Connect with us

News

Engineers insist Lanka’s energy security in danger

Published

on

By Ifham Nizam

US firm, New Fortress Energy, was trying to take advantage of the country’s declining economic situation on the pretext of purchasing 40 percent shares of the West Coast Power Plant, Yugadanavi by paying Sri Lanka USD 250 million, but in actual fact the US firm was targeting huge returns, says Ceylon Electricity Board Engineers’ Union President Saumya Kumarawadu.

Responding to queries, Kumarawadu said that the unsolicited offer from New Fortress included clauses that required Sri Lanka to make all LNG purchases through that firm. “In other , it will give the US firm an opportunity to make more than USD 6,000 million in a 10-year period. However, if LNG purchases went through competitive bidding the amount would be much lower,” he said, adding that they were waiting to take up the matter with President Gotabaya Rajapaksa.

The transaction cost under the NFE’s LNG supply contract could be in the range of USD 3000 million for five years and could go up to USD 6000 million for 10 years, given the fact that the country would be forced to buy LNG from NFE for the plants in Kelanitissa premises as well since there was no other alternative option, he said.

Exclusive rights of supplying LNG to Sri Lanka would be given to the American company for five years initially, but the country would be compelled to extend the period and that was a great threat to national energy security, he stressed.

The CEBEU President said they feared that the Colombo-based existing and future power plants could be controlled by the US company through the LNG supply deal, which would greatly hamper the country’s electricity supply availability and reliability. Supply of LNG under the contract might not be limited to the electricity sector but could also be extended to other sectors such as transport and domestic use in the years to come.

Dhammike Wimalaratne, Secretary of CEBEU said: “New Fortress USA only agrees to buy 40% government shares of West Coast Plant by paying Sri Lanka USD 250 million provided Sri Lanka agrees to give them the exclusive rights to supply and operate both LNG FSRU infrastructure and LNG Supply to all the power stations in the country.

He too warned that the national energy security in the country which was enforced through the Country’s National Energy Policy issued in Aug 2019 was in jeopardy.

 It states, “Considering the impact to the country’s energy security, operation of the first terminal and LNG procurement shall be kept under state control”

• CEB has already developed a comprehensive road map for the deployment of LNG for Sri Lanka electricity generation through a detailed feasibility study funded by ADB.

• The intention was to deploy LNG for the Colombo based power plants initially with the actual LNG requirement determined carefully in accordance with CEB’s generation plan as well as forecasted dispatch scenario.

• The tenders were separated for the procurement of LNG terminal, pipeline and LNG supply through a competitive bidding process to secure the optimum economic benefits to the country while ensuring transparency and accountability.

• International Competitive Tenders were called by CEB to procure LNG terminal (FSRU, mooring facility and other infrastructure) and by CPC to construct the pipeline network and the bids received are currently under evaluation.

• Bid documents to procure LNG through a competitive bidding process are being prepared.



Continue Reading
Click to comment

Leave a Reply

Your email address will not be published. Required fields are marked *

News

“Buddha Rashmi Vesak Kalapaya” continues in the vicinity of the President’s office

Published

on

By

The second day of the “Vesak Bhakti Gee Saraniya”, held in parallel with the “Buddha Rashmi Vesak Kalapaya” jointly organized by the Hunupitiya Gangaramaya Temple, the Presidential Secretariat and the Prime Minister’s Office, commenced on Tuesday (13) at 6:30 p.m. under the patronage of Secretary to the President Dr. Nandika Sanath Kumanayake, at the Presidential Secretariat premises.

The evening featured musical performances by renowned vocalist Ilyas Beg and the Sri Lanka Air Force Bhakti Gee Troup, accompanied by the Air Force Band. A Vesak lantern exhibition was also held at the venue. The event was attended by the Chief Incumbent of Gangaramaya Temple Venerable Dr. Kirinde Assaji Thero, along with several senior officials of the Presidential Secretariat.

This Bhakthi Gee programme will continue today [May 14]  and tomorrow at the same location. Additionally, a short-eats dansala is being held near the Presidential Secretariat for the benefit of the public visiting Colombo for Vesak, and will continue until May 16.

Meanwhile, a ‘Buth Dansala’ organized jointly by the Presidential Secretariat and the Sri Lanka Army was inaugurated yesterday near the Presidential Secretariat, with the participation of senior military officers. A large number of devotees from across the country attended the event.

In line with the ‘Buddha Rashmi’ and ‘Bauddhaloka Vesak Kalapya’, several Vesak programmes have been organized in the vicinity with the support of the Presidential Secretariat. These include the illumination of nearby government buildings and roads with decorative lights, and the display of Vesak lanterns, with the active participation of the Presidential Secretariat staff.

[PMD]

Continue Reading

News

French Navy Ship ‘BEAUTEMPS BEAUPRE’ sets sail from Colombo

Published

on

By

The French Navy Ship ‘BEAUTEMPS BEAUPRE’ which arrived in Sri Lanka on a goodwill visit (09 May 25), departed the island on Tuesday (13 May).

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 ‘BEAUTEMPS BEAUPRE’ visited some tourist attractions in the country. In addition, the Commanding Officer and a group of
crew members of the ship called on senior officers of the Sri Lanka National Hydrographic Office (SLNHO) to discuss key hydrographic matters of bilateral importance.

Continue Reading

News

“Clean Sri Lanka” joins hands to Improve facilities and sanitation at Kotmale Regional Hospital

Published

on

By

Following the bus accident in the Garandiella area of Kotmale, a large number of injured individuals were admitted to the Kotmale Regional Hospital for treatment. In response, the “Clean Sri Lanka” programme has collaborated to improve the facilities and sanitation of the hospital.

Accordingly, the “Clean Sri Lanka” programme actively worked to clean the hospital ward complex and the hospital premises, aiming to create a comfortable environment for the patients’ treatment and to enhance other facilities.

A notable aspect was the voluntary participation of the local community in this effort. The “Clean Sri Lanka” secretariat appreciates the dedication shown by the doctors and hospital staff of the Kotmale Regional Hospital, who provided emergency treatment to those injured in this unexpected incident despite having access to limited resources.

Continue Reading

Trending