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.”
Approval of the Cabinet of Ministers was granted to the preparation of the Appropriation Bill for the financial year of 2027 at their meeting held on 30.06.2026.
Accordingly, clearance of the Attorney General has been given to the Appropriation Bill prepared by the Legal Draftsman.
Therefore, the Cabinet of Ministers approved the resolution furnished by the President in his capacity as the Minister of Finance, Planning and Economic Development to publish the aforementioned draft bill in the government gazette notification and thereby submit the same to the Parliament for its concurrence.
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Cabinet approves aditional Rs. 2,500 million to the Paddy Marketing Board to purchase 2026 Yala harvest
The Cabinet of Ministers has approved the resolution furnished by the Minister of Agriculture, Livestock, Land and Irrigation to provide an additional Rs. 2,500 million to the Paddy Marketing Board on a reimbursable basis from the Rs. 7,500 million additional allocations granted to the Ministry to implement
the expedited paddy purchasing program for the 2026 Yala harvest.
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Cabinet nod to host the 8th Asian Regional Conference of the Commonwealth Parliamentary Association and the 3rd Joint Asian and South-East Asian Regional Conference of the Commonwealth Parliamentary Association
The 8th Asian Regional Conference of the Commonwealth Parliamentary Association (CPA) and the 3rd Joint Asian and South-East Asian Regional Conference of the CPA are planned to be held over three days in Colombo during April/May 2027.
Approximately 90 delegates including speakers, Deputy Speakers, Member of Parliamentarians, and Parliamentary officers representing member countries of the Commonwealth Parliamentary Association, in the Asian and South-East Asian regions, are expected to participate in these conferences.
The Cabinet of Ministers has approved the resolution furnished by the Prime Minister of the Parliament of Sri Lanka to host the said conferences considering the opportunities to strengthen parliamentary diplomacy and regional cooperation, as well as to enhance international recognition of the Parliament of Sri Lanka within the Commonwealth Parliamentary Association.
Draft of the Appropriation Bill for the Financial Year 2027 su mitted to the Parliament
Cabinet approves aditional Rs. 2,500 million to the Paddy Marketing Board to purchase 2026 Yala harvest
Cabinet nod to host the 8th Asian Regional Conference of the Commonwealth Parliamentary Association and the 3rd Joint Asian and South-East Asian Regional Conference of the Commonwealth Parliamentary Association
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