News

Japanese grant to improve power supply vulnerability at hospitals

Published

1 year ago

February 15, 2024

nipuni

Ambassador of Japan to Sri Lanka – Mr. Mizukoshi Hideaki and Secretary, Ministry of Finance, Economic Stabilization and National Policies – Mr. K. M. M. Siriwardana yesterday (14) signed an Exchange of Note for providing JPY 1.23 billion in order to improve power supply vulnerability at hospitals.

This signing ceremony was held with the President of JICA – Dr. Tanka Akihiko and Dr. P. G. Mahipala, the Secretary of the Ministry of Health.

This grant aims to reduce carbon footprint and ease the financial burden on energy costs at Sri Jayewardenepura General Hospital, Teaching Hospital Ratnapura, and Teaching Hospital Kurunegala. With this assistance, the recipient hospitals will be equipped with solar power facilities, ensuring reliable electricity supply and contributing to achieving Sri Lanka’s goal of over 70% of electricity from renewable sources by 2030.

This project, similar to the fuel assistance, contributes to enhancing Sri Lanka’s healthcare infrastructure. The introduction of solar power facilities aims to improve the resilience of these healthcare institutions and contribute to the well-being of the Sri Lankan people. The collaboration signifies a strong commitment to improving healthcare services and promoting sustainable energy solutions, underlining the bilateral relations between Japan and Sri Lanka.

The embassy also notes that the Japanese government looks forward to a successful implementation of the solar power facilities, supporting Sri Lanka in achieving renewable energy goals and fostering a greener future.

News

LG polls 2025: postal voting concludes today

Published

26 minutes ago

April 29, 2025

editor

Postal voting for the 2025 Local Government (LG) Election is scheduled to end today (April 29).

The Chairman of the Election Commission – R.M.A.L. Rathnayake, mentioned that eligible government officials who missed casting their votes on the previous days will have the opportunity to do so today.

The marking of postal votes commenced on April 24, with additional opportunities provided on the 25th and 28th.

The Election Commissioner has also emphasised that the deadline given to cast postal votes will not be extended under any circumstance.

Meanwhile, distribution of official polling cards for the LG elections will also be concluded today and according to Postmaster General P. Sathkumara, the process is nearly complete.

News

5 convicted in 2012 murder get death penalty

Published

31 minutes ago

April 29, 2025

editor

The Colombo High Court yesterday (April 28) sentenced 05 persons to death over their involvement in a murder that took place in 2012.

Two more were sentenced to life imprisonment as they were minors aged 17 and 15, during the time of the crime.

The verdict was delivered by High Court Judge Navaratne Marasinghe.

The defendants were found guilty of three charges, including the murder of a 21-year-old using a blunt weapon.

A total of nine persons were involved in the incident, but two of them died while the case was continuing.

News

Heavy rainfall expected today

Published

48 minutes ago

April 29, 2025

editor

The Department of Meteorology says that the Intertropical Convergence Zone, where winds from the Northern Hemisphere and Southern Hemisphere converge, affects the island’s weather.

Showers or thundershowers will occur at most places of the island during the afternoon or night today (April 29)

Showers may occur in Southern and Western provinces and Puttalam, Mannar and Jaffna districts in the morning too.

Heavy rainfall of about 100 mm is likely at some places in Central, Uva, Eastern and North-central provinces and in Vavuniya and Mullaittivu districts.

The general public is kindly requested to take adequate precautions to minimize damages caused by temporary localized strong winds and lightning during thundershowers.

Misty conditions can be expected at some places in Central and Uva provinces during the morning.