News
Indian companies to boost Bangladesh power infrastructure
BY S VENKAT NARAYAN
Our Special Correspondent
NEW DELHI, April 2:
Indian companies Larsen and Toubro (L&T) and Transrail Lighting Ltd are among those awarded contracts for the construction of power infrastructure related to the Rooppur nuclear power project in Bangladesh.
Prime Minister Narendra Modi and his Bangladeshi counterpart Sheikh Hasina had green- flagged the construction of five transmission lines at a cost of $442.11 million during Modi’s visit to Bangladesh for the celebrations linked to 50 years of the country’s independence.
“These have been awarded to companies of good repute such as L&T and Transrail Lighting Ltd,” a person familiar with the development said.
The Rooppur power plant is being constructed by Russia and Bangladesh with India helping with “the infrastructure development for power evacuation facilities.” The pact for the 1,200MW plant was signed between the two nations in November 2011.
Construction of the main buildings and structures of the power units is underway, according to Rosatom, the Russian company involved in the plant construction.
India had committed concessional financing of $1.016 billion under a line of credit worth $4.5 billion extended to Bangladesh in 2017 during a visit by Sheikh Hasina to New Delhi.
“Indian lines of credit create market openings for Indian companies. India is very well placed to provide such services as Russia is already building similar power plants for India at Koodankulam in Tamil Nadu,” said former Foreign Secretary Kanwal Sibal.
“A joint venture between Russia, Bangladesh and India reduces costs for Russia and Bangladesh and provides commercial opportunities for Indian companies,” he added.
India’s collaboration in the power and energy sector in Bangladesh is not new. India is supplying 1,160MW of power to Bangladesh through two existing interconnections.
“India and Bangladesh are also in talks for the construction of a 765kV power interconnection through Katihar in India via Parbatipur in Bangladesh to Bornagar in India. When constructed, it will reinforce interconnection of grids in the region,” Foreign Secretary Harsh Vardhan Shringla said last month.
The Pakistan Navy Ship (PNS) TAIMUR and ASLAT arrived at the Port of Colombo on a goodwill visit on 12 Apr 26.
The visiting ships were welcomed by the Sri Lanka Navy in
compliance with naval traditions.
The duo of ships is commanded by Captain NIAMAT SAEED KHAN (PNS TAIMUR) and Captain NADIR MATEEN AFRIDI (PNS ASLAT).
Meanwhile, the ships are expected to conduct a Bilateral Naval Exercise LION STAR V with the Sri Lanka Navy in Colombo seas.
Latest News
Heat index likely to increase up to ‘Caution level’ at some places in the Northern, North-central, North-western, Western, Sabaragamuwa, Southern and Eastern provinces and Monaragala district
Warm Weather Advisory
Issued by the Natural Hazards Early Warning Centre at 3.30 p.m. on 11 April 2026, valid for 12 April 2026
The Heat index, the temperature felt on the human body is likely to increase up to ‘Caution level’ at some places in the Northern, North-central, North-western, Western, Sabaragamuwa, Southern and Eastern provinces and Monaragala district.
The Heat Index Forecast is calculated by using relative humidity and maximum temperature and this is the condition that is felt on your body. This is not the forecast of maximum temperature. It is generated by the Department of Meteorology for the next day period and prepared by using global numerical weather prediction model data.
Effect of the heat index on human body is mentioned in the above table and it is prepared on the advice of the Ministry of Health and Indigenous Medical Services.
ACTION REQUIRED
Job sites: Stay hydrated and takes breaks in the shade as often as possible.
Indoors: Check up on the elderly and the sick.
Vehicles: Never leave children unattended.
Outdoors: Limit strenuous outdoor activities, find shade and stay hydrated.
Dress: Wear lightweight and white or light-colored clothing.
Note: In addition, please refer to advisories issued by the Disaster Preparedness & Response Division, Ministry of Health in this regard as well. For further clarifications please contact 011-7446491.
Latest News
Sun directly overhead Cheddikulam, Kebithigollewa, Gomarankadawala and Nilaveli about 12:11 noon. today [12]
On the apparent northward relative motion of the sun, it is going to be directly over the latitudes of Sri Lanka from 05th to 15th of April in this year.
The nearest areas of Sri Lanka over which the sun is overhead today (12th) are Cheddikulam, Kebithigollewa, Gomarankadawala and Nilaveli about 12:11 noon.
PNS TAIMUR & ASLAT arrive in Colombo
Sanju Samson and Jamie Overton deliver first points for Chennai Super Kings
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Showers expected in the Western, Sabaragamuwa, Central, Southern, North-western and Uva provinces and in Ampara, Batticaloa and Polonnaruwa districts after 1.00 p.m.
Heat index likely to increase up to ‘Caution level’ at some places in the Northern, North-central, North-western, Western, Sabaragamuwa, Southern and Eastern provinces and Monaragala district
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