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No confirmed HMPV cases found in SL yet –  Minister (Video)

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Sri Lanka’s health authorities are on the alert for the recent spread of Human metapneumovirus (HMPV), but no patients have been confirmed from the island so far, Health Minister Nalinda Jayatissa said.

Speaking in Parliament today (Jan. 09), he said that there was a suspected patient but tests were negative.

“We are keeping watch on 20 locations”, the minister has assured, adding that the epidemiology unit are providing regular updates and taking necessary precautions.

Commenting on a spate of social media posts that had made rounds yesterday, which claimed that a HMPV patient was found in Sri Lanka, the minister explained that these were based on a mainstream media report that had not correctly and completely quoted a statement by Prof. Neelika Malavige.

He explained that Prof. Malavige had correctly stated that Sri Lanka had identified a HMPV patient before the current outbreak and not during the present one. However, the report had been published in a manner that left room to assume that it was during the present outbreak.

He slammed such reports published in a manner to create undue fear in the society.

“I wish to tell these media stations that media is not just about views, ratings or profits. These are sensitive issues affecting the lives of the public and should be dealt with scientific statistics.”

(Video : VoiceTube)

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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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