Mercury Risk Found in Puttalam Women

A concerning level of mercury contamination has been detected in the hair samples of women living in Puttalam, according to findings released in a recent environmental study.

It has been reported that the affected women were not directly exposed to mercury through occupational activities. Instead, environmental pollution caused by low-quality coal usage has been identified as a possible contributing factor.

Environmental Study Highlights Coal Pollution Risk

The findings were presented by the Centre for Environmental Justice. Its Chairman and Senior Advisor, Hemantha Withanage, stated that mercury released from burning low-quality coal may accumulate in the environment and marine ecosystems.

It has further been explained that mercury can enter the human body through the food chain, particularly via contaminated seafood consumed by coastal communities.

Mercury Levels Found Above International Safety Limits

Hair samples collected from 28 women aged between 18 and 44 years showed mercury levels exceeding 1 ppm, which is the safety reference level established by the National Research Council in 2000.

In several cases, mercury concentrations were recorded as high as 15.584 ppm, which has been described as a serious public health concern.

Coastal Communities May Already Be Affected

Residents living in surrounding coastal regions such as Norochcholai, Paniyadi, Narakkalliya, and nearby lagoon areas have been warned that exposure to mercury toxicity may already have occurred.

Concerns were also raised that insufficient transparency exists regarding mercury content in imported coal supplies.

Experts Warn of Possible Long-Term Health Crisis

Environmental experts have cautioned that the situation could potentially develop into a large-scale public health emergency similar to the historic Minamata disease crisis recorded in Japan.

Meanwhile, medical specialist Chamal Sanjeewa stated that mercury accumulation in coastal water bodies could increase contamination levels in fish populations consumed by local communities.

It has also been reported that repeated requests submitted to the Central Environmental Authority for a detailed investigation have not yet received an official response.

Pollution Levels Near Norochcholai Power Plant Increasing

According to data released by the Public Utilities Commission of Sri Lanka, emissions from the Norochcholai Coal Power Plant remain within legally permitted limits but have increased noticeably in recent months.

In particular, February 2026 data showed higher emissions of carbon monoxide, nitrogen oxides, particulate matter, and sulphur dioxide compared with earlier measurements.

Although these emissions remain within regulatory thresholds, questions have been raised regarding coal quality and potential long-term environmental and health risks.

Electricity Tariffs Increased in Sri Lanka From Today.

Electricity tariffs in Sri Lanka have been increased from today following approval granted by the Public Utilities Commission of Sri Lanka.

According to the announcement, revised electricity charges have been implemented across multiple sectors, including domestic users, industrial consumers, hotels, and government institutions. The tariff adjustment has been introduced in response to rising national electricity generation costs.

Domestic Electricity Tariff Revisions Announced

Under the new structure, electricity charges for domestic users have been increased at different percentage levels depending on consumption categories.

For households consuming below 30 units, the tariff has been increased by 4.3%, and the new rate has been set at Rs. 15 per unit.

Meanwhile, for users consuming 30–60 units, the tariff has been increased by 6.9%, and the revised rate has been fixed at Rs. 45 per unit.

Similarly, electricity usage between 61–90 units has also been increased by 6.9%, with the updated charge reaching Rs. 120 per unit.

Furthermore, consumption between 91–180 units has been increased by 7.2%, and the tariff has been revised to Rs. 420 per unit.

For electricity usage above 180 units, the highest increase of 25% has been implemented.

Industrial, Government and Hotel Sectors Also Affected

Electricity tariffs for key economic sectors have also been revised under the new pricing structure.

Charges for the industrial sector have been increased by 8.7%, while tariffs for hotels have been increased by 9.9%.In addition, electricity charges for government institutions have been increased by 14.4%, according to the official update.

Special Consideration Given to Religious Institutions

For religious institutions, electricity consumption below 180 units has remained unchanged under the revised tariff system.

However, electricity usage above 180 units has been subjected to a 9.6% increase, as confirmed by the authorities.

It has been stated that the decision was taken after considering the current electricity generation costs and the financial sustainability of the national power sector.

All Vehicle Owners Allowed to Obtain Fuel Today in Sri Lanka

All vehicle owners in Sri Lanka have been allowed to obtain fuel today (April 01), according to an announcement issued by the Ceylon Petroleum Corporation.

It has been stated that both vehicles with registration numbers ending in odd digits and even digits will be permitted to receive fuel from filling stations today. The decision has been confirmed as a temporary relaxation of the existing fuel distribution schedule.

QR-Based Fuel Distribution System Continues

Since February 19, fuel allocations have been provided through a QR-code-based system linked to the last digit of vehicle registration numbers. Under this system, vehicles are usually allowed to obtain fuel only on specific dates that match their registration number category.

Accordingly, vehicles with registration numbers ending in even digits are normally allowed to obtain fuel on even-numbered calendar dates. Similarly, vehicles with registration numbers ending in odd digits are permitted access on odd-numbered dates.

Special Permission Granted for Today

However, despite today being categorized as an odd-numbered date, fuel access has been granted to all vehicles regardless of their registration number. Therefore, both odd-digit and even-digit vehicles have been allowed to obtain fuel from filling stations nationwide.

The announcement has been officially released by Mayura Neththikumara, the Managing Director of the Ceylon Petroleum Corporation.

Authorities have stated that the temporary adjustment has been introduced to improve public convenience and ensure smoother fuel distribution operations across the country.

Russian Military Transport Plane Crash in Crimea Kills 29 People

A Russian military transport aircraft has been reported to have crashed over the Crimea Peninsula, resulting in the deaths of 29 people on board. The aircraft involved in the accident was identified as an Antonov An-26 transport plane operated by the Russian military.

According to official confirmation released by the Russian Defence Ministry, the crash occurred at approximately 6:00 PM local time on March 31. The aircraft was said to have been flying over Crimea when the incident took place.

Technical Malfunction Reported as Possible Cause

Preliminary investigations have suggested that the accident may have been caused by a technical malfunction. However, further verification is expected to be carried out by aviation authorities. Rescue teams were reportedly dispatched immediately after the crash site was located.

Meanwhile, authorities have confirmed that all 29 individuals on board the aircraft lost their lives. Among the victims, six were identified as crew members, while the remaining passengers were military personnel.

Investigation Expected to Continue

At present, a detailed investigation is expected to be conducted to determine the exact cause of the crash. Aviation safety experts are likely to examine technical records and flight data to identify contributing factors.

Furthermore, military transport operations in the region are expected to be reviewed following the incident. The crash has also raised concerns regarding the operational safety of older transport aircraft still in service.