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Thalaiyady seawater desalination plant inaugurated (Pics)

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President Ranil Wickremesinghe declared the immediate initiation of the “River for Jaffna” project, which is designed to provide a comprehensive solution to the water scarcity issues in the northern region of Sri Lanka.

The President made these remarks while attending the opening of the Thalaiyady Seawater Desalination Plant, part of the Jaffna-Kilinochchi Water Supply Project, this morning (02).

President Ranil Wickremesinghe further stated that it has been 15 years since the end of the civil war in the north. He emphasized the need for everyone to continue working together on development and expressed his goal to transform the north into a developed province within the next 5-10 years.

The Thalaiyady Sea Water Desalination Plant, part of the Jaffna-Kilinochchi Water Supply Project, is managed by the National Water Supply and Drainage Board under the Ministry of Water Supply and Estate Infrastructure Development, with financial support from the Asian Development Bank (ADB) and the Government of Sri Lanka.

To address the drinking water needs of Jaffna and Kilinochchi, the Government of Sri Lanka launched the Jaffna-Kilinochchi District Water Supply and Sanitation Project (JKWSSP) in 2011 with support from the Asian Development Bank (ADB) and the French Development Bank (AFD).

Currently, there are 2.5 million water connections nationwide, and the Water Supply and Sanitation Project aims to add 60,000 new connections.

The main objective of the project is to provide safe drinking water to 300,000 people and improve sanitation facilities for 80,000 people in the Jaffna and Kilinochchi districts of Sri Lanka’s Northern Province.

In 2017, the Asian Development Bank signed a contract for the construction of the desalination plant. To date, the project has completed the construction of 20 elevated water tanks, 186 km of water transmission pipelines, and 382 km of water distribution pipelines.

The contract for the desalination plant was awarded in January 2021. The total cost of the project is USD 266 million, and the Jaffna-Kilinochchi District Water Supply and Sanitation Project is expected to be completed by mid-2025.

President Ranil Wickremesinghe further commented : 

This water purification plant will serve as the primary facility of its kind in Sri Lanka. I want to express my gratitude to the local residents who provided the land for its construction. A request has been made to establish a separate Grama Niladhari Division for this village, and I will recommend this to the governor to address this request.

The establishment of this water purification plant will significantly resolve the drinking water issues in Jaffna. We also intend to commence work on the Paliaru Reservoir to provide water to the Pooneryn area, in the future. 

I have also decided to launch a “River for Jaffna” program. Once both this purification plant and this program are fully implemented, the water problem in Jaffna will be completely resolved. This will help restore the Vadamarachchi area to its former lush state. 

To manage the costs of this drinking water, we plan to reduce expenses through solar energy projects. Additionally, we are introducing Drip Irrigation Systems to promote modern agriculture in the area. As we invest in water, it is essential to maximize the benefits we derive from it. These initiatives aim to further strengthen the local economy.

We are also planning to renovate the port of Kankesanthurai in collaboration with India. An investment zone will be established at the site of the former cement factory. Additionally, the development of Palali will enhance tourism opportunities. This area has significant potential for producing wind and solar energy, which can generate substantial income. As a result, Jaffna is expected to become a developed area within the next 5-10 years.

The government is not focusing on establishing universities in Jaffna because the provincial council has the capability to set up two or three universities there. It has been around 20 years since the end of the war, and it is now time for us to unite in our efforts for development.

I extend my heartfelt thanks to the Asian Development Bank for their support in providing this water purification plant. Even during our financial crisis, they continued their assistance. We have now signed agreements with our Official Creditors Committee and the China Exim Bank, and we have also reached an agreement with the bondholders. With these agreements in place, we are receiving support from these nations. Japan has committed to resuming projects that were previously halted in our country, and development efforts in other countries are also progressing.

Furthermore, Prime Minister Narendra Modi and I have taken the necessary steps to implement the agreements we reached, and the signing of these agreements is currently underway. We are collaborating with Amul to enhance liquid milk production. We should focus on increasing the country’s income and continue this program. This will help improve the economy and transform Jaffna into a major economic hub.

I would like to express my gratitude to Jeevan Thondaman for his special interest and efforts in this initiative. We are collaborating with the Ministry of Water Supply and Estate Infrastructure Development to establish new villages in the hill country. These plantation communities are being relocated and developed into villages.

Jeevan Thondaman, Minister for Water Supply and Estate Infrastructure Development;

Access to drinking water is a fundamental right, and the government is committed to ensuring it is available to all citizens. When this project began, the high cost was a significant challenge, but we embraced it to meet the drinking water needs of our people. When the president assumed office, only 5% of the Northern Province’s drinking water needs were being met. Starting today, this will increase to 40%. Although some villages were initially reluctant to provide land for this project, I want to thank the people of Thalaiyady village for their willingness to do so.

