New ‘Pinoy Big Brother’ house unveiled ahead of season premiere

A new era beckons for reality competition series “Pinoy Big Brother” (PBB) following the facade unveiling of the new Bahay ni Kuya.

It was confirmed earlier this year that the iconic PBB house, situated along Eugenio Lopez Jr. Drive in front of the ABS-CBN ELJ Communications Center in Quezon City, would close its doors and move to a new location after two decades.

Two editions of “PBB Celebrity Collab” with GMA 7 were shot in the last 18 months following a lease extension, though the lot where the house stood has already been sold.

A third edition is set to premiere on October 24 with civilian housemates, a first for the series since its fourth season “Unlimited” back in 2011 won by Slate Young.

The new Bahay ni Kuya is located inside the Gina Lopez Building along Mother Ignacia Avenue – not too far from the original house – and the building’s facade was unveiled featuring the show’s iconic yellow, red, and blue colors.

Executives from ABS-CBN and GMA were present for the unveiling as were two of the series’ hosts Robi Domingo and Alexa Ilacad, all of whom teased the house’s interior would be shown ahead of the next season’s premiere.

Joining Robi and Alexa in the hosting pool for this season are Bianca Gonzalez, Gabbi Garcia, Melai Cantiveros, Enchong Dee, and new host Michael Sager.

Park Min Young leads office romance ‘Nine to Six’

Office dynamics are thrown for a whirl in upcoming Korean drama “Nine to Six” starring Park Min-young, Go Soo, and boy band Btob member Sungjae.

Min-young plays a company’s legal team senior manager named Kang Yi-ji, who entered the legal profession upon her mother’s urging despite an interest in astronomy.

Yi-ji does not see the importance in love and marriage, that is until Sungae’s Han Sun-woo – an intern who’d rather be a jewelry designer – shields her from danger, making Yi-ji rethink her approach.

Go Soo plays Park Hyun-tae, an executive director at the Seoul office where Yi-ji and Sun-woo work having returned from the company’s European headquarters.

Hyun-tae also sees romance as hindrance though Yi-ji’s competence at work has him questioning himself as well. This marks Go Soo’s return to the romance genre in over a decade since 2014’s “The Royal Tailor.” “Strong Girl Bong-soon” director Lee Hyung-min helms the project alongside Oh Song-hee on a script by Choi Ji-oh.

Min-young rose to fame on “Sungkyunkwan Scandal” and is best known for “What’s Wrong with Secretary Kim”, “Healer”, “Forecasting Love and Weather”, “City Hunter”, “Marry My Husband”, and most recently “Siren’s Kiss.”

Outside of Btob and his solo music career, Sungjae has starred in “Reply 1994” and “Guardian: The Lonely and Great God”, the latter also known as “Goblin.”

Go Soo’s credit include “Missing: The Other Side”, “Parole Examiner Lee”, “Heart Surgerons” and “The Fortress.”

“Nine to Six”, based on the Chinese show “The Rational Life”, premieres globally via Prime Video on November 25.

Luistro: Prosecution ready to turn over evidence to Ombudsman

House lead prosecutor, Batangas Rep. Gerville ‘Jinky’ Luistro, said Tuesday that the prosecution was ready to turn over evidence from Vice President Sara Duterte’s impeachment trial to the Ombudsman, but favored waiting for the agency’s subpoena before submitting.

Luistro said the panel would promptly respond to a formal request for records on the three withdrawn articles of impeachment against the Vice President, namely, confidential funds, bribery, and grave threats.

So we have expressed already our willingness to respond to the request of the Ombudsman, but I think it will be best if we wait for the subpoena that will be issued,’ Luistro said during a press conference at the House Media Center on Oct. 20.

She said prosecutors would immediately turn over the requested evidence once that step was taken. Her statement concerned the planned submission of impeachment evidence, which would supplement earlier congressional material already sent to the agency.

‘When we say transparency and accountability, it does not pertain only to the impeachment process,’ she said.

Luistro pointed to the House investigation during the 19th Congress, when Manila Rep. Joel Chua chaired the Committee on Good Government and Public Accountability.

