News
PM opens wind power plant, airs criticism of previous regime
PM Rajapaksa flanked by Ministers Dullus Alahapperuma and Duminda Dissanayake inaugurates Mannar wind power complex
By Ifham Nizam in Mannar
Inaugurating the first major wind power complex in Mannar, Prime Minister Mahinda Rajapaksa, yesterday, said the previous government had been busy taking political revenge at the expense of development projects and the power sector had suffered a setback as a result.
The government was on a mission to generate between 70 and 80 per cent of power from renewable energy sources, the PM said, disclosing that next month, the country’s first LNG power plant and a solar power project would be inaugurated at Kerawalapitiya and Siyambalanduwa respectively.
The PM said that as the President he had pushed for the Mannar wind power plant in 2014 and now he was commissioning it.
CEB Chairman Eng. Vijitha Herath said the wind power plant would contribute to the national grid from yesterday.
“Our next target is to harness balance 200 MW wind potential through the ongoing transmission and grid substation,” he added.
The contract had been awarded through an international tender, and project fully funded by Asian Development Bank, the Chairman added.
Power and Energy Minister Dullas Alahapperuma, State Minister of Duminda Dissanayake, Fisheries Minister Douglas Devanada and Power and Energy Ministry Secretary Wasantha Perera also spoke.
News
Rs. 1,000 million allocated to Local Authorities for enhancing facilities at tourist attractions is tax revenue – State Minister of Provincial Councils, Local Government, and Environment
State Minister of Provincial Councils, Local Government, and Environment Janaka Wakkumbura during a press briefing held at the Presidential Media Centre (PMC) on the theme ‘Collective Path to a Stable Country’ on Monday (18) confirmed that the Rs. 1,000 million allocated to the Local Authorities for enhancing facilities at places of tourist attraction was tax revenue. He said that the projects undertaken by the local authorities will be completed by the end of August.
Further more the state minister reiterated that the government under the leadership of President Ranil Wickremesinghe has successfully fulfilled a significant portion of its promises .
Among the promise accomplished in addition to enhancing facilities at tourist attractions, the construction of 162 bridges at a cost of Rs. 16,000 million was nearing completion and some will be made accessible to the public before 10th April while the remainder will be completed by August 2024.
The state minister said that of the 29,000 multi-purpose development officers contracted by the government, 26.400 have been provided with permanent appointments while the remaining 2,600 will be offered permanent employment by 31st December 2024.
Latest News
Heat Index at ‘Caution’ level in North-western, North-central, Eastern provinces and Mannar, Vavuniya, Monaragala, Rathnapura, Colombo and Gampaha districts
Heat Index advisory issued by the Natural Hazards Early Warning Centre At 4.00 p.m. 18 March 2024, valid for 19 March 2024
The Natural hazards Early Warning Centre has warned that the Heat Index, the temperature felt on the human body is expected to increase up to ‘Caution level’ at some places in North-western, North-central, Eastern provinces and Mannar, Vavuniya, Monaragala, Rathnapura, Colombo and Gampaha districts.
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.
News
Dry weather except for showers in Western and Sabaragamuwa provinces and in Galle and Matara districts in the evening or night
Weather forecast issued at 05.30 a.m. on 19 March 2024 by the Department of Meteorology
Misty conditions can be expected at some places in Sabaragamuwa and Central provinces and in Galle and Kalutara districts during the morning
Showers or thundershowers may occur at a few places in Western and Sabaragamuwa provinces and in Galle and Matara districts in the evening or night. Mainly dry weather will prevail elsewhere of the island.
Winds will be north-easterly or variable in direction and wind speed will be (15-25) kmph. Wind speed may increase up to (35–40) kmph at times in the sea areas off the coasts extending from Puttalam to Kankasanthurai via Mannar and from Hambantota to Pottuvil.
The sea areas off the coasts extending from Puttalam to Kankasanthurai via Mannar and from Hambantota to Pottuvil can be moderate at times.
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