Douglas Devananda Minister of Fisheries;
The Tamil people have various needs: a need for development, a need for rights, and a need for drinking water. The president is addressing these needs. Today, efforts are being made to ensure the people of the North have access to drinking water. I encourage the people of this province to continue engaging in dialogue with the president to secure their rights.

Governor of the Northern Province, Mrs. P. S. M. Charles,
This monumental project in the Northern Province was established and achieved thanks to President Ranil Wickremesinghe’s efforts. Initiated in 2015 with the aim of restructuring and securing additional financing during his tenure as Prime Minister, the project saw further progress in 2017 when an agreement for additional financing was signed with the Asian Development Bank (ADB). This agreement facilitated the implementation of the Desalination Plant, including its construction and operation for five years, and covered the project’s cost overrun.

As a result of your commitment, 300,000 people in the Jaffna and Kilinochchi Districts now have access to safe drinking water after a long period of suffering. Additionally, sanitation for 80,000 people in Jaffna City has improved, and the agriculture sector in the Northern Province has benefited significantly. Thank you once again Sir for your dedication and hard work.

State Ministers Dr. Suren Raghavan, K. Kader Masthan, MPs Dharmalingam Sithadthan, Angajan Ramanathan, Senior Adviser on National Security and Chief of Presidential Staff Sagala Ratnayaka, Former Minister Ravi Karunanayake, Former State Minister Vijayakala Maheswaran and a number of guests were also in attendance at the event.

(President’s Media Division)

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State Vesak Festival 2025 begins (Pics)

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The State Vesak Festival for the Buddhist Year 2569 commenced today (10) at the International Buddhist Centre Temple in Nuwara Eliya, under the patronage of the Most Venerable Maha Nayaka Theros of the Three Nikayas and with the participation of President Anura Kumara Disanayake. 

This year’s State Vesak Festival is held under the theme “Bhajetha Miththe Kalyane–Bhajetha Purisuththame”  (Associate with noble friends of virtue) and will be conducted from May 10 to 16, cantered around the Nuwara Eliya District.

Organized in line with the guidance of the Most Venerable Mahanayaka Theros and the directives of the All Island Shasanarakshaka Mandalaya, the festival is  coordinated by the by the Presidential Secretariat, the Prime Minister’s Office, the Ministry of Buddhasasana, Religious and Cultural Affairs, the Department of Buddhist Affairs, the Central Provincial Council and the District Secretariat of Nuwara Eliya.

In conjunction with the declaration of the ‘Vesak Week’ from May 10 to 16, a series of Buddhist religious programmes have been organized in accordance with government policy to promote the spiritual development of the people. Additionally, on-going development work at several temples in the Nuwara Eliya District will be completed during this period with the support of the tri-forces.

Further, a number of special programmes are being implemented under the “Clean Sri Lanka” initiative to foster spiritual growth and Buddhist awareness among the public in parallel with the State Vesak Festival.

Hosting this year’s State Vesak Festival in the multi-religious and multi-cultural Nuwara Eliya District is of special significance. It aims to foster Buddhist enlightenment across the country and further strengthen ties with Buddhist nations around the world.

To mark the occasion of 2569th State Vesak Festival, a commemorative stamp was issued, with the first stamp being officially presented to the President.

The event also included the presentation of ‘Sri Sannas Patra’ (official declarations) designating the historic Maliyadeva Purana Raja Maha Viharaya in Kotmale and the Sri Vishnu Devalaya in Kurunegala as sites of religious worship, both formally handed over by the President. 

The event was graced by prominent members of the Maha Sangha, including Chief Registrar of the Malwathu Chapter of the Siam Maha Nikaya and Chief Incumbent of the Somawathi Raja Maha Viharaya Most Venerable Dr. Pahamune Sri Sumangala Nayaka Thero, Anunayake of the Asgiri Chapter of the Siam Maha Nikaya Anamaduwe Most Venerable Sri Dammadassi Nayaka Thero together with the Maha Sangha representing the three Nikayas, The Chairman of the All Island Shasanarakshaka Mandalaya, Most Venerable Professor Thubulle Seelakkhanda Nayaka Thera, the Chief Registrar of Samastha Lanka Shasanarakshaka Balamandala, Venerable Muganuwala Anuruddha Nayaka Thera, along with the Maha Sangha of the Samastha Lanka Shasanarakshaka Balamandalaya.  

