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Spotlight on covering approval for USD 16 mn transaction

Published

5 years ago

2020/09/4

Sahan Weerasooriya

Govt. defends emergency coal purchases

By Shamindra Feddinando

Co-cabinet spokesman and Energy Minister Udaya Gammanpila yesterday (3) told the post-cabinet media briefing at the Information Department that the government followed proper procedures in respect of spot purchase of 300,000 MT of coal required by Lakvijaya power plant at Norochcholai.

Pivithuru Hela Urumaya leader Gammanpila said so when The Island asked him why the government continued with the controversial practice of spot purchases against the backdrop of a spate of corruption accusations against both the SLFP-led UPFA and UNP-SLFP administrations regarding coal purchases.

Referring to the particular cabinet decision taken on Sept 2, 2020, The Island pointed out that the Permanent Procurement Committee had recommended the awarding of the tender worth USD 16.18 mn to M/S Swiss Singapore Overseas Enterprises Pvt. Limited.

The cabinet however granted covering approval to the proposal made by Power Minister Dullus Alahapperuma. The selected supplier is part of Mumbai headquartered global conglomerate Aditya Birla Group.

Pointing out the change of government took place in 2019 November, The Island sought an explanation why regular purchases couldn’t be made, attorney at law Gammanpila explained such acquisitions were made when world market prices were lower than that of the supplier/suppliers’ price.

The minister also explained various factors which could contribute to the government going ahead with emergency purchases.

According to a special audit on procurement of coal by Lanka Coal Company (Pvt) Limited from 2009 to 2016 undertaken by the Auditor General’s Department, revealed that there had been instances of coal being supplied without following proper procurement procedures as well as outside procurement process.

Earlier accusations as regards mega contract awarded to the same company led to the sacking of Lanka Coal Company Chairman attorney-at-law Maithri Gunaratne and the entire board of directors in January 2017.

The media was also told of co-cabinet spokesman Gammanpila in his capacity as the Energy Minister submitting a proposal to the cabinet regarding installation of three oil tanks at the Kolonnawa storage complex at a cost of Rs 942.47 mn (sans VAT payment). According to the cabinet paper, cabinet -appointed procurement committee had recommended Indo-East Engineering and Construction (Lanka) Private Limited to undertake the project.

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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

Published

9 hours ago

2025/04/30

Priyan

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.

News

AKD’s fourth state visit

Published

10 hours ago

2025/04/30

Sahan Weerasooriya

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.

News

Sri Lanka-Pakistan bilateral defence dialogue strengthens strategic ties – MoD

Published

10 hours ago

2025/04/30

Sahan Weerasooriya

AVM Thuyacontha shaking hands with Pakistan Defence Minister Khawaja Muhammad Asif (pic courtesy 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.