‘And the committee submitted its committee report, which was docketed during that time and was considered, we believe, as a case file before the Office of the Ombudsman,’ she said.

She also said she understood that the Ombudsman had previously issued subpoenas requiring officials to respond to matters involving confidential funds and bribery. She described the agency as already looking into records concerning those allegations.

‘At this point, we welcome the pronouncement of the Ombudsman that they are interested in looking into, even the evidence of the prosecution,’ Luistro said.

Luistro placed the agency’s review within the broader effort to pursue accountability outside the Senate trial.

‘It includes the proceeding before the Ombudsman where there will be preliminary investigation,’ she said.

She said any subsequent filing before the Sandiganbayan would depend on the Ombudsman finding a sufficient basis after examining the evidence.

The Senate impeachment court accepted the withdrawal of three articles of impeachment on Oct. 13, leaving only Article II, which covers the alleged unexplained wealth. Luistro said the prosecution would continue preparing for that case while cooperating with the Ombudsman’s request for records.

Mans Carpio’s P200,000 restaurant bill could feed 3 barangays – Ridon

House prosecutor, Bicol Saro party-list Rep. Terry L. Ridon, on Tuesday questioned the more than P200,000 restaurant bill allegedly charged to the credit card of lawyer Manases ‘Mans’ Carpio, saying the amount covering a single meal could already feed residents of three barangays.

Carpio is the husband of Vice President Sara Duterte, who is facing the Senate impeachment court on allegations of unexplained wealth and nondisclosure of assets.

Ridon said the House prosecution is prepared to question the Vice President’s defense witnesses about the credit card transactions when the impeachment trial resumes Nov. 9.

Pero alam po ninyo, P200,000; tatlong barangay na sa Manila at Batangas ‘yung pwedeng pakainin ng P200,000,’ Ridon said at a press briefing.

He said the expense was difficult for ordinary Filipinos to imagine, even for those major family celebrations such as weddings, debuts, and milestone birthdays.

‘Kasi alam po ninyo, ‘yung P200,000 na pagkain sa labas, hindi ma-imagine ng ordinaryong Pilipino ‘yon,’ Ridon said.

‘Kahit po merong pagsasaya, ‘yung pong mga kababayan po natin, merong debut, merong kasal, meron pong 60th birthday ng isa pong senior natin, umaabot po ba ‘yun ng P200,000 para sa pagsasaya (nila)?’ he asked.

Ridon was referring to a P205,000 credit card transaction at Ginza Inakaya, a restaurant in Tokyo, Japan, which was among the expenditures found and examined during the prosecution’s presentation of evidence on Duterte’s alleged unexplained wealth.

Carpio earlier explained that the restaurant bill was incurred during a group trip to Japan, when he used his credit card to pay because several companions did not have cash on hand.

He maintained that the group subsequently shared the expenses and that no public funds were involved.

Ridon acknowledged Carpio’s explanation but said the prosecution would seek further clarification.

‘Samantalang ito po, ‘yung P200,000 sa credit card purchase ni Atty. Mans Carpio, isang kain lang po ito sa labas. Ang paliwanag nila, marami naman daw po sila,’ he said.

Ridon argued that the expenditure highlighted the difference between the lifestyle of the Duterte-Carpio couple and that of ordinary Filipinos.

‘So ang pagpapakita po nito, iba po ‘yung buhay ng mag-asawang Duterte-Carpio doon po sa buhay ng mga ordinaryong Pilipino,’ he said.

The restaurant bill was among several credit card transactions examined by forensic accounting expert Alexander Cabrera during his Oct. 9 testimony.

Other questioned purchases included approximately P300,000 in Nike transactions in Davao City and P256,882.50 at a Nike store in Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia.

Carpio has maintained that the purchases were personal expenses paid using his own money, including shared expenditures for basketball players.

The prosecution has completed its presentation on Article II, involving allegations of unexplained wealth and financial disclosure violations against Duterte.

Cabrera earlier identified approximately P817.87 million in allegedly unexplained wealth involving Duterte and Carpio from 2022 to 2025, findings disputed by the defense.

