News
Six countries offer to build nuclear power plants here
By Rathindra Kuruwita
Sri Lanka had received six proposals for the construction of nuclear plants here. Prof. S. R. D. Rosa, Chairman – Sri Lanka Atomic Energy Board (SLAEB) said during a recent seminar organised by the Institution of Engineers Sri Lanka (IESL) on ‘Potential of nuclear energy and its challenges in Sri Lanka.
Russia’s Rosatom, China’s China National Nuclear Corporation (CNNC), France’s Électricité de France (EDF), and Denmark’s Seaborg have submitted proposals.
Ultra Safe Nuclear Corporation of the US (USNC) and Canada’s Atomic Energy of Canada Ltd (AECL) have expressed willingness, he said.
“The proposal from Russia is very comprehensive. Russia is building two nuclear power plants in Bangladesh and one in Kudankulam, India, which is only about 207 kilometres from Kalpitiya. I think Russians also want us to join their regional efforts. We had many discussions with Rosatom officials, including many Zoom sessions, and finalised the proposals. To finalise this, we need to sign intergovernmental agreements (IGAs). We sent the proposal to the Foreign Ministry six or seven months ago, but we still have not received an answer. It’s probably because of the Russia-Ukraine war and IMF, etc.,” he said.
Sri Lanka had also received a complete proposal from China and representatives from CNNC visited Sri Lanka about two months ago. The CNNC officials had met SLAEB and even brought a prototype, Prof. Rosa said.
“EDF too has sent a proposal. We then have a unique proposal from Denmark. Seaborg Technologies is a private Danish startup.
They are building barges or floating nuclear power plants. Seaborg Technologies is working on building power plants in Vietnam, and Indonesia and wants to build a third one for Sri Lanka,” Prof. Rosa said, adding that USNC and AECL had sent proposals of willingness, but they were not complete or comprehensive proposals. Sri Lanka now had received six proposals, he said. Seaborg had offered a power barge, Russia has offered Sri Lanka both onshore and offshore power plants, and the others had proposed conventional nuclear power plants, he said.
Police urge motorists who intend to use the Ella – Wellawaya Road to use alternative roads as there is a severe vehicle congestion due to inclement weather condition.
The oil anointing ceremony for the Sinhala and Tamil New Year was held on April 16 at the historic Rajamaha Viharaya in Kolonnawa, with the participation of Prime Minister Dr. Harini Amarasuriya.
Following the chanting of pirith, the oil anointing ritual was carried out at the auspicious time of 9:04 a.m., by the Chief Incumbent of the temple, Venerable Kolonnawa Dhammika Thero.
Speaking after the ceremony the Prime Minister said that:
“The Sinhala and Tamil New Year is one of the most important festivities in our country. It is a celebration with our families, reflecting our traditions and customs while strengthening the ties.
This festival leads the path for renewing unity, love, and bonds stronger. These values enrich a country. Development of a country is not limited by one-dimensional; a true development includes spirituality, relationships, and connections. The reason why we uphold these customs in such ceremonies is to remind ourselves of the significance and to pass on their value to future generations.
Therefore, today marks a significant day. Throughout this week, we came together and engaged in various activities. Followed by, the next event will mark the leaving for employment at the auspicious time and we should start working collectively to rebuild the country.
I wish everyone a New Year that is prosperous, peaceful, joyful, full of strengthened relationships, and most importantly, safe for all.”
The ceremony was graced by the presence of the Maha Sangha, and attended by the Deputy Minister of Youth Affairs Eranga Gunasekara, Divisional Secretary to Kolonnawa Priyanath Perera, Municipal Secretary Nelum Kumari Gamage, and the residents of the area.
[Prime Minister’s Media Division]
Latest News
Heat Index at ‘Caution Level’ at some places in Northern, North-central, North-western, Western, Southern and Eastern provinces and in Rathnapura and Monaragala districts today [16]
Warm Weather Advisory Issued by the Natural Hazards Early Warning Centre of the Department of Meteorology for 16 April 2025
The Heat index, the temperature felt on human body is likely to increase up to ‘Caution level’ at some places in Northern, North-central, North-western, Western, Southern and Eastern provinces and in Rathnapura and Monaragala 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 table below 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.
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