News

Indians, Chinese competing for energy projects

Published

2 months ago

July 30, 2023

editor

Indian business tycoon Gautham Adani and his team and officials from Sinopec were in town this week to discuss energy projects in Sri Lanka, top officials said.

During President Ranil Wickremesinghe’s visit to India recently, the Adani Group had given a commitment to complete work on the 500 MW Solar and Wind project in Mannar and Pooneryn by January 2025.

“India-SL grid connectivity, Green Hydrogen, Oil pipeline connectivity, and energy sector investments were discussed during the discussions held with Prime Minister Narendra Modi and other officials. The Adani Group was in town to further discuss these investments. Their total investments will be around US$ 2.2 million,” an official said. He added that the Adani Group was very interested in green hydrogen.

Meanwhile, Finance Ministry officials said that the Adani Group was also interested in public transport sectors such as railways and buses. On Tuesday Minister Bandula Gunawardena, Minister of Transport and Highways, said that the Sri Lanka Railway Department is set to undergo a significant restructuring process. While the Sri Lanka Railways (SLR) will not be privatised, the Adani Group may be taken on to make the Railways more productive, a ministry official said.

In other developments, the Sinopec team was in town to discuss the oil refinery, which is around $2.2 million and is to be established in Hambantota, he said.

Sri Lanka and India have entered into a memorandum of understanding (MoU) on renewable energy, Power and Energy Minister Kanchana Wijesekara said recently noting that, “MOUs on Renewable Energy Cooperation, Trincomalee Energy hub development was entered into during the visit (to India) and the energy permit for the Sampur Solar Park was issued for the joint venture between CEB and NTPC of India to commence work.”

(sundaytimes.lk)

News

Landslide warnings extended

Published

8 hours ago

September 30, 2023

editor

The Department of Irrigation says that the water levels in the Kelani River and Attanagalu Oya are rising to levels that requires attention.

Director of the Hydrology and Disaster Management Division of the Irrigation Department S. P. C. Sugeeshwara says that the Gin, Nilwala and Kalu Ganga remain at the flood level.

Many roads in the vicinity of the rivers have been inundated.

S. P. C Sugeeshwara warns that people should refrain from further using the rivers.

The landslide warnings issued to seven districts have also been extended, due to the prevailing weather conditions.

The Met Department predicts that the heavy showers in the South West will continue.

Heavy showers of about 75 mm can be expected in some areas.

News

“SLPP Leadership can change if needed”

Published

10 hours ago

September 30, 2023

editor

Former President Mahinda Rajapaska yesterday said that there should be a change in the leadership of Sri Lanka Podujana Peramuna (SLPP), if the need arises.

When the former President was asked about the veracity of the news on social media about imminent change of the SLPP leadership, said that he is not aware of any change in the leadership.

The President was speaking to the media after calling on Mahanayake Thera of the Rammanya Maha Nikaya Most Ven. Makulewe Sri Wimala Thera at the Vidyawasa Pirivena in Meerigama yesterday.

Commenting on the impending regulations on social media, the former President said that there are pros and cons in the social media. “I don’t have any issue with the social media,” he said.

Former President Mahinda Rajapaksa also visited the Sacred Kelaniya Rajamaha Viharaya and participated in religious activities. The Former President also met Chief incumbent of the Kelaniya Rajamaha Viharaya Ven. Kollupitiye Mahinda Sangharakkitha Thera and received his blessings.

Speaking to the media on the occasion, the former President said that he is physically fit despite social media reports to the contrary.

(dailynews.lk)