Business
Wind turbines in Mannar designed to pose no threat to birds: Minister
Power and Energy Minister Kanchana Wijesekera said on the floor of the Parliament recently that according to the EIA Report, meticulous planning has been undertaken to mitigate potential risks to migratory birds. Contrary to assertions, the EIA report explicitly states that turbines will not be situated within the migratory birds’ flight corridor. Moreover, innovative solutions such as an AI-based radar system are slated for implementation. This cutting-edge technology will swiftly identify birds in the path, triggering mechanisms to halt rotor movement, thus safeguarding avian populations an in-depth analysis of the Environmental Impact Assessment (EIA) Report reveals.
The minister also said that the government has removed six turbines belonging to wind power plants in Mannar and will also keep a corridor of 2km for bird migration.
He also revealed that a former member of Viyathmaga is actively advising opposition and its leader, to oppose the proposed wind power project which aims at providing Sri Lanka affordable renewable energy and reduce dependence on costly and climate averse fossil fuel.
The opposition to the $386 million, 250 MW renewable energy project in Mannar, Sri Lanka, raises concerns about its potential benefits and the motivations behind resistance. Despite offering the promise of affordable energy, state-of-the-art technology, and minimal environmental impact.
The developer, India’s Adani Group, in a statement said the company has underscored its commitment to environmental stewardship. Their proposal includes the utilization of high-capacity turbines, strategically designed to minimize the project’s overall impact area. Additionally, specialized blade designs aim to enhance visibility for avian species, ensuring their safety amidst the project’s operations.
Thorough planning detailed in the EIA Report, combined with the developer’s proactive steps, represents a dedicated commitment to align renewable energy initiatives with the principles of ecological conservation.
The Mannar project transition not only positions Sri Lanka as a frontrunner in renewable energy technology but also opens doors to increased investment and innovation, further solidifying its status as a progressive and forward-thinking nation on the world stage.
According to the EIA, it is expected that 1048 GWh of Annual Energy Production (AEP) can be obtained, which is around 6% of the country’s requirement leading to an 18 billion rupees worth of annual fuel saving, and 0.8 million metric tons of Green House Gas (GHG) reduction, annually. After the implementation of the project, the cost per kWh energy production will be 0.04 USD cents, which is a low-cost power generation option, in comparison to other type of conventional power plants in the country. This would save a significant amount of foreign exchange throughout the operational life of the project. Additionally, the Mannar region will benefit immensely from the project related infrastructure development.
The Delegation of German Industry and Commerce in Sri Lanka (AHK Sri Lanka) proudly facilitated the first-ever Sri Lankan delegation’s participation at Drupa 2024, the world’s largest trade fair for the printing industry and technology. Held after an eight-year hiatus, Drupa 2024 was a landmark event, marking significant advancements and opportunities in the global printing industry.
AHK Sri Lanka played a pivotal role in organising and supporting the delegation, which comprised 17 members from the Sri Lanka Association for Printers (SLAP), representing eight companies from the commercial, newspaper, stationery printing, and packaging industries. This pioneering effort by AHK Sri Lanka not only showcased the diverse capabilities of Sri Lanka’s printing sector but also facilitated vital bilateral discussions with key stakeholders from the German printing industry.
Business
Unveiling Ayugiri: Browns Hotels & Resorts sets the stage for a new era in luxury Ayurveda Wellness
In a captivating reimagining of luxury wellness tourism, Browns Hotels & Resorts proudly unveiled the exquisite Ayugiri Ayurveda Wellness Resort Sigiriya. This momentous occasion, celebrated amidst a vibrant and serene grand opening on the 6th of June, heralds a new chapter in the Ayurveda wellness tourism landscape in Sri Lanka. Nestled amidst 54 acres of unspoiled natural splendour, Ayugiri features 22 exclusive suites and stands out as the only luxury Ayurveda wellness resort in the country offering plunge pools in every room, rendering it truly one-of-a-kind.
The grand opening of Ayugiri Ayurveda Wellness Resort was an enchanting event, where guests were captivated by the melodies of flutists and violinists resonating through Sigiriya’s lush landscapes. As traditional drummers and dancers infused the air with vibrant energy, Browns Hotels & Resorts’ CEO, Eksath Wijeratne, Kotaro Katsuki, Acting Ambassador for the Embassy of Japan and General Manager, Buwaneka Bandara, unveiled the resort’s new logo, marking a significant moment witnessed by distinguished guests from the French Embassy, Ayurveda and wellness enthusiasts along with officials from the Sigiriya area, LOLC Holdings and Browns Group.
“Our strategic expansion into wellness tourism with Ayugiri Ayurveda Wellness Resort Sigiriya symbolises a significant milestone for Browns Hotels & Resorts. Wellness tourism has consistently outperformed the overall tourism industry for over a decade, reflecting a growing global interest in travel that goes beyond leisure to offer rejuvenation and holistic well-being. By integrating the timeless wisdom of Ayurveda with modern luxury, we aim to set a new standard in luxury wellness tourism in Sri Lanka. Whether your goal is prevention, healing, or a deeper connection to inner harmony, Ayugiri offers a sanctuary for holistic well-being” stated Eksath Wijeratne.
Ayugiri encapsulates the essence of life, inspired by the lotus flower held by the graceful queens of the infamous Sigiriya frescoes. Just as the lotus emerges from the murky depths, untainted and serene,
Ayugiri invites guests on a journey of purity and rejuvenation, harmonised with a balance of mind, body and spirit, the essence of nature, echoes of culture and the wisdom of ancient Ayurvedic healing.
HNB General Insurance, one of Sri Lanka’s leading general insurance providers, has been honored as the Best General Bancassurance Provider in Sri Lanka 2024 by the prestigious Global Banking and Finance Review – UK.
The esteemed accolade underscores HNB General Insurance’s unwavering commitment to excellence and its outstanding performance in the field of bancassurance. Through dedication and hard work, the HNB General Insurance team has continuously endeavored to deliver innovative insurance solutions, cultivate strong relationships with banking partners, and provide unparalleled service to customers nationwide. This recognition is a testament to the team’s dedication and relentless pursuit of excellence in the bancassurance business.
“We are honored to receive this prestigious award, which reflects our team’s tireless efforts and dedication to delivering value-added insurance solutions and exceptional service through our bancassurance partnerships,” said Sithumina Jayasundara, CEO of HNB General Insurance. “This recognition reaffirms our position as a trusted insurance provider in Sri Lanka and motivates us to continue striving for excellence in serving our customers and communities.”
US sports envoys to Lanka to champion youth development
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