News

WASANTHA CONVENER OF IUSF RELEASED

Wasantha Mudalige released (Update)

Convener of the Inter-University Students’ Federation (IUSF) – Wasantha Mudalige has left the prison premises after being granted bail earlier today (01).

He was released after being in custody for 167 days.Speaking to media shortly after his release, Mudalige pointed out that former President Gotabaya Rajapaksa had to leave after kneeling before a rogue government, in the face of the people’s power. He added that they are not prepared to kneel before this government.

(Previous news: 01^st February, 2023 at 01:43pm)

Wasantha Mudalige granted bail for 3 separate cases

The Fort Magistrate’s Court today (01) granted bail to Wasantha Mudalige, convener of the Inter-University Student’s Federation (IUSF), in three separate cases.

Speaking to media, Attorney Nuwan Bopage said that based on the facts that Mudalige was remanded for a prolonged period, and that the PTA charges were dropped in court on yesterday (31), the Fort Magistrate granted bail for all three cases.

The Attorney said that Wasantha Mudalige will be brought to court later in the day, to secure his release on bail.

NEWS

Commonwealth Secretary-General & Maldives FM arrive in SL

Secretary General of the Commonwealth – Patricia Scotland and Maldivian Foreign Minister Abdulla Shahid have arrived in Sri Lanka today (01) to attend the 75th Anniversary Celebration of Independence of Sri Lanka.

They were warmly received by State Minister of Foreign Affairs – Tharaka Balasuriya.

NEWS

No approval for power cuts until Feb. 17 – PUCSL

The Public Utilities Commission of Sri Lanka (PUCSL) has said that it will not approve any scheduled power cuts until February 17 in order to protect the rights of over 331,000 students sitting for the 2022 G.C.E. Advanced Level examination.

Accordingly, PUCSL Chairman Janaka Ratnayake stated that any such power cuts imposed during this period will be considered unauthorized and illegal.

Earlier today (01 Feb.), the Ceylon Electricity Board (CEB) had requested the PUCSL permission to impose power cuts for 2 hours and 20 minutes today and tomorrow (02 Feb.) after the Water Management Secretariat has restricted the release of water from reservoirs for hydro power generation since the expected rainfall was not experienced.

PUCSL files Writ application
Meanwhile, the PUCSL has filed a writ application with the Court of Appeal against the CEB, seeking a court order preventing the power interruptions imposed during the GCE A/L examination.

In addition, the Ceylon Teachers’ Union has also filed a petition with the Supreme Court over the same matter, naming the CEB chairman, the secretary to the Power & Energy Ministry, the Ceylon Petroleum Corporation (CPC) chairman, the Human Rights Commission (HRCSL) and several others as its respondents.