News

China distributes food packages to flood affected in East SL (Pics)

Published

4 weeks ago

December 30, 2024

editor

Chinese Ambassador to Sri Lanka – Mr. Qi Zhenhong visited Trincomalee, Batticaloa and Ampara of Eastern Province on Dec. 29.

During the visit, thousands of food packages valued at Rs. 16 million were distributed to those flood affected families.

Speaking during the event, the Chinese ambassador reiterated that China’s friendly policy towards Sri Lanka is inclusive and open, focusing on engaging equally with all individuals, political parties, ethnic groups, and regions.

“Our support for the Sri Lankan people, especially the people of the Eastern Province, has never ceased. During the COVID-19 pandemic, China donated a large number of Sinopharm vaccines to Sri Lanka, with a special focus on the Tamil people in the Northern and Eastern regions, saving countless lives of the Sri Lankan people. When Sri Lanka suffered from severe flooding, China extended a helping hand in a timely manner, providing a batch of Emergency Humanitarian Materials worth 400 million rupees and making a donation of 30 million rupees (USD100,000) as emergency flood relief to the Sri Lankan government with an aim of assisting those affected. Over the past few years, I have visited the Eastern Province time and time again. Early this year, the Chinese government has supported the northern and eastern regions by providing essential supplies for livelihoods with a total value of 1.5 billion rupees, including housing units, rice, and fishing nets. During my last visit to the Eastern Province last month, another 8 million rupees was donated to the province and a number of livelihood projects will be carried out step by step. Today, we are once again here in the Eastern Province to donate 2,470 food packages worth 16 million rupees to people affected by the flooding. We hope that with our assistance, you can overcome these challenges and restore normal life as soon as possible. The Chinese people will always stand with the Sri Lankan people. Together, we can make a difference,” he said.

BIZ

Adani denies cancellation of power purchase deal with SL

Published

9 hours ago

January 24, 2025

editor

India’s Adani Group has denied the cancellation of its $440 million power purchase deal with Sri Lanka, terming the reports as “false and misleading”.
The media statement notes that “the Sri Lankan Cabinet’s decision of 2 Jan 2025 to reevaluate the tariff approved in May 2024 is part of a standard review process, particularly with a new government, to ensure that the terms align with their current priorities and energy policies.”

“Adani remains committed to investing $1 billion in Sri Lanka’s green energy sector, driving renewable energy and economic growth,” it adds.

The media statement comes after the AFP reported that the new Sri Lankan government has revoked a power purchase agreement with Indian conglomerate Adani Group following allegations of corruption.

The deal had initially approved to purchase electricity at US$0.0826 per kilowatt hour from the proposed Adani wind power plant, which is to be built in the Northern region of Sri Lanka.

Several activists had challenged the agreement, arguing that smaller renewable projects were selling electricity at two-thirds the price of Adani, the AFP had further reported.
In addition, the project is also facing separate environmental concerns.

While President Dissanayake’s cabinet has revoked the 20-year deal power purchase deal signed in May 2024, it has not cancelled the project and has appointed a committee to review the project, the AFP reported, citing an official document and an energy ministry official.

News

Swiss govt. pledges support to reclaim SL assets held abroad

Published

10 hours ago

January 24, 2025

editor

The Ambassador of Switzerland to Sri Lanka and Ambassador designate to the Maldives, Dr. Siri Walt, has assured Switzerland’s support in recovering assets that have been moved out of Sri Lanka.

During discussions, Ambassador Walt provided guidance on the international measures required for reclaiming such assets and expressed Switzerland’s readiness to extend support whenever necessary by providing essential resources and assistance.

Ambassador Walt made these remarks during a meeting held today (Jan. 24) at the Presidential Secretariat with the Secretary to the President, Dr. Nandika Sanath Kumanayake.

The discussion also focused on utilizing Switzerland’s expertise and technical knowledge to assist Sri Lanka’s on-going anti-corruption initiatives. The Swiss government reiterated its commitment to providing technical and financial support for Sri Lanka’s priority programs, including the “Clean Sri Lanka” program.

The Ambassador additionally expressed Switzerland’s commitment to supporting Sri Lanka in addressing social challenges, promoting national reconciliation, and assisting with the development of the Northern region through necessary aid and resources.

The meeting was attended by Senior Additional Secretary to the President, Roshan Gamage.

(President’s Media Division)