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Hospital to be established at Somawathiya Raja Maha Viharaya

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The Health Ministry has announced plans to construct a peripheral hospital within the Somawathiya Raja Maha Viharaya premises to serve the large number of devotees and nearby communities.

A special discussion on this initiative was recently held at the temple, led by the Chief Incumbent, Ven. Pahamune Sri Sumangala Thera. 

The Chief Incumbent highlighted the temple’s significant daily visitor count of around 1,000 devotees, which swells to over 50,000 on Poya days and exceeds 100,000 during Poson and Esala Poya days. 

Currently, devotees who fall ill are transported to Polonnaruwa Hospital, a process that will be significantly eased with the new hospital.

Under the Health Ministry’s directives, two ambulances from Polonnaruwa General Hospital have been stationed at the temple to assist sick devotees. 

The new hospital will provide much-needed relief to the local villages of Sungawila, Katuwanwala, Galkanda, and Kandakadu.

Health Secretary Dr. Palitha Mahipala outlined the facilities of the new hospital, which will include an outpatient department, an emergency treatment unit, male and female wards, and residential quarters for doctors and health staff. 

This hospital will function as an affiliate of Polonnaruwa General Hospital, with staff being deployed from the main hospital.

A special Cabinet paper for the hospital’s construction is set to be presented, with an allocation of Rs.100 million for the project this year.

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Adani denies cancellation of power purchase deal with SL

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India’s Adani Group has denied the cancellation of its $440 million power purchase deal with Sri Lanka, terming the reports as “false and misleading”.
The media statement notes that “the Sri Lankan Cabinet’s decision of 2 Jan 2025 to reevaluate the tariff approved in May 2024 is part of a standard review process, particularly with a new government, to ensure that the terms align with their current priorities and energy policies.”

“Adani remains committed to investing $1 billion in Sri Lanka’s green energy sector, driving renewable energy and economic growth,” it adds.

The media statement comes after the AFP reported that the new Sri Lankan government has revoked a power purchase agreement with Indian conglomerate Adani Group following allegations of corruption.

The deal had initially approved to purchase electricity at US$0.0826 per kilowatt hour from the proposed Adani wind power plant, which is to be built in the Northern region of Sri Lanka. 

Several activists had challenged the agreement, arguing that smaller renewable projects were selling electricity at two-thirds the price of Adani, the AFP had further reported.
In addition, the project is also facing separate environmental concerns.

While President Dissanayake’s cabinet has revoked the 20-year deal power purchase deal signed in May 2024, it has not cancelled the project and has appointed a committee to review the project, the AFP reported, citing an official document and an energy ministry official.

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Swiss govt. pledges support to reclaim SL assets held abroad

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The Ambassador of Switzerland to Sri Lanka and Ambassador designate to the Maldives, Dr. Siri Walt, has assured Switzerland’s support in recovering assets that have been moved out of Sri Lanka.  

During discussions, Ambassador Walt provided guidance on the international measures required for reclaiming such assets and expressed Switzerland’s readiness to extend support whenever necessary by providing essential resources and assistance.

Ambassador Walt made these remarks during a meeting held today (Jan. 24) at the Presidential Secretariat with the Secretary to the President, Dr. Nandika Sanath Kumanayake.

The discussion also focused on utilizing Switzerland’s expertise and technical knowledge to assist Sri Lanka’s on-going anti-corruption initiatives. The Swiss government reiterated its commitment to providing technical and financial support for Sri Lanka’s priority programs, including the “Clean Sri Lanka” program.  

The Ambassador additionally expressed Switzerland’s commitment to supporting Sri Lanka in addressing social challenges, promoting national reconciliation, and assisting with the development of the Northern region through necessary aid and resources.  

The meeting was attended by Senior Additional Secretary to the President, Roshan Gamage.  

(President’s Media Division)

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Fmr. President MR files FR petition

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Former President Mahinda Rajapaksa has filed a fundamental rights (FR) petition in the Supreme Court seeking an order to re-deploy his security.

In the petition, Mr. Rajapaksa has said that his security has been reduced without a proper assessment of his security.

Prime Minister Dr. Harini Amarasuriya and the Cabinet of Ministers are among the respondents.

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