Ridon said the prosecution was preparing to scrutinize the defense’s explanations, not only about the credit card transactions but also about the operations of Cale88 Foods Corp., a banana chip exporter linked to Carpio.

‘Pero again, hindi lang po kami naghahanda doon sa banana chips. Naghahanda rin po kami doon sa paliwanag nila doon sa credit card,’ he said.

‘At antay natin ‘yung paliwanag nila dito po sa mga credit card transactions po na ito,’ Ridon added.

The impeachment trial is scheduled to resume Nov. 9, when Duterte’s defense team is expected to begin presenting its witnesses

Police warn against electoral violence as 22 political parties, candidates sign peace accord in Zamfara

Police Command in Zamfara on Tuesday admonished political parties and contestants against acts that would undermine the 2027 general elections in the state.

The Commissioner of Police, Mr A. M. Bello, gave the warning at the signing of peace accord by the political parties and candidates contesting in the 2027 general polls in the state.

The News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) reports that candidates of 22 political parties participating in the election, including Gov. Dauda Lawan signed the peace accord, pledging to ensure peaceful, free, fair and credible elections before, during and after the elections.

Bello, who made a presentation at the event, emphasised the need for political parties, candidates and their supporters to maintain peace throughout the electoral process.

Bello explained that electoral security required adequate preparations and effective monitoring of activities during the pre-election, election and post-election periods.

According to him, the police command had conducted security needs assessments to provide security for political parties and contestants during campaign rallies and processions.

He said the arrangement would continue on election day and after the announcement of results in the state.

Bello said the command was committed to ensuring that all political parties conducted their activities in a peaceful atmosphere.

He urged all candidates to cooperate with security agencies to prevent violence and other electoral offences.

The Commissioner sensitised participants on relevant provisions of the Electoral Act 2022, particularly offences associated with campaigns, voting, collation of results and other electoral activities.

He cited Section 126(1) of the Electoral Act 2022, which prohibits certain activities within polling units and within 300 metres of polling units on election day.

Bello explained that such prohibited activities include canvassing for votes, soliciting votes from voters, persuading voters not to support particular candidates, displaying party symbols or photographs, and wearing clothing bearing political party colours or insignia at polling units.

The Commissioner also warned against the unauthorised use of vehicles bearing political party colours or symbols, the display of party cards and election-related materials, and loitering around polling units without lawful justification.

He further cautioned political actors against convening or attending public meetings during voting hours, as well as operating megaphones, amplifiers or other public address equipment without authorisation.

Bello stressed that compliance with electoral laws was essential to ensuring a peaceful and credible election.

The commissioner also warned against unofficial announcement of election results by media practitioners and social media users, adding that unofficial results were capable of causing tension and confusion.

He emphasised that the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) was the only legally authorised body responsible for declaring election results.

The Commissioner cited the penalties prescribed under the relevant provisions of the Electoral Act, warning that violations could attract fines or imprisonment, depending on the offence.

He cautioned political candidates against sponsoring or encouraging thugs to attack opponents, disrupt public gatherings or engage in other unlawful activities.

Bello noted that technological advancements had made it easier for security agencies to gather evidence against individuals involved in electoral violence, explaining that recording devices disguised under wristwatches, eyeglasses and buttons could be used to document conversations and unlawful instructions.

The commissioner said that surveillance cameras would be deployed at polling locations to monitor activities and provide evidence where necessary.

The Commissioner further warned against snatching or destroying election materials or devices as that act would risk prosecution and could face up to two years’ imprisonment under the Electoral Act.

On vote-buying and undue influence, Bello referred to Section 127 of the Electoral Act 2022, which prohibits the corrupt use of money or other inducements to influence voters or persuade them to refrain from voting.

He urged candidates to avoid electoral malpractice and respect the rights of voters to make independent choices without intimidation, coercion or financial inducement.

The Commissioner cautioned religious leaders against using places of worship or religious sermons to attack or condemn political parties or their candidates, stressing the need for religious institutions to promote peace, tolerance and peaceful coexistence.

He described elections as democratic contests that should be conducted without bloodshed, urging political stakeholders to ensure that political competition did not degenerate into violence.

