News

Keel laying ceremony of 4000T floating dock for SL Navy, held

Published

2 years ago

December 7, 2023

editor

The Keel Laying ceremony of 4000T Floating Dock for the Sri Lanka Navy being built by M/s Goa Shipyard Ltd was conducted yesterday (Dec. 06).

The ceremony was held at M/s Dempo Shipbuilding and Engineering Pvt. Ltd. (DSEPL), Goa and High Commissioner of India in Sri Lanka – Mr. Gopal Baglay, Commander of Sri Lanka Navy – Vice Admiral UVMP Perera along with all Joint Monitoring Committee members of Floating Dock from both countries, participated virtually.
The High Commissioner in his address during the occasion highlighted that the project symbolises the enduring bonds of cooperation, camaraderie and friendship between India and Sri Lanka. India has remained committed towards capacity building and sustained development of Sri Lanka Defence forces, towards realising vision of India’s SAGAR (Security and Growth for All in the Region) doctrine and ‘Neighbourhood First’ policy. He emphasized that the project of providing Floating Dock to Sri Lanka Navy has reinforced the strong bonds between Navies of both India and Sri Lanka. He mentioned that the Floating Dock will fulfill all maintenance needs of the Sri Lanka Navy and thereby enhancing Maritime security in the region.

He thanked all stakeholders for their contribution in making this project a reality and wished them for timely completion of the project. He expressed his appreciation to M/s Goa Shipyard Limited for organizing the event in physical as well as virtual mode.

The gifting of Floating Dock to Sri Lanka Navy is indicative of the growing cooperation and friendship between the two nations. The agreement between GoI and GoSL for gifting of 4000T Floating Dock to Sri Lanka Navy was signed on 15 Mar 2022 in Colombo.

The Floating Dock is capable of docking vessels up to 115 meters in length with a lifting capacity of 4000 Tonnes.

The Keel laying ceremony of 4000T Floating Dock built by @goashipyardltd for @srilanka_navy was held yesterday at Dempo Shipyard Goa. High Commissioner and VAdm Priyantha Perera Commander of 🇱🇰Navy participated virtually. pic.twitter.com/5h46t3HYQh
— India in Sri Lanka (@IndiainSL) December 7, 2023

News

A few showers expected today

Published

45 minutes ago

July 1, 2025

editor

A few showers will occur in the Western, Sabaragamuwa and North-western provinces and in the Nuwara-Eliya, Kandy, Galle and Matara districts today (July 01), the Department of Meteorology.

Fairly strong winds of about 30-40kmph can be expected at times over the Western slopes of the central hills and in the Northern, North-central and North-western provinces and in the Trincomalee and Hambantota districts.

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

News

Fuel prices upped

Published

9 hours ago

June 30, 2025

editor

The Ceylon Petroleum Corporation (CPC) has announced a revision of fuel prices, effective from midnight today (June 30).

The price of Petrol 92 Octane has been increased by Rs. 12 to Rs. 305 per litre, while the price of Kerosene has been increased by Rs. 07 to Rs. 185 per litre. The price of Auto Diesel has also been increased by Rs. 15, bringing it to Rs. 289 per litre.

However, the prices of Petrol 95 Octane and Super Diesel remain unchanged, according to Ceypetco.

The new fuel prices are as follows:

• Petrol Octane 92 – Rs. 305 (increased by Rs. 12)
• Auto Diesel – Rs. 289 (increased by Rs. 15)
• Kerosene – Rs. 185 (increased by Rs. 7)
• Petrol Octane 95 – Rs. 341 (not revised)
• Super Diesel – Rs. 325 (not revised)

Meanwhile, Lanka IOC has also revised retail fuel prices to match Ceypetco prices.

News

Ex-minister Gamini Lokuge passes away

Published

10 hours ago

June 30, 2025

editor

Former Minister and veteran politician Gamini Lokuge has passed away today (June 30) at the age of 82.

Commencing his political career in 1960 as a member of the United National Party, his first successful national-level campaign came in 1983, when he was elected by a clear majority to represent the Kesbewa District.

He served as Minister of Tourism during the UNP-led governments in 1989 and 2002. In 2006, following personal disagreements with then UNP leader Ranil Wickremesinghe, he crossed over to the government of former President Mahinda Rajapaksa.

In January 2007, Lokuge was appointed Minister of Sports and Public Recreation. He was re-elected to Parliament in both 2010 and 2015.

On 27 November 2019, he was appointed State Minister for Urban Development, and on 12 August 2020, he assumed duties as the Cabinet Minister of Transport.