News
Adani project: Issues not over, COPE questions ex-CEB Chairman’s interpretation of private investment
The Committee of Public Enterprises (COPE) has decided to further examine the controversial Adani Wind and Solar power project in the Northern Sri Lanka when the Ceylon Electricity Board (CEB) comes up for investigation.
The COPE said so after former Chairman of CEB M.M.C. Ferdinando appeared before the parliamentary watchdog committee yesterday (23) over a statement he made at the proceedings on June 10.
The COPE has made available Ferdinando’s explanation dated June 06, 2011 addressed to the Chairman, and members of the Committee On Public Enterprises. The text of the letter: “I wish to place on record my unreserved apology for the comment I made at the COPE meeting held on 10.6.201 on a matter pertaining to the M/S Adani Investment in the Country. In replying to the allegation made against me on the proposed Mannar and Pooneryn Wind and Solar Project with Adani Energy Ltd to generate Renewable energy of 500 Mw, I explained the circumstances behind the issuance of my letter dated 25.11.2021.(a copy is attached for easy reference) During this discussion I became so emotional due to pressures and unreasonable allegation levelled against me to issue this official letter of request. Therefore due to the unexpected pressure and emotions I was compelled without limitation to express the word “India Agamathi balakara bawa kiwwa” (stressed by the Hon Prime Minister of India), which is totally incorrect and I wish to withdraw the relevant statement as it was a genuine mistake and was never intended to cause any embarrassment to this Committee or any party.”
Ferdinando resigned after alleging that President Gotabaya Rajapaksa intervened on behalf of the Adani Group.
During yesterday’s proceedings, the COPE highlighted a problem created by Ferdinendo’s interpretation of the Adani investment as a government to government transaction though it was not. The COPE question is how Ferdinando arrived at the conclusion in the absence of any written documentation or at least a joint statement.
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.
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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.
INS Sahyadri sets sail from Colombo
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Advisory for severe lightning issued for Sabaragamuwa, Central and Uva provinces and in Hambanthota district
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