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US$ 2bn worth of wind energy projects stuck in limbo

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Four international companies — with an estimated US$ 2bn (Rs 729bn) worth of wind energy projects stuck in limbo for over two years — have sought an urgent meeting with President Ranil Wickremesinghe to break the impasse.

In a letter to the President, the local representatives of Mingyang Smart Energy Group Ltd, Envision Energy Ltd, Jade Power/Hydrostor and China Machinery Engineering Corporation pointed out that their projects were under consideration for more than two years by the Board of Investment (BOI), the Sustainable Energy Authority (SEA) and the Ceylon Electricity Board (CEB).

They requested the President’s “urgent intervention to bring these projects to fruition as they are being long-delayed at massive cost to the country”.

The BOI is the lead agency in the initiative, the companies said, adding that all their projects were processed and recommended through expressions of interest called in 2021 by the State Ministry of Renewable Energy.

And, as early as October 2021, the previous Government’s Cabinet-Appointed Management Committee (CAMCI) had kicked off the approval process by seeking information from the SEA and the CEB on the respective investments, the letter said.

The companies, which have styled themselves as the Offshore Wind Energy Projects Promoters’ Group, claim that it was found their proposals fall within the scope allowed by a Cabinet subcommittee appointed in 2021—that is, that their applications do not conflict with any other applications for the locations mentioned. The subcommittee reportedly recommended on March 2022 that memorandums of understanding (MoU) be signed with six proponents (one has since dropped out).

“Of these, only one MoU was signed with Adani Green Energy,” the group states. “Subsequently, the CAMCI being non-operational, the remaining MoUs were not signed.”

While Power and Energy Minister Kanchana Wijesekera and State Investment Promotion Minister Dilum Amunugama have both sought to expedite the projects, they have made little progress.

(Sunday Times)

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Ella Rock Forest reserve fire destroys 600 Acres

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The fire engulfing the Ella Rock forest reserve continued yesterday with more than 600 acres of a total extent of 4,447 acres, destroyed so far.

The fire had spread towards the Rawana falls on Friday night.

Winds and steep inclines are hampering efforts by the army, Forest Conservation and the fire services of the Bandarawela Municipal council.

Trees, reptiles and small animals have been destroyed in the fire. Monkeys were also severely affected.

Police warned that boulders could fall onto the main road.

Air Force helicopters were not called in to assist, unlike in previous years.

Prof  Ruwan Ranasinghe, deputy minister of tourism, told the media that using helicopters has not been effective in controlling such fires in addition to the high cost involved.

He said NPP members in each of the divisions will be reined in to prevent such fires in future.

(sundaytimes.lk)
(Except for the headline, this story, originally published by sundaytimes.lk has not been edited by SLM staff)

 

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Sri Lanka to extradite fugitive criminals hiding in India –  Police Spokesperson

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Police Spokesperson SSP Buddhika Manatunga announced on Saturday (15) that several criminals currently hiding in India will soon be extradited back to Sri Lanka. 

Speaking at a media briefing, he revealed that out of 13 reported shootings this year, seven were linked to organized crime gangs, resulting in nine deaths and two injuries.

Authorities have arrested 30 individuals connected to these crimes and seized three T-56 rifles, five pistols, and four motorcycles used in the incidents. 

SSP Manatunga emphasized that efforts are ongoing to resolve the remaining cases and bring those responsible to justice.

“A program is in place to extradite criminals who have fled abroad, and those hiding in India are expected to be returned to Sri Lanka soon,” he stated. 

The announcement highlights the ongoing crackdown on organized crime and cross-border collaboration to ensure accountability.

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NPP MP Mohamed Faisal’s cousin remanded

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The cousin of Puttalam District NPP Parliamentarian Mohamed Faisal has been remanded until February 17 by the Marawila Acting Magistrate following the fatal road accident.

The incident occurred yesterday (14) in Wennappuwa, when a vehicle belonging to MP Mohamed Faisal was involved in a collision that resulted in the death of a motorcyclist.

According to police reports, the accident took place in the Haldaduwana area of Koswatta while the vehicle was en route to Parliament.

Preliminary investigations indicate that the MP’s vehicle veered off the road and collided with a motorcycle approaching from the opposite direction.

The motorcyclist sustained severe injuries and succumbed to them shortly after the collision.

Authorities have confirmed that the vehicle was being driven by the parliamentarian’s cousin at the time of the accident.

Following the incident, the suspect was arrested by Koswatta Police and has now been remanded until February 17.

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

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