News

First payment for Hybrid Power Projects in Northern isles, handed over

Published

2 weeks ago

August 29, 2024

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The first payment towards implementation of Hybrid Power Projects in three Islands off Jaffna was handed over by the High Commissioner of India to Sri Lanka – Santosh Jha to Secretary, Minister of Power and Energy, Dr. Sulakshana Jayawardena and Chairman of Sri Lanka Sustainable Energy Authority (SLSEA) Mr. Ranjith Sepala at a ceremony held at the High Commission yesterday (Aug. 28).

A Memorandum of Understanding for the implementation of the hybrid renewable energy projects in Delft, Nainativu and Analaitivu islands was signed between the Government of the Republic of India and the Government of the Democratic Socialist Republic of Sri Lanka in March 2022, and subsequently contract for the project implementation was signed by SLSEA with M/s. U Solar Clean Energy Solutions Pvt. Ltd on 01 March 2024.

The project, aimed at addressing energy needs of the people of the three islands which are not connected to the national grid, will combine various forms of energy including both solar and wind, towards optimizing capacities.

Initial work has commenced at the three sites, and the project is scheduled to be completed by early-March 2025 and handed over by late-April 2025.

The project is being implemented under grant assistance of USD 11 million from the Government of India and reaffirms India’s commitment to the bilateral cooperation in the energy sector, as well as the human-centric nature of India’s development partnership initiatives in Sri Lanka.

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Measures sought against using children in election campaigns

Published

4 hours ago

September 11, 2024

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Measures have been sought against children being used in election campaigns.

The ‘Surakimu Daruwan’ National Movement has lodged a complaint with the Election Commission today (Sep. 11) in this regard.

Convener of the movement – Priyantha Herath has said, “Children are being used in canvassing and advertisement… Children cannot be used for political purposes. We have complained to the National Child Protection Authority… Nothing was done. Therefore, we complained of this to the Election Commission.”

The Election Commission itself has informed all parties not to use children in their political campaigns.

Election Commissioner General – Saman Sri Ratnayake has reminded that the candidates have a responsibility to work for the future generations without making the sovereign power and people’s vote, a mere commodity.

He had further added : “Voters too have a responsibility to think about how to use their vote. It is also the responsibility of the NCPA to look into these matters. It is not something that needs to specially reminded by the Election Commission.”

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Keheliya granted bail

Published

4 hours ago

September 11, 2024

editor

Former Health Minister Keheliya Rambukwella and three other suspects, implicated in the alleged importation of substandard human immunoglobulin vials, have been released on bail by the Maligakanda Magistrate’s Court.

News

GMOA strike next week

Published

5 hours ago

September 11, 2024

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The Government Medical Officers’ Association (GMOA) has decided to commence an island wide strike next Wednesday (Sep. 18).
GMOA spokesman – Dr. Chamil Wijesinghe says this is a mark of protest against the disciplinary investigation against Dr. Palitha Rajapaksa without a formal complaint.

In addition, it has also been decided to display black flags at all hospitals for a week, he says.