News

Solar Energy / Battery storage project at Poonakary lake

Published

2 years ago

September 12, 2023

editor

Cabinet approval has been received to invite expression of interest proposals from prospective investors for developing renewable energy projects with a capacity of 50 MW or more in order to assist in the implementation of accelerated renewable energy development programs in the country.

Accordingly, United Solar Energy SL Pvt. Company has submitted a proposal to develop a solar power plant of 700 MW with a battery energy storage system at Kilinochchi Poonakary Lake to provide a power supply of 134 MW.

The project is proposed to be implemented with a total investment of USD 1727 million as a 100% foreign direct investment. From this amount, USD 500 million will be used for domestic project components. The project proponent company has proposed to construct 03 anicuts around the Poonakari lake to prevent the ingress of sea water at a cost of 13.5 million, a part of the proposed project. Instead, the Northern Provincial Council,

The Northern Provincial Irrigation Department and the Agricultural Development Department have already agreed to grant 1080 acres of the shallow area of the lake to the company on a 35-year lease agreement to establish the 700 MW power plant. As such the Cabinet of Ministers approved the proposal presented by the Minister of Power and Energy to accept the project proposal presented by the United Solar Energy SL Pvt Company in principle and to appoint a cabinet appointed negotiation committee to evaluate the proposal and make recommendations.

News

COVID subvariants spreading in Asia detected in Sri Lanka

Published

9 hours ago

May 31, 2025

editor

The Medical Research Institute of Sri Lanka has confirmed that the COVID-19 variant currently spreading in the Asian region has also been identified in the country.

Dr. Jude Jayamaha, a specialist in viral diseases at the Medical Research Institute, stated that patients infected with the Omicron subvariants LF.7 and XFG are being reported locally.

Dr. Jayamaha explained that this finding was confirmed through research conducted on biological samples collected from several hospitals across the island.

However, he emphasized that there is no need for undue fear regarding these COVID-19 variants.

Health authorities have also stressed the importance of vulnerable groups—such as pregnant mothers, the elderly, and those with chronic illnesses—following health guidelines, including wearing face masks and avoiding crowded places.

Dr. Jayamaha reiterated that new COVID-19 variants emerge periodically, and health authorities are continuously monitoring the situation, so the public should remain calm.

(newswire.lk)

(This story, originally published by newswire.lk has not been edited by SLM staff)

News

Anudi misses out from Miss World Quarter-Finals

Published

9 hours ago

May 31, 2025

editor

The Miss World organization has announced its quarter-finalists, selecting 40 contestants from across Asia, Europe, Africa, and the Americas.

Sri Lanka’s Anudi Gunasekara, was not selected in the top 40, despite being recognized for her impressive performances in the Multimedia and Head-to-Head challenges.

The top 40 consisted of 10 contestants each from Asia & Oceania, Europe, Africa and the Americas.