Also in attendance were multi-religious clergy, Speaker of Parliament Jagath Wickramaratne, Minister of Buddhasasana, Religious, and Cultural Affairs Dr. Hiniduma Sunil Senevi, other Ministers and MPs, Secretary to the President Dr. Nandika Sanath Kumanayake, senior government officials, foreign Ambassadors, High Commissioners, and a distinguished gathering of local and international guests.

(President’s Media Division)

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India – Pakistan agrees to a ‘full and immediate’ ceasefire

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Donald Trump says “India and Pakistan have agreed to a full and immediate ceasefire”.

In a post on social media platform Truth Social, the US President says: “After a long night of talks mediated by the United States, I am pleased to announce that India and Pakistan have agreed to a FULL AND IMMEDIATE CEASEFIRE.

“Congratulations to both Countries on using Common Sense and Great Intelligence. Thank you for your attention to this matter!”

India’s External Affairs Minister S Jaishankar says “India and Pakistan have today worked out an understanding on stoppage of firing and military action”.

“India has consistently maintained a firm and uncompromising stance against terrorism in all its forms and manifestations. It will continue to do so,” he adds.

The Indian Foreign secretary – Vikram Misri has confirmed that the ceasefire between the two countries began at 17:00 local time (12:30 BST).

Meanwhile, Deputy Prime Minister of Pakistan, Ishaq Dar has also confirmed the news and added that “Pakistan has always strived for peace and security in the region, without compromising on its sovereignty and territorial integrity!”

According to a statement by the Pakistan Airport Authority (APA), Pakistan’s airspace has been fully restored for all types of flights. The APA statement adds that all airports in the country are available for normal flight operations.

(Agencies)

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Kohli signals Test exit

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Virat Kohli has communicated his desire to retire from Test cricket to the BCCI ahead of the big five-match series in England starting June 20, for which he is expected to be a part of the squad. ESPNcricinfo understands that Kohli has been having these conversations with officials of the BCCI for the past month or so.

If Kohli doesn’t change his mind, he will bring the curtain down on a glorious career that has spanned 14 years and included 123 Tests – 68 of them as captain – in which he has 9230 runs at an average of 46.85.

But it hasn’t been a particularly fruitful time in the format for Kohli of late. When he scored 100 not out in the Perth Test in November 2024, it was his first century in Tests since July 2023 (against West Indies in Port of Spain), and his average, 55.10 at its peak after he scored his career best of 254 not out vs South Africa in Pune in 2019, has been 32.56 over the last 24 months.
Despite that, it’s understood that the team management and selectors expect his experience to be crucial on the tour, where India will also be playing under a new captain – Shubman Gill is the frontrunner to take over from Rohit Sharma following his retirement from Test cricket earlier this week.

Kohli, as well as Rohit, were included in the highest category (A+) in the latest BCCI contracts, which is usually meant for players who play all three international formats. Both Kohli and Rohit had retired from T20Is after India won the World Cup last year and, if Kohli does retire from Tests, they will only be available for ODI cricket going forward.

Apart from Rohit, India are without R Ashwin, who retired from international cricket during the 2024-25 series in Australia. With Cheteshwar Pujara and Ajinkya Rahane not in the mix at the moment, and Mohammed Shami’s form under scrutiny after his return from a long injury layoff, Kohli is among the only seniors around, along with KL Rahul, Ravindra Jadeja and Jasprit Bumrah.

Before Rohit replaced Kohli as India’s Test captain, India had won 40 of the 68 games in which Kohli led, losing just 17. The 40 wins makes Kohli India’s most successful Test captain of all time – MS Dhoni with 27 from 60 and Sourav Ganguly with 21 from 49 rank below him – and also places him at No. 4 on the overall list of captains with the most Test wins, behind Graeme Smith (53 from 109), Ricky Ponting (48 from 77) and Steve Waugh (41 from 57).

It was in England that Kohli had recorded one of his greatest highs as a Test batter, on the 2018 tour. He was the top run-getter across the two sides in the five Tests, aggregating 583 at an average of 59.30 with two centuries. That it came after he had scored just 134 runs in ten innings on the previous tour, in 2014, made the performance that much more special. That year, 2018, was also his best in terms of aggregate for a year, when he scored 1322 runs.

During his golden run, he averaged 75.93 in 2016, 75.64 in 2017, 55.08 in 2018, and 68.00 in 2019. During that period between 2016 and 2018, Kohli scored 3596 runs in 35 Tests at an average of 66.59, with 14 hundreds and eight fifties in 58 innings.

(espncricinfo.com)

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