number of former Depp associates testified on Heard’s behalf. Heard had notably fewer vocal supporters than Depp in the entertainment business and in and around the courthouse. –CNN–