Bello called on candidates to embrace the principles of democracy and work towards making Zamfara an example of peaceful electoral participation.

Also speaking, the Resident Electoral Commissioner (REC) in Zamfara, Mahmud Isah, called on political parties, candidates and other stakeholders to embrace political tolerance, unity and responsible leadership to ensure peaceful, free, fair and credible elections.

Isah said the credibility of elections depended not only on the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC), but also on the conduct of political parties, candidates, security agencies, civil society organisations, the media and the electorate.

Isah stressed the importance of compliance with the 1999 Constitution of the Federal Republic of Nigeria, as amended, the Electoral Act and relevant INEC regulations and guidelines.

Isah urged the political parties to conduct their activities within the framework of the law.

He urged the media and civil society groups to promote responsible reporting, fact-checking and peaceful civic participation.

Nigerian lawyer, fashion creative plans 15km wedding dress train in Guinness World Record attempt

A Nigerian lawyer and fashion creative, Oyajide Oluwanifemi, Esq., is set to embark on an ambitious Guinness World Records attempt with HER JOURNEY, a project aimed at creating a 15-kilometre wedding dress train to celebrate women’s resilience, perseverance and collective strength.

The initiative, which adopts the tagline, ’15 kilometres. Thousands of hands. One story,’ seeks to draw attention to the challenges women face, the battles they fight silently and the courage required to overcome life’s difficulties.

Beyond the record attempt, the project aims to showcase Nigerian creativity, promote local fashion craftsmanship and demonstrate the power of collaboration in achieving an extraordinary feat.

According to the organisers, the pre-production phase is scheduled to run from November 20 to December 20, 2026. Activities during the period will include prototype development, design refinement, production planning and coordination of the resources required for the project.

The organiser has also received communication from Guinness World Records regarding the application and attempt-planning timeline, with a proposed attempt window running from April 7 to July 18, 2027. The final date and arrangements will be announced as preparations progress.

Potential partners are being invited to provide financial sponsorship, fabrics, sewing equipment, technical expertise, logistics support and media publicity.

The project is also seeking volunteers across several departments, including fashion production, media, logistics, medical support, security, legal services and administration.

Tailors, fashion designers, beaders, photographers, videographers, content creators and other skilled professionals are equally encouraged to participate in the undertaking.

According to Oluwanifemi, the initiative goes beyond setting a world record, as it seeks to create a platform for celebrating women’s experiences, showcasing Nigerian talent and demonstrating what communities can achieve through collective effort.

She emphasised the importance of collaboration in realising a project of such magnitude, urging individuals and organisations to identify with the vision and contribute towards its success.

‘Her journey’ has therefore called on sponsors, partners and volunteers to join the initiative as preparations gather momentum towards the proposed 2027 record attempt.

Trinity University VC reiterates call for private varisities’ inclusion in NELFUND, TETFUND

The Federal Government has been reminded to extend the benefits of the Nigerian Education Loan Fund (NELFUND) to students of private universities.

NELFUND was signed by President Bola Tinubu to replace the 2023 loan scheme to make higher education more accessible through financial barriers’ removal.

Making the call at the fifth Convocation of Trinity University, Yaba, Lagos, at the weekend, the Vice Chancellor, Prof Clement Kolawole, argued that private university students are Nigerians ”who should not be discriminated against because they are studying” in private universities.

Kolawole also made a similar appeal for the extension of the Tertiary Education Trust Fund (TETFund) to private universities, saying the workers are also Nigerians.

He said: ”The necessary legislation should be granted to the two bodies to enable them to open their doors to applications from students, workers and the private institutions that need the financial support they grant. There are other innovative supports that students, workers and public institutions are enjoying due to the plan of the Federal Government to leverage on education as means of fast-tracking human capacity development in the country that private institutions, their workers and students should not be denied of.”

Kolawole made a similar call at the varsity’s last convocation.

He announced that 323 passed out of the Trinity University’s three faculties: Arts, Management and Social Sciences, 109; Basic Medical and Applied Sciences, 161 while Nursing Sciences, 53, Seven-nine made first class, 147 second class upper, 54 second class lower and four third class. Others were unclassified.

