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Lanka expects India, Japan, New Fortress to join in LNG deal: Minister
ECONOMYNEXT –Sri Lanka is expecting companies from Japan, India, Japan, and New Fortress Energy of the US to jointly come up with a proposal to supply a liquified natural gas terminal, Power and Energy Minister Kanchana Wijesekera said.Sri Lanka is building two LNG-capable 300MW-sized combined cycle power plants but has no terminal to unload the fuel.
Minister Wijesekera claimed that a combined cycle known as Yugadanavi was already capable of running on LNG. Another 300MW plant known as Sobadanavi would be available from November 2023.
“But the problem is the CEB unions and other went to court regarding the LNG supply. Without the supply and infrastructure,” Minister Wijesekera said.
“So, we will execute a plan fast in January for infrastructure and supply of LNG.”
The CEB had earlier floated a tender for a build-operate-own floating storage re-gasification unit (FSRU) which will be financed by throughput charges and LNG will be supplied separately by competitive tenders like coal and fuel is supplied now.However the tender was not proceeded through after a controversial unsolicited deal with US based New Fortress Energy was made public.
“The tender for the terminal had not been given,” Minister Wijesekera said. “Before that there are two proposals. In 2017 a tripartite agreement between India, Japan and Sri Lanka had been signed.
“In addition, there is another agreement with a company called New Fortress Energy. So we are looking to see what can be implemented most practically. Next steps will be taken accordingly.
“I think those companies are talking among themselves to operate jointly as far as I know.
“We will have to do this with all the companies after all those discussions are over.”
New Fortress and at least two other proposals had involved controversial take-or-pay energy deals involving compelling the CEB to buy LNG from the terminal owner or pay penalties had been opposed by unions.
“It is still at discussion level,” Minister Wijesekera said when asked whether another take-or-pay deal was in the offing.
“There is no firm decision yet. When there is a firm decision we will inform you.”
INS Sindhukesari, a submarine serving in the Indian Navy, arrived at the port of Colombo on 03 May 26 to undertake Operational Turnarounds.
The visiting submarine was welcomed by the Sri Lanka Navy in precision with naval traditions.
Throughout its stay in the island, the submarine’s crew is scheduled to participate in a variety of programmes organized by the Sri Lanka Navy, including visits to several tourist attractions in Sri Lanka.
Mikhail Murashko, Minister of Health of the Russian Federation, officially visited the Russian House in Colombo to attend the Sri Lanka–Russia Medical Forum, where members of the Sri Lanka Russia Business Council and graduates from the Association of Sri Lankan Graduates from Socialist countries (ASLGSC) attended.
This historic gathering was graced by rectors and representatives from several world-class Russian medical institutions, including Kursk State Medical University, Sechenov First Moscow State Medical University, and Tver State Medical University, among others.
The forum commenced with an address by Minister Murashko, during which Russian medical graduates in attendance raised pertinent questions regarding medical and pharmaceutical sector opportunities in Sri Lanka.
Levan Dzhagaryan, Ambassador of the Russian Federation to Sri Lanka and the Maldives, together with Madam Maria L. Popova, Counsellor of the Embassy of the Russian Federation in Sri Lanka & the Maldives and Director of the Russian House in Colombo, graced the occasion. Both officials expressed strong support for continued collaboration and future initiatives between the two nations.
The official appointment letters for the members of the newly established “Cricket Transformation Committee” (CTC) were handed over on Monday (04) by the Minister of Youth Affairs and Sports, Sunil Kumara Gamage.
The following members received their letters of appointment at the Ministry premises:
Sidath Wettimuny
Thushira Radella
Prakash Schaffter
Ms. Avanthi Colombage
The Ministry also noted that veteran cricketers Roshan Mahanama and Kumar Sangakkara, who are key members of the committee, are currently overseas. Their official appointments will be formalised immediately upon their arrival in Sri Lanka.
The Cricket Transformation Committee has been mandated to oversee the administration and drive structural reforms within Sri Lanka Cricket (SLC) in accordance with the powers vested in the Minister under the Sports Act No. 25 of 1973.
INS Sindhukesari arrives in Colombo
Minister of Health of the Russian Federation attends the Sri Lanka–Russia Medical Forum
Members of Sri Lanka Cricket Transformation Committee Officially Appointed
Three prison guards arrested following the death of an inmate
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