SRI LANKA POWER CUT
India-Russia joint venture to get to run Mattala airport in Sri Lanka soon: Aviation minister
Sri Lanka strategically partners with India and Russia amidst 2022 financial turmoil, entrusting Mattala Airport's management for sustainable growth. The joint venture marks a pivotal step towards economic recovery, reflecting the nation's resilience and commitment to fostering strategic alliances for infrastructure development and long-term prosperity.
India keen to speed up power grid link talks with Sri Lanka
India is actively pursuing discussions with Sri Lanka to establish a power grid link, focusing on renewable energy for electricity trading. The project includes overhead and under-sea cables, with economic benefits being evaluated by PwC India and plans for a joint consultant for investment decisions.
Sri Lanka reaches deal on debt restructuring with bilateral creditors including India, China and France
Sri Lankan President Ranil Wickremesinghe announced a debt restructuring deal with India, France, Japan, and China, a critical step in economic recovery after the 2022 debt default. Under an IMF bailout program, the agreement is expected to revive stalled foreign projects. Sri Lanka declared bankruptcy in 2022 due to economic mismanagement, COVID-19 impacts, and tax cuts. The deal defers loan payments until 2028 and extends repayment until 2043. Supporters celebrated the announcement in Colombo as it promises to restart crucial infrastructure projects.
Sri Lanka survived two tough years of economic crisis; possibly because of India's support: President Wickremesinghe
Sri Lanka's President Ranil Wickremesinghe expressed gratitude for India's financial support of USD 3.5 billion, helping the country survive an economic crisis. Wickremesinghe emphasised a strong partnership with India, focusing on sustainable energy projects and infrastructure development. Sri Lanka recently declared its first-ever sovereign default, but is working on debt restructuring with international organisations. Wickremesinghe is optimistic about the country's economic recovery.
EAM Jaishankar & Sri Lanka President Wickremesinghe formally commission Maritime Rescue Coordination Centre
External Affairs Minister S Jaishankar and Sri Lankan President Ranil Wickremesinghe commissioned the Maritime Rescue Coordination Centre built with a USD 6 million grant from India. Jaishankar discussed bilateral cooperation in various sectors. They unveiled a virtual plaque for the MRCC and housing projects. This the EAM's first overseas visit. He will focus on ongoing Indian projects and arrangements for a potential visit by PM Modi.
"Actively collaborating with India": Sri Lankan president on several development initiatives
Wickremesinghe, while addressing the inauguration of International Industry Expo 2024 on Wednesday said that plans are underway to introduce a new entity called Enterprise Sri Lanka, to support the small and medium-scale entrepreneurs.
- Go To Page 1
EAM Jaishankar to visit Sri Lanka, Mauritius this month as Modi 3.0 pushes Indian Ocean region outreach
The aim of Jaishankar's visit will be to review bilateral ties as both Sri Lanka and Mauritius prepare to hold elections this year. New Delhi is keen to maintain its influence in the southern and western Indian Ocean amid China's growing presence in the region.
Feasibility study on proposal to establish land connectivity with India in final stages, says Sri Lankan President
Sri Lankan President Ranil Wickremesinghe announced that the feasibility study for a land connectivity proposal with India is nearing completion. This initiative, along with discussions on a potential power grid connection and the sale of excess renewable energy to India, will be on the agenda during External Affairs Minister S Jaishankar's upcoming visit to Sri Lanka on June 20.
T20 World Cup 2024 Qualification Scenarios: How can Pakistan, England, Sri Lanka & New Zealand qualify for Super 8
T20 World Cup Super 8 Scenario: The T20 World Cup's first leg saw surprising outcomes and a rain-affected match, leaving favorites in each group with work to do for Super Eight qualification. Pakistan, England, New Zealand, and Sri Lanka face tough spots, with Oman eliminated. Pakistan needs to defeat Ireland, relying on USA losses. England must win their last two games and hope for Scotland's loss. Netherlands while needing help from other teams. New Zealand's loss to Afghanistan hampers their qualification hopes, with their fate resting on a crucial match against West Indies.
