News
JVP mobilizing against Adani wind power proposal in Mannar
by Shiran Ranasinghe and Sirimantha Ratnasekera
JVP has decided to mobilize people, members of clergy, trade unions and civil society organisations to defeat a government move to give away land in Talaimannar to Indian conglomerate Adani Group to develop a one GW wind power project with an investment of more than $1bn.
Former JVP Kalutara District MP, Dr Nalinda Jayatissa said that action has been planned to stand up against the government’s move to give away national assets to foreigners by ruling party politicians seeking commissions.
“We know that government is in a dire situation because it cannot get loans as international rating agencies have downgraded the country. It could obtain loans only from China and India. Another means to shore up the country’s foreign reserves is bringing in outside investments. But these investors do not come here for the love of Sri Lanka,” he said.
“They have a long term plan of establishing their presence at places of geopolitical importance in this country. The latest move is giving away land in Talaimannar to the Adani Group. Making use of forex crisis. Some politicians will get commissions out of these deals. We must stop this.”
Finance Ministry sources said that there is a possibility of a cabinet paper being submitted to the next cabinet meeting to get the approval for the project in the same way the government rushed the deal with the New Fortress Energy company through the cabinet.
Ministry sources said that the Adani group has proposed to develop a 1,000 MW wind energy project in Talaimannar and has also expressed interest in a second wind energy project in Pooneryn.
Ceylon Electricity Board (CEB)General Manager Eng MR Ranatunga said that there was a proposal for the project and Adani’s billionaire Chairman, Gautam Adani and his officials during their visit to Sri Lanka in October expressed interest in projects related to ports, power and renewable energy. They also visited Mannar for an inspection. No agreement has been signed for the project so far, Ranatunga said.
CEB chairman M.M.C Ferdinando confirmed that they had received a proposal from the Adani group. Adani Group’s subsidiary Adani Green Energy has submitted a proposal to the Board of Investment of Sri Lanka (BOI) and the CEB.
He said that the BOI had referred the proposal to the Cabinet-appointed Management Committee on Investments (CAMCI), which was set up up to fast track investment proposals.
“Adani had referred a proposal to the BOI, and copied to me and the CAMCI headed by the Treasury Secretary” he said.
Finance ministry sources said that Adani’s proposal had received approval from the CAMCI last week.
Dr Jayatissa said that they would commence an awareness campaign and do everything possible to reverse the government’s move to sell national assets to foreigners.
Latest News
Landslide Early Warnings issued to the districts of Kalutara, Nuwara Eliya and Ratnapura
The Landslide Early Warning Centre of the National Building Research Organisation (NBRO) has issued early warnings to the Districts of Kalutara, Nuwara Eliya and Ratnapura from 1600hrs on 13th June 2026 till 1600hrs on 14th June 2026.
Accordingly,
LEVEL I (YELLOW) landslide early warnings have been issued to the Divisional Secretaries Divisions and surounding areas of Palindanuwara and Agalawatta in the Kalutara district, Ambagamuwa in the Nuwara Eliya and Ayagama, Pelmadulla,
Godakawela, Elapatha, Kalawana, Ratnapura and Nivithigala in the Ratnapura district.
News
INS Sharda departs Colombo concluding replenishment visit
The Indian Naval Ship (INS) ‘Sharda’ departed the island today (13 Jun 26), concluding her replenishment purposes.
On departure the vessel was accorded a traditional naval farewell by the Sri Lanka Navy at the Port of Colombo.
The visit also paved the way for vibrant personnel interactions, fostering camaraderie and goodwill. The crew of INS Sharda and personnel from the Sri Lanka Navy participated in a
friendly volleyball match and a joint yoga session. A
dditionally, Sri Lanka Navy personnel had the opportunity to visit the Indian naval vessel, while the visiting crew took time to explore several culturally significant landmarks across the island.
Latest News
Special Dengue Prevention Week declared in Colombo District from June 15 to 21
A decision has been taken to declare a Special Dengue Prevention Week from 15 to 21 of June by the Colombo District Dengue Control Committee to curb the spread of the disease in the Colombo District.
This decision was taken at the meeting of the Colombo District Dengue Control Committee held on Friday (12) at the Colombo District Secretariat under the patronage of Prime Minister Dr. Harini Amarasuriya.
Compared to last year, the number of dengue cases reported this year has increased significantly. According to the National Dengue Control Unit, approximately 39,100 dengue cases have been reported island wide to date, of which 25.8% have been recorded in the Colombo District. Following this situation, the Colombo District has been identified as a high-risk district.
Health authorities informed that the increasing spread of the disease has been influenced not only by the nature of circulating virus but also to the lack of sufficient immunity among the population. They further noted that the recent period of heavy rainfall has aggravated the spread of Dengue.
It was also identified that the current outbreak is being reported more frequently from public places such as government institutions, private establishments, schools, and religious venues rather than from residential premises. Observations have identified improperly managed solid waste and drainage systems in offices and other public locations as major breeding grounds for mosquitoes.
Accordingly, during the Dengue Prevention Week from 15 to 21 June, a series of measures will be implemented, including, organising community clean-up campaigns in government and private institutions, schools, residential areas, and other public spaces; Conducting inspections of high-risk premises by Divisional Secretariats and taking legal action, where necessary, followed by awareness programmes; Distributing informational leaflets, displaying banners, and carrying out public awareness campaigns through the media. Health authorities also requested school administrations not to involve students below Grade 10 in school cleaning programmes and to immediately notify the relevant Medical Officer of Health (MOH) office if a student is diagnosed with dengue.
The programme is expected to receive the active support and participation of the district’s political leadership, religious leaders of all faiths, public officials, local government institutions, the tri-forces, the police, and the general public.
The event was attended by the Chairperson of the District Coordination Committee, Members of Parliament, representatives of local government authorities, government secretaries, police officers, and officials representing the education and health sectors, among others.
[Prime Minister’s Media Division]
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