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China’s Yantai delegation promotes zero-carbon efforts in SL

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A delegation from Yantai city in China’s Shandong Province held a symposium and exchange meeting with Sri Lankan stakeholders to expmain Yantai’s proactive efforts and practical initiatives in promoting international cooperation on zero-carbon islands.

Chinese companies such as Dongfang Electronics, Tayho Advanced Materials, and LONGi Green Energy presented their solutions in new energy and green materials tailored for island countries to reduce carbon emission.

During the COP29 Conference in 2024, Yantai City launched the International Zero-Carbon Island Cooperation Initiative and proposed the establishment of the International Zero-Carbon Island Cooperation Organization, an international non-governmental platform dedicated to advancing cooperation on zero-carbon island development.

“The Organization aims to address climate change and achieve sustainable development for islands, promoting international exchanges and cooperation among stakeholders from island regions,” Chinese Embassy in Colombo said in a statement.

Zheng Deyan, Mayor of Yanta, briefed the attendees on Yantai’s proactive efforts and practical initiatives in promoting international cooperation on zero-carbon islands.

He also extended a warm invitation to Sri Lanka during the meeting, welcoming relevant institutions, universities, research institutes, and enterprises to join the Cooperation Organization.

Tilak Siyambalapitiya, Chairman of Ceylon Electricity Board, B.K. Prabhath Chandrakeerthi, Secretary of the Ministry of Plantation and Community Infrastructure, and K.R. Uduwawala, Secretary of the Environment Ministry were among the Sri Lankan delegates at the symposium.

“During the visit, Yantai-based companies signed several cooperation agreements with Sri Lankan partners, covering key sectors such as green materials and renewable energy, laying a solid foundation for in-depth collaboration,” the Chinese Embassy said.

“In the future, under the framework of the International Zero-Carbon Island Cooperation Organization, Yantai City will actively participate in and promote Sri Lanka’s green and low-carbon transition, and support improvements in people’s livelihoods and climate governance, working together to open a new chapter of mutual prosperity and development.”

Yantai city’s move comes after India’s Adani Green withdrew its efforts to build two wind power plants in Sri Lanka’s North to connect 500 MW to the national grid after differences on the price per unit.

Sri Lanka’s previous government agreed for an 8.26 cent US dollar per unit in its power purchasing agreement. However, President Anura Kumara Dissanayake’s government annulled the agreement and said they are ready to discuss the project with the unit price of around 6 cents.

China’s initiative also has come at a time after U.S. President Donald Trump’s attempts to slash climate efforts approved during his predecessor’s administration, including a $20 billion funding program for projects that reduce greenhouse gases.

(economynext.com)

(Except for the headline, this story, originally published by economynext.com has not been edited by SLM staff)

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Vesak week commences tomorrow

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The National Vesak Week will commence tomorrow (May 09), under this year’s theme of “Let’s associate with noble people with good qualities.”

According to the secretary to the Ministry of Buddha Sasana, Religious and Cultural Affairs, W.P. Senadheera said that it will continue until May 16.

The official inauguration ceremony will take place tomorrow at the Nuwara Eliya Buddhist Center, under the patronage of President Anura Kumara Dissanayake.

Sri Lanka Railways has announced special train services during the Vesak week and the long weekend.

Meanhwile, the Ministry of Public Administration has ordered the closure of slaughterhouses, meat vendors, casinos, and clubs nationwide from May 12 – 14 May for the state Vesak Festival. 

A circular issued on April 29 instructs all relevant businesses to comply during the period.

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79 shooting incidents in last 7 months

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79 shooting incidents have been taken place in Sri Lanka over the past 07 months, resulting in 52 deaths and 260 arrests, Public Security Minister Ananda Wijepala told Parliament today (May 09).

The shootings had occurred in the 07 months from September 21, 2024 until May 08, 2025. 

According to the minister, the shootings had left 35 injured as well.

62 of the incidents were linked to organized criminal gangs, while 17 were classified as other types of shootings, he added.

Of the 260 arrested, 229 were connected directly to organized crime, the minister further noted.

Minister Wijepala said the government has taken high-level decisions in this regard, and that it is unacceptable to claim that there has been a serious increase in shootings since the NPP government came to power.

“When we study these shootings, we will not see a significant increase from 2022, 2023, or 2024. But we do not trivialise any shooting. We treat every human life with value. Therefore, we have taken the highest decisions we can take as a government to suppress the underworld,” he emphasised.

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Teacher accused of molesting Kotahena schoolgirl sent on compulsory leave

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The Ministry of Education says that the teacher allegedly involved in the incident of molesting the schoolgirl from Kotahena has been sent on compulsory leave after receiving a police ‘B report’. 

The Secretary to the Education Ministry, Nalaka Kaluwewa, states that steps have also been taken to hold an internal inquiry into the incident.

Accordingly, the teacher involved in the incident will be placed on compulsory leave in accordance with Section 27:9 of Chapter XLVIII, Part II of the Establishments Code.

The Ministry also states that a preliminary investigation into the incident is currently underway, and that formal disciplinary action will be taken as soon as the report is received.

Furthermore, the Ministry has launched an internal investigation to determine whether any parties neglected their duties and responsibilities in connection with the entire incident.

On May 08, a group of parents and students staged a protest opposite the school in Bambalapitiya alleging that a teacher had sexually assaulted the student, which led to the girl’s death by suicide.

In this regard, the Ministry of Education had called for an explanation from the school’s principal.

In a previous statement, the Ministry had said that the teacher in question was transferred, and disciplinary action will be taken based on the investigations conducted by the police.

On the same day, Minister of Women and Child Affairs, Saroja Savithri Paulraj, stated that she had requested the parents of the Grade 10 student—who reportedly died by suicide following the alleged sexual assault by a teacher—to file a formal complaint with the National Child Protection Authority (NCPA). However, she noted that the complaint had not been filed as of yet.

The Minister’s comments came in response to allegations made by MP Mano Ganesan, who questioned whether government action had been delayed because the owner of the tuition center—where the student was allegedly verbally abused again after the incident—is affiliated with the National People’s Power (NPP).

(adaderana.lk)

(Except for the headline, this story, originally published by adaderana.lk has not been edited by SLM staff)

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