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Adani & Sri Lanka’s renewable energy: A G2G project?

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Multiple factions have raised concerns over the decision to award India’s Adani Group with an on-grid renewable energy development project in Mannar and Poonaryn, by considering it as a government-to-government arrangement.

These groups have called on the government to disclose the agreements related to the project.

The latest World Bank report on Sri Lanka titled “Offshore Wind Roadmap for Sri Lanka”, the island nation has good conditions for offshore wind and its locational potential is estimated at 56 GW.

The roadmap identified two large areas in the Gulf of Mannar that could be suitable for Sri Lanka’s first offshore wind project, and accordingly, an area in Mannar was allocated for the Wind Power Project that will be initiated by India’s Adani Group.

In addition, Sri Lanka has allowed the Adani Group to also initiate a renewable energy project in Poonaryn, and the total investments for both projects is a whopping US $ 442 million.

On the 11th of March 2022, the Memorandum of Understanding for the project was signed after the cabinet paper submitted by then-President Gotabaya Rajapaksa was given the green light by the Cabinet of Ministers.

The approval was given based on several preliminary requirements, including the need to pursue action on the next steps of the project based on the outcome of the feasibility study.

The cabinet paper also notes that Adani Green Energy Limited of India, which was awarded the project, was introduced to the Government of Sri Lanka by the Government of India.

Another cabinet paper on the same project, dated the 14th of August 2023 notes that the project should be considered as a government-to-government arrangement.

Why is this project being termed as a government-to-government arrangement?

The main reason to term the renewable energy development project as a government-to-government arrangement, it to give the project the necessary legal standing.

According to Sri Lanka’s Electricity Act, such arrangements can be made according to two methods, and two methods only.

The first is to call for open competitive bids, and select the most advantageous bidder.

The other, is for a proposal to be put forward to the government of Sri Lanka, by another government.

In this case, that is the on-grid renewable energy development project in Mannar and Poonaryn, the strategy adopted to award the project to one single company without calling for competitive bids and selecting the most  advantageous proposal, was to consider it as a government-to-government proposal, and award the project to Adani Green Energy Limited.

However, several factions continue to raise concerns on how Adani Green Energy Limited can be considered as the government of India.

Sri Lanka’s State Minister of Power and Energy, Indika Anuruddha Herath told News 1st on Wednesday (30) that the proposal would be directed to the Public Utilities Commission of Sri Lanka, which would then follow the directives given by the Attorney General.

However, the State Minister said that NO decision had been reached on the method by which the project would be awarded.

(newsfirst.lk)

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CID probing into ex-President Ranil’s overseas trips

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The Criminal Investigation Department (CID) informed the Colombo Fort Magistrate’s Court today (June 24) that it has launched an investigation into the overseas trips made by former President Ranil Wickremesinghe during his tenure as president.

The CID reported the facts to the court and stated that the investigation is being conducted under the Public Property Act.

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Nelumwewa hot springs to be boosted as tourist destination

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As part of the “Clean Sri Lanka” initiative, a development project has been proposed to enhance the area surrounding the Nelumwewa hot springs in Welikanda, Polonnaruwa, with the aim of promoting it as a tourist attraction.

A discussion regarding the proposed development was held this morning (June 24) at the site, followed by a field inspection.

Until now, the hot springs area has not been adequately developed, leading to a diminished interest from both local and international tourists.

During the discussion, attention was drawn to the importance of developing the Nelumwewa hot springs, the site’s tourism and scientific potential and its current condition.

Proposals currently being evaluated involve enhancing forest cover in the surrounding area, beautifying the island adjacent to the hot springs and building a bridge from the mainland to the island to facilitate better access for visitors.

Among those present were Deputy Minister of Housing T.B. Sarath, Chairman of the Welikanda Pradeshiya Sabha, D.W. Wasantha, retired hydrologist Prof. Dharma Gunawardena of the University of Peradeniya and officials from the Clean Sri Lanka Secretariat, the Mahaweli Authority, the Sri Lanka Tourism Development Authority, the Welikanda Divisional Secretariat and several other institutions.

(President’s Media Division)

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22 Oluwil university students suspended over ragging

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A group of 22 students from Oluwil University have been suspended for allegedly ragging first-year students, Vice Chancellor Prof. S.M. Junaideen said.

The university’s Registrar, M.I. Naufer, stated that a special committee made up of university professors has been appointed to carry out a formal investigation into the incident.

According to preliminary reports, a group of second-year students from the Engineering Faculty were involved in ragging several first-year students. University authorities said strict disciplinary action would be taken based on the findings of the investigation.

The incident has raised fresh concerns about ragging in universities, which remains a serious issue despite longstanding efforts to eliminate the practice from Sri Lanka’s higher education institutions.

(dailymirror.lk)

(This story, originally published by dailymirror.lk has not been edited by SLM staff)

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