Osazuwa Osayuwar Tioluwalase (Political Science) and Miss Ezsezebor Osemen Joy(Computer and Information Science), who made first class had ”a perfect 5.00CGPA”, acts the VC ascribed to only their brilliance, but also their obedience, discipline, hard work and God’s blessings.

National Universities Commission (NUC) Executive Secretary, Prof Abdulahi Ribadu, said the true worth of a university extended beyond the degrees it awards. Rather, he said, it is ”measured by the quality of minds it develops, the character it nurtures, the knowledge it advances, and the solutions its graduates contribute to society”.

Ribadu, who was represented by NUC’s Director/Head, Lagos office, Dr Ayoteju Ogun, noted the theme of the convocation, ‘Convolving a Galaxy of Stars: Shining the Trinity Light to the World,’ saying the event was a celebration and a call to responsibility for the celebrators. ”The light of a university shines brightest when its graduates distinguish themselves through knowledge, integrity, innovation, and service to humanity’.”

He continued: ”The National Universities Commission remains committed to strengthening the quality, relevance, and global competitiveness of the Nigerian university system through minimum academic standards, program accreditation, and continuous quality improvement. However, quality assurance must transcend regulatory compliance and become an enduring institutional culture reflected in effective teaching, credible assessments, relevant curricula, and demonstrable learning outcomes.

”Universities must also deepen collaboration with industry and other stakeholders to strengthen graduate employability, promote entrepreneurship, and translate research into practical solutions. As technologies and the world of work evolve, institutions must equip graduates with the knowledge, adaptability, critical thinking, and ethical judgment required to navigate change and contribute meaningfully to national development.

”The NUC will continue to work with universities and stakeholders to advance these priorities.” Ribadu said the convocation was ‘an opportunity to consolidate Trinity University’s achievements, strengthen its commitment to academic excellence and sound governance, and also expand its contribution to human capital development and societal progress’ ”.

To the graduates, the NUC chief said this was their moment and responsibility. ”Your degree is an important achievement; its enduring value will depend on what you do with the knowledge and opportunities it provides. Use your education to solve problems, create opportunities, build solutions, and improve lives. The world you are entering will demand more than certificates; it will demand competence, creativity, integrity, and resilience”. He advised them to be focused, remain curious, keep learning, embrace change, and equip themselves for emerging opportunities. Do not wait for every opportunity to come your way; develop the capacity to create opportunities for yourselves and others. ”When you encounter setbacks, learn from them, rise again, and persevere.

”Above all, let integrity guide your decisions, excellence define your work, and service give purpose to your success. Remember that you are ambassadors of Trinity University. Wherever life takes you, let your character earn respect, your competence inspire confidence, and your achievements make your alma mater proud.

”Do not strive merely to be successful; make an impact. Focus on adding value. Do not seek only to shine; use your light to illuminate the path of others. Let your education become a force for positive change in your communities and a meaningful contribution to Nigeria’s development.”

The Chancellor/business mogul, Prince Samuel Adedoyin, urged the graduands to imbibe five virtues, which he said had kept him going: Godliness, creativity, industry, drive and discipline. ”My charge to you is simple: In every thing you do, do a little more. If you are asked to do your best, do more than your best. That little extra effort is what gives you the edge in a competitive world.”

The Chairman, Governing Council of Trinity University, Pastor Samuel Olatunji, said from a paltry seven students at inception in the 2018/2019 session, the university now has over 2,000 students.

He charged the outgoing students on good character, saying talent would open doors for them but only character would keep them in the room. ”In a world that celebrates speed, have the courage to stand for what is right. Let your word be your bond,” he advised.

The valedictorians, Joy and Osazuwa, reminisced on their years in the institution, urged their colleagues on good ambassadorship of the school. ‘Pursue your ambition with dedication,” Joy said while Osazuwa added: ”Train yourself. Work hard. Keep going.”

Coalition demands suspension of industrial livestock investment project

A coalition of civil society organisations has urged the Federal Government to suspend the proposed $2.5 billion industrial livestock investment by a Brazilian meat company, JBS, pending disclosure of project documents and independent environmental assessments.

