News
Energy crisis: India enhances its role here with agreement on 100 MW solar power plant
Against the backdrop of perhaps the worst ever energy crisis, Sri Lanka has finalised a Joint Venture and Shareholders’ Agreement (JVSHA) for the development of a 100 MW Solar Power plant at Sampur, Trincomalee.
The signing of the agreement took place on March 11 at the Finance Ministry here in the presence of FM Basil Rajapaksa and Indian High Commissioner Gopal Baglay. The agreement is for the Trincomalee Power Company Limited (TPCL) which is a joint venture between NTPC Limited, India and the Ceylon Electricity Board (CEB).
The signatories to this tripartite document included Narinder Mohan Gupta, Head of International Business Development, NTPC, M.M.C. Ferdinando, Chairman of the CEB; and. N.S. Ilangakoon, Vice-Chairman (CEB) and Chairman TPCL.
The Indian High Commission spokesperson said that during Finance Minister Basil Rajapaksa’s visit to New Delhi last year, both sides resolved to enhance investments from India in various sectors in Sri Lanka that would contribute to growth and expand employment.
The Sampur Solar Power Project is an important step in this direction, the official said.
The official said that the latest project demonstrated again, India’s ability to respond to Sri Lanka’s priorities in a comprehensive and mutually beneficial manner. “We will continue to encourage and facilitate the expedited and effective implementation of this project, ” the official said.
He said: “India is committed to expanding the role of renewable energy and helping build cleaner, greener and climate resilient societies. At the international level India has provided institutional solutions such as the International Solar Alliance and the Coalition for Disaster Resilient Infrastructure for Climate Adaptation. Our cooperation with Sri Lanka in this domain will only become stronger with the implementation of the US$ 100 million Line of Credit offered by India to Sri Lanka for development of solar power projects in Sri Lanka. Similarly, there is significant interest among the private sector on both sides for cooperation in renewable energy which is likely to increase in the coming years.”
The government, under heavy Opposition fire over inclusion of a sex website in the Grade 6 English module, as well as overall education reforms, has decided to put on hold reforms in respect of Grade 6.
Cabinet Spokesman and Media and Health Minister Dr. Nalinda Jayatissa announced the government decision yesterday (13) at the post-Cabinet media briefing at the Information Department.
According to him, the decision had been taken at the previous day’s Cabinet meeting, chaired by President Anura Kumara Dissanayake. Dr. Jayatissa said that education reforms pertaining to Garde 6 had been put on hold until 2027.
The Minister said that other proposed education reforms would be implemented as planned. The Minister said that action would be taken against those responsible for the inclusion of a link to a sex website following investigations conducted by the Criminal Investigation Department and the National Education Institute.
The SJB and several other political parties, as well as civil society groups, have accused the government of promoting an LGBTQ agenda, through the proposed education reforms.
The Opposition grouping Mahajana Handa, on Monday, made representations to the Mahanayake Thera of the Malwatta Chapter regarding the controversial reforms, while urging their intervention to halt the project.
President Anura Kumara Dissanayake yesterday (13) vowed to go ahead with his government’s agenda, regardless of the destruction caused by Cyclone Ditwah.
Emphasising the responsibility on the part of all to contribute to the post-Ditwah recovery efforts, President Dissanayake said that he would have complete faith in the public service.
The President said so at the launch of the re-building Sri Lanka project at the BMICH yesterday.
The JVP and NPP leader said that he wouldn’t take advantage of the death and destruction caused by the cyclone or use the situation as an excuse to reverse their agenda or weaken it.
President Dissanayake said that in spite of many calling for amending the then Budget, in view of the cyclone, the government presented the proposals that were agreed before the disaster struck.
The United States has announced that it will provide the Sri Lanka Air Force with 10 US Navy TH-57 helicopters free of charge.
The announcement was made by outgoing US Ambassador Julie Chung, who stated, on social media, that the helicopters would be transferred under the United States’ Excess Defence Articles programme. The aircraft are Bell 206 Sea Ranger helicopters previously operated by the US Navy.
US sources said that the transfer was intended to strengthen Sri Lanka’s disaster response capabilities, following the devastating cyclone that struck the island at the end of 2025 and killed more than 600 people. US officials have framed the move as a humanitarian measure aimed at improving aerial rescue and relief operations.
Showery condition over the island is expected to reduce from tomorrow (15th)
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Fair weather will prevail except for a few showers in the Uva, Eastern, Western and Central provinces and in Galle, Matara and Rathnapura districts
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Govt. bows to pressure, shelves Grade 6 reforms
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