News
100 MW solar power project on SLBC land at Nilaweli inked
Sri Lanka has recently engaged with the American Clean Energy Solutions Inc. of Ontario, Canada to develop a 100 Megawatts solar power project on SLBC land at Nilaweli, Trincomalee, official sources said. This project is in line with the Government policy directive and vision of achieving 70% of electricity generation from renewable energy resources by 2030.
The American Clean Energy Solutions Inc., will invest over USD 150 million to develop the Nilaveli Solar Power Project with the support from Sri Lankan developer; 3 W Power Management Limited.
The SLBC recently awarded the Energy Permit Approval clearance letter received from Sri Lanka Sustainable Energy Authority (SES) to the Canadian Investor. Regional Director of the American Clean Energy Solutions Inc., Mohamed Hussain received the award letter from SLBC Chairman. Hudson Samarasinghe in the presence of Minister of Transport, Highways and Mass Media Dr. Bandula Gunawardana; Secretary, Ministry of Mass Media; Anusha Pelpita, Chairman SEA, Eng. Ranjith Sepala, Director General of SLBC Nalin Kumara Nissanka and Director General J.M Athula.
Chief Guest Minister Dr. Bandula Gunawardana said that Sri Lanka should attract more foreign direct investments to come out from the present economic crisis. He invited all investors to provide required support to develop the Renewable Energy drive of Sri Lanka and appreciated the efforts made by 3 W Power Management Limited Executive Director/Vice President Indika Kumara Weerakkody and Executive Director/General Manager Warnapriya Wijesundara.
The Minister said that it is essential to initiate new business opportunities to bring FDIs to Sri Lanka. Nilaveli Solar project has been planned to develop on an unutilized land extent that belongs to SLBC and generate additional income to the SLBC. Minister also pointed out the enormous benefits from this solar power project as it reduces the requirement of fossil fuels to generate electricity. It was informed that the project will save approximately Rs. 8,000 million per annum to CEB by replacing the high-cost thermal power.
Vice President of the 3 W Power Management Limited Mr. Weerakkody appreciated the support received from all the government officials such as Kuchchaveli Divisional Secretary, CEB, SEA, CEA and especially SLBC during the initial approval process of the project.
The Indian Naval Ship (INS) Sahyadri which arrived at the Port of Colombo on a formal visit on 04 Apr 25, departed the island today (07 Apr). The Sri Lanka Navy bade customary farewell to the departing ship at the Port of Colombo, following naval traditions.
During the ship’s stay in Colombo, crew members of INS Sahyadri took part in several programmes organized by the Sri Lanka Navy, aimed at enhancing mutual cooperation. In addition, they also explored some tourist attractions in the country. Further, personnel of Sri Lanka Navy had the opportunity to visit INS Sahyadri, gaining insights into her operational capabilities.
Latest News
Advisory for severe lightning issued for Sabaragamuwa, Central and Uva provinces and in Hambanthota district
The Natural Hazards Early Warning Centre has issued an Advisory for Severe Lightning for the Sabaragamuwa, Central and Uva provinces and in Hambanthota district.
The advisory issued at 02.00 p.m. today [07 April 2025] is valid for the period until 11.00 p.m. 07 April 2025
The public are warned that thundershowers accompanied by severe lightning are likely to occur at several places in for Sabaragamuwa, Central and Uva provinces and in Hambantota district. There may be temporary localized strong winds during thundershowers. General public is kindly requested to take adequate precautions to minimize damages caused by lightning activity.
ACTION REQUIRED:
The Department of Meteorology advises that people should:
Seek shelter, preferably indoors and never under trees.
• Avoid open areas such as paddy fields, tea plantations and open water bodies during thunderstorms.
• Avoid using wired telephones and connected electric appliances during thunderstorms.
• Avoid using open vehicles, such as bicycles, tractors and boats etc.
• Beware of fallen trees and power lines.
• For emergency assistance contact the local disaster management authorities.
The report of the “Census of Population and Housing 2024,” conducted by the Department of Census and Statistics, was officially handed over to President Anura Kumara Disanayake this morning (07) at the Presidential Secretariat.
This preliminary report has been prepared based on island wide data collected between October and December 2024.
The report provides details on Sri Lanka’s population, its growth and the distribution of the population across districts.
The information gathered through the census is vital not only for the government but also for other institutions in formulating policies and development plans essential for the country’s progress. Significantly, for the first time in the history of census-collecting in Sri Lanka, data collection was carried out using tablet computers and user-friendly mobile devices.
The event was attended by Deputy Minister of Finance & Planning, Harshana Suriyapperuma, Secretary to the President Dr. Nandika Sanath Kumanayake, Secretary to the Ministry of Finance Mahinda Siriwardana, Director General of the Department of Census and Statistics D.D.G.A. Senevirathne and several other officials.
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Advisory for severe lightning issued for Sabaragamuwa, Central and Uva provinces and in Hambanthota district
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