The demand was made yesterday during a sensitisation rally in Ibadan, Oyo State capital, where the coalition warned that the project could have far-reaching implications for food security, environmental sustainability, public health and smallholder farmers.

The proposed investment, according to the coalition, involves establishment of six industrial livestock facilities across the country, in whose respect the Federal Government has reportedly signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) with the company, while some state governments have indicated interest in hosting components of the project.

Project Manager, Youth in Agroecology and Restoration Network, Olawuyi Seyi, said the government must make public the terms of the proposed investment before proceeding with implementation.

He expressed concern about the project’s potential land requirements, citing reports that Niger State had pledged about 1.2 million hectares for livestock investment.

Olawuyi urged the Federal Government and participating state governments to publish the MoU, land allocation agreements, investment incentives and other relevant documents for public scrutiny.

Executive Director of Whole Planet Initiative, Margret Adekola, said affected communities and stakeholders must be consulted before final decisions were taken, stressing that transparency and meaningful public participation should not be optional.

She disclosed that the coalition had submitted Freedom of Information requests to relevant federal institutions and state governments for documents relating to the investment, but was yet to receive substantive responses.

The coalition further raised concerns that a significant proportion of the project’s output might be intended for export, questioning its contribution to Nigeria’s domestic food and nutritional needs, while clarifying that it was not opposed to agricultural investments, but insisted such projects must be transparent, environmentally responsible and aligned with the country’s long-term food security priorities.

Loss from inferior coal tops Rs. 18.3 b

Inferior-quality coal has led to losses amounting to Rs. 18.3 billion, Parliament’s Sectoral Oversight Committee on Infrastructure and Strategic Development Chairman, SJB MP S.M. Marikkar said yesterday, tabling an expert committee report on the losses.

The report, dated 7 October, 2026, puts the additional cost and financial loss from the use of substandard coal at Rs. 15.7 billion between 1 January and 15 September. It separately calculates a Rs. 2.3 billion premium paid on emergency coal procurement, which the committee said should not be considered a financial loss in isolation.

The committee was appointed by the Sectoral Oversight Committee on 5 August and chaired by Ministry of Energy Additional Secretary K.L.R.C. Wijayasinghe, with officials from the Ministry, the Public Utilities Commission of Sri Lanka (PUCSL), National System Operator (Pvt.) Ltd. (NSO), the Lakvijaya Power Plant and Lanka Coal Company (Pvt.) Ltd. Electricity Generation Lanka (Pvt.) Ltd. (EGL) Chairman Prof. Saliya Jayasekara withdrew from the committee at his own request, citing a potential conflict of interest.

The coal in question was supplied by India’s Trident Chemphar Ltd. under a term tender to deliver 1.5 million MT to the Lakvijaya plant in Norochcholai between December 2025 and May 2026. Although 25 shipments were planned, only 19 were received due to issues of quality, the report said. The first arrived on 31 December, 2025 and the last on 3 July, 2026.

The largest component, Rs. 7.1 billion, stems from higher coal consumption. The plant burnt 0.4419 kg of Trident coal per kWh against a standard rate of 0.3742 kg/kWh drawn from 2018 to 2025 data, about 18% more coal for each unit of electricity. The committee estimated the shortfall at 461,838 MWh of energy, requiring an additional 172,820 MT of coal valued at Rs. 41.08 per kg. It assumed no factor other than the low quality of coal contributed to the higher consumption.

A further Rs. 8.6 billion was spent buying electricity from other sources to offset the plant’s reduced output between 21 January and 15 September. The plant’s generation fell by 197,673 MWh over the period, of which 35,210 MWh was covered by hydropower and the rest largely by diesel plants. This includes Rs. 402.8 million to replace 15,225 MWh lost due to the delayed arrival of the last emergency shipment.

Additional maintenance accounted for Rs. 80.4 million, an estimate covering only Unit 1, which was under maintenance at the time. Inspections in August found severe ash fouling and heavily solidified ash in the boiler’s air preheaters, which warm incoming combustion air using exhaust heat, requiring Rs. 67.5 million to dismantle, clean and reinstall the heating elements. Cleaning accumulated ash in the boiler is to cost Rs. 11.6 million and coal mill repairs Rs. 1.3 million. Costs for the remaining two units cannot be estimated until internal inspections are conducted, the report said. Extra ash and pyrite handling cost another Rs. 13.1 million.