With neighbourhood leaders as guests, India focuses on Indian ocean region
India is inviting heads of state and government from Sri Lanka, Maldives, Mauritius, and the Seychelles to the swearing-in ceremony of the next Narendra Modi government on June 9. The focus is on the western and southern Indian Ocean (IOR), where India has been a security provider and first responder for decades. The other key overseas guests are Bangladesh, Nepal, and Bhutan, affirming long-standing ties and bolstering India's push to counterbalance Chinese influence in the immediate neighborhood.
Pitch imperfect: Can India and Pakistan match hype and anticipation around the game expected to promote cricket in the US?
The ICC, in a brief statement, have acknowledged that the pitches have not played as consistently as they would have liked and insists the best in the business are looking to sort this out. But, the fact of the matter is that drop-in pitches, used to best effect in Australia where cricket shares spaces with other sporting codes, need time before they can settle. Typically, once a drop-in pitch is put in place it is allowed to acclimatise to the conditions and then actual matches are played on it, to determine the state of readiness.
Adani to invest over $1 bn in Sri Lankan wind projects
Adani Group plans to invest over USD 1 billion in setting up projects in Sri Lanka through Adani Green Energy Ltd. The projects include two wind farms in Sri Lanka's Mannar town and Pooneryn village with a total capacity of 484 megawatts.
Operators of illegal betting apps moving from Dubai to Sri Lanka
As Dubai's scrutiny intensifies on the online gambling empire Mahadev, illegal betting operators are relocating to Sri Lanka. Offshore call centers and offices, crucial for these betting apps, are being established there. Staff running multiple betting websites are now operating discreetly from Sri Lankan villas, drawn by the country's cheaper costs and less rigorous enforcement compared to Dubai.
Sri Lanka closes schools as floods and mudslides leave 10 dead and 6 others missing
Sri Lanka closed schools on Monday as heavy rain triggered floods and mudslides in many parts of the island nation, leaving at least 10 people dead and six others missing, officials said. The education ministry announced that the reopening of schools would depend on how the weather develops.
Sri Lanka police arrests wanted handler of 4 ISIS suspects detained in India
The arrested individual suspected of handling four Sri Lankans linked to ISIS, detained at Ahmedabad airport, was identified as Gerard Pushparaja Osman. Sri Lankan Police offered a cash award of Rs. 2 million for information on his whereabouts. Security forces suspect Osman, aged 46, facilitated the individuals' activities.
Gautam Gambhir can be misleading at times but when it comes to crunch times, he has always delivered
But, Gambhir is, and was not, a grumpy person. He has the look of the perennial angry young man, because, let’s face it, he won’t back down from certain causes. Does he always pick the right ones? This is hard to say, given his politics. But, once he has committed to something, Gambhir will give what he can. Let us leave the constituency of Delhi East alone for the moment, as Gambhir has, and focus on cricket.
Rajapaksas to launch political comeback bid in Sri Lanka
The ruling Sri Lanka People's Front of the Rajapaksas, commonly known by its Sinhalese name Sri Lanka Podujana Peramuna (SLPP), will hold a public rally later in the day in the north central rural town of Thalawa, party member and former minister SM Chandrasena told reporters.
Indian mixed 4x400m relay team sets national record while winning gold in Asian Relays
India's mixed 4x400 relay team set a national record at the Asian Relay Championships in Bangkok but missed the Paris Olympics qualification target. The quartet of Muhammed Ajmal, Jyothika Sri Dandi, Amoj Jacob, and Subha Venkatesan clocked 3:14.12 seconds.
Ship that caused deadly Baltimore bridge collapse to be refloated and moved
The container ship Dali, which caused the collapse of Baltimore's Francis Scott Key Bridge, is set to be refloated and moved to a nearby marine terminal on Monday. The ship has been at the site since losing power and crashing into the bridge on March 26, resulting in six deaths and significant traffic disruptions. High tide on Monday morning is expected to provide optimal conditions for the refloating operation, which will involve up to five tugboats and take at least 21 hours. The National Transportation Safety Board reported that the Dali experienced multiple electrical blackouts before the crash.
