News

Solar Energy / Battery storage project at Poonakary lake

Published

1 week 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

Excise officials kidnap beedi businessman & forcefully take Rs.1mn

Published

53 mins ago

September 22, 2023

editor

The Walasmulla Police have launched an investigation into an incident where a Beedi businessman was kidnapped and assaulted before forcefully taking Rs.1 million from him.

The business license of the businessman residing in Maraketiya, Rajapuragoda in Walasmulla expired on June 26. A team of excise officials including the OIC of the Tangalle Excise Unit had arrived at his house on September 18 and seized the Beedi leaves.

Excise officials had demanded Rs.1.4 million from the businessman not to take legal action in this regard.

They had taken the businessman away in a three-wheeler, beaten him up, and then had taken an amount of Rs.1 million by force.

News

Test kits ordered to detect ‘Nipah’ virus

Published

2 hours ago

September 22, 2023

editor

Steps have been taken to import special test kits needed for the detection of ‘Nipah’ virus, the Health Ministry said.

Special test kits recommended by the World Health Organization have been ordered to detect the virus and they are expected to arrive in Sri Lanka in a few days.

Commenting further, Virologist Dr. Janaki Abeynayake said that no specific treatment or vaccine has been developed globally for patients infected with Nipah virus.

However, Chief Epidemiologist Dr. Samitha Ginige said that there is no high risk of the virus spreading among countries since the virus spreading pace is slower.

The Ministry requested the public not panic over the virus that has been reported in several countries including India.

News

Keheliya & ministry officials undertake 50 foreign tours

Published

3 hours ago

September 22, 2023

editor

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