President Anura Kumar Dissanayake participated in the Thai Pongal festival organized by the Northern Province Tourism Bureau this afternoon (15) at the Manipai Maruthadi Vinayagar Kovil, as part of efforts to promote tourism.
All Stories
The past year has been one in which campaigns that foster racism were weakened and there was a concerted struggle for national unity, a notable chapter in the country’s history -President says at the Northern Province Thai Pongal Festival
A Singapore-registered company, which is a supplier to the Ceylon Petroleum Corporation, has made a financial donation of USD 10,000 to the Government’s ‘Rebuilding Sri Lanka’ Fund to provide relief to the people affected by Cyclone Ditwah.
A Singapore-registered company, which is a supplier to the Ceylon Petroleum Corporation, has made a financial donation of USD 10,000 (approximately LKR 30 million) to the Government’s ‘Rebuilding Sri Lanka’ Fund to provide relief to the people affected by Cyclone Ditwah.
In line with the Government’s programme to achieve the target of net zero carbon emissions by 2050, the 20-megawatt ‘Windscape Mannar’ wind power plant constructed in Mannar by CEYLEX Renewables was officially connected to the national grid this morning (15) under the patronage of President Anura Kumara Dissanayake.
The Northern Provincial Programme of the “Ratam Ekata” National Campaign, aimed at eradicating the growing menace of toxic drugs in the country, will be held tomorrow (16) evening at the Jaffna College of Technology playground under the patronage of President Anura Kumara Dissanayake.
Marking a noble cultural tradition that expresses gratitude for the dignity of labour and the protection bestowed by nature, the National celebration of the Thai Pongal Celebration observed by Tamil people around the world was held today (January 15) at Temple Trees with the participation of Prime Minister Dr. Harini Amarasuriya.
Project Aims to Strengthen Renewable Energy Capacity and Deliver Benefits to Local Communities - Minister of Energy, Kumara Jayakody
In line with the government’s policy to achieve net zero carbon emissions by 2050, the 50-megawatt wind power project being developed by Hayleys Fentons Limited in Mannar was officially launched this morning (15) under the patronage of President Anura Kumara Dissanayake.
The state-of-the-art wind power plant in Mannar, which harnesses the area’s natural wind resources, will comprise 10 wind turbines and is expected to generate 207,000,000 kilowatt-hours of electricity annually. A notable feature of the project is the supply of electricity at a tariff of USD 0.0465 per unit, equivalent to LKR 14.37 per unit. The project is scheduled for completion in March 2027.
In addition, documents relating to several regional development projects were formally handed over at the ceremony held under the patronage of the President. These included the provision of a fully equipped smart classroom with modern educational facilities for the Oleithuduwai Roman Catholic Tamil Mixed School; the supply of safe drinking water to 200 households in collaboration with the National Water Supply and Drainage Board; the installation of new street lighting along the pedestrian walkway from the Mannar Bridge to Thallady town in partnership with the Ceylon Electricity Board; and the construction of new water channels at an estimated cost of nearly Rs. 10 million to ensure smooth water flow. Additionally, canal dredging works were undertaken in coordination with the Disaster Management Centres to mitigate flooding in the area.
Speaking on the occasion, Minister of Energy Kumara Jayakody stated that the project which construction commenced today is not only a renewable energy initiative that will contribute to powering the country, but also a project designed to provide essential facilities and benefits to the people of the region.
Emphasising that the Government, as one elected by the people, gives priority to addressing public needs, the Minister stated that this project will genuinely contribute to national development while delivering essential services to the people. He further noted that, in taking forward the development initiatives required to uplift the Mannar District, the support of all stakeholders including religious leaders and political representatives in the area is expected.
Further elaborating at the event, Minister of Energy Kumara Jayakody stated
The Mannar region is one of the areas in the country with the highest wind power potential. Today can be regarded as a significant milestone, reflecting the government’s strong commitment to harness this potential for national development. This project also marks the first opportunity in Sri Lanka’s wind power generation history to purchase electricity at such a low tariff, at just USD 0.0465 per unit. Several other development initiatives are also being implemented in the Mannar area, capitalizing on its renewable energy potential.
In 2025, our target for renewable energy capacity addition was 1,848 megawatts. However, we were able to exceed this target by adding a capacity of 2,695 megawatts. For 2026, the target has been set at 2,078 megawatts, and agreements have already been signed for a capacity of 3,089.5 megawatts. Similarly, while the targets for 2027, 2028 and 2029 were set at 2,563 megawatts, 3,253 megawatts and 3,943 megawatts respectively, agreements have already been signed for capacities of 3,822.5 megawatts, 4,332.5 megawatts and 4,634.5 megawatts. Accordingly, for the period from 2025 to 2029, instead of the originally planned total capacity of 9,759 megawatts, agreements have now been secured for a total capacity of 12,789.5 megawatts. This clearly demonstrates that we are making significant and successful progress in achieving our renewable energy objectives.
We carefully examined the wind power potential of this area, as well as the challenges faced by the local community and the region’s unique geographical characteristics. In particular, the people of this area strongly emphasized that government intervention is essential for advancing local development initiatives.
Acting on the instructions of the President, a special task committee has been appointed to oversee development activities in the Mannar area. Through this committee, the necessary interventions will be provided to support future development initiatives in the region. In particular, due to the area’s geographical location, there is a persistent issue of water retention and flooding. Steps have already been taken to implement a sustainable solution to this problem. At present, survey and measurement work is underway and progress is being closely and continuously monitored. With the support and coordination of the District Secretary and with the active participation of political leaders, religious representatives and other stakeholders, the relevant plans are being finalized and development programmes are being implemented to ensure that essential facilities are provided to the public without delay.
We have not confined these efforts solely to electricity generation. As a government elected by the people, we are carrying out these initiatives while providing the public with essential facilities, relief and tangible benefits. As a government, we remain firmly committed to ensuring that the people receive the basic services they require. We believe that opposition Members of Parliament will also extend their cooperation without division. None of these initiatives are being undertaken for political gain. Therefore, I call upon all stakeholders to come together to deliver the services the people need and to work collectively towards the development of this region.
Chairman of the Sustainable Energy Authority, Professor Wijendra Bandara, General Manager of the Ceylon Electricity Board, Engineer K.S.I. Kumar, Chairman and Chief Executive Officer of Hayleys PLC, Mohan Pandithage and Managing Director of Hayleys Fentons Limited, Hasith Prematilleke, also addressed the gathering.
Northern Province Governor Nagalingam Vedanayagam, local public representatives, senior officials from the Ceylon Electricity Board and the Sustainable Energy Authority, Executive Director of Hayleys PLC, Sarath Ganegoda and General Manager of Hayleys Advantis Ltd, Ruwan Vidyaratna, along with other representatives, were also present at the event.
Project Aims to Strengthen Renewable Energy Capacity and Deliver Benefits to Local Communities - Minister of Energy, Kumara Jayakody
In line with the government’s policy to achieve net zero carbon emissions by 2050, the 50-megawatt wind power project being developed by Hayleys Fentons Limited in Mannar was officially launched this morning (15) under the patronage of President Anura Kumara Dissanayake.
The state-of-the-art wind power plant in Mannar, which harnesses the area’s natural wind resources, will comprise 10 wind turbines and is expected to generate 207,000,000 kilowatt-hours of electricity annually. A notable feature of the project is the supply of electricity at a tariff of USD 0.0465 per unit, equivalent to LKR 14.37 per unit. The project is scheduled for completion in March 2027.
In addition, documents relating to several regional development projects were formally handed over at the ceremony held under the patronage of the President. These included the provision of a fully equipped smart classroom with modern educational facilities for the Oleithuduwai Roman Catholic Tamil Mixed School; the supply of safe drinking water to 200 households in collaboration with the National Water Supply and Drainage Board; the installation of new street lighting along the pedestrian walkway from the Mannar Bridge to Thallady town in partnership with the Ceylon Electricity Board; and the construction of new water channels at an estimated cost of nearly Rs. 10 million to ensure smooth water flow. Additionally, canal dredging works were undertaken in coordination with the Disaster Management Centres to mitigate flooding in the area.
Speaking on the occasion, Minister of Energy Kumara Jayakody stated that the project which construction commenced today is not only a renewable energy initiative that will contribute to powering the country, but also a project designed to provide essential facilities and benefits to the people of the region.
Emphasising that the Government, as one elected by the people, gives priority to addressing public needs, the Minister stated that this project will genuinely contribute to national development while delivering essential services to the people. He further noted that, in taking forward the development initiatives required to uplift the Mannar District, the support of all stakeholders including religious leaders and political representatives in the area is expected.
Further elaborating at the event, Minister of Energy Kumara Jayakody stated
The Mannar region is one of the areas in the country with the highest wind power potential. Today can be regarded as a significant milestone, reflecting the government’s strong commitment to harness this potential for national development. This project also marks the first opportunity in Sri Lanka’s wind power generation history to purchase electricity at such a low tariff, at just USD 0.0465 per unit. Several other development initiatives are also being implemented in the Mannar area, capitalizing on its renewable energy potential.
In 2025, our target for renewable energy capacity addition was 1,848 megawatts. However, we were able to exceed this target by adding a capacity of 2,695 megawatts. For 2026, the target has been set at 2,078 megawatts, and agreements have already been signed for a capacity of 3,089.5 megawatts. Similarly, while the targets for 2027, 2028 and 2029 were set at 2,563 megawatts, 3,253 megawatts and 3,943 megawatts respectively, agreements have already been signed for capacities of 3,822.5 megawatts, 4,332.5 megawatts and 4,634.5 megawatts. Accordingly, for the period from 2025 to 2029, instead of the originally planned total capacity of 9,759 megawatts, agreements have now been secured for a total capacity of 12,789.5 megawatts. This clearly demonstrates that we are making significant and successful progress in achieving our renewable energy objectives.
We carefully examined the wind power potential of this area, as well as the challenges faced by the local community and the region’s unique geographical characteristics. In particular, the people of this area strongly emphasized that government intervention is essential for advancing local development initiatives.
Acting on the instructions of the President, a special task committee has been appointed to oversee development activities in the Mannar area. Through this committee, the necessary interventions will be provided to support future development initiatives in the region. In particular, due to the area’s geographical location, there is a persistent issue of water retention and flooding. Steps have already been taken to implement a sustainable solution to this problem. At present, survey and measurement work is underway and progress is being closely and continuously monitored. With the support and coordination of the District Secretary and with the active participation of political leaders, religious representatives and other stakeholders, the relevant plans are being finalized and development programmes are being implemented to ensure that essential facilities are provided to the public without delay.
We have not confined these efforts solely to electricity generation. As a government elected by the people, we are carrying out these initiatives while providing the public with essential facilities, relief and tangible benefits. As a government, we remain firmly committed to ensuring that the people receive the basic services they require. We believe that opposition Members of Parliament will also extend their cooperation without division. None of these initiatives are being undertaken for political gain. Therefore, I call upon all stakeholders to come together to deliver the services the people need and to work collectively towards the development of this region.
Chairman of the Sustainable Energy Authority, Professor Wijendra Bandara, General Manager of the Ceylon Electricity Board, Engineer K.S.I. Kumar, Chairman and Chief Executive Officer of Hayleys PLC, Mohan Pandithage and Managing Director of Hayleys Fentons Limited, Hasith Prematilleke, also addressed the gathering.
Northern Province Governor Nagalingam Vedanayagam, local public representatives, senior officials from the Ceylon Electricity Board and the Sustainable Energy Authority, Executive Director of Hayleys PLC, Sarath Ganegoda and General Manager of Hayleys Advantis Ltd, Ruwan Vidyaratna, along with other representatives, were also present at the event.
Mr and Mrs Richard Wood, residents living in the vicinity of the Sri Lanka High Commission in the United Kingdom, have made a financial donation of £2,000 to the Government’s ‘Rebuilding Sri Lanka’ Fund to provide relief to the people affected by Cyclone Ditwah.
The official website www.rebuildingsrilanka.gov.lk was launched recently (13) at the inaugural ceremony of the ‘Rebuilding Sri Lanka’ National Programme, held at the Lotus Hall of the Bandaranaike Memorial International Conference Hall (BMICH), Colombo.
I extend my heartfelt greetings to the Tamil people in Sri Lanka and abroad who celebrate the ThaiPongal festival, marking a pride tradition that expresses gratitude for the dignity of labour and the protection bestowed by nature.
The Thai Pongal festival, celebrated with great devotion and enthusiasm by Hindu devotees across the world, falls today (15).
News
News
Quick Links
Quick Links
Important Links
About Us
News.lk publishes in three languages – Sinhala, Tamil and English.
+94 11 366 3040 | editor@news.lk