A handing over of solar rooftop systems took place at four religious locations: Hokandara Temple, Sri Aanjaneyar Temple, St. Anthony’s Church and Mutwal Jumma Mosque in the Western Province on Oct. 25.
The event was attended by officials from the Indian High Commission in Sri Lanka, the Ceylon Electricity Board (CEB), and the Sri Lanka Sustainable Energy Authority (SLSEA).
This event, which is a part of India’s assistance of USD 17 million aimed at installing Solar PV Rooftop Systems in 5000 religious sites across Sri Lanka, is designed to reduce energy costs for these institutions while bolstering Sri Lanka’s transition to clean energy.
A media release by the Indian High Commission further notes :
The 5,000 solar rooftop systems will be installed across all nine provinces and 25 districts of Sri Lanka, covering major religious sites representing Buddhism, Hinduism, Christianity, and Islam. This project highlights India’s steadfast commitment to bilateral cooperation in renewable energy, emphasizing the human-centric and secular values underpinning India’s development partnership with Sri Lanka.
With Indian expertise, the project will add 25 MW of solar capacity, generating approximately 37 million units annually, supporting the Government of Sri Lanka’s ‘people-centric energy transition’ policy. The project is expected to be completed by early next year.Beyond the supply and installation of the systems, the project also includes a 5-year maintenance period to ensure long-term efficiency and sustainability.
It may be recalled that during the recent visit of India’s External Affairs Minister, Dr. S. Jaishankar to Sri Lanka, India reiterated its strong commitment to advancing bilateral projects of Sri Lankan priority under its ‘Neighbourhood First’ policy. This initiative is a significant part of these efforts, promoting close cooperation between the two countries.
The project opens a new chapter in the energy partnership between India and Sri Lanka, reinforcing the shared goal of promoting reliable, cost-effective, and sustainable energy. Other ongoing collaborations in this sector include solar electrification of around 9000 Buddhist Temples and Pirivenas across Sri Lanka under grant assistance of USD 10 million, the hybrid renewable energy project in the three islands off Jaffna, LNG supply and infrastructure development, and the solar power plant at Sampur.
A suspect who opened fire at the Christ Church near Manampitiya Ayurveda Place has been arrested by the Police.
The shooting occurred around 7:00 pm yesterdat (April 18.)
The suspect, a 38-year-old resident of Main Road, Manampitiya, had fled the scene after firing a shot that damaged a church window.
According to police investigations, the gunman approached the church gate, appeared to survey the area, then returned to the road and fired before fleeing.
No injuries or fatalities were reported.Following a tip-off, officers from the Manampitiya Police Station apprehended the suspect and seized the locally-made firearm used in the incident.
Preliminary investigations suggest the shooting stemmed from a personal dispute with the church’s pastor. Further investigations are underway.
The Department of Meteorology says that showers or thundershowers will occur at several places in Sabaragamuwa, Central, Eastern and Uva provinces and in Polonnaruwa and Hambantota districts during the afternoon or night today (April 19).
The department noted that fairly heavy falls of above 50 mm are likely at some places in these areas.
Showers may occur in Western province and in Galle, Matara and Puttalam districts in the morning.
The general public is kindly requested to take adequate precautions to minimize damages caused by temporary localized strong winds and lightning during thundershowers.
Misty conditions can be expected at some places in Central, Sabaragamuwa and Uva provinces and in Ampara and Batticaloa districts during the morning.