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USAID-funded SLEP wins at 2024 SID-US annual conference

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The U.S. Embassy announces that Sri Lanka’s USAID-funded Sri Lanka Energy Project (SLEP) has received top honors at the 2024 annual conference for the Society for International Development, the premier U.S. event for international development professionals.

The award was given in recognition of the innovative solar-powered electric vehicle battery swapping stations owned and operated by Sri Lanka’s Sling Mobility (Pvt.) Ltd., particularly highlighting the station located at the Center for Women’s Research in Colombo, which generates income to support the center’s activities.

In a ceremony held June 13 at the Center for Women’s Research, U.S. Ambassador Julie Chung and Minister of Power and Energy Kanchana Wijesekera presented the Innovation Competition Award to representatives from SLEP and Sling Mobility. “It is inspiring to see this international honor come to Sri Lanka, especially since this is such a great example of innovation, renewable energy, private sector development, and women’s empowerment,” Ambassador Chung said, noting the project’s solar-powered battery swapping station at the women’s center contributes to the center’s income and supports sustainable urban mobility. “The United States is committed to our partnership with Sri Lanka to develop solutions that secure the country’s energy future, drive economic development, and lift all segments of society.”

This year’s conference “World in Crisis: Sparks of Hope” saw over 1,500 in-person and virtual attendees voting for innovative approaches to sustainable development. The USAID-supported SLING “360° Sustainable Mobility” project emerged as a standout, providing cost-effective and efficient solutions to the retail logistics sector through a smart electric vehicle ecosystem. This initiative significantly reduces the high initial costs of buying batteries and e-bikes by offering a battery subscription service. Collaborating with Uber for food delivery services, Sling Mobility has demonstrated the model’s effectiveness in reducing downtime for riders, thus saving both money and time.     

“SLING Mobility’s collaboration with USAID marks a significant step towards a sustainable and green future for urban mobility in Sri Lanka,” said Sling Chief Executive Officer Love Yadav. “The “360° Sustainable Mobility” solar powered battery swapping project is not just a technological innovation but a testament to the transformative power of partnerships driving positive change and has a potential of sustained innovation in the energy sector beyond electric mobility.”

Additionally, USAID SLEP’s assistance also focuses on economically disadvantaged and marginalized populations, promoting their involvement in the retail logistics sector through electric vehicle use. In its first phase, the initiative trained 18 drivers, assisted 10 individuals in obtaining driver’s licenses, and conducted four outreach activities reaching over 100 participants.

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AG seeks CID probe into social media smear campaign against his staff

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The Criminal Investigation Department (CID) has opened a probe following a complaint by Attorney General Parinda Ranasinghe that his staff have been unduly targeted by false allegations on social media.

The AG’s instruction to the CID came after several of his staff complained to him over the allegation on social media.

Particularly targeted are senior AG’s Department officials awaiting promotions, sources said.

In one of the posts, a senior officer was accused of being supportive of granting bail to Thamil Makkal Viduthal Puligal (TMVP) leader Sivanesathurai Chandrakanthan, alias Pillaiyan, when his fundamental rights application over his arrest was taken up. During the hearing of the FR case, the matter of bail was not even considered, the sources said.

Another allegation was that in a case related to the suspended Police Chief Deshabandu Tennakoon, the AG prevented a senior officer from representing the department and instead sent a junior officer. However, on the particular day, the senior officer was indisposed, the sources said.

These allegations surface as the AG’s Department has filed more than 600 new indictments in High Courts so far this year, while the Bribery Commission has also referred several bribery and corruption cases to the AG for prosecution.

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

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19-yr. old dies after falling from elevator

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A 19-year-old youth has died after falling from a service elevator at a hotel in the Pannai area, in the Jaffna Police Division.

According to the police, the incident had occurred last night (June 21) and the deceased has been identified as a resident of Nirveli, Jaffna.

According to investigations, the youth was employed at the hotel and had been using the service elevator -intended for transporting goods.

Further investigations are underway.

This incident follows a similar case recently reported from a hotel in Moratuwa last week.

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Deputy Foreign Minister addresses 6th CSACF in Kunming

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Deputy Minister of Foreign Affairs and Foreign Employment Arun Hemachandra participated at the 9th China-South Asia Exposition and the 6th China-South Asia Cooperation Forum (CSACF), held from 18 to 21 June 2025 in Kunming, Yunnan Province, China. This year’s Exposition held particular significance for Sri Lanka as it was featured as the Theme Country of the exposition.

Addressing the opening ceremony of the 6th China-South Asia Cooperation Forum, Deputy Minister Hemachandra emphasized the importance of regional unity and shared progress, a crucial factor for South Asia, with its demographic strength and strategic location, increasing share of global trade, and cultural and intellectual assets. He invited investors and partners from China and South Asia to explore opportunities in key sectors, including infrastructure, technology, green energy, agriculture, tourism and manufacturing.  

On 20 June 2025, the Deputy Minister held bilateral discussions with the Vice Governor of Yunnan Province, where future collaboration in areas such as processed food, apparel, agriculture, and tourism were explored. He expressed Sri Lanka’s interest in technical assistance and knowledge exchange, including opportunities for Sri Lankan entrepreneurs to gain exposure to Yunnan’s expertise in the cut flower industry, a sector in which the province is globally recognized as the ‘Kingdom of Flora and Fauna’.

The Sri Lanka Theme Pavilion was officially inaugurated on 19 June 2025 at the Kunming Dianchi International Convention and Exhibition Center by Minister of Trade, Commerce, Food Security and Cooperative Development Wasantha Samarasinghe. Minister Samarasinghe also delivered the keynote address at the opening ceremony.  

Sri Lanka’s presence at the Exposition showcased a vibrant display of its economic strengths and cultural heritage. A wide range of high-value exports and services were exhibited including gems and jewellery, Ceylon Tea, coconut-based products and fiber, spices, organic and wellness products, handicrafts, batiks, confectionery, and processed foods. Sri Lanka’s participation aimed to strengthen trade ties, enhance export potential, and increase market access for Sri Lankan businesses in China and South Asia.

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