Chennai power cut: Supply to remain suspended in these areas. Here are the outage timings, areas list
Chennai power cut (Google Trends): Power supply will be suspended in Pattabiram, Thandurai, and Sekkadu areas from 9am to noon on Friday for transformer work. Two recent transformer fires caused power cuts, leading to this maintenance. Affected areas include Pattabiram, Thandurai, Iyyappan Nagar, Sekkadu, Gopalapuram East & West, Thendral Nagar, Mullai Nagar, and others. Light to moderate rain is expected to continue in Chennai and nearby districts.
Maldives gets IMF debt warning as more Chinese loans loom
Maldives warned by IMF of 'debt distress' due to heavy borrowing from China. Urgent need to increase revenue, reduce spending, and limit external borrowing to avoid economic crisis amid high risks and dependence on Chinese funding.
Adani Green signs a 20-yr agreement with Sri Lanka government for wind power stations
The Sri Lankan government has greenlit a partnership with Adani Green Energy, led by Indian billionaire Gautam Adani, to construct wind power stations in Mannar and Poonerin. A negotiation committee has been tasked with assessing Adani Green's proposal, culminating in a 20-year power purchase agreement between the parties
No Indian firms involved in providing 'Visa on Arrival' at Colombo airport: High Commission
The High Commission of India in Sri Lanka refuted claims blaming an "Indian company" for visa issuance problems at the Bandaranaike International Airport. They clarified that the companies involved are not India-based, dismissing any association with India. Sri Lankan immigration authorities regained control of the 'Visa on Arrival' counters at the Colombo International Airport after the Indian firm allegedly failed to operate smoothly.
India-Russia joint venture to manage strategic Sri Lanka airport
A joint venture between an Indian and a Russian firm has won a 30-year contract to manage Sri Lanka's Mattala Rajapaksa International Airport, located near Hambantota. The airport, once known as the "world's emptiest airport," was built at a cost of $209 million. This marks the second India-Russia joint project in India's neighborhood, following the Roopur nuclear power plant in Bangladesh. The airport's management contract was awarded to the JV of Shaurya Aeronautics (Pvt) Ltd of India and Russia's Airports of Regions Management Company after the Sri Lankan Cabinet called for expressions of interest.
Bharti Airtel's merger deal with Dialog Axiata in Sri Lanka gets regulatory approval
Under the definitive agreement signed by Dialog Axiata, Axiata Group Berhad, and Bharti Airtel, Dialog will acquire 100% of the issued shares in Airtel Lanka. In consideration of the acquisition, Dialog will issue ordinary voting shares amounting to 10.355% of the total issued shares to Bharti Airtel by way of a share swap, the companies announced in a joint statement.
Bharti Airtel, Dialog & Axiata Group to merge operations in Sri Lanka
Bharti Airtel has announced a merger with Dialog and Axiata Group in Sri Lanka. Under the agreement, Dialog will acquire all shares of Airtel Lanka, and in exchange, Bharti Airtel will receive ordinary voting shares equivalent to 10.355% of Dialog's total issued shares. The merger is pending approval from Dialog's shareholders and regulatory authorities, including the Colombo Stock Exchange.
Katchatheevu: A regular item on Indo-Sri Lankan conversations
Katchatheevu is a 285-acre uninhabited island in the Palk Strait, between India and Sri Lanka. It lies northeast of Rameswaram, about 33 km from the Indian coast. It is about 62 km southwest of Jaffna, at the northern tip of Sri Lanka, and 24 km away from the inhabited Delft Island, belonging to Sri Lanka.
Gotabaya Rajapaksha hints India insisted on his continuation as Sri Lanka's President in 2022
Rajapaksa was forced into temporary exile after protesters stormed his official residence in 2022, following months of street protests over the island nation's worst-ever economic crisis.
India, Lanka joint panel meet to take grid connectivity further
The two countries have been planning to connect their grid to trade power for almost two decades, but the deliberations have picked up pace in the last few years amid green energy ambitions of the countries. Technical reports are already being discussed with the officials from India's Central Electricity Authority (CEA), Power Grid Corporation of India and the Ceylon Electricity Board (CEB), ET had reported earlier. The grid connection will likely be in a joint venture with Power Grid Corporation of India.
Load More
