News

FR against Mannar wind power project

Published

3 weeks ago

June 11, 2024

editor

Three eminent environmentalists Rohan Pethiyagoda, Prof. Nimal Gunatilleke, and Prof. Sarath Kotagama together with the Bishop of Mannar Rev. Fr. Bastian filed a fundamental rights petition (SCFR/167/2024) in the Supreme Court.

The case has been filed in the public interest, against the procurement and construction of the proposed 250 MW Mannar Wind Power Project in Mannar that is reported to have been awarded to Adani Green Energy PTE Ltd and/or Adani Green Energy S L Limited.

The case names 67 Respondents including the Cabinet of Ministers, the Sri Lanka Sustainable Energy Authority (SLSEA), the Central Environmental Authority, the Board of Investments, the Ceylon Electricity Board, the Public Utilities Commission Sri Lanka and the Hon. Attorney General among others.

The petition raises concerns regarding the credibility of Environmental Impact Assessment (EIA) carried out in respect of the project, the role played by the SLSEA, raises certain procedural issues in the awarding of the purported contract, and questions the characterisation of the project as a Government-to-Government deal.

It also calls into question the basis for the negotiated tariff to be fixed at USD 8.26 cents per kilowatt-hour for a period of 20 years when the EIA conducts its assessment based on a cost of USD 4.6 cents, potentially causing considerable financial loss to the country and a burden on consumers.

In seeking their relief, the petitioners pray that the Supreme Court declare that there is a violation of the fundamental rights of the petitioners and citizenry at large, declare that the decisions made to award the project to Adani as wrongful, and calls for any consequential actions undertaken, to be declared illegal.

The petition states that the case has been filed to further the national interest, to preserve and protect public property, including the environment, flora and fauna, public finances and to safeguard the rights and freedoms of the general public of Sri Lanka and its future generations.

(newsfirst.lk)

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

News

Range Bandara’s son granted bail

Published

2 hours ago

June 29, 2024

editor

UNP General Secretary Palitha Range Bandara’s son Yasodha Range Bandara, who was arrested in connection with a car accident in Karuwalagaswewa area in Puttalam, has been granted bail by the Puttalam Magistrate’s Court.

However, the court has temporarily suspended his driving license.

After being presented to the court, the Acting Puttalam Magistrate has ordered the suspect to be released on a personal bail of Rs. 500,000.

He was arrested by officers following a vehicular accident that occurred early this morning (29).

The incident had occurred at around 4.30 a.m. in the Elephant Pass area near the 7th Mile Post, Mee-Oya, Karuwalagaswewa.

The car driven by Yasodha Range Bandara had reportedly veered off the road and collided with a three-wheeler.

The driver of the three-wheeler had sustained serious injuries in the crash and has been admitted to the Puttalam Base Hospital for treatment.

Karuwalagaswewa Police are conducting further investigations into the accident.

Yasodha Range Bandara had previously been arrested and remanded over a car accident in 2018.

(adaderana.lk)

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

News

Four fishermen die after consuming unknown liquid

Published

2 hours ago

June 29, 2024

editor

Four fishermen have died after consuming a liquid from a bottle they found adrift at sea.

Director General of Fisheries, Susantha Kahawatte, reported that two other fishermen who also consumed the liquid are in critical condition and are being brought back to shore.

The Sri Lanka Navy stated that the bottle was discovered approximately 320 nautical miles south of Tangalle. Medical advice was provided to the sailors by the Navy.

Police revealed that the multiday fishing trawler had departed from Tangalle fishing harbour on June 4th for fishing activities.

In response, the fishing community in Tangalle staged a protest on Saturday evening, demanding that the critically ill fishermen be brought ashore.

Protesters blocked the Tangalle-Matara main road in Pallikkudawa, causing significant disruption to vehicular movement.

News

Chris Rogers considered for head coach of Sri Lanka cricket team

Published

2 hours ago

June 29, 2024

editor

Sri Lanka Cricket (SLC) is reportedly considering appointing Australian Chris Rogers as the new head coach of the national cricket team.

Rogers, 46, currently coaches the Victoria state team and is a former opening batsman for Australia.

SLC has initiated discussions with Rogers and two other foreign candidates, with Rogers being the youngest among them.

SLC aims to finalize the new head coach appointment before the upcoming tournament in India.

In addition, SLC has expressed dissatisfaction with the current foreign bowling coach’s performance, indicating potential further changes in the coaching staff.