News

Sinopec assures readiness to invest on refinery in Hambantota

Published

6 months ago

March 13, 2023

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Sri Lankan President Ranil Wickremesinghe said that the government has taken a policy decision to expand fuel distribution and a programme will be initiated soon.

He also noted that Hambantota has been identified as a primary energy hub.

According to the President’s Media Division, he made these comments during a discussion with the representatives of the Sinopec Group held at the President’s Office in Colombo today (13).

Sinopec has also stated their readiness to invest in importing, storage, distribution and sales of petroleum products to meet with Sri Lanka’s requirement.

According to the PMD, Sinopec has also pledged to invest in a refinery in Hambantota.

The representatives informed the Sri Lankan government that their company has adhered to the existing system and has applied accordingly. They further conveyed their readiness to fully invest in the construction of a refinery in Hambantota, which has been identified as a central energy hub by the government.

Moreover, the representatives stated that their company is prepared to respond to future solicitations that align with the aspirations of the country.

They also presented a proposal to the President who spoke about the import, storage and distribution of petroleum products.

Expressing his views, President Ranil Wickremesinghe further stated rapid development is expected following the program with the International Monetary Fund.

He also expressed his expectations to promote foreign businesses operating within the country in the future.

News

Keheliya & ministry officials undertake 50 foreign tours

Published

19 mins ago

September 22, 2023

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Health Minister Keheliya Rambukwella and the officials of his Ministry had undertaken 50 foreign tours in one year, a report prepared by the International Health Division of the Ministry revealed.

These reports have been compiled by Deputy Director General (Planning) of the Health Ministry Dr. S. Sri Dharan.

It was prepared following a Right to Information (RTI) request made by an organisation called ‘Citizens Power Against Bribery and Corruption.’

Accordingly, Health Minister Rambukwella has made five foreign trips, Health Secretary Janaka Sri Chandragupta has made two foreign trips and Health Services Director General Asela Gunawardena has made four foreign trips.

These foreign trips have taken place as per the invitations made by representative organizations including the World Health Organization, and those organizations have provided expenses for air tickets, food and accommodation facilities.

Furthermore, the International Health Division of the Ministry of Health has approved foreign duty leave for these doctors and has also given them a casual allowance.

Interestingly, the deputy director general who prepared the report has engaged in the highest number of foreign trips.

Source – Aruna

News

Health workers to protest demanding solutions

Published

22 mins ago

September 22, 2023

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The Collective of United Health Service Trade Unions and the United People’s Movement are scheduled to launch protests outside health institutions today (22) demanding immediate solutions to several issues in the health sector.

This series of protests has been named as the National Health Protest Day.

Several civil organizations and people are expected to join the protest which will be held from 12 noon to 1 pm along with health trade unions.

The protest will also force the government to solve the issue of health professionals leaving the country, All Ceylon Nurses’ Union President S. B. Madiwatta said.

News

Heavy rains today as well

Published

32 mins ago

September 22, 2023

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Several spells of showers will occur in Western, Sabaragamuwa and North-western Provinces and in Galle and Matara Districts today (22), the Department of Meteorology said.

It said showers or thundershowers will occur at several places in Uva, Central, North-central and Eastern Provinces and in Vavuniya and Mullaitivu Districts during the evening or night.

Fairly heavy showers of above 50mm can be expected at some places.

The public are requested to take precautions to minimize damages caused by temporary localized strong winds and lightning during thundershowers.