News Cleaner, cheaper electricity gathers momentum with rapid progress in 50 MW Mannar wind power project Published 2 mins agoon 2026/07/7 Sri Lanka’s drive towards cleaner and cheaper electricity gathered fresh momentum with the reported rapid progress in the 50 MW Mannar Wind…
News Cleaner, cheaper electricity gathers momentum with rapid progress in 50 MW Mannar wind power project
Published 2 mins agoon 2026/07/7
Sri Lanka’s drive towards cleaner and cheaper electricity gathered fresh momentum with the reported rapid progress in the 50 MW Mannar Wind Power Project, which is expected to produce the lowest-cost wind-generated electricity in the country’s history while saving billions of rupees in annual fuel imports. The Ministry of Energy announced that the first wind turbine for the project had already arrived in the country, while the remaining turbine components have reached the Port of Trincomalee and are currently being unloaded, signalling a major milestone in the construction of one of the country’s key renewable energy ventures. The project, inaugurated by President Anura Kumara Dissanayake, in January this year, is expected to become a cornerstone of the government’s strategy to transform Sri Lanka’s electricity sector by expanding renewable energy generation and reducing dependence on imported fossil fuels. According to the Ministry, electricity generated by the Mannar wind farm will be purchased at USD 0.0465 (approximately Rs. 14.37) per unit, making it the lowest tariff ever secured for wind-generated electricity in Sri Lanka. Energy experts say the competitive tariff demonstrates the growing economic viability of renewable energy and could help stabilise future electricity prices. The Ministry also estimates that once the wind farm is connected to the national grid, Sri Lanka will save approximately Rs. 4.7 billion annually by reducing the import of fossil fuels required for thermal power generation, easing pressure on the country’s foreign exchange reserves. The Mannar project is expected to support the government’s ambition of substantially increasing the contribution of renewable energy to the national electricity mix, by 2030, while helping Sri Lanka move towards its long-term goal of achieving net-zero carbon emissions by 2050. Hayleys Fentons PLC, selected through an international competitive bidding process, is responsible for the installation and maintenance of the wind turbines. The National System Operator (NSO), operating under the Ministry of Energy, will oversee the integration and management of electricity generated by the project within the national grid. By Ifham Nizam
News Tech-enabled trafficking, fake foreign jobs pose growing threat, MPs told
Published 2 mins agoon 2026/07/7
Opposition Leader Sajith Premadasa speaks to Public Security and Parliamentary Affairs Minister Ananda Wijepala during a special awareness programme on human trafficking held in the House recently Human trafficking has become increasingly sophisticated, with deceptive overseas employment offers, fraudulent recruitment practices and technology-enabled recruitment emerging as major threats that require a coordinated national response, Members of Parliament were told at a special awareness programme held in the House recently. Addressing the programme, Secretary to the Ministry of Defence and Chairman of the National Anti-Human Trafficking Task Force, retired Air Vice Marshal Sampath Thuyacontha, said trafficking in persons had evolved significantly over the years and was now closely linked to organised transnational criminal networks. He warned that fake foreign employment opportunities, fraudulent recruitment agencies, online recruitment platforms, forced labour, sexual exploitation and, in some instances, the use of victims for forced criminal activities had become key challenges confronting authorities. The awareness programme organised jointly by the National Anti-Human Trafficking Task Force of the Ministry of Defence and Parliament, was aimed at strengthening legislators’ understanding of emerging trafficking trends, the legal and policy framework governing the issue, and the role of Parliament in strengthening anti-trafficking legislation. MPs were also briefed on the National Strategic Action Plan on Combating Human Trafficking (2026-2030), which focuses on preventing trafficking, identifying and protecting victims, strengthening the criminal justice response and improving coordination among State institutions. Special emphasis was placed on the growing use of digital platforms for recruitment, deceptive migration practices, labour exploitation and the coercion of victims into criminal activities. The programme featured presentations by Additional Solicitor General Haripriya Jayasundara, PC, and State Counsel Sajith Bandara of the Attorney General’s Department. The event, held under the patronage of Deputy Chairperson of Committees Hemali Weerasekara, was attended by Opposition Leader Sajith Premadasa, Public Security and Parliamentary Affairs Minister Ananda Wijepala, Deputy Defence Minister retired Major General Aruna Jayasekara, Members of Parliament and senior officials of the Ministry of Defence, the National Anti-Human Trafficking Task Force and Parliament.
News National programme to conserve 1,000 archaeological sites across the country
Published 3 mins agoon 2026/07/7
The government has completed preparations to launch a national programme to conserve 1,000 archaeological sites across the country, in parallel with the commencement of Archaeology Week, which begins today (07). Deputy Minister of Buddha Sasana, Religious and Cultural Affairs Gamagedara Dissanayake said the initiative aims to identify sites of historical and archaeological significance and expedite excavation, research and conservation work. As the first phase of the programme, conservation activities will commence at 100 identified sites during Archaeology Week, while the remaining sites will be taken up subsequently. The Deputy Minister said Community Conservation Committees would be established in areas surrounding the identified sites to encourage public participation in protecting the country’s archaeological heritage. The committees will submit proposals and recommendations on excavation, research and conservation work, which will be implemented under the technical guidance and direct supervision of officers of the Department of Archaeology. This year’s Archaeology Week is being held under the theme “Bringing Heritage to Life”, reflecting the government’s efforts to preserve and revitalise Sri Lanka’s archaeological heritage through scientific conservation and community participation. Dissanayake said public involvement in safeguarding archaeological sites had remained inadequate and expressed confidence that the establishment of Community Conservation Committees would strengthen conservation efforts by encouraging local communities to play a more active role in protecting the nation’s archaeological heritage.