News
New US project supports Lanka’s renewable energy goals
The United States Agency for International Development (USAID) has announced its new $19 million, five-year Sri Lanka Energy Programme. Once finalised, this grant will support the government of Sri Lanka’s plan to increase the generation of renewable energy to 70% by the year 2030 and will contribute to the transformation of Sri Lanka’s power sector into a market-based, secure, dependable, and long-term system.
“Government coordination, community engagement, and private sector participation are key to expanding the generation of renewable energy,” said USAID Mission Director Reed Aeschliman. “We are excited to partner with Sri Lanka as it prioritizes renewable energy to fuel its economic and social development.”
The Sri Lanka Energy Program’s local and international experts and partners will accelerate renewable energy adoption through promoting energy efficiency, strengthening the grid to accommodate increased renewable energy, and catalyzing private sector investment in the energy sector. They will identify low-cost, competitive options for renewable energy and support start-ups in the sector to encourage the development and deployment of innovative technologies. Further, the initiative will work to safely and reliably deliver affordable electricity to all citizens to help power a competitive, 21st century economy in Sri Lanka.
Speaking at a reception, the Secretary of the Ministry of Power said, “Sri Lanka has now committed to the Nationally Determined Contributions of reaching 70% share of renewable energy by 2030 for the power sector and carbon neutrality by 2050. These are mammoth targets and we have to put a lot of effort to reach them. Therefore, in doing so your support, assistance, and encouragement will be critical. To help support a clean, green country we will also need to coordinate efforts between all stakeholders responsible for energy efficiency”.
This is one component of the longstanding partnership between the American and Sri Lankan people to support Sri Lanka’s development journey and promote economic development. USAID’s program in Sri Lanka, totaling more than 350 billion LKR ($2 billion) since 1961, promotes a healthy, educated, and employed population. To find out more about USAID’s work, please visit usaid.gov/sri-lanka.
The Indian Naval Ship (INS) Sahyadri which arrived at the Port of Colombo on a formal visit on 04 Apr 25, departed the island today (07 Apr). 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 INS Sahyadri took part in several programmes organized by the Sri Lanka Navy, aimed at enhancing mutual cooperation. In addition, they also explored some tourist attractions in the country. Further, personnel of Sri Lanka Navy had the opportunity to visit INS Sahyadri, gaining insights into her operational capabilities.
Latest News
Advisory for severe lightning issued for Sabaragamuwa, Central and Uva provinces and in Hambanthota district
The Natural Hazards Early Warning Centre has issued an Advisory for Severe Lightning for the Sabaragamuwa, Central and Uva provinces and in Hambanthota district.
The advisory issued at 02.00 p.m. today [07 April 2025] is valid for the period until 11.00 p.m. 07 April 2025
The public are warned that thundershowers accompanied by severe lightning are likely to occur at several places in for Sabaragamuwa, Central and Uva provinces and in Hambantota district. There may be temporary localized strong winds during thundershowers. General public is kindly requested to take adequate precautions to minimize damages caused by lightning activity.
ACTION REQUIRED:
The Department of Meteorology advises that people should:
Seek shelter, preferably indoors and never under trees.
• Avoid open areas such as paddy fields, tea plantations and open water bodies during thunderstorms.
• Avoid using wired telephones and connected electric appliances during thunderstorms.
• Avoid using open vehicles, such as bicycles, tractors and boats etc.
• Beware of fallen trees and power lines.
• For emergency assistance contact the local disaster management authorities.
The report of the “Census of Population and Housing 2024,” conducted by the Department of Census and Statistics, was officially handed over to President Anura Kumara Disanayake this morning (07) at the Presidential Secretariat.
This preliminary report has been prepared based on island wide data collected between October and December 2024.
The report provides details on Sri Lanka’s population, its growth and the distribution of the population across districts.
The information gathered through the census is vital not only for the government but also for other institutions in formulating policies and development plans essential for the country’s progress. Significantly, for the first time in the history of census-collecting in Sri Lanka, data collection was carried out using tablet computers and user-friendly mobile devices.
The event was attended by Deputy Minister of Finance & Planning, Harshana Suriyapperuma, Secretary to the President Dr. Nandika Sanath Kumanayake, Secretary to the Ministry of Finance Mahinda Siriwardana, Director General of the Department of Census and Statistics D.D.G.A. Senevirathne and several other officials.
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Advisory for severe lightning issued for Sabaragamuwa, Central and Uva provinces and in Hambanthota district
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