The emergency procurement, carried out under a Cabinet decision of 26 January in case Trident failed to meet its obligations, brought in five shipments from Taranjot Resources (Pvt.) Ltd. at a fixed $ 142 per MT. Had they been bought under the term tender pricing formula, the price would have been $ 116.68 to $ 123.95 per MT, putting the additional cost at $ 7.2 million. The committee said the emergency procurement was a prudent risk mitigation measure, as sourcing the five shipments from Trident would have depleted stocks faster and risked shortages and power cuts.

The report also excludes the cost of burning coal equivalent to 270 MW to generate 220 MW due to its low calorific value. PUCSL, in a note annexed to the report, said the assessment underestimates the actual economic impact. It argued the hydropower used to fill the shortfall should be valued at the system marginal cost rather than zero, as reservoir levels were not at spilling conditions and were reported to be relatively low at times. It also said diesel generation had been costed at subsidised prices that do not reflect the actual economic cost borne by the country.

EGL, in a submission annexed to the report, also noted a 14,698 MT gap between the 1.997 million MT recorded in load port reports and the 1.982 million MT consumed, attributing it to coal left uncollected in the plant’s 42-acre coal yard.

The figure is the highest in a series of loss estimates SJB MP Marikkar has presented on the coal since early this year. In March, citing PUCSL, he told Parliament the first nine shipments had caused a loss of Rs. 8.5 billion. By May, he claimed all 17 shipments received to that point were substandard and that losses could exceed Rs. 30 billion.

Tea export earnings cross $ 1 b mark by September

Customs data analysed by Siyaka Research indicates that Sri Lanka’s tea export earnings reached approximately $ 1.083 billion during the January-September 2026 period, compared with $ 1.163 billion earned during the corresponding period of the previous year.

Despite September export volumes declining to 23 MnKg from 23.7 MnKg a year earlier, cumulative earnings in Sri Lankan Rupees increased to Rs. 350 billion from Rs. 347 billion. This improvement was largely attributable to the depreciation of the Rupee against the

US dollar.

Total tea export volumes for the nine-month period amounted to 189.4 MnKg, down 4% from 198.3 MnKg recorded in 2025. The decline in export volumes was less pronounced than the depreciation of the rupee over the period, helping to support rupee-denominated export earnings despite lower USD earnings.

Value-added tea exports continued to account for approximately 58% of total exports. Tea in packets, tea bags and instant tea remained the principal contributors to this segment, underscoring the continued importance of value addition to Sri Lanka’s tea export trade.

Against the backdrop of ongoing turmoil in the Middle East, export flows to and through Turkey recorded a significant increase of 134%, rising to 35.7 MnKg from 15.2 MnKg a year earlier.

Iraq, traditionally one of Sri Lanka’s key tea destinations, recorded a sharp decline in imports to 18.4 MnKg from 30 MnKg in the corresponding period of 2025. Russia maintained relatively steady volumes at 16.9 MnKg, while exports to Azerbaijan increased by 34% to 9 MnKg.

Shipments to China declined by 10% year-on-year to 7.1 MnKg. Libya also recorded a substantial reduction, with volumes falling from 15.9 MnKg to 6.6 MnKg, reflecting changes in shipment patterns and the movement of goods through alternative routes.

Exports to Syria improved by 5% to 6.4 MnKg, while shipments to Jordan increased by 51% to 6.3 MnKg, indicating a shift in trade flows amid the regional disruptions. Saudi Arabia continued to perform steadily, with Sri Lanka shipping 6.3 MnKg during the period, broadly in line with the previous year.

Chile rounded off the top ten destinations, with exports declining sharply to 6.3 MnKg from 8.5 MnKg a year earlier. Chile’s total tea imports reached a five-year high of 21.8 MnKg in 2025. However, the latest figures suggest that the market may be relinquishing some of those gains in 2026.