Business
President and Indian PM jointly launch and inaugurate three development projects
The inauguration and commencement of three development projects implemented in the country with the assistance of the Indian Government took place on Saturday (05)
These projects include the commencement of construction of the Sampur Solar Power Plant, which will add 50 megawatts to the national grid, the inauguration of the Temperature and Humidity Controlled Agro Cold Storage complex in Dambulla and the installation of solar panels on 5,000 religious sites. President Anura Kumara Disanayake and Prime Minister Shri Narendra Modi jointly inaugurated and launched these projects via virtual technology following their official meeting at the Presidential Secretariat on Saturday morning.
Prime Minister Modi’s visit to Sri Lanka reaffirms the concept of “Friendship of Centuries, Commitment to a Prosperous Future,” strengthening the deep-rooted ties between the two nations.
The Sampur Solar Power Plant is part of the Eastern Renewable Energy Zone, which is being established under Sri Lanka’s Long-Term Generation Expansion Plan (LTGEP). It is being developed by Trincomalee Power Company, a joint venture between India’s NTPC Limited and the Ceylon Electricity Board (CEB).
The project is planned in two phases, with the second phase scheduled to commence in 2027. A 500-acre land area has been allocated for this initiative, under the first phase it will contribute 50 megawatts of electricity to the national grid. The project will incorporate state-of-the-art N-type TOPCon solar cell technology, enhancing energy security and promoting a shift from fossil fuel dependency to renewable energy sources. Consequently, the Sampur Solar Power Project is expected to reduce annual carbon dioxide emissions by approximately 200,000 tonnes.
The Dambulla Agricultural Storage Complex (Cold Storage Facility), with a capacity of 5,000 metric tons and equipped with temperature and humidity control, was inaugurated today with the objective of reducing post-harvest losses by approximately 40%, stabilizing fluctuations in agricultural product prices, ensuring the supply of high-quality food to consumers and enhancing agricultural sustainability.
To facilitate research on advanced storage methods for different crops, the facility includes six storage chambers, each designed to simulate various climatic conditions. This is the first facility of its kind in Sri Lanka, built at a total cost of LKR 524 million, with LKR 300 million provided as a grant by the Government of India and LKR 224 million contributed by the Government of Sri Lanka.
The Government of India has invested USD 17 million on the project to install solar panels on 5,000 religious sites and places of worship representing all major religions in all 25 districts. The nitiative, is being implemented jointly by the Ceylon Electricity Board, the Sri Lanka Sustainable Energy Authority and Lanka Electricity Company (Pvt) Ltd.
Under this project, 5,000 solar panel systems with a capacity of 5 kW each will be installed on the rooftops of Buddhist, Hindu, Muslim, Catholic and Christian places of worship. This is expected to add 25 megawatts of solar power capacity to the national electricity grid. The initiative underscores the government’s commitment to a cost-effective, sustainable and reliable energy system.
[PMD]
Business
IceWarp expands into Sri Lanka, fostering European innovation in collaboration with FentonsIT
IceWarp, a global leader in business communication solutions, has officially launched its cutting-edge platform in Sri Lanka, bringing European expertise in email and collaboration solutions to support the country’s evolving business landscape.
This expansion is driven by a strategic partnership with Fentons Information Technology (FIT), the Information Technology arm of Hayleys Fentons Limited.
The grand launch event held at The Kingsbury Colombo on 4th April, 2025, was graced by several distinguished guests, including Chief Guest Mohan Pandithage, Chairman and Chief Executive of Hayleys PLC.
The presence of Adam Paclt, Global CEO of IceWarp, and Pramod Sharda, CEO for India and the Middle East of IceWarp, along with their global team, highlighted the significance of this expansion. Industry experts, government officials, corporate leaders, and CIOs from the banking, financial services and insurance sectors were in attendance as well, reflecting strong local interest in IceWarp’s European expertise.
With this launch, Sri Lankan businesses now have access to an affordable, scalable and secure alternative to Microsoft 365 and Google Workspace. IceWarp’s advanced Collaboration Suite integrates a wide range of tools into a single, unified platform designed to streamline communication and boost productivity. Offering flexible hybrid deployment options and cost-efficient solution, IceWarp enables organisations to optimise their operations without compromising security or functionality.
Eventistry Sports, a trailblazer in innovative sporting events, has unveiled the Sri Lanka Padel League (SLPL), the nation’s first franchise-based padel tournament, set to debut in June 2025. This groundbreaking league promises to redefine Sri Lanka’s sports landscape by creating a dynamic national platform for athletes while fostering unity among fans, brands, and communities.
The SLPL will showcase six franchise teams, each embodying the spirit of iconic Sri Lankan locales: the Colombo Chargers, Yala Rangers, Hikkaduwa Riders, Ella Hawks, Arugambay Vipers, and Trinco Warriors. These teams will not only ignite regional pride but also unite the country through a shared passion for padel—a fast-paced racquet sport merging tennis and squash, played on enclosed courts.
“The SLPL is more than a league; it’s a movement,” declared Karin Wijeratne, Director of Eventistry Sports. “By blending franchise sports with Sri Lanka’s vibrant culture, we’re creating a platform where players gain national recognition, fans rally behind their hometown heroes, and brands engage with communities in meaningful ways.”
The league’s launch on June 21–23, 2025, at Colombo’s Padel House courts (CR&FC) will kick off with three days of high-octane matches, preceded by a star-studded player auction on May 16th at The Vault, Colombo City Centre. Local talent—both professional and intermediate—will be drafted by franchise owners, with international registrations now open to elevate the competition’s global appeal.
Please log in to: www.slpadelleague.com and social media: @SriLankaPadelLeague (Facebook & Instagram) for more information.
Ceylon Energy and HJT China have successfully completed the Mahiyangana-Kappalthurei 33kV power distribution lines and the Uhana Gantry as part of Sri Lanka’s Supporting Electricity Supply Reliability Improvement Project (SESRIP). Funded by the Asian Development Bank ($42 million), SESRIP aims to expand energy access in underserved regions, including conflict-affected areas and provinces like Uva and North Central.
The project’s infrastructure spans over 270 km of 33kV lines, 13 switching gantries, and 2,372 km of low-voltage extensions.
The projects connect 35,000+ households and improve reliability for 493,000+ consumers; integrates renewables to reduce losses.
The projects’ notable components include: Mahiyangana-Bibila Line: 36 km with 147 steel towers and Kappalthurei-Sixth Mile Post Line: 14 km with 58 towers.
Ceylon Energy Chairman Madushanka Fernando hailed it as a ‘new beginning of a brighter era’, emphasising the project’s role in uplifting rural communities and driving sustainable development.
The initiative underscores Sri Lanka’s commitment to inclusive, reliable energy and climate resilience.
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