The first payment towards the implementation of the Hybrid Power Projects on three islands off Jaffna was handed over to Secretary, Minister of Power and Energy Sulakshana Jayawardena and Chairman of Sri Lanka Sustainable Energy Authority (SLSEA) Ranjith Sepala by the High Commissioner of India to Sri Lanka Santosh Jha.

A Memorandum of Understanding for the implementation of the hybrid renewable energy projects on the Delft, Nainativu and Analaitivu islands was signed between the Government of the Republic of India and the Government of the Democratic Socialist Republic of Sri Lanka in March 2022, and subsequently, the contract for the project implementation was signed by the SLSEA with M/s. U Solar Clean Energy Solutions Pvt. Ltd. on 01 March 2024.

The project, aimed at addressing the energy needs of the people of the three islands which are not connected to the national grid, will combine various forms of energy including both solar and wind, towards optimizing capacities.

Initial work has commenced at the three sites, and the project is scheduled to be completed by early March 2025 and handed over by late April 2025.

The project is being implemented under a grant assistance of USD 11 million from the Government of India and reaffirms India’s commitment to bilateral cooperation in the energy sector, as well as the human-centric nature of India’s development partnership initiatives in Sri Lanka.

The National Dengue Control Unit (NDCU) mandated the implementation of mosquito control programmes at all examination centres for the 2024 GCE Advanced Level examination. Accordingly, candidates have been instructed to bring mosquito repellent to the exam centres.

Health officials have issued a warning on the spread of a viral fever in the community. Common symptoms include fever, chills, sore throat and cough. They urge individuals to seek prompt medical attention if these symptoms last for longer than three days.

President Anura Kumara Dissanayake, addressing the Ministry of Finance staff after assuming duties as Minister, emphasized the importance of meeting public expectations to restore hope for a prosperous future. He lauded the Ministry’s role in overcoming the economic crisis and urged officials to focus on accountability and self-discipline.

Thirty-five new MPs have asked for housing facilities at the Madiwela Housing Complex, according to an informed source. The source said that these MPs had submitted their applications at the moment. Housing facilities in this complex are provided for those living outside the 40-kilometre radius of Colombo. In the complex, there are facilities to provide housing for 110 MPs.

A complaint has been lodged with the Criminal Investigation Department (CID) against controversial statements made by first time Jaffna District MP Dr. Archchuna Ramanathan. Civil activist Gunarathne Adikari speaking to media after filing the complaint said that the statements and behaviour of the new MP were unacceptable.

The Government of China contributed Rs. 1.5 billion in aid to Sri Lanka's Northern and Eastern Provinces in 2024, according to the Chinese Embassy in Colombo.

For the first time in Sri Lanka, the government is to establish a mechanism to supervise and advice ministries in the implementation of policies, a source said.

A tense situation was reported at the UNP party headquarters in Sirikotha when a group of UNP supporters arrived to hand over a document on reviving the party.

Samagi Jana Balawegaya (SJB) MP Harsha de Silva said today that an NPP MP has told him that the Parliament canteen will not be closed but the government will see that no one will abuse the facility.

Two fishermen were seriously injured and hospitalised after a parcel floating on the sea exploded while they were checking it off the coast of Mannar.