National programme to conserve 1,000 archaeological sites across the country

News Cleaner, cheaper electricity gathers momentum with rapid progress in 50 MW Mannar wind power project Published 1 min 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 P…

News Cleaner, cheaper electricity gathers momentum with rapid progress in 50 MW Mannar wind power project

Published 1 min 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 Dengue cases reach 5,673 in first five days of July

Published 4 mins agoon 2026/07/7

There have been 61,060 dengue cases and 39 deaths so far this year, according to the latest surveillance data released by the National Dengue Control Unit (NDCU). The dengue outbreak gathered pace in recent months, with 21,546 cases reported in June alone. A further 5,673 cases were recorded during the first five days of July. Earlier this year, the country reported 8,590 cases in May, 5,651 in April, 6,013 in March, 5,721 in February and 7,866 in January. The Western Province remains the worst-affected region, accounting for 52.5% of all reported cases. The Colombo District has recorded the highest number of infections, with 12,445 cases, followed closely by Gampaha with 12,282. Together, the two districts account for more than 40% of the national caseload. Other districts with a high disease burden are Matara (4,428 cases), Kalutara (4,092), Kandy (3,901) and Ratnapura (3,588). The NDCU has identified 142 Medical Officer of Health (MOH) areas as high-risk during Epidemiological Week 2026, with the country recording an average of 2,604 new dengue cases a week. Health authorities have urged the public to eliminate mosquito breeding sites in their surroundings, stressing that fogging alone is insufficient to contain the spread of the disease.