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N’cholai power plant expansion project: CEB engineers write to Prez seeking clarification

By Ifham Nizam
Sri Lankan government had saved more than USD 2 billion, thanks to three coal-fired power plants at the Lakvijaya Complex in Norochcholai, a foreign expert said, adding that the China Machinery Engineering Corporation (CMEC) had already invested USD four million to extend it to a fourth plant.
The Ceylon Electricity Board (CEB) too has invested USD one million on the proposed fourth, plant urgently needed.
Officials at the plant complex told The Island that officially they had not been asked to halt the plant. “In that case, there is a high probability the CMEC would take up the matter at a different level”, they said.
Ceylon Electricity Board Engineers Union (CEBEU) President, Eng. Saumya Kumarawadu has written to President Gotabaya Rajapaksa on some media reports claiming that the government has decided to terminate the ongoing Lakvijaya Power Plant – 300MW Extension Project.
“We are certain that your Excellency will provide the Ministry of Power and the CEB all the necessary directions and assistance to complete this nationally important 300MW coal power extension project within the shortest possible time considering concrete facts.”
The fourth plant at Norochcholai would give an annual saving of more than Rs. 27 billion, former CEB Chairman Eng. Vijitha Herath told the writer recently.
Last year, the Cabinet decided that the contract for the construction of the fourth unit should be given to the China Machinery Engineering Corporation (CMEC) considering the huge revenue saved due to the contribution from 3×300 MW plants.
Cabinet proposals dated 05.02.2020 and also 03.06.2020 submitted by the President were aimed at implementing the 300MW coal power extension project because the country was facing an imminent power shortage because not a single large low-cost power plant had been set up since 2014, according to the CEBEU President.
Kumarawadu said the 300MW plant would generate nearly 2 billion units of electricity a year. The fuel cost per unit of the existing coal plant is Rs.10 less than the next lowest thermal option available––furnace oil power plants. Hence, the average annual savings to the country by the new plant would be around Rs. 20 billion, according the to CEB engineers, who pointed out that the investment required for the new extension unit was comparatively low. They noted that all other power projects in the pipeline required a massive amount of investments in infrastructure and take a a very long time for implementation. “This should be seriously considered by the government in a situation where the country is facing severe financial hardships due to the Covid-19 pandemic,” the CEBEU has written to the President.
All preliminary work, related to the project, like comprehensive feasibility studies, the finalisation of technical requirements, commercial agreements, etc., was now complete, and everything was ready for the commencement of construction work, he said adding that the comprehensive Environmental Impact Assessment (EIA) too was ready for public perusal.
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Heat index, is likely to increase up to ‘Caution level’ at some places in Northern, Eastern and North-central provinces and Monaragala and Hambantota districts

Warm Weather Advisory
Issued by the Natural Hazards Early Warning Centre of the Department of Meteorology at 3.30 p.m. 29 April 2025, valid for 30 April 2025
The general public are warned that the Heat index, the temperature felt on human body is likely to increase up to ‘Caution level’ at some places in Northern, Eastern and North-central provinces and Monaragala and Hambantota districts
The Heat Index Forecast is calculated by using relative humidity and maximum temperature and this is the condition that is felt on your body. This is not the forecast of maximum temperature. It is generated by the Department of Meteorology for the next day period and prepared by using global numerical weather prediction model data.
Effect of the heat index on human body is mentioned in the above table and it is prepared on the advice of the Ministry of Health and Indigenous Medical Services.
ACTION REQUIRED
Job sites: Stay hydrated and takes breaks in the shade as often as possible.
Indoors: Check up on the elderly and the sick.
Vehicles: Never leave children unattended.
Outdoors: Limit strenuous outdoor activities, find shade and stay hydrated.
Dress: Wear lightweight and white or light-colored clothing.
Note:
In addition, please refer to advisories issued by the Disaster Preparedness & Response Division, Ministry of Health in this regard as well. For further clarifications please contact 011-7446491.
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AKD’s fourth state visit

President Anura Kumara Dissanayake will undertake a four-day state visit to Vietnam on 03 May, Cabinet Spokesman Minister Dr. Nalinda Jayatissa said. Since the presidential election, President Dissanayake has so far visited India, China and the UAE.
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Sri Lanka-Pakistan bilateral defence dialogue strengthens strategic ties – MoD

The 5th annual Sri Lanka-Pakistan Bilateral Defence Dialogue commenced on Monday (April 28) in Islamabad, Pakistan, marking a continued commitment to strengthening defence cooperation between the two nations.
The MoD statement: “The Sri Lankan delegation is led by Defence Secretary Air Vice Marshal (retd.) Sampath Thuyacontha accompanied by Commander of the Navy, Vice Admiral Kanchana Banagoda, and Additional Secretary (Defence) of the Ministry of Defence Jayantha Edirisinghe. The Pakistani delegation is headed by Lieutenant General (retd.) Muhammad Ali, Secretary Defence of the Islamic Republic of Pakistan.
In conjunction with the on-going defence dialogue, Defence Secretary Thuyacontha held a side-line meeting yesterday (April 29) with Defence Minister of Pakistan, Khawaja Muhammad Asif.
These high-level engagements aim to enhance bilateral cooperation, foster mutual understanding on regional security dynamics and explore opportunities for defence collaboration. Both nations share a longstanding relationship rooted in mutual respect and strategic cooperation. The dialogue reflects the growing importance of partnerships in maintaining stability and promoting peace in the South Asian region.
The three-day dialogue, which concludes today (April 30), is expected to reinforce bilateral defence ties and contribute to broader